CALL TO ORDER: The
meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM: Eight of nine members were present, therefore a
quorum was established. Those present: Michael Coltart, Don Gongaware, Don
Hardy, Bryan Johnson, Mike Lancaster, Ken Raithel, Len Saunders and David
Steward.
Absent: Katie Boczek.
Also in attendance: Debbie Smith, Executive Director.
GUESTS: None.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 16, 2011 BOARD MEETING MINUTES: The minutes were
approved as distributed.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REPORT:
a) Financial Report – The year-end Financial Review is underway with Archer
Halliday PS, thus the draft financial statements for December (Profit & Loss
Analysis of Budget vs. Actual, Balance Sheet and Accounts Receivable Aging
Summary) were reviewed for informational purposes only. In follow up to the
December meeting, Katie and Debbie reviewed the status of liens that have been
filed to determine if Bad Debt classifications are necessary and passed this
information along to Archer Halliday PS.
In follow up to last months meeting, further discussion took place in regard to
placing a lien on a property in the St. Andrews Green IVC neighborhood for
nonpayment. Debbie will draft the intent to lien letter for Mike’s review.
b) Miscellaneous – The new date for the May meeting is Friday, May 11.
OLD BUSINESS:
a) Gleneagle Villas I & II Association – Request for Speed Bumps on
Gleneagle Drive – This topic is tabled as the SRA is awaiting contact from
Blaine Public Works in regard to a request for the “speed data” equipment be
placed in other high-risk locations in the community where speeding has been
reported. Debbie was told that the traffic count program will start in April,
2012.
b) 2012 Officer/Director Positions – An election took place and the
unanimous outcome was as follows: Secretary – Michael Coltart and Treasurer –
Don Hardy.
Ad Hoc Committee Chair Positions: Len, David, Michael and Bryan will
continue in their current positions as listed on pages 2-4. The Board found it
acceptable to have 2011 Maintenance Committee Chair Paul Atchison continue in
2012. The ASC Liaison position is open pending further Board discussion.
c) Blaine High School “Spirit Rock” – Email Dated December 7, 2011 – In
follow up to last months meeting, the board was in favor of “donating” the rock
(located in the St. Andrews Green neighborhood) to Blaine High School, yet the
neighbors who live in close proximity to the rock were not; and this was relayed
to a student at Blaine High School in December. Upon further discussion, it was
determined that an opportunity was missed by the SRA to support a local cause
and Ken and Bryan volunteered to start a fund and research another “spirit rock”
option for the school. The Board thanked them for doing so. Debbie will contact
the student to let them know this process is underway.
d) Trevor Hoskins – Email dated December 11, 2011 – In follow up to last
months meeting, the follow is the conclusion to Mr. Hoskin’s requests:
1. Unsightly appearance of alder trees – After research, it was found the
trees that Mr. Hoskins requested be removed along Semiahmoo Parkway on the
approach to St. Andrews Green Gate #3 are located within the “Preservation of
Native Vegetation Buffer” in the Stonehaven neighborhood. The Stonehaven
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) states: “. . . no Owner, excepts
for Declarant, and no Neighborhood Association, including the Stonehaven
Association, may remove or disturb any trees or other vegetation within the
Native Vegetation Buffer Area, unless such tree(s) or vegetation pose an
immediate hazard to any person or property in which case removal will be
permitted upon notification and approval by the Architectural Standards
Committee of the need for such removal.” No action will be taken by the SRA at
this time. 2. Golfers seem to mistake the St. Andrews Green Gate 3 entrance as the
Clubhouse entrance (and at times this has been somewhat dangerous when the
driver tries to back up); the Board will pursue adding a small sign indicating
the Clubhouse is the next entrance. Ken and Debbie will work together, and
possibly with the City of Blaine for sign specifications, etc.
e) Trillium Corporation - Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) –
In follow up to last months meeting, the Board reviewed a letter from the SRA
attorney as it relates to undeveloped properties being added to the SRA. After
discussion, Debbie was asked to invite Jon Syre, President and CEO and Chris
Benner, Vice President – Real Estate Development for Trillium Corporation to the
February meeting to discuss Trillium Corporation’s intent to adding undeveloped
properties to the SRA.
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. City of Blaine Liaison – Len Saunders
a) Banner Bank Building – The purchase of the Banner Bank building for City of
Blaine offices is proceeding and the anticipated closing date is in February.
Staff will be moving to the third floor some time in June or July. The fourth
floor will be used for the Council chambers and court.
b) New Mayor – Harry Robinson (a Semiahmoo resident) was elected as the new
mayor.
c) Waste Water – Extra repairs are needed to the existing pipe and the City
is hoping that the “switch-over” will take place the week of February 3-10. Berm
work on the Spit is still needed for this project.
d) Nexus Lane – The lane is being switched to the entrance to D Street for
safety reasons and the overall configuration is being worked on by the City of
Blaine, State of Washington and Canadian Border officials.
e) Train Depot – Nothing was mentioned during a recent city council meeting.
Ken provided background information on “historic structures” versus “old
buildings”.
2. Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) Review – Len Saunders
This topic is currently tabled.
3. Architectural Standards Committee (ASC) Liaison – Ken Raithel a) Remodel Fees – In follow up to last months meeting, Ken discussed this
topic with the ASC members during their January 12 meeting. The ASC’s formal
recommendation is that ASC staff will perform informal tracking of the number of
remodels in 2012 and determine how this may or may not impact the SRA.
b) Vacant Lot Maintenance – In follow up to last months meeting, Ken
discussed this topic with the ASC members during their January 12 meeting. In
regard to safety, upon a request by an owner, the ASC reviews vacant lots and if
there is are tree leaning, something needs to be done. The ASC’s opinion is that
vacant lot maintenance is a “neighbor to neighbor” issue and the aesthetics
needs to be worked out between the two parties. The ASC will continue to assist
owners as needed.
c) View Control – The ASC is currently working on a view control issue in
the Drayton Cove neighborhood.
4. Maintenance Committee The letter that was sent to owners in the Turnberry Wood neighborhood was
noted.
5. Community Courier Newsletter Editor – David Steward
David spoke to Paul Atchison and said that Paul is interested in continuing as
“ex-officio” on the newsletter, and the Board was in favor of him doing so.
Potential topics for the next edition of the newsletter include: introduce the
newly elected board members, Whatcom County and Northwest Parks & Rec., “What’s
On”, “Love the Place you Live” article, 25th Anniversary for the golf club (July
8, 2012), SRA’s participation in the Fourth of July parade in downtown Blaine,
no dumping on vacant lots and clarification on what the SRA maintenance staff
does on a daily basis of reviewing the neighborhoods for fallen trees, trash,
etc. (they are not just “driving around” in the white trucks!).
6. Evaluation of changes in Semiahmoo Resort Master Plan (SRMP)/West Semiahmoo
– Katie Boczek
No report due to Katie’s absence.
7. Future Facility – Mike Lancaster and Michael Coltart
Michael reviewed the list of “pros” and “cons” (below) that he prepared as it
relates to SRA possibly purchasing/leasing the Lincoln Green Garden Center
located at 5087 Lincoln Road. The land is 4.77 acres, the building is 2,600 sq.
ft. on the main floor and the manufactured home is 1,770 sq. ft. The property is
offered at $370K (the adjacent five acre parcel is $225K). The property is
currently leased for four years with three-and one half years remaining on the
lease at $24K/year. The taxes are $3,993 for a net of $1,666/mo.
SRA’s current annual lease requires six months notice. In 2012, the annual
expense for office space, utilities, taxes and marina space (for the maintenance
staff) is $13,246.
Pros
Cons
Provides
single site for Admin., ASC, and maintenance at convenient location at an
affordable price.
Last sold
for $310K in 2010
Location
is outside Semiahmoo and buildings do not meet ASC standards – roof and
appearance.
Current
lease at $2,000/month allows an option or agreement to purchase at a
future date.
Requires a
commitment by SRA property owners to fund and staff facility over the
long-term.
Current
mortgage rates are low allowing for a monthly mortgage cost of $1,500/mo
assuming a $300K loan over 30 years and a down payment of 20% from
facilities fund ($170K) in 2012.
Acquisition will require upgrades to existing 2,600 sq. ft. building to
provide new washrooms ($10K) meeting room, kitchenette, new flooring and
small repairs estimated at $50K. (Balance of facility fund $100k+).
Existing
manufactured home is a source of revenue or could be subdivided and sold
to reduce acquisition cost.
Once lease
is up taxes, heating, lighting, insurance and property maintenance would
approximate current SRA lease cost plus $1,500/mo in ongoing mortgage
costs.
Good site
for storage of landscape materials and equipment with room for expansion.
Acquisition will require SRA membership approval which may not be given.
Michael was thanked for
preparing the list. It was determined that Board members will make an onsite
visit to the nursery at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17 (prior to the board
meeting). Once studies are complete, the Board will determine if they will move
forward. If so, this matter would be presented to the membership at a special
meeting or during the October Annual Meeting since funding would be from the
Restricted Reserve account and would involve a long-term liability.
8. Whatcom County and Parks & Recreation Liaison – David Steward
Whatcom County – At the January 10 meeting there was extensive discussion as to
the advisability of the county opting into a voluntary program for protecting
land for agricultural uses and the eventual decision was not to opt in. Whatcom County Council approved two locations to install electric car
charging or battery exchange stations in the county, with Blaine being one.
There is a public hearing scheduled for January 24 regarding Wind Energy Systems
and on an Ordinance imposing an interim moratorium on the acceptance of new
applications for divisions of land resulting in lots smaller than five acres
within the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
For those interested in what is going on in Whatcom County, visit
www.whatcomwatch.org as it is a very useful website!
“Whatcom County Council on Aging” organizes various activities for seniors
including tours. On May 3-12, 2012 they have a European Riviera Cruise form
Citevecchia on Holland America cruise line. Details are at www.wccoa.org.
Northwest Parks and Recreation – An Open House will be held on January 28 from
10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Birch Bay Activity Center at Bay Horizon Park. There
will be live demonstrations of the various activities that are being offered in
the winter program. These include Tai Chi, Self Defense / Kung Fu, Tai Chi
Swords, Tai Chi Fans, Ballroom Dance, Zumba, and beginner fitness. More
information at info@nwprd2.com
9. Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club (SG&CC) Liaison – Bryan Johnson
The 25th Anniversary celebration of the club will be held on Sunday, July 8,
2012. There will be an all-day celebration at the Clubhouse.
NEW BUSINESS: a) SRA Board Liaison Positions – Now that the Board members are elected,
there were several questions as to whether the current way the liaison positions
have been set up are still valuable. With the new Mission Statement; what will
be put in place over the next four years? Who is responsible for what? Should
the Board be more of an activist board representing the community with better
communication to the membership? It was said that the SRA doesn’t want to miss
opportunities (such as city related matters, etc.). The ASC liaison position was questioned as being necessary, since a board
member and the executive director both attend the meetings. Another issue that
was raised was the appointment of the ASC Meeting Chair on a yearly basis, which
has not been done since 2005. Should the Chair be an ASC member or an SRA staff
member? After a lengthy discussion, this topic was tabled until next month.
b) Beachwalker Villas Condo Association (BWVCA) – Email dated January 6,
2012 – The issue raised by the BWVCA of “SRA resident use of BWV garbage
dumpster/services” needs more research. This topic was tabled until next month.
c) SRA – Potential Benefits to Membership – A list that was prepared by a
Board member was noted.
d) Hunting Along Shoreline of Drayton Harbor – A Board member relayed a
conversation he had with a resident who is seeking support from the SRA to
disallow hunting along the shoreline of Drayton Harbor for safety and noise
reasons. After discussion it was determined that the resident will be contacted
and told that SRA will take no action and that Whatcom County should be
contacted as this matter is in their jurisdiction.
ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m. A quorum was confirmed for the
next meeting that will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the
SRA Conference Room.
