Board Discusses Enforcement Of Neighborhood Rentals Amendment

Now that the neighborhood has passed an amendment [link is to PDF] that places restrictions on rentals the board is looking at how to enforce it. That and other neighborhood news is in the August minutes. 

Secret Woods Homeowners Association Board Meeting – Monday, August 7, 2023 Time: 6:30

1. Certify Quorum: Rebecca, Laurie, Skip, Rick, and Cassandra
2. Call to Order: 6:31 p.m.
3. Approval of Previous Minutes: approved
4. Financials
   1. Report: Financial report approved. Lot 108 has sold and the $800 initiation fee will be collected. Discussion about granting the whole board access to the JEA online account, so everyone can see the bar graph for comparison.

5. Old Business:
   1. Amendment: How do we regulate this now? Suggestion to send a letter to new homeowners and renters to make them aware of the new amendment. Discussion about referring people back to the Covenants and Restrictions via the website. The board needs a copy of lease agreements from owners per the new amendment.
   2. HOA Grove: Bill Bortzfield can update our current website to allow payment options and other features. A demo will be set up with HOA Grove to view their website options and the board will decide if a change should be pursued.
   3. T Mobile Cell Tower: Sandy/Skip. Susie Cooney has contacted Crown Castle multiple times. She never received a return phone call. She was able to get through to someone on 8/4. The company has had massive layoffs and suggested contacting our local representative Kevin Carrico to see about repairing the tower. Susie will update the board. Thanks for working on this, Susie!
   4. Landscaping Back Entrance: Tabled until Fall
   5. Tree Trimming at Mailboxes: Skip called the city twice, and they said it is JEA’s responsibility. Skip has had no response from JEA tree trimming. He will follow up.
   6. Violations: Discussion of results from legal consultation. August 1, several board members were on a Zoom call with an HOA attorney. Discussed HB 437, its impact on our Covenants and Restrictions, and possibly hiring this firm to represent our neighborhood. The firm does not require a retainer; however, the board would have to sign an agreement. The board will sign the agreement with Hans Wohl, the HOA attorney. Letter writing by the attorney on behalf of the neighborhood costs $180. Also, discussed ways to handle the C & Rs not being followed. HB 437 states an item that cannot be seen from the front of the house or the side of the house (from a neighbor’s adjacent parcel) may be kept in the backyard of the homeowner. Further discussion about boats and the time frame given to homeowners to correct violations. Laurie will send two violation letters via certified mail.
   7. Bob’s Backflow: The backflow needs to be replaced because it is not to code. Up to $650 approved to replace.

6. New Business:

1. Neighborhood Yard Sale: Fall? Discussion of possibly having a food truck/KONA ice. Rebecca to check on dates KONA ice is available.
2. Templates: Laurie sent templates to see if the board is able to use them. There are letterheads, violation letters, etc.
3. Meeting Dates: moved to second Mondays
4. Pool: Repair tile and replace DE separator-waiting on estimates. The two cracked tiles at the pool will be replaced. $300 was approved for the tile repair.
5. Recording Board Meetings: tabled until September.
6. Webmaster Neighbor Requests: Anything new?

7. Miscellaneous and Lot Concerns
8. Violations: Discussion of neighbors storing a work vehicle in another location.
9. Architectural Review Committee:
10. Items from Board Members & Guests: A light at the pool has burned out. Dan cleaned it up. The voltage needs to be checked. Motion approved to spend up to $200 to repair the light. Jamie Montgomery will install.
11. Next Meeting

Date:              Monday, September 11, 2023 6:30 p.m.

Where:           ZOOM

9. Adjournment: 7:40 p.m.