Pondapple Maintenance Association
Unofficial Monthly Board Meeting Notes
April 29, 2004

• VJ reported that he met with the staff at Benchmark on April 15. The official signatures were changed with the bank to reflect the new membership of the Board. A walkaround perusal of the neighborhood was conducted, during which the Board noticed a number of fences badly in need of repair. They also noted areas where street lighting is a concern. Benchmark was notified of 2 lights needing repair and this was done promptly.
• David L. reported that he has received copies of some of the existing contracts, JKA Pest Control, Superior Sprinkler maintenance, and Coral Building Services (garbage pickup, park cleanup), and needs copies of those for J & J Landscaping and Mr. Eikenower (front entrance maintenance). Board will review the J&J contract, to decide whether to make changes.
• David also noted that our "Reserve" account, which gets $2000 per month from our dues, is at $48,000, with several payments due soon. The Board will soon consolidate our two accounts into one account at Bank of America, where we now have our regular account.
• Our attorneys, Becker and Policarp, have completed the changes to the quorum amendment. It was noted that these attorneys, while good, are very expensive.
• It was noted that 54 homeowners are in arrears with monthly dues. The Board expressed a desire to change attorneys before sending out letters to these people. Bill Spilman of Benchmark gave the Board a contract to review from Robert Kaye & Assoc. These lawyers are less expensive to deal with, since their policy is to be paid after funds are received from the residents who owe the association money.
• The former Board began legal action against resident of 6505 Pondapple, for painting a different color than the one approved. This action, requiring approval of a new color and repainting, is to be continued using the new law firm.
• Security concerns:
  • Near lake across from the Pines, Powerline Rd: Bill Spilman spoke with Una Coleman, President of the Via Verde Association, which has jurisdiction. She is not inclined to put a fence there, but seemed to have no objection, as long as access to Powerline is not blocked. VJ has a zig-zag design in mind. We will offer to pay for the fence if Via Verde will permit it.
  • Streetlight at end of Sweet Maple, near Powerline: Board plans to get bids for placement of a 12-foot pole with a security light (pointed downward) & will explore possibility of getting sprinkler co. to dig the trench for the electrical line to the light.
• Request from a resident for a discount on cost of removing a ficus tree which was causing plumbing problems in the house. Due to damage to the house, tree was removed before neighborhood trimming was done. Discount will be allowed for cost of trimming tree, since the association saved that amount when trimming was done.
• We need to change Bylaws regarding unauthorized motor vehicles in the neighborhood.
• The Beautification Committee held its meeting in another room of the same location. Marie L. reported:
  • The purpose of the meeting was to cover color choices and to recommend notices of disrepair, to be sent out by Benchmark. It was suggested that the Committee choose to spotlight in our newsletter homes in our community which look particularly good and represent our neighborhood well. The committee will produce a palette of colors which are approved for all new painting. Other colors will be considered, when submitted for approval prior to the work being done.
  • Color choices:residents need to be reminded that they must get approval, with the proper form and a paint sample, even if they are painting the same color as before or using one of the soon to be chosen official palette of colors. Resident at 6596 Sweet Maple informed Duke she was repainting same color, (house was yellow), then painted a peach color. Only after painting was done did resident seek approval for the peach color she used. Committee voted not to approve the color, and will send a letter advising her that she must get approval prior to painting next time. In future, residents may be required to repaint in an acceptable color if they paint without approval, and sued if they do not comply.
  • Members of the former Board sent out letters to residents needing to repair or refurbish their property. The new Beautification Committee will begin by concentrating on wood fences which are unsightly and in need of repair or replacement. They will also look at roofs needing work.
  • A letter will be drawn up, which can be sent to all residents detailing and clarifying their responsibility regarding the associationUs architectural and maintenance requirements for all homeowners.
• There was a discussion of the problem of people parking on the grass and resulting damage to grass. Ideas included placing cement "bumps" to deter parking, allowing parking only on one side; Bill Spilman noted the possibility of having a towing company remove vehicles which are illegally parked overnight.