January 16, 2017
The annual open board meeting convened at 6:07 P.M. at the Harris Branch Public Library located on Elm Road. Board members present included Kevin Cullen, Marius Gavrila, Erik Lundry, Heinz Mantel, Carole Pascarella, Lauren Plennert, and David Riley. Board members Bob Hogarth and Jim Sweeney were absent. Residents present included Cheng Chen, Karla Daoust, Ryan Fountain, Kent & Karen Goffinet, Sandy & Bob Kord, Cheryl Lee, Gretchen Nichols, Wayne Noethe, Carl Pascarella, Chris & Julie Schmitt, James Smith, and Ron & Diana Snyder.
1. Treasurer’s Report: Marius Gavrila presented the Treasurer’s Report.
a. Total Assets $70,059.59
b. Total Income for 2016 $32,485.00
c. Total Expenses for 2016 $17,195.93
d. One lot past due on dues – Home is in foreclosure and waiting for distribution of funds to be finalized
e. No increase in association dues for 2017. Dues invoices will be mailed out by January 31, 2017.
2. Maintenance and Landscaping:
a. Lake is in best condition for many years. Reminder to residents to clean up grass clippings as all drainage ends up in the lake causing very costly treatments and repairs.
b. Bids are due for mowing, trimming, fertilizing, sprinkler maintenance and lake treatments.
3. Social:
a. We had good participation for the 2016 Easter Egg Hunt and the 4th of July Parade. The annual garage sale had poor participation and not as much traffic as in past years.
b. The board decided to move the 2017 garage sale to May 18 – 20 (weekend after Mother’s Day weekend).
c. The 2017 Easter Egg Hunt will be the Saturday prior to Easter (April 8) and the 4th of July Parade will be held on the 4th of July.
4. Communications/Publicity:
a. Reminders for events will be mailed, posted to the website, e-mailed to registered residents and posted to the association’s Facebook page.
b. Approximately 84 homes have provided e-mail addresses to the association.
c. Facebook group (Devonshire Pointe) is a closed group for current residents. The group currently has 57 members and serves as a resource for residents for recommendations, lost & found items, neighborhood watch, questions, and for association information.
5. Architectural Control:
a. Several requests for fences and a pool were submitted, discussed, and approved.
b. Building plans for new build on last lake lot were reviewed, changed and approved.
c. Reminder to residents that all project requests (including fences, pools, play sets, decks/patios, etc.) need to be submitted prior to starting a project.
6. Covenants:
a. Owner of remaining vacant lot has improved mowing. Letter will be sent with dues to remind owner of vacant lot to maintain lot on regular basis during mowing season.
b. Reminders will be sent out to residents to maintain their post lights.
7. Miscellaneous:
a. Granger Paths update – bids have been sent out and construction should start in spring. Association will reach out to discuss impact to entrances and plantings.
b. Reminder to keep pets on a leash or in fenced area to avoid unpleasant interactions with fellow residents and pets.
c. The home that experienced the fire last fall is a total loss as a result and is currently going through the insurance process.
d. Additional inquiries included snow plowing of streets (handled by St. Joseph County) and the possibility to allow storage sheds in future (this would require a change to the neighborhood covenants).
The meeting concluded at 7:13 P.M.