HOMESTEAD IN THE WILLOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Regular Board Meeting August 12, 2024 – Unofficial Minutes
TAKEAWAYS:
1. North Pool open for weekend swimming in September. See website for dates. Lap Swimming to continue at North pool through September.
2. If confrontations continue at the Business Office the office will close and move to an appointment only policy. Homeowners are reminded that they chose to purchase a home in an HOA and were provided full knowledge of the Governing Documents and ACC process. Don’t vent your frustration on your neighbors who are volunteers or the office staff.
3. Dumpster Day Saturday October 5, 7:30am – 9:00am.
CALL TO ORDER: President, James Keating called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Present were Vice President, Michael Garnsey; Business Manager, Katie Kidwell; ACC Manager, Emily Maxfield; Landscape Manager, Nancy Bauer. Member at Large, Robb Origer; and Secretary, Ginny Karlberg attended the meeting via Zoom.
MINUTES: The minutes of the July 8 regular meeting were approved as read.
RATIFICATION OF BOARD ACTIONS: James moved, and Michael seconded a motion to ratify the Board Action of July 31to send account 576 to the HOA attorney for collection. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
SOCIAL COMMITTEE: No report
SWIM TEAM: No report.
MANAGER REPORTS:
POOL: Front Range Recreation submitted a written report. The West Pool closed for the season Sunday, August 11. The pool will be winterized after the Pooch Plunge on Saturday, August 17. The North Pool also closed for daily swimming however the Board agreed to keep the pool open for weekend swimming on September 7 and 8, as well as September 14 and 15. The North Pool will not be open for Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2 as there is no staff available. Weekend swim hours will be published in the Homestead Herald and on the HOA website. Lap Swimming will continue through September while the ACES Swim Team uses the North Pool for practice.
LANDSCAPE: Manager Nancy Bauer reported that the HOA is cited by the City of Centennial for tree branches and shrubs that hang over the Perimeter fence from homeowner backyards. The Business Office mailed a letter to all homeowners along Quebec, Dry Creek and Holly asking homeowners to trim their trees and bushes and the response has been great. Nancy requested that the Board send the same letter next year and to increase the mailing to include those Perimeter Fence owners on the interior streets as well. The Board agreed. Nancy is also obtaining quotes to reinforce the pedestrian bridge at the South Pool rec area.
TENNIS: Manger Jill Ellsworth submitted a written report. Wasps continue to be a problem at the North Courts and the HOA is working with a pest control company to eradicate them. JTT and Adult daytime leagues have ended for the summer. USTA Adult League play continues through September. Advantage You will continue to offer lessons and drills through the Fall and Winter, weather permitting.
ACC: Manger Emily Maxfield reported there are four appeals to be held in August. The Board and Emily discussed the ACC process and authority. The Board reiterated that the ACC has the authority to determine the aesthetic for the neighborhood and the Board defers to their decisions. All are happy with the appearance of the neighborhood and the property values. The Board also stated that the ACC guidelines and aesthetics can change and that when they do, someone is invariably caught on the wrong side of the change. The committee can’t predict every potential misunderstanding on the part of a homeowner and when it becomes apparent that a misunderstanding has occurred the ACC adjusts the application or review process to avoid that situation in the future. Homeowners should be aware that Homestead has a conscientious, thoughtful, and meticulous ACC committee with the full support of the Board of Directors and plan their exterior changes accordingly. The Board discussed the value of an article in the Herald to educated owners about the most common mistakes on an application and noting the speed with which applications are approved when all the necessary documents and photos are provided.
HOA Taskforce: The taskforce mailed out 222 citations in 2023 and only 142 in 2024! Of the 142 citations, 110 have been completed. Board members routinely review all the driveway citations.
BUSINESS: Katie reported on collections and homeowner complaints, most of which the HOA is powerless to resolve as they involve individual behavior. New Colorado law requires updates to the HOA collection policy and the Board agreed to have the attorney draft a Xeriscape Policy for the HOA as well. The 2023 audit is underway and the Board declined to host a speaker from Citizens for Cherry Creek Schools Future regarding a potential bond measure.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Treasurer, Steve Bell was unable to attend the meeting so there was no financial report.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS: There were no homeowner comments.
OLD BUSINESS: Split Rail Fence has met with Account 023 regarding a concern with the Perimeter Fence on their property. The Board discussed the most recent confrontation at the Business Office and agreed to consult the HOA attorney about enforcing the Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy.
NEW BUSINESS: Fall Dumpster Day was set for Saturday, October 5. The dumpsters are typically delivered at 7:30am. The dumpsters will be available from 7:30am to 9:00am or until the dumpster is filled. Homeowners should not plan to arrive at 9:00am in case the dumpster is already full. Likewise, homeowners may not arrive before 7:30am to fill the dumpster ahead of time.
ADJOURNMENT AND CALENDARING: The meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm. The next regular Board Meeting will be on Monday, August 12, at 6:30pm. at the Business Office.