[Everyone] Updates & Recommendations

[Vincent Wimbush]

Greetings. I write in re: updates on some matters that have been and remain
important to CP HOA:


ONE, in re: survey on issues pertaining to RENTALS, an expression to thanks
to Mel and Dave for their work, involving initial informal inviting of
general views and then the design of a polling mechanism. Some things from
the survey are fairly clear; others are not or are muddled and mixed. We
are still without a document that lists clear rules and regulations and
expectations by which we live together as an HOA. This document needs to be
accessible and the rules and regulations and expectations should apply to
all--renters; and owners, whether absentee or resident--with consequences
or actions for non-compliance.

My recommendation for next steps to be taken--that a small group of 2-3
work on drafting for our consideration. This draft should take into
consideration the recent survey as well as rules scattered among existing
CP HOA and documents and rules and regulations of other HOAs. Before
bringing the draft back to us the drafting committee should consult with a
lawyer about relevant issues.

I am asking for volunteers to serve on this committee of 2-3. Although I
would be pleased to have them continue working on this project, I do not
want to be presumptuous about members of the committee that began work on
this matter months ago (including collecting documents and arranging
initial consultation with a lawyer). There is opportunity here for any
owner to serve on this committee and support the work of the HOA. So with
this note I am requesting volunteers to help with this HOA project. Please
do so as soon as possible.

TWO, in re: front LIGHTING at the CP sign, you recall that the large tree
limb that recently fell across Drexel destroyed the light post, broke it in
half, with live wires exposed. I had an electrician remove the bottom half
that was left standing with extending wires and install new wiring and
lights. The two lights are of a different kind--more efficient (without
timer) and embedded in the ground.

Note: the new lights reveal the age and wear of the CP sign. Should be on
the list of things to watch and address in time.
Also, the other (original) lamp posts, along the north-south part of
driveway, and original lamp posts in front of homes, should be watched.

THREE, in re: TREES, the recent storm that pushed the big tree limb our way
made some of us more sensitive to the damage that trees/tree parts on CP
HOA property and surrounding it can do. A small group of us agreed  to
gather first to take our own laypersons' walk about and inventory of the
condition of some trees around us. Then I joined a small committee made up
of Lauren and Rosamond in inventorying trees at CP and surrounding areas
with a professional arborist (Boutte). I express on behalf of CP HOA thanks
to Lauren and Rosamond for their work on this project.

Three situations were flagged in order of greatest immediate concern--1) a
rotting very tall sweetgum tree that seems to be on a slope on property on
Melrose  (on other side of face closest to #400); 2) the three trees (water
oaks) lining the east-west part of driveway, trees whose limbs continue to
raise concerns; and 3) the tree across Drexel on a neighbor's property
(across from #338).

The arborist indicated that #1 was the biggest immediate threat to us. He
recommended we contact Melrose Ave neighbors about having the tree removed.
He was less concerned about #3 as an immediate threat but thought it should
be watched.  As for #2, the recommendation was that the three trees be
tested to determine more clearly their condition.

Action taken to date: on behalf of CP HOA I have written to the neighbor we
think is responsible for the tree. I have asked for serious consideration
for the sake of safety of all concerned. I am waiting for a response. The
arborist has indicated that if no response is provided within a certain
period of time that he would be willing to send communication about the
situation on our behalf. Will keep you posted on developments.

Proposal for #2: the committee of two has recommended to me that we ask the
arborist to test the three trees and that we ask owners who are closest and
most immediately affected--#338, 340, 342, 344, and 400--to divide the cost
of testing ($80 per owner). If more drastic steps need to be taken in the
future the HOA should then be asked to assume costs.  I think this
recommendation is reasonable and I propose it here.

As for proposal #3--the tree across Drexel (closest to #338), no immediate
danger was noted. It is suggested that we continue watching it. I would
support the owner of #338 (because she was most affected by the tree limb)
in communicating with the owner across the street about our concern.

Thanks to all, in anticipation of your cooperation and participation.

V. L. Wimbush
President
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