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ANNUAL MEETING
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 16, 2008

Meeting was called to order by President Cell at 5:00 P.M. in The Barn at Fearrington Village.  All Board members were in attendance. Gillian thanked all Board members for their hard work, in the year past, and reminded all of the major charges that the FHA had.  These were to enhance property values, preserve the common areas and take care of the health, safety and welfare of the residents.  President Cell pointed to a major accomplishment this year which was to engage a management firm which would have responsibility for most of the service groups in the Village.  She indicated that this would provide some economies of scale, provide better services and help with some of the difficult problems faced by the individual service groups.  She described the process by which HRW was hired.  She also highlighted the survey which had been done earlier in the year and the results are still being analyzed and will be acted upon.  She also pointed out that the results were shared with RB since some of the concerns were in his area of responsibility.

Ken Talbot, the Vice President, indicated that his responsibilities included oversight of the Handbook, Newsletter and the website.  He also thanked the volunteers who were responsible for efforts in those areas. With the new management firm renovations to the office and communications setup were Ken’s responsibility.  He also served on the committee which developed the 2009 Budget.

Peter Thomas emphasized his responsibilities dealing with Emergency Preparedness and pointed out that there are some 60 Fearringtonians who have completed CERT training and that activity is being coordinated by Thomas Hauk.  The usefulness of this operation was demonstrated, earlier this year, when a resident who had become disoriented and lost was found through efforts by CERT team members. Peter also emphasized the need for residents to make sure that they were part of the reverse 911 network so that they could be notified in case of a pending emergency which might impact the Village.

Walter Jernigan, the Treasurer reported that things had gone well this past year and that income and expenditures were in balance.  Given the current economic situation he expressed some concern about 2009, but that budget has been prepared with a minimum increase in annual dues.

Harriet McGraw noted that revised procedures had been developed for covenant concerns and that a new form was available for individuals requesting permission to engage in activity which required approval. She pointed out that such procedures are now in conformity with the North Carolina Planned Community Act.  She also noted that as more and more concern about becoming “green” develops an examination of covenant language may be necessary.

Carol-Ann Greenslade reported that power washing of kiosks is scheduled, one having already been done.  The fixing of pot holes is also on the agenda. Among the major accomplishments this year has been the development of trails and the creation of a map of such trails which has proved to be popular.

Beautification of trail sides has already begun and will be continued.

Lowell Kennedy reported that the renovation of the kitchen is now completed and that a floor had been laid in the attic.  Work is also in progress to upgrade the Business office and the Board is looking at the upgrading of the audio-visual system.

Barbara Thompson noted that she has reviewed the materials that go into the Newcomers packet and that she recently held a meeting of Block Captains which was well attended.  At that meeting topics such as the green scene were discussed as well as issues dealing with the health, welfare and safety of the community.  Peter Thomas introduced Ray Andrews who may succeed him in the Health, Safety and Security Directorship on the FHA Board.  Barbara also noted the success of the Easter egg hunt as well as the continued work of the Highway Cleanup group responsible for the section of 15-501 from Mt. Gilead to Jack Bennett Road.  The October Newcomers Fair was also noted as well as the once a month Coffee hour in the Gathering Place designed to provide a place for neighbors to meet and socialize.

John Hammond pointed to the success of Langdon and Bradford Place residents in preventing the access by an estimated 1000 additional cars on South Langdon and Millcroft related to the proposed access to the McLean property.

John also indicated that Briar Chapel will present an update on their plans at the Open Meeting in January.  Residents were urged to attend that meeting as well as to be vigilant about the various developments that are taking place since the Village’s protection is dependent on the Commissioners and the County Zoning and Planning Office.

Gail Mazzucco reported on the results of the election.  She indicated that the quorum requirement had been met; we needed 115 and 161 ballots had been cast. Peter Thomas was elected President, Ken Talbot Vice President, Walter Jernigan Treasurer and Leonard Kreisman Secretary.  In addition, the new members of the Nominating Committee were also elected.

President Cell then introduced Judd Barrett who represents HRW.  He described the company and its mission and also indicated that he was a resident of the Village and so had a special interest in seeing that things went well.

Tom Hauk was the first resident to speak.  He represented Stan Pomeranz who is interested in the establishment of a dog park.  RB has expressed interest and has committed both land and funds to the endeavor.  The hope is to establish an operation much like Swim and Croquet.

Another resident raised the question about whether or not it was time to reconsider annexation since with the impending census in 2010 Chapel Hill might be able to incorporate FV. John Hammond indicated that it might be time to reexamine the issue.

Another resident raised concerns about the safety of mail in the Smokehouse kiosk since the door is not always secure. The issue will be investigated.

Still another question was raised about criminal activity in the Village and Peter indicated that there had been only three recent incidents two of which involved soliciting and another a break in.  In the case of the break in the suspects had been apprehended.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:35PM

Leonard T. Kreisman Secretary