Applying the Mulch to the Tennis Court

The Edgehill Dog Park is moving at an excellent speed in terms of how the vendors have done their work, or 99% of it, and how neighbors have chipped in to get us to a point where we need to place, essentially, the final large piece of the project puzzle into place. That being the spreading off mulch over the tennis court's asphalt surface.

The mulch is being donated by Randy Smith

Tree Care - a company that recently performed some work in our park and does quite a bit of assignments for our property management company, RS Fincher. It is a TREMENDOUS show of generosity on Mr. Smith's part to swing by the tennis court parking lot to drop off wood chips from his job. We thank him sincerely and hope (those of you who need tree trimming or removal) that you'll consider his services. Donations of wood chips aside, his prices are very fair and he performs according to job specifications.

If you've been tracking the dog park's progress.......

You're likely on the dog park email list. But if not, the time is now for a call of volunteers to help spread this mulch on Saturday July 25, 2009 over at the Edgehill Farm Tennis Court area. The job will be simple. Fill a wheelbarrow or wheeled canister with wood chips, a team will roll it into the tennis court, empty the container, spread the mulch to a healthy depth and repeat until the mulch is gone.

Two large wood chip piles are already on site and more is on the way, so we'll tackle what's there.

Active neighbors have already come together on this project to perform early, nit-picky, stuff suited for one or two people at a time, or I would've contacted folks sooner.

After all, a little help on Saturday morning around 9:30am will benefit folks who support the dog park in spirit but, for physical reasons, might can't lend a hand.

Email me: kmanchor(at)yahoo.com and let me know you can contribute an hour or two to the cause.

Volunteer hours help us maximize our grant value through the Town of Cary (they've offered us a grant to perform the project)

Kelly McCullen

Friday July 17, 2009 Notes Regarding a Board Conversation

Kelly's "After-Meeting" notes:

The minutes of a meeting can never capture the conversation surrounding the individual business items as hand.

That said - I, personally, and we as the Edgehill Master Association have heard more complaints about pool attendee behavior this summer than, I think, in many (if any) year's past. Residents overhear conversations at the pool where people admit they don't live here or don't even know the name of the neighborhood as Edgehill Farm. One resident counted nearly 20 people who knocked on the pool gate from entry because "they forgot their key." Residents don't feel empowered or aren't willing in many cases to confront a trespasser, and I can't blame them. Our board is only 8 people strong, some of us work and others travel a bit - most of us aren't regular pool goers, so a "vacuum" of oversight has formed and people are spending our dues money and increasing our liability because they're too cheap to properly contribute towards a pool's operation.

The problem is our key & lock system, which is woefully outdated and the keys that open the pool gate. These keys are easily "lost" - that is, they're given away by people who move away from Edgehill to their friends to use OR they keep the key, move away and then enjoy trespassing at poolside. These problems come and go in waves. You hear complaints and just as you get serious about doing something, all reports from the pool cease. Then, BAM! More reports and complaints.

The biggest complaint is paying residents often find the pool overcrowded.

Next, we hear about the smokers who are leaving their cigarette butts on the concrete pool deck.

Then, you'll see the folks who just can't bear to drink their beer from an aluminum must parade around with glass bottles. Mind you, alcohol consumption isn't allowed at the pool. A dropped glass bottle - a single bottle - will, by state health law, close the pool.

Once the pool is closed:

1. We drain it

2. We double check it for debris/glass

3. We power wash it.

4. We get it inspected by health officials.

5. We refill it with water

6. We re-treat it with chemicals

7. WE END UP SPENDING ABOUT $5,000 for that one cold bottle.

Back to topic.......

The pool overcrowding issue could entirely be Edgehill Farm residents, be common sense says there's enough trespassers using old keys they should've left with their landlords when they moved out. But, we can handle it.

In 2010, we'll likely be ridding ourselves of the traditional key & lock system of pool entry, replacing it with a keyless entry system. On top of that, you MUST have the key in your possession at the pool - none of this "I forgot my key" business. We would've installed a new key system this year, but it would've be an organizational nightmare over the summer.

Second - and I HATE this option - is the implementation of the old "Pool Nazi" scheme that long gives HOA's the reputation they often so richly deserve. If the pool nazi shows up to check keys or proof of eligibility, guess what? Show it!

Third - since Edgehill Farm has an "agency agreement" with Cary Police, it looks like we'll have to use it as the final option against aggressive pool attendees who exert their "right" to risk our pool access through negligent behavior (glass) or trespassing.

Our current board is quite active and many residents who are not board members are starting to get involved with volunteer efforts like the dog park construction or even paying attention to what's happening on the property. You own it, after all. This is a good thing.

Once upon a time, our amenities needed so much work that many residents didn't find desirability in using them. Now that amenities are improving, many people are lured our way.

If you've been miffed by the pool experience at some point, we'll need your help. The eight people who happen serve on the board cannot do it all. Let me know when or if you're ready.

Results from July 14th HOA Master Association Meeting

EDGEHILL FARM MASTER ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

July 14, 2009

Board Members Present:

Sue Kear

Kathy McDaniel

Kelly McCullen

Rita Perry

Sally Flint

Phyllis Gladstone

Management Present:

None

Guests: Mandi Baggett, Marc White, Cindy Scheman, and Ann Pavano

The meeting was called to order at 7:05. There was a quorum present. The June 2009 minutes were approved as written.

President’s Report

The loan is down to $55,756 and the Reserve fund is $49,761.78 which gives a debt ratio of 1.12. By the end of this month we should have over $50,000 in the reserve fund.

Treasurer’s Report

Phyllis questioned the opening of a CD. The board felt that the CD was a good way to earn some extra money. Also, the money had already been transferred to a CD.

The electric bill is still remaining high if not going higher. Phyllis mentioned that we might want to lock the thermostat.

The telephone bill was late which incurred a minor late fee. Kelly will remind RS Fincher to pay the bills on time.

Grounds Report

The walkway is being scrapped of excrement 2 times per week.

There has been an excess of trash around certain areas of the lake which the guests felt were do to non residents. They were told they could call the police on trespassers.

Lake Report

Kelly mentioned the pond report that we had received. There was nothing detrimental in it.

Pool Report

The bathrooms are not always clean and there seems to be a funny smell. Sue mentioned that part of the smell could be the wet indoor/outdoor carpet. (KELLY NOTE: We always wondered if the smell isn't due to use of chlorine bleach which,while clean, can smell pretty bad.)

The cleanliness of the pool was noted. (KELLY NOTE: The pool water cleanliness was noted for being very clean)

There seems to be an excess of cigarette butts on the concrete deck. There was question if the butt butler was still there.

The pool seems to be very crowded this year and it seems to be non residents. There is not much that can be done this pool season but next pool season we should see a change due to the new lock and access.

Clubhouse Report

Kelly mentioned that there have been more renters.

Communication

Kelly said that he updates the blog almost weekly. The domain name Edgehillfarm.com is still under Alex’s name but will expire on August 15. Kelly said he will use $9 to retain the name once it expires.

Old Business

The new dog park has been weeded and the boards were installed along the fence. Kelly has gotten the signs for the picking up of waste. He still needs to get the signs for the rules and the different dog areas. The fence should be installed tomorrow that will separate the 2 areas. The mulch still needs to be delivered.

New Business

Rita said that she has counted over 100 geese. She has gotten information from the CDC as well as from state and federal agencies. She brought information about different types of repellants (helium balloons, pie plates, wire etc). She will look at the home on Goldmeadow that has installed the wire fencing around the yard. There was question about could the wire be low enough around the lake to keep the geese out but still allow the ducks to enter the lake. Rita, Ann, and Cindy have formed a committee to look into the types of repellants and will report back.

There is a dead tree that needs to be removed as well as a tree that is blocking the light by the new dog park. Kelly said that Randy Smith Tree Care will remove both trees for $375. The board approved.

Kelly has found a deal on getting a lock for the dog park. It will be $1300 and will be the same system that we will install on the pool gate. It works with PINs or cards. The cards will be $3.38 each and will probably not be needed until pool season. This lock uses a handheld device to enter or delete user numbers.

Kelly said that he will need additional money over the grant money to get the lock installed, buying concrete benches, and possibly having the mulch blown in instead of manually having to spread it. Rita made the motion and Phyllis seconded to allow up to $1000 for these expenditures. Motion approved. The additional money would come from other budget items (clubhouse, gazebo, etc).

The lawyer needed board approval to initiate a foreclosure. The board gave blanket approval.

The board approved $330 from site maintenance to repair the seats on the wooden benches around the walkway, fix the bridge, and repair the lattice work at the clubhouse/pool.

The fountain has been tripped a few times probably due to nature (wildlife, storms). The box is still locked.

Open Forum

Users of the pool that are non residents – unless we pay someone to check or sign people in there is not much we can do. Should see improvement next year.

Notification about the dog park – Kelly said he and Marc posted flyers and that it was in the blog.

Pool drain – has been replaced/repaired due to the new rulings.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25. The next board meeting will be August 11, 2009 in the clubhouse.

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary

July 2009 Edgehill Farm Master Assoc. Meeting Agenda

Edgehill Farm Master Association

Monthly Meeting

Tuesday July 14, 2009 @ 7pm

Location: Edgehill Farm Clubhouse Community Room

1. Call to Order – 7pm
2. Establish Quorum
3. Approval of June 2009 Meeting Minutes
4. President's Report
5. Treasurer's Report
6. Grounds Report
7. Lake Report
8. Pool Report
9. Communications Report
10. Clubhouse Report
11. Old Business

Dog Park Update

New Business

- Geese Repelling Strategies

- Dog Park Security Gate

- Dead Tree Removal at Lakeside & at security light

- Lakeside/walkway bench refacing

****If anyone attends the meeting for a dog park briefing, I'll do it after adjourning the regular business meeting*****

Weekend Volunteering

The smallest pieces of the dog park puzzle arrived Wednesday morning when Lowe's dropped off some decking planks that we're using to build a perimeter around the bottom of the tall, tennis court fence. It's not a hard job but is a little slow and you nick your fingers a bit dealing with the wire that connects board to fence.

The perimeter lumber will prevent the mulch bedding from washing away so easily and is recommended by the water quality expert who works with the Town of Cary. We've had a couple of conversations with those folks to make sure everything's "okay." They've given their blessing.

On Saturday, I plan to gather a few Edgehill neighbors who want to volunteer and finish wiring the perimeter.

If you're not a wiring-type person, the courts have some nuisance weeds growing through the cracks that need removing the old-fashioned way. I don't wanna use chemical herbicides where bare paws will be running soon if the weeds will pull out easily enough. Simply trimming them down will result in them growing back.

Email me if you have questions or if you're one of those folks who signed our mini-petition to volunteer (and I've not called you yet) OR if you're interested in helping us out. We're all friendly folks who want to bring an amenity to life.

KMc

kmanchor(at)yahoo(dot)com

It's Been Quiet Work but the Dog Park Progresses.....

Hello All,

We're moving forward with converting the Edgehill tennis courts, or used-to-be tennis courts, into an off-leash, dog exercise area. In the earlier posting, we offered hearty thanks to the Town of Cary for buying into our idea, quite literally.

Creating the dog park itself isn't too complicated a task because the core components already exist. That being a flat piece of ground with the fence too high for dogs to jump over it and run away. The old tennis courts are perfect!

The work of calling vendors - multiple vendors - to check prices on services and equipment is a time consuming and lonely task but absolutely essential if we're to secure the best value for the money we spend and to enter a business relationship that could yield future services for Edgehill as we need them and business for a company that relies on stable and reliable clients. I'm learning that's very important for HOA's to do. You wouldn't believe the savings you get by simply meeting face-to-face and following through if negotiations work out.

The first step of this project is to get some fencing installed inside the tennis court area. The fencing will create a double-gated entry into the exercise area. There will be an entry for a "small dog" play area and a "large dog" play area. The fencing will be a professional installation.

Step two is installing some deck timbers along the bottom of the tall perimeter fence. Some Edgehill residents recommended it and so did the Town of Cary. We've bought the decking planks and wire and will install the perimeter, hopefully, later this week.

Step three is getting signs created. Dropping off the dog park rules to be printed on a sign took about 15 minutes after I had lunch one day. Creative Images of downtown Cary is conjuring the design. In filling out the Town of Cary Grant application, I told them that the Maynard Road Dog Park's rules looked good and, since they're city approved, we'd use it as a template. Cary likes conformity and, I admit, it makes things easier for drawing up dog park rules.

Here are the rules gleaned and slightly modified for Edgehill's use since we're actually a private dog park as opposed to Maynard Road:

Edgehill Farm Dog Park Rules

Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Dogs shall wear a collar with rabies vaccination tag at all times; no spiked collars allowed.

Cary ordinance requires owners to pick up their dog's waste and dispose of it in provided containers

Each adult may have a maximum of 2 dogs at a time in the park.

Owners are solely responsible for any injury or damage caused by your dog.

If your dog inflicts an injury, give your name and telephone number to the other dog owner before leaving.

Prevent injuries by supervising your dog at all times.

Never leave your dog unattended.

No female dogs in heat are allowed.

No food (animal food or people food), treats, or bones are allowed inside the fenced area.

No littering: wrappers and other litter can be eaten by dogs and cause a choking or digestion hazard which can be life-threatening!

No smoking inside the dog park.

No strollers, bicycles, tricycles, big-wheels, wagons, roller-blades, etcetera are allowed in the dog park except wheelchairs used by people with physical challenges.

Wear shoes at all times.

Children 12 and under are not allowed inside the fenced area.

Dogs under 4 months are prohibited.

Use at own risk.

All bites must be reported by contacting the Animal Control office at (919) 319-4517. Town of Cary ordinance Sec. 6-69 (b) Animal Bites, Notification. Reporting Bite. It shall be unlawful for a person to fail to report to Animal Control as soon as possible that an animal has bitten a person. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to inform the Animal Control unit the location to which an animal that has bitten a human being has been taken if the owner has given the animal away, or caused in any way the animal to be taken from the owner's premises. In case of an Emergency call 911.

Owners who fail to follow rules and regulations are subject to loss of park privileges.

The full Edgehill Farm Master Association will review these rules at the Tuesday July 14th, 2009 monthly meeting.

Step Four involves negotiating with a professional pet waste removal company. There are at least three (that I've found) that will service the dog park on a weekly basis by keeping our pet waste stations stocked with baggies while emptying our waste baskets. This service is necessary from the obvious health and wellness aspects but also from a common sense perspective. It is contingent to our grant that professionals handle waste management. Dog owners will still be required to clean up their dog's waste and deposit it in the pet waste canisters. There's a reason it will be Rule #3.

Step Five is asking area tree trimming companies to dump their wood mulch/shavings at the tennis court parking lot if they're passing our way. This is a wonderful act of generosity and I'm making calls this week.

Additional steps include buying a few benches for the humans and maybe a trash can for human trash. You wanna be careful bringing lunch in the dog park if there's a crowd there. You might prove to be a little too popular with the dogs!

I easily recognize the need for a water outlet somewhere in the dog park but, frankly, don't have enough grant money to make it happen. The dog/human multipurpose water fountains you find at Bond Park cost over $3,000 each and that doesn't include the plumbing we'd need to run for about 100 feet. So, bring a bottle of water.

That's about it in a nutshell. Those neighbors who've offered to volunteer some time, we'll be ramping up the work about the time the mulch arrives as that's easily the most labor intensive. If I've got your name during our "petition drive," I'll be contacting you soon.

The goal is to open the dog park on, or before, September 1st, 2009. I'm thinking "before."

Contact me if you have any questions.

The Tuesday July 14th Edgehill Master Association Meeting is the one to attend if you want more information on the dog park's progress. Email me if you'd like to attend and I'll draw up some printed notes for an audience. You're also welcome to simply drop by.

Kelly Mc