Last night the HOA Board held an open meeting for homeowners. The following key issues of interest to all were discussed:
• Homeowners assessments and threat of golf course closure:  The Board met with the golf course owners on October 11. They reported that once again the owners asked for approval of their 10-year plan for assessing homeowners a monthly fee to keep the course open. Again, they declined to open their books.
• Threat of land development by the golf course owners again presented:  The owners apparently told the Board that there were two developers interested in buying the course for building of 97 homes and further that the County would have no problem with this. They told the Board that a plan for this was submitted to the County at the time the two plus acres were sold to the developer of the seven villa style houses. The County informed the Board previously that there was no plan submitted to develop the golf course.
To emphasize, there is an active group of concerned homeowners who are prepared to act should there be any attempt to close the golf course for development. We have heard nothing further from the County beyond the meetings we held with them earlier this year, specifically that there are no active applications with them for development. As they told us, development would require new permitting and a long, involved and expensive process. A long-time MC owner spoke at the meeting and emphasized how important it will be for all of us to watch for County meetings on this issue, attend those meetings, and speak forcefully, as residents and voters, in opposition to development of the land. Now with over 500 BLOG followers we can react quickly.
• Golf course owners contend they own PFE gate:  A legal challenge is being raised as to ownership and access through the PFE gate. Our attorneys believe the property in question, though it may have been part of the golf course during community development, was ceded to the community. We have constructive use on our side. Unless they are thinking development, we question the relevance of the entire issue since there is no golf course access needed through this gate.
• Owners confirmed they have no offers:  The course owners told the Board that as of now they have no offers to buy the golf course as an operating entity. The current listing price and its reasonableness were not discussed.
• Problem houses:  It was confirmed that the “bad” house on Pinehurst has been sold. The Board expects the Sherriff will remove the squatter in the house in the next week or two. Also, the problem property on Kingsbarn is coming to closure and its young occupants will be moving out.
• Late night visitors through the Crowder man gate:  There have been numerous reports of people in masks and hooded sweatshirts accessing the community between 10 pm and 5 am. The association is looking into beefing up security at this gate by redesigning the gate to prevent reaching through and increasing the fence height. They are also investigating the possibility of cameras and lighting.
• Possible assessment increase considered:  The 2019 budget is being developed and might necessitate an assessment increase. The Board will be issuing RFPs for the landscaping (Procidia incumbent), Stonegate (security incumbent) and Associa (management company incumbent) to see if cost savings and better performance can be achieved.
• Tailgating at the gates:  This was brought up again. The possibility of assessing fines was suggested. How this might work was not brought up. The Board also stated that a surprising number of residents still have not provided Associa with contact information necessary to enter them into the gate security system records and operation. The automatic gates will not recognize your vehicles, and your visitors will not be able to reach you easily to open the gates for them. This causes confusion, delays, and frustration for everyone at the entrances. If you have not registered your vehicles and contact information with Associa, please do so, so that our community can operate smoothly for all.

• Moving the call box at the Vineyard gate:  The suggestion of moving the call box to the guard shack side of the Vineyard entrance was discussed. This would facilitate data entry for those needing greeter assistance. The Board stated this is being investigated but would entail substantial cost and County permitting.
• Call for volunteers:  There will be an election in January to fill two HOA Board seats. A call has gone out for anyone interested in running to submit their application. If you are at all concerned with these and other issues and have the time and desire to make a difference here’s your chance. Contact Sheila Tanini at Associa for an application, (916) 677-8312.
Stay tuned in and we’ll bring you more information as we learn of it.