Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association

BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 26, 2007

Aug 12, 2007

The Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association (OMNA) board meeting was held on June 26, 2007 at Danny and Sara Marotto?’s, 1812 Buena Vista Drive.

The meeting was called to order by President John Miller at 7:13 p.m. Those present for the meeting were John Miller, Fern Richey, Sara Marotto, Michael Messer, Karen Rooney, Iti Nwiba and Susan Croff.

Minutes of May 22, 2007 Board Meeting - The minutes were reviewed and approved with two corrections. The motion to approve was brought by Sara and seconded by Fern.

Treasurer?’s Report ?– Fern presented the Treasurer?’s report with the current balance of $1,557.55. This balance included $338.00 additional donations and expeditures for mowing through June, Utilities through June, plants, landscaping rock and edging, and soil amenities. Karen motioned to approve the treasurer?’s report, Sara seconded and the report was approved by the board.

Expenditure approvals ?– Three items were brought to the board for approval. First, Mr. Edwards of Edward?’s Landscaping, went above and beyond by taking Fern to Dallas to pick up stone and materials. It was suggested that the board should show appreciation and goodwill for the care and activity Mr. Edwards has given to the success of our project. Second, Fern had also purchased out-of-pocket timbers to form a retaining wall to keep the added dirt and soil amenities in the beds. Third, it was approved to get the 2 additional plants needed to complete the landscaping. Mike moved to approve the expenditures, and Karen seconded that $100 dollars be paid to Mr. Edwards for gas and time and $50 be paid to reimburse Fern for the additional supplies that were needed to complete the landscaping project. The board approved the expenditures.

Promoting efficient board meetings - Several ideas were discussed to improve the productivity of the board meetings and efficient use of board members?’ time. After much discussion, it was determined that members would only speak after being recognized by the President, and that time limitations would be controlled by the President to ensure adequate discussion, and that information being presented remained pertinent to the current agenda item. Sara motioned, Fern seconded, and the board approved.

Review of by-laws ?– John brought up the question as to what needed to occur if a board member moved from the Montecito addition. After some discussion, Sara moved, and Susan seconded that John would research the by-laws and report back at the next board meeting. The board approved. Additionally, John had reviewed the by-laws and reported that the President votes only to break a tie. Additionally, it was questioned whether anyone could attend the board meetings. It was determined that this should be encouraged so that others would be prepared to carry the Association on when the current board members have completed their elected terms. It was also made clear that only board members could vote, and the President would have the call to recognize members as well as non-board members prior to speaking to be in accord with the above recommended procedure. It was also discussed that each board member should invite 2 neighbors to the next board meeting.

Report on Beautification - entrance landscaping ?– Karen Rooney ?– Much labor has gone into getting the beds prepared and planted. Fern has specifically given a lot of time in making sure the beds were ready for planting. Several individuals were there to turn the soil, add the soil amenities and plant. Some of these were: Fern, Sara and Danny, Ray and Susan and children, Charlie Alday, Greg Dinbo and children, Mike Halsema, and Johnny Marotto. Two other neighbors, of whom we have not identified, also contributed by donating a plant and rotor tilled the site. Fern also reported that 2 additional youpans would be needed to complete the project and that the cap stones were being cut but could not be laid until rain and temperature permitted. Sara and Fern are going to place and mortar the capstones.

Report on the Sprinkler System ?– Sara reported that one of the risers was broken at Montecito and Karen added that the heads were not going to be in an appropriate spot to water the current landscaping layout. Sara offered to donate sprinkler system supplies and Iti offered Joe to fix the broken sprinkler and work on the conversion. Iti requested that John be there to explain where the meters were and how the system worked. The additional issue concerning the watering at Almonte has not been resolved. There has not been any success in contacting the residents or owners of the properties on Almonte. Mike agreed to try to make contact and Susan agreed to get him information concerning the owners. Meanwhile, Sara had researched the possibility of buying a small utility trailer with a 164 gallon water tank that could be filled at the meter at Montecito and used to water the Almonte landscaping. The trailer and barrel could be purchased for $400. Susan moved that this be given some consideration and tabled for decision until the next board meeting to give Mike time to make contact with Almonte residents/owners.

Hickory Creek Mowing ?– Consistent rain has preventing regular mowing, but when it is dry enough the mowing will commence.

Website update ?– Sara mentioned that the free web site does not allow pictures and limits the way information can be displayed or indexed. She is going to research to see if there is anything available for a small fee that would allow us to have a more effective site. Additionally, many neighbors have donated time and money to ensure the success of the entrance project and recognition of the value of those donations will be put on the web site. Sara moved, Karen seconded, and the board approved the tracking of these donations.

Hospitality ?– Iti Nwiba ?– The 4th of July neighborhood get together was foregone because of time and ground saturation from the frequent rains.

Historical ?– Kathryn Neiswender - No current report.

Other Business ?– It was brought up that we need to start a fund raiser and consider asking for a the next year donation to sustain the mowing and landscaping project. One idea brought forth was a candle fund raiser. It was determined to defer a decision until the next board meeting. Additionally it was determined that we should come up with ideas for the next project to be undertaken for Phase II. A fountain for the pond was researched and it was found that a fountain would cost approximately $1,180 and electricity would be needed and would cost $200/foot to run to the source. Additionally, if the water is murky, the sensor would turn the fountain off.

Next Board and General Meetings ?– The next board meeting will be held on July 25, 2007, at Iti and Joe Nwiba?’s, 1300 Buena Vista Dr., at 7:00 p.m. The next General Meeting will be held on August 7, 2007 at Ray and Susan Croff?’s, 1516 Buena Vista Dr., at 7:00 p.m. The General meeting for elections will be in November at Danny and Sara Marrotto?’s at 1812 Buena Vista.
Adjournment ?– Sara motioned, and Iti seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Approved - as corrected as of July 31, 2007.