Minutes of Board Meeting, 12 October 2005

2005.10.17
2005.10.20 - Minor update for highlights and to indicate DRAFT

The meeting of the Sawyers Creek Community Association Board of Directors was held at Community Wesleyan Church, Turnersville, NJ. Board Members present were Rocco Siravo, Kristine Robinson, Melissa Redrup, and Ann Driscoll, Community Manager. Annina Hogan w/Remington & Vernick Engineers was also present. Approximately 39 residents were in attendance.

Rocco Siravo called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm.

On a motion by Rocco and seconded by Melissa the minutes of the June 29, 2005 meeting were unanimously approved.

Rocco introduced the Board of Directors and Ann Driscoll with Community Management Services Group, Rocco asked the residents in attendance what streets were being represented this evening. Rocco addressed the concerns pertaining to the DEP and EPA contacting certain residents pertaining to the wet lands and the residents property. Rocco strongly suggested that the residents that have any documentation from the State should forward the copies to Ann Driscoll's attention at the Management office to forward to Shaun at KHOV. The Board understands the resident's concerns and sympathizes with their situation but wanted to make it clear that the Association can not solve the problem with the builder, or the State (DEP or EPA), but can direct the resident and make suggestions that would help solve this problem. Upon Annina Hogan's arrival, Rocco turned the floor over to her to address these concerns further. Annina stated that at the present time she was not aware of ANY deed restrictions, or violations issued from the State. Annina recommended the residents review their paperwork from settlement. They need to look at the survey that was done on their property prior to settlement and review the survey. The residents wants to make sure that there are NO deed restrictions listed on their survey. The title company (that was used at settlement) should also be able to assist the resident with these concerns. She highly recommended residents go to the web site for the Wet Land Protection Act to gather further information on this Act prior to the State returning to their homes. The web site will answer many questions the residents have. The web site will give a description of exactly what the Wet Lands Protection Act represents. It will also explain that if your property is part of this Act, what the owner of the property is permitted to do or not do in these areas. Once again, Rocco re-enforced that the Board will be happy to assist but can not solve this problem, and strongly urged the residents to forward all correspondence to the management office. Annina gave an update on Sal Messina's punch list. Sal did complete the paving punch list, however, he still had the Basins, landscaping and planting punch list to address. Sal has a deadline date of November 15, 2005 to complete the planting end of the punch list. If Sal does not meet this date, the punch list for the re-planting will remain enforced till Spring 2006, remain on the list of open items on the Bond.

The issue of the Basin areas were addressed by Annina and she explained that the basin areas are still under the Bond restriction. The Association is concerned about the amount of water that is in the Basin area. The water is not draining properly. Annina advised Ann from CSMG to contact Sal's office and notify them of this problem. The basin area drain must be clogged. Ann advised the residents that we have a company that cleans these basin areas 2x's a month to pull the trash and debris out of these basins. $130.00 per month is spent on cleaning out the basins, which have not yet been turned over to the Association, however, the Board has decided to hire J & S Maintenance to do this monthly cleaning to try and avoid further problems. Rocco also witnessed a school bus driver once dumping the trash from the bus into the basin area. CMSG also advised the Board that it appears that the basins are an area for children to hang out and party. Once the basins are dedicated, the Association can make a decision to fence these areas in. Ann will contact Sal's office on October 13, 2005, to bring the basin concern to his attention.

During the open forum, several residents voiced their concerns about the DEP and the EPA. Rocco advised these resident to work together as a team or contact an attorney for advice, however, get the documentation together and then decide which way to go. Many residents were concerned about the speeding problem in the development. It seems that the residents of the townhomes like to use Roger's Place as a cut through, and speed down their road. The residents wanted to know about speed "humps" in the development. Rocco advised them that the roads are township responsibility and the Mayor is not a fan of speed bumps/humps. On a suggestion by the Board, all these residents should go to the Mayor's office as a group on the "open door" policy evening the Mayor offers. Management felt that it was Thursday evenings from 4pm -8pm., however, Ann will check into the times and dates and advise the homeowners via email/web site. It is very important for all residents to show their concerns to the Mayor, because this is a safety issue. Residents can also send their concerns directly to the Mayor @ www.twp.washington.nj.us.

Rocco spoke about the upcoming election on November 16, 2005 and encouraged all residents to get involved. The community needs to elect 2 members to the Board to complete the 5 member Board of Directors. The candidate information is due back to the management office by 10/25/05.

The Board advised the residents that the delinquency report looks much better, and only a "hand full' of residents are still overdue at this time.

Rocco reviewed the financials, and advised the residents in attendance that the community financial status is in good shape, and it appears that no increase is required for the year of 2006. The budget will be reviewed and voted upon at the Election meeting on 11/16/05. Rocco explained that at the present time, the basin and common ground areas are still under Sal Messina's bond and have not been dedicated to the Association. This is why there is an extra amount of cash in the operating account because the Association is not responsible for maintaining these areas. The landscaping and basin maintenance are a line item on the budget, however, no money is paid out because the builder is still handling the maintenance of these areas. Once Sal is released from his bonds, these areas will be dedicated to the Association.

The Board of Directors scheduled a Lawn Care seminar after the meeting, and Rocco strongly suggested that the residents in attendance stay for this seminar, and also be eligible to win a prize.

Since there was no further business brought before the Board, Rocco Siravo made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Kristine Robinson. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm.

The next Association meeting will be held at the Community Wesleyan Church on November 16, 2005 at 7 pm for the Election Meeting and budget discussion/approval.

Respectfully submitted.