Board Meeting – April 24, 2008

Country Walk Board Meeting on April 24, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm in the Clubhouse by President Ed De Iulio.  All five current Board members were present.  These include:  Ed De Iulio, Rocco Cioffoletti, Bill Swedberg, Steve Lapham, and Warren Adams.  Approximately fifty other residents were in attendance.

 

A call for nominations for the two open Board positions was made by President Ed De Iulio.  Prior to the meeting, only a single homeowner (Micky Lauria) had been nominated.  The seat to replace Ed will be a three year term, commencing with the position of second vice-president.  The seat to replace Steve will be a two-year term, commencing with first vice-president.

  • When no nominations were initially put forward, Jerry Edwards graciously agreed to serve.  Max Wang was subsequently nominated.  Upon learning that two other candidates desired to be on the Board, Jerry Edwards withdrew his name.
  • With two candidates and two positions, no written vote was needed.  A unanimous acclamation of approval for both candidates ensued.
  • The new Board consists of: President Bill Swedberg, Treasurer Rocco Cioffoletti, Secretary Warren Adams, Micky Lauria, and Max Wong.  Assignments of first vice-president and second vice-president to the two newly-elected members will be performed by the Board at the next meeting.

 

Treasurer Rocco Cioffoletti reviewed the current budget, explaining each line item.  Questions were answered.

 

President Ed De Iulio addressed the HOA.

  • Accomplishments over the past year were reviewed.  These include the following.
    • Meeting minutes and budget statements have been made available on the Country Walk website.
    • Flashing was repaired along the Clubhouse roof.  Thanks are extended to Scott Vick for conducting these repairs at no cost to the subdivision.
    • Scott Vick was thanked for coordinating work around the pool area.
    • Clubhouse dormers were removed, shingles were replaced, and roof vents were installed.
    • A new landscaping contractor was hired.  The previous contractor discontinued his business.  Thanks were extended to Jay Jones for his efforts in this regard.
    • Clemson Public Works was contacted to replace and correct street signs, and install them throughout the neighborhood.
    • Clemson Public Works was contacted to replace faded STOP signs.
    • Twice the Board contacted Duke Energy to have broken street lights repaired, broken glass/Plexiglas sides replaced, bird nests removed from posts with broken glass, and lights on all day adjusted. Homeowners were encouraged to contact Duke Energy at 800-777-9898 when lights are not working, on all the time, or have broken glass.
    • The entrance structure was repainted and rotten wood replaced.
    • The Clubhouse lower level was painted.
    • A power meter was installed on the Knollwood property.  A resident’s power was previously used.
    • Based on a suggestion, the Board employed the services of an off-duty police officer to control traffic into the subdivision on Halloween.  This made this event a much more enjoyable and safer event for everyone.
    • Subdivision nonprofit status was updated with the State of South Carolina.
    • Four No Trespassing signs were purchased for the pool area.
    • Security lights are under construction for the parking lots and old Knollhouse property.
    • Coordinated Duke Energy replacing an entrance street light knocked down years ago.
    • Performed minor Clubhouse maintenance.
      • Changed the 20 bulbs in the main room stairs to energy-efficient fluorescent lights.  In addition to saving energy, this change also reduces current draw and heat build-up in the switch.
      • Replaced an outside floodlight.
      • Replaced a missing smoke detector.
      • Replaced a 9 volt battery in the heater room smoke detector.
      • Replaced AA batteries in all thermostats.
      • Installed blinds in the downstairs office.
      • Repaired handle on the downstairs office door.
      • Repaired a stair railing.
      • Replaced a toilet paper roller.
      • Replaced 3 fire extinguishers that were found discharged with 3 rechargeable fire extinguishers.  The original discharged extinguisher handles were plastic and, as a result, not rechargeable.
      • Kudzu is being removed from the common area along Berkley Drive.
  • Individuals contributing to the operation of the subdivision were thanked.  These individuals included Board members, special contributors, and past and ongoing Committee Chairs.
    • Board members:  Warren Adams, Rocco Cioffoletti, Steve Lapham, Bill Swedberg.
    • Special Contributors:
      • Jay Jones for his continuous service relative to landscaping.
      • Michelle Burton for exceptional work relative to keeping the pool area clean and functional.
    • Past Committee Chair:  Marcia Sherman who recently stepped down as the Social Committee Chair. She held the position since the HOA was formed.
    • Ongoing Committee Chairs:
      • Pool:  Steve Edwards.
      • Pool Maintenance:  Michelle Burton.
      • Clubhouse:  Cindy Osef.
      • Website:  Tim Burg.
      • Social:  Janet Klodowski.
      • Architectural Control:  Phil Schmidt.
      • Rules and Regulations:  Deb Schmidt.
      • Landscaping:  Jay Jones.
  • The meeting was turned over to Bill Swedberg.

 

President Bill Swedberg addressed the HOA.

  • Thanks were extended to Ed De Iulio.
  • The subdivision was informed that the fence under construction will be extended the entire length of highway 123.  The project should be completed within a couple weeks.
  • Discussions relative to the walking trail ensued.  Opinions and suggestions were provided to the Board.  The Board will consider all input, seek professional advice, and carefully review the budget before making a final decision.
  • A question and answer period followed.  A summary is below.
    • New fence installation.
      • A question arose whether the holes remaining from removal of the old fence posts will be filled.  The Board will contact the contractor.
      • Concerns were expressed relative to missing boards.  The fence is still under construction, and will be carefully examined upon completion.
    • Walking trail and maintenance.
      • Opinions were expressed as to whether the walking trail should be paved.  Various issues relative to necessity, aesthetics, personal preference, cost, proper installation, maintenance (types of sealcoat), and potential dangers arose.
      • A request was made to clearly mark all subdivision trail accesses, and to maintain these accesses in the same manner as the trail.  Resident KB Kulasekera offered to provide the Board with an original map obtained from CESI that indicates these accesses.
      • A request was made to install signs prohibiting bicycles from using the trail.  This request is consistent with Schedule A of the Country Walk HOA Rules and Regulations which states the following relative to recreational areas:  “Wheelchairs and baby strollers are the only wheeled vehicles allowed in these areas.”
    • Subdivision streets.
      • Missing sign on Knollwood Drive.
      • Questionable sight distance on the entrance circle and on the intersection of Country Walk Lane and Knollwood Drive.
    • Subdivision amenities.  Some of the subdivision amenities are reportedly being used by nonresidents on a regular basis.  A request was made to erect No Trespassing signs, particularly around the basketball and tennis areas.  This request will be considered.  All residents are encouraged to call the police if they observe such activities.  The Association policy relative to common areas is the following:  no individual is to use the amenities without being invited, and accompanied, by a resident.
    • Social Committee.  Help for the Social Committee was requested.  Also, a Ladies’ Night at the pool is being planned for June.

 

With no further items of business, President Swedberg concluded the meeting at 8:58 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Warren P. Adams

Secretary, Country Walk Board