Town Meeting ~ Oct. 15, 2015

10/15/2015

6:30 p.m. meeting. 

•      Larry Hibbs called the meeting to order.

1.         First item taken up was the new entry gate.  People are still tailgating into Diamondhead.  A discussion ensued about the best solution to the problem.  One alternative was to move the decal reader closer to the actual gate; however, that will not eliminate the problem.  Larry went on to say that the tailgating feature of the gate has not been activated at this point.  A sign needs to be placed at the speed bump in front of the Police house for motorists to stop to allow the preceding motorist to clear the gate, before proceeding.  When the tailgating feature is engaged, the gate arm will lower immediately after the car passes through the gate.   Larry said  that this process will take some time to communicate when the tailgating mechanism will be engaged and the procedures at the entry gate.  
2.         Complaints were voiced about the spike strip at the exit of Diamondhead.  Apparently, small cars with low chassis clearance were being scraped by the spike strip.  The solution to this problem was to dig up the spike strip and reinstall it lower in the ground to prevent any more scrapes for these low chassis cars.  A discussion ensued about the liability for the cost (Diamondhead or the installer of the spike strip).  This question was going to be investigated and a report will be given at a future meeting.
3.         Questions arose about the small pond at the entrance of Diamondhead concerning the green scum in the pond and ways to eliminate this problem.  Apparently, the green scum was a result of the many geese present around the ponds at the Diamondhead entrance.  Larry mentioned that he and several other POA members wanted to get rid of the geese, but there were several legal issues with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that prevented this alternative.  It was determined that two additional problems were exacerbating this problem, (the drain to the pond was clogged and a beaver dam at the head of the creek feeding the pond has prevented clean water from entering the pond.   These two problems will be taken to the Building and Grounds Committee to eliminate these issues.
4.         There was also an issue with the diesel water pump that pumps water from Lake Catherine to water grass in Diamondhead.  The pump is in serious need of repair and this issue will be looked at after Nov. when the grass goes dormant.  The pump will be repaired when water for  various uses in Diamondhead are not critical.
5.         The POA Board issued a sheet with past due POA dues was handed out.  A discussion of foreclosures pursued and whether the lawyer and law firm was capable of putting a bid on foreclosed properties.  Since these foreclosed properties will be auctioned off and notice will be given of the auction in the Legal Notices of the local newspaper, anyone can bid on these properties.
6.         An issue about the back gate modem and its repair was brought up the an individual that repaired the modem and got the gate working.  The individual stated she got permission from Joel and the Board to purchase a modem if one could be found.  The individual found a modem, bought it and installed it and submitted a bill to the POA for the modem and the labor for the installation.  There was some discussion concerning whether the Board had given permission to compensate the individual for the installation.  She said that Joel gave her permission to install the modem, but board members said that they had to approve this expenditure.  The board had given her permission to purchase the modem, but did not recall any discussion about installation.  The Board was to continue this discussion at the Board meeting later this month.
7.         One POA member inquired about the progress of the GM search.  The POA has received two applications for the position, but the POA Board has not formerly advertised for the position at this point.
8.         Another member brought up an issue that a construction truck had destroyed a part of her front yard and wanted Diamondhead to compensate her for the damage.  Larry said that any damage would be compensated to the individual.
9.    .    Another individual mentioned that vehicles were speeding on Plum Hollow and was there any redress to prevent these vehicles from speeding.  The individual was very concerned that her small children cannot play in their yard for fear that a car may careen out of control and create a very grave situation for the Diamondhead community, not to mention a huge lawsuit.  Larry agreed the situation about speeding in Diamondhead was very bad but the police has been under strength since the resignation of several officers. 
10.     .   Finance committee gave a report of financial highlights as of 9/30/2015, see financial highlights sheet.  The Finance Committee Chairman,  Tom Moore indicated that total cash on hand at the end of 9/2015 was $212,504 which was lower than the cash position last year 9/2014 at $351,028.  Tom said that all Departments were to have their prospective budgets for 2016 in to the Finance committee by December 31, 2015 so the committee could begin deliberations on department budget allocations and have it finalized by Feb 2016.
11.         A motion was made and seconded that the meeting should adjourn.  See note below.
12.    .    (Diane, the 7:00pm was cancelled due to the fact that a very few number of members of the POA were present and the Board did not have any agenda items to discuss in private, so the 7:00pm meeting was rolled into the 6:30 meeting). 

    Notes submited by Joe Ormsby