Held February 22, 2011
Attendance: 4 households and all Trustees attended
Contact Numbers
Trustee names and contact numbers are on our website:
http://our-rosedale.blogspot.com/
Website Up-Dates
You can receive a short e-mail notice when Rosedale’s blog is up-dated. See the website for information.
Financial Report
We must make payment for services when bills come due. Street lighting, insurance for common areas/ponds, and mowing/trimming of the common areas are the largest expenses we incur during a given year. Smaller expenses include office supplies, lien placements for non-payment of assessments, state annual report, mulch and plants, etc.
We were able to satisfy our debts the past two years due to strong efforts by our Trustees in 2009 and 2010 in creating additional funds by collecting several past due Assessment fees. Liens are placed, or being placed, on remaining lots delinquent in their assessment fees. Trustees have cut costs wherever possible such as lower cost insurance and cheaper grounds maintenance. We cannot continue to operate with a deficient budget.
Costs for utilities and services have increased steadily over the Associations sixteen years and continue to do so. Our Assessment fees have not changed to meet inflationary increases. Costs for street lighting and common grounds maintenance are definitely increasing in 2011. Other costs may also rise.
To ensure we can satisfy our future debts, we need to increase our current annual Assessment fees, and allow for additional increases in future years as cost rise due to inflation.
Note: In 2009 and 2010 our debts were greater than the annual amount collected if all residents paid in that year. These debts were able to be paid in full, and excess dollars available for 2010, due to the Recovery of owed fees.
Click on the picture for enlarged view
Summary of Indenture Amendment Proposals
I. Increase our annual fee amount: A one-time increase in annual fees of no more than $150.00. This assessment cap shall raise 5% annually to allow for an increase in fees in years deemed necessary to meet costs.
II. Special Assessment fees may be levied in any year to defray extraordinary expenses to the subdivision with a vote of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the lot owners at duly held meeting or by proxy.
III. The ability to assess late fees and interest for unpaid assessments.
IV. Allow Trustees in office to contract for services to the Association. Services such as lawn care and hiring an agency to collect assessment fees and pursue payment from those delinquent in their fees and any associated costs (late fees, interest, lien, legal etc). Hiring an agency would put more clout behind collections. It would also remove the burden of ill will in having neighbors pursue neighbors for payment of debts. Information has been obtained from City and Village, a subdivision management company, which represents over 125 subdivisions in Jefferson County, several other Missouri counties, the city of St. Louis, and in Illinois: http://cityandvillage.com/home.asp
Storm Water Detention Pond/Street Storm Water Drains
Our 3 ponds are are approaching their average life expectancy. In an effort to prolong their functional life and to delay the expense of dredging, everyone is asked to help keep leaves and other debris from entering our street storm water drains which empty directly into our water detention ponds.
Resident Involvement
Our property values are directly affected by the appearance of our subdivision. The Trustees ask that every Rosedale resident take an active involvement by policing litter, helping to keep the common grounds clean, helping to maintain the steet islands, and by looking-out for all of our neighbors.
New Residents/Foreclosures
5 New families moved into Rosedale in 2010. Two homes in Rosedale are in foreclosure and currently for sale.
Bus Stop Safety at Subdivision Entrance
Please see our website main page in regards to parking at the entry of Rosedale when waiting for school buses.
Rosedale Entrance Sign
Bids from $2100-$2300 have been obtained to bring electric and dusk-to-dawn lighting to our entry sign.
Annual Garage Sale
Meeting attendees were asked when they would like to have the subdivision-wide garage sale. Residents are needed to put-up signs and help advertise.
Discussion
-A Trustee presented the idea of changing the time of year assessment fees due might improve more timely payment. Discussion followed and this matter is not being pursued at this time.
-A resident suggested checking to see what amounts other similar subdivisions pay for annual assessments. The Trustees will gather information on this matter and it will be discussed further by the Trustees and members of the Home Owner’s Association.
-In regard to leaves and debris entering our street storm water drains a resident suggested we might look into placing wire mesh over the openings. This will be deferred to the City of Arnold for suggestions and regulation.
-A resident asked why we couldn’t let the city take over maintenance of the ponds. Another resident responded by saying the city has statutes that state if they had to intervene to maintain any part of subdivision such as the ponds, they would then place liens on each subdivision resident for payment of any incurred costs. The streetlights are required by statute as well as the ponds.
-A resident felt that allowing two-thirds (2/3) majority of those in attendance at a subdivision meeting to make a decision for every lot owner was taking away the rights of the lot owners. The amendment states proxy votes will be accepted for those unable to attend in person.
