Newkirk Estates Civic Assn.

Minutes from June 6, 2017

Mary Beth Coté explained that President Ray Schafferman is recovering from a heart attack and by-pass surgery so was unable to attend the meeting.  Anyone who wishes is invited to send him a card or go to visit him, but he requested that you call first.  There were items that needed to be addressed so finding the doors to Shue-Medill Middle School locked and having no one respond to the doorbell, she began the meeting in the parking lot adjacent to the school office.   

After giving the Treasurer’s Report, Mary Beth reported that there is more than $5,500 in annual association dues in arrears.  She feels that this is an oversight on the part of some, so she will send second notices to the 19 homeowners who paid their dues last year but have not paid this year.  It was suggested that a lien be put on the homes of those who have not paid dues for a number of years.  Mary Beth responded that it will be necessary to hire a lawyer to put a lien on these properties and that this decision needs to be discussed and voted upon.

Teresa Miles commented that the playground area is a disgrace and unsafe for use by young children. Several people remarked that the equipment is dirty, there is mold in the mulch, and that the ground is littered with trash and condom wrappers.  It was stated that teenagers are using this area as a place to drink and have sex.  After some discussion it was recommended that the tube slide and the enclosed playset be removed.  Bob Rogers will contact Councilman Tim Sheldon with this request.  He will also request that the remaining playground equipment be cleaned and the mulch replaced.

Barbara Hansen was unable to attend the meeting so Bob Rogers, on her behalf, raised the issue of the sinkhole on Barbara’s property.  Representative Ed Osienski had stated at the March meeting that he had met with DelDoT regarding videotaping of the inside of the drainpipe leading to the sinkhole.  Bob stated that DelDoT workmen had been onsite but told him that the drainpipe is obstructed with so many tree roots that it is impossible to video the entire length of the pipe.  It was recommended that Barbara contact Representative Osienski to inform him of this information and ask that he again contact DelDoT.

At 7:15 p.m. it was observed that the custodian was working near the school entrance.  Mary Beth approached him regarding our reservation so we were finally able to move the meeting to the school’s Choral Room.

Once everyone was seated Mary Beth repeated the treasurer’s report and asked that it be accepted.  It was unanimously accepted.

Rob Miles asked what was being done about the illegal U-turns at the development entrance.  He stated that his wife has almost been hit several times by drivers making illegal U-turns.  It was suggested that a sign be put under the No U-turn sign stating “Shopping Area Entrance” with an arrow pointing onto Darwin Drive.  Bob was asked to raise this issue again when he contacts Councilman Sheldon.

Debbie Tarker reported that residents of Flora Circle are routinely being awakened at midnight by someone starting and revving a motorcycle.  She asked if anyone else had been bothered by this noise and felt it was a violation of the Noise Ordinance.  She also mentioned that children are riding a 4-wheeler on the development streets without any regard to vehicle traffic.  She is afraid that they will cause an accident.  She has spoken to them about this but to no avail.  It was recommended that she call the nonemergency police number – 302-573-2800 -- regarding both problems.

A resident commented that there is an untagged vehicle on Flora Circle that was parked in a driveway but is now parked on the street.  She asked what could be done about this.  She was advised to contact the police.

It was reported that a family is constantly being contacted by the County regarding supposed property maintenance issues.  After some discussion it was asked that if anyone feels a neighbor’s property is in violation of the Property Maintenance Code that they speak to the neighbor.  If it remains a problem they may contact the County.

Teresa Chance asked if there is a leash law for dogs.  She walks her dog through the development daily and often finds an unleashed dog on the front lawn of a certain property.  She has mentioned to the owner that she thought the dog should be on a leash but the owner insists that as long as the dog is on their property they are exempt from the law.  Mary Beth recommended that Teresa report this to NCC Code Enforcement at 302-395-5555 so this information is on file in case she should have a problem with her dog in the future.

Since there was no further business it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:45.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, September 6^th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choral Room of Shue-Medill Middle School.

Respectfully submitted,

Dorie Galloway, Secretary