Board Meeting

April 24, 2002

Draft

Present: Toby Byrd, Ellen Livingston (arrived late), Suli Schehr, Jackie Byrd, Fred Bauer, Michael Houghton, Ron Sanders, Mr. Uzoukwu, Steve Hill.

The board meeting was called to order at 7:42 PM.

Old Business

The Minutes of the February 6, 2002 were approved, with minor spelling corrections.

Treasurer's Report

The Current Account Balances are as follows:

Checking:	9,285.54
Money Market:	9,355.24
CD 1:	12,586.81
CD 2:	19,664.93
CD 3:	12,322.82
Total	63,215.34

Two homeowners have still not paid their 2001 dues, the past due amount and late fees have been added to their 2002 bills.

Copies of our year 2001 records have been given to the tax accountant, although duplicate copies had to be provided because our accountant was unable to find what had been previously given to him. Hopefully the accountant filed for an extension, since our tax return apparently has not yet been filed.

Flagpole

Ron Sanders presented the information he collected concerning the possible erection of a flagpole in the center island at the entrance.

No permits would be required, as long as the pole can't fall onto someone elses property.

Ron got a quote for a 30-foot flagpole, with an internal stainless-steel halyard, from Regal Flags of Westminster, MD. The pole would cost $2,506, and shipping would add $145. The quoted pole is a commercial grade, vandal resistant pole. We would be responsible for installation; Ron suggested that Jake might be able to perform the work. The flag quoted is $88 for a 5' x 8' American Flag. We would also need to install lighting so that the flag could be frown 24 hours a day. A rough estimate for the total cost is $3,200.

Eileen Groves asked what the procedure for this would be; if the Board would make the decision, or if it would have to be put to a vote of the homeowners. The response was that it was the Board's decision, although we very much like to solicit homeowners input before making a decision.

Michael Houghton presented a motion to include a notice with the bills to let homeowners know what we are considering, and to table further discussion until the June 26 meeting. This would give the homeowners to opportunity to express their views, either prior to, or by attending the June meeting. The motion was seconded, and passed unanimously.

Neighborhood Watch

Due to some confusion after the March meeting, there was no follow-up on getting the community to be an official "Neighborhood Watch" community. Ron Sanders will follow up on this.

New Business

Covenant Enforcement

Eileen Groves expressed concern over the upkeep of some of the houses in the neighborhood, and asked the board what could be done to enforce the covenants. The board indicated that when possible we use the City of Bowie to enforce code violations, but when necessary, the board may take direct action. It was also mentioned that we had attempted to get an outside contractor to perform the code enforcement for us, but after the initial review the contractor concluded that we didn't have enough serious violations to warrent his services, and cancelled the contract.

Architectural Review

Steve Hill was present to present and clarify his application for the addition of a front porch to his house. He is proposing to add a roof over his existing concrete porch, that would attach over his front door, and then slope away from the house and be supported by two columns at the outside corners of the porch.

The board was concerned that this style of porch would be unique, as no other porch in the neighborhood has a similar design. Steve indicated that he believed that the design was a very clean design, and would fit well with the house. He also indicated that his neighbors approved of the proposed design. The board asked if Steve had considered the style that would typically be used on his model house, and he indicated that he hadn't looked closely at it. He also indicated that the usual style (flat roof, with decorative railing on top) may be considerably more expensive.

Toby Byrd presented a motion to recommend that Steve look at the typical porch design and consider it as an alternate to his proposal. Additionally, should he choose to use the typical design, it would be considered approved without an additional application being required. The motion was seconded, and passed unanimously.

Mike Houghton presented a motion to approve the application as presented. The motion was seconded, and passed 5 for, 1 against.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.