Date of Meeting: 12/06/06 Start time: 7:00pm
Location: Corbit-Calloway Library
Attendees: Board Members - Brian Falla, Eric Nichols and Jim Peraro
Paula Marsilii (NCC)
Approx. 11 homeowners

Appoquinimink School District Referendum:
Representatives discussed the upcoming referendum vote that is presented in a number of sections. One section is for building an early childhood learning center and an elementary school, preferably in Townsend. The next is to expand programs in foreign language to the elementary schools, expand related arts programs, as well as the expansion of the Twilight At Risk learning program and Technology programs. It will also fund high school career counselors. Another area is to purchase the Odessa Professional Park building for the district administration building to expand teacher-training areas, as well as construct two synthetic surface athletic fields. The last is the portion to cover the increase in teacher’s salaries as well as other operational costs and improvements to the aging buildings.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The balance as of 12/06/06 is $17,052.02.
  • Balance as of 09/06/06 was $19,342.46.
    
  • $1558.50 received in dues paid.
    
  • $3848.94 paid out.
  
  
• Status of 2006 dues:
  • 1 home unpaid
  
  
• Status of past due accounts (collection of these dues has been turned over to our attorney):
  • 2005 – 1 home unpaid
    
  • 2004 – 1 home unpaid
    
  • 2003 – 1 home unpaid

Ponds:
The vendor has already begun work on the items listed in the October inspection report (inspection was done in June 2006). The work needed is minimal. The Board expressed concern about residents who continue to put their grass clippings in the street or thrown into the open spaces. When the clippings flow with the water into the ponds, they create algae, creating more expense for the Maintenance Corporation and therefore the entire community.

Open Space:

• Several lot owners bordering the power lines had been mowing the meadow grasses. Signs were installed (too many according to some lot owners) that stated “Do Not Mowâ€?. These lot owners have been asked to let the meadow area grow and have the Maintenance Corporation mow it periodically.
  
• The Board is considering creating a one mile path along the perimeter of the open space for runners and walkers.
  
• This fall, one hundred trees were planted in the open space and the community had a clean up day. The Board thanks all those residents who volunteered their time for this effort.
  
• The open spaces will need extensive weed treatment as well as the removal of noxious weeds. It is hoped that in spring 2007, after treatments, wildflowers can be planted.
  
• It has been reported that ATV’s are still a problem in the open space, particularly the sections bordering the Roberts farm and the area along Hangman’s Creek. Residents were encouraged to call police when witnessing this activity.
  
• Entrance Beautification: The area needs someone to “designâ€? the beds and do installation. The current vendor is only capable of “maintainingâ€? the area. The Board has been in touch with at least one individual who will offer a quote. Any residents who have experience in this type of work are encouraged to contact a Board member.
  
• Signage: A new “hangingâ€? wood sign will be made to replace the one stolen from the entrance. The cost is between $500 to $1,000. Photos of the old sign are needed. The bridge/entrance sign has been missing the lettering because vandals have stolen them several times. Brian has the remaining letters stored at his home. The cost is over $250 to purchase the missing letters and install them. It is hoped that the vandals who stole the same letters each time have grown up a bit – as the Maintenance Corporation does not want to regularly replace the letters. The stone facing on the bridge is also deteriorating because the vendor did not apply it properly. The cost is between $5,000 and $10,000 to repair it properly. Homeowner Chris Lewis knows masons who may do the work for less money.

Elections:
Brian thanked all of the volunteers. Bruce Schulkins of 8 Corbit Sharp Drive has volunteered to be treasurer – although he will not be able to attend many community meetings due to his work schedule. Other volunteers for the BOD are current President Brian Falla, as well as Bonnie Lewis for Vice President and Michele Miller as Secretary. Remaining Board positions are listed along with contact information at the end of this newsletter. It was noted that residents returned very few nomination ballots. Brian was disappointed at this response.

Budget Review:
The assessment has been lowered $25 to $225 per lot. This is due to a decrease in legal expenses, playground maintenance, and snow removal costs. The 2006 ending balance for the Maintenance Corporation account is $13,717.57. Annual expenses average around $25,000 and BOD is slowly working toward having one year’s worth of expenses in reserve. The budget will be posted on the website. The budget was approved with a total vote count of 19. There were no votes received rejecting the 2007 budget.

NCC Presentation:
Paula reviewed a summary of the Odessa Chase crime statistics for the year. 29 calls for service included (6) false alarms, (2) traffic stops, and a total of (12) public relations/property checks/prevent breach of peace/assist other agencies. The (9) remaining calls involved animal complaints, criminal mischief, a domestic complaint, one Megan law call, a civil complaint and a miscellaneous investigation.
Paula distributed some information about Yard Waste disposal and one family discussed how easy the DSWA Recycling program is.
Paula distributed information on the Rockwood holiday programs, as well as the status of the finances in NCC. Paula also discussed the False Alarm ordinance that goes into effect in 2007.

Having no further business, the meeting adjourned.