MINUTES
AGHA ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2007
I. Call to order: President Randy Simpson called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M. Board members present were Norm Arlt, Debra Jones, Bob Meyer, Barb Powell, Royal Shields, Randy Simpson, Anne Stellmon and Cindy Wagner. He welcomed and thanked all homeowners for attending the annual meeting. Homeowners present: Ron Adams, Quink Arlt, Betty and Bill De Long, Dave & Patti Estes, Fred Freeh, Tom and Jan Guerra, Allen & Barbara Harrington, Tom Hendrix, Wendy Kilgore, Dave and Andrea Kline, Dan & Lisa Schafer, Derrick Laughlin, Bonnie Meyer, Carl Miller, Nancy O’Meara, Mitch Powell, Ed Rashid, Ken Sharp and Larry Stellmon.
II. Minutes: Carl Miller made a motion that was seconded by Patti Estes to approve the 2006 minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
III. Introduction of Current AGHA Board of Directors:
Norm Arlt, Grounds: Norm explained the City of Aurora Xeriscape Rebate Program which we received money from and the City of Aurora Xeriscape Grant which we applied for and did not receive. He talked about his responsibilities and those that are contracted by the AGHA. Carl Miller thanked Norm and Quink on behalf of the community for their extraordinary service to the community.
Debra Jones, Social: Debra reviewed the Holiday Party, Easter Egg Hunt and Dumpster Days. Bob Meyer, Neighborhood Watch: Bob reported that AG had only 1 home break-in during the past year.
Barb Powell, Treasurer: Barb reviewed the treasurer’s report and explained the high costs associated with water bills and attorney fees. It was noted that dues have not been raised in more than 6 years. Three homeowners are not current with their dues. Liens will be filled on October 1, 2007 against those homes if the dues are not paid by September 31, 2007.
Royal Shields, ACC: Royal reported that 25 Architectural Change Requests were submitted and approved this year. He stressed the importance of the community to respect our covenants in an effort to maintain appearance and property values.
Randy Simpson, President: Randy discussed the Board’s decision to defend the covenants by filing a lawsuit against a homeowner for covenant violations. The suit was won by the AGHA. He mentioned the Board’s vision and ongoing efforts to reduce water usage for AG and preserving the appearance of the communal areas. Patti Estes, on behalf of the community, thanked Randy for his leadership during a challenging year.
Anne Stellmon, Secretary: Anne’s activities included sundry administrative duties, attending continuing education classes for board of directors and assisting Quink Arlt with the Xeriscape Grant request.
Cindy Wagner, Welcoming: Cindy welcomed two new couples, Dan and Lisa Schafer and Ken Sharp and Wendy Kilgore who attended the meeting. Randy Simpson presented Cindy with the “Third Annual Royal Order of the Loyal Soldier Award” and thanked her for 2 terms of service that included making available our meeting place at Shalom Park and her efforts to institute a Code of Ethics for board members.
Vice-President: Position is vacant.
IV. Introduction of Board Candidates and Voting: Randy Simpson introduced David Estes, Debra Jones, Derrick Laughlin, Bob Meyer, Dick Moore and Barb Powell. The candidates spoke about themselves and the reasons why they would like to serve on the Board. Randy read a letter from Dick Moore who was not present for the meeting. Voting was conducted during a 10 minute break.
V. Old Business
Xeriscape projects: Norm Arlt stated we had money left over from the xeriscape rebate and would use that money to enhance the area at the entrance to the AG Park. We will continue efforts to seek monetary assistance from the city for future projects.
Trash Removal: Debra Jones presented bids from trash removal services so the AGHA could eventually use only one service to help reduce costs, improve service and reduce traffic and noise caused by the trash trucks. A straw poll was taken that indicated a majority of homeowners were interested in pursuing this goal. It will take a couple of years to make the transition but the Board will pursue the possibility.
Social Activities: Debra Jones asked the homeowner’s if they were interested in a holiday party this year. The majority indicated an interest in some kind of activity that will be sponsored by the AGHA.
VI. New Business
Snow removal: Bob Meyer reported that he had looked into additional snow removal service for AG during large snow falls. Because of high costs, insurance coverage and City of Aurora rules it is unlikely AGHA can provide this service for the community.
Covenant review plan: Anne Stellmon stated that the goal of the Board is to update the AGHA governing documents to reflect the values of the community and to be in compliance with current federal and state laws. The Board has appointed Lynn Walton and her to be facilitators for the process and they have enlisted the help of Michael Zabinsky and Dave Kline. The plan includes surveying the community and hosting focus groups to better understand the desires and values of the community in regard to the covenants. They will present to the Board recommendations for further action by the community.
VII. Election Results: Randy Simpson announced the results.
David Estes 45
Debra Jones 36
Derrick Laughlin 45
Bob Meyer 9
Dick Moore 45
Barb Powell 45
Randy Simpson thanked Bob Meyer for his service on the Board. A suggestion was made that Bob continue as Neighborhood Watch even though he would not be serving on the Board; Bob indicated he would consider the offer.
VIII. Other:
Postal service: Fred Freeh indicated that mail is being tampered with in the neighborhood and recommends that homeowners consider installing locking mailboxes. An article will be included in the Gazette.
Centennial Airport Traffic: Wendy Kilgore announced the FAA is soliciting public comment for changing airplane traffic patterns. She will provide more information to be included in the next Gazette.
IX. Spiff Awards: Anne Stellmon presented the award winners.
Secret Garden-Ted and Elizabeth Williams
Best Use of Color-Jay and Kathy Johnson
Best Architectural Improvements-John and Judy Keating
Best Use of Xeriscape-Ron and Linda Adams
Best Overall home-Lyall and Gladys Englestad
Best Darn Home-Norman and Edith Campbell
The winners received $25 gift certificates for Nick’s Garden Center and Best Darn Home also received a $25 gift certificate for Mama Louisa’s Restaurant. Secret Garden was a new category and they received a month’s membership to Heartwood Athletic Club.
X. Adjournment: Randy Simpson adjourned the meeting at 9:35 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Stellmon
Secretary, AGHA Board of Directors