Dog Park "Baby Steps" & The POOL! The POOL!

I discussed the notion of an Edgehill Dog Park with the stormwater drainage/water quality expert at the Town of Cary.  From that department's perspective, converting the tennis courts to a dog park would not pose any problem of contamination due to nitrogen (since dog waste is still a fertilizer).  I and others had wondered about that.  They request, and we insist, that - first - dog owners pick up after themselves IF the park gets opened and we bolster that self-policing with a professional pet waste removal contract.

In fact, it's an infraction in Cary to refuse to clean up feces from your pet on public or private property!  I was researching the laws on dogs who bite and show aggression and stumbled on the ordinance over dog waste.  First violation earns you a $20 fine.  Subsequent violations earn you a $50 fine.  I'm noticing more than one dog walker who doesn't clean after their pets. 

THAT SAID.....sometimes your dog uses the bathroom a number of times exceeding the amount of baggies you're carrying in your pocket.  But, something like a dog park would require heavy-handed self policing.  Baggies would be supplied so there would be ZERO excuse.  But, that's the cart before the horse; we're not close to "dog park" status yet.

The nicer we make our amenities, the more people will use them.  The more people that use them - by sheer numbers - the more lazy folks will come along, too.  Sorry for being mean.

Regarding our proposed dog park, our email list is more active because it reaches people who want to know more depth in what we're working on, time lines, etc.  This blog is for the proposed park news "Tid Bits" but also other HOA and community information.  Email me if you want to join that list.  We're bouncing ideas and comments off each other as thoughts arise.

You're always welcome to email me or leave a comment.  I'll post it on the main page.

IF YOU'RE A RESIDENT WHO USES THE POOL......

We appreciate the folks who are taking ownership in the pool and are questioning squatters/freeloaders who, for some odd reason, think they're entitled to free access while you pay a monthly fee to keep the pool clean for them.

Upon reading the covenants that cover every Edgehill resident, any dues-payers has the authority to enforce community rules, such as pool trespassing.  YES, it IS trespassing.

I'm not hearing that the pool is so overwhelmed with people that dues-payers can't enjoy it, but folks have said they've spotted glass bottle violations, rude and even aggressive behavior by people who do not live in our community, yet enjoy loitering.  I'm a nice guy but have no tolerance for people like this.

A few board members are discussing possible proposals for handling this situation if it grows.....and even if it doesn't grow into a bigger problem. 

Our current pool key policy is effectively "broken" and it's being taken advantage by some residents who seemingly get a new pool every year to replace their "lost" one.  Our property manager, in replacing different residents' "lost keys," report hearing the same excuse over and over as reasons to replace a key.

To the residents:  I need some feedback on this pool stuff.  

A Lil More Dog Park Information

Cass of Springfork Drive writes:

I'm extremely in favor of converting the tennis courts to a dog park. It would be wonderful for me and my dog. A dog park would much more of benefit than tennis courts or even basketball courts. 
The wood mulch is a great ground covering. It seems to work well at the Town of Cary dog park. It would also be nice if an Edgehill park could have a bench for humans, a water fountain/bowl for dogs, and bag stand with trash can for waste pick-ups.

I hope we can make the dog park happen!

Edgehill Farm Master Association Board Member, Sue Kear, writes:

Hey, guys,

I do love his idea. I  did mention to Kelly that we need to get a written and signed statement from our insurance company about exactly how much our insurance would go down. I can't think of how a dog park would lower insurance rates.

Having the dog park, besides the advantages, rids EF of a huge eyesore - an area which screams neglect - not a boon to our property values!!!

I'll do whatever I can in terms of person-hours. Like make brownies and lemonade? Bring beer? Whatever.

Kelly, if you have a list of worker bees and their hone numbers (probably more efficient than emails) along with dates/times that you'd like the project to be worked on, I'd gladly call the volunteers to remind them.

Sue

Kelly writes:

Sue's is absolutely correct about obtaining written confirmation from the insurance company about potential effects to our premium rates.  Currently, we're paying for the "risk" of having tennis players on our property despite not having a functional tennis court.  I'll get to work on that on Tuesday.  I've missed the business hours of the insurance company that past two times I've called.  But, our property manager called them two weeks ago and received a verbal confirmation that a dog area, with proper signage and disclaimers, isn't much different than tennis activity on the HOA property....which is YOUR property.

This coming week could provide the information we need to proceed or delay the proposed dog park.  I'm now convinced that a majority of our residents are supportive of an off-leash area as compared with a defunct and useless tennis court - which is still touted by realtors as an amenity when listing houses, town homes and condos for sale in the neighborhood.

I've spoken with the the Town Planner and a Town of Cary water quality specialist, so we're covering all our bases up front in terms of any city gov't requests or requirements.

So, What Do We Have At The Present Moment?

We have 21 volunteers who say they're willing to lend "sweat equity" in terms of volunteer hours.  This is unprecedented in my four years of living in Edgehill Farm.  I mean, NOBODY cares about HOA or community amenities, it seems, unless something goes wrong - then folks go way outta their way to complain or demand action!  

The more volunteers willing to step forward, the more projects we can plan.  Hiring contractors & vendors is EXPENSIVE and sometimes us amateurs can do the work!

This is awesome that we can bring condo, town home and single family homeowners together! 

We are finalizing a plan to determine how to best fund this project and officially "green light" it.  There are a few options out there.  Interestingly, simply asking the Edgehill Farm HOA (the one you pay $37.80 per month) to pick up the complete cost is out of the question at this point.  The reason is that we're maintaining a huge grassy park, paved walkway, clubhouse and in-ground pool (kept to Wake County Health Dept. standards) and really have to watch our costs because our cash flow isn't abundant - adequate for current costs, however.

But, we're working on alternative means....hang in there!

If you're new to paying attention to HOA business, read below.......

Earlier this decade the pool underwent a necessary overhaul that cost about $80,000.  You weren't assessed because a bank was willing to finance a loan and our cash flow could pay it back while paying the other bills.  The HOA had that original loan nearly paid when the clubhouse overhaul became necessary because the insurance company didn't like the clubhouse's physical condition.  That meant refinancing the pool loan while adding $46,000 to it, leaving the HOA (you) with a five year loan @ 7.25% for $63,150 (give or take).  So, we're paying that loan while socking away a little extra into our savings account so the HOA will hopefully have enough cash in the bank when the next BIG financial project hits.  

I know this is beating the proverbial "dead horse," but our recent maintenance and renovations have slowed us in restoring other amenities - like creating dog parks or even restoring tennis courts.  The Master Association Board must be commended for using sensible leverage for big ticket repairs while preserving the existing budget and cash flow.  For you folks who may be following the HOA's activities for the first time, this tidbit of information is "Lesson One."

I appreciate Cass and Sue and Amy emailing in on Sunday.  The more ideas we generate, the more efficiency, savings and benefits we'll conjure before starting the proposed project.

Let's hope everything goes our way and THANKS for reading the Edgehill blog!  Email me and I'll add you to the list.  When I update this site, I send a quick email.

Don't forget the "Dog Park" email address:  edgehilldogpark@yahoo.com.

Either way, if you touch base, I'll keep you informed.

Kelly McCullen

Edgehill Farm

How About an Off-Leash Area for Pets in Edgehill Farm?

I spent Saturday posting up flyers to bring you this website for Edgehill Farm information, so forgive me if I've broken any rules regarding posting signs.  It's certainly much cheaper than buying 236 flyers, stamps, envelopes and paying our property managers to stuff 'em and mail 'em.

We're considering converting the old Edgehill Farm tennis courts into an off-leash area for dogs.  The courts have been unusable for tennis purposes for several years now; it's to the point that it would cost the HOA - which is YOU - tens of thousands of dollars to simply restore it or replace it to the standards you would enjoy by driving to the Cary public courts, which appear to be fantastic.  Converting the courts into a new use (dog park) would save us tens of thousands of dollars while giving our four-legged friends a place to stretch their legs.

I'm a little tired as I write this, so I'll be brief and go into detail later.

At this point, nothing is confirmed but firm planning.  There are a couple of hoops to jump through in this process.  The Master Association Board is unanimously behind the proposed concept.  The entire tennis court would be converted for dog park usage.  That's 13,400 square feet.  The "floor" would be a layer of single-shred wood mulch. 

Access to the proposed park would be restricted to Edgehill Farm Residents.  The board has not firmed up rules because we're not guaranteed to create a park.

Most importantly, what are your thoughts on the concept?    

Everyone I've personally spoken with is supportive if not outright enthusiastic to make something useful from tennis courts.  Leave your comments here as it's step one.

The email address is edgehilldogpark@gmail.com.  

If you'd like I'll send you blog and email updates as we learn about the process of creating the proposed off-leash area.

Write with you soon!

Kelly McCullen

President, Edgehill Farm Master Association

 

Results of the May 2009 Edgehill HOA Meeting

EDGEHILL FARM MASTER ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

May 12, 2009

Board Members Present:

     Kevin McMahon

     Kathy McDaniel

     Kelly McCullen

     Rita Perry

     Sally Flint

     Louis Eldridge

     Phyllis Gladstone

    

Management Present:

    None

Guests:  Marc White, Donna Page, Jeremy Mills

               

The meeting was called to order at 7:00.  There was a quorum present. The April 2009 minutes were approved as written.

President’s Report

We are now 26% over leverage and continue to drop (debt and assets).  An intent to foreclose letter was sent to a condo homeowner.  Marc and Jeremy repaired the wooden deck at the pool.  The Calloways planted the pool flowers.

Treasurer’s Report 

Phyllis said everything looked fine.

Grounds Report

The area in front of the Westview Cove fence is Edgehill property and was being maintained by Fontaine but TSI was not aware that they needed to take care of this area.  So instead of a second round of pine straw, TSI will maintain the area in front of the fence.

The Leyland Cypress trees will be sprayed next week.

The trees that Louis mentioned needing trimming are the red tips along Old Apex Rd from High House to Wethersfield.  Kelly will check on the trees.

Lake Report

Kelly will purchase a padlock for the fountain circuit box since a teenager kept flipping the switch.  Several keys will be handed out (Kelly, Sue, and Marc).

Pool Report

Sue said the pool is looking good.  The cost for the flowers was $186.  The new furniture (2 tables and 6 chairs) are in use.

Kelly said he has asked Beth that anyone requesting a pool key show a photo ID as well as proof they live at Edgehill (a utility bill).

Clubhouse Report

Carnell plumbing from Wendell replaced the 2 toilets for $528.  The door repair will be $758.

Communication

Sue mentioned that she had comments about the blog and asked how she could post her comments.  She felt that the blog gave the impression that repairs, specifically the walkway, are all or nothing.

Old Business

Nothing.

New Business

Marc and Jeremy asked about the chain and padlock at the tennis court.  Kelly told them they could get a key if they wanted to use the tennis courts.  It was suggested we could use the chain and padlock like the pool padlock (open during the day and closed at night) if someone is willing to take on that responsibility.

They also asked if a grill could be placed at the old volleyball court.

The next board meeting will be June 9, 2009 in the clubhouse.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:35.

May 2009 Monthly Meeting on May 12, 2009 @ 7pm

Edgehill Farm Master Association 

Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 @ 7pm

Location:  Edgehill Farm Clubhouse Community Room

Call to Order – 7pm

Establish Quorum

Approval of April 2009 Meeting Minutes

President's Report

  - Monthly Debt to Asset Update

   -  Landscaping Service Update

  - Thanks to Marc White & Jeremy Mills for pool deck work

  - Thanks to the Calloway Family for the poolside landscaping volunteer work

  - Pool Key Replacement Policy Change

Treasurer's Report

Grounds Report

Lake Report

Pool Report

Communications Report

  Clubhouse Report

  

      Clubhouse Indoor Bathroom Repairs Report

             - Clubhouse Door Repair Report

   

  Consideration of Old/Unfinished Business

  New Business

________________________________________________________________________________

THANKS go to Marc White and Jeremy Mills for grabbing a hammer and hammering down all the little nails and staples that tend to pop up from the pool deck lumber between seasons.

MUCH APPRECIATION  for the 4 years of volunteer service by the Calloway family.  They oversee the landscaping of the yearly flower plantings around the pool area every summer.  Thank you, Scott & Diane (or Diane & Scott)!

Hello Folks,

The June meeting is Tuesday May 12, 2009 @ 7pm and I like to post the agenda online for those who keep an eye on what's happening with the property management side of Edgehill Farm.

The Edgehill Farm Master Board has not presented any new business for this month's meeting.  Usually new business means we're considering a new project of some type, scope and size.

I'll size up our board's 2009 progress and work as being one where we are, in step-by-step fashion, restoring our existing amenities through a more active maintenance plan.  These are "small" things yet they cost a few hundred dollars per project and should offer us a couple of decades of reliable service.  Toilets that won't flush, doors that need replacing and pool safety upgrades come to mind.  We'll discuss all of these at Tuesday's meeting.  

From a budgetary standpoint in regards to maintenance, the board sets aside maintenance money with every yearly budget.  Money collected outside or in excess that budget is collected in the Reserve Fund.  The Reserve Fund exists for one reason - if you know you need a roof or a pool pump (or any other "big ticket" item) within a certain number of years, then you save money in that Reserve Fund for the future "day of reckoning" or "day of paying" in our case.  For example, if you know or reasonably expect, on Jan. 1, that you'll buy a new, $1,200 pool pump on December 31st, you have twelve months to save that amount in the Reserve Fund.  Usually it's viewed as setting aside $100 per month.  That $100 per month looks like extra, spendable cash and "feels" like it from January to December, but it's already accounted for - AHEAD of time.  By the way, the pool is in great shape and I offered only a hypothetical example.

Saving money in a Reserve Fund requires almost a philosophical view and, I admit, it took me a few months to realize that if an HOA has, for example, $5,000 in the bank in cash BUT holds a Reserve Fund that shows $10,000 in future "big ticket" maintenance needs, then the cash "ain't" enough despite appearing to be a healthy bank account.

When a board or a neighborhood's residents consider the Reserve Fund adequately funded to handle the most expensive (and expected) maintenance repairs and replacements, then you can begin considering the addition of new amenities.  At least, that's how I see it and how the Reserve Funds have been explained to me.  It makes sense, to me.

In Edgehill Farm terms, the board must be vigilant about saving money in case the pool (still new from upgrades a few years ago) experiences a problem.  The paved walkway is probably our most cherished amenity and it would cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace it, BUT that day will eventually come and we'll be ready.  The upstairs portion of the clubhouse needs new carpet, paint and some upgrading BUT we're paying for 2008's work to restore the community room downstairs, dehumidify the house and other needed repairs.  The tennis courts - if we're EVER to restore them - would require tens of thousands of dollars.  Those are all, technically, Reserve Fund items.

So, we've got a lot of long-term maintenance and upgrade needs on our existing properties before looking at anything else.  If you're not on the board yet wonder "why we haven't done this or that" in terms of new projects or refreshing existing amenities, feel free to email me.