2020AugustMinutes

BFCA teleconference meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Mike McCrea, President; Llona Geiger, Vice President; Tracie Priest, Director.

Margaret Stephens, Secretary; Ben Clark, Treasurer. Association Members — Fred Willes, Karen Willes, Mario Lopez, Maritza Mousa, Sue Dinges, Melanie Carr, Tatum Carr, Frank Roycraft, Charlotte Hicks, Peter Bui, Yemi Quijava, David Flowers, Kristen Crosby.

Meeting called to order at 6:04 PM via teleconference on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Roll Call

Agenda changes:

Mike wanted to add the 2012 records from storage.

President’s Report – Mike McCrea

Our association manager (TPAM) sent delinquent notices to owners with at least $500 past due. Seven owners paid their accounts in full.
Our attorney confirmed that the Architectural Committee does not need to hold public meeting to approve a request.
Our attorney is also working with a homeowner’s attorney to resolve a tree cutting fine.
TPAM completed repairs to various boardwalk sections in the neighborhood and rebuilt the gazebo steps.
AAA Tree Experts removed a 90′ pine and another tree that fell into the little pond.
A broken street sign at Red Maple Ridge was replaced. All other street signs were cleaned.
A blockage was removed from the creek along the long boardwalk.

Treasurer’s Report – Ben Clark

Click here for the Treasurer’s Report

May and June expenditures were normal. Noted expenditures are $600 for a tree that fell on an association fence, lawn care on the front island, and bridge repair. There’s good news on income in that some delinquent dues were collected.

ACC report (Mike on behalf of Bill Walter)

Since our June meeting, the following requests were approved:

1733 Nestlewood: Apply stain to back deck
2775 Red Maple: Paint porch, widen and blacktop driveway
1754 Harvest: Paint porches and steps
1737 Silverwood: Screen in porches
1746 Silverwood: Install gutters with leaf filter

Grounds report (Mike on behalf of Sylvia Ramos)

There is nothing specific to report.

Discussion of pond path easement and use:

Mike explained that after the June Call, the BFCA attorney confirmed that historical use of the path surrounding the pond constituted a prescriptive easement. These are a special type of easement and are not recorded in surveys or other property records. Mike shared this information with the homeowner at 1699 Silverwood and both agreed that a survey of property lines would serve no purpose, so none was ordered. Mike also checked with the BFCA insurance carrier and confirmed that community use would be subject to the board’s coverage, and not that of the private homeowner.

Mike also asked that, in light of these concerns being raised, that residents practice courtesy while enjoying the grounds. He also asked residents to use the roadway after sundown for exercise or pet walking, as the roads are lit, are a smoother walking surface, and do not come as close to residential property as our paths do.

Fred disputed this resolution in that the homeowner should have full control over their own property. There was further discussion on historical use of the pond path and a prescriptive easement.

Discussion of a BFCA Resident Contact Letter:

Mike presented a draft of a letter intended to be sent to BFCA residents. The purpose is to highlight resources available to members, remind everyone of covenants that impact our neighborhood, and to encourage participation in the community. A copy of the letter will be saved on our website. Click here to view the draft.

The intent of the letter, said Llona, was to remind buyers that our Covenants are part of their home sales contract. Given the amount of paperwork at a real estate closing, it may be that new owners overlook the Covenants attached to the sale.

Melanie Carr asked if this was to be mailed out. Mike said it was going to be on the website and there was general agreement that yes, we will mail it out to residents and homeowners. Margaret suggested adding links to Leon County Waste Management. Melanie asked what the percent of renters vs owners is in the neighborhood. The board was not sure, but Mike said we have about 140 properties and 200 mailings. Mike moved that the board continues to finalize the letter and send it out. Llona seconded and the vote was unanimous.

Discussion on Gazebo Bridge Repair:

TPAM attempted to repair the collapsing ramp to the gazebo bridge. As the old boards removed, it was found that the support beams are rotting, and are not suitable to continue supporting the structure. Estimates are being obtained to repair the walkway. It is challenging to get help during the virus.

Charlotte Hicks reported that she has seen people stepping into the hole on the unfinished walkway despite the sign so Mike will ask TPAM to add some 2×4’s for safety.

Discussion on Common Area Tree Removal:

Mike asked for board vote to remove a dead oak on community ground beside 1725 Brookside and another tree that partially fell into the pond. This big dead oak looms right over a resident’s home. The cost for the big dead oak is $2400 and $500 for the tree in the pond for a total of $2900.

Ben Clark would like all trees removed from the pond. The turtles have plenty of habitat. Charlotte agreed and Tracie disagreed. Llona suggested taking care of the necessary removals first.

Karen Willes reported another tree that a beaver damaged. Mike suggested giving the tree a chance.

The discussion went back to the removal of the two original big trees. Mike motioned to proceed with the removal. Vote was unanimous to have them removed.

Charlotte asked if we get other quotes. Mike responded that only if it is a big job.

Covenant Reminder on Yard Signs:

Mike asked that as voting season draws near, residents be aware that BFCA covenants do not allow for political signs or messages to be displayed. The only approved signage is one For Sale or For Rent sign per yard.

Other items:

Mike motioned to destroy the 2012 paper records stored in our storage building. He offered to burn them in his fire pit. The vote was unanimous to burn them.

Llona asked that, for future meetings, people announce themselves when joining the conversation and try not to interrupt others.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:24 pm.