Agenda & Town Meetings ~ February 18, 2016

Board Members Present:

President Larry Hibbs                     Gordon Moore

Vice President Chris Wasson          Sharon Carr

Secretary Diane Jones                     Jim Ott

Treasurer John Porter

Board Members Absent:

Suzie Combs

John Coleman

No Current General Manager

Agenda meeting began at 6:30pm with Vice President Chris Wasson acting as moderator.

Chris asked the Board and Town members what subjects they would like to discuss during the Town meeting. Here is the list compiled:

1. Committee Reports
2. Brock Suggestion regarding Dues Rewards
3. 103 Fairway Ct. – vacant house
4. Geese population
5. Front Gate Security
6. GM Search

103 Fairway Ct:

Director Sharon Carr explained the issue regarding 103 Fairway Court is being addressed with the new owner.  This house is located directly across from the Country Club on inbound Independence Drive.  It has been vacant for several years (?) and is considered an ‘eye sore’ by many residents and Board members.  Several attempts have been made to rectify this issue.  This property was recently purchased out of foreclosure by a lady who does not live in DH.  The POA office has issued daily fines to this new owner.

Committee Reports:

Architectural Committee: Chairman Dave Orel requests DH property owners contact the POA office for the proper permits before any remodeling, construction or roofing begins.  Spec homes were discussed as an opportunity for financial growth in DH. 

• Many lots have been turned back to the developer or taken by the State of Arkansas
• The Developer ceased promoting DH 2+ years ago.
• Discussion:  A lot could be purchased by a builder or individual for $1- $100 with the stipulation that a home would be built on said property within a limited time frame.
• Additional information may be obtained by contacting:
• John Porter: 620-0749  jonathsar@hotmail.com
• Chairman Dave Orel:  (239) 280-7062 or (501)276-6102
• Board Liaison Sharon Carr:  545-0433

Community Standards: Chairman Gail Porter submitted the February Meeting notes:

Note:

• Community Standard Committee [CSC] document revision requests made to the Board are still under review by the Board of Directors.
•  'discrimination' comment toward the end of Gail's meeting notes.  The DPOA was fined $500.00 for discriminating against a child from using the pool during an 'adults only' swim time by the Fair Housing Administration.  A warning was given to the DPOA of a $10,000 fine if this issue is repeated.

Finance Committee: John Porter stated that the Committee is finalizing the 2016-2017 Financial Budget and has brought it to the Board for review.  This Budget will be voted on at next week’s Board meeting.  A significant increase in Annual Dues and Golf dues was noted. 

Budget Highlights – as provided via a viewing screen:

• Reduce 19^th Hole budgeted supplies expense by $2,000
• Reduce Golf Course repairs to grounds by $3,000
• Reduce budgeted Golf Course fuel expense by $3,300
• Cut 1 staff from the Golf Course Crew
• Increase of Golf Course Dues by $118.00 for individual membership, $158.00 for Family membership.
• Increase POA Home Dues by $100.00 ~ From $845.00 à $945.00
• Results in approximately  $27,000 surplus

Discussion ensued:

·       Question: How can we receive a copy of the financial records?  Answer: A member in good standing may attend any finance committee meeting.  John Porter stated the budget will be available after the vote next week.

·       Director Gordon Moore stated that Board members are elected by the community to obtain this information and make these decisions for the membership.

·       Kim DeFilippis stated “That is not good enough.”  Kim is current in Annual Dues.  “Why are we repeating the same mistakes?”  The Board suggested she run for one of the six (6) out of nine(9) positions available this year.

·       Vice President Chris Wasson agreed with other Board members that this budget will be available at the POA office on Monday morning – February 22^nd.

·       Question:  What will this $100.00 increase give us? Answer: Treasurer John Porter: This increase will maintain the Status Quo.

·       Question:  Will we also receive an assessment?  Answer: No

Explanation for decrease in Annual Income

·       We are losing Dues paying members.

o      As of Monday there will be 14 home foreclosures

• 880 lots have dwindled down to 440 (?) lots

o      Given back to developer

o      Taken by the State

Golf Committee: Chairman Kenny Pearce ~

·       Golf membership may be obtained for $99.00 by joining before March 10^th

·       Advertise Diamondhead Golf on Social Media for free.  Kenny will provide Internet advertisement for any / all who would like to share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

·       DH has a ‘semi-private’ golf course

Discussion ensued regarding Diamondhead’s image to surrounding communities. 

• County Police celebrated a Meth Lab bust located in Diamondhead.
• Kenny Pearce expressed his desire for DH Members to express their concerns and frustration in these Town Meetings à But NOT outside the community on social media or otherwise.
• Vice President Chris Wasson expressed his love for our community by listing many of our advantages, including: 5 minutes from a State Park, work-out room, card rooms, tennis & basketball courts, pool, opportunity for private parties, lake access, & security.

Wild Life Committee: Board Liaison Chris Wasson shared:

• One more doe to reach quota. 
• The committee is planning to build a hand rail for the steps leading down from the Tennis Courts. 
• The ‘scrambling’ of goose eggs will limit the young geese.
• Some members are very frustrated with ‘goose poop’ in their yards.

Youth Committee:  Easter Egg hunt will be March 19^th.  See DPOA Highlights

Roads Committee:  Roads Committee Chairman Jerry Wright requested $100,000.00 for repair of pot holes on DH roads.

Discussion:  Frustration was expressed by some.  Hickory Hill Terrace has 3 homes with ‘ruts in the road a foot deep’.  “Grating of roads seems impossible.”

Nominating Committee:  Six (6) Board positions will be open.  Any interested DH member ‘in good standing’ should contact the front office 262-4470 Mon-Thurs 8-5.

Or contact Vice President / Nominating Committee Liaison Chris Wasson: 802-2208

Brock Suggestionà Rewards for early payment:  DH members made a suggestion to the Board for ‘rewards’ to those members who pay their dues early or on time.  Currently, the POA office has received delinquent dues from members accepting the one time offer of a percentage reduction in dues with payment in full.

Question: What is our incentive to pay our dues?  Answer:  When you moved here, you agreed to pay annual dues.

Front Gate Security:  Frustration expressed:  “We do not have a gated community”.  One DH member expressed his concern for possible lawsuits regarding vandalism & home intrusion in a “gated” community.  The South Gate intercom / communication system is not working properly.

Tail Gating is ‘still’ a concern.  President Larry Hibbs stated this situation has been the same for many years. “It hasn’t changed.”

GM Search:  President Larry Hibbs gave us this update:

• 20 resumes received
• Top 2 candidates are ‘more than qualified’.
• Both retired military and plan to move to DH
• One from Florida à Tuesday interview – has some restaurant experience
• One from Virginia à Teleconference interview will be scheduled

Meeting adjourned at 8:01pm

A time of fellowship and friendly discussion followed

Notes provided by,

Diane Porterfield

adianerdh@att.net

620-3167