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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fearrington Homeowners Association

JULY 2004  MINUTES

DATE: July 6, 2004

PRESENT: Richard Bird, Frank Chut, Cynthia Jones, Al Lebeau, Janet Lorant, Steve Ruziecki

ABSENT: Ann Bigelow, Stephen Bodner, Jerry Gaudet, Tom Hauck

GUESTS: John Huchle, Carol-Ann Greenslade, John Heuer, Mary Bastin, Bob Oram, Nancy Oram, Stan Pomeranz, Jack Zollinger, Elizabeth Stollard, David Stallard, Rita Spina, Joy Metelits, Martin Spritzer, Bob Eby, Bill Kern, Nancy Kern, Marilyn Band, Phil Smith, Julie Smith, Ann Gabor, Edith Lange

APPROVED: September 7, 2004

Vice-President Steve Ruziecki called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and introduced guest speaker, Tommy Emerson, chairman of the Chatham County Commissioners. Mr. Emerson provided a brief history of Chatham County. Chatham is the 12th highest agricultural county in NC, and agriculture provides a fifth of the income in the state. Chatham is one of the wealthier counties in the state. The western part of the county is rural and has a lower mean income than the eastern; many jobs have been lost as the traditional industries of textiles and furniture have closed. Challenges to the county include: the quantity and quality of the water supply; land values outgrowing their income producing sources resulting in taxation difficulties for agricultural areas, and increased growth resulting in a demand for more services.

John Heuer asked about the community compact ordinance waiver; Mr. Emerson stated it is a good ordinance and the waiver allows the commissioners leeway if needed. David Stollard commented that new developments such as Briar Chapel will not pay their way considering the increase of educational and other services required; he also feels that hosting a regional landfill for other counties is a mistake. Mr. Emerson responded that he is vacillating on this issue; if approved the landfill would have to be in a central location away from homes. Hosting the landfill for other counties would produce income for the county.

Carol-Ann Greenslade asked if the commissioners are approaching the state on deer hunting laws. Mr. Emerson said that the commissioners have communicated with the wildlife department and requested an extended hunting season. He also stated that wildcats and black deer are beginning to appear in the county.

Bob Oram asked why the base price for water has increased 50%. Mr. Emerson stated that he was not aware of this until today, and could not respond. Stan Pomeranz questioned the water bond. Mr. Emerson said that it is designed to carry water to rural areas, not for proposed developments. Nancy Kern asked if the water supply is sparse now, why allow additional development; also landfill destroys water supply, so why consider that. Mr. Emerson stated that that Chatham County did not get its fair share of return from Jordan Lake given the vast amount of land given by the county to build the lake. We need an increased water allotment from the state and need to make a case for it due to increased development. Bob Eby asked if a new water plant is needed if we increase our allocation and use of water. Mr. Emerson said that we do not have county access to the lake, and he would like to see this changed.

Stan Pomeranz asked if there were plans to increase the impact fees. Mr. Emerson would like to see a sliding scale based on percentage of value of property; however, that is against state statute. He is hopeful that this law can be changed.

Phil Smith asked Emerson to speculate where he would like to see the county in the next few years. Mr. Emerson closed by saying that he would like to see the eastern and western part of the county unite on issues like water, economic development, better jobs, and more volunteering efforts to promote Chatham County.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made to approve the June minutes. The motion was carried

Treasurer’s Report (Appendix A)

Frank Chut reported that bathroom renovations were complete at the Gathering Place; the cost was around $1500. This was the last major expenditure for the Gathering Place unless something unexpected arises. Frank reported that all FHA expenditures and income were as anticipated this month. There was a motion to approve the Treasure’s Report, and the motion was carried.

Issues Requiring Immediate Action

None

Old Business

None

New Business

Steve announced that Tom Hauck will replace Lisa Stewart as the director of the Gathering Place. Lisa has resigned her position; Steve expressed appreciation to Lisa for her work.

Resident Input

Marilyn Band asked if anyone else is bothered by inadequate lighting while trying to make the left hand turn at night into Fearrington from 15-501. Steve Ruziecki said he would request the Department Of Transportation take action such as reflective paint to ease the present danger. Carol-Ann Greenslade stated that the mowing of grass is spotty throughout the Village and is unsightly along Windstone. Vice-President Ruziecki will ask Steve Bodner to discuss this issue with the contractor. Bob Oram asked how often the contractor is supposed to mow under the new contract. Steve will check the contract with the Director of Grounds and Facilities.

Committee Reports

Community affairs – Cynthia Jones: no report

Covenant Issues – no report

County Liaison – (Appendix B) Al Lebeau reported the county approved their budget at $77,105,291 maintaining the current 64.64 cents/$100 property value. The school budget is close to $18 million and sheriff’s office received $4.5 million. Planning board member George Lucier, whose three year term will expire shortly, is not being reappointed. Mr. Clyde Harris has been nominated to replace Mr. Lucier. The Sheriff’s department recently destroyed 148 marijuana plants found in north Chatham County (street value of $370,000). The School Board hired an integrated school community planning group to do a detailed study of the system and make recommendations about whether and where new schools were needed in the county. Chatham County is growing is 1.25 time faster than the state average, increasing school enrollment from 7000 this year to an anticipated 9000 students by 2010. Options to increase school building space are being considered. The county tax office is discussing how to handle the issue of the numerous abandoned mobile homes in the county. Construction on 15-501 is likely to be completed in December of this year.

FHA office – Steve Ruziecki: no report

Financial Officer – Richard Bird stated that the Briar Chapel application is available in the FHA board and on the Chatham County website.

Gathering Place – no report

Grounds and facilities – no report

Adjournment

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:10. The next meeting will be on September 7th; there will not be an August meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Lorant, Secretary