Three matters were on the agenda for the Association’s Special Meeting of October 13, 2016: (1) vote on proposed settlement with the Greenbergs and an associated amendment to the Declaration; (2) vote on a proposed amendment to the Declaration impose a term limit on the offices of President and Vice President and to change the mode of election;(2) a report on the investigation of the pond committee appointed at the annual meeting to investigate potential remedies for the pond located between Misty Hollow Court and Meadowbrook Run.
Greenberg Settlement
As of the time of the meeting, including both online proxy ballots and ballots submitted at the meeting, there were 78 votes in favor and 2 votes against, a ratio of 97.5% in favor and 2.5% against. Because an amendment must be approved by 90% (or 120) of all 133 lot owners in Fox Fields, the vote was insufficient for approval at this time. Therefore, it was decided to hold open the voting until November 30, 2016, subject to further extension, to allow lot owners who had not yet voted to submit ballots. The Board plans to mail written ballots to those who have not yet voted and to follow up by phone or in person to secure approval.
Term Limits Amendment
As of the time of the meeting, including both online proxy ballots and ballots submitted at the meeting, there were 23 votes in favor and 54 votes against, a ratio of 30% in favor and 70% against. Because an amendment must be approved by 90% (or 120) of all 133 lot owners in Fox Fields, and 40% of the total 133 home owners had by that time voted against, the proposal was declared defeated.
Pond Committee Report
Marc Belitsky presented a report of the pond committee using a PowerPoint presentation. Essentially, the pond is now beset by two major problems, the drying up of its former sources of water due to storm water control measures upstream of Fox Fields, and an overgrowth of harmful weeds in the pond. Based on his investigations and discussions with pond consultants, Marc presented what appeared to be potentially viable solutions for each, which included installation of a well and the performance of weed treatments by a pond expert. The initial costs of the capital project of installing a well, pump and electrical wiring and the initial weed treatment, it appeared, could cost in a range of $13,000. Ongoing costs of electricity, insurance and maintenance remained to be firmed up. The pond committee will continue its investigation, with a view to firming up estimated initial and continuing costs, and examine the alternative cost and feasibility of filling in the pond, which is expected to be costlier. (In the course of the investigation, Radnor Township advised that the pond is not considered part of a storm water management system for our development, so that the Association would be free to dredge or fill in the pond subject to the requirement of obtaining a grading permit.) Once costs are firmed up, it is anticipated that a proposal will be presented to the membership via electronic voting so it may vote up or down any recommendations or alternatives on the pond. Based on the approximate $13,000 cost discussed at the meeting, it would appear that an approximate $100 per lot one-time special assessment would be required to implement a restoration project of the scope discussed. However, costs are still being firmed up. To view the pond committee presentation in pdf format, click here.