8/30/03 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF FIRST MEETING OF THE SUNSET RIDGE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

Date: 8/30/2003 1stmeetingminutes.doc

In attendance:

Sent regrets:

Barbara & Richard Briden
Paula & Jeff Wernsing
Patricia & Jeffrey Kraws

Richard Hohn and Jim Pellington explained that the meeting was called primarily to up-date the residents of Sunset Ridge on the progress made in converting the governance of the properties to a homeowners’ association. Richard Hohn noted that the transfer of governance will cost approximately $1000.00.

Action required: In opening, the benefits of volunteerism was discussed. The attendees felt that the enhanced sense of organization ownership created by hands-on efforts goes far beyond the benefits of reduced cost and is the real reason why volunteers will be welcomed. All were asked to consider where they could best serve the association. Donna and Dick Haines indicated that they would like to continue caring for the lake access area. Richard Hohn indicated that he would like to look after the water system. All should consider an area of our organization that could use their efforts. (We are so few, that all should be prepared to serve on one committee or another.)

Appreciation was expressed to:

Lorraine Collins and Pete Helms for caring for the common areas and doing all of the necessary big and small things that kept Sunset Ridge running so well since it was created.

Donna and Dick Haines for organizing (and doing most of the work) in up-grading the lake access area.

Richard Briden for transcribing the proposed by-laws into a computer file.

Action required: Copies of the proposed by-laws were distributed to all those in attendance with the request that they be reviewed and that any comments be sent to Richard Briden. It is our intention to correlate the comments for presentation at the next meeting as a step in the process of establishing by-laws for Sunset Ridge.

The Financial Narrative covering the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 was distributed. The possibility of a dues increase was discussed. (Increase to $600 for an occupied lot in the "original ten" properties, with the "new Sunset Court" area at $480 (80%) of the original properties rate. All vacant lots at 50% of the occupied lot rate.) The attendees indicated that they were in favor of establishing one or more capital reserve funds, for the purpose of maintaining the common areas. Once established, the fund(s) should prevent the imposition of special assessments.

Action required: The special assessment for the clean-out of the sand mound lines was discussed. The necessity for the clean-out indicated that we property owners were careless in the use of the septic system. The following points were discussed:

o The holding tanks in each owner’s property must be emptied periodically to prevent the transmission of solid waste to the sand mound. The actual time lapse will be determined, but lies between every three to five years. We all should check our records to determine that the holding tanks have been properly emptied. If not, they should be emptied as soon as possible.

o Only biodegradable material can be permitted to enter the system. Based on comments made by the work men who performed the sand mound clean-out, the system was clogged with materials that should never have been flushed into the system in the first place. A discreet reminder to our guests that we do not have a city sewer system may help resolve this situation.

o The sand mound area needs a thorough mowing. Heavy weeds prevent the escape of moisture from the soil. It is this drying action that finishes the function of the sand mound. The attendees appeared to be in favor of having at least the initial cut performed by a paid workman as soon as possible. Richard Briden had received a quote of $185 to perform the cutting without raking. Subsequent cutting could be performed by volunteer labor with equipment purchased by the association.

Pete Helms indicated that he would provide fingers for our dock from his Nemeni Lodge area if they appeared to be in better shape then the ones we are currently using. (Some of the current fingers are badly warped.) The group felt that the basic walkways were in good enough shape to warrant continued maintenance by Seeley’s and that replacement , at this time, was not warranted.

The water system appears to be functioning properly with no impurities found in a recent water purity test. It was generally agreed that we should continue water purity testing in the future as required. The following item was inadvertently omitted from the agenda. Our water has an acidity level of pH 6.4 (normal between 6.5 and 8.5), this may be contributing to stains and leaky faucets. In addition, any metal portion of our water delivery system will be attacked by the acid in the water. (The curb valves on each property are metallic.) We should consider the potential value of installing an acid neutralizer.

The road is new and will not be a major problem for some time. It was noted, however, that traffic was cutting corners to the extent that the edge of the paving was being abraded. Richard Hohn placed the large rock on the corner adjacent to the Schuckmann property. In the future, we will need to consider the placement of posts to keep traffic off the edge of this, as well as other corners, of the road. In addition, the drainage of water along the edges of the road must be maintained. There is one area adjacent to the Pellington property where water re-enters the roadway and could damage the paving over time. Richard Hohn is working on the contract for snow plowing for this winter. It was generally agreed that the current supplier has done a very good job and we will probably continue with Bob Winkler and his new partner, David Bates. Pete Helms reported that the road to the Sunset Court area will be paved in the spring of 2004.

The adequacy of the liability insurance was questioned. We have only $500,000 of coverage for each incident and only one incident allowed per year. It was generally agreed that the insurance needs to be increased. Also, the necessity of owning an Errors and Omissions policy was discussed. Sue Warshavsky will look into the advantages and dis-advantages of such a policy.

The relationship of the original area to the new Sunset Court area was discussed. At an earlier meeting, our counsel, Mr. Jay Rose, Esquire, outlined the two ways that the areas can be related.

o Financially only, with the residents of Sunset Court being assessed for the use of the common areas, i.e. roads and lake access.

o Full members of the association with special considerations, financial and otherwise, since they do not use the water or septic system.

The discussion indicated that we intend to establish the relationship on a full member basis.

The possibility that a third area could be developed with access over Sunset Ridge right-of-ways was discussed. This area abuts our property to the North and West with a right-of-way near the vacant property between the Pellington and Collins lots. These properties would only impact the roadway common area and would have no access to the water system, the septic system or the lake access areas. In this case, the group indicated that only a financial relationship be established, should the area ever be developed

The possibility of establishing a "policy" document to cover appearance and other items within individual property boundaries was discussed. With reservations, we agreed to look into the matter.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10/4/03, 11:00 a.m. at the Hohn’s residence.

Richard Briden

Richard Hohn

Jim Pellington