HIDDEN OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 11, 2016

The meeting opened with representatives from the city speaking on behalf of Laurie Feldman, our Councilwoman from Ward 3 . Eleanor Schmerler and Dan Rothermich updated us on the various projects going on in the city.

The Fifth Street Construction Project is on target and scheduled to be completed by the end of the second quarter (June 30, 2016)

• The Streets of St. Charles is moving along with the construction of a P.F. Changs restaurant, an Orangetheory Fitness and Gym, a new nail salon, a shoe store and a Drury Inn with a parking garage to be built across from the AMC theater.
• A new Diverging Diamond Interchange at the intersection of 5th street and Interstate 70 similar to the one at Mid- Rivers Mall drive and Interstate 70 is currently in the initial construction phase. There are multiple phases to this project to include a new one-way outer road between Fifth Street and Fairgrounds Road along with many more improvements. You find out all about this construction at the project website. http://www.modot.org.stlouis/major_projects/705thStImprovements.htm.
• On 4/25 Veterans Memorial Parkway between Fairgrounds Rd and Fifth St will change to one-way (EB) traffic only. This is a permanent change.

Next on the agenda board member Rich Siemons spoke about the 2015 financial report for the subdivision. A detailed spreadsheet was given to all in attendance. It was noted that there was some extra expenses for common ground maintenance due to the removal of dead trees and some damage to the monument area at the entrance to the subdivision and there was some legal expenses incurred to modify and update our covenants. But we were still able to be in the black and saved $306 for the year. A question was raised regarding security in the subdivision and the possibility of installing some CCTV cameras. It was noted that the monitoring and installation of this might be cost prohibitive but the board was open for discussion on this. A member brought up the fact that we should all keep an eye out for our neighbors and don’t be afraid to call the police if you see something suspicious.

Next was the ballot results of the 2 proposed changes to our covenants. The first which changes the number and term for the Board of Directors to allow for continuity on the board at all times. The second allows for fences to be constructed of materials other than wood provided that the fence is approved by the Board and meets the other qualifications in the Covenants. Both amendments passed with the required 70% majority of homeowners, 143 homeowners voted in favor of the term of service  for  Board Members and 141 voted in favor of the new fence provision. These changes will now be put into our covenants once they are certified by the County.

Election of Board members was next on the agenda. Current Board member Mark Verzino is not seeking another term so former Board member Kirsten Harrison agreed to serve again with current board members Vince Ratchford and Rich Siemons. All three members were nominated and ballots were passed out. The votes were tallied and all three members won. With the new covenant provisions, Vince and Kirsten will be serving 2-year terms and Rich will serve one year.

After the voting was completed, Board member Vince Ratchford spoke about Ordinance and Covenant reminders. He reminded everyone of their responsibility to maintain the landscaping around their homes now that spring and summer are here. This includes keeping trees trimmed and pruned back and not blocking sidewalks in the front. He also stressed that you must keep your pet on a leash and pick up the litter when walking.

Recreational vehicles/boats have a 24 hour load and unload time period, please respect this city ordinance. If there are flooding events and the Mayor lifts this ordinance for a time period these vehicles are allowed to be parked at one’s home, or elsewhere allowed by the temporary repeal of the ordinance.

There is an app called “SEE CLICK FIX” that you can download on your smartphone that you can use  to report  a violation to the city anonymously. The city monitors this daily and will send an inspector out to view the situation.  A question was raised about barking dogs and how to handle this. It was suggested to call the police non-emergency telephone  number at 696-949-3300 and report it.

The last thing on the agenda was talking about social events in the subdivision and general discussion. One resident brought up the topic of replacing smoke detectors in your home. He suggested that if you haven’t  replaced your smoke detectors in the last 5 years or so, that it would be wise to change them out. He said you should replace all of them at the same time because they are all linked together, so if one goes off they all do.   It was decided to participate in the National Night Out again this year versus having picnic at Vogt park. Everyone seem to enjoy National Night Out last year here in our subdivision. We are looking for volunteers to help with the subdivision garage sale. If you are interested call one of the board members. You can get their numbers at our website or email us.

Hiddenoaks63303.gmail.com

Email the above address with questions or to be added to the Facebook group.