Homeowners' Association
Homeowners Advisory Board
Architectural Review Committee
The Homeowners Association at Canebrake Club - Meeting Archive
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING - November 17th, 2009
Jessica Jones, the HOAB Vice President, began the meeting at 6:30pm. Jessica introduced all of the HOA Board members and Billy Christopher, one of the Canebrake LLC owners. A brief description of the HOAB roles and responsibilities to the Canebrake community was provided along with the Street Captains’ role to the home owners.
Beverly Van Wagner of Hughes Property Management was introduced and she informed the Canebrake residents of the duties that she has been hired to perform for the community.
Billy Christopher Canebrake LLC Manager was introduced and he commended the HOA Board members for the work that they have done for the Canebrake community. He then addressed the residents of Canebrake to inform them of the HOA budget and how there has been a major turnaround from the previous years in which there is now a positive cash flow and that we are operating in the black for the first time. This is mainly attributed to having accurate books, cutting back of wasted funds, collecting HOA dues and even collecting back dues.
Jessica Jones informed the residents about the holiday decorations waived covenants; decorations can go up Nov 1 until Jan 15 and of the golf cart decoration contest. Then the floor was opened to residents to express their interest in the community.
The following are comments by residents; some board members along with Billy Christopher or Beverly Van Wagner answered the residents’ concerns.
A complaint was made about the Nicholas home that has been in disarray for months, Jim Kjer and Beverly Van Wagner replied to the residents that it has been noticed and that fines have been imposed and that this is continuing to be addressed with the homeowner to get this under control and complete the construction.
A resident asked exactly what does the HOA do? He also expressed that he did not think the covenants were being enforced consistently throughout the community and he also wanted to understand the difference between the HOA and the ARC. Rex Dove, Billy Christopher, Jessica Jones and Beverly Van Wagner all addressed these comments. We are all trying to make Canebrake a better community for everyone and that if there is an issue on your street or other places in the community that you feel if the covenants are being broken, bring it to your street captain’s attention or to Hughes Property. The ARC is also there for the community but they are to ensure that builders and homeowners stay within the covenants when requesting a new home or home improvements. The violations and fines were explained as well.
One of our residents complained about the improper use of golf carts throughout the community, the use of golf carts by underage children and by teenagers. She also mentioned that she had noticed that some of the carts did not have lights or the lights were not even used after dark. Jessica Jones, Chris Piette and Jim Kjer all addressed this issue and feel as if the parents in the community need to take responsibility for their children and their children’s actions. It may be possible that a letter be generated to address this to all of the residents in the community to educate the parents of this issue. The Athens Police Department can also be called for nonconforming golf carts and underage children driving around the community.
A resident from Winged Foot brought up his concerns about speeding teenagers in the Canebrake community. Jim Kjer, Rex Dove, Jessica Jones and Billy Christopher all responded to the resident. They also informed the resident to take tag numbers and to call the Athens Police. The HOA has tried to address this several times over the last year to cut down on the speeding; they had radar setup in different locations throughout the community, have asked for increased patrols and will continue to ask for support from the Athens Police. The residents do not need to confront the speeders nor their parents but to inform the Police about the situation.
An update on the status of the sidewalk project was requested, along with the walking (nature) trail. Jessica Jones and Billy Christopher provided an update to these projects. The sidewalk project is only on the books as a request from the community to the city council, no estimates have been provided or money allocated for this project. As residents in the community we urge you to attend the city council meetings and request action on this issue or maybe start a petition in the community and take that to the city council and ask for a resolution. Billy Christopher addressed the walking trail; it was to be a joint project by the city and Canebrake but as of now it is on hold until the city begins looking at this project again.
Other residents commented that we need to provide the children of the community with more to do and more recreational activities for them and the parents to enjoy together. These type projects can be addressed next year when the HOA will have money to potentially invest into those type improvements to the community.
With no final comments, the meeting was then adjourned at about 7:30.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2008
The meeting began at 6:30 with Billy Christopher introducing himself and the rest of the Management Team, Carl Hunt and Alston Noah. Betty Hughes and Patricia Fulmer of Hughes Property Management were recognized .Canebrake Club General Manager Jack Sauers was also introduced. About 100 residents were in attendance.
Following the introductions, Billy spoke on communication between residents, himself and his office. Since he has moved the office of Christopher Realty to Canebrake, the office will be open 7 days per week to better serve the community's real estate needs. He maintains an open door policy and will speak to residents about their questions or concerns anytime he is in the office. Please call 232-7072 for an appointment to ensure his availability.
Christopher talked about the role of the HOA Advisory Board and Street Captains. He explained the procedures for reporting violations, and about the follow up letter from Hughes Property. Then the fine system was discussed. Billy pointed out that all this information is available on the website (www.canebrakeclub.com). All homeowners were encouraged to visit the website frequently to remain updated.
He then spoke of his development experience and gave some highlights of his background as a developer. Billy said the HOA’s primary role is to keep up common areas. An attorney is currently researching to determine what all the common areas are that have been turned over to the HOA.
Billy said that he is certain the HOA's books will be accurate and will present them next year when he has been responsible for them for a year. He explained that Shawn keeps track of all hours spent on common areas by his staff and that is determined daily.
Billy asked how many people would be interested in a walking trail in Canebrake. A show of hands indicated a great majority were in favor. He also touched on golf course restrooms being installed sometime in the future. He announced to the group that mandatory memberships have been put in place for new property owners in the Shinnecock subdivision. He also said that sometime in the future new memberships would be available only to Canebrake property owners.
Marty Lindsey asked who owns HOA and Billy responded that the homeowners own it. However, at this time, management of HOA is by the partners and they make the decisions.
Donnie Huddleston asked a more detailed question about fines. Billy explained the procedure and reiterated that the entire procedure is on the website.
Terry Hickerson asked about responsibility for maintenance of ditches. Billy explained the city maintains the ditches. He also explained the tall grass is part of the golf course design.
John Vincent wondered why we did not have a time limit on building a home after a lot purchase. Billy explained that he sells lots and felt that would reduce lot sales.
Mary Bissell asked about the summer floods. Billy gave great detail regarding the two different situations and how the Army Corps of Engineers was involved.
Frank Padilla asked several questions regarding the Architectural Review Committee. Billy introduced the ARC members present... Rich Little, Donnie Huddleston, Taz Morell and Billy himself. Billy thanked the committee members present and past for their service. He explained that it is an appointed position and the he himself has only one vote. He said that Hughes Property also works with the ARC.
Jim Kjer opined that perhaps the sewers are clogged up due to siltation from previous years. Billy said he has requested the city to look at the situation .Billy said our roads are designed to take the rain when the drains are clogged.
Pat Roberts asked if the water from the neighboring development was part of the problem. Billy said he did not believe that to be the case. He said restrictions are such that new developments would not likely be a cause.
A question was asked about resale of homes requiring mandatory membership – "yes" for Shinnecock, "no" for pre-existing homes.
Marty Lindsey asked about possibility of sidewalks from Colony and Troon down to Riviera. Billy said it had not been considered, but would be further discussed. Marty also asked if current ownership would fund HOA shortfall; Billy said we would and we are.
Randy Jones asked about the possibility of closing the gates. Billy stated that the issue is being researched. Randy also asked which trucks are required to use the construction entrance. Billy said cement trucks and brick trucks use it.
Billy responded to Trent Chandler that mowing lots is the responsibility of each lot owner. There will be fines for those who do not maintain their lots.
At approximately 8 pm, no more questions were posed and so all were thanked for their attendance and the meeting was adjourned.