Minutes WLHO-1-22-24 - WLHO- Westlake Homeowners Association

 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Board of Directors of
Westlake Homeowners Association
January 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Board members in attendance:  Fritz Gerwe, Chris Heuer, Bill Scharwatt, Lev Volod, and Rolland Royce.  Also attending the discussion on open space management was Open Space Coordinator Tom Berridge and Jack Halsey of the Oswego Lake Watershed Council.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.  

Open Space Update:  Tom and Jack discussed the 5-year partnership our HOA has had with the OLWC and the City of Lake Oswego, and the progress made in 1) removing ivy and other harmful species, 2) planting of new native species, and 3) selective use of herbicides primarily on blackberry plants.  This work has been supported by a volunteer group from homeowners.  A more detailed review of this project will be contained in a 5-year summary, to be available in the near future.  Tracts B and C will be the primary focus in 2024.  OLWC will be pursuing additional grant money from the City to support such efforts.  

The impact of the January storm, described by City officials as "historic," on homes and the oak woodlands was discussed.  The established policy of an arborist assessment of the oak woodlands updated five years, with trees identified as hazardous on the periphery of the open space subject to removal, was discussed at length, with a decision to update the study in 2024 to be decided at the February meeting.  The board affirmed the long-standing policy that damages caused by an open space tree is to addressed with the homeowner’s insurance carrier.  The board has received a number of questions and concerns from homeowners, and the issue will be a subject discussed at the March 18 annual meeting.  

Minutes of the December 11, 2023 board meeting – approved.  

Treasurer’s report.  Rolland reviewed the December and year-to-date 2023 financial statements, cash disbursements, water usage, and status of past-due accounts.    The preliminary 2024 Budget will be discussed at the February 12, 2024 meeting.    

Architectural Design Review Committee and common area maintenance.    
No requests were received

Other.
Play structure in violation of HOA rules:  Fritz reported the structure was demolished by a falling tree, which will resolve the issue.  

Yard maintenance policy:  Deferred to the annual meeting notice mailing in late February.

Conference call platform:  to be followed up.


Upcoming meetings.   
February 12, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m., by phone.
March 18, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m. – Annual Meeting.


The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.