Amenities Committee Meeting
August 30, 2007
SUMMARY
Present:
Amenities Committee Members:
Sid Newman - Chair
Donna Clemens
Sally Fessenden
Roger Gibbons
Curt Goodrich
Bill Moseley
Maunone Tanner
Al Van Vliet
Ken Westcott
Paige Wolters
Transition Board Chair: Larry Winslow
Developer: Tom Carr
Chairman Sid Newman opened the meeting noting that the development of our community amenities was an opportunity for the committee members to help shape the future character of McLendon Hills.
Developer Tom Carr then outlined his expectations for the Committee as described above. Larry Winslow, Transition Board Chairman then expressed an offer to help in any way, and explained that the Transition Board’s role was to tie everything together. Also, the Financial Committee Chair serves on the Amenities Committee and will be a liaison between the two committees.
Some questions were then raised about financial matters.
Q: How many units are currently paying association fees?
A: 130 - 140
Q: How many total units are planned?
A. approximately 230
Q: What association fees are paid by owners who have extra lots?
A: A fee is paid for each lot unless the lots are legally joined. Lots without houses pay a smaller fee.
Q: Will the Association be able to charge fees for special use of the amenities?
A: Yes
Example: If someone in the community wants to use the facility for a function, a
fee could be charged.
Q: What is the time frame for construction of the Clubhouse?
A: Ideally, after the site plan is approved and various approval hurdles are met, construction could begin by March 2008. McLendon Hills Construction will build the Clubhouse, and construction time is estimated at one year.
Q: Do we have an architect?
A: We are using Hobbs Upchurch Associates for the engineering. One architect that has been used previously is John Heckethorn.
At this point, Tom Carr and Larry Winslow left the meeting.
A general discussion continued concerning the committee’s scope. It was stressed that the committee needed to move forward and that many community members were eager for the amenities to be constructed. A question was asked whether all the amenities promised necessarily had to be built. Sid pointed out that the developer has stated he plans to build all promised amenities, however, he intends to work with the community to insure the community has the amenities it wants and can support.
The Chair then addressed the importance of two-way communication with community members. The McLendon Hills website will be utilized, and an online forum/comment area is planned in the Members Area. The goals are to encourage a great deal of discussion and input from the community and to provide full disclosure of the committee’s plans and progress.
Organization of the Committee into sub-groups began with the forming of the Site Plan Sub-Committee. This Sub-Committee will:
« Meet on Saturday, September 1, 2:00PM at the recreation area site.
« Review draft proposals for a beginning
« Decide the preferred location for the Clubhouse
« Compare different sites, determining pros and cons
« Report progress at the next meeting
« Complete recommendations by October 31, 2007
A Walking/Jogging Sub-committee (W/J) was also formed at the first meeting. This Sub-Committee will:
« Proceed with sensitivity to concerns of owners whose property the path will cross
« Discuss with
«
« Research further, surface materials, esthetic aspects of the path, need for lighting, signs, benches, trash receptacles, legal issues, etc.
« Incorporate the path into the recreation area
« Meet with McLendon Hills Construction Manager, to discuss grading and surface problem areas on the proposed route
Consider the use of a landscape architect where further expertise is needed
« Encourage early construction of the path
« Finalize recommendations by October 31, 2007
Discussion continued about the need to recommend the best possible plans to enhance the McLendon Hills Community. Additional Sub-committees will be formed as needed.