Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association

May 22, 2007 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Jun 12, 2007

The Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association (OMNA) board meeting was held on May 22, 2007 at Joe and Iti Nwiba, 1300 Buena Vista Drive. The meeting was called to order by President John Miller at 7:15 p.m. Those present for the meeting were John Miller, Fern Richey, Kathryn Neiswender, Sara Marotto, Michael Messer, Karen Rooney, Iti Nwiba and Susan Croff.



City Engineer Report ?– A letter was written, corrected and approved to send to the City concerning some changes to be considered in the final plans when the Hickory Creek Road is widened. The items requested included 1) ensuring that the functioning sprinkler systems at both entrances be preserved, 2) that they consider that OMNA be notified and allowed to put piping across Almonte connecting the current systems at the corner of Almonte and Hickory Creek Road, and 3) the sidewalks be diverted around the current monuments and landscaping.



Minutes of April 19, 2007 Board Meeting - The minutes were reviewed and corrected. Karen motioned and Kathryn seconded, and the minutes were approved.



Treasurer?’s Report ?– The Association has $2,8xx.xx. The community garage sale seemed to be a big success. Revenue currently turned in included $183.00 from the hot dog sales, and a total of $495 from the community garage sales. It was estimated that approximately 35 households participated in the sales. Additionally, another $200 donations for the Association were received. New expenditures included the $300 for Edwards Landscaping $405.91 for brick, and 33.77 for mortar. The May utility bill had not been presented to Fern for payment. It was agreed that John would arrange for the bill to be sent directly to Fern for payment.



Report on the Sprinkler System ?– It was noted that the sprinklers are not placed correctly for the planned landscaping. Susan Croff brought up that converters to change a ?½?” riser to 4 zone drip irrigation could be purchased for only $4.80. This would allow watering of only the landscaping and save on water. It will work with the piping on Montecito and be able to water both sides. We do not have a permanent solution for the Almonte entrance. Sara Marotto has offered to hand water if she can get the water through the water meter at Montecito. A permanent solution is going to have to be found for this area soon. Joe Nwiba has offered to work on converting the sprinkler system. Karen motioned to approve getting the drip system in place, Michael seconded and the board approved.



Hickory Creek Mowing ?– Edward?’s Landscaping received good reviews. The mowing looks good and the brick borders are almost complete. It was agreed to continue was approved to do the Hickory Creek mowing and trimming. He is charging $300 per mowing and will mow and trim twice a month. He has also agreed to place the bricks and assist in planting for no additional charge. It was moved by Susan Croff and seconded by Iti Nwiba to hire Edward?’s Landscaping to provide bi-weekly mowing and trimming for $300 with maximum annual spending of $2,700. Kathryn Neiswender was to contact Mr. Edwards and make arrangements.



Hospitality ?– Iti Nwiba ?– A Fourth of July neighborhood picnic was proposed at the pond on the 4th. Bring your own meal, and propane grills and would be available for preparation. Karen also suggested doing a art contest for the children. Karen motioned and Fern seconded that the Hospitality Committee begin planning the event.



Beautification ?– Karen Rooney ?– Karen reported on the progress of the borders. She also brought up that the monument on the west side of Montecito is leaning and needs to be straightened before we can continue with the landscaping. Sara motioned and Iti seconded that Joe Nwiba would investigate the cost of getting the monument fixed and be brought to the board via email for approval. In addition, Fern motioned and Iti seconded that $800 be approved for purchase of plants for the 4 beds, the board approved both motions. The brick is to be capped by white rock to mirror the columns on the monument. Karen motioned and Sara seconded that 1 ?½ ton of white rock be purchased to complete the border. The board approved.



Historical ?– Kathryn Neiswender - No current report.



Other Business ?– Pond Enhancements ?– An email was submitted by Michael from Randy Petterson, Manager of Park Operations. Four areas were discussed. The first was concerning installation of holding devices to stabilize the trash cans and prevent them from being tipped over or thrown into the pond. Second, the park has stocked the pond with minnows that will eat mosquito larvae to prevent a mosquito infestation. Third, City planned enhancements to the park include a grill and tables. Fourth, any improvements planned by the neighborhood will need to go through approval by the Parks Board. Mr. Petterson stated that improvements are scrutinized for any legal liability the improvements may present for the City, as the Park is City property. They do encourage the neighborhood to watch the pond and help to control litter and vandalism through neighborhood awareness. Sara Marotto suggested we look into the possibility of installing purple martin houses to further and ecologically prevent mosquito infestations.



Next Board and General Meetings ?– The next board meeting will be held on June 26, 2007, at Sara Marotto, 1812 Buena Vista Dr., at 7:00 p.m.



Adjournment ?– Susan motioned and Karen seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30.



Approved - as corrected as of June 26, 2007.