2023AprilMinutes

BFCA Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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

Margaret Stephens, Secretary/Treasurer. Association Members – Mario Lopez, Kiki Litchford, Llona Geiger, John Fleck, Nancy Wood, Midori Okasako.

The meeting was called to order at 7:11 pm.

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

The agenda was changed to move the ACC report first.

Old Business (Tracie Priest)

The minutes of the February 28, 2023, BFCA Board meeting, were unanimously approved March 13.

New Business

ACC Report (Llona Geiger)

Llona reported only one recent request, gutter installation. February projects that were approved some time ago are coming to fruition. The port-a-potty on Silverwood Court was granted an extension to remain another month due to the major renovation. Fred and Karen Willes reported a rat problem under their house (on Red Maple) and will be exterminating. Others around the pond should be aware in case of a migration. Llona brought a letter that would go out the ACC Committee volunteer prospects. The Board is currently reviewing. Click here to view the letter. Llona called for more volunteers to serve on this committee.

Pond Report (Midori Okasako)

Click here to view the pond report. Midori shared that the details are included in her report. Some highlights are that we have started to treat the pond organically. It seems to be working and the clarity of the water is good. Under the pond is an algae carpet that still needs work. Midori will start reducing this algae with a hydrogen peroxide base treatment. Midori asks all neighbors to keep pesticides and herbicides limited and organic if possible. There were some geese nests but only one pair has surviving goslings. There were 5 but now 3. Midori shared that neighbors have asked for some more clearing of the path, more trimming. Tracie said she is now mowing the path and Midori clarified that trimming is needed in some overgrowth areas.

Grounds Report (Kiki Litchford)

Kiki reported that on March 25 we had 10 volunteers to plant 18 plants around the pond including River Birch and Black Cherry trees. Kiki has asked for one of the master gardeners to check them out as one appears droopy. We have 5 more plants that can go out to the neighborhood by request. The cages around the new plants are for protection from geese feeding or other animals. Kiki asked for an update on the grid (used for alleviating erosion in areas). Tracie responded that we can’t get anyone to deliver sand. Tracie has some topsoil to try. Kiki passed around info on planting wildflowers and the seed library available at our county library. There is an open house and plant sale at the Leon County Extension (off Paul Russell) May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Treasurer Report (Margaret Stephens)

Click here to view the Treasurer Report

Margaret reported that the above report is reconciled to TPAM as of the end of February. The unusual charge of $4,700 in March is for the pond well pump repair done last year.

Balances as of 4/18/23 are:

Checking: $50,564

Road Savings: $39,079

Emergency Fund: $30,081

There are approximately 13 homeowners who have not paid 2023 dues. The Board should direct TPAM to send out the first reminder notice.

The next meeting in June will be the time to create a first draft of the 2024 budget. Kiki recommended a fund set aside for the Welcome Committee.

President’s Report (Tracie Priest)

Tracie reported that the election controversy has been resolved. Our attorney stated in an email that the Board can legally continue to move forward “as is” until the next election in January 2024. Tracie wanted votes on approving continuing service from the committee chairs. The Board voted unanimously approval for Midori, Kiki, Llona, and Natalie.

The gazebo roof budget and project was previously approved. There were 3 quotes, and the Board should decide on a contractor. The Board unanimously approved the cheapest one.

On completion of the pond path, Espositos proposed a $12,000 project. Frank made a motion to have Patrick check on the responsibility of erosion prevention (Crosby and HOA). Tracie said the erosion is caused by the “perfect storm” being decayed tree stump and runoff from the house roof and gutters are needed to help prevent further damage. But there has been no response from the Crosbys. John Fleck said a lot of it is beaver related. Betsy and Midori asked if there were alternatives to filling in the land behind the Crosby house. Betsy suggested a separate path and Midori suggested inquiring about the adjacent small lot. There was general agreement on checking with Patrick first on liability issues with the repair/completion of the pond path project.

For the (fallen down) fence between Brookside and Orange Avenue, there were 3 quotes requested, only 2 come through. About 1500 feet of fence is on the ground. TPAM’s was the cheapest. Tracie’s fence guy was about $200 more. Betsy knows a guy, Kurt, but he wants to be paid by the hour. Betsy will ask Kurt for an estimate. Margaret remembered that the City of Tallahassee paid for the fence with Orange Ave was expanded. Maybe they can help with the maintenance. Frank said he would ask about that.

There is a broken piece on the boardwalk section that goes from Brookside to Silverwood. The Board voted unanimously to let TPAM handle repairs but if over $250 let us know.

Tracie requested that HOA business use the HOA email for record keeping [email protected]

TPAM is sending out their annual letter per Florida Statutes. The Board viewed and approved it and Tracie wanted them to keep it at one page.

Discussion

Betsy asked Midori about a possible floating island and thought it would be a good idea, because the roots would absorb nutrients from the water naturally. Midori replied that she thought we should focus on the algae first this year. Kiki asked about a dead tree near her and needed to know if it’s on common area. Tracie will contact AAA. Tracie said there’s a giant tree near Audrey’s , on common property, the Board tried to get quotes on and two more dead trees between Sue and Audrey. The Board will follow up with AAA.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26.

The next meeting will be June 20th and 7 p.m.