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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fearrington Homeowners Association

MARCH 2004  MINUTES

DATE: March 2, 2004

PRESENT: Anne Bigeleow, Richard Bird, Stephen Bodner, Frank Chut, Jerry Gaudet, Cynthia Jones, Al Lebeau, Janet Lorant, Steve Ruziecki, Lisa Stewart

ABSENT: None

GUESTS: Marilyn Band, Ruth Kreisman, Joy Metelits, Bob Oram, Carol Ann Greenslade, Forrest Greenslade, Maggie Gaudet, Mark Koyanagi, Barbara Ewing

APPROVED:April 6, 2004

President Gaudet called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and turned the meeting over to Vice-President, Steve Ruziecki.

Resident Input

Vice-President Ruziecki called for resident input. Ruth Kreisman remarked how good the kitchen in the Gathering Place looked after recent improvements and thanked Lisa Stewart for her good work in upgrading the building.

Carol Ann Greenslade posed two questions: 1) She has been notified by the Camden Service Group to remove a window hanging; could the board clarify the rules and regulations on the use of window hangings? 2) What is the penalty for not complying with requests from Camden? Steve Ruziecki referred her to the Camden Service Group officers and said he would check on the penalty. Jerry Gaudet added that there are problems with interpretations of the covenants and that Ann Bigelowe would be working with all the Fearrington service groups to gain clarity and consensus on standards.

Joy Metelits, representing twenty-six Fearrington residents who border the recently sold Crist property, requested that the board continue to monitor the County Compact Community Ordinance legislation and be a voice for the residents regarding the outcome. In particular, the group is concerned that a waver clause has been put back into the proposed ordinance. She requested that the board take a stand on this issue. Jerry Gaudet promised the board would do so after study of the issues involved. Mark Koyanagi stated he and the residents appreciated FHA involvement on this topic so important to Fearrington residents.

Approval of Minutes

The motion for approval of the February 3, 2004 minutes was carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Frank Chut reported that expenses for January were understated due to the transition in grounds vendors. The treasury has $30,000 more this month in ’04 than it did last year at this time. The motion to accept the report was approved unanimously. (Appendix A).

Issues Requiring Immediate Action

None

Old Business

None

New Business

None

Committee Reports

a. Community affairs – Cynthia Jones

Cynthia announced that the Easter Bunny will be arriving in Fearrington on April 11th at 1:30 at the playground.

The Smokehouse library space has increased and is being well used. The recent contribution of CDs has resulted in their immediate use.

b. Covenant Issues – Anne Bigelow

Anne announced that on March 17th at 1 p.m. all members of the Fearrington various covenants groups will meet to review the covenants, and find commonalities or variances. Their goal will be to reach consensus on interpretations of the covenants and standardize the resulting actions. FHA board members are invited to attend. A meeting will be held on March 10th at 1 p .m. to plan the agenda for the March 17th meeting.

c. County Liaison – Al Lebeau (Report submitted in Appendix B)

Al Lebeau reported that there will be a public hearing on the Compact Community Ordinance held by the county commissioners on March 23rd.

He also announced that there are two commissioner seats open for election this July; the seats open are those presently held by Bob Atwater from District 1 and Margaret Pollard from District 2.

The Chatham County Planning Board recently requested additional information from the Jordan Lake LLC regarding the proposed Homestead development before making zoning change recommendations to the Commissioners. The project proposes constructing 475 homes on 577 acres of land on Big Woods Road, south of The Preserve. The proposed density is four times greater than currently allowed. The Planning Board is seeking information on the effect of the project on Jordan Lake and the cost to the county schools.

Al also reported that the commissioners have approved an expenditure for $184,000 as the first phase of upgrades and modifications of the county’s Jordan Lake water treatment plant. Besides improving the effectiveness of the water system, the upgrades are expected to allow for increased capacity in the future. The board also approved $49,650 to purchase new water meter reading equipment that will allow county employees to read meters via radio.

d. FHA office – Steve Ruziecki

Steve announced that the 2004 FHA directories have been distributed. He asked residents to alert the FHA office if mistakes are found. He also acknowledged the good work and efforts that are being made by the Long Range Planning Committee highlighting the recent insert about transportation information in the March issue of the FHA newsletter.

e. Financial Officer – Richard Bird

Richard announced that there are ten unpaid FHA dues to date.

f. Gathering Place – Lisa Stewart

Lisa Stewart thanked Frank Chut for his great work done recently as part of his FHA Treasurer’s duties.

Lisa reported that a survey was done of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems at the Gathering Place. Although no major problems were found there are some areas that need to be addressed and this will be done over the next couple of months. Using the responses to her request about lighting and sound needs of Fearrington groups who meet at the Gathering Place, Lisa presented a list of needs to three lighting experts and sought their advice on how to proceed with the changes. These recommendations will be made to the board at a later date. The refurbishing work on the Gathering Place is continuing working around scheduled events and meetings.

g. Grounds and facilities - Steve Bodner

Steve Bodner announced that there were some minor repairs needed at the Fearrington playground, that he has made one temporary repair, but that he is having trouble contacting the playground equipment representative to make the permanent repairs. Jerry Gaudet asked if FHA had insurance on the playground; the response was affirmative. Steve said that he was concerned about the erosion on the right side of the hillside behind the Gathering Place, and moved that the board approve approximately $500 for new plants. The motion was carried. Steve also moved that the board approve approximately $500 to remove overgrown bushes and improve the walkway and appearance at the front entrance of the Gathering Place. The motion was carried. Jerry Gaudet requested that the Garden Club provide advice on specific plants and a design to incorporate in this area.

h. Other Reports:

Jerry Gaudet announced that Fitch Inc. will be putting sewer lines into Bush Creek and that FHA is working with Fitch to construct walkways in that area. Jerry added that the former barn along Village Way by the pool is being remodeled and FHA is working with Fitch to improve the nearby walking area there.

Jerry Gaudet informed the board that in response to his request for Fearrington lawyers for assistance, three residents have responded and will be available to advise the board on issues upon request.

Additional Resident Input

Vice-President Ruziecki called for any final resident input. Ruth Kreisman asked when the board will turn its attention to taking care of the potholes on the streets near the intersections of Langdon and Camden. President Gaudet informed her that this street is owned by Fitch Inc. who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. Local residents should request that Fitch do these repairs.

Bob Oram questioned whether there is any update about when spring cleanup will occur. Steve Bodner said he had no date as yet to announce but would set a date and put it in the newsletter.

Hearing no other questions or comments from residents, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2004.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Lorant, Secretary