Minutes of FHA Open Meeting March 4, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cell at 7:05 PM on March 4, 2008. Present were Board members Mary Lou Einloth (Vice President), Walter Jernigan (Treasurer), Leonard Kreisman (Secretary) Carol-Ann Greenslade, and Barbara Thompson.  Absent were Peter Thomas, Lowell Kennedy, Harriet McGraw and John Hammond. In addition to Board members, twenty residents were in attendance at the meeting.

On a motion by the Secretary, seconded by Mary Lou Einloth, the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 2008 were accepted as presented.

Mary Lou reported that the Directory and Handbook for 2008 had been delivered to residents and she thanked Mike Cotter for all his efforts.  She also called the attention of residents to the material about covenants on page 5 and also the material on service groups on page 7. She emphasized that it was important for residents to become familiar with the covenants that apply to their particular area. She also noted that there was a section on Safety with suggestions and information on hiring domestic help.

Mary Lou then introduced Ruth Bierhoff who chaired the Survey Committee.  Ruth then described in detail the history of the survey that was developed to provide information to residents as well as the Board, about the demographics of the community, characteristics of the community, opinions about community life and suggestions from those who participated in the survey. A power point presentation of the results of the survey followed.  For those residents who are interested detailed information about the survey and its results are available on the website. (Click here to access the survey results.) For those residents who do not have computer access, hard copies are available in the FHA office.

Ruth pointed out that a number of the e-mail invitations to residents to participate in the survey were returned and the committee followed up on those so that as wide a possible response to the survey could be gathered.  She also pointed out that the Survey Committee consisted of present and former Board Presidents and Vice Presidents as well as a number of residents who had survey, technology, and statistical skills.

Residents asked a number of questions about the material that had been presented. One question concerned the possibility of more gradations involving age since the survey had just three under 35, 35 to 65.and over 65. Other questions and comments involved the fact that very few responses were from Galloway Ridge residents and this raised the issue about whether or not Galloway Ridge residents understood that they are part of Fearrington. In response to a question about what the Committee found most startling Ruth indicated that residents “liked the Board”. Other questions involved what information had been gathered about non-respondents and there was no information to be able to respond to that question.  The question of communication with residents was also an issue and Gillian responded that this was an issue that the Board would discuss.  She did point out that the Board had decided that in each issue of the Newsletter each Director would describe how his or her function provides a service to residents.

The Board will also examine how to increase attendance at Open Board Meetings.

In a response to another question about Galloway Ridge, Mary Lou indicated that 35-40% of the current residents at Galloway Ridge were former Fearrington residents.  Another resident commented about the Fearrington Cares survey and when those results become available the Board will examine the relationship between those findings and those of the current survey.  It was also noted that while some of the findings need to b addressed by the Board others fall within the purview of RB.  Gillian said that the results of the survey will be given to RB. A question was also raised about follow-up surveys and it was the sense of the Board that such would be undertaken at appropriate times.  It should also be noted that the survey provided an opportunity for comments and some 1100 were received and all of these will be on the website together with additional information about responses to each item on the survey.

Walter, the Treasurer reported that our working budget for 2008 was $140,000 and that most dues had already been collected.  Current expenses are under budget. He is preparing to put budget materials on to the website.  He expects to have a handout covering the first quarter of 2008 at the next Open Meeting. In response to a question Walter pointed out that Camden Park has its own management operation.

Carol-Ann then reported on a decision by the new Postmaster in Pittsboro. Resident addresses MUST have the Fearrington Post number as the major address.  The Postmaster has set a deadline of April 11 to implement that change.  Carol-Ann urged all residents to make sure that correspondents know this since mail not so addressed will be returned to the sender. The Handbook and Directory, p.19 shows the correct format for addresses. She also reported that the Green Scene Committee will meet on March 25th at 3PM in the Gathering Place and the meeting will deal with safe herbicides and chemicals for gardening and also Mr. Hudak will talk about turning clean garbage cans into rain barrels.  She indicated that Lowe’s has rain barrels for about $50.00.

In Peter Thomas’ absence Gillian reported that the CERT committee, under Tom Hauck’s leadership, had participated in a Training program on the Incident Command System.  This deals with how to respond to emergencies.  John and Jan Bierling who travel nationwide giving such presentations are now residents of Fearrington.  Reporting on the Road Safety Committee she said that the material gathered by the speed monitors will be shared with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.  The issue of paths and walkways are issues that with be discussed with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. A resident asked why the speed monitors were not being used and was told that there is a problem with their operation during cold weather.  Now that the weather is warming up they will be reinstalled. It was pointed out that motorized wheelchairs are treated the same as pedestrians and must operate against traffic.  One resident raised the issue about golf carts and the Board was asked to investigate traffic regulations concerning golf carts. The Community Watch Program is being developed and a meeting is planned with Fitch Creations to discuss crime prevention and the implementation of the Community Watch program.

Gillian, reporting for Harriet McGraw, once again reminded residents to become familiar with the covenant provisions that apply to their area and she also noted that covenant information is available on the website.

Barbara reported that the Adopt-A-Highway committee will be meeting at the Gathering Place on Saturday March 9th at 9AM.  Gloves and vests will be provided for those who participate.  She also called attention to the Easter Egg hunt which will take place on March 23rd at `1:30 PM at the Playground.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Leonard T. Kreisman, Secretary