Morningside HOA Board Meeting
3/17/2021
Meeting Minutes
Ben Whipple called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
In attendance: Ben Whipple, Benny Nixon, Matt Huff, Jimmy Newland, Andrew Johnson, and Phillip Blume.
Approval of 1/28/21 Minutes: Andrew motioned, Phillip seconded, minutes were unanimously approved.
Continued Discussion on Action Items
Benny reported that the Sign Bros said since the front entrance signs were etched in granite they would not be the company to work on that. Discussion ensued on whether or not removing the granite and putting in other signs was the right course – but that would bring in maintenance issues. The issue was left that the board would try to get further input from the neighbors that suggested fixing/freshening the signs, otherwise the subject would be tabled and revisited if/when there was other major maintenance for the front entrance.
Matt reported that as of today, all tax info had been uploaded and the accountant has everything he needs. Eddie Patat was the previous accountant we are using him again.
On the subject of registration of the HOA with the state of Georgia, at Matt’s suggestion the board decided we would do this yearly so that it stays top of mind as an annual task, rather than doing a multi-year registration and risk accidentally letting it lapse. Matt will see if he can do it online with direct pay, otherwise Ben will handle it.
Matt reported that lowering speed limits in the neighborhood would not be as easy as we thought since they are technically county roads. There might be lots of approvals and/or county-wide input required.
Ben thanked the board for the neighbor information sheets that had been turned in and encouraged board members to get the rest of them completed. He is entering into a spreadsheet to load to website.
Andrew reported that he had received an ant prevention quote. The service would cover 5 feet into yards and common area – 1 time no call back $500. An annual contract would be $1,750 per year. This would include 7 visits, including retreating. The board decided to table this and to see where the front entrance costs wound up and then assess how much is left over.
The board revisited the options for providing trash service for the community. They decided to wait until this summer to make the final decision, after getting a better understanding of the annual costs for the community, but hoped to be able to move forward with this service.
Andrew gave a report on progress on filling in the gaps along Hodges Mill RD with vegetation to create a screen. He had received a quote for $6,500 for 46 Arborvitae to cover 550 feet, 8 shrubs in front of Kevin’s house (chain link). With 8 additional more mature trees to cover in front of Kevin’s house the cost would be $8,111.66. Houseman’s quote for the same work was over $16,000. Andrew confirmed that there is an irrigation system up front but it is not working. We will need to find out what meter it goes off of and get it fixed. Ben wants to get some board members and walk the property when the potential vendor is on site. The board agreed that ideally we would get vegetation planted within the next month. Ben also suggested getting the two front entrance neighbors involved in the process so make sure they were comfortable with the sightline changes along their yard. The board discussed the sprinkler system at the front entrance, which appears to be a very nice system, however it is not working. The general consensus was that it was worth it to try to get the system working versus paying $6,000 for a water truck that would only be used for the initial watering in of the new plants.
Discussion of New Business
Upon a resident request to put trees back in where they had been taken out for the lower retention pond, the board agreed that this would not be done – the pond needs to remain clear of vegetation.
There was discussion about a quarterly newsletter updating the community on what is happening. That idea then led to a discussion on leveraging the website.
Discussion and Ideas Around Website
- Would love a calendar for community events, births, etc.
- Bulletin board for community – could include board announcements as well as neighbors posting
- Need clear resident login prompt
- Include budget on the website, but behind the login authentication
- Section on community recommended contractors for various types of work
- Put Philip’s drone footage on website
- Andrew noted that ACC requests have gone to the general “contact us” mailbox and not the ACC emails – resulting in longer time to approve
Philip motioned, Benny seconded, and Ben Whipple adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.
