The Edgehill Farm pool opens Saturday May 12, 2012 @ 7:30am.   Your pool keycard will grant you access.   The old pool codes are invalid and deactivated.

The pool season will run from May 12 through the second week of September this year.  It will open, seven days per week, at 7:30am and close at 8pm.  Wake County law requires the pool to be closed and emptied of people at dusk.  Please keep that in mind because we don’t know when a county official will “spot check” us.

Some properties will begin the pool season with no access due to delinquent or default in master association monthly dues.  If you’re affected and use your card, the gate will give you a solid red light followed by an extended tone or beep.  Contact RS Fincher at 919-362-1460 - Monday through Friday – to find out how to bring your account current.  Our property manager tracks the accounts, not any board members here in the neighborhood.  By board-approved authority, RS Fincher’s team gives the word to activate and deactivate pool keycards.  It’s about the money and running the business of the community w/ no hard feelings.  RS Fincher will work with you discretely as well.  Renters’ access to amenities is solely dependent on their landlords paying master association dues.  The master association and RS Fincher cannot work with renters on tenant/landlord matters regarding pool or dog park access or lack of access.

If you see kids jumping the fence, say something TO THEM.  It’s highly abnormal for fence jumping, something I’ve seen happen while pool patrons quietly allow it and watch it – giving me the “thumbs up” sign for stopping it because I happen to be walking my dog and see it.  These kids could hurt themselves and, of course, their parents will blame you (since we all co-own the pool) for not telling them that jumping a sharp and pointed fence is dangerous.

If you see glass bottles being used at the pool, help that person find a styrofoam cup and get all the bottles OUT of the pool area.   A broken bottle = several thousands of dollars of your money to drain, scrub, refill the pool and get a new county pool inspection.  The pool is immediately closed until this is done.  Pool companies and county pool inspectors don’t place us at the top of the list because of pool user behavior that closes our pool.  Simple pool pipe repairs take a two-week wait.  Glass is truly a disaster waiting to happen to county-inspected pools.

When people nicely ask for pool access because their keycard won’t work or they “forgot” it, no problem.  Tell them to call the property management company at the number posted in that clear glass bulletin board by the pool gate if they want their card repaired due to nonfunction.  We’ll serve them promptly.  If they’ve forgotten their card, keep in mind that EVERY property was issued a keycard.  The forgetful person’s card will certainly be at their home waiting for them.  Don’t feel guilty because, odds are, they don’t belong here.  When they don’t belong here, their presence cannot make expenses or liability costs less expensive or make it MORE enjoyable for you to use the pool.  It’s about your money and insurance liablity.  No hard feelings unless you like increased risk and having people hanging around that don’t care about maintaining the pool because they have no financial “skin” in the game like you do.

If you see blatantly illegal and drunken behavior, quietly call the cops.  We regretfully can have no patience for loud-mouthed, pool drunks.  Please tell any you know. Though, that usually is no problem for Edgehill Farm.

We are smoke free at the pool effectively immedately on a permanent basis.

Board Members Present:

Kathy McDaniel
Kelly McCullen
Sally Flint
Diane Erichsen
Phyllis Gladstone
Cindy Scheman
Kevin McMahon
Louis Eldridge

Management Present:
None.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00.  There was a quorum present.  The February 2012 minutes were approved as written.

President’s Report
Kelly said the last several months have been quiet.  He did grade and edge the walkway over by Westview Cove.  The lake report from Foster looked good.  At the end of this month the loan should be down to around $8,000.  Kelly did work on a reserve fund study and estimates there is $80,000 worth of replacements.

Treasurer’s Report
Phyllis stated that the bills have been paid.  The community bulletin board at the pool was repaired and the wooden pool deck was repainted.

Clubhouse Report
The clubhouse was rented a few times with no problems.  The azaleas that were recently planted in the front need to be watered.

Grounds Report/Lake
Kelly is going to check with Foster to see if we are getting to many fish.  He says the fishermen are catching (and releasing) quite a few.

Progress Energy has been slow about moving the light pole.

Pool Report
See New Business.

New Business

There was discussion on banning smoking at the pool and surrounding area.  The biggest obstacle is how to enforce.  The board felt that most people would abide by the rule once they were made aware of the policy.  Phyllis made the motion that no smoking be allowed in the pool area and within 15 feet of the exterior of the pool fence.  Motion approved.  

Signs will be posted stating there is ‘No Smoking in this Area’.  The new policy will also be posted on the website.

The board approved to make additional loan payments for May and June in order to retire the debt.

The board approved that Mark Fincher would be our preferred repair vendor for small jobs.  This is due to the past experience we have had with him (his availability and job performance).

Phyllis made the motion and Sally seconded to allow Gunter and Flowers to proceed with the foreclosure process on three properties.

Motion approved.

The new pool umbrellas have been bought.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on July 10, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the clubhouse.

The proposal, which passed unanimously, authorizes the installation of seven, “no smoking” signs and declares the inside-the-gate portion of the pool completely smoke-free while creating a 15-foot “smoke free” radius surrounding the pool fence exterior, effective on the first day of the 2012 pool season (Mid-May) and becoming a permanent policy of Edgehill Farm pool operations.

As a matter of full disclosure, there is no state or local ordinance that bans outdoor smoking on private property.  This is a community policy with the board seeking to create a non-smoking culture at the pool while reserving the privilege of revisiting and tweaking the policy.

The board’s resolution is open-ended and can be addressed at any future, public, master association meeting.  Technically, violators can lose access to the pool in accordance with our by-laws and it addresses violations.  Property owners are responsible for the behavior of their guests and their rental tenants.  The board does not deal with guests or renters, we deal with the dues payer in all cases.

The board’s approach with the newly-enacted smoking policy is to raise awareness and beg smokers for courtesy – which the overwhelming majority are courteous.  The board is NOT creating the Smoking Police.  It asks dues payers keep awareness high.  If no-smoking is important, the community will rally around it.  If blatant disregard is charted and it’s obvious the community is rallying behind the policy, the board has other options, like enforcing open-container alcohol consumption w/ Cary Police.  The police will enforce this ordinance regardless of HOA rules if they’re called or requested.  One could argue that some of the belligerence we occasionally see and hear about at the pool could be stoked by certain beverages.

The master association is the sum-total of 236 property owners in Edgehill Farm.  It is not an eight-member board of directors exclusively.  Therefore, this is a community call to action.

**If you live or own property in Edgehill Farm and want to be added to our email newsletter list, simply click the “Contact Edgehill Farm Team” link at the top of the web page and tell us you’d like to be added.  Include your name and address if you don’t mind**

Call to Order
Establish Quorum
Approval of Feb 2011 Minutes
President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Reports from Clubhouse, Pool, Lake, Grounds

NEW BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION

Loan Debt Reduction – Extra Principal Payments for May & June, 2012

Preferred Repair Vendor Selection

Dues Collections Legal Authorizations – 3 Properties

Pool Smoking Policy w/ Public Input

Adjournment

Edgehill Farm Proposed Pool Smoking Policy Member Feedback

 1. “Thanks for sharing this with us. Since you are asking for feedback, I will give you my thoughts. I personally am not a smoker, but like you said, smoking outdoors is legal. I think the association would be opening up a huge can of worms by attempting to create some formal rules about it.

Like anything else, common sense and consideration for others is all that is needed. If your a smoker and you are sitting very close to someone that doesn’t smoke, ask them if they mind or get up and smoke in an area that is more open. Don’t leave cigarette butts lying around. Be a bit discreet since none of us parents want our children to take up the habit. That is my biggest concern.

I think some people like to have a few drinks (alcoholic) when they are at the pool, which combined with the smoking might bother some people. I don’t go to the pool often but I have heard that people can get somewhat boisterous which personally does not bother me, but when children are there it is not a good example for them.

In terms of the drinking, I don’t know if there is a policy, but if not, I would think that the same would apply. Maybe there could be some hours designated as “adult time” so there is less worry about setting a bad example for the children.

Just my 2 cents.”

2. “I am a non-smoker for the record. If smokers could abide by the obvious common sense rules I would have no problem with reasonable (smoke down-wind and don’t burn the furniture) tobacco use at the pool. Since this is not likely to happen, given the choice, I would vote for a ban. Another point to consider is the litter. As you know my wife, Dianne, and I have done the planting at the pool for several years to save our HOA a few bucks. The planting beds are nothing more than large ash trays for some and many butts are tossed over the fence or simply snuffed out on the deck.”

3. “I’ll put in a personal vote for myself as I’m at the pool quite a bit in the summer. I am not a fan of smoking, but most of the people I see are fairly respectful when smoking, ie. going off to a chair by themselves or blowing smoke away from others. However, there have been a couple of times when I was at a chair first and a group of ladies would sit in the chairs right next to me (when others were available) and begin a smokefest in my direction.

So maybe just some courtesy rules for smoking?

1.  Please bring your own ashtray and dispose of the ashes in your home.

2. Please try to sit away from others when smoking. If the pool is very full, ask your neighbor if they don’t mind smoking.

3.  Please put out your cigarette butts in an ashtray and not on the pool concrete. And pick up those butts when finished.”

4. “Before even considering that the option of poolside smoking is up for debate, the Association and Management may want to consider the legal ramifications.

See this article from the Public Health Law and Policy website:

http://www.phlpnet.org/tobacco-control/question/i-heard-court-recently-decided-outdoor-secondhand-smoke-can-be-considered-nuisance-wha

The most important part of the article is near the end. It reads:

“To limit potential legal liability in any future nuisance lawsuit, landlords and condo associations may want to consider banning or restricting smoking in common areas.”

Another thought to consider is that outdoor smoking is, in fact, NOT entirely legal under state law. Raleigh has banned outdoor smoking in parks and other outdoor areas. Durham is considering a similar ordinance. Boone, Asheville and Buncombe County have also passed restrictions on outdoor smoking. Several beach communities are considering banning smoking on their beaches. The list goes on and on.”

5. “I agree that the Edgehill smokers sometimes disregard others’ requests at the pool. I’m all for implementing a no smoking policy if it is enforceable.”

6. “If it comes to a vote, I will definitely support a no-smoking policy at the pool. Legal issues aside, cigarette smoke is disgusting to me personally and as it is I can only enjoy my own deck at my condo when my neighbors above and below me are not outside, as I get it from both directions when they are outside. Also I have to keep my windows closed for that same reason. So, it is a bit of a personal issue for me”

7. “In my opinion the pool is a family environment and we should be putting the health and the well-being of our families first. Unfortunately, when some chose to smoke the smoke spreads through out the environment affecting those who would just like the enjoy the pool. It is impossible to just move away from those individuals because the area is enclosed and the smoke spreads. I do not want to be exposed to second hand smoke and chose to stay away from areas that I would expect to be exposed. I also do not want my young child to be exposed to second hand smoke. Often, we have chosen to leave the pool because it is not a healthy environment for us to be in. In my opinion the pool and the surrounding pool area should be a smoke free environment.”

8. “I live at (address withheld) and have lived in Edgehill Farms for 15 years. My husband and I probably frequent the pool once or twice a week in the summer. I can say from my experience that the number of smokers at the pool is pretty small and for the most part they are very respectful of others at the pool. While it wouldn’t bother me to have smoking banned from the pool (I am not a smoker), I don’t think it is necessary. However, a notice sent out prior to the season and also posted at the pool for smokers to be respectful of others at the pool might be nice (i.e. sit further away from others, move if the smoke is bothering someone, go outside the pool area to smoke).”

9. “I am adamant about making sure smoking is banned. I understand outdoor smoking is allowed in the state, but we all pay our HOA dues and have a right to not expose our families to something potentially dangerous. If someone wants to smoke, they can walk out of the pool area and down to the pond. Keep in mind, this has nothing to do with my having kids. I use the pool on my own as well when I don’t have my kids with me, and I don’t want to be exposed to smoke myself.”

10. “We still own in Westview Cove but currently do not live there. Here is my opinion of the smoking issue at the pool, I personally do not care for second hand smoke; however it is in an outdoor area and not a confined space. People who are unable to rid themselves of this destructive habit should be able to smoke while they enjoy the pool. My suggestion is to designate a smoking area to try an appease everyone.”

11. “In order to prepare a response for a smoking policy, are you at liberty to disclose the concerns expressed by the 3 families? Does your comment about “smokers who make clear their disregard for non-smokers” mean that there are butts dropped and left on the pool patio? Do you know if any other associations have an open-air smoking restriction in community areas? I’ve asked my co-worker, who lives in Lochmere to check on their association rules, and will let you know.”

12. “Thanks for letting us know about this policy. Though I do not smoke, and do have a young daughter, I really don’t think that I am putting her in danger if we go to an outdoor pool and other people are smoking. Are the smokers cleaning up their butts? If not, that might be a different conversation.  My opinion is that trying to enforce a tobacco-free policy at the pool (when obviously there are folks who want to light up while they sunbathe) will not only be a huge headache for you and the other board members, but will probably do more to break down the kind of neighborly environment that the pool area helps to create in the first place.”

13. “I was at the pool at least 15 to 20 times last summer with my grand kids and only recall smokers a couple of times so I don’t see it as a major concern.”

14. “Personally, I find the smell of tobacco smoke intolerable, and the presence of heavy smokers at the pool would hinder my enjoyment of this Edgehill amenity.  I do understand that those who choose to smoke have a right to do so, and would suggest that there be a designated smoking “area” within the pool area limits. Hopefully that area could be far enough away from other pool areas that smokers and non-smokers might both be accommodated.”

15.  “My wish would be for a smoking section at the pool. Since smoke invades the personal space of a non-smoker, the only reasonable solution is to let smokers invade smokers, by setting as section. I’d choose the place by how the wind will blow the smoke most often – away from the pool and recreation area. If a smoker chooses to ignore the rule when asked by another neighbor to use the smoking section, they should be fined.”

16.  “Even though I am no longer a smoker, I don’t believe it is fair to infringe on the personal rights of my neighbors. At the very most, designate a specific area for smoking at the pool.   Do not ban it.”

17. “There should be a smoking area at the corner of the building. So no I do NOT support a non-smoking pool.”

18. “To me, I am fine either way–smoking or no smoking on the pool area. I can understand families wanting no smoking and I can understand smokers wanting to be able to smoke outside. Either way I am ok with the general consensus. “

19.  “Please make the pool area tobacco smoke free at all times. I know you are aware of all the negatives associated with smoking, and those of us who take our children and grandchildren do NOT want them exposed to smoke. If someone smokes at the pool, the smell drifts across the area and is unhealthy for the rest of us. For example, as soon as my oldest daughter smells smoke, she immediately begins to cough, and she soon becomes physically ill. She does not recover for several days after that. If people want to smoke, let them do so in their own homes. Thank you for your consideration of this no-smoking policy.”

20. “Absolutely a good idea to ban smoking around the pool. Nobody can enjoy the fresh summer time air while breathing in someone else’s second hand smoke.”

21. “Controversial issue indeed. I have some questions though: If we decide to implement a no smoking policy in and about the pool, will we be in a position to enforce it? I think we can post signs requesting that people refrain from smoking, but it only takes one individual to say that outdoor smoking is permitted by state law. Then what? Will we then have individuals exhibiting some defiant behavior? While I completely understand those who would like to see smoking banished around the pool, I don’t know if it can be done. Perhaps, there is a loophole somewhere which would allow us to say “No Smoking.”

22. “I would prefer if there was no smoking in the pool area.”

23. I vote to provide a smoke free pool area. This would provide a cleaner environment for the children and for those who cannot breath this smoke.

24. “The two of us vote against smoking in any areas close to the pool.”

25. “People should be allowed to smoke at the pool given a particular area and should be allowed to smoke in the roadways.”
26. “Thank you for soliciting feedback/opinions re: smoking at the pool.  The pool area is a small contained area, with very limited seating choices, that non smokers find it difficult to move away from smoke. The wind direction is also a factor that makes it difficult to stay clear of outdoor smoke at the pool. My daughter has asthma and other allergies. The smoking at the pool limits our usage time at the pool.  Therefore, a smoking ban would be our vote if that is even possible.”

27.    “I was curious to know what Wake Counties Rules are and found this:

http://www.raleighnc.gov/arts/content/PRecRecreation/Articles/AquaticsPoolRules.html

I suspect that to be within the law, the pool should have a designated smoking area.  Personally, I’d put it outside the gate to the pool, as far from the opening as possible, but, if not, give em a corner as isolated as possible.”

28.  “The neighbors I have spoken to about the no smoking at the pool
all say it could not be enforced.  As smoking outdoors is accepted it
would also cause more contention.  Maybe a sign saying “smokers be
considerate of your neighbors?”

29.  “I prefer that there be no smoking at the pool…..Sorry I am so late with my response as we have been out of town…Thanks for doing such a good job and keeping us informed.”

30.  “I don’t smoke……..but………..i think that if someone wants to smoke outside they should be able to.  Non-smokers have had their rights accommodated in every other area.  To take the outdoors away from smokers is just wrong.  Non-smokers think they are the only ones who have rights and they’re not.  I think that as an association it should be left alone.  To start this war in our community is a mistake.  If someone who doesn’t smoke doesn’t want to be at the pool because there are smokers there they can leave…..If smoking bothers me I leave and I am a cancer survivor.  People need to get over trying to tell everyone else what to do.  That’s my opinion. “

There has been no official HOA board discussion on the issue so the meeting will be the first public opportunity anyone has, and can, go “on the record.”

If you are NOT part of the email newsletter list, this posting is to inform you that the master association board is seeking your opinion on the general policy of smoking at the pool and your insight on feasibility and logistical issues that come with passing, implementing and enforcing policy.

Click  HERE   – to leave your smoking policy feedback.  Please include your name and address in the appropriate boxes.  Anonymous feedback is difficult to gauge so we request, on this issue, your name for our internal purposes (being the board’s and our property manager).

Thanks!

We’re off to a quiet beginning of 2o12 and that’s good thing because when it’s not quiet, money’s being spent repairing things.   Kidding aside, the master association held its regular meeting on February 7th to handle a couple of business items.

#1.  We’ve voted to accelerate our payments on the long-standing, HOA loan.  The extra principal payments will allow us to retire the loan by June 2012 provided no major and unexpected Reserve Fund replacements are needed in the meantime.  This will retire the loan a full two years ahead of schedule.  The board, once the loan is paid, will essentially increase the amount of money we save every month for the Reserve Fund.  The Reserve Fund exists for capital or property improvements and replacements.  Our regular budget sets aside funds to pay the bills and cover routine maintenance.  For example, hiring a plumber to unclog a drain will use money from the regular budget.   Replacing the roof of the clubhouse, repaving part of the walking path or refinishing the pool comes from Reserve Funds.

#2.  We’re purchasing new umbrellas for the 2012 pool season since the wind and usage cost us two “new” umbrellas in 2011.

The minutes of the meeting are posted under the “Meeting Minutes” link that’s near the top of this web page if you want a complete recap of the February 2012 meeting.  Contact us if you have any questions and we’ll answer as best we can or know.

KMc

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Board Members Present:

Kathy McDaniel

Kelly McCullen

Sally Flint

Diane Erichsen

Phyllis Gladstone

Cindy Scheman

Jim Rogers

Management Present:

Beth Harvey

The meeting was called to order at 7:01.  There was a quorum present.  The November 2011 minutes were approved as written.

President’s Report

The property at 314 Springfork Drive is no longer deeded to Edgehill Farm Master Association.  All the delinquent dues and legal fees were paid.

The re-landscaping of the Edgehill Parkway median and the installation of azaleas at the clubhouse is almost complete.  The only plants left to install at the median are creeping raspberry bushes.

The pool pump room door and front wall were replaced/repaired.

The budget has an overstatement of $577 dollars which can be made up in the understated income from interest, late fees, etc.

There have been no more reports of goose shootings since the Town of Cary Police canvassed the area.

The electric bill has dropped since the timer was installed on the pool pump.

Treasurer’s Report

Phyllis stated that the bills have been paid.  She advised not moving the Reserve Money Market account since it seems we are getting a decent interest rate.

Clubhouse Report

Nothing.

Grounds Report/Lake

Nothing to report.

Pool Report

See New Business.

New Business

There was discussion on making an extra principal payment on the loan in order to pay it off sooner.  Jim made the motion and Phyllis seconded to make the additional payment and not to allow the Reserve account to go below $20,000.  Motion approved.  There will be future discussions on retiring the debt.

Phyllis made the motion and Sally seconded to purchase cheaper pool umbrellas from local sources since they seem to last as long as the more expensive ones we bought last year.  Motion approved.  Cindy will be checking local stores to see when they will be available.

 912 Springfork has a balance of dues/legal fees of $841.  A lien has been placed on the property and the next step is a resolution to foreclose.  Kathy made the motion and Diane seconded to have the attorney proceed with the foreclosure.  Motion approved.

 The plexiglass in the bulletin board by the pool needs to be replaced.  Beth will check on this.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on May 8, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the clubhouse.

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary

EDGEHILL FARM MASTER ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Board Members Present:

Kathy McDaniel

Kelly McCullen

Sally Flint

Diane Erichsen

Phyllis Gladstone

Cindy Scheman

Jim Rogers

Management Present:

Beth Harvey

The meeting was called to order at 7:01.  There was a quorum present.  The November 2011 minutes were approved as written.

President’s Report

The property at 314 Springfork Drive is no longer deeded to Edgehill Farm Master Association.  All the delinquent dues and legal fees were paid.

The re-landscaping of the Edgehill Parkway median and the installation of azaleas at the clubhouse is almost complete.  The only plants left to install at the median are creeping raspberry bushes.

The pool pump room door and front wall were replaced/repaired.

The budget has an overstatement of $577 dollars which can be made up in the understated income from interest, late fees, etc.

There have been no more reports of goose shootings since the Town of Cary Police canvassed the area.

The electric bill has dropped since the timer was installed on the pool pump.

Treasurer’s Report

Phyllis stated that the bills have been paid.  She advised not moving the Reserve Money Market account since it seems we are getting a decent interest rate.

Clubhouse Report

Nothing.

Grounds Report/Lake

Nothing to report.

Pool Report

See New Business.

New Business

There was discussion on making an extra principal payment on the loan in order to pay it off sooner.  Jim made the motion and Phyllis seconded to make the additional payment and not to allow the Reserve account to go below $20,000.  Motion approved.

There will be future discussions on retiring the debt.

Phyllis made the motion and Sally seconded to purchase cheaper pool umbrellas from local sources since they seem to last as long as the more expensive ones we bought last year.  Motion approved.  Cindy will be checking local stores to see when they will be available.

912 Springfork has a balance of dues/legal fees of $841.  A lien has been placed on the property and the next step is a resolution to foreclose.  Kathy made the motion and Diane seconded to have the attorney proceed with the foreclosure.  Motion approved.

The plexiglass in the bulletin board by the pool needs to be replaced.  Beth will check on this.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on May 8, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the clubhouse.

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary

February 2012 Meeting Tuesday February 7,  2012

Location: Edgehill Farm Clubhouse (Downstairs)

Call to Order

Establish Quorum

Approval of November 2011 Minutes

President’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Reports from Clubhouse, Pool, Lake, Grounds

NEW BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION 

 Loan Debt Reduction – Extra Principal Payment

2012 Pool Season Umbrella Purchase

 Dues Collections Legal Authorizations (If Needed)

 Question & Answer

 Adjournment