Lake Forest Community Association Semi-annual Meeting Minutes

Sydenstricker United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order by Steve Gilbert at 7:35 p.m. Board members present: Phil Bern, Gene Cole, Beverly Franklin, Harry Hopkins, Tom Quigley, Dave Wilson, Jennifer Yurina. Absent: Ed Palekas

Minutes were approved as written.

Trash pick up - Dave Wilson submitted a proposal to AAA for association-wide trash pickup. Each household would have to agree to have AAA for the service which would be twice a week (Monday and Thursday, yard waste on Wednesday). The association would be billed $16.60 per household per month ($5,197) and would be responsible for collecting from each household. Since this is a volunteer board, that is a huge responsible so Dave contacted Armstrong Management to find out what it would cost to have a management firm collect for us. They charge $6 per household and $26 per month to handle financials, contracts, packets and attend a semi-annual meeting. In order to do this, we need 3/4 vote of the membership.

Following much discussion, a motion was made and seconded to not have trash pickup by one company. Motion carried.

Fire hydrants - These were painted two weeks after the meeting in July thanks to Jim Evans who was responsible for arranging this.

Community day - A thank you was expressed to all who worked on it; namely, Linda Hall, Evelyn Hempstead, Barry Benroth, Beverly Franklin, Sandy Syzdlo, Liz Quigley, and Dave Wilson. Look for it next year.

Milky spore - This is applied to the lawn to kill the larvae of the Japanese beetles. To do it would cost $45 per home or $12,555 for all homes. Two options were suggested: (1) A letter would go out and the homeowner would send a check for assessed amount with the OK to have their lawn done (as was done in the past); (2) If approved, everyone gets the application and the association foots the bill. Another suggestion was to put down Merit ($20 a year); however, this is labor intensive to do so many homes and would cost $90-$100 if done on your own which would require a special assessment.

After much discussion, a motion was made and seconded to put down milky spore and the association would pay for it. Motion carried.

A motion was made and seconded to replenish the treasury reserve for the milky spore application with a special assessment of $15. Discussion followed. Motion failed.

Treasurer’s report - Gene Cole reported that the investors account earns 5% interest and the bank fee is $85 per year. He went over the financial statement and the budget. Since the milky spore application was approved, the budget would have to be added and adjusted to reflect this. Also add $300 a year for trails. Curb painting is done every 2-3 years by the association so is not used every year.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the budget. Motion carried.

Decorating contest - On December 17, the board members would judge the homes and select three, one for each house model. Each winner would be given $50 and a sign placed on the lawn of the winning three stating they are winners.

Pohick connector update - Dave Wilson reported that the information from VDOT via the Internet mentioned no action at this time; Elaine McConnell=s office had no information either.

Middle school - Dave also reported that Elaine McConnell=s office had no information on the status of a middle school at the corner of the Parkway and Huntsman Blvd.

Gypsy moth - Since the county is predicting a large infestation in 2001 of the moths, a coordinator is needed to give out tar and burlap and count and destroy egg masses over a month=s time. A count is needed to get the county to spray. Kurt Lauer would look into the Scouts doing this as a project.

Web site - Harry asks that we all support the site.

Off-leash park - There is a move to start such a park for dogs under the power lines near South Run Recreation Center. A group is seeking money to fence. For more information, see lortonday.org.

Boat- and RV-free neighborhood - In order for our neighborhood to have boat- and RV-free streets, a majority must decide. Sally Tomlin pointed out that a petition is required signed by homeowners and a $10 fee for signs to be put on yards throughout the entire area. However, enforcement has not been determined and exceptions have not been worked out yet so will be revisited after one year. After some additional discussion, it was determined that it was a lot of trouble for our relatively small problems. It would be better if we dealt with the issue directly. If there is a problem near you, talk to the homeowner and try to deal with it first before calling the police to have the boat or offending vehicle ticketed.

Motion made and seconded to table discussion on the boat- and RV-free neighborhood for one year. Motion carried.

Motion made, seconded and carried to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.