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OCN > 2401 > Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 13 – Board changes fencing standards, parking limits, election process

Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 13 – Board changes fencing standards, parking limits, election process

By Jackie Burhans

At its December meeting, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board discussed modifications to fencing, parking, and elections. It also discussed the Christmas lights contest, got updates on past items, and heard board reports.

Fencing standards modified

The board considered a modification to the fencing standards in its Project Design Standards Manual (PDSM), which can be found under Governing Documents at woodmoor.org/governance/. Citing recent variance approvals and the need to modernize its standards, the board unanimously agreed to the changes, which were read aloud. Under “Fencing, walls, enclosures, & raised gardens,” the language will include the following points:

  • No fence or partial fence, section or walls, or enclosures may be placed on any lot without the approval of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).
  • The only three decorative fences approved are split rail, dowel, and slip board built with the tongue and groove technique without the use of metal hardware and require either two or three rails. These fence types are to be rustic and open in appearance, shall not be painted or stained, and must remain of natural color. It may be protected by a clear sealant. Residents are permitted to add galvanized 14- to 16-gauge 2-by-4 wire mesh to contain animals and children.

For further clarification, residents are encouraged to reach out to ACC Administrator Bob Pearsall.

The board voted unanimously to approve these changes.

Driveway parking limit increased

Board President Brian Bush introduced the topic of increasing the maximum driveway parking limit from three to four cars as a way of modernizing WIA’s rules and recognizing reality. He noted that when the original limit was set, it was unusual for families to have two cars, whereas now it is not unusual for kids of driving age to have their own cars. He also noted that county ordinances allow for street parking but said it was an appearance, safety, and security benefit to have owners park in their garages or driveways. Finally, he said, this increase would cut down on the number of complaints, covenant hearings, and requests for variances.

Covenants and Forestry Administrator Justin Gates reported that Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) had processed 276 visits to houses for excess vehicle complaints over the last three years, the vast majority of which were for four cars. The complaint process can take up to 24 hours of WPS’ time to check the houses, send a letter, and follow up.

Covenants Director Per Suhr asked why WIA has this limit at all. Bush replied that no one wants to see Woodmoor look like a recreational vehicle park or used car lot. ACC Director Ed Miller said this rule could be reviewed annually and increased or eliminated as needed. Public Safety Director Brad Gleason suggested there should be some deterrence, but WIA still can issue a variance for someone with more cars, noting that this is usually only a request from people with larger driveways or otherwise it would be hard to move the cars around. This change would reduce WPS responses, staff issue handling, and resident street parking, which is a win, he said.

The board voted unanimously to approve this change.

Board election process

Resident Jennifer Davis asked if the board still intended to do its own ballot counting for its board elections. Bush replied that the counting would be done by two staff tallying the votes simultaneously. Anyone could watch, he said, and it takes about an hour and a half. The board had previously had the League of Women Voters do the counting, but doing it internally saves about $1,000.

Ballots will be sent out on Jan. 2, according to Homeowner Association (HOA) Manager Denise Cagliaro. Bush asked the board to consider not sending stamped return envelopes with the ballots, noting that only about 600 of the 3,400 ballots sent out are returned, and the cost of stamps will rise to 68 cents in January. Residents can drop their ballots off for free or put their own stamp on the envelope. Bush pointed out that WIA could save over $2,000 by eliminating the stamps, but there was a risk that it might not receive a quorum of 340 votes. Miller pointed out that including stamps only started in 2009, and WIA had never missed its quorum. Cagliari noted that about 10% of residents dropped off their dues in person and confirmed that some people reuse the stamped envelopes for their own mail. Bush said WIA could send an eBlast and put up signs reminding residents to turn in their ballots.

The board voted unanimously to approve this change.

Board reports

  • The board had previously agreed to take advantage of Mountain View Electric Association’s (MVEA) offer to provide bill credits for winning a Christmas light contest run by WIA. There will be three $75 and three $25 bill credits for the top two winners in three categories. The board unanimously agreed to run the contest, with WPS providing the nominations for the board to review and pick the top two winners.
  • Common Areas Director Steve Cutler got unanimous approval to apply for a $9,075 matching grant for noxious weed spraying.
  • Cutler reported that the new pet waste station contractor had started on Dec. 1, saving hundreds of dollars per month and improving the consistency of service.
  • Bush reported for Treasurer Connie Brown that it looked like WIA’s revenues would exceed its expenses by $25,000.
  • Suhr said there were 15 covenant-related items in November, with nine resolved via friendly communication, one unfounded complaint, and one HOA check. No hearings were scheduled for December or January. Bush noted that WIA preferred informal resolution of covenants.
  • Gleason noted that it is the season for porch pirates and recommended the use of delivery lockboxes available by Amazon and others. He also said the damaged Toyota RAV4 was at the body shop and should be ready around the first of the year.
  • Miller reported that there have been 560 projects submitted so far in 2023, which is a decrease of 7.7% from 2022. The approval percentage is 98.8%.
  • Forestry Director Cindy Thrush said there were three Forestry and Firewise visits in November and that WIA was preparing its final grant reimbursement package, having exhausted the $275,000 in matching grants for mitigation. She is working with the state to secure additional funding in the new year.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. There will be no regular board meeting in January. Instead, the annual meeting will be held on Jan. 29, and the reorganization meeting will be held on Jan. 31; both will be at the Barn at 7 p.m.

The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes can be found at www.woodmoor.org/meeting-minutes/ once approved and posted.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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