2023septemberminutes

BFCA Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

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

Margaret Stephens, Secretary/Treasurer. Association Members – Patti O’Hay, Mario Lopez, Kiki Litchford, Giedre Mazelyte, Audrey Johnson, Mary Brand, Midori Okasako

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

Old Business (Tracie Priest)

The minutes of the July 18, 2023, BFCA Board meeting, were unanimously approved July 25.

Dog issues were addressed and resolved from July with legal help. If anyone spots dog poop let us know. Audrey reported recent dog loose and poop in yard.

Gutters were completed last week, gazebo is complete.

New Business

President’s Report (Tracie Priest)

The Board had a closed meeting with attorney and TPAM. As a result, notification letters were sent to all homeowners with delinquent dues payments. This was somewhat successful since payments have been coming in over the last few weeks.

The Board is waiting for legalities on completion of path behind 1699 Silverwood Drive. The estimated cost from Esposito’s was $12,000. TPAM also sent letters to homeowners with non-homestead status requesting a copy of the lease for rentals.

On common area parking – the Board, my majority vote, elected to place a fence at the intersection of Brookside and Silverwood to prevent people from parking there. During the closed TPAM/Attorney meeting it was also agreed that cars parked on common property will be towed and a sign to be posted at the entrance. Audrey, Kiki, Mary, Midori and others did not agree with the decision. There was much discussion then Audrey suggested tabling the parking and sign at the entrance until further clarity. Frank made a motion to hold and evaluate further. Betsy seconded. No sign until further discussion.

Treasurer Report (Margaret Stephens)

Click here to view the Treasurer Report

Margaret detailed some notable expenses:

· July $1675 pond water pump pipe was replaced

· Sept $1777.25 Legal accumulated fees for processing liens, fines, legal assessment/research of January non-election etc.

Current account balances:

· Checking: $31,329

· Road Savings: $39,084

· Emergency Fund: $30,084

$6,500 will be moved from checking to road savings soon.

In August, TPAM sent late notices to homeowners that still owed 2023 dues and over $4,000 was collected since then.

The proposed 2024 Budget was distributed – not much discussion.

Grounds Report (Kiki)

Most trees cleared from Idalia. 2 still lying on back end of pond. Vines have been increasing becoming dangerous, killing trees. Some have parasites hurting trees. Some neighbors helped clear one at front entrance. The air potato plant is bad and smothers all natives. If you see it cut it off at the base. Gigantic huge green heart shaped leaves. Snip at the base. Don’t pull vine down but mark the stump. Audrey talked about path being closed in near her corner. Deirdre said across the creek from her house, trees leaning. Patti stressed the overgrowth again. Audrey agreed. All gray rocks overgrown. Patti reported more garbage lately. Midori adds that there’s trend in landscaping companies with trimming/weeding around pond. Mario/Audrey suggest picnic tables are degenerated, maybe increase dues?

Emergency work on 3 trees fallen in pond quote $1800. $1500 quote to trim all trees 14’ high, trim all trees $3300. Fence off Orange Ave – received multiple quotes. CMX fencing, 5th or 6th person to come out. Tracie asked them why and they said the brook, getting the wood to site is too challenging. AAA would have to come in and cut down all the trees near fence. Tracie said TPAM got someone who did a poor job repairing fence. She said from TPAM there was $25,000 quote to fix fence. Frank asked the city of TLH for assistance since they built it when Orange Ave got 4-laned but got a “no”.

Pond Report (Midori Okasako)

Click here to view the pond report.

Midori reported that we are aware of overgrowth around pond and many landscaping companies are reluctant to address. Midori has time to trim and weed as much as possible since not working. It’s never going to be manicured like Lake Ella. Have contacted someone to reduce invasives.

Water quality is good compared to a year ago, but heating this summer is conducive to phosphate in water. Trying to manage organically and preserve wildlife in the pond. Started applying algaecide near Brookside and will start scooping again.

Pond is being taking care of – lots of fish and turtles, birds. The guy, Jimmy, is willing to trim – he doesn’t have liability insurance. Worked with Deirdre. Very knowledgeable.

Open Discussion

Mary asked, to cut tree, do you have to get Sam Hand? Discussion followed, approved arborist is ok according to Tracie.

Meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm:

The next meeting will be on November 21th at 7 p.m.