Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on community priorities.  This exercise has provided us with valuable information that will help us to best support our community.

• 45 of 60 households responded
• Numbers in parentheses in front of comments indicate the number of homes making something very close to that specific comment 
• All other specific comments/opinions are listed

TRAIL SYSTEM AND COMMON AREAS

1. How often do you or your family use our community trails?
Frequently: 11.  Occasionally: 28.  Never: 5.

2. How do you rate the current level of quality and safety regarding usability (i.e. roots protruding from trail, access challenges), problem drainage areas, overgrowth control (i.e. blackberries or branches overhead), etc?

26-Current maintenance level seems fine

9-Current maintenance level is too high in the area(s) of:
-Trails and trailheads.
-Our trails do not need bark, they are a trail. People should expect to get muddy after rains.
- I walk the dogs on the trail between 74th and 206th every day, and I don’t need the leaves blown off the path.
- No need to clear out the old trees unless they are a particular hazard.  Leaves don’t bother me on the trail either.
- These are natural green belt trails. I think a rational expectation is that they will remain open through use with the occasional need to clear dead fall and remove Himalayan blackberry plants that restrict passage.  Some of these activities may be accomplished through volunteers.   I personally volunteer for the trail connecting 206th to 74th.  The weed-wacking, tree pruning and mid-trail chipping is not necessary. (The exception being the pond access road at the base of 74th. It is common lore that we need to keep that and the drainage stones flanking it clear of growth. I’ve not seen that documented anywhere — so an investigation on that may save us a thousand bucks or so every 3 to 4 years.)  We keep putting blown-in cedar dust chips on the trail head at 74th that wash away directly down the drain into our pond system.  We’ll likely have to dredge that dust out at some point. A better choice would be the application of stones (there are several yards or so of pea stones left by Stafford about 10 yards up the path to your right) or course wood chips. Aspelund and other tree services will dump as many native tree chips as we need if we ask — for free.   We can find volunteers or cheap labor to spread them.
-Landscaping seems a bit over the top, to be honest (new trees, new bark, etc.). I wouldn’t mind to see trails be minimally kept — no need to make them perfectly groomed.

6-Maintenance should be improved in the area(s) of:
-Compared to Highland Vista’s trails, ours have a lot of room for improvement. I realize ours cover much more land, but there are too many holes, soggy areas, blackberries, trees, etc.
-Improved drainage.
- Trail areas that are constantly swampy need to be repaired so the trails are useable in these areas.
- My main concern is that the “mouth” of each trail is maintained adequately so that they look good from the street.  It’s been a challenge with the one next to our house on 73rd - my husband and I are the only ones who have weeded it for years.  We also have barked it because the landscaper has never barked it adequately to keep the weeds out.  The trail should be maintained by the landscaper for at least the first 20′ or so (as visible from the road).
- Keeping the trails clear of blackberry bushes and other encroaching growth, especially on the blacktop trail to the retention pond. This is part of the current contract that has not been upheld as good as it should be. (We had volunteers clear the black top to save $ and then added this to the contract to keep it up.) Plants in the entry that have died need to be replaced — purple rhodies in the front hedge.

 3. Do you have any concerns regarding the use of chemicals, pesticides or unnatural herbicides on our trails or common areas?

Yes, we should avoid using chemicals or pesticides: 18
-(2) There is no need to use chemicals or pesticides when dogs and kids use these areas.
- It’s an expense issue.  If we can reduce spend by reducing irrigation and mulching then why not go green?

No, it’s OK to use chemicals or pesticides as necessary: 25
-As long as a notice goes out as to when they will be applied and to where (for safety reasons -   kids/pets).
-As long as we are notified when and what is being used.  For example, if someone sprays blackberries, we would not want someone to pick and eat sprayed fruit.

Additional comments regarding trails and/or common areas:
-I have some concerns about spending a great deal of money on a complicated drainage system.
-The current contract was not being upheld regarding the cement trailhead on 74th last year (moss, blackberries, etc.). I believe they were paid for the work anyway all year. I do not see the value in spending anymore on trails that should be left as natural as possible.
- I don’t see the need to spend money to fix drainage, but would like to see them kept clear.  A reasonable width needs to be maintained for all trails, so that means keeping blackberries and other encroaching materials cut back.
-I do not want us to skimp on maintenance, only to see the trails deteriorate to the point where it would cost a lot of money to get them back into shape.
- This is the 3rd company in a chain of them that we had when I was on the board. They are by far doing the best job and I would hate to go back to what we had before where we had to micro manage the company to be sure the job got done.
-The trails require a certain amount of maintenance to make them enjoyable to use. Additionally, there are also specific maintenance requirements imposed by the county.  These are not just trails for our use; they also house our storm water system and need to be maintained to provide access to this system and keep plant life from damaging the system.
- We feel the trails should be as natural as possible. We have used the trails but very infrequently — once or twice a year.  People that want the trails to be so well maintained should just walk inside the white lines on the streets.
-On the trailhead on 74th, the bark just washes down the road.
-I would limit barking the common areas once every 5 years. 
- Trails should be left as natural as possible. Drainage where necessary should be installed. Tree removal only when there is a hazardous condition present.
- I recently read critical comments about landscapers blowing leaves off the Montare trails. I must say, we  do appreciate the clearing of the trails. I took the kids for a walk on a trail in Highland Vista that hadn’t been blown clear of leaves; they were wet, and it made the trail quite slippery.
- My concern is any potential falling trees and that we continue to check for any that are dangerous and that should be removed.  If any do happen to fall, then ensuring that they are removed in a timely manner would be great.
-Because I have not used the trails, I am unable to respond to this question. However, I feel we should not be spending Home Owners’ finances on the trails, or it should be a minimal amount.  I believe Brian Nagle had sent out an email commenting on leaf blowing maintenance — I feel we should not be spending dollars on this type of maintenance.
-The trails should be maintained to minimize our risk of a lawsuit for negligence in the event that someone were to get injured and be able to show that we didn’t make an effort to keep the trails safe and properly
maintained.
- We should be spending minimal dollars on common areas — just enough to maintain appearance.
-I think the people who use the paths should be required to maintain them. I doubt that everyone uses all the paths, so much like the social events I think the users should “pay” by keeping those paths clean or maintained as used. Perhaps a list of those who use what paths would be in order. Then there could be  no bogus complaints about paths, since if you complain then you have volunteered.

SPEED HUMPS RESEARCH: 204th/206th

1. Are you concerned enough about safety surrounding traffic volumes and speed on 204th/206th St. to consider investing in a solution?
Yes: 23.  No:  20.

2. Would you consider the construction of speed humps as a possible solution? (Measuring 5 to 8 feet across, not the smaller speed bumps. Preliminary research shows the cost would be approximately $2,500 per hump. The county, which dictates placement, would likely find two or three would be needed for Montare.)
Yes: 21.  No: 22.

Speed hump/street safety comments:
-Based on our observations of other developments that have opted for speed bumps, we question whether they convey an appropriate look and feel for the Montare community.  We might be interested in a meeting discussing speed control options, but not if the meeting is simply about speed bumps.
-Because of where our house is located (205th), the speed of cars does not affect us, but we’ll go along with the rest of the group.  We see people run the stop sign all the time, and many are from up the streets in our development.
- My past experience from doing this in our old neighborhood is that it’s not effective.  The only people that slowed down were the ones that lived in the neighborhood.  It didn’t slow down the cut-through traffic at all.
- Yes. Please!
- No, definitely not on speed humps. I have noticed that most speeders actually live in our
neighborhood.  Very sad but that is what I have observed. Another thing about speed bumps is that the kids that live outside our neighborhood but drive through may make this an excuse for vandalism in our neighborhood.
-I would consider, however I am close to a “No” on this. I am very skeptical about speed bumps are the answer.
-I think speed bumps are a good idea. There’s no better reminder to our 25 mph speed limit.
-I’m not sure speed bumps are the answer as speeders will just accelerate between them possibly causing them the “drive angry.”
-This seems over the top. Those who purchased homes along those streets should “let the buyer beware”. They presumably paid less for their homes as a direct result of their proximity to these higher traffic areas. If those who want them wish to cough up, then have at it. However, I would still not be in favor, having lived and driven in similar areas in the past, it a) didn’t very many cars down and b) was a real pain in the rear end. I don’t want these, so my only purpose in said meeting would be to convince all who are interested in not acquiring them on my dime.
- I’m OK with speed humps, but at this point my main concern is understanding the traffic problem depending on Hwy 9 construction and what the new traffic pattern may be. We might want to see what they are planning for the new traffic pattern for 9 before we decide on any traffic issues.
- Perhaps a round-about would be better to slow traffic.  Doesn’t have to be that large to have an impact.
-Even though we are not directly affected on 205th, I would support this for the greater community welfare.
- We live at the end of 74th. Our location doesn’t require speed bumps. For those who want them then they should pay for them, not everyone. Much like the paths and social events — if you want something then pay for it with your own money.
-Do we really have an issue or is there a select group of folks drumming up a problem that we really don’t have? If we do have an issue, then by all means I’m willing to invest where needed. (But) I’m not sure if speed humps would solve the problem. I would like to know the placement before investing into this possible solution. It’s interesting that nearby neighborhoods don’t have speed humps. What makes us so different?
- One near the park would be great, on 206th on the east side of 76th so that people would be forced to slow before the park and the nearby trail crossing. 
-While I don’t feel impacted by the 204th/206th thoroughfare traffic, I can understand that people nearer the street would have safety concerns.  Therefore, if there is adequate neighborhood interest, I can
support investigating solutions.
-I don’t want to be driving over them all the time. They likely don’t fix anything anyhow and would probably require lots of ugly signage for oncoming traffic.  We think this is a bad idea.
- If speed humps aren’t, viable then perhaps a stop sign at the intersections and also CHILDREN, SLOW DOWN signs could be posted.
-Please, no speed humps.  How is that going to stop bozos from tearing up and down our street?  How would that have helped [child on 76th] not to get hit by a car?  How would that stop people running the stop sign east of our neighborhood (that was referred to in the neighborhood meeting)?  It would not help at all.
- Alternatives should include, but not limited to, a stop, yield a “caution: children playing” sign. Moreover, it’s unclear to me as to why at least one stop sign at every Montare (and Highland Vista) street intersection was not originally installed.
- One of the CC&R changes that we will enact is approval by referendum for these types of projects.   60% of the community needs to vote with their wallet before we initiate projects like this.   The referendum must clearly and accurately budget the expense and present payment options as lump or multiple period assessments. Doing so, we ensure commitment for the project and secure funding. In addition, we shift projects from dues, thus allowing us to right size dues to true annual operating expenses to maintain the land trust, while sustaining reasonable reserves. For you as a board member, you eliminate the back-biting and complaining that goes on for these discretionary projects.   Don’t ask their opinion on what would be nice and then own the decision to make everyone pay for it.  Lead them to vote with their wallets.   

Comments/ideas on other neighborhood-safety issues:
- Has anyone looked into posting no truck or weight limit signs at the highland vista and ponderosa entrances?  There are a lot of heavy trucks that cut thru here (Bobby Wolford’s and those big double dump trucks).
- Recently (I think during the period of flooding earlier this month) there was a sign reading ‘Local Traffic Only’ placed down by the Maltby Community Center, aimed at westbound traffic on 206th. I’m wondering: Since we can’t install gates, is there a chance we could use signs like this to deter would-be “cut through” drivers who care more about speed than they do safety?
- Basically, we are an exceedingly safe neighborhood. If anything, I would tell people to lighten up. If there is a stranger in the area, for example, unless they are clearly carrying out threatening actions they should be directly approached and engaged. Calling 911, just because someone is in the area who you have never seen before is too much. There is no reason someone can’t walk though our neighborhood and enjoy its ambiance if they so choose.

MONTARE SOCIAL EVENTS

With the results of past surveys showing the majority of Montare homeowners opposed to a social program funded by dues, we are investigating another method of funding the program that will not be a burden on the social committee.
Would you agree to make a separate, voluntary contribution of $20 to $30 at the start of the year (concurrent with the annual assessment), to pay for your family to attend social events for the year? This contribution would allow your household to attend all of the year’s social events.

Yes: 22.  No: 21.

Yes, comments:
-I think this is a good idea for those that want to attend these events, and does not penalize those that don’t.
-I feel like an effective HOA should have a social element to it.
- Anything that makes it self-funding for those who choose to attend is fine with me. Just so long as the HOA funds aren’t used to pay for social events for a few participants, I’m all in favor.
-I am disappointed that I live in a neighborhood that doesn’t support a team approach to funding social events. For example, I don’t have children but am happy that there have been Halloween, Easter and Fourth of July activities for children in our neighborhood. Just as I would feel un-neighborly if I didn’t support neighborhood children each time one  came to ask me to contribute to their school, team or organization’s fund-raising efforts, I feel we aren’t being very neighborly if we can’t collectively afford $12 per year per household to offer neighborhood social activities.
-I have never attended an event, but I’ll be a sport and pay up if it means we can get it out of the dues.
-I will pay $20 so I will no longer have to listen to bellyaching over this one.
- We do not have a problem with the HOA funding certain social events. Many are for children. We do not have kids ourselves but feel they are beneficial to the community as a whole.
- We love the social events and want to make sure they continue.  We try to attend every social event.  One of the main reasons we moved to a new neighborhood was for the social aspect.  Paying $30 to continue these is well worth it.  I think you may get better response for paying for this if you make it clear that this fund is not for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.  I also think it may work best to have one fund for the annual picnic - whoever attends that pays for it when the announcement is sent out and have a separate fund for the other activities - ie- Easter, Halloween, etc.  This way, neighbors who can attend the picnic pay for themselves – or make it “pot luck”.  Either way, we had a great time last year, even with the weather being so-so.  Of course, the golf outing and other off-neighborhood activities should be funded separately by those neighbors who are attending.
- Regarding the wine tasting: If each household contributed 1-2 appetizers and brought two bottles of wine, there would be no need for extra dollars.
-I wish I was at the meeting when some opposed the social events. I would like to let the board know that on many occasions, when I indicated our social events to others outside of Montare, they all wish they had that. It saddens me to see that homeowners don’t realize that these type of events strengthen community bonds.

No, comments:
- (2) I know this idea is intended to make it easy for the social committee to manage. However, I might end up paying for something that I can’t even attend due to scheduling conflicts later in the year. I would prefer a pay-as-you-go program.
- We are an Association and a community, and this concept only provides opportunity for segregation of the Members.  We’re disappointed that this is even an issue.  Approximately one-half of the families with kids participate in the social events at a minimum expense to the HOA.  Social committee members have  have partially funded these events with their own money, and I think Members complaining about this are being nit-picky.  The reason the HOA started funding these events is the Members complained that they were being charged $5 - $10 per family for example, to pay for the Annual Picnic, so we established a budget to fund 3 or 4 events per year.  Also, the Members that were coordinating these events ended up paying for much of this with their own money, for the benefit of the entire Membership.  Not an equitable situation.
- A “Pay as you go” approach would be preferable. We do not typically participate in these events but would be willing to pay a fee if we did. So this is a good alternative plan, we support the idea. We should not be spending HOA dues on social events. Though our operating documents (CC&R’s/By-Laws) allow this, it is very clear that the majority of homeowners do not want their fund spent on social events.  It would be prudent for the board to honor this preference by the homeowners.
- This has to be done per event. If we make a profit on an event, we simply roll the cash forward to the next.   I guess that would take establishing a petty cash fund managed by the social committee chairperson.
-I would not do this because I don’t attend the social events. I am very much opposed to using dues for any social event.  I really have a problem with dues paying for small number of people to get together.  We do a lot of social activities on our street and are happy with that.  We have never attended the picnic, wine-tasting, Easter egg hunt, golf, etc.
-Montare HOA should not sponsor any social events or collect any money. This is a liability issue. Any events should be individual homeowner sponsored with an invite to all if so desired. A fee can be given to the homeowner at that time. The social committee should be disbanded and individual homeowners
can sponsor events.
-Keep it the way it is.  The Social Committee makes great decisions. I do not see any excessive spending, plus it provides us with an excellent sense of community. This sense of community has many benefits.  I constantly hear from people that they wish they lived in a community as involved as ours, which I can’t help but believe indirectly has a positive impact on our property values. Also, it is felt that our neighborhood watch is successful mostly because of everyone’s involvement.  You would not believe the amount of crime that I hear about from other new neighborhoods similar to ours.
- Social is for the few who are interested. The rest of us should be invited, but under no obligation to pay or participate.
-Unfortunately due to our own personal schedules, we have not be able to attend any events in the past year or so.  I feel the contribution should be voluntary, and payable only if attending an event.
-We appreciate that many of the households are interested in social events, particularly those with families. However, since we personally have very limited interest in this area, we feel that those who want to participate in social events should be the ones who support those events.
- Social events should be entirely separate from the Homeowners association finances. It has nothing to do with HOA.  Those who would like to participate in social events, or any other events, should do so on their own initiative and finances.  It is imperative that HOA finances be spent only on appropriate HOA expenditures.  Once you start spending on other initiatives, where is the stopping point? Plus, who decides? It gets real messy, plus it is inappropriate.
- Have people pay for the event when they arrive.  The last 3 years I have contributed money to the Easter egg hunt at the time of the hunt.
- We don’t need a separate account for pending social events. If anyone wants them then they should pay as you go. If someone wants to hold any kind of social event, it is totally outside the HOA and leave it at that.

CC&Rs REVISIONS

Costs are incurred when any changes are made to the CC&Rs, though we recognize that adjustments are sometimes necessary. We would like to capture and maintain a list of community concerns that could drive changes to the CC&Rs. This list would be used as a tool later in the year to help obtain community consensus about possible amendment proposals.

Please list any concerns that impact the current CC&Rs and the action that you feel is necessary (include CC&R section, paragraph number and specific info):
-By-Laws Article 8, Section 2, Paragraphs 1 and  2.  Strike in entirety.
-CC&R Article 10, Paragraph 10.3, 10.4 and 10.8    Annual assessment increases and all special assessments by  approval of 60% of  the community members.
-CC&R Article 10, Paragraph 10.3   Clarify  use of funds from annual assessments to be used solely for the maintenance and repair of the common areas and to replenish reserves.
-CC&R Article 10, Paragraph 10.8    Clarify  all capital improvements and special projects to common areas shall be solely through special assessment as approved by 60% of the community membership.
-By-Laws Article 3, Section 5.  Rule to prohibit proxy ballot assignment to a standing HOA Board Director, Officer,  Manager, their spouse or other member of member household.
-CC&R, Article 5, Paragraph 5.3  Rule to prohibit proxy ballot assignment to a standing HOA Board Director, Officer Manager, their spouse or other member of member household.
-Storage of large vehicles (RV’s etc.): Change the CC&R’s as attempted in 2007. Or, do away with the storage of any vehicle/trailer outside of the garage, and outside of an ACC-approved structure, as per first Special Meeting attempt.
- Color of repainted homes. No CC&R change needed - just change the ACC acceptance criteria to include a palette.
-(2) I’m not interested in nickel and diming the board. We elect them to take care of things.  But they should get their budget approved at the annual meeting and then live within budget. If an emergency or something else comes up where they need to spend a chunk of cash, I would like a vote, or at least input from the homeowners.
- I would like to have a 60% approval for dues increases and special assessments and/or expenditures. I would like to have a vote on this in the near future. I was appalled to find out that the board could spend over $6,000 on legal fees without this type of approval from the homeowners.

Other comments and ideas on CC&Rs: 
-I think the board has enough on their plate enforcing the CC&Rs we already have.
- I am against any changes.  If we have problems with our neighbors then we should be speaking with them.
- Omit excuse of “for the good and welfare of the community” paraphrasing. This has been used inappropriately in the past.
- This was covered in depth last year, and no further CC&R revisions are needed at this time.
-I think the CC&Rs are fine.  I do not really understand the process if the CC&R are not adhered to.  It was my understanding that a lien would be put against the house, but I have heard that Montare is also suing some neighbors. (Board note: To this point in HOA history, Montare has neither sued a homeowner nor placed a lien against a home.)  A clarification of the process - fine and lien or lawsuit would be helpful.
- CC&R changes should be made only when there are a sufficient number to warrant the incremental cost associated with changes.
- I had suggested at one point to shorten the BOD terms to 2 years on the hope of getting more people to step up.  I think the 3-year commitment scares people and so few BOD members complete their term.   Yes, this would make the odd year have 2 new members, so this would force each incoming member to hit the ground running.
- No increase in HOA dues without 2/3 majority of all homeowners agreeing. This is mind boggling that it isn’t already there. I don’t know if this should be 2/3 majority of all regardless of quorum, or with something like a 2/3 quorum to start with. Also, ease up on the ACC requirements and enforcement. We all paid good money for our homes and no one wants to devalue their house or their neighbors. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. By overdoing it we run the risk of creating a Mill Creek type of situation where the HOA and CCRs are a negative. I would specifically suggest that things like paint colors, dead tree removal, back yard landscaping, and other such basic non-offensive actions be either removed from the list of ACC projects or restrictions lessened. Things like tool sheds, tree houses, and fences should be simply prescribed (i.e. no plastic sheds or fences, fences to be up to 6′ high and made of natural wood with clear stain) with only exceptions requiring approval.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

In an effort to maximize financial resources, we would like to start a list of potential resources within our own community. If you have the ability or resources to provide any of the following at a discounted rate or in the spirit of community volunteerism, please provide the appropriate contact/specific resource information.

2: Equipment (landscaping, disaster recovery, etc.)
0: Goods (bark, flowers/shrubs, etc.)
2: Services (computer, community web page development, etc.)
8: Others

-Accounting services.
-( 5) Willing to volunteer to work on trails or other such needs when appropriate.
- I would offer to make phone calls to “shop around” for better deals on landscaping, tree removal, trail maintenance, etc.  In many cases it sounds like we don’t get multiple bids on projects and that would certainly make sense and save the community money.
-I am willing to join any volunteer neighborhood cleanup or trail maintenance efforts and will bring a pickup and a willingness to work. I feel like we could clean up the ponds much cheaper than we’ll have to pay somebody to complete this work.
- You need to be careful with this one.  The HOA should not be contracting and paying for any services that are not with bonded and insured entities or that would create a conflict of interest between one of the Members and the HOA BOD. There are also HOA and Director liability issues to be considered, and what is and is not covered by the HOA’s liability policy, so as not to expose the HOA and the Board to uninsured risk. For example, planting trees around the retention pond with volunteer labor is one thing, but getting the Members to clear the trees after a storm with their own chain saws, like we did in the past, was in my view not a good idea.  This type of work is dangerous and should be managed by bonded and insured professionals. The HOA and its Directors runs the risk of being held liable for any accident that might occur if this type of work is performed directly by its Members.  One other point, we conducted several HOA work projects in the past.  The same 20% of the Members repeatedly did the work, for the benefit of the other 80%.  Participation was consistently low, as a percentage of the Membership.  We made a decision as a Board, to contract these services going forward.  Community work projects are a good idea and a good way to save money, but don’t expect a large turnout.
-This whole idea concerns me. While I understand the motivation, this sort of sourcing is called a conflict of interest in most avenues and should be avoided at all cost. You should simply put things out for bid and unless some very exceptional situation exists, no business should be guided towards residents. In those situations, all parties should be made aware of the conflict of interest and no one in the decision making loop should be in such a conflict. In other words, don’t do this sort of thing.  Volunteered services are someone of another matter. In general this should be both allowed and encouraged, but care must taken so that a) the quality bar is still met (free is no good if you have to do it all over again), b) no hard feelings arise.

Comments not connected specifically to survey questions:
-Those masked crow research people are extremely frightening looking. Did we give them permission to peruse our neighborhood?
- I have concerns about the stated desire to create a Hwy 9 sound barrier for a small number of homes.  Things like this cause me alarm and indicate the need for checks and balances.
-(2) I think looking into a sound barrier for Hwy 9 is a better investment for maintaining property values. (Board note: Both of these comments were made in the “speed humps” section while explaining their thumbs down to that proposal.)
-Most notably, I don’t see any questions about raising our HOA dues to $550/year. I am 100% opposed to this plan, especially in light of some of the past abuses of our funds and the proposed new abuses (sound barriers, speed bumps, unneeded landscaping, etc.). So, though you didn’t ask, I am offering my $0.02 — please listen to the input of what feels like a definite majority (not a single owner that I have spoken to is in favor of this increase — that may not be a big sample set, but it is at least 10% of the homeowners) and do not raise our dues.
- I think it would be good to get a feel from the homeowners if they prefer to take the fiscal approach of keeping annual dues to a minimum to cover normal operating expenses and then pay special assessments for “capital improvement” projects as they occur. It would be interesting to know if people would rather go that route vs. build up a just-in-case emergency fund.
- Thank you for the survey but I am wondering why you did not ask the most important question:  Do we want our dues to be raised in 08?  Yes I understand that the board has the ability to raise 15% without asking.  The answer is No.  We need to live within our budget.  When comparing our dues to other HOAs we are $100 to $250 higher.  I appreciate the HOA and understand we do not want our homes to ecrease in value due to cars parked on the street, pink houses, etc. …  However we are really close to having our HOA be a liability to the value of our homes instead of an asset.  Our neighborhood is nice but we do not live in multi-million dollar homes. $500 is a lot of money for any family.  Please consider reducing the value of our dues.
-The play set in the park is starting to look faded and it’s starting to split a little.  It should be re-stained with the appropriate rosewood oil or what the manufacturer recommends on a clear day in the spring.  I don’t know what this costs to have it done professionally.  I can help if there’s a volunteer work party.
- I have no complaints, but do believe that we should hold our costs steady and not build larger reserves. Limit the dues to the current rate.  We don’t need huge reserves, we can pay for things as we go if necessary.  Slow down spending, establish two work party days per year and share with people how much we can save if we maintain the trails on our own … let people know that if there isn’t enough participation what it would cost.  Identify block captains to help manage the small amount of community grass so we don’t pay someone to mow what can be done on our own … again, letting people know that if it isn’t done in a timely manner we will have to pay.
- We are not in favor of “hand cuffing” the board by requiring that all expenditures and decisions be put forth to the membership at large.  The volunteer members of the board should be allowed to make prudent decisions on behalf of the community that elected them to do so.  It is only when the board does not respond to a clear message from the association that we have an issue (i.e. social-event funding). Some people complain that our dues are too high.  Ours may be a bit higher than some, but so what?  We have a lot of property to maintain and that property, including the trails and park, add to the value of our community.  We need ot build a reasonable reserve to protect for future action required to insure our property is maintained.  As far as members concern over raising the due $50, I would say they easily spend that on lattes, cable bills, or a myriad of others things that don’t provide the investment return that maintaining your community will. We are encouraged that the current Board will act prudently and act in the best interest of the overall community.  Thanks for your service.
- I would like to see more communication when it comes to new initiatives and additional monies the board is proposing to spend.  This email right here is a GREAT START in that direction. I realize that it may feel like opening Pandora’s box when an email is sent to the entire neighborhood but as the board builds greater trust with homeowners, I think the overall result would be positive.

Your response: