Date: December 5, 2006

 

Board members present were Jim Ackerman, Jim Bond, Gillian Cell, Mary Lou Einloth, Bob Flower, Joanne Flower, Carol-Ann Greenslade, Lowell Kennedy and Bill Stempfle.

Board member absent: Ingram Austin.

Residents in attendance were Don George, Joyce Kennedy, Philip Cooke, Mike Gapin, Leonard Kreisman, Ruth Kreisman, Debbie Granger, Richard Bird, Pat Harkins, Tom Hauck, Walter Jernigan, Bob Cherniak and Landon Lindsay.

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Ackerman at 7pm in the Gathering Place, Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, NC.

The President introduced the incoming Treasurer and Secretary for 2007, Walter Jernigan and Leonard Kreisman, respectively.

Jim Bond made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 3rd and November 12th meetings. Gill Cell seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

The complete Treasurer’s report is attached. Bob Flower reported that income in October was $16,226 primarily from user fees but included a $10,000 one-time settlement from NCDOT as reimbursement for Beaver Pond Restoration. Expenses totaled $7,199 primarily for Grounds and Facilities and included a 50% payment fee to Buckeye Research for staffing the FHA Office through December 2006.

Beaver Pond Progress Report

Carol-Ann reported that the Beaver Pond has re-filled with water following siphoning. Excavation of the area where the stream enters the pond still needs to be performed. Heavy rain caused the overflow grate to clog and water to go out the spillway. This is how the spillway is intended to function. Carol-Ann will meet with Robert Flynn to discuss what action should be taken about the trees that have fallen perpendicular to the water flow below the spillway.

A resident whose property abuts the Beaver Pond area gave a detailed presentation regarding several of her concerns. Those concerns were primarily 1) the maintenance of the drain in the pond and 2) erosion that is occurring adjacent to her property. She requested 1) that the drain be cleared on a regular basis (weekly or biweekly) and after major storms and 2) that planning be done to control erosion where the spillway meets the creek downstream from the pond.

Following a lengthy discussion, Jim Bond made the following motion: that the Board, at the earliest convenient date, explore with Mr. Fitch how we can take inventory of environmental assets that can enhance the beauty of the Village. And that once we’ve identified those assets, we identify policies that will permit us to preserve those assets without infringing on Mr. Fitch’s rights as a property owner to develop the Village as he chooses. The motion was seconded by Gill Cell. After further discussion, Jim Bond modified the motion by the following: we agree as a Board to take this issue up at our next regular meeting and identify the particular steps of action we need to take in order to do what the general motion suggested. Gill Cell, who seconded the motion, agreed with the modification. The Board passed the motion with one abstention.

After further discussion about the resident’s request, it was agreed that the Board would study this issue, collect more information and place the issue on the agenda of the January 2007 Board meeting.

Playground Status

Carol-Ann noted that signage is a concern. Fewer signs mean that residents are unable to find the playground. More obvious signs may lead to the complaint that non-Fearrington residents are using the playground.

Repairs to the playground are underway. Areas that have holes worn into the ground are being filled in and seeded. A shredded rubber mulch application may be considered in the future since it is a safety factor. Broken picnic tables are being repaired and a toddler swing will be replaced.

Mail Kiosks – Recycle Barrels

Carol-Ann noted that the recycle barrels in the Smokehouse and Swim & Croquet kiosks are being improperly used for garbage, etc. After discussion, Mary Lou Einloth made a motion that the recycle barrels be removed from the kiosks. Gill Cell seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Carol-Ann will place a notice in the January Newsletter explaining why the barrels have been removed.

Additionally, Carol-Ann will think about how to address the issue of property clean up around the area of easements and ditches.

Newcomers Fair

Mary Lou Einloth reported that letters are being sent to heads of the various clubs and groups in the community announcing the Newcomers Fair. It will be held on February 8th, 2007 from 7-8:30pm. In January a letter will be mailed inviting all Newcomers who have arrived since the last Fair which was held in April of 2006.

Open Board Meeting Shedule for 2007

Jim Ackerman announced that as a one-year experiment the Board would begin holding open meetings every other month. This may generate more substantive issues on the agenda and thereby increase attendance. Special meetings will be called at any time the need arises. Jim noted that if, halfway through the year, this system doesn’t appear to be working, the Board can make a change.

Briar Chapel Citizens Information Committee

Jim Bond will be chairman of the recently formed Briar Chapel Citizens Information Committee which is currently composed of representatives from Newland Communities, Briar Chapel, Fearrington Village, the Haw River Assembly and CCEC. It is an informational and educational committee, not adversarial. Jim noted that it could be a model for other communities along the 15-501 corridor as more development occurs. The meetings will be bimonthly and Jim Bond will report back to the FHA about any issues or concerns.

In a related matter, a resident suggested that a baseline report on the stream leading to Beaver Pond be done before Briar Chapel construction begins. This would be useful in the event that construction results in degradation of the stream. Carol-Ann is requesting all those who live along the stream and around the pond to take pictures and make observations as a part of that documentation.

GP Kitchen/Storeroom Project

Lowell Kennedy gave a history of the kitchen improvement plan and storeroom addition to date. The Board has approved funds for a designer to do drawings and then the cost of the addition can be projected. The addition would be done first and would allow the storage of non-kitchen items that are currently housed in the kitchen. Then new appliances, cupboards and counter space would be added to the kitchen.

Lowell noted that a study of the kitchen done in the year 2000 resulted in the same recommendations that his ad hoc committee concluded this year.

Resident Input

Resident input occurred throughout the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm with a motion by Lowell Kennedy and a second by Mary Lou Einloth.

Respectfully submitted,

Joanne Flower, FHA Secretary