The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 3:00 PM at the home of Ralph and Jeanne Legg. Board members in attendance were President Dave Palmer, Vice President Bim Hastings, Treasurer Sandy Piercey, Secretary Kathie Isaac-Luke, Webmaster Don Nester, Ridgettes Chairperson Carole Robinson, Newsletter Editor Jeanne Legg, Ralph Legg, Block Captain Glen Mutch, and Susan Mutch.
Minutes of the last regular meeting of November 7, 2011 were approved and accepted.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Sandy Piercey reported a positive balance. Recent expenses were for newsletter prints and miscellaneous expenses for the Christmas party. Dues have been collected from 65 homeowners, which represents 44% of total properties. The treasurer's report was approved and accepted.
BLOCK CAPTAIN COMMITTEE REPORT: Dave Palmer introduced Glen Mutch, the new block captain for block 10. A discussion followed as to the need for the association to take a look at the whole Block Captain program and decide how it should currently look.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE REPORT: In the absence of Marty Gerbasi, this committee had nothing to report.
WEBSITE COMMITTEE REPORT: Don Nester reported that he had made some changes to the website to make it easier to navigate. He has used some updated tools and added some broader information to help the community. The website also touches on some of the benefits of belonging to the neighborhood association. Don reported that he welcomes any suggestions to improve the website.
CC&R COMMITTEE: Bim Hastings reported that he had noticed a homeowner doing some grading in possible preparation for future construction, and asked if there had been a recent application for improvements. It was decided that he would call Marty Gerbasi to see if he had this information.
RIDGETTES: Carole Robinson reported that the next meeting of Ridgettes would be a luncheon at the National Hotel in Jamestown at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012.
NEWSLETTER: Jeanne Legg reported that the deadline for submitting material for the newsletter is March 14, 2012.
NEW BUSINESS: The 2011 holiday party at the Willow Springs Clubhouse was discussed, and board members reported that there was good feedback and many positive responses from the attendees about the venue. It was agreed that the Willow Springs Clubhouse would be a good site for holding some of the future Ridgewood parties. Dave Palmer reported that he was contacting possible hosts for the Ridgewood summer party. He reported that he has a potential volunteer and June 25 was set as a tentative date for the summer party.
A discussion was held about how to increase the number of residents who pay yearly dues. One suggestion was to snail mail the last newsletter of the year with a dues reminder included. Another suggestion was to include an article in the newsletter pointing out the many benefits of belonging to the neighborhood association.
Dave Palmer and Carole Robinson discussed the Neighbor to Neighbor program, and noted that since Ridgewood is home to a number of residents who are elderly, the neighborhood as a whole should be aware if older residents need assistance in any way. It was suggested that an article be placed in the newsletter encouraging residents to check on neighbors who are elderly or infirm. It was also pointed out that confidentiality needed to be respected in implementing this program.
Dave Palmer reported that the season was approaching when Star Thistle makes its appearance, and residents should be aware of the need to eradicate this invasive plant as soon as it is noticed. An article containing information about this problem will possible solutions will be placed in the newsletter.
Another reminder will also go in the newsletter reminding residents about the leash law and the necessity to clean up after their pets.
Dave Palmer reported that he had been looking into the availability of Comcast for Ridgewood residents, and had discovered that the low housing density in our area was one of the obstacles to getting the service. He will contact one of the Comcast regional managers to see if the service might be made available at a later date.
The next regular Board meeting will be held on May 21, 2012 at the home of Lee and Sandy Piercey.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:25 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathie Isaac-Luke, Secretary