Camelot HOA Meeting Thursday April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023

Camelot Pool Parking Lot-7:00 PM

Board Members Present:

Mike M – Treasurer
Craig – Landscaping liaison
Rob – at large
Corey – Social/website and note taker

Budget reviews:

For years we would have money left over and invest in Savings or CD’s
Last couple years we have spent more than we brought in which is why we have increased the HOA fee to $425. Mostly attributed to cost of pool chemicals and general inflation.
We have the lowest HOA fee in the city by far and hope to continue that trend.
We have cut a $6,000+ expense already by cutting the contract with Republic Waste and working with the pool maintenance company to dispose of trash and recyclables.
We unfortunately have a number of home owners who fail to pay their annual dues
Request for everyone to see the budget:
- Inquiry why they aren’t passed out at a meeting like this.
- The board’s preference is not to post the full budget on a public website.
- Concern: Most HOA’s must keep a certain reserve per the state of Ohio. Rodd says that we did a reserve study in 2008 and need enough reserve to cover catastrophic loss to common areas. We still have enough in reserve to cover the cost of any such common areas.
- Current account holds over $100,000.
- Request to include a paper copy budget form in the mail with the annual statement.
- Currently 7 liens out on neighborhood residents; names are withheld for privacy reasons.
- Late fee is being increased in 2023 to encourage people to pay on time more often.
- QR code is now available to pay the amount online so long as you owe the standard amount of $425
Expenses
- Landscaping and pool in 2022
  - Pool costs were up because we kept the pool open during the warmer October weather.
  - New pump was necessary to keep the pool running which cost roughly $4,000.
  - Replaced patio furniture.
  - Replaced broken sensors.
  - Trying to save costs near erosion pond by not having the landscaping company mow the steeper parts of the grass.
  - Question: Are we taking bids every year? We did not in 2023 but are open to bids if community members are willing to solicit them.
Filling cracks in parking lot and lining the parking spots and basketball court
- Received three bids for the contract and went with the cheapest option
Board to pursue a new bid for pool maintenance in 2024 to ensure we are getting the most competitive option.
Mr. Level to visit the neighborhood on April 28 to determine how many sidewalk areas in the neighborhood require leveling. If the homeowner agrees to the negotiated rate, then the cost of it would be assessed to the homeowner in the next year’s statement.

Reminder from the board – we are neighbors just like you and are happy to share any information that you might like or will listen to any ideas or concerns you have. Just put it in with the bill.

Member: Front sign on Camelot is dislodged. The sign is off the mounting a little bit. Craig to follow up with the sign and see what we can do to repair that.

A self-governed HOA like this is preferable to a management company which would cost $1,500 per month or $18,000 per year.

Voted to increase the initiation fee from $100 to $400 to make it more comparable to other neighborhoods in the city.

Bylaws: Rentals on Belmont Ct. Concern about lack of maintenance on one of the houses. The city could potentially contact the homeowner if the house is in violation of the city code. That is the preferable course of action relative to the HOA getting involved.

Per Craig and local real estate data: $171.50 per square foot of your home more or less. Up from $150 per square foot in ‘21

2023 Goals

Inquired with the bank about getting the stones in place around the pond to address the erosion.
- We might be able to take a loan out to get something like that done so we could pay it back more slowly over time instead of trying to recoup it so quickly. The board is exploring this option in addition to finding a contract
Wish List
- Every home is supposed to have a light in their front yard.
- Every home should have a tree in their tree lawn.
- Community ideas
  - Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the neighborhood. Requesting funds for a bunny costume to complement the egg hunt.
  - September Block Party – Would like more than $50 to help pay for the supplies, food, and cover food truck deposits.
    - For 2023 the HOA can perhaps front the money ahead of time
  - Paper directory
  - Community tree lighting contest
  - Pool is missing some tile and grout. Requesting maintenance and correction before the season starts so it is ready for the summer.
- Mailboxes replacement
  - Everyone is required to have the same type of box (white and black)
Lauren Okowita, Craig Umland, and Rob McGregor run for election and both Craig and Rob won.

Meeting adjourned.