The Official Website of Blairstone Forest located in Tallahassee, Florida.
January 17, 2023, Minutes – Hilaman Golf Course 7:30 pm
Tracie Priest, President; Betsy Voorhies, Vice-President, Frank Roycraft, Director.
Margaret Stephens, Secretary/Treasurer. Association Members – Tim Bottcher, Marilyn Cain, Lynda Davis, Sue Dinges, John Fleck, Llona Geiger, Cainnon Gregg, Maria Harageones, Audrey Johnson, Spencer Klein, Kiki Litchford, Mario Lopez, Mike McCrea, Venus Mikanagu, Virginia Sasser, Patricia O’Hay, Mark and Midori Okasako, Shaun Philp, Sylvia Ramos, Debi Taggart, Leona Tucker, Nancy Wood, Adam and Natalie Gillespie
TPAM representatives: Mary Jackson, Cindy Hoogerhyde.
Meeting was called to order at 7:41 pm.
After the last call for ballots, Cindy Hoogerhyde of TPAM informed us that we did not reach quorum (44 valid votes present including proxies are needed for quorum). There were 32 present only 5 proxy votes so 37. The Board, after asking for advice from Cindy, agreed to continue as is for year and hold elections next year. Also, the Board and TPAM will make sure the directions are clearer on voting and quorum.
Introductions were made for all attending and Tracie welcomed new neighbors: Nancy Wood- 1702 Silverwood. Patty O’Hay – 1727 Nestlewood. Sean Philp – 1721 Brookside.
Tracie promised path pond improvements and reported this year’s repairs for the well pump and stabilization of the island. Tracie added that we do have a landscaping company contract with Blue Sky. The cost is on the treasurer report. November and December were $350. Their work varies each month of the year and so does the cost. She called for more volunteers.
Click here for yearend treasurer report. Margaret provided the top 5 expenses for 2022:
1. $9,391 Tree Removal from Common Areas
2. $7,771 Island Hole (filling and stabilizing the Pond Island)
3. $6,500 Transfer to Road Savings
4. $6,413 TPAM (Management Company)
5. $5,804 Utilities
Notable expenditures since last meeting, cleared in December are $4,100 tree removal. $1,500 was for removing 4 trees from the pond and $2,600 for oak tree removal done in August near 1699 Silverwood.
Account Balances as of December 31:
· Checking $27,942 ($11,385 is 2023 dues deposits)
· Road Savings $39,074
· Emergency Fund $30,077
Margaret also provided an historical report going back 5 years for total expenditures. The average annual costs for the last 5 years is $52,401. Click here to view. (After reconciling December this historical report has changed. Click here for update)
Currently there are approximately 5 homeowners who did not pay 2022 dues, down from 11 last month.
Mary Jackson introduced herself as our new manager, working closely with Cindy. Mary said they are sending out violations as needed. Betsy noted that the Board wanted to work with TPAM on violation notices and that the Board should be notified first. Mike reminded people that back in June there was a huge discussion – look at June minutes. There was input that the protocol discussed in June should hold, with consistency, no favoritism. Onie and Marilyn also called for consistency. Onie added that she has a problem with the way our neighborhood looks now, we need more upkeep. Mike asked what happens if the person cannot be reached. Kiki also wondered about communication process. Who should report violations and how to communicate to rest of homeowners. Homeowners can report and should report to Board of Directors and/or TPAM. Frank says, today, HOAs hire management companies to handle violations– let TPAM handle but still notify the Board.
Llona described the ACC (Architectural Control Committee) in 3 parts.
· Who are we?
· How do we work?
· How could we do better?
Click here to view the submitted written report. Llona shared that there are 5 people on the committee and 16 requests this past year for major changes (different materials, different colors). Llona said it would help if more people knew the rules and that violations are common with new neighbors. Llona suggested a welcoming committee to personally welcome new members and provide a copy of the covenants. A welcoming committee would help maintain integrity. Betsy moved that we form a welcoming committee, Tracie seconded, and it was unanimously approved. Natalie Gillespie offered to chair the committee and Sylvia Ramos, Betsy and Margaret offered to serve.
Kiki requested more volunteers for the grounds committee and shared that at the last two events, no one showed up. We will be getting more trees to plant around the pond and need more help.
Midori reported that the water is very clear since pumping from the aquifer and invited neighbors to go visit the pond. Midori submitted a comprehensive 2022 report for the pond – Click here to view the submitted annual report.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:37 pm (kicked out 😉