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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fearrington Homeowners Association

APRIL 2003  MINUTES

DATE:         4/1/03

PRESENT:    Joyce Berg, Frank Chut, John Custer, Jerry Gaudet, Mary Hammond, Cynthia Jones, and Nancy Kern

ABSENT:    Richard Bird, Al Lebeau, Jay Olson

GUESTS:     Evy Barrow, Mary Bastin, Paul Bickell, Ruth Boyce, Margaret Chapman, Jim Granger, Loyse Hurley, Paul Ising, Bill Kern, Ruth and Talmadge Moore, Rita Spina, Martin Spritzer, Barbara Williams

APPROVED:   May 6, 2003

President Kern called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., welcomed guests and briefly reviewed the procedure for resident input.

1. Resident input- Two speakers reported on the recent meeting of the County Commissioners on 3/17/03 during which a draft of the proposed Chatham County Compact Communities Ordinance (LUPIC) was presented.

Mary Bastin who attended the meeting stated that about 20 people spoke at the meeting. The sign-up process was confused and she was not able to speak. Many of the speakers were angry and emotional complaining about the length of the ordinance and its detail. There were also speakers in favor. Bastin is concerned that residents need to e-mail or write letters to the county commissioners in support of LUPIC. Responders should deal with the details in their comments such as the size, density and distance between communities, which she considered positive features. She also supported the requirement that new communities would have to pay for impact studies. She urged residents to push the Commissioners to implement the plan.

Martin Spitzer a member of the LUPIC committee distributed the full draft proposal for the ordinance (Appendix A) and evaluated the public hearing. He felt the vocal people against the ordinance were balanced by a large number of supporting e-mails and verbal comments to the commissioners. On 4/7 the Commissioners will vote and he expects the commissioners will pass the report on to the Planning Board with comments.

In reviewing the draft document, he is concerned about the requirement for a 2-mile distance between compact communities. Since the planned Briar Chapel is less than two miles from Fearrington he feels the interpretation of the rule may apply this only to distances between new compact communities excluding Fearrington. This might lead to no required buffer between us and Briar Chapel. He feels a small distance between all communities, old and new would be more practical.

Suggestions for changes introduced by Spitzer included:

1. No compact communities on both sides of a 4-lane highway.

2. Minimum of 1200 feet between all compact communities

3. No commercial development less than 1200 feet from other development

4. 2 miles minimal distance between all communities old and new or a waiver if development meets all other requirements

He will send suggestions to those who request them.

Comments from the audience:

Rita Spina commented that more Fearringtonians are involved then just the 26 lots adjacent to the proposed Briar Chapel. She asked the FHA Board to make a formal written statement to the Commission because of the importance of land use to all.

Jim Granger suggested means of saturating the village with information so a sense of the community's opinion could be gauged. One group got 450 people to sign a petition against Briar chapel in a short time and could probably get feedback by 4/7/03 meeting.

John Custer felt the Board should not speak for the community, that the individuals would be more effective.

Spina suggested the Board support the distribution of a model letter that residents could send. Bickell asked that this model letter be posted in the kiosk for non- e-mailers.

Spitzer stated we would have additional opportunities to comment as the process proceeds and there will be other meetings.

Nancy Kern thanked the speakers for their contributions.

2. The March FHA Minutes were approved unanimously.

3. Treasurer Chut presented his report (Appendix A-1). He states that we have CD's maturing and these will earn significantly less interest in the future. The finances are all in order and his report was approved. Financial Officer Bird reports that only 5-6 people are in arrears for their dues.

4. Issues requiring immediate attention -none

5. Old Business - none

6. New Business-none

7. Committee Reports

a. Community affairs- Cynthia Jones reported that the Easter Bunny is scheduled for the Easter Egg Hunt. She is looking for young people older than 10 years to help hide about 600 eggs.

She reported that revision of emergency procedures is progressing and a new procedure should be available in 1-2 months.

b. Gathering Place Manager Joyce Berg said that the Gathering Place will be power washed in May. She reported on the progress of clearing the coatroom. Several organizations will move storage items to the kitchen and the Arts and Crafts and Women's Club are buying china and a storage cabinet. Evy Barrow asked about washing the china as the kitchen sink is small and the drain works poorly. Berg reported that the sink has been repaired. An evaluation of a plumbing up grade to allow a garbage disposal was too expensive to be undertaken by the Board.

c. Grounds and facilities - Chairman Custer reports that the Board has a new emergency cell phone. Also, the Garden Club cannot find volunteers to maintain the flowerbeds at the Gathering Place so we will seek a landscaper. Custer will request planting specs to aid him in negotiating a contract. Jim Granger suggested several people to contact including Jack Wright and Guy Baird.

Custer stated there are three larger trees that we must remove. One is leaning across the circle at the end of Barnsley, another leaner is in the woods we cleared off Beechmast, and a tree near Wintercrest West is broken and unsightly. I have called to request estimates for this work. I believe that, for both safety and appearance reasons, these trees must be removed. I do not have final estimates of the cost of the work, but ask the board to approve expenditure up to $600.

Custer purposed the following motion, which was approved. Motion: I request the Board approve the expenditure of up to $600 for the removal to three large trees on FHA property.

He reviewed the issue of paving the Smokehouse Kiosk Parking lot. A questionnaire was placed in the kiosk asking whether residents preferred gravel or paved. About 20% responded. He got estimates for regrading and either putting down new gravel ($1750) or paving (pending).

New 'no entry' signs were placed at the Gathering place kiosk.

Volunteers are still needed for the maintenance of the GP Kiosk, painting signs, removing kudzu, and painting fireplugs. Cat eyes have been replaced.

d. Gathering Place Office- Vice President Gaudet stated that a new laminator had been purchased and Fearrington Cares' old laminator returned. Residents can use it for 50 cents for each lamination.

e. County Liaison Chair Lebeau was absent. His report is attached as Appendix B.

8. Resident input - Jim Granger reports that Creekwood is celebrating the re-opening of their Kiosk in May and invited the FHA Board to attend.

9. The Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Hammond, Secretary