Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2007

    Villages at Tower Oaks Board of Directors Meeting

The meeting was called to order by the President at 7:00 pm.

Members present: Jim Benson, Stephen Maroon, Milton Weinstein, Gaurov Daval, Nancy Hart, Ruthie Kramer, Robin Baum-Rosten

Others:  Melanie Mullaney (Property Manager, CMI), Suzanne Beckner (Landscaping Committee Chair),  Patricia  King (for 1304 Wild Oak Terrace elevator application), Jean Gillick, Lisa Shih, Garri Gershgorn, Chau Nguyen.

Committee Reports   

1.  General Landscaping:  

     A.  Suzanne Beckner presented the new 3 year Brickman contract; period of performance  of January 2008-December 2010, reflecting a 5 % cost increase over present contract terms.  The Board agreed that Brickman’s performance has been very good. Motion by Ms. Beckner to approve the new contract – the Board voted unanimously to approve the new contract.      

     B.  Review / Assessment of Summer Damage – On Regal Oak Drive, one dead tree at 1123 requiring removal, one sick tree near 1174 Regal Oak which is being treated with iron.  Boxwood shrub replacement for Regal Oak Circle will cost $ 3000 – S. Beckner recommended the Brickman proposal to plant 15 wintergreen boxwoods; the Board approved.

     C. Fall Plantings to occur on October 11, 2007 throughout the community – summer Pagonias replaced with deer resistant rose, pink and white Dianthus.     

     D. Villages at Tower Oaks stone sign – metal stripping still hanging and needs to be repaired.  Follow up with Brickman required regarding using glue or tacking.

     E.   Pruning of large light blocking trees – follow up with Brickman after owner approval.
Mr. Savitz at 1023 Grand Oak Way, has provided his approval.  S. Beckner to obtain proposal from Brickman for tree pruning throughout the neighborhood.

     F.  Mr. Gershgorn, 1015 Grand Oak Way, requested inspection for overgrown trees, overgrown shrub and ground cover between backyards of Grand Oak Way homes that back up to the park  woods adjacent  to  playground and ballfield on hill.

2.   Rossi Reports (additional landscape issues):

      A.  Regal Oak gazebo is not structurally safe – should be repaired or removed.  The Board discussed obtaining repair estimates (benches vs a new gazebo).  The gazebo roof has inadequate anchors – therefore, CMI to block off the gazebo with tape to warn residents against use.  
      
       B.   Trees behind 1152 and 1154 Regal Oak Drive and too close to retaining wall should be removed - overgrown roots. Mr. Benson motioned to remove trees along with roots – Board unanimously approved.. Follow up with Brickman for removal estimate; consultations first with


arborist and structural engineer to determine impact, if any, of tree removal to retaining wall..      
          
      C.   Slope Erosion & Drainage:  The Board agreed to have Brickman access this problem and recommend a solution.  S. Beckner to contact Brickman.

      D.   Drainage:  Mr. Benson noted regarding condensate behind Regal Oak –solution is  French drains to alleviate slippery surfaces.  This does not negate use of ground cover.  

Mr.. Maroon recommended one work order for Brickman with a breakdown of individual prices to cover tree removal, French drains, sloping, and ground cover.  Also recommended was obtaining one additional comparison bid.  S. Maroon and S. Beckner to draft work order and will show Brickman the Rossi Report..
   
3.    City Paving Creating Community Aesthetic Problem:  City paving activities left oil and other debris.  Mr. Benson requested that in addition to CMI’s call to City of Rockville, that a letter be issued to the Mayor or Chief Administrator to report the problem and request that the  issue of city employees/contractors parking on Tower Oaks Drive encroaching over to Regal Oak Drive, during paving activities, be corrected.
 
4.     Safety  / Parking

      A.   Railings near gazebo – Estimates needed for both repair versus replacement of all railings; long term solution required.  Certain minor sections require repair and paint in
Spring 2008.

     B.   Window Bars:  End unit homeowner request  for blanket approval for window bars to deter intruders:  Board agreed that ACC application is required.  CMI to so advise owner.
      
     C.   Visitor Parking:  Visitor parking spots are for visitors.  CMI has scheduled contractor to paint  Visitor  designations in visitor parking areas.  Announcements to be issued by CMI in advance  requiring vehicles to be removed prior to paint stripping.  Should residents continue to park cars in visitor designated areas, the Board may consider community registration of resident vehicles.

     D.   Illegal Curb Parking:  Towing company is patrolling, 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.  At this time,
J. Benson, S. Maroon and CMI will call towing company.  Letters issued to the community by CMI have resulted in improvement and less illegal curb parking.

     E.    Speeding:  Speeding throughout the community has become excessive – residents are
not adhering to the 15 MPH community speed limit.  Additional signage discussed for Tower Oaks Drive near school bus stop and at Grand Oak Way circle .  CMI action item – M. Mullaney to refer some options to the Board.  

5.  Architectural Control                   
 
     A.  Board vote on extensive ACC matter:   Mr. Benson moved that the elevator application of Patricia and Hal King at 1304 Wild Oak Terrace, be approved.  The motion was unanimously
approved with the stipulation that approval is granted based upon the architectural plans presented; the Board reserves the right to reconsider any changes or additions  to the plans.


     
B.  11  Violation Letters issued – broken light fixtures, boxes / trash in driveways on non-pickup days, driveways in need of maintenance, trash can stored in public view, torn window screen, house number repair.   

6.    Communications:  

       Directory:  101 Directory  responses received.  Completion date goal:  October  31, 2007.
       Website:    Inclusion of a Classified section under consideration.

 7.   Social

       A winter event is in the planning for Presidents weekend at Clydes Tower Oaks Lodge.
       Response to August 2007 coffee /doughnut breakfast was outstanding – numerous    
       residents request a repeat event.   

Other Notes

 Mailbox Replacement /Repair:  CMI action item – The Board decided to sand and paint.
M. Mullaney to check with contractor.  
 
 Future Annual Meetings:   Ms. Linda Schoengold at Tower Companies [ 301) 692-9424] advised (per Mr. Gary Abramson) that subsequent to the June 2008 Tower Companies occupancy of their new building across Wooten Parkway, Tower Companies will then be in a position to offer our community a conference room (as available) for the Villages at Tower Oaks Annual meeting.  

Real Estate Update:  Mr. Weinstein noted recent  sales / rental prices – homeowners should check the website for these recent updates.
       
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.