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Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Board of Directors of
Westlake Homeowners Association
August 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Ramen
Board members in attendance: Fritz Gerwe, Bill Scharwatt, Chris Heuer, and Rolland Royce. Lev Volod was absent. Common Area Coordinator Tom Berridge was present. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes of the July 15, 2024 board meeting – approved.
Treasurer’s report. Rolland reviewed the July and year-
Architectural Design Review Committee
New roof on Clairmont Ct – prior denial withdrawn due to compliance with approved materials
New driveway and curb repair on Westfield Ct – approved
Guidance on roof colors – the board will continue to discourage selection of black/charcoal colors for roofing materials, as such colors typically do not fit in with the look of the neighborhood. Exceptions to this guidance will be considered on a case-
Curb heights – the board recognizes that the original construction of curbs/driveways in the neighborhood will occasionally not allow easy contact-
HOA President. Fritz and Cynthia Gerwe have announced plans to move out of Westlake. As a result, Fritz will resign his position as President, effective August 31, 2024. The board recognizes the dedication and contribution of Fritz to the HOA, in particularly difficult times, as well as Cynthia for her past service on the board. They will be missed. After discussion and nomination, the board elected Bill Scharwatt as the new president of Westlake HOA. Bill is a long-
Common Area Update.
Teragan and Associates Arborist study – $4,500. Final invoices have been received for services rendered to evaluate trees in the common areas and attending the March 2024 annual meeting. Expenses were higher than anticipated due to additional review after the January storm. The board approved payment pending receipt of the report data.
Cody Jepson proposal – $14,500 to remove/trim trees identified to be at high risk of failure. Discussed at the July meeting, approved. Cody is a licensed arborist who has done prior work for our HOA and we have high confidence in his work.
Arboriculture International -
Tract C – recognizing that this tract has not received as much attention as Tracts A and B, the board has authorized an initial budget of $6,000 to partner with the Oswego Lake Watershed Council to outline a plan to reduce invasive species and debris.
Fire Marshal recommendations – the board engaged the City Fire Marshal to tour the common areas to identify areas at risk of fire and methods to mitigate such risk. Initial recommendations include establishment of setbacks on both sides of property lines for homes adjacent to common areas. The board will continue to evaluate these recommendations.
Homeowner incursions into common areas – a continuing problem, including landscaping encroachment and dumping of yard debris. This will be a focus in the coming months, with demands for clean-
Barkdusting – in light of these costs, the board has chosen not to barkdust along paths and Westake Dr this year.
Impact on Annual Dues and/or Potential for Special Assessment. The listed and potential costs for maintaining our neighborhood and common areas as described above will reduce cash/reserves to low levels. We have discussed the need for an increase in annual dues (currently $150 for approximately 25 years) or a special assessment. Either would require the approval of 2/3 of the homeowners, and would likely be accompanied with the 2025 dues billing.
Upcoming meetings.
September 16, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m.
October 14, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m.
November 11, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m.
December 16, 2024, Monday, at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.