Minutes Index

Whispering Oaks Homeowners’ Association

Minutes From General Meeting and Board Meeting

January 28, 2006

Board members in attendance: John Ragosta, Dave Anderson, Bill Griffiths, Pat Moyer, and John Blackford. 

President John Ragosta called the meeting to order at 10:10am with welcoming remarks. He informed those present that Pat Berling had dropped out of the election for personal reasons. John Ragosta indicated the possibility of a special election could be addressed if necessary. Bobby Crum suggested members could have been notified. Both Dave Anderson and John Ragosta explained there was not enough time since Pat Berling notified the board a week before the election. The General Meeting would have been held by the time a mailing could have been assembled, mailed, and received. Chet Mahon agreed.

The ballots for two new directors were counted by Bruce McQuiston. Nick Bender received 11 votes, Pat Berling received 4 votes, Bob Parker received 3 write-in votes and Al Kenyon received one write-in vote. Nick Binder took his place on the Board. Bob Parker won the sixth Board position but was not in attendance.

John Ragosta called the meeting of the new Board to order. He then called for the distribution of the minutes of the last Board meeting. John Blackford had forgotten to bring the minutes but it was noted that the minutes were already posted on the WOHA website.

Treasurer's report was presented by Pat Moyer. See "Current Financial Status of WOHA 1/28/06" for details. It was noted that WOHA is using Lindsay Varner for maintaining the front landscaping and Angela Morris was cutting the lawns inside the gate. It was noted that both were submitting bids to consolidate the maintenance of all WOHA common properties to one vendor.

The ARC report was read by Marty Zydell. House plans for the Carlsons, the Doucettes, and Waltons were approved. The $1,000 construction bond was still unpaid by the Waltons. Marty also indicated the Doucettes were seeking a variance from the city for a back deck. John Ragosta made a motion to accept the ARC report, Dave Anderson seconded, all approved.

Bill Griffith presented the Operations Committee report. Bill reported that Gary Larson, city building inspector is helping to guide the drainage system plan for WOHA to completion.  Bill noted pump purchased in 2005 will come in handy even with new drainage system in the event of a loss of electricity. One bid has been obtained for the re-surfacing of the roads. Two more are to be obtained. Bob Parker is investigating new light posts to reduce electric bill. Patty Crum asked about exposed electric cords out front. A trench was discussed to hide them. Ops Committee report was accepted.

Dave Anderson presented the Communications Committee report stating around $400 has been spent on mailings, and that it was a cumbersome process. Dave appealed for email address to reduce the expense. It was noted that some people do not want to give out there email address. Marlene Griffith noted that Linda Anderson does a great job with the quarterly newsletter. Communications report was accepted.

In new business John Ragosta stated that Bob Parker presented a bill to the Board from Showcase Fence for repair of the front gate. Bob Parker told the Board he had never told Showcase Fence to fix the front gate because operations was looking for a new vendor due to slow response from Showcase Fence. Parker told the Board he called Showcase Fence to determine who had authorized them to fix the front gate and was told  by Showcase Fence that Al Kenyon had authorized the work. John Ragosta then opened the issue for discussion among the Board. Bill Griffith stated his concern that if we paid bills for services ordered by members without Board approval we could conceivably receive a bill for $10,000 or $20,000 for landscaping because a member ordered it. He then asked the rhetorical question should WOHA pay for bills for services ordered by any member. Dave Anderson made a motion not to authorize payment for Showcase Fence since no Board member had authorized the service. All favored not paying the bill, none opposed.

Nick Binder suggested getting an electrician to look at wiring in front of gate. Bill Griffith suggested we talk to Bob Parker first then look into getting bids.

Nick Binder presented the plans for the proposed drainage system. Bobby Crum thought members should see the plan and be aware of tree removal areas. It was suggested the March Newsletter show locations. Marlene Griffith showed concern that the pond will take out trees and bushes from in front of the Griffith's lot. John Ragosta stated he spoke with three different people who said the plan would work. Chet Mahon thanked Ragosta. It was then suggested the Newsletter announce a special meeting to show the plans. Bruce McQuniston stated we have a window of opportunity to get contractors to do as planned. Al Kenyon stated we had been blown off before. Nick Binder stated the areas would be clear cut according to the plan. John Ragosta asked if it was premature to discuss landscaping. Nick Binder responded yes, adding that he'd received the plans just two weeks ago. Ragosta then wanted to invite the developers to our next meeting for a pre-construction exchange of ideas. Nick Binder expressed a wish to walk the site.

Marty Zydell commented on poor remote gate opening. Al Kenyon explained it was based on line of sight. Bobby Crum complained of the slow rate of gate repair. John Ragosta defended the Operations committee by commenting on slow response of Showcase Fence which resulted in the Operations committee seeking a new gate vendor. Ragosta stated he contacted the gate manufacturer and they recommended Chuck Hardwick fence. The Board contacted Chuck Hardwick Fence and they came and repaired the gate, and presented a proposal for annual gate maintenance,