The McKenna Meadows Homeowners Association General Membership meeting was held on Monday, 13 June, 2011. Board members present were President Lynn Miller (253) 843-4491, Treasurer Yvonne Starks (253) 843-0593, Secretary Linda Killingsworth (253) 843-2710, Board Member Bill Starks (253) 843-0593.
Twenty six people attended the meeting, representing twenty homes. It was agreed at the beginning of the meeting to dispense with all formalities and proceed directly to discussion of House Bill 1309-2011.This bill, which was signed into law on 29 April, 2011 requires all homeowner associations to establish a reserve savings account for the purpose of funding major maintenance and repairs of community property (i.e. streets, streetlights, etc.) within a thirty year period. It also requires an initial reserve study conducted by a professional to determine the potential costs of such maintenance and repairs. This reserve study must be completed by 1 January, 2012. The discussion that followed centered on the repair and maintenance of the McKenna Meadows streets and how to pay for them in accordance with the above mentioned law.
Lynn Miller reported several estimates for repairs to the streets ranging from $5,ooo - $13,000. The cost of completely resurfacing the streets could exceed $150,000. Suggestions were made to increase HOA dues to $175 - $200 per year, or add an additional one-time payment of $150 per household. No motions were made to vote on these suggestions. A motion was made by Mr. Gursky and seconded by Mr. Nalley to contact a lawyer and ask him to explore all possibilities involved in forcing public ownership of the developed streets. The motion passed.
Yvonne Starks informed the homeowners that it might be possible to obtain federal funds for the street repairs from the Pierce County Advisory Board. This would require the submission of a grant by the HOA. The grant would be based on the demographics of the neighborhood. The information on the demographics would be obtained from a survey completed by each household. Yvonne Starks volunteered to conduct the survey and write the grant for a fee of 10% of the total funds allocated for the street repairs. If the grant is denied, she would not seek any payment for her efforts. Mr.Hartlieb made a motion to allow Yvonne Starks to research and apply for a grant for the purpose of funding street repairs. Mrs.Temple seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Other concerns which were voiced at the meeting and afterwards included the following:
1.) HOA dues: According to Yvonne Starks, only seven of fifty nine homeowners have not completed paying their dues. The dues owed for homes which are now standing empty will be paid when the homes are sold. A homeowner asked if someone could explain exactly how the dues are used. Yvonne Starks and Lynn Miller reported that they are used for electricity, water, lawn maintenance, property insurance, directors’ insurance and attorney fees.
2.) Neglected lawns: The HOA will notify homeowners via mail if their lawn is in dire need of mowing. If the house in question is empty, the responsibility still lies with the owner. If need be, the HOA will have the lawn mowed and charge the homeowner.
3.) Street lights: Several of the homeowners questioned if it would be feasible to have streetlights in the neighborhood. They cited concerns for the safety of children walking to and waiting for school buses in the dark. Since the meeting, Yvonne Starks contacted Intro Light Contractors. It will cost $5,000 - $6,500 per streetlight. Info on the lights will come at a later date. Yvonne will see if it is possible to write a grant for covering the cost of streetlights.
4.) Mowing of gopher preserve: Several homeowners have expressed concern over the susceptibility of the gopher preserve to fire when it is not mowed yearly. Mr Dowlearn volunteered to mow the preserve for the cost of fuel only.
5.) Speeding in the neighborhood: All residents are reminded that the speed limit throughout the neighborhood is 20mph. This is especially important now that school is out and there are many young children on bikes and playing near or on the streets.
6.) Tidwell property: There are concerns about illegal activity on the property at the top of the hill which is accessed by 295th St. South. Mr. Dowlearn volunteered to contact the property owner to see if she might be willing to state that she does not require access to the property via 295th St. South. If so, the posting of No Trespassing signs would give the police cause to respond to calls concerning illegal activity on the property.
7.) As the 4th of July approaches, residents are strongly encouraged to take into consideration their neighbors’ property and well being. Please obey local laws concerning fireworks and clean up any debris left by fireworks which might have landed in the street or on neighboring property. Also if you have animals, keep an eye on them, this is one of the humane societies busiest time due to scared animals running away, any suggestions on how to calm youe beloved pet please contact your local vet or humane society.
8.) There have been numerous complaints concerning children opening mailboxes, putting stones in mailboxes, picking flowers and breaking tree branches. Parents are ultimately responsible for the actions of their children. If you have children, please make sure that they understand where they may and may not play- especially now that school is out.
9.) Mahnke property – The land south of 295th St. South is a designated No Trespassing area. This is especially true for off road vehicles. If you hear off road vehicle activity on this land, please call the non-emergency police number 1-800-562-9800.
10.) Earlene McGuire will no longer be on the HOA board she has sold her home and is moving. Anyone interested in sitting on the board can contact any board member. Many thanks to Earlene for her support. She will be missed.
11.) A huge thank you to Jean Taylor for the fantastic info flyer she made for the last meeting, it was extremely informative and well appreciated.
12.) There will be another general HOA meeting on Monday, August 8th at 6:30pm at the Roy Library. There is still much to discuss concerning the aforementioned law, and the reserve study which must be completed by January 1st. This concerns all homeowners and all input and discussion is greatly encouraged.
13.) Many thanks to all of the concerned residents who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the June 13th meeting.
