Board meeting minutes - March 7, 2005

The Secret Woods March 7, 2005 Homeowner's Association Board Meeting was called to order by Board President Sallie Wnuk at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Skinner Branch YMCA.

The following members attended: Valerie Redmond, Bill Bortzfield, Horst Pophal, Jim Thompson, Sallie Wnuk and Wayne Williams. Residents Bonnie Cowling and Mary Loving also attended.

Sallie opened the meeting by asking Bill to read the February minutes. The minutes were approved as read.

The treasurer’s report was unavailable. 

Attention then turned to old business. Sallie reported that Byron DeLong was able to fix the pool entrance gate by replacing some screws.

She then reported on bids obtained to replace the fencing surrounding the front of the neighborhood.

Silverman Fence Company said an “as is” replacement would run $13,610. “As is” means replacing the wood fencing, while keeping the brick columns. Installing aluminum iron-look fencing would cost $19,152. 

Nations fence would charge $18,850 for aluminum iron-look fencing or $21,000 for industrial grade aluminum iron-look fencing. 

Classic fence submitted a similar bid last summer of $15,900 for aluminum iron-look fencing. 

None of the bids included straightening or removing the existing brick columns.

Wayne discussed how the neighborhood might be able to utilize the Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants program. He reported the neighborhood could get up to $5,000 in a matching grant by putting in approximately 120 hours of sweat equity.

Mary and Bonnie said they would be willing to attend a grant workshop to start the application process.

Mary and Bonnie also suggested raising the neighborhood initiation fee to help cover escalating neighborhood maintenance costs. After about 20 minutes of discussion the issue was tabled until the next meeting.

Sallie then reported she received a $100 estimate from Richard’s Lawn Care to pressure wash the pool area.

Richard’s Lawn Care, which is the neighborhood’s new lawn care service, also submitted a bid of $120 to mulch common areas. The board approved both bids. Mary suggested Rick should also pressure wash the mailbox area.

Bonnie noted that someone has taken down the flag at the entrance to the neighborhood.

June 20 was chosen as the preferred date for the annual homeowners meeting. Sallie will check with Southpoint Baptist Church to see if the meeting hall is available on the 20th.

The next meeting was scheduled for April 11, 2005. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

Submitted by Bill Bortzfield on 3/14/05.