MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
SECTOR 2A AT SNOHOMISH CASCADE ASSOCIATION
7 P.M. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Because Governor Inslee ordered residents to stay at home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was conducted using Zoom, hosted by John Alleman. Most reports were distributed in advance by email.
CALL TO ORDER / PRESENTATION OF MINUTES
__________________________
Steve Yandl, Secretary
SECTOR 2A AT SNOHOMISH CASCADE ASSOCIATION
7 P.M. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Because Governor Inslee ordered residents to stay at home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was conducted using Zoom, hosted by John Alleman. Most reports were distributed in advance by email.
CALL TO ORDER / PRESENTATION OF MINUTES
- Nicole Klages called the meeting to order a 7:06pm. Present on Zoom conference were John Alleman (hosting Zoom meeting), Steve Yandl, Nicole Klages, Tanya Edwards David Divoky and Bill Steenis.
- Minutes of the August 2020 meeting were reviewed and approved.
- Steve Yandl reported on current financial status.
- Currently $80,503 in the checking account (operational funds).
- There is $16,928 in the long-term reserve.
- We have $5,709 in operational reserve.
- Before receiving our professionally prepared reserve analysis, the plan was to transfer $62,075 from checking to the long-term reserve ($43,550 owed from previous years and current planned contribution of $18,525) and moving $13,390 to the operational reserve. Last month, the board approved attempting the recommended funding levels from the study which means a target in our reserve account of $106k. That will require $89k to be moved from checking to reserve. This will require that the $13,390 budgeted to go to the operational reserve will go to the capital reserve instead and reductions in the landscape improvements and landscape repairs budget lines.
- We still need to redo our signature card at Heritage Bank or see if the bank will let us simply add John Alleman to the existing signature card.
- Thirty cubic yards of play chips were blown into the boat park play area over the recently completed French drain system. This was sufficient for 6 inches depth. An additional 30 cubic yards will be applied once toy construction is complete or as needed for safety.
- Brian Skinner has reported several dead trees in common areas that we should consider having removed.
- Appeal by Greg and Laura McLaughlin asking the board to reverse the ACC decision to not accept the amended business model for ‘Paella House’.
- The request for approval of their home business in February 2020 stated unambiguously that no customers or suppliers would be coming to their home.
- In response to the 30-day notice given by the ACC, we had received a letter from Greg McLaughlin’s lawyer.
- A request was made that we postpone the appeal until more board members could be present. Request to postpone was denied since we expected to have a quorum.
- Greg had asked his lawyer to not participate in our Zoom meeting, explaining he did not want to escalate the situation but wanted things handled properly since this is a very consequential action for McLaughliins.
- Greg shared a revised business plan for Paella House. Several board members pointed out that the revised plan should have been shared prior to them switching from a food prep / catering business to a food pick up type operation. Greg explained that he had not been aware of the option himself until late July during discussions with the health department on their new permits. A copy of the business plan is on file in ACC records.
- Business plan had three stages: interim plan, review period and permanent approval.
- The plan basically provides for take-out business until Snohomish County qualifies to enter Phase 4 of COVID-19 restrictions at which time there would be a review period with a transition to the original business plan that called for Paella House to be a food prep, catering business.
- Greg responded to an inquiry about instructions currently being given to customers. Customers are being advised this is a residential neighborhood and are being asked to drive accordingly.
- In response to an inquiry, Greg stated that their garage still had one bay being used as parking by one of their personal vehicles and that their Paella House vehicle and an additional personal vehicle were generally parked in the driveway or curbside.
- Responding to an inquiry, Greg stated that presently they could not do food deliveries per their health department permit. Their permit had been revised from catering only to catering plus restaurant (new health department option in response to COVID-19 to help small businesses survive). At some point, they may acquire additional equipment and seek a permit as a mobile unit seller.
- Greg stated their business would not survive if they do not get this approval.
- As they currently are operating, McLaughlins state their maximum sales capacity would be 20 servings sold per shift (currently 3 shifts on Saturday night).
- Board members expressed concern that McLaughlins might ask for more nights of operation which would further increase traffic in that part of the neighborhood.
- Board members expressed a desire to put in place an absolute cap (time limit) so any approval would not be so open ended. The way the plan was proposed, the take-out operation could continue indefinitely, even if the catering business was slow for reasons other than COVID-19 or if the COVID-19 restrictions go on for a very extended time.
- A motion to hold the 30-day clock on the ACC notice in abeyance while the board deliberates on the appeal was unanimously approved.
- Responding to an inquiry, Greg stated they had two employees on the payroll for busier times. One was a family member the other was a longtime friend.
- Two letters of support from neighbors were shared.
- Homeowner request for projects.
- Manley – Approval given for amended paint scheme (original was approved last month).
- Thurstonson – John Alleman continues to work with them on finding a shed that can be approved.
- Riehl – Tree removal approved.
- Irion – Inquiries made on what was needed to get a garage door replacement approved.
- Johnson, Lisa – Paint colors scheme approved.
- Dunlap – Inquiries made on paint color approval.
- Kassebaum – Paint sample of muted yellow color shared with ACC and approved as main house color.
- Complaints, CC&R violations
- Tickle – Complaints on boats, trailers, and 5th wheel RV parking.
- Resin shed – 15831 67th Drive – Letter denying the variance still needs to be sent.
- Donoher – While investigating problem yards she reported last month, it was discovered one of the homeowners is installing a metal shed in the back yard which would not have been approved had they properly requested approval. John Alleman will confirm and write any appropriate letters and/or notices.
- Steve Yandl reported on an inquiry from Teresa Gowin on replacement tree planting where problem trees along Snohomish Cascade Drive were removed in the past.
- Steve Yandl has initiated contact with the reserve study professional to do our annual update.
- Steve Yandl will set up a post card mailing to advise members on how to access an annual meeting in October using Zoom. Contingency plans are in place to alert membership of postcard notification does not work as planned.
- Directors and Officers insurance has been renewed.
- We verified that we wanted to postpone installation of new climbing toys at the boat park until COVID-19 restrictions have eased sufficiently to have a community build. The other option would be to do the install right away with the contractor doing 100% of the work with an increased cost to the HOA of about $8k. Tanya Edwards will inform the contractor and keep the board advised of any price increases we might have to absorb.
- We revisited John Alleman’s proposal from a previous meeting asking if the HOA could provide up to three cubic yards of gravel so he and his neighbor could restore the gravel and paver trail extending east from 72nd Drive. There was unanimous approval.
- It was decided we would have a special meeting using Zoom at 4:00pm on September 7 to discuss and vote on the McLaughlin appeal to operate Paella House.
__________________________
Steve Yandl, Secretary