Vista Grande Annual Meeting Minutes 2010
Vista Grande Condominium Owners Association
2010 Annual Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2010
The third annual meeting of the Vista Grande Condominium Owners Association was called to order on November 4, 2010 at 6:04 p.m. by Deanna Collins, Board Secretary. The check-in procedure showed that all homeowners were present or had submitted proxies. Those in attendance were Chuck and Cheryl Carson, Carol Hansen, Bill and Deanna Collins, Mike Reuter, Paul Mahlberg, and Doug Huwer. Tammy Beaver of The Property Manager was also present and showed Proof of Notice of the meeting.
Approval of the 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes.
Paul moved and Mike seconded that the minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting be approved. It was unanimously approved
Treasurer’s Report.
Paul reported that at the beginning of 2010, the HOA had $14,205 in the checking account. He estimated that we will have approximately $15,200 at year-end 2010. He reported the remaining major expenditure for 2010 will be for metal caps on the retaining wall above the garages, flashing on the roof beside the upper master bedroom porch, and drip extension.
Carol asked about the line item for attorney fees and it was explained that it is a contingency to pursue action against the general contractor, Gene Fisher, as a result of his failure to correct items that were committed to in writing. She also inquired about the line item for batteries which was $0 because it was agreed at the last annual meeting that each building would be responsible for changing their own smoke detector and front light batteries. Cheryl noted that we spent $600 on squirrel removal and it did little good. Other options were discussed to solve the problem with squirrels digging in the rocks between building. It was decided to investigate options such as ammonia, chicken wire, and poison. There was an objection to poison because of neighborhood pets.
Ratification of fiscal year 2011 budget.
Proposed brick and stucco repair were the first items of discussion on the 2011 budget. Paul asked how far we should go in fixing the problems. Mike moved and Chuck seconded that the 2011 budget be accepted. It passed unanimously.
Unfinished business.
- Brick repair. Chuck asked the status of replacing the bricks on building 26 front porch pillars that were knocked off last winter by snow removal. Deanna explained that deteriorating and broken bricks are an issue on all buildings and the Board has decided to repair them all at the same time. A major problem has been that the composite material used by the builder does not stand up to snow.
- Landscaping. Carol inquired if Columbine Landscaping was scheduled to do fall cleanup. Tammy reported they had been contacted and would be there in a week. During 2010, owners in buildings 28, 30 and 32 purchased and spread bark on their yards.
- Leakage in units. A lengthy discussion ensued on water leakage from ice dam buildup in all buildings. Chuck commented that we have to solve the problem. It has been determined that the ice dam buildup, at least in part, is due to improper attic ventilation. Bill and Paul had done research and concluded, based upon information from Holt Engineering and ME&E, that our soffit ventilation does not meet city code. It had been decided to increase the number of soffit vents to meet code which would allow more cold air into the attic during the winter. The need for electric or passive fans in the roof was also discussed. Other potential solutions such as Z mesh, heat tapes, and tarping the roof were also discussed. If electric roof fans are determined the best solution, it was concluded that the fan switch should be in an area that both building residents would have access and that each building would be responsible for turning it on and off. Bill recommended that each building have a thermometer with a remote sensor in the attic to monitor attic temperatures to determine if the vents and/or fans make a significant difference. Mike asked that we also check insulation in the attics to determine if more is needed. Because building 30 has had leakage in the master bathroom every winter since construction, it was recommended that the soffit vents and fan be installed in that building first. A concern was expressed that if the winter of 2010/11 does not have significant snow or cold temperatures, we won’t know if the installation is effective or not in preventing leaks. It was agreed that we should contact the City of Durango building inspector to verify that the attic ventilation does not meet code and, if not, to pursue legal action against the builder.
New Business.
- Snow removal. Cheryl noted that $12,000 had been spent in 2010 for snow removal. Paul commented that most was for having the roofs shoveled twice. Deanna commented that we need Board members in Durango to make the decision whether to shovel roofs or not and that it requires a majority of the Board to make an expenditure over $500. Tammy stated that we could have it done much cheaper if we hire someone else. Those present had no complaints about driveway snow removal by Action Enterprises last winter. The members were asked to choose a snow removal company for this coming winter between Action ($135/time) and Durango Handyman ($150/time). It was agreed that the decision would be left to the Board.
- Furnace filters and smoke detector batteries. Homeowners were reminded to regularly change the filters in their furnaces and replace their smoke detector batteries yearly.
- Snow removal from upper porches. Homeowners were reminded that the HOA covenants require that they are responsible for keeping their porches cleared of snow. Contractors also have recommended that snow is kept away from the stucco.
- Other business. Doug requested that the HOA approve a change to Common Property. He would like to place a row of rocks to keep water running downhill from washing away mulch. There were no objections.
Election of Board of Directors.
The covenants allow five members of the Board. Deanna’s term would expire this year leaving the potential for two Board members. Doug, Les, and Paul have two years remaining to serve. Deanna nominated Mike and Paul nominated Deanna. They were elected by written ballot.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Collins, Secretary
Vista Grande Condominium Owners Association