Highlights will be provided after the pictures. Why the pictures? Even after the meeting, we are left with the following items hanging, and when you get into the highlights, you'll note that a new issue has been added to the mix, it appears to sooth and accommodate Board Member McMillin. Board, is it really worth jerking the residents, and the integrity of the governing documents around for a man who is willing to do this to our community?
Board, is it really worth it, to insult Wedgefield's children, adults with standards and dignity, with McMillin's crude/rude display? Is it worth it to have this trash displayed to potential buyers who have to pass McMillin's home to view 6 homes that are for sale in Wedgefield? Where was the speaker last night, who spoke about the Wedgefield Examiner, and property values, last spring? Doesn't he care any more, or wasn't he asked to participate in speaking out against a real problem, because this dirt belongs to a board member? If you go to the December 16th Sun Times newspaper, page 1, there is an article "Legislators pre-file three HOA bills", I suggest that you send these pictures, and other concerns to the legislators mentioned, AND the writer Steve Jones. If you read the article, you'll note that Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors is very involved, so you might want to share the pictures with them to.
Yes, McMillin gets to continue with this, because your board rejected the second reading of his burning policy, but didn't bother to say that until new policy was written, and approved, that we would revert to "no burning, no exceptions!" The board may be adding a new term to our governing documents regarding vacant building lots. The new term, which will be discussed to accommodate McMillin's tastelessness, is adjacent. McMillin is creating his burn fun park, on his vacant (not now) building lot, ADJACENT to his residence. Why, Garrison declared he himself, is in the same position. It will be up for discussion, haven only knows when, but it looks like another set up at our expense, for McMillin's demands, as was the change to burning.
Your board was so busy last night, preparing to accommodate McMillin, that they never brought up, the gate house fix/moldy mess. The gate house, a prime feature, as you enter the association, has been on and off the table, as your board brings up one scatter brained plan after another, since October 2013! Where's that resident speaker about property values, again???
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Seven board members attended the meeting. McMillin and Johnson were absent. Approximately, 12 members were in attendance.
*Treasurer's Report: We still have $63,000 in delinquent accounts. 2015 assessments will be sent out around Dec. 23. There will be no capital improvements for 2015.
*ARC Report: There were several approvals. It was noted that for the first time in several years, building plans have been approved for two spec homes.
*Legal Report: 6 foreclosures since Oct. 4 are paid in full. The fifth has been foreclosed on by the bank. Number 6 is proceeding.
The canal suit is still incomplete. They are waiting for the judge on some monetary decisions.
President Walton was approved as a Legal Committee Member.
The by-law change approved at the annual meeting has been recorded.
*Finance Committee: Peggy Phillips and Roger Armistead were approved as Finance Committee members. Yes, your board did approve R.A., former WPA treasurer, who put forth several by-law changes in the past, and quit the board the day after they weren't approved.
Community Liaison: The board received a letter from a resident who wants their canal assessment refunded. The attorney suggests that a letter be sent to residents explaining the situation.
It was stated that the board received one complaint about the Christmas decoration on William Screven (see above Santa picture). I've been told that there were several CALLS to the office. Residents, put your concerns in writing, or your board won't count you in the discussion, because they really don't want to do anything about a fellow board member, no matter what he is doing to our community. I understand your fear. If you write the board, and McMillin gets upset, they may allow him to retaliate, without concern for our community. My house number is painted on the mail box of his picture. I wrote the board to complain about conditions on what is now called his adjacent lot. Do I care about his obvious crude retaliation? Not one bit. I'm more concerned about or community, and will continue to question.
* Drainage Report: Al DeMarchi reported that the Wedgefield Drainage Project is nearly completed. It seems they haven't ordered enough sod. Three more units will be needed. Well, we've heard more than once before that it had been completed. Last month Garrison asked if they approved the funds requested, whether that would be the end of it???? In his usual cohesive form, Garrison didn't have any questions this month. Additionally, but as usual, we weren't informed about the cost of the additional sod, and approval wasn't sought for funds, or explanation provided.
DeMarchi also reported that DHEC and the Army Corp. of Engineers, had paid them a visit, because a resident had contacted them. Good.
Grounds Report: It was reported that there is more vandalism in the association. In fact, one of the cement benches has been broken. It will have to be replaced. I bet that happens in far less time then it is taking the board to fix the gate house. How much did all those benches cost, while they've been fooling around for a cheap, sometimes conflict of interest fix, on the gate house?
Diane Beason and Peggy Phillips were approved as members of the committee.
Compliance Report:
Garrison reported that all sections of the Policy Manual will be reviewed, again. A motion was made to correct the area of the manual that covers when late charges will be applied to assessments. The covenants call for assessments to be paid within 30 days. Despite the fact that technically assessments are over due on February 1, no late fees will be applied until March 1. Garrison went over the fact that this has been the history for several years. I feel that it is about time we stuck to our originating documents. Why, but I'm not surprised at anything anymore, do we assist delinquent behavior, and not award those who do the right thing?
Barb Nichols and Peggy Phillips were approved as committee members.
New Business:
Cline requested that the Compliance Committee take a look at signs. It was discussed that our paid staff person should be able to approve real estate, and other signs.
Resident Comments:
A resident wanted to know why the tractor parked on a vacant lot had to be removed, because the lot owner, owned the property ADJACENT to the lot. The discussion goes on, but first, the resident who asked the questions, is a dear friend of McMillin, who wants to use his ADJACENT lot for his foolishness. Garrison feeds into it, saying he himself has an ADJACENT lot situation. They'll look into it. I'm sure they will for their own benefit, rather than the integrity and the true spirit intended in our governing documents.
A resident questions the board on potential money loss in not applying late fees as of Feb. 1.
A resident discusses dumping occurring on vacant lots.
The meeting ends. Your homework: (1) Watch for the word ADJACENT in up coming meetings, because your board is probably about to change things to sooth McMillin. (2) Read the article in the Sun Times, and start writing letters, and by all means send pictures. (3) Get to the meetings, and ask questions during resident comments.
