2023FebruaryMinutes

BFCA Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Tracie Priest, President; Betsy Voorhies, Vice President, Frank Roycraft, Director.

Margaret Stephens, Secretary/Treasurer. Association Members – Rodney Nedeau, Mario Lopez, Stephanie Redan-Sylvestre, Mary Brand, Kiki Litchford, Llona Geiger, John Fleck, Nancy Wood, Midori Okasako, Marilyn Cain, Natalie Gillespie, Giedre Madelyte. Adam Gillespie

Meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm.

Tracie announced that we will time 5 minutes for each report, then at the end, people can ask questions or comment.

Old Business (Tracie Priest)

The January 17th annual meeting minutes were approved January 31st.

Tracie introduced everyone present featuring new Welcome Committee Chair, Natalie Gillespie, and statutes/rules helper Rod Nedeau. Tracie informed everyone that our meetings will be every other month and complaints, or issues that come up should be emailed to the Board ([email protected]).

New Business

President’s Report (Tracie Priest)

Tracie shared that there have been two complaints about yellow house with mildew and a violation notice has been sent from TPAM. The work started today, and this will be resolved soon. There was another email recognizing Midori’s time and efforts working with the pond and concern that there should be compensation. Tracie said Midori enjoys it and gets reimbursed for materials. Midori deferred to discuss in the pond report later in the meeting.

Grounds Report (Kiki Litchford)

Kiki reported that she has a lot to share since she did not get to present at annual meeting (ran out of time). Kiki passed around a chart of native plants and emphasized that we are focused on native plant restoration. Native plants provide food and shelter for the wildlife. They also provide a sense of peace in reminding us that we live in a native environment. Natives also recuperate from storms better and protect water and runoff. Invasives displace native plants and consume more water. Natives keep the water in. The most effective strategy against invasives is to keep them from getting established. Restoring our natural area takes a group effort. 25 new trees and shrubs and are marked to be planted around the pond and there will be a big neighborhood planting event March 25 (weather permitting). Betsy recommended a sooner planting time and said that the end of March is not ideal.

Pond Report (Midori Okasako)

Midori distributed copies of the January-February Pond Report. Click here to view. Midori reported that some volunteers removed the tree trunks and branches that were manageable. Sean McGlynn came out twice to inspect and collect water samples. Midori wishes to meet privately with Board regarding the budget. Midori reminded everyone they are part of the ecosystem and to please minimize fertilizer and pesticides. Consider using organic treatments. Heavy metal treatments will sink into ground and are not biodegradable. Guppies have made a come back.

ACC Report (Llona Geiger)

Llona reported that projects approved last spring are now in progress. One painting approved 2 weeks ago has already been completed. The boat and trailer resulted in a violation letter from TPAM, and the boat is gone. Llona shared enthusiasm for the new Welcome Committee and hopes the committee can share the covenants to new residents. Natalie compiled the most violated covenants and put them on one page. This was passed around.

Welcome Committee (Natalie Gillespie)

Natalie distributed a copy of a welcome letter to be given to new residents. Click here to view. Natalie said she has a few names from Tracie and hopes to visit with handout and gifts. She suggested asking for freebies from places such as Buff City Soap to name a few. Natalie asked for suggestions on the welcome letter. Margaret suggested adding the Blairstone Forest Board email address [email protected] so the new residents can be asked if they want to be included on the email distribution.

Treasurer Report (Margaret Stephens)

Click here to view the Treasurer Report

Margaret reported that there were not any unusual expenses in January. It appears that postage was $344 for the election ballots and dues notices. Current balances are on the above report.

Statutes and Bylaws (Rod Nedeau)

Rod shared that he was asked to research the Covenants, Bylaws, and Florida Statutes regarding our Board status since we did not have an election in January due to lack of quorum.

Rod prepared a reference list with notes. Click here to view. Rod stated that the path ahead is clear and that currently we only have two directors. A special meeting date should be set for another election at this meeting. Tracie said that TPAM (Cindy) advised that the Board could continue for another year. Tracie reached out to Pat immediately following Annual Meeting but has not gotten a response on directions moving forward. Frank also recently reached out to Pat and should hear something soon. All three Board Directors agreed to stay functional, as per TPAM’s direction, until we receive legal counsel.

Discussion

The big pond path improvement project (completing the pond path) and gazebo roof replacement are tabled due to possible pending election. Giedre asked about the fallen fence repair on the back of Brookside and Tracie said we are currently getting quotes. TPAM’s vendor was around $4,700.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18.

The next meeting will be April 18th at 7 p.m.