Minutes of the Meeting
Annual Emerald Hills Homeowners Association Meeting
Held on March 2, 2024
The Meeting was called to order by the President at 10:00 AM
The minutes from the 2023 annual meeting were presented.
The Treasurer Report was given by the Treasurer:
A motion was made to accept the minutes and financial report. Motion was seconded.
There was no unfinished business from the 2023 annual meeting.
The importance of community appearance to maintain the value of Emerald Hills homes was discussed. Homes in our subdivision continue to sell rapidly, most for asking price or very near asking price.
Once again, traffic safety was stressed. We have children walking and riding their bikes to school as well as elderly and disabled who cross the streets. It was noted that speeding is still a problem. Some are drivers coming through the Brookview extension, but others are local residents. Please be cautious and courteous of children and other pedestrians.
Unfortunately, once again there were no volunteers to serve on the Board. It was unanimously agreed that the current board members would serve another term.
Reminders: The minutes of this meeting will be posted ONLY on the HOA website, emeraldhillshoa.com This helps keep mailing costs down as well as conforming to regulations. However, copies will be mailed or emailed to owners upon request. It was also reiterated that the excess balance in the HOA account is being accumulated for future pond dredging that will become necessary at some point.
The floor was opened for discussion/concerns:
A homeowner brought up the use of storage bins, tarps and other items on front driveways. Our Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions, paragraph 17 specifically states "trash or other refuse shall not be placed or compiled upon the lot. It will be looked into.
The pros and cons of metal roofs and paver driveways were also discussed.
Someone brought up the fact that many times large items for bulk pickup are left at the curb but have not been called in to the city for pick up. If you have large items such as furniture, old fencing, etc., to be picked up on Wednesdays you can now go to the city web page www.cityofrockledge.org and submit a form or email request to specialpickup@cityofrockledge.org, or you can call 321-221-7540, option 3 and leave a detailed message.
One person asked about garage sales. This was discussed in the 2021 annual meeting. Due to the lack of participation, the HOA board had agreed that they would no longer be organizing an annual garage sale. However, it was noted that garage sales were permitted and should be organized in line with City of Rockledge codes. Also, all signs must be removed immediately after the sale.
Neighborhood Watch meetings were brough up. It has been several years since the HOA hosted one. This may be something that is looked into also.
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 AM
Minutes of the Meeting
2023 Emerald Hills Homeowners Association Annual/Special Meeting
Held March 4, 2023 at 858 Brookview Ln at 10:00 AM.
Meeting was called to order by Vinny Agenjo, President at 10:09 AM
Roll call was done by way of sign in sheet.
The minutes of the March 5, 2022 Board Meeting were read.
Treasurer’s report was given by Nancy Ulrich, Treasurer
It was noted that items such as insurance and post office box fee had increased significantly, as well as increases in pond maintenance, postage and mailing supplies. An increase of $15, bringing the annual assessment (dues) to $65 per year would be voted on at this meeting.
A motion was made to accept the minutes and treasurer’s reports. The motion was seconded.
Unfinished Business:
There was no unfinished business.
New Business:
Annual Assessment Increase Vote: - Because the projected budget for 2023 puts the Association at risk of a deficit, the Board had determined that an increase in the Annual Assessment (dues) was warranted. A $65 annual assessment per lot/per year was recommended. That is only $1.25 per month per household. This amount would stabilize the Association budget while also setting aside some funds for unanticipated costs and pond dredging. This would help reduce the amount of the Special Assessment for that unavoidable future task for the pond. There has not been an increase in dues since 2014. A vote was taken and passed unanimously. Therefore, the annual dues/assessment beginning on July 1, 2023 will now be $65.
Election of Directors: There were no new volunteers to serve on the Board. The existing Board of Directors volunteered to serve for another year. A vote was taken and passed unanimously.
Additional discussion items from floor.
A homeowner voiced concern regarding blocking the sidewalk when parking. Per the City of Rockledge, it is illegal to park blocking a sidewalk. Parking on the front lot grass was also discussed. City ordinance 1824-2021 also prohibits that for more than four hours for the purpose of loading and unloading, etc. but not as a permanent parking spot. These are best handled by the City of Rockledge code enforcement.
A concerned homeowner noted that yard waste and trimmings are still being left in the gutter and on the concrete above the drains where they will wash into the pond which will only contribute to the need to dredge the pond sooner. This has continually been brought to the attention of homeowners through past newsletters, past meetings and on the Website. However, letters will start going out to homeowners when the problem is brought to our attention or if noticed by the Board. No one should want to contribute to a special assessment to dredge the pond if it can be delayed by cooperation from everyone in the neighborhood. Yard maintenance violations were also mentioned. The Board is addressing these on an ongoing basis and complaints are looked into. Other issues such as a dog being allowed to access another neighbor’s yard, people walking their dogs and depositing their waste in other people’s trash cans as they go by, and the feeding of birds and squirrels were voiced. While these complaints may have merit, there are some things that do not fall into the scope of the HOA’s reach. The HOA’s primary purpose in to administer the ByLaws and The Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions.
Meeting adjourned at 10:38 AM
Nancy Ulrich, Secretary/Treasurer (March 6 2023)