SCHOA BOARD MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 5, 2024

Present: Gordon Baldwin, Chick Barcellona, Christine Dean, Mindy Ewing, David Hamilton, Laurie and Ben Kirschner. Not present: Chris Regan

Meeting called to order at 6:31 p.m.

• Chris had provided a budget report. It stated SCHOA finances are in good order, with member dues up to date.

• Christine reported that the repair work for fixing the rotted under-structure of the dock is scheduled for this weeend, March 9 and 10, at 10:00 a.m., with a back-up date of April 13 and 14. All volunteers will be welcome. The top slats of the dock will be removed so the underside can be accessed. There is also a plan to affix a new chain and anchor to keep the dock from breaking loose from the shore. It was at first thought that a diver would have to be brought in to help with these repairs, but it has been determined that a diver will not be necessary.

• Christine also reported on the proposed goose fence along the lake front. The original plan called for volunteers to run the fence a few feet back from the lake, ending at the stand of rushes close to Nanette’s fence. After much research, this plan has proved to be less than ideal. Setting the fence back will limit access to the boat rack. Ending the fence at the rushes will reduce its effectiveness and also be more unsightly. Due to the unevenness of the ground, it will be impossible to get the fence level, also decreasing aesthetics and effectiveness. Erosion and the subsequent displacement of the fence are also a concern. Christine will therefore get estimates from different companies so the work can be done in a more permanent, professional manner. If the estimates prove prohibitive, the fence and how best to proceed will be reevaluated.

• Christine has identified most of the owners of the boats on the boat rack and will continue until all craft are accounted for. The rack has proven to be a popular and necessary fixture in the Commons, but space is extremely limited, with some spots crammed with multiple vessels. It was determined by all that it is no longer feasible, nor is it fair, for residents to use the boat rack for permanent, year-round storage. Therefore, new rules are being implemented: ALL BOATS AND KAYAKS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE RACK BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2024. NO BOATS MAY BE RETURNED TO THE RACK BEFORE MARCH 1, 2025. AN EMAIL WILL BE SENT IN JANUARY OF 2025 TO DETERMINE INTEREST FOR A SPOT ON THE RACK. IF THERE IS MORE INTEREST THAN AVAILABLE SPOTS, A LOTTERY SYSTEM WILL BE INSTITUTED. AGAIN, THERE ARE TO BE NO BOATS ON THE RACK DURING THE WINTER MONTHS – OCT. 1 TO MARCH 1.

• The street light on 68^th Ave. has been successfully repaired.

• Laurie reported she had received a proposal from Oscar for work to repair/replace, design and install an irrigation system for the 639 feet street side along Kelly Beach Rd. and the planted area on the cul-de-sac at the bottom of Mirror Ct. The system along Kelly Beach is old and in need of replacement. Oscar quoted a cost of $3,600.00 with a four year warranty. This contract would also stipulate that SCHOA use his company to winterize the system. The cost was deemed acceptable, and given Oscar’s reliable work in the past, this project was approved.

• No new annual contract has been received from Samuel Hill for landscaping work, though his crews are still providing services. The plan is to continue using this company. The new contract should stipulate “weekly” maintenance during the growing season as opposed to the current “biweekly”. Also, the crew will be asked to better maintain the area around and under the boat rack. There was also a discussion about the gravel that was used around the new light pole on Yelm Hwy. Samuel Hill had proposed removing the gravel, filling the area with top soil and reseeding at a cost of $1,000. It was felt it would be cheaper and easier to do the work with volunteers, removing the gravel and filling the area with bark. This plan was approved.

• Christine said Chris had suggested a “Community Day” to ask for suggestions on how the Commons and the community in general could be made more attractive. There were only 11 responses to last year’s survey, so a plan was also discussed to possibly hold another survey, but in conjunction with next year’s annual meeting. This could possibly provide better response from residents.

• Gordon brought up Washington SB5796, which strives to standardize rights and responsibilities of HOAs. He will look into how this might affect the SCHOA.

• The final two items discussed at the meeting are perhaps the most crucial. First, THERE IS A SINK HOLE that has developed on the path leading to the gate entering the Commons. This is most probably related to the failure of a pipe that would be a part of the neighborhood drainage system. Prompt response will be needed so it does not continue to increase in size and worsen. Christine has called Thurston County Public Works to begin exploring how to investigate the integrity of the pipes, and how to go about repairing the drainage system. More information on this will follow as it develops.

• The second highly important issue is that Chris Regan will be resigning as Treasurer in April, as they have sold their house and will be leaving the neighborhood. THAT MEANS THAT THE BOARD WILL BE SEARCHING FOR A NEW TREASURER. Chris has committed to staying available through June to help with a smooth transition for this new person. If anyone would be interested in stepping up and helping the residents of South Cove as the new Treasurer, please let a Board member know as soon as possible. Annual HOA dues are waived for this position.

The next meeting of the SCHOA will take place March 26th at 6:30 p.m. at Gordon’s home – 8007 68^th Loop. This meeting will be to discuss the vacancy for the position of Treasurer, and the course of action needed to repair the drainage pipe causing the sink hole.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Mindy Ewing, Secretary, on March 6, 2024