April 2023 – Grand Lake HOA

April HOA Newsletter

Greetings, Grand Lake HOA Residents!

We hope this newsletter finds you well. We have some important updates and information to share with you regarding the happenings in our community. Please take a moment to read through the following articles for important updates and news.

Book Club: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Date: Apr 24 2023 Time: 7:00 pm

Join us for our next Book Club meeting! Bring a snack or drink to share if you wish!

“Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos. A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping story and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

Report Comparing HOAs in Our Area

Are you curious about how our HOA compares to other HOAs in our area? We have conducted a comprehensive cost-to-value report to provide insights into the financials and amenities offered by HOAs in our region. You can find the report here. It’s a great resource to help you understand the value and benefits of being a part of our community.

Proposed Amendments to the HOA CC&R

As a community, it’s important to review and update our governing documents periodically to ensure they align with the evolving needs of our residents. We have proposed some amendments to the HOA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) to address various concerns and improve the overall functioning of our community. You can review the proposed amendments and vote on them at this link: [https://www.grandlakehoa.com/2023-proposed-covenant-amendments/]. We encourage you to review the proposed changes and provide your feedback during the upcoming community meeting on April 17th to help shape the future of our community.

New Outbuilding Guidelines

We have recently updated our guidelines for outbuildings in our community to ensure safety, aesthetics, and compliance with local regulations. If you are planning to build or modify an outbuilding on your property, please review the new guidelines at this link: [https://www.grandlakehoa.com/outbuilding-guidelines/]. These guidelines will help you understand the requirements and process for obtaining approval from the HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before proceeding with your project.

Enhanced Camera System for Clubhouse and Pool Area

The safety and security of our residents and community amenities are of utmost importance to us. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to our camera system at the clubhouse and pool area to ensure enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

The new camera system comes with advanced features, including high-definition resolution, improved low light performance, and enhanced audio capabilities. This means that even in challenging lighting conditions, the cameras will capture clear and detailed video footage, allowing us to better identify and address any potential safety concerns or incidents.

This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improve our community’s safety measures and ensure that our amenities, including the clubhouse and pool area, remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. We believe that this enhanced camera system will serve as a valuable tool in deterring and preventing any potential security incidents, and in case of any untoward incidents, it will aid in identifying and addressing them promptly.

Pool Season Reminders

This year the Pool will open on Saturday May 13th. Samuel Hilson will be at the clubhouse most of the opening day to help provision key fobs and help any residents with key fob issues.

During pool season the board would like to remind all residents to be familiar with the pool rules and to treat each other kindly while at the pool.

Pool Hours are:

Sunday – Thursday – to 10 pm
Friday – Saturday – to 11 pm

Pool Rules

Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard on duty.
Keep gates closed and locked at all times. Do not prop open.
No running, horseplay, or foul language.
No Diving
No Smoking or Alcohol in the pool area.
Swim Diapers are required for infants and toddlers.
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
No pets are allowed in the pool area for any reason.
No glass containers or bottles are allowed on the pool deck.
All members are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Any items left at the pool may be discarded by the HOA.
Proper swimming attire is required at all times.
No more than 4 guests per member without prior approval from the pool committee. All guests must be accompanied by a Grand Lake Homeowner.
Additional Guidelines:
You must have your key fob to enter the pool.
If you are the last one to leave the pool, please make sure the gate is closed.
Observe all pool rules posted at the pool. We have no lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. There is a first aid kit in the women’s restroom, as well as a fire extinguisher.

Arc Compliance

As a reminder to the community, it is essential to submit a proper ARC Request for any Improvements or changes to your property. Adding a Fence to your property also requires an ARC request. Additionally, the community guidelines detail the allowed stain colors for fences. Residents can find the Fencing Guidelines listed on our Residents page. Residents can submit an ARC request through the AppFolio Portal provided by Elite Housing Management. Residents should also remember to read the Grand Lake covenants concerning street parking.
Residents can submit an ARC request through the AppFolio Portal provided by Elite Housing Management.

HOA Board Meeting

Our Neighborhood HOA board meets monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. These meetings are open to all homeowners who wish to attend.

To help make sure that all discussion topics are covered, the board asks if you are attending for a specific issue for discussion that you email communication@grandlakehoa.com with a brief description/explanation at least 24 hours before the board meeting so the agenda can be updated and the board can provide time for you to speak about any concerns or issues you are having.

2023 Board Members:

Teddy Schell (President)
Tim Horning (Vice President)
Ela Perry (Treasurer)
John Maginot (Secretary)
Sam Hilson (Communication)

April HOA Newsletter Read More »

HOA Cost-to-Value Report

Community / Communication

HOA Cost-to-Value Report

Report on Similar HOAs

Analysis & Findings

The board was able to gather data about similar HOAs to Grand Lakes through Elite. We did find that several HOAs had lower dues than us. Some have the same or lower dues but have more members resulting in a much higher operating budget. Raising our rates to $650 will have us closer to the higher range of dues on the list. However, we questioned Elite about the HOAs that had very low dues or operating budgets and they said that a significant difference for those HOAs is that they do not have debt that was turned over to them by their builders. Additionally, Hermitage HOA, which is the most similar to our community, will be raising their dues this year to $650 because they had to do a major renovation to their clubhouse and it used all their reserves and left them with 20,000 in debt.

Based on this report and that information the board still believes that moving forward with increasing our dues to cover our significant debt is the correct course of action.

HOA Cost-to-Value Report Read More »

Meeting Minutes – 20 March 2023

Minutes / Communication

Role Call

Board (all present)
- President: Schell (Virtual)
- VP: Hornung
- Treasurer: Perry
- Communications: Hilson
- Secretary: Maginot
Committee Members
- Social: Cobbs
Residents: None

Redstone Federal Credit Union Denying Deposits Due to Incorrect Recipient Name

 If any residents are making checks payable to “Elite Housing” instead of Grand Lake
HOA” the checks are being kicked back. All checks must be made payable to Grand
Lake HOA, not elite housing management.
 Either we can return checks to homeowners requesting they write the correct name, or
request homeowners enroll in autopay.
 Signature Cards: we need to update signature cards; this will require all signature card
holders to be present at the same time (3 people, president, treasurer and
representative from Elite)
 Discussing movement of HOA account to another location: Synovus on Whitesburg. Will
explore the possibility of changing accounts to Synovus bank.
 Closing this out, we need to assess the scope of this problem. How many people need
to switch the name they are writing checks out to; is it worth the effort to change the
entire financial institution for the HOA due to other effects, changing internet and utilities,
changing autopay/billpay for people who bank through Redstone FCU.
 Will revisit in next HOA meeting.

Discuss/Revise Outbuilding Guidelines and Adopt:

https://www.grandlakehoa.com/outbuilding-guidelines/
Will begin maintaining a clearer definition of outbuilding requirements for garden boxes,
cabinets, other storage solutions for public knowledge in the neighborhood.
Clause limiting the size and number of these storage solutions will need to be added.
The board approved the introduction of Outbuilding guidelines pending the improvement of the requirements and review by ARC.
Increase in guideline pages for other difficult to understand sections of the HOA
covenant ie: Fence construction.

Pool Opening Date: May 13, 2023

Bathroom to Pool Door Repair

Quote for replacing the door through “Access Control”
All would prefer to use another vendor, will request another service quote from Elite
Housing: seek contractor to replace door, Sam Hilson will likely re-install electronic lock system.

Discuss finding on other HOAs:

HOA Value to Cost
GL HOA dues aren’t unreasonable; the thing that sets our HOA aside is that we have significant debt to overcome.
Moving forward with the vote to raise annual fees to address budget shortfalls
Agreed to use proposed raise to $650/house/year
Discussion around revisions to CC&R and By-Laws
120 clause: change to requiring a ¾ vote to raise budget unless over 120% change in value
 In-Absentia vote: If you have been notified 30 days in advance but elect not to vote, the
board may vote in your stead.

Tree Removal

VP volunteered to conduct tree removal.

Financial Update

February
- Net Cash $-335
- Check: $16181.88
- Money Market: $33K

Resident Time as Needed: No residents in attendance
Committee Updates

Social
- Easter Egg Hunt April 8th Easter egg hunt 8APR, in search of donations to secure the event. Event will have two age groups, executed at the same time.

Any Additional Board Business

Camera Equipment has been ordered; Hilson plans to install.

Meeting Minutes – 20 March 2023 Read More »

2023 Proposed Covenant Amendments

Uncategorized / Communication

BALLOT

2023 Covenant Amendments

Please Login to Vote

You must have an approved account on this site to participate in an Association Vote. Please Login or Register below to cast your vote.

Voting Summary

In total 88 submission

Proposed Amendments to the Covenant

In order to for the HOA to continue to function the board has identified these amendments that we propose for the Association to adopt.

Proposal to Increase the current annual association fee

Whereas, the Board of Directors has determined that an increase in the annual assessment fee is necessary to cover the increased costs of operation, incurred debts, and replenishment of the emergency reserves;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the annual assessment fee for each Lot shall be increased from Five Hundred Dollars ($500) to Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($650) effective on June 1st and will be prorated for the current Fiscal year.
The Board of Directors shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the increase is implemented and that all members are notified of the new fee schedule in a timely manner.

Reason: The Board is currently not able to balance the budget to satisfy the Association's debts, cover the increased cost of operation, and meet the covenant requirement to place a portion of the Association's dues in reserve. If the Board is not able to increase the dues we will be unable to satisfy the debts without closing the pool and suspending the maintenance of common areas.

85 submissions

Amendment Proposed for Article IV: Assessments

The following language in Section 2 that defines the Annual Assessment amount will be removed:

Assessments shall be four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) per year if paid in annual installments; Two
hundred twenty five ($225.00), payable every six months if paid semi annually; and one hundred twelve
dollars and fifty cents ($112.50) payable every three months, if paid quarterly.

Section 3: Computation will be replaced by Section 3: Budget and Computation which will read as follows:

The Board of Directors shall present to the Association a proposed budget covering the estimated costs of operating the Association for the upcoming year, which shall allocate at least 10% of the annual assessment to a capital contribution or reserve. The annual Association fees shall be based on the proposed budget. The proposed budget shall be delivered to each member at least 30 days prior to the end of the current fiscal year. If the resulting fees do not exceed 120% of the previous year's fees, the proposed budget and the assessment shall become effective unless disapproved at the annual meeting by a Majority of the total Association vote. If the resulting fees exceed 120% of the previous year's fees, the proposed budget must be approved by a Majority vote of the Association instead. If the proposed budget is not approved, the Board of Directors shall continue to operate using the previously approved annual budget until a new budget is approved by the Association.

Reason: Having the dues amount in the covenant document requires a very stringent vote to make any adjustments to the dues. The proposed amendment will allow the amount of the association dues to be based on the budget that is presented to the community. This means the dues can go up or down depending on the financial needs of the association. This does not mean that the board can just set the dues to any amount, the dues have to be based on a public budget that is presented to the association for approval. The requirements for approving the budget are slightly more lenient and will allow the budget to be approved by Quorum. It also has a clause to limit increases in any year to 120% of the previous year's dues without a full 3/4 vote.

86 submissions

Amendment Proposed for Article III: Association Membership and Voting Rights

The following section will be added to Article III

Section 3. Voting in Absentia. Members shall be notified of any vote at least thirty (30) days prior to the closing of the vote. The Board of Directors shall announce the results of the vote publicly. Members who do not exercise their vote by the closing of the vote shall be deemed to have authorized the Board of Directors to cast their vote on their behalf. The Board of Directors shall exercise its discretion in the best interests of the Association, and its decision shall be final and binding on the member. The Board of Directors shall not be responsible for any failure by a member to receive notification of a vote.

Reason: The board has discussed what to do in the absence of participation from the Association. Recent votes have shown that a portion of the Association does not feel the need to perform the basic civic duties of making their voices heard on any vote. The current voting system is based on an assumed no vote. Meaning that any household that does not vote is counted as a no when the vote closes. However, we feel that this unduly punishes members who are actively participating in the work of the board to maintain our property value and that all members should have to express through a vote if they are against a proposal brought to the Association. This amendment will allow the board to choose to vote for any member who chooses to abstain from a vote on any proposal.

88 submissions

2023 Proposed Covenant Amendments Read More »