Hi Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you doing great!  I wanted to update you on the minutes of the last Solutions Meeting that was held on February 9^th.  We discussed the following three topics,

• Irrigation Ideas
  • How Do We Want the Park to Look?  We need to define what we want so that when we pay for an irrigation bid, we are not wasting our money on a design we do not want.
  • Where can we reduce turf and create xeriscaped areas that require little water but still look nice?
  • Ideas for the $1,500 grant from the city regarding adding perennials to the landscaping at our entrances.
• Review the progress of the different Sub Groups and define action steps to take with the New Board.
• Review the specific qualities that a Property Management firm would need to have so that information can be gathered and bids can be collected from appropriate companies.

v     Irrigation Topic - Scott Schigur presented the group with a professionally drawn map of the entire park.  It showed our greenbelts, golf course and other amenities in great detail.  Scott is a homeowner in the park and is an architect by profession.  We were so impressed with his efforts and time put into this project.  Scott presented the group with an overall view of where we are today and two options for us to proceed with in making decisions about our future irrigation system.  This drawing as well as the two options are attached to this document and will also be posted on the website for review by all homeowners. 

·        Scott did find out from the city that if we decide to reduce turf to save us money, we can only reduce by 10%.  If we want to reduce our turf by over 10% there is a process we as a neighborhood would need to go through with the City and it would require us spending $2,000.  The group said that depending on the cost savings associated with the reduction in watering bills and maintenance of mowing the turf, etc. we should not be limiting ourselves to just 10% turf reduction.

·        The city has approved putting in a continuous sidewalk around the outer edge of the golf course.  This is VERY exciting!  Rachelle spoke with the architect at the city that is in charge of this project and it will be in the first design phase in the first week of March.  This group wondered if we could have a detached sidewalk that would allow for the sidewalk to not directly attach to the street.  This would make the sidewalk more appealing as well as pleasing to the eye.  Rachelle also asked if it would be possible if the City poured a sidewalk down the east side of Greenway Park Drive in front of the town homes.   Currently, this is a dirt walk way down to the main entrance and intersection at 120^th.  The City said they would consider it; it just will come down to money and the time for that discussion is in the first week of March.  Rachelle will be following up with them.

·        We will be looking for more community involvement to discuss the OPTIONS for the irrigations.  However, we NEED to get a productive way to communicate effectively with our homeowners. 

o       We plan to request email addresses from homeowners so that update emails can be sent regarding important information. 

o       We will post our minutes and proposals on the website.

o       We will use the newsletter.

o       We need to elect Block Captains so that they can help spread the information in their immediate area.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BLOCK CAPTAIN PLEASE CONTACT Rachelle Moschetti at queenofsparkles@comcast.net

o       We will be using signs to let homeowners know about upcoming meetings.

v   Scott, Rachelle, Fran, Andrea and Suzie agreed to work on drawing up a plan with plant recommendations for each of the entrances to submit to the city for approval to acquire the $1,500 grant.  The deadline is the first week of March. 

v   We discussed the pertinent requirements that we should look for in a Professional Property Management Firm

o       An on sight employee would be great (break this out)

o       Weekly meetings with the board members

o       24 hour emergency service calls

o       Company needs to local

o       Take care of our accounting (break this out)

o       Attend monthly HOA meeting

o       Hire staff for grounds, golf course, swimming pool

o       Need referrals and have experience with communities our size

o       Needs to be in charge of gathering bids for maintenance

o       Maintain website and improve our communication

o       Take care of ACC

o       Generate work orders and priority list and communicate with homeowners

Once some proposals are gathered, we will have a community meeting to bring this in front of the homeowners for a question and answer session.

Our next meeting will be in March.  A date has not yet been set.  I will be in touch to let you know.  Thank you for your involvement in the Positive Solutions Meetings.  Your time, efforts and involvement are making a BIG difference!  Please pass on this information to your neighbors and we hope to see you and them at the next meeting!

Have a great day!  

Rachelle