Attending: Heinz Mantel, Carole Pascarella, Lauren Conte, David Riley, Jim Sweeney
Treasurer’s Report: President Heinz Mantel presented the Treasurer’s Report prepared by and in the absence of Treasurer Bob Weiss (see handout). Association income and expense reports were reviewed with a discussion of the need for contingency funds to be kept separate from operating funds, with a money market account being opened in that regard. An increase in the number of accounts in arrears was discussed and the steps taken to collect membership dues, including past due notices and property liens to be filed. Both Federal and State taxes for the Association have been filed (no taxable income/$0 owed) and the Association Business Entity renewal is currently being processed. In addition, President Mantel has researched the covenants in regard to membership dues owed to the Association on privately owned empty lots in the subdivision and the steps being taken to collect.
Maintenance/Landscaping: Committee member Jim Sweeney presented his report and documentation on the successful bid process in regard to the maintenance/landscaping needs of the subdivision. As previously mentioned, Aquatic Weed Control is currently under contract for chemical treatment of Lake Taddington. Bill’s Sprinkler System and Groundskeepers have been chosen to handle the sprinklers and lawn care.
Social Events: Committee member Carole Pascarella gave an update on the successful Easter Egg Hunt with special thanks to Heinz Mantel, Karen Mantel, Carl Pascarella and Karmin Meade for their assistance – a good time was had by all who attended.
The neighborhood Garage Sale has been set for Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, 2012 from 8am to 3pm.
There was discussion regarding a 4th of July Bike Parade/Ice Cream Social and the need for specific ideas, supplies and volunteers. Notice will be sent out to the neighborhood once plans are put into place.
Future social events and a Welcome Wagon program will be discussed at the July, 2012 Board Meeting.
Communications/Publicity: President Mantel notified Committee member David Riley that we have received email addresses through the dues collection and the need to transfer them to the website for communication purposes.
There was discussion regarding a request by a homeowner to advertise a business on the website. Webmaster Riley indicated the ability to post a virtual business card on the website. There was discussion in regard to fees that could be charged for such a service; that the ads should be available only to Devonshire Pointe homeowners and companies directly doing business for the Association; a request to not allow links to outside websites; and the suggestion that the fees collected be used toward neighborhood social events.
Committee member Lauren Conte presented her report in regard to a Neighborhood Watch Program. The Association website (and homeowners who have submitted their email addresses) are now receiving shared information on suspicious activity in the area. Contact was made with the St. Joseph County Sheriff for advice and printed brochures and instructions were received and researched. It was decided that the idea be introduced to the homeowners first through the newsletter with a request for feedback on interest in starting a program in Devonshire Pointe. Based upon feedback, a meeting between the homeowners and the St. Joseph County Sheriff would then be set up. The website received feedback from only one homeowner. With the present lack of interest, the Neighborhood Watch Program has been tabled. It was decided that the Association will use the research material received and continue to encourage the homeowners to protect themselves and their personal property and to report suspicious activity to the police. The Neighborhood Watch Program will be addressed again if homeowners contact us with their interest.
Covenants Committee: In the absence of both committee members, President Mantel presented his observations of CCR violations in the neighborhood. There is an increasing problem with post lamp lights not working; grass clippings being left in the street which wash into the lake, and trash and recycle containers not being secured on windy days. Notices may need to be mailed to homeowners to address these issues.
Vandalism: There was discussion in regard to the information received recently of incidents of vandalism, the need to report suspicious cars, people or groups roaming the neighborhoods at night, and the continued efforts of the Association to obtain homeowners’ email addresses so that information can be shared quickly.