The Vote Is In

The final tally for the special assessment is in. Thursday, August 28th was the deadline to submit the ballots.

The final total was: 27 "yes," 23 "no", and 1 "blank," so about 53% - short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the special assessment (one ballot was mailed in without a yes or no vote). The quorum requirement was met. Approximately three -fourths of the total ballots sent out were returned by homeowners.

Some concerns expressed by homeowners before and at the meeting and written on some ballots were:

1. a desire for more information about what a slurry seal is
2. a desire to hear about what other reasonable street repair options are out there, if any, and how much they would cost
3. tough current financial situations
4. not feeling that the streets need repair at this time
5. a desire to understand other options, if any, for funding the street repairs

The board will look at ways to address these concerns in the near future. The roads do require our maintenance, and it is important for all to know what options (both for repairs and for financing the repairs) are out there so that informed decisions can be made. The main vehicle for HOA information are the monthly and annual meetings. The board tentatively scheduled the next meeting for the week of September 15 - most likely on Tuesday the 16th or Thursday the 18th. They will shortly let the neighborhood know the exact location and time as soon as it is available. Please come and participate.

In addition, feel free to also call any board member at any time for more information. If a board member doesn't know an answer, they can find out for you. They want to encourage suggestions and help with concerns that come up.

For your information, Joe Latowski did contact street contractors about getting samples or diagrams of a slurry seal to show to the homeowners in a meeting. The contractors do not have samples or diagrams that can be provided for a meeting, but they can provide locations where people can look at slurry seal jobs they have completed, which is helpful. In our July meeting, questions came up about the speed bumps as well. The speed bumps can be modified, but any change must be voted on by the board. Removal of a speed bump will run about $1,500, and modification from a speed bump to a speed HUMP runs from $1,250 to $1,500. Joe also confirmed with the city of Mesa that we could have an independent city inspector inspect slurry seal job, should the time come.

Another thing to anticipate putting on your calendar: our annual meeting will be coming up in early November, where the budget will be discussed and determined. Please take the effort to come and share your thoughts.