Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Board Minutes October 1, 2012


Bridger Creek Subdivision Community Association
Board of Directors’ Meeting
Monday, October 1, 2012 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 at the Masonic Temple (14 S. Tracy Avenue).   
Board members:  Sharyn Anhalt, Tim Russell, Erik Steckmest, and Karin Jennings were present; Dorick Sauvageau was absent.
Members present:  Dave Andreassi (Chair, Design Review Committee), Adam Racow (Chair, Park & Trails Committee), Toni and Don Lucker and Joan Michlin. 

Approval of Minutes
Erik made a motion to approve the agenda for this meeting; which was approved unanimously without modification.  Erik made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 6 Board meeting; which unanimously approved.    

Design Review Committee
Committee Report – Dave indicated there is nothing new to report. 

Committee update on action items from August 6 meeting – P3, lot 24 plans remain pending.  Dave provided a punchlist of remaining information needed.  No design fees have yet been paid, so the review process has not been initiated.  

Additional items for Board discussion – Sharyn reported that the home on lot 17 in P2 recently sold and that she discussed the history of the existing fence with the new owners, specifically that it was not previously approved.  The new owner expressed willingness to work with modifying or removing the fence and understands that any changes would need to be brought to the Design Review Committee for review.   

Other Business – Following further discussion involving members, including comments from Don Lucker, Karin inquired whether Don would be willing to serve on the Design Review Committee since it has been without a full committee for some time.  Don agreed.  Karin made a motion to appoint Don Lucker to the Design Review Committee; which was approved unanimously.   

Park and Trail Committee
Committee Report – Adam provided an overview of the committee’s recent activities. The committee met on September 24 to review member responses to the solicitation that was mailed with the annual dues, including a previous meeting on the 19th with Joan Michlin to hear her specific proposals for Phase 1 improvements. 

The committee is in the process of exploring the feasibility of several potential projects, including improvements to the ‘Triangle’ park in Phase 1. The committee has sent a letter to ensure that all residents on Par Court are aware of the project currently being explored. The committee recommends putting a letter of intent in place between the Board and any landowner willing to grant an access easement across their property from Par Court to the park/trail.  Following further discussion, Karin made a motion for Adam (as Committee Chair) to open a dialogue to explore options with the unnamed owner.  Erik seconded.  The motion was unanimously approved.  Following Adam and Tim’s discussions with the owner a letter of intent will be drafted for review and approval by the Board and the owner contemplating grant of the easement.

Other comments received were in favor of connectivity between the subdivision phases.  Following approval from the City Forestry Department, the committee met last Sunday (9/30) and provided volunteer labor to clear brush to create access behind the guardrail in the right-of-way along McIllhattan Road, from Story Mill Road to the golf cart crossing below the Club House.

Although approved at the May membership meeting, and receiving additional supportive comments from the solicitation process, the committee suggests deferring the McIlhattan trail project until next year. The committee intends to explore construction of only the north half of this project (from the northern boundary of the subdivision to South St. Andrews), and plans to obtain costs to bring to the Board at a later time.

There were several comments requesting planting of a hedge as a buffer adjacent to the golf maintenance building on Boylan. The committee requests that the Board ask GCP if they would consider planting buffer landscaping (evergreen drought tolerant natural hedge) along Boylan Road. The committee feels it will increase property values of the neighborhood by buffering the maintenance operations as this is one of the major entrances to the subdivision. It would also have positive property value effect for GCP since they still own lots in Phase 1 along Birdie Drive.

There was a request from a resident in the Bridger Greens Condos that the Golf Course Partners fix the ditch that was created adjacent to the trail during past drainage work from the Links development.  It is a relatively small maintenance project. Adam inquired whether the Board wants to take it up with GCP or handle it as maintenance. From further discussion Dave Andreassi (involved in development of Links) agreed to donate dirt from the spoil piles on site. Sharyn made a motion that the Association cover the costs for the maintenance work to regrade and reseed this area, with Dave’s voluntary provision of dirt. Erik seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Adam will proceed with completing this work in the near term. 

Committee update on action items from August 6 meeting

            Sharyn provided an update on the sprinklers in the Phase 2 Augusta Park. There are at least two bad sprinkler heads which need repair and a few others likely need adjustments. Sharyn recommended that we wait until spring when the system is turned on again and defer this maintenance until next year. Sharyn will contact Grasschopper to winterize the system. 

            Karin provided an update on the Phase 3 City park boundary marker installation requested by the City. Markers were obtained from the City and installed the weekend of August 18 by the committee. Following installation there was a concern by an adjacent neighbor about the orientation of the markers; seconded during the meeting by Tim Russell. The committee plans to reorient the markers so the Park Boundary faces into the park in early spring when the ground is no longer frozen and soft enough to allow for reorientation. 

Additional items for Board discussion – Karin provided an overview of the letter received from the City July 26, 2012 in response to questions posed by the Park and Trail Committee in January regarding ownership of parklands and trails, easements, and responsibility for maintenance of the Phase 3 park (copy of letter was provided to Board members at the August meeting). Most is simply informational and clarifying questions that were raised. Items that were highlighted and discussed were the following:

The City confirmed that the park in Phase 3 (adjacent to the landfill property) was dedicated to the City and that the City is responsible for maintenance (with the caveat that maintenance will be limited to infrequent mowing and weed spraying). It was noted that “the City is amendable [amenable] to discussions regarding a maintenance agreement between the HOA and the City.” However, the City Parks Director is not aware of any maintenance agreements that have been put in place and is not encouraging doing so. Karin recommended that the Committee Chair communicate with the Parks Director in early spring regarding the HOA’s maintenance expectations and plans. The Board will work with the City to ensure that adequate maintenance is performed in this park in the future.

Karin also reviewed the City’s confirmation that there is nothing they are aware of preventing transfer of the remaining “common open space,” “private open space,” or “20’ common open space and public linear trail corridor easement” areas in Phase 1 and 2 from Golf Course Partners (GCP) to the Association. The areas labeled “private park” in Phases 1 and 2 were transferred in 2000, however the others have simply not yet been transferred. Karin made a motion that she work with Dorick to perfect the ownership transfer between GCP and the Association; seconded by Sharyn and unanimously approved. 

Executive Committee
Committee Report – The Executive Committee of the Board was formed during the August 12 Special Board Meeting. The purpose of the committee and members are outlined in the minutes from that meeting, which Sharyn reviewed. There is nothing new to report to the Board at this time regarding the demand letter received July 31, 2012.  

Entity Status of Association –Sharyn reported on communication received from the Association’s attorney, Eric Nord, regarding the legal entity status of our Association, which was discussed at the Executive Committee meeting. Our Association is currently organized as an “unincorporated association”, which was the form of organization chosen by the original membership. As an unincorporated association, the legal liability of the organization could extend to individual members, similar to that of a partnership. Incorporating our association would help protect individual members by limiting liability to the corporation. 

Our attorney recommends incorporating our Association to better protect individual members in the future. Since our covenants and bylaws do not give explicit power to the Board to change our organizational structure, he also recommended that the decision be put to a vote by the membership. Karin made a motion that Sharyn, as the designated contact of the Executive Committee, discuss with Eric Nord, our Association’s attorney what our options are and how best to proceed with informing the members. The motion was not seconded and died. Tim made a motion to have our entity status reviewed by a different attorney, separate from the one that was recommended by our insurance, to be paid directly from the Association. This motion was also not seconded and died. Karin made a motion that Sharyn, as the designated attorney contact of the Executive Committee, discuss with tEric Nord, our Association’s attorney, what our options are regarding entity status and how best to proceed with informing the members, and to then have those recommendations reviewed by a separate attorney which would be paid by the Association. Erik seconded the motion, which passed by majority with Tim abstaining. 

Finance/Treasurer Report
Sharyn, as bookkeeper, provided copies of the Budget to Actual for the current fiscal year (July 2012-June 2013) (as of October 1, 2012), and provided a summary overview for the BoardThe Balance Sheet was not provided, since that report is not up to date until all the dues payments received this month have been recorded and deposited. Tim requested a copy of the current Balance Sheet, which Sharyn said she would provide within two weeks.   

Update on Old Records from Previous Bookkeeper
Records have been requested from the previous bookkeeper’s storage for some time by several different members of the Board. Tim was able to finally, successfully connect with Jayne Keller and obtain the old records that were available. The records have been given to the bookkeeper, to be filed with the rest of the Association’s records.   

Discuss Communications (emails/phone calls) to Select Members from a Member in P1
Karin raised the issue that members of the Board were recently made aware of communications, both emails and phone calls from a member in Phase 1. Karin stated that these communications included misleading and incorrect information and accusations. The member, being present, countered such claim. Discussions ensued, eventually broke down, and the meeting was terminated at 8:30 pm. The remainder of the Agenda was not discussed.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Special Board Meeting, Sept 12 2012

Minutes from the Special Board Meeting held at Karin Jennings' house, 1075 Boylan Road, on September 12, 2012

The Special Meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 5:20 pm.

Attending were Sharyn Anhalt, Erik Steckmest, Dorick Savageau, and Karin Jennings; absent was Tim Russell.

Discussion was held regarding whether to form an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, as advised by the attorney currently representing the Board in the current potential legal issue.

Following discussion, Erik made the motion to form an Executive Committee of the Board as advised by the attorney currently representing the Board, consisting of Sharyn Anhalt, Dorick Savageau and Karin Jennings, for the purpose of handling the current potential legal issue; having the authority to do all things it deems necessary with respect to handling such issue, including the resolution thereof and, if necessary, litigation. The motion was passed unanimously.

The Executive Committee will report to the full Board as does any of the other committees.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Park & Trail Committee meeting notes

BCSCA Park and Trail Committee

Minutes from Project Prioritization Field Tours and Meeting

June 21, 2012


 

Members of Bridger Creek Subdivision:


 

The following list of concepts for subdivision improvements was generated at the meeting held on June 21, 2012 (7 attendants). Prior to the meeting two subdivision walking tours were held on June 18 (17 attendants) and 20th (14 attendants). The meeting and tours were open to all Association members. Announcements were provided via email.


 

Members attending the field tour June 18 were:
Susan Hunter, Erik & Dian Steckmest, Karin & Stuart Jennings, Sharyn Anhalt, George Durkin, Tom & Joyce Carne, Ron & Lynn Wabel, Linda Schell, Dan & Joyce McQueary, Tim Russell, Lesley Bredvik, Adam Racow.


 

Members attending the field tour June 20 were: Karin Jennings, Adam Racow, Rollie Rounds, Sharyn Anhalt, George Durkin, Tim Russell, Jim & Mary Alice Chandler, Paula Deigert, Barb Ping, Joyce & Tom Carne, Linda & Eric


 

Members attending the meeting June 21 were: Adam Racow, Karin Jennings, Tim Russell, Jim Chandler, Erik Steckmest, Tom & Joyce Carne.


 

The Park and Trail Committee welcomes submission of any additional concepts and members interested in joining the committee to help see their ideas through the process. For those who would like to add their name to the list or make suggestion and participate in the committee, please request so by email to the board at bridgercreekboard@gmail.com. Comments should be received prior to September 15, 2012.

IMPROVEMENT CONCEPTS IDENTIFIED:

  • Connectivity with and between subdivision phases
    • Board/subdivision-sponsored Social event (potluck)
    • Trails for pedestrian access among the phases
      • Story Mill Road from Phase 1 to Phase 3 trail (segmented)
        • Explore options for pedestrian bridge over Bridger Creek
          • Explore engineering and costs for construction of trail (depending on feasibility of bridge)
        • Discuss with landowner to connect sidewalk gap on Story Mill Road
        • Work with City to install pedestrian signs and striping across Story Mill Road at Boylan Road (to Legends Subdivision) (New information since meeting: City has signed and striped the north intersection of Boylan & Story Mill.)
      • McIlhattan Road
        • Augusta Drive north to Phase 3 trail (approved by membership at Annual Meeting)
          • Follow-up on status of preliminary engineering designs, obtain costs, explore construction in phases (i.e., St. Andrews to Phase 3 trail), present to Board
          • address pros/cons
        • Augusta Drive south to Story Mill Road/Phase 1
          • Clear brush for better pedestrian access within right-of-way behind guard railing
  • Phase 1 Triangle Park
    • Explore access easement to park from Par Court (the following concepts depend on whether access easement may be available)
      • Re-grade park surface
      • Explore possibilities/costs to extend and bury culvert within park boundaries
      • Screen park from neighboring commercial properties
  • Subdivision Signage
    • Community effort to rebrand our subdivision – new logo
    • Install uniform entrance signs for connectivity among the subdivision phases
      • Street entrances: Augusta Drive, St. Andrews (x2), Boylan Road (x2), Birdie Drive, and Caddie Court
    • Install uniform signs designating parks and usage category (i.e., private/subdivision vs. public/City); designate names for the parks (and trails?)
  • Maintenance (other than already planned and budgeted on-going maintenance)
    • Subdivision-wide boulevard trees (covenant-related and to be dealt with by the board)
      • education campaign to remind/request for replacement of missing/dead or initial planting of trees
      • pruning responsibilities
    • Common Open Space (drainage easements) between lots on Augusta Drive
      • Need to follow up on ownership transfer from Golf Course Partners
  • Phase 2 Park (off Augusta)
    • Install bench(es) and/or picnic table(s)
  • Phase 1 Park (west end of Boylan)
    • Construct Pavilion (e.g., Creekwood Subdivision)
    • Tot lot – need to conduct survey for demographics and need. (New info since last meeting: There is a city park in the Legends Subdivision (east side of Story Mill on Boylan) that had playground equipment installed in July. It is a City park and is open to the public.)
  • Phase 3 Park (City park)
    • Install bench(es) and/or picnic table(s)
    • Install limited plantings near benches/picnic tables
    • Expand trail to create a loop within this park
  • Phase 2 Trail Easement

Survey easement boundaries and explore construction of trail to access the river

Board Meeting Monday Aug 13 2012


Bridger Creek Subdivision Community Association
Board of Directors' Meeting
Monday, August 13, 2012


The meeting was called to order at 6:30 at the Masonic Temple (14 S. Tracy Avenue).


Board members: Sharyn Anhalt, Tim Russell, Erik Steckmest, and Karin Jennings were present; Dorick Sauvageau was absent.
Members present: Dave Andreassi (Chair, Design Review Committee), Paul Gianas, June Russell, Bill Beebe, Jarek Bukowski, Joyce & Dan McQueary, and George Durkin.


Approval of Minutes
Sharyn made a motion to approve the Agenda for this meeting; Tim seconded. Agenda was approved without modification. Sharyn made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 19, 2012 Special Board meeting; Erik seconded. Tim requested modification to the first sentence of the first paragraph. Karin made a motion to approve the amended minutes; Sharyn seconded; which unanimously approved. The revised minutes, as approved, will be posted to the web site.


Sharyn noted that there will be no fee for the meeting room tonight since the Masonic Lodge had to cancel our use last Monday on short notice due to floor maintenance.


Design Review Committee

Golf Ball Netting, Phase I, Lot 25
Member, Jarek Burkowski, presented his request to erect netting in his back yard to protect against errant golf balls. Details were discussed, such as materials, height, placement, and removal during months when the golf course is not operating. Dave agreed to review existing netting on other properties for consistency, since the design regulations for the subdivision do not provide direction. Jarek agreed to locate his property pins.
Sharyn made a motion to approve the plan as presented, provided a) it is installed at least 1 foot inside the property line (with identification of property pins), and b) that the height does not exceed 15 feet( pending Dave's review of other existing netting) and that the netting be removed from the posts during the winter months. The motion was seconded by Tim, and passed unanimously.
Landscaping, Phase 2, Lot 17
Sharyn provided a summary of the discussions with the Member regarding landscaping of the property. It was brought to the attention of the Board at the June 4 meeting that the lot was staked and landscaping was in process. On June 5, Sharyn, Karin and Tim met on-site and reviewed the landscaping plans with the owner. The plans included a landscaping structure on one property corner and a privacy screen, neither considered continuous fencing. The plans were approved during the site visit.
Fence, Phase 3, Lot 31
In response to the question raised by Dorick during the June 4 Board meeting, Dave summarized the history of his review of the landscaping and fencing plans submitted during the summer 2011. Dave confirmed that following discussions with the owner, at least one neighbor, and review of other fences present in the subdivision, including the fact that this property is not contiguous with the golf course, that this fence was approved.
Statute of Limitations on Approvals
Sharyn inquired of Dave whether there is a time limit for approved plans? Dave is not aware of any time limit. Sharyn was contacted by the owner of a lot in Phase 3 that had plans approved 3-4 years ago, but then never built at that time. The owner indicated to Sharyn that there were no changes to the plans that were approved, and Sharyn told the owner to proceed. It is now staked for construction. Dave will review the plans and monitor the construction for any modifications.
New Plans

    Dave received new plans for approval from the owners of Lot 24 in Phase 3, but they are missing information and not in compliance with the design covenants. Once he receives a complete set of plans, the DR Committee will meet for review. Since there are only two members of this committee, Dave asked for direction on who should be reviewing plans. Until such time as a third member can be appointed, Sharyn requested that Tim assist the committee with review of this project. Tim volunteered to serve as the permanent third member of this committee, and Sharyn suggested that it would be appropriate to appoint a non-member of the board. Tim questioned why Dorick, a board member was on the committee, and Sharyn explained that his position on that committee is per the covenants. Tim agreed to review just this project with the committee.


As a reminder to the Membership, per the covenants, all exterior changes to structures or landscaping must be approved by the Design Review Committee or the Board of Directors


Park and Trail Committee

Maintenance Updates
Karin provided the committee report in Adam's absence. The maintenance work to replace two park boulevard trees on Boylan Road, trim shrubs/planting beds in park on Augusta Drive, and to lightly regrade the trail in the Phase 3 park have been completed. In response to a request from the committee, the City has signed and striped a cross-walk at the north intersection of Boylan and Story Mill Road that ties to the trail in Legends Subdivision to the east of Story Mill Road. The City declined striping the south intersection of Boylan and Story Mill Road.
The sprinkler controller for the Phase 2 park has not been operating consistently, likely due to a power failure. Adam is working to reset and readjust the controller.
The City Parks Department has not yet sprayed the Phase 3 park, but plans to do so in early fall, which is a good time for thistle and leafy spurge since they translocate energy (and therefore herbicide) to their roots.
Minutes from Field Trips and Prioritization Meetings
Adam requested that the minutes from the Field Trips and Prioritization Meetings held in June be mailed to the Membership with their annual dues notices, along with a request for additional input and/or comments, with a deadline. Board discussion ensued regarding this request. Tim requested the priority designations be removed so members who didn't participate wouldn't be confused that they are Board priorities. Additionally, Tim requested that the names of members attending the field trips and meeting be included in the minutes. Mention was made of the letter the Board received from Joan Michlin regarding her suggestions for Phase 1 park improvements, including the Triangle Park. Many homeowners in Phase 1 reported receiving Joan's letter to the Board by mail. Sharyn made a motion to simply include a general request for input with the Annual Assessments, and to revise the minutes to add participants, remove the prioritization, and simply post the minutes to the web site. Karin seconded; motion was passed unanimously.
Clarification from City
Sharyn provided the Board with copies of a letter received from the City July 26, 2012 in response to questions from the Park and Trail Committee that were raised in January regarding ownership of parklands and trails, easements, and responsibility for maintenance of the Phase 3 park. No action was taken at this time, and it will be reviewed at the October Board meeting.


Finance/Treasurer Report
Sharyn, as bookkeeper, provided copies of 1) the Balance Sheet (as of June 30, 2012), 2) Budget to Actual for the current fiscal year (July 2012-June 2013), and Budget to Actual for the past fiscal year (July 2011-June 2012), and provided a summary overview for the Board. Discussion ensued. Tim inquired about the process currently being undertaken with mail and check writing. Sharyn informed him there is a separation between her serving as bookkeeper and Board member, as Erik (Treasurer) picks up the mail, and is therefore aware of incoming bills, and Erik and Karin have signing authority. A second board member always reviews bills for accuracy and authorizes their payment by signing the check.


Board Meeting Schedule

Karin inquired of the possibility to change the Board meeting schedule to every month instead of every other month. Discussion ensued regarding the ability to hold a special board meeting as needed, providing more flexibility. We may not be able to cancel a meeting if scheduled. Karin retracted the issue. Meetings remain as originally scheduled during the June Board meeting (first Monday of October, November, January, March and April).


Proposal to Post Subdivision Documents to the Web Site, with Link for Download Access
Sharyn informed the Board that she was able to get electronic versions of the Bridger Creek Subdivision Covenants and Restrictions, Bylaws, Design Regulations, as Amended December 10, 1996, April 10, 1997 and May 5, 2008, as well as the final plat maps, electronically from the County Clerk and Recorder's Office. These are the same documents that the Title Companies are supposed to supply to every owner during property transfer. Sharyn requested approval from the Board to post these documents electronically, as a link from the web site, so people could have easy access. Sharyn informed that we no longer have any hard copy versions of the Covenants/Bylaws books available for purchase by members. The Board approved posting a link to the documents on the web site.


Finance/Treasurer Report - Revisted

    Tim requested that the Board return to the Finance/Treasurer report item in the agenda. He stated that he would like the full Balance Sheet, as well as Budget to Actual information mailed with the Annual Assessment notices. Sharyn and Erik countered with concerns about increased costs for mailing with additional pages, as well as time for stuffing the envelopes. Instead Sharyn suggested adding a note to the additional page regarding parks and trails that will already be included with the mailing. BCSCA financial statements are always available upon request to the members. Tim made a motion to send the full reports with the Annual Assessments. There was no second and the motion died on the floor.


Insurance
Sharyn reported that the annual premiums are due in September for both the General Liability and Directors and Officers insurance. The General Liability policy cost has increased, and she requested our agent, First West, to review the policy and obtain new quotes. They were not able to find any lower rates with the same coverage.


New Business

No new business was raised.


Executive Session

Sharyn informed the members present that the Board needed to go into Executive Session in order to discuss a demand letter received from an attorney representing Bill Beebe. Because of the board's fiduciary requirement for confidentiality, the members present were asked to leave. Bill Beebe objected to being asked to leave the meeting and cited Montana state law and the provision in our Bylaws that provides for Board Meetings to be open to the membership. Sharyn explained that the Board did hold an open meeting, but under the law has a fiduciary requirement to maintain confidentiality regarding this subject.


The open meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 pm, and the Executive Session was called to order. The agenda for the Executive Session was discussion of legal concerns regarding Mr. Beebe's demand letter and fiduciary responsibility of Directors.


The Executive Session was adjourned at 9:20 pm.


The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Monday, October 1 at 6:30 pm at the Masonic Temple (14 S. Tracy Avenue).

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Minutes of Special Board Meeting 7-19-12


Bridger Creek Subdivision Community Association
Special Meeting of the Board of Directors
Thursday, July 19, 2012


The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm at the Bozeman Public Library large meeting room.


Board Members present: Sharyn Anhalt, Tim Russell, Erik Steckmest, Karin Jennings, and Dorick Sauvageau.
Members present: George Durkin, Bill Beebe and Kay Beebe.


Establishing Policy and Procedure for Requests for Records under the Bylaws

A request for inspection and copying of all BCSCA financial records was received by Sharyn, as President and Bookkeeper, from Tim and June Russell on July 9 via Registered Mail.  The BCSCA Bylaws, Article IX on page 29 states: "The books, records, and papers of the Association shall, at all times during reasonable business hours, be subject to inspection by any member". The Russell's request demanded that the BCSCA bookkeeper provide inspection and copies within 5 business days under Montana state law. Sharyn, as BCSCA bookkeeper did not feel she had the authority to release the records without direction from the Board.


Sharyn, as President, presented a draft policy for Board review based on our Bylaws, state law and similar record request policies from other homeowner's associations. She presented an overview of the draft policy. The Board was allowed time to review the draft. Discussion ensued. Tim inquired about his specific request for records and how the policy would apply and whether he would need to re-request records. Discussion was redirected back to the current agenda item. Dorick made a motion to accept the policy as drafted; Karin seconded. There was no discussion of the motion. The motion was passed with four votes in favor and Tim opposed. The policy, entitled "Board Policy Regarding Inspection of Records as Provided in Bylaws Article IX" has been adopted. The Board directed the bookkeeper to post the policy to the web site.


Tim was unclear on how adoption of this policy relates to the Association's Covenants and Bylaws. Sharyn explained that the Covenants allow for the Board to establish rules and procedures, and that this policy was now the guideline for the Board and Members to operate with regard to any request to inspect records. The policy stays in effect until this Board, or a future Board, amends or repeals the policy.


Consideration of Whether or Not to Account for Expenses by Phase

This agenda item also relates to Tim and June's request for records to determine expenditures for each individual phase of our subdivision. Sharyn opened the discussion by reminding the Board that the common areas managed by our Association are for the benefit of all members. The labels used to identify park and trail areas (phase 1, 2 etc) are just labels, not indications of benefit or ownership. Bill Beebe suggested that the association could implement proportional billing, even of liability/insurance costs. Sharyn replied that we are legally one subdivision according to the City and our Covenants and cannot legally allocate or bill for HOA dues separately by phase. Dorick asked Tim about his goal in reviewing the records and what his underlying purpose is in wanting to separate expenses per phase. Tim replied that his concerns surround the high level of monies that have been reserved for future improvements and the amount of maintenance costs that are being spent per phase. Karin reminded Tim that decisions have been made historically by previous Boards about improvements of the various parks and trails that now require the Association to provide certain levels of maintenance in different areas. Additionally, as Tim is aware due to his high level of participation, discussions on additional improvements throughout the subdivision are in process through the Park and Trail Committee.


Sharyn, as bookkeeper, informed the Board that the mowing of the Phase 2 park is the least expensive per mowing of all park areas since it is a smooth surface compared with the parks in Phase 1 or 3. Sharyn also pointed out that the Association is not in possession of all early financial records; the previous bookkeeper did not transfer all the historical records, although multiple requests have been made, so we do not have detailed historical bills available. The Association does have a complete record, though, in the computerized general ledger. This record does not provide the detail needed to allocate expenses by phase. Also, bills are generally not broken down by phase, so that information is unlikely to be available even through thorough inspection of all records.


Tim again complained that currently there is simply too much money set aside for parks and trails. Karin retorted with a reminder that projects are expensive and will often cost more than the roughly $5,000 set aside through the budget, approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting each year; and that no improvement projects of note have been accomplished for years due to one Boards' complete depletion of all association funds (taking years to rebuild); and more recent Boards' inability to approve and implement any projects. Bill Beebe commented that there are ways to break down all costs (insurance, maintenance, bookkeeping, etc.) by phase, and restated his desire to see proportionate billing.


Sharyn made a motion that there would be "no retroactive accounting by Phase, but that moving forward expenditures could be provided by Phase to the Board for decision making purposes, and that financial statements would remain reflective of the subdivision as a whole"; Dorick seconded the motion. Discussion was opened.


Bill Beebe stated the Board was making a big mistake. Karin inquired what purpose such an exercise provides to the Board since the primary (if not only) expenses/expenditures that can be separated by phase are related to parks and trails. These park and trail expenses can easily be reviewed by the Board without going through the exercise of separating these costs by phase. Tim questioned why the Board did not review and approve all maintenance contracts. Sharyn commented that previous Boards have tasked the Park and Trail Committee Chair with contracting for the annual maintenance, including obtaining bids for services on an annual or semi-annual basis, and have not required micromanagement. The contracts are within or below the amount approved in the budget. As a volunteer Board with volunteer committees, it's important to maintain efficiency. Each year, this information is available to the Board.


Following discussion Sharyn amended her motion to remove the statement "but that moving forward expenditures could be provided by phase to the Board for decision making purposes". The amended motion stated that there would be "no retroactive accounting by Phase and that financial statements would remain reflective of the subdivision as a whole"; the amended motion was seconded by Dorick. There was no further discussion on the amended motion. The amended motion was passed with four votes in favor and Tim opposed.


New Business

To follow up with Tim regarding his request for records, the Board confirmed that his current request does not comply with the enacted Policy, and that he and June would need to resubmit a request per the Policy. Specifically, his original request did not identify the records they wished to inspect and copy, since it stated merely "all records". They must also provide a purpose for seeking the records and show why the records are connected to that purpose.


Tim also questioned the Board on why he could not personally make copies of the records, since he did not want to pay the Association for the cost of copying. Sharyn replied that the originals could not be released to anyone for photocopying.


In order to keep all Board members informed of current and historical information, the Board agreed that the following information be emailed to each Board member. Karin will provide (by email) a copy of the presentation that Stuart Jennings, previous Chair of the Park and Trail Committee, prepared and presented at the 2011 (and 2010) annual meeting. This presentation provides historic improvement expenditures by year and by location. Additionally, Sharyn will provide (by email) a copy of the general ledger (going back 2 years) which lists all association expenditures. Sharyn will also provide (by email) a copy of the contract with Grass Chopper for maintenance for the current year.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.


The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Monday, August 6 at 6:30 pm at the Masonic Temple (14 S. Tracy Avenue).

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Board Meeting Minutes June 4, 2012

Bridger Creek Subdivision Community Association

Board of Directors' Meeting

Monday, June 4, 2012


 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 at the Masonic Temple (14 S. Tracy Avenue).


 

Present: Sharyn Anhalt, Tim Russell, Erik Steckmest, Karin Jennings, and Dorick Sauvageau.

Also attending: Adam Racow (Chair, Park & Trail Committee), Meredith Tate, and Linda Cox.


 

Approval of Minutes

Erik made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2012 Board meeting; Dorick seconded. There being no discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved as presented.


 

Design Review Committee

Sharyn pointed out that the Covenants require three members on this committee and there are currently only two members, Dorick Sauvageau and David Andreassi. The possibility or need for adding a third member was discussed and agreed to be put on hold, with the request that any unusual or atypical issues that may arise be brought to the full Board for discussion and decision.


 

Dorick raised the issue of an unapproved rail fence that was erected on lot 31 in Phase 3. The homeowners submitted a landscape plan to the Committee, which was approved, but then erected a fence in addition to the approved landscaping. David Andreassi discussed the issue with the lot owner, without compliance. Sharyn will draft a letter from the Board to the lot 31 owner requesting that they comply with the application and approval process for the fence. Also, Dorick noted that the boundary of lot 17 in Phase 2 has been recently staked, possibly for a fence or landscaping. D/R Committee has not contacted that owner. Sharyn will contact the owner of lot 17 to inform them of the D/R process.


 

Tim raised the issue of absent boulevard trees. Erik volunteered to follow up with identification of which lots are missing trees and will contact those owners.


 

Finance/Treasurer Report

Sharyn, as bookkeeper, reviewed the status of delinquent assessment payments. There are several lots that are >2 years past due. Current Board policy with delinquent assessments is to assess a finance charge of 12% per annum when any balance is >90 days past due. Discussion ensued regarding filing liens with the County Clerk and Recorder. Meredith made a motion to file a lien against any property if assessments are > 2 years past due. The motion was seconded by Karin. It was discussed that standard lien forms are available at Phillips Bookstore or Staples and there were questions about the amount of the filing fee. The motion was withdrawn. Sharyn mentioned that there is one property with assessments > 3 years past due. It was discussed that we could better understand the process after the first lien is filed. Dorick made a motion to file a lien on against the property having assessments > 3 years past due. It was seconded by Erik. The motion passed unanimously and the bookkeeper was instructed to file the lien.


 

Erik provided a review of the current (as of June 4, 2012) Balance Sheet and Budget to Actual for the current fiscal year (July 2011-June 2012). As of June 4th, the bank account has a balance of $33,536.06 and we are awaiting the May billing from Grass Choppers for lawn maintenance. $19,000.00 of the bank balance has been reserved for future improvements by the Board. The current Budget vs Actual income and expenses indicate $9,783.64 under budget for operations; of this, $5,000 was budgeted for improvements. Maintenance ran under budget due to a low snow year, requiring less snow removal.


 

Because the membership approved the budget and $75 annual assessment for 2012-2013 at the Annual Membership Meeting in May, Sharyn mentioned that the Board should formally adopt the same for the upcoming 2012-2013 fiscal year. Dues assessments will be mailed in July. Dorick made a motion to approve the $75 annual assessment and budget for 2012-2013 that was presented and approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting. Erik seconded. Discussion followed, with Tim asking for clarification on the balance sheet. The motion was approved with 4 ayes and Tim abstaining.


 

Next on the agenda was the Improvement Reserve. Karin made a motion to move $5000 of unspent budget in the Balance Sheet for the current fiscal year (2011-2012) into the Subdivision Improvements reserve for 2012-2013. It was seconded by Dorick. Discussion followed with Tim questioning the need for additional money in this fund. Karin reminded the Board that setting aside $5000 for improvements is consistent with the intention for raising the minimum annual assessment to $75, approved by the membership in 2002. At that time, the membership intended that $25 per year per lot be allocated to current and future improvements. She also mentioned that the reason the fund is currently so large is that the recent Directors have chosen not to act on any projects brought from the Park and Trails Committee. Dorick clarified that the Board has the ability to move funds out of the Subdivision Improvements reserve if needed for another purpose. The motion was approved with 4 ayes and Tim opposed.


 

Annual Meeting Review

Meredith stated that her main interest in attending this meeting tonight is that she was surprised by the continued tone of the dialogue at the annual meeting and is concerned about the relationship between Golf Course Partners and the homeowner's association. She knows the partners and worked with them as the initial realtor for the development. She feels they are good people.


 

Sharyn had contacted Jack Schunke after the annual meeting to schedule a meeting between the BCSCA Board and GCP. Jack informed Sharyn that Dorick was now chairman of the board. Dorick was asked to arrange a meeting, but stated that the GCP board was unwilling to meet with the BCSCA Board to discuss cross country skiing, the McIlhattan Trail project, or the Phase 2 trail easement. He stated that there is nothing to discuss. GCP is opposed to the McIlhattan Trail project and realizes they cannot stop it from being built, but will terminate public use of the course for skiing if the trail is pursued. There is also nothing to discuss regarding the trail easement along the north boundary of Phase 2. That has been granted and GCP will not discuss or negotiate any alternate locations for this easement.


 

Sharyn noted that even though the McIlhattan Trail Project was approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting in May, the Park and Trail Committee will need to consider the pros and cons of pursuing the project and obtain bids for costs before bringing it to the Board for approval to allocate funds from the Improvement Reserve.


 

The Board received an email from Bill Beebe with comments regarding the annual meeting. Mr Beebe asked that the minutes be corrected to reflect his request for information of Covenant requirements related to Park and Trail expenditures. Mr. Beebe also suggested that the McIlhattan Trail vote did not comply with the Covenants. He advised the Board that he may pursue legal action. Sharyn will draft a Board response, including the Covenant information requested and the Bylaws requirements for voting at the Annual Meeting; the draft response will be circulated for Board approval before sending to Mr. Beebe.


 

The Board also received an email from Dane Gamble, Head Greenkeeper at the Bridger Creek Golf Course, with a request to distribute a reminder to homeowners about not entering the golf course and weed control issues. After discussion, it was agreed that the information might be better received by the homeowners if it included additional explanation, along with contact information if homeowners have problems with golfers. The Board agreed that it was in our best interest to foster positive communications between the homeowners and the golf course operators. Sharyn will contact Dane to request some edits and to add golf course contact information to his requested reminder information before forwarding it to the membership.


 

Park and Trail Committee

Adam provided a brief update on recent Park and Trail Committee activities. He and Karin met with Thom White, City Parks Department, to touch base on maintenance and weed issues in the Phase 3 park, which is owned by the City. The City recognizes that they are responsible for maintaining this park, but their classification as a "passive park" and a lack of resources would have it maintained to a lower standard than expected by the adjacent homeowners. Thom agreed to put the Phase 3 park on their weed spraying schedule for the rest of the year, but requested that since the association had already contracted with the Grass Chopper for spraying that we continue to have Grass Chopper spray the first time, if not already done. Any remaining spraying by Grass Chopper for the association has been cancelled. The association will continue to contract with Grass Chopper to mow the park and trail edges, so that it meets the higher standards of the association. The City's mowing would be quite infrequent. The City will also look into the availability of and provide park boundary markers, as there are only a few currently remaining.


 

Adam informed the Board that the committee plans to organize a couple of field trips followed by a project prioritization meeting. Specific information will be forwarded to the membership by email soon. Field trips will be held June 18 and 20, with the prioritization meeting on June 21st. The intent of these gatherings is to get greater membership input into park and trail improvement or maintenance projects. There was a similar attempt to increase participation and ideas in December 2011 at a meeting at the Library which was attended by approximately 20 people.


 

New Business

Dorick informed us that he received a call from an owner that backs onto the vacant commercial lots adjacent to Birdie Drive, with a complaint about gopher (Richardson's ground squirrel) problems. He is looking into what can be done, and has contacted the golf course and others for input and to determine the best options.


 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.


 

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Monday, August 6 at 6:30 pm at the Masonic Temple.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Bridger Creek Park & Trail Field Tours

Bridger Creek Subdivision Community Association – Park and Trail Committee


 

The Park and Trail Committee invites you to Field Tours and a Project Prioritization Meeting

June 18, 20 and 21


 

Field Tour #1 - Phase 1 Parks and Trails

Date: June 18, 2012

Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Meet at: 1075 Boylan Road

Objective: View Homeowner Park and Trail Assets, discuss maintenance and improvements

If you are unable to meet at 6, please feel free to join in the tour while in progress.


 

Walking tour will leave from 1075 Boylan Road, heading east on Boylan, then right (south) on Story Mill Road. We will turn right (west) onto the Phase 1 Trail (between the Ice House and Bridger Blacksmith). The tour will pass by and discuss the Phase 1 Triangle Park, then continue on the trail, crossing Birdie Drive, to the Phase 1 Main Park. The tour will continue around Boylan Road to the north/east, to Story Mill Road. We will turn left (north) to briefly explore trail connections near the bridge on Story Mill Road (crossing Bridger Creek), then head back (south) on Story Mill Road to 1075 Boylan Road.


 

Field Tour #2 – Phase 2 and 3 Parks and Trails and Potential Future Trail Connections

Date: June 20, 2012

Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Meet at: Intersection of McIlhattan and Augusta Roads

Objective: View Homeowner Park and Trail Assets, discuss maintenance and improvements with emphasis on pedestrian connections

If you are unable to meet at 6, please feel free to join in the tour while in progress. Due to the nature of walking along roads with traffic, children are not advised for this tour.


 

Walking tour will leave from the intersection of McIlhattan and Augusta Roads heading left (north) along McIlhattan Road, exploring the pending/potential McIlhattan trail corridor. At the north boundary of the subdivision (where the road turns to gravel) we will look left (west) to discuss (but not walk) the potential for trail access to the East Gallatin River via the trail easement located along the northern boundary of Phase 2 as delineated on the Final Plat. The tour will then continue to the east to walk the length of the Phase 3 Trail within the Phase 3 Park (between McIlhattan and Story Mill Roads). We will then turn right (south), walking along Story Mill Road, to discuss a potential trail connection along Story Mill Road to the intersection with McIlhattan Road. We'll briefly explore trail connections near the bridge on Story Mill Road (crossing Bridger Creek), then head back (west) along McIlhattan to the intersection with Augusta while exploring possible trail corridors along McIlhattan Road.


 

Project Prioritization Meeting

Date: June 21, 2012

Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Meet at: Phase 2 Park off of Augusta Road

Alternate location (in case of poor weather): Racow garage (3113 Augusta Drive)

Objective: View Homeowner Park and discuss park/trail project prioritization (2012 and beyond)

Bring: something to sit on (chairs, blankets), your ideas, your willingness to help follow through with turning your ideas into reality.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of participation in the Field Tours.


 

Please contact Adam Racow (aracow@gmail.com) or Karin Jennings (karin.jennings@gmail.com) with any questions. Please let us know if you are interested in participating in the field tours but simply cannot make those dates/times, as we may be able to arrange an alternate tour(s).