Merifield Acres Landowners’ Association, February 10, 2015 Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes

Call to Order was at 7:00 PM.

Attendees: BoD Members: Nola Adler, Rick Baldwin, Phil Beck, Butch Cheatham, Chris Crouse, Carolyn Ferguson, Mike Gupton, David Hammer, Annie Hensley, Kevin Hensley, Scott Jeffrey, Cindy Meadows, Jim Monaco, Bill Smith, John Stinson, Dewitt Vanarsdale, Alan Weyan
Guests: Ken Catlett, Mike Chandler, Andy Ferguson, Sambo Lewis, Susan Warren-Borgh,

Approval of Minutes from the December 9, 2014 Meeting (posted on www.MerifieldAcres.org) was passed without dissent after a motion that was seconded.

Treasurer’s Report – Chair Annie Hensley reported the Bank of America checking account has $55,545,41, the Merrill Edge investment account has $136,655.81, and also provided the latest P&L statement. A motion was made, seconded and passed without dissent to accept the report.

Old Business
President’s Comments – President Chris Crouse asked that all normal committee reports be given before opening up the floor for both old and new business.

Secretary’s Report – Secretary Nola Adler had nothing to report but asked again for a volunteer to do the web stuff.

Committee Reports

Appearance and Beautification
Chair Butch Cheatham had nothing to report.

Architectural Committee Report
Chair Kevin Hensley reported: “Since my last report, no requests for Architectural approval were submitted to the Committee for review. No issues or complaints are currently being investigated by the Committee. Kevin Hensley, Chairman” Kevin also mentioned a downed tree on Ridge which he, his son Phillip and Jim Monaco helped to clear.

Aviation
Chair FJ Hale was not present and did not provide a report.

Common Areas and Facilities
Chair Jim Monaco reported that Oak Park has been rented for July 4 & 5.

Deer Control
Chair Scott Diamond was not present and did not provide a report.

Roads and Maintenance
Chair Mike Gupton reported: “I have run into some issues with ordering the speed humps. I looked at the company we had the literature on as well as searching other companies. The lowest price I found to complete the installation was nearly $1,000.00. This exceeds the limit set by the board. The installation would also require drilling 54 holes in our road to attach the hump system. My biggest concern however is that I discovered the safe approach speed for any of the speed humps is only 10 – 15 MPH. Speed bumps have an approach speed of only 2 – 5 MPH. This was not disclosed on the literature that we had. I feel this low approach speed could be a serious hazard to any one not seeing the warning signs and is driving at the 30 MPH speed. They could damage their car or worse they could lose control and end up in an accident. In trying to make this intersection safer we could in fact make it less safe! I have spent a fair amount of time looking into rumble strips and other types of warning signals. Rumble strips would alert drivers of the intersection ahead without the chance of causing them to lose control and would not require drilling any holes in our road. I have tried to locate a flashing light warning system but have not found one we can buy off the shelf. In light of what I found, we need to discuss further options before proceeding. If anyone can find information for other warning systems please contact me. Mike Gupton, Roads Chairman”

Security
Chair David Hammer had nothing to report.

Welcoming
Chair Kathy Diamond was not present and did not provide a report.

Communication
Directory
Acting Chair Nola Adler told to board in response to their questions that the homeowners’ phone number directory is on the web page under People.
Email

Chair Cindy Meadows said she’s like to get the draft BoD minutes when the draft is approved by the president so she can include to the newsletter.

News
Chair Nola Adler had nothing to report.

Website
There is currently no chair. Cindy Meadows said she’d put something in the latest newsletter about seeking a volunteer.

New Business / Open Forum

Mike Chandler said there is a dead pine at the corner of Lewis & Ridge he’s concerned will fall into the road and Kevin Hensley said he’d take a look at it.

Carolyn Ferguson said there are some sap sucking bugs in the trees near the tennis courts and they need to be sprayed. Mike Hite, our maintenance contractor, will be contacted by Jim Monaco to do the spraying.

Cindy Meadows put forth an idea to have a street sign decorating contest, and mentioned that Oak Park needs some cleanup days in spring.

Rick Baldwin stated he’s purchased the lot next to the Foote property and has been in touch with Laurie Foote about removing the hazard. Kevin Hensley reminded the board that at some past meeting MALA had authorized spending up to $4500 to raze the property.

There was much discussion about the safety of the intersection at Lakepoint and Merifield. In the end, with a motion made, seconded and passed with 3 dissenting votes, the board authorized the placement of a stop sign on Lakepoint near Merifield, as you exit the community. A ‘stop-ahead’ sign will also be placed at the top of the hill, and as weather permits we will paint a warning on the road itself. The president asked the secretary to send a letter with this information to the gentleman who originally complained.

Adjournment was at 8:00 PM.