SCHOA BOARD MEETING MINUTES

MAY 7, 2024

Present: Gordon Baldwin, Chick Barcellona, Christine Dean and Jamie McCarthy, John and Mindy Ewing, Susan Gordon, David Hamilton, Laurie Kirschner, Bret Kreier, Tracy MacMillan, Brett Sevruk

The meeting was called to order at 6:32. Mindy read the minutes from the last meeting, April 5, 2024.

• Christine gave an update on the repair of the sink hole in the Commons that was done by ShanexLLC. A section of the pipeline was removed due to disintegration of the pipe, and was replaced. This was the last section of the pipe from the wet pond and extending back into the Ewings’ property. At the time, it was determined by two different professional sources that the entire culvert from 68^th and Mirror Ct. to the pond is at end of life and needs to be repaired with a liner in the very near future to prevent further deterioration and inevitable failure. Failure of the pipeline could end up costing the HOA several hundred thousand dollars. The liner will extend the life of the culvert for approximately 30 more years, preventing failure and protecting the properties and the financial health of South Cove. As the culvert runs under private property (6718 Mirror Ct. Ewings and 8026 68^th Ave. Bumanglag), it is the responsibility of the HOA to repair the pipe. It is not the responsibility of Thurston County. Christine inquired about the County assuming responsibility for the pipe, but they refused. Therefore, Christine will begin the process of acquiring quotes for manufacture and installation of the liner.

• During removal and replacement of the pipe, damage was done to the Ewings’ property. Christine got three quotes for repair work. The work was awarded to Nano Landscaping to rebuild the rock wall and replace the cotoneaster shrubs. The area around the pond will also need to be repaired. The fence will need to be replaced and shrubs replanted. Work on this is pending.

• The wet pond will need to be dredged this summer, probably in July or August. The site has filled with sediment over time and is not nearly as deep as it should be. This is partly what caused the last section of pipe to disintegrate. It had been submerged in water due to not enough clearance above the water line in the pond. The Board has the original schematics for the pond and will get quotes this summer to return it as close as possible to its original configuration. The end of the pipe jutting out into the pond also needs a 90 degree elbow extension to redirect the water toward the middle instead of toward the berm abutting the Commons.

• Susan reported that all members are up to date on HOA dues, and all bills have been paid in full. Chick reported that there should be enough in the budget to cover the pipe repair already done, and the dredging this summer.

• A discussion was held concerning the requirement by the State of Washington for all HOAs to conduct a Reserve Study Plan to maintain financial health of each neighborhood’s organization and plan for regular expenditures, as well as emergencies. Chick is investigating professional financial planners to do an on-site visit to help the HOA establish what it is responsible for in terms of maintenance, repair and replacement costs for the neighborhood’s infrastructure, as well as monies required for regular spending and to establish an emergency fund. The Board will accept bids from professionals to assist the HOA in establishing the required Reserve Plan as mandated by the state. If an HOA is not in compliance with the new law by 2028, properties in that neighborhood will become unmortgageable. Using a professional service to assess the financial needs of South Cove and put in place a financial reserve plan will meet the needs of mortgage companies and satisfy the state requirements.

• CHANGE IN TREASURER – Susan and Reed Gordon are stepping down as SCHOA Treasurers due to health reasons. Tracy MacMillan has graciously come forward to take over the treasurer responsibilities. She was unanimously approved by the Board. She will work with Chris Regan, past treasurer, to learn her new position. Thank you, Tracy! Her contact information is:

Tracy MacMillan

6710 Macintosh Ct SE

360-438-6856

• Bret Kreier brought forth one item of new business. A large branch on a tree in the green space behind his house is broken and is hanging over his property, presenting a safety hazard and potential damage to his property. He estimates it is roughly 50 feet up in the tree. Since it is in a green space, the HOA is responsible for the removal of the branch. Laurie will check with Samuel Hill to see if his company does work like that. If he cannot handle it, she will contact tree services or arborists to get estimates for the removal.

• Bret also brought information about the Pattison Lake Management District. It is attached to the minutes.

The time and place of the next meeting is pending while Christine gathers quotes for the repair of the culvert. All residents will be informed about the next meeting when it is scheduled.

Minutes submitted by Mindy Ewing, Secretary, on May 8, 2024