Cheney Ranch Home Owners Association: Minutes

CHENEY RANCH ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

Board members present:

Marilyn Peters

Joe Magnet

Fred Musser

Phil Uhall

Dirk Dick

Sandy Kleinman

Absent:

Larry Lemons

Quorum is established by a count of people present.

The new board is introduced.

READING/APPROVAL OF 2008 YEARLY MEETING MEETINGS

Stacie, from the management company, reads the minutes from the annual meeting that took place June 7th, 2008.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY SERGEANT AT ARMS

Fred Musser reminded the audience to please stay with the subject and keep questions and comments brief.

TREASURER/MANAGEMENT COMPANY REPORT

Stacie, from the management company reads aloud the 2008-2009 expenses. Mr. Hagar questions why the electric bill is so high, and wonders if we can't set a timer to activate these lights. He also makes a statement that a couple years back it was discovered that the East entry bill was higher than the West entry bill, and wants the management company to look into this discrepancy. Chuck Stewart mentioned that he had replaced the damaged/broken light at the west side of the west entrance with a fluorescent light, instead of the sodium light that had been there. He stated that these fluorescent lights use about 26 watts, instead of the 100 watts generated by the old bulbs.

Marilyn asks if there is a big difference in electric cost at the west entrance now vs. before, can she get a vote to replace the others, as they go out, with fluorescent? All in favor, YES. PASSED.

Stacie, from the management company reads aloud the proposed budget for 2009-2010.

OLD BUSINESS

Attached to the agenda is a list of Board Accomplishments for 2008-2009. Please refer to this list. (Will be posted on Web-site)

There is also a print-out attached that shows what our management company does provide for us. Please refer to this list. (this is on web site)

NEW BUSINESS

Fire Prevention - a reminder to trim trees from bas up at least 5-6 feet. Please remind your neighbors to do the same. If someone is physically unable to do so, please let the board know. Maybe we can get them a helping hand.

Flood Prevention - please keep your culverts free of debris for the rainy season. The county should be contacted for any culvert issues. That is part of their job.

Cheney Ranch Web-site - Please use the web-site and encourage other neighbors to use it too. It is a good source of information.

Humane Society Live Traps - There as always loose dogs and cats roaming around Cheney Ranch. Please be aware that you may borrow a "live trap" from the Humane Society to trap these animals safely. Just a reminder, you may not shoot these animals that come onto your property. It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a residential area.

Importance of Bagging Garbage - Please make sure you place all your trash into garbage bags AND TIE THEM SHUT. No one should have to pick up someone else's garbage.

CALL TO PUBLIC

Insurance seems high. Did we get other bids? Chuck stated that yes we did. There is no history of claims, and since it is required by state law to have insurance, we can get new bids when it comes up for renewal again.

Why were cinders put down at the mailbox area, instead of more white rock that was already there? Marilyn answers: We received a number of complaints that the white rock shifted and moved around a lot, and there had been some damage to cars. The cinders were more affordable; should prove to be more stable and longer lasting.

Phil Love asks Marilyn to read aloud from the bylaws regarding lat fees. He throw a packet of the CC&R's down on the table. She asks if he has the section in question marked. He said no. She tells him she is NOT going to take up everyone's time while she searches for that! Phil Uhall speaks out and says, "If they just paid on time, the late fee would not be an issue!" Marilyn reminds the audience that Cheney Ranch has the lowest HOA dues in the entire area, and that the board did not raise them this year due to the economy. Phil Love still was pressing the issue. Marilyn suggested he "stay after class" if he wanted to discuss it further. She refused to take more time during the meeting.

There are other statements made regarding HOA dues. One homeowner said that dues use to be payable whenever you felt like it, as long as it was before next years dues were due. She said, "now we have HOA rules to follow because of an active board." Fred Musser said, "That is ridiculous. You can't run an HOA like that! The annual dues are only $65.39. That is cheap and everyone should stop complaining!" Marilyn said, "I was told 98% of the people in Cheney Ranch are wonderful, but there is about 2% that cause trouble and should be flushed down the toliet." She also reminded people that the board are all VOLUNTEERS, that do so because they care about Cheney Ranch.

There are a few comments about the landscaping at the entrances. Some people are not happy with it. Someone said that they need to put in perennials. Marilyn suggested they look again; because that is what is in there.

Broken lettering needs to be replaced on east entrance. A homeowner said he was told, by a neighbor, that it was done by a teenager in Cheney Ranch. He is getting us that information. If it is proven that person is the culprit, the parents will be made to pay for the letters.

Mike Casci comes to the front to speak about his wish: if people have an issue with him, he would like them to come and address him, so that it can be worked out. He did not like receiving a complaint letter from the management company. He said Marilyn did sit down with him and manage to rectifly the situation. Mike says he is a nice guy, and he is also single! Marilyn comments she didn't realize this was a forum for a dating service.

This brought up the subject of people being allowed to remain anonymous when they complain. Phil LOve said the board protects the "good ol'boys". Marilyn said he was being silly! No one wants any retribution. It is best to file your complaint, be willing to put it in writing, and let the management company, Board and ACC handle the situation. Phil still complained. Dirk Dick spoke up and said, "I'll tell you why it should remain anonymous. If I complain about you; you find out it was me and come and get in my face.. I beat you up and then I go to jail!" Phil didn't have more to say on the subject.

The Branoms complained about people speeding on their streets. They are concerned for children in the area. The Board tells them this is a Sheriff issue and encourages them to call and complain ASAP.

Glenn Holle states that the ACC has three regular members and Marilyn as a guest member. Marilyn reminds people that a guest member does NOT vote. That is the meaning of guest. She also mentions that an ACC member is a guest member at EVERY Board meeting. This has really helped with unity and a great working relationship.

Sandy makes a motion to adjourn, Marilyn seconds.

MEETING AJOURN

CHENEY RANCH HOA BOARD MEETING

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

Meeting Minutes

BOARD MEMBERS:

Marilyn Peters, President

Larry Lemons, Vice President - absent

Fred Muss er, Member

Joe Magnet, Member

Steve Burr, Member

Call to Order:

Linden Fire Department is discussing a program that they are working on rebuilding. It had been set up before, but the previous person responsible for running it, left for a new agency and took all supplies with her. The program is called C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team). They are currently looking for new volunteers to assist agencies where needed. There will be a monthly meeting for training sessions that will teach CPR, Triage, etc. . To volunteer (you must be over 18) Contact Carol at the Linden Fire Department, 537-1101, or send an email to lindenfire56@hotmail.com.

Old Business:

Wolf Hybrid Court Issue - The Cheney Ranch resident involved in the County Wolf Hybrid court issue, pleaded not guilty. The excessive loud barking, for 15 to 25 minutes EVERY morning between 4 and 5 a.m., went on for over three months this summer and fall. There were complaints from over six households. There is also concern about documented reports of these Wolf Hybrids being loose.

Flood Prevention on Broken Arrow - It looks like it will be approved, and hopefully, the county will start work soon.

New Business

Sundown Residency Issue - Marilyn said there had been a complaint by a Cheney Ranch resident that there were two families living in one residence. The CC&Rs state that only one family per household may reside in Cheney Ranch. They also said there were now five dogs there, two belonging to the second couple. Marilyn questioned what the Board thought regarding the complaint. Fred said that since there was no concrete evidence regarding the situation, it would be out of line to send a letter at this point. All of the Board agreed. Fred also mentioned that the CC&Rs don't put a number on how many dogs, but it does state it must be a reasonable number. It also has a section addressing nuisances regarding to otherwise approved household pets.

Vandalism - On Halloween night, the Cheney Ranch sign, at the east entrance was vandalized. Two letters were cracked. Marilyn stated that each if the letters cost over $100. to replace. Also, two road markers may need to be replaced at the west entrance mail box area.

Electric Issue at Entrance - After receiving a few complaints about the "lights not working" at the west entrance of Cheney Ranch, Stacie, from Tenney & Associates mentioned she had received a bill from Twin Electric for the repair. The bill was for $227.30, and stated work was done on October 20th, 2008. No one authorized such repair. Stacie will look into the matter.

Noise Complaint - Marilyn handed a letter from Tenney Management Company and the HOA Board to Steve Burr and waited for his response. Steve said he had not played any loud music for a while, and he was not running loud machinery late in the evening! He claimed that the Willis's were running a loud generator in the evenings. Steve said he was tired of Bill Young's constant lies and efforts to get him in trouble with the Board. Bill Young made an offer, through Marilyn, that he would gladly pay for an extra trash can for Steve if he would quit making noise with the chipper, to dispose of horse manure. Steve said he will gladly take him up on his offer. Steve said, "Now we will see if Bill meant what he said." Steve has promised not to run the machine after 6p.m.

Other Business - NONE

Meeting Adjourned

Cheney Ranch Homeowner's Association 2008 Annual Meeting (was held June 7th, 2008, 10:00am. at the Linden Fire Department)

Marilyn Peters, introduces the new and returning Board Members,and then thanked and named the ACC Members. She also introduced and thanked Sheryl Berentz for helping develop the new Cheney Ranch HOA web site. (cheneyranchhoa.com)

Marilyn acknowledges that many people questioned what does Cheney Ranch receive from Stewart Investment & Management Co. for $500.00 a month. She then referred to the notice being passed out by Board Member to answer that question. (This list can be found on the web site under General Info - management company)

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Marilyn calls the meeting to order, Quorum is established

II. ANNOUNCEMENT BY SERGEANT OF ARMS:

First order of business: Sergeant of Arms requests short and precise discussions/questions

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Secretary forgot them so they were skipped.

IV. TREASURER REPORT:

Lisa, from Stewart Investment, reads treasurer's report, expenses for 2008. Increase in HOA dues for 2008-2009 for paying utilities, insurance, maintenance, management, and any unforeseen expenses. Special assessment dues are kept in a separate account for legal fees such as: property lien filings, CC&R revision and any other unforeseen legal expenses.

While Lisa tallies up expenses for 2008-2009, Marilyn informs of the repairs to entrance signs due to structural damage, and the replacement of two letters due to vandalism.

Delinquency HOA payments for 2007-2008 are down to 13 lots: liens have been filed.

V. OLD BUSINESS:

Fred, who was president last year, spoke about how It cost over $800.00 for postage, paper, printing, etc. Marilyn mentioned that Bob Hager had found something in the bylaws regarding the amount of time for ballot return. This will be researched further.

Vandals have been shooting out the street lights at both entrances. The lights will be changed free, two times a year and then the HOA has to pay. The "two time" replacement has already been used.

VI. FIRE PREVENTION:

Marilyn informed owners that the fire department will start issuing letters to property owners regarding the clean up of their property if it presents a fire danger.

Fire fighter gave notice regarding Open House, June 14th at the fire department.

SHERIFF SPEAKS ABOUT BREAK IN PROBLEM:

Sheriff informed owners that during the past six months there has been only one break-in in Cheney Ranch proper. The victim is present at the meeting. The sheriff suggests the following preventions: putting bars on windows(make sure they have an easy, unlock system from inside); put up lighting around your home, not spot lights into your neighbors windows; motion detectors; make sure all doors and windows are latched, even the door from inside your garage into your house; if you are going to be gone, have the post office hold your mail, and be sure to stop your newspaper; put rod in the railing of sliding doors; be observant; watch your neighbor's home and get to know your neighbors; engrave identification info on your valuables.

LOOSE DOGS:

Dogs are to be contained, or walked on a leash (as specified in the Navajo County law). Animal Control takes care of these complaints, not the sheriff dept. or the HOA Board.

There have been two German Sheppards roaming Cheney Ranch and have attacked a property owner's dog. The owner, Bill Whittaker, is threatening to shoot the dogs if they enter his property. The sheriff reminded Mr. Whittaker that you may not shoot in a residential area! Mr. Whittaker claimed he had been given permission by the sheriff's dept to shoot the dogs.

VII NEW BUSINESS:

Transfer fees: Marilyn says the Board is considering transfer fees to insure notification of changing home/property owners. This will only affect the buyer not the seller. She suggested going to the lowest fee of $50.00 as this is not for the purpose of making money. Lisa, from Stewart Management, explained to the owners that there has been and still are problems identifying new owners and/or getting current owner information. Transfer fees should eliminate that problem.

VII CALL TO PUBLIC:

Homeowner, Mr. Love asked, "Is there any way we can get rid of the HOA?"

Other homeowner informed Mr Love that a super majority vote would be necessary to do away with the HOA.

Fred commented, "Good luck. We can't even get enough homeownersd to vote on the CC&R revision! That doesn't take a super majority!"

Marilyn asked Mr. Love, "Why would somebody buy a home in an HOA development if they did not want a HOA? That is totally illogical!"

Bill Whittaker made a motion to have the Board direct Chuck Stewart, of Stewart Management & Investment, not to discuss anything with Jon Cheney regarding Cheney Ranch HOA business. Mr. Whittaker was informed by Fred Musser that the Board had already taken care of that. Mr. Whittaker continued on arguing that he wanted it voted on, by homeowners, to be put on the record. Fred again told Mr. Whittaker that the Board had already handled the situation. Mr. Whittaker refused to end the motion and began accusing Stewart Managment & Investment of not collecting $4000.00 in fines from a new home owner/builder who had taken too long to complete building their house according to the CC&Rs. Another homeowner, Dirk Dick, became upset with Mr. Whittaker's accusation regarding the placement of fines. There was more arguing; so Marilyn slammed the gavel, and told them to stop acting like high school boys!

Mr. Whittaker's motion was then put to a vote. There were 3 yes votes and over 40 no's. The motion was denied.

A homeowner, who has been living in Cheney Ranch since 1995, thanked the Board and Stewart Management for doing a really great job. Audience applauded.

ADJORNMENT:

Larry Lemons motion for adjournment, Joe Magnet, second.

Minutes to meeting November 8, 2007. [requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.]