Approved Amended Meeting Minutes
WOCHA HOA
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
February 6, 2010
In attendance were Pat Davenport, Bill Dendy, Denise Valentine, Renee Christian, Josef Rasheed, Mary Carter, Charles DeCuir, Jan Leaf, Sharon Irvin, Carl Sherman, E. Gaddis, Roosevelt Williams, James Collier & ?.
The meeting was called to order at 7:14PM by President DeCuir.
Renee Christian distributed both the January 19th & October 22nd minutes to be read. Jan Leaf made a motion to accept the minutes. Roosevelt Williams made a motion to correct the minutes under Old Business, Section 2, letter “e” to be amended to state that as we upgrade the bridge that it not be crowded with unnecessary items. President DeCuir made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction. Roosevelt Williams seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Jan Leaf gave the Treasurer’s report. The current balance is $3211.87. There are 38 active members. Renee Christian made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Josef Rasheed seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Old Business
1. The1st Yard of the month has been awarded to 1008 Plantation.
2. Two neighbors have been appointed to city boards. Roosevelt Williams is on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and Bill Dendy is on the Economic Board.
3. President DeCuir apologized to Denise Valentine for failing to ask her to speak at the Re-zoning meeting.
4. President DeCuir asked that we all take the online survey on our website
5. There is a news release announcing the Board Grant Program
6. President DeCuir asked for more involvement from our Directors. Josef Rasheed stated more newsletters are forthcoming.
7. The Membership committee now includes Charles DeCuir, Mary Carter, Renee Christian & Roosevelt Williams. Jan Leaf is not yet committed but is thinking about helping out.
New Business
1. Vandalism on the Bridge
2. Loss & Mourning – tabled until after guest presentations
3. No Outlet Signs
Presentations from Linda DeWitt & Denise Valentine
There was a question and answer series that included the following topics: Burglaries, kids & cell phones, leading your children, limited powers of voluntary HOAs, communication with the city is reciprocal by being a collective voice, beer & wine sales, attending & sharing at the next Mayor’s Quarterly meeting, Recycle Program, Grant Program, smart meters, buses & transportation,
Josef Rasheed gave a presentation about Loss & Mourning.
Bill Dendy asked the neighbors to join the Rotary Club.
Bill Dendy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Akila Jackson seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:46PM
WOCHA HOA
General Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:21PM.
Renee Christian was unable to give the reading of the minutes and they were tabled.
Jan Leaf gave the Treasurer’s report to include the current balance of $3666.40. Barbara Landix made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. It was seconded by Thomas Smith.
Old Business:
1. The Christmas Dinner
a. President DeCuir thanked to following neighbors for opening their homes for our 1st Progressive Dinner, Cynthia & Scottie Allen, Detra Kelly & Barbara Landix.
2. The City of DeSoto $500 Matching Grant Program
a. Jan Leaf gave the measurements for the banners to be 4’ X 1’ to be used to decorate the entrance to the bridge.
b. Detra Kelly gave visual renderings of the wrought iron gate for the entrance into the neighborhood
c. Pastor Rasheed asked if the bridge entrance could be lit.
d. We discussed street toppers versus flags
e. Roosevelt Williams asked that we not clutter the bridge too much.
f. We discussed the type of plants to put in the planters.
g. Josef Rasheed moved to pursue the cost of the arch, to finish beautifying with flowers for the pots and to use figure 1 option 2. Barbara Landix seconded the motion. The motion carried.
h. Josef Rasheed asked that if there were remaining funds to allow them to be used for the street signs toppers.
i. Barbara Landix made a motion have a new informational/presentational sign made. Pastor Rasheed seconded the motion. The motion carried.
New Business:
Committees
1. Membership
a. Roosevelt Williams asked for the following team volunteers: Renee Christian, Betty Runnels & himself.
b. Roosevelt Williams requested a thorough list of members so that we don’t duplicate contact with existing members.
2. By-laws
a. Pastor Rasheed volunteered to scan and update the By-laws.
3. Residential Handbook
a. Pastor Rasheed will scan, and update the handbook.
Other topic discussed included:
1. Grant for the website
2. Thomas Smith will meet with Jan Leaf regarding the budget to help raise revenue.
3. Has one of our neighbors opened a group home on Missionary Ridge?
4. Thomas Smith will find out who owns the home.
5. We are zoned single family residence.
6. Roosevelt Williams announced the next mayors Meeting, the Homeowner Involvement Workshop is February 20th at 9:00AM.
7. Pastor Rasheed asked for consideration outreach from the HOA for the following: the Great Days of Service, the DeSoto Food Pantry, and the DeSoto Senior Citizens who may need donations especially during the holiday season.
8. Roosevelt Williams asked if we could plan a second spring event, possibly a community breakfast, or a community church service.
Roosevelt Williams made a motion to end the meeting. Elgie Gibson seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned.
______________________________
WOCHA HOA
General Board Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:17PM by President Charles DeCuir.
Renee Christian read the minutes. Barbara Landix made a motion to approve the minutes. Jan Leaf seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Jan Leaf read the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $4474.80. Thomas Smith suggested the HOA use a stair step approach to a money market account or a CD as opposed to leaving the balance in a checking account. Josef Rasheed made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Thomas Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Old Business – none discussed.
New Business
1. $500 Matching Grant Application deadline is October 30, 2009.
a. The application requires the HOA organizational structure.
b. We need to decide on a beautification project.
c. The following ideas were discussed: Use the wrought iron lettering salvaged from the original erected sign. Clean the molding from the bridge. Plant plants in the flower pots. Create an iron archway for the entrance. Adhere the iron lettering to the sides of the bridge. We need to test the structural soundness of the bridge. Street sign toppers. Flags. Flag banners with our HOA name on it. Ideas for alleyway clean up. The committee needs to prioritize the options. 1) Iron Lettering 2) Plants & Flower Pots 3) Street sign toppers 4) Flags.
d. Concerns about vandalism and speeders were discussed. We need the city to get signage that say “Please slow down. We love our kids”
e. The committee needs to discuss this and bring the final ideas to the Board and President DeCuir will make an executive decision.
f. Barbara Landix made a motion to submit a grant application to the City of DeSoto for one or all of the following improvements 1) Signage on bridge 2) Replace the flower pots and plant new foliage and 3) street sign toppers. Jan Leaf seconded the motion. The motion carried.
g. Barbara Landix, Renee Christian & Jan Leaf will complete the grant application.
2. Committees – Committee assignments need to be made. Committees need to be identified. Who will chair? We should solicit other neighbors to participate. Charles DeCuir suggested we get directors, distributors, and block captains. Charles DeCuir would like to see the creation of the following committees: A) Awards, B) Beautification and C) Yard of the Month. D)
a. Budget – Thomas Smith
b. Architectural -
c. Civic – Roosevelt Williams
d. Awards – Renee Christian & Danielle DeCuir
e. Beautification – Ray Newsome, Jan Leaf, & Alyssa Washington
f. Hospitality -
g. Membership – Jennifer Smith & Roosevelt Williams.
h. Newsletter – Josef Rasheed
i. Website –Josef Rasheed - The Website & e-mail were discussed. Current minutes should be on the website. Others should be archived. Action items should be on the website. The sign should be erected well in advance of our meetings.
j. Safety – Ray Newsome & Thomas Smith
k. Residential Handbook
3. Duties of the Director -
4. CD or Money Market Account -
5. Yard of the Month –
a. Josef Rasheed made a motion that we begin the “Yard of the Month” (YOM) by January 2010. Barbara Landix seconded the motion. Charles DeCuir called for discussion and stated since yard has “beautification” we should have “yard of the month” all year long. Barbara Landix reminded we have a motion on the floor. She also stated that if the motion passes, there needs to be a beautification committee.
b. Josef Rasheed retracted his original motion and rephrased it to state that WOCHA begin a “yard of the month” program by January 2010. Renee Christian reminded the Board there is a motion on the floor and it has been seconded. Jan Leaf asked that the date be moved up to December 15 (for Christmas). The motion carried.
c. Barbara Landix stated a chairperson should be named. Renee Christian stated YOM should fall under Beautification. However, other people need to be recruited to help with HOA. Josef Rasheed said new programs need new committees. There should be a design criterion to ID the YOM. We need other people to volunteer.
d. Thomas Smith stated everything doesn’t need to be decided tonight. Jan Leaf stated we should let other neighbors know what’s going on, get ideas, involvement & suggestions. Guideline need to be set. Thomas Smith said we should let people set & talk about it. Renee Christian stated these are all good thinking points. We should pass the word on via e-mail and word of mouth. Bring a neighbor to the next meeting.
6. Joys, Concerns, “Contact us” page - Charles DeCuir stated joys or concerns should be submitted on time
7. On-line registration - Renee Christian suggested we have an on-line registration to encourage membership.
8. Halloween Volunteers - Regarding Halloween, volunteers are needed to assist with traffic flow, walking in shifts, and escorting kids across the streets. Tonight’s volunteers included Charles DeCuir, Thomas Smith, & Chester Gilchrist. Chester Gilchrist asked that we turn on out lights from 7-9PM. Josef Rasheed stated we should include a safety aspect. There could be an alternative event at his church. There is a program called “Light the Night”. Thomas Smith suggested we give kids disposable lights. We should wear safety vests. Contact the local police department for assistance Halloween night.
9. Crime Stats - Renee Christian asked about distributing the crime stats. Barbara Landix stated we should distribute them in a flyer. We should help engage our neighbors. The website is a great idea.
10. Holiday Decorations - Christmas decorations – the deadline to have the bridge decorated usually coincides with the city’s tree lighting ceremony & parade. This year it’s December 5th by 6:00PM. We should meet on the bridge at 8:00AM to decorate. The Progressive Dinner is scheduled for December 12, 2009.
11. Desoto Food Pantry - Josef Rasheed stated we need a committee to assist with the Desoto Food Pantry. We should also host or participate in an angel tree. Barbara Landix asked if we should collect cans. Josef Rasheed stated they take cash donations as well. Roosevelt Williams asked how much money the HOA will donate. Jan Leaf made a motion to donate $250 to the Desoto Food Pantry on behalf of WOCHA HOA. Josef Rasheed seconded the motion. The motion carried. Thomas Smith stated we should list this on the website. Josef Rasheed stated there’s a misconception that Desoto has funds. Jan Leaf asked when is the deadline?. Charles DeCuir stated he’d send an e-mail soliciting donations.
Renee Christian made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jan Leaf seconded. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM
______________________________
WOCHA
September 24, 2009
Minutes
President Bill Dendy called the meeting to order at 7:23PM.
Renee Christian read the minutes with one correction. The minutes were amended to include the Wiley family as one of the residents who previously paid dues.
Barbara Landix made a motion to approve the minutes. Thomas Smith seconded the motion.
Bill Dendy stated the motion carried.
Jan Leaf read the Treasurer’s report. The balance is $3833.40. The beginning balance was $4134.44 with disbursements of $310 for National Night out and accrued interest of .03 cents for a current balance of $3833.40.
Barbara Landix made a motion to approve the budget. Thomas Smith seconded the motion.
Bill Dendy stated the motion carried.
Bill Dendy began the election for 2009.
Roosevelt Williams raised the question of amending the bylaws to increase the number of directors based on the number of nominees slated for director.
Thomas Smith stated the issue should be tabled for new business and to follow the order of the agenda.
Roosevelt Wiliams stated this is an election issue and the matter should be resolved before the vote.
Renee Christian read that section of the bylaws.
Barbara Landix further explained her understanding of the bylaws that there are four officer positions and three directors’ positions which constitute the Board of Directors.
Bill Dendy read the amendment portion of the bylaws.
Barbara Landix made a motion to amend the bylaws to expand the Board of Directors to the current slate.
Josef Rasheed seconded the motion.
Dill Dendy stated the motion carried.
Roosevelt Williams stated the motion needs to include the number increase from 7 to 11.
Josef Rasheed stated “Point of Order” that the motion was carried therefore it cannot be amended.
Bill Dendy stated to allow the motion to stand as is.
Bill Dendy again asked to move forward with the election.
Barbara Landix stated there should be nominations from the floor.
Bill Dendy asked for nominations from the floor.
Roosevelt Williams nominated John Moore for director.
John Moore declined the nomination.
Bill Dendy stated with no further nominations that the slate of officers and directors be approved.
Josef Rasheed made a motion to “close the slate of 4 to 7 for a total of 11” board members.
Thomas Smith seconded the motion.
Bill Dendy stated the motion carried.
Bill Dendy passed the torch of responsibility to President Charles Decuir, who was out ill with the flu. In his absence, newly elected, Vice President Thomas Smith was asked to speak.
Thomas Smith stated it was great to see the level of participation. Histhoughts concerned emails. He would like to see the directory up and running. He stated he and President Decuir have been discussing goals for the association to include the following:
1. Utilizing the residents and have a directory on the website.
2. Lowering of the dues will help increase membership overcome the barrier to positive benefits to families.
3. Trail clean up.
4. There will be an officer’s meeting, with the time & place TBA. It will be posted on the website.
5. There will be blast emails.
6. Possibly a phone tree to spread news through the neighborhood.
7. Gave the website URL wocha.weebly.com
8. Officer contacts number will probably be posted on website
9. Halloween and volunteers needed to secure the streets for the safety of our neighbors and non residents.
10. This administration wants to listen to you and your concerns as neighbors.
Roosevelt Williams asked for volunteers for Halloween.
Thomas Smith stated there will be an email going out asking for assistance with Halloween.
Thomas Smith stated the direction of the HOA will include:
1. National Night out Block Party and would like to invite our city officials again.
2. Desoto hosts a Desoto Civil Academy. He would like to see our WOCHA members participate.
3. Made an announcement about the upcoming Mayor’s Meeting scheduled for October 13, 2009 at 6:30PM in the new Blue Cow Coffee Shop. If you would like to add an agenda item, please contact Tracy Linka at 972-230-9689.
Barbara Landix thanked Bill Dendy for his service to the association.
Bill Dendy asked about the old masonry sign that was posted at 548 The Meadows and wanted to know if it said Creektree or Woodlands on the Creek.
Roosevelt Williams stated it said Woodlands on the Creek. Roosevelt also stated technically the home located at 548 The Meadows belongs to the association also.
Barbara Landix asked that a committee person be responsible for getting the crime stats.
Roosevelt Williams stated that at the Mayors quarterly there is suppose to be a designee from the police department who notifies each HOA regarding all criminal activity in your area.
Diane Jackson stated Lt. Sullivan with Desoto PD is our contact person for those stats.
Thomas Smith stated the website will have a list of important links and valuable information, which includes contact information, dates & times of meeting and location of the meetings.
Barbara Landix stated we needed a volunteer to attend the city council meetings
Thomas Smith stated he would like to have a rotation of officers to accomplish this. He also stated that once the officers meet, he and President DeCuir will be accepting items for the calendar. Prepare items for the association.
Randy Leaf asked if the resident’s handbook would be online
Thomas Smith stated he would like to see a vote by the members regarding personal information being placed on the website.
Barbara Landix requested keeping membership a priority.
Thomas Smith stated he believes in planning and calendaring. He would like to encourage membership. He would like to see community involvement for cleaning the Roy Orr trail, adult participation for Halloween, crime watch, stickers, & signs, He is soliciting ideas.
Roosevelt Williams stated the bylaws are not clear on who oversees which committee. He asked will an appointment or selection be made to oversee those committees.
Thomas Smith stated he likes to identify people who get things done not necessarily committee heads.
Our next meeting is October 22, 2009 at 7:00PM here in the Pecan Room at the Town Center and signs should be posted.
Thomas Smith stated he had a concern that when the Treasurer’s report was read there were no questions about the money. He believes a large portion of the money should be placed in a CD and be allowed to grow. VP Smith thanked everyone for their time and participation
Josef Rasheed made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Barbara Landix seconded.
VP Smith asked for any extension. None were raised.
VP Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:16PM
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