November 2024 Towne South Homeowners Assoc. Meeting Mintues
TOWNE SOUTH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Open Meeting Minutes – November 19, 2024
Board present – Ryan Storie, Hugh McWilliams, Jackie Tebbe, Greg Hertlein, and Katie Mizera and Mary Ann McWilliams Administrative Assistant. In addition to the Board members, attendees in person included lot owners: Lucille Hines and Betty Willett. Attendees via Zoom: Anna and Aaron Lang, Don Cannon, and Ginger Whetstone.
Ryan Storie, Chair, opened the meeting at 7:00 pm and thanked all for coming. The Board members introduced themselves.
1. Approval of Minutes from October 15, 2024. The minutes have been approved and will be posted to the website in a few days.
2. Financial Update -
a. September – Income totaled $450.21 with expenses of $3,364.19 leaving us with a net profit of negative $2,913.98. Biggest expense this month was $2,700 in lawn care.
b. October – Income totaled $862.92 with expenses of $2,360.72 leaving us with a net profit of negative $1,497.80. Better than last month, but still in the negative. The subdivision party ended up making a profit of right around $140.00.
c. YTD – This report is through November 19, 2024 and shows total income of $46,342.34 with expenses of $43,106.07 leaving us with a net profit of a positive $3,236.27. We currently have total assets of $35,381.46 spread over the two PNC accounts and the two Regions Bank accounts. After the first of the year we will get the PNC money moved over and eventually close the PNC accounts. All of the financials will be posted on our website within a few days. Jackie reported that she will have a complete budget for 2026 ready to present at our annual meeting next month. Currently, we see no reason to increase our fees for 2026. It should remain $75 a year.
d. Expenses – The Board approved reimbursement of Mary Ann’s bill from the subdivision party in the amount of $48.62.
e. Change of banks – Jackie reported that we will be switching our two accounts from PNC to Regions Bank. This decision was made based on the better customer service that Regions is able to provide to us. Namely, they are able to notarize our lien documents at no charge. PNC’s policy is to not notarize HOA real estate documents at all.
3. Liens & Releases – No liens and no releases since last meeting
4. Requests for approval – The Board approved two requests for fences since last meeting. No denials since last meeting.
5. Motorized vehicles in common ground areas and within subdivision – We are still battling this issue. Police are getting involved. These motorized vehicles are being driven mostly by teenagers and young adults in our pathways through wooded areas and they are tearing up the grass and leaving large ruts. Our paths are meant for foot traffic only. The signs that Greg put up were taken down within one day. He is working on a more permanent fix.
6. Landscaping - Homeowners may not mow grass, trim trees, plant, provide maintenance, etc., on common property without the written consent of the majority of the Board of Governors on an annual basis. The Board of Governors reserves the right to revoke such consent.
a. Mowing – Greg reported that our mowers will have one more mow near the end of November to mulch all the leaves.
b. Trees – We have several trees that are down in a few pathways and in along creek areas, none of which is pressing or a priority. The common grounds are pretty clear at this point.
c. Creeks – Greg noted that there are several trees that have either fallen or in danger of falling into the creeks so be careful if you are walking along the creek beds.
7. Violations – Ryan noted that we are currently working on five residential issues, two of which have been turned over to St. Louis County. There is one more that we will be adding to County’s list.
8. Zone Captains – Still need a captain for Zone 1. Please! It was recommended that we advertise this need in our annual letter to the residents, or not in the letter, perhaps an email. If you know of someone who might make a good captain, please let Hugh know.
9. Subdivision Party – Ryan reported that the party was a big success again, and thankfully the weather was perfect. Attendance was approximately 100-110. He thanked everyone for coming and for all the great food and chili. He also thanked the people and businesses for their donations toward the great raffle. We will be doing another party in the fall of 2025.
New Business
1. Date for Annual Meeting – Ryan reported that the date for our annual meeting had to be moved. Three of our Board members were unavailable for February 15th and could not alter their schedules. So, based on this, the 2025 annual meeting will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 here at Prince of Peace from 2:00 to 5:00.
2. The Board will be reviewing our Indentures for further updating. If you have anything you want the Board to consider regarding the Indentures, please email your request to info@townesouth.org. We want your suggestions.
Old Business
a) There are currently 47 rental homes within our HOA. In an effort to keep everyone updated, we will report on the number of rentals at each monthly meeting. Of these 47 homes, 17 are held by companies/corporations/property managements.
b) As we get near the holidays, keep your eyes open for vandalism and report anything you see to the police,
Open for Floor Discussions
Entrance beautification - Dave trimmed all the bushes at the entrances. As soon as he gets back from his vacation, we will get the mulch. It was noted that the sign on Old Tesson still needs more attention.
Lucille asked what the dues are for next year? Jackie noted that the homeowners approved a dues/fee of $75 for 2025. Homeowners will get to vote each year at the annual meeting based on the proposed budget. Then it will go into effect the following year. We are offering more electronic payment options this year.
Two houses sold in Lucille’s zone – she wondered what info we could give them regarding the HOA. Ryan stated that he brings a welcome packet to all new homeowners. It contains a copy of our Indentures and a sheet with contact information. We get this new owner information from the title companies as part of the Trustee Verification document. It was suggested that we include contact information on their Zone Captain.
Ryan reminded all that we do not meet in December.
He asked if there was any further business to be brought to this Board. Hearing none the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm. Our next Open Monthly Meeting will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Prince of Peace UCC. Since we won’t see you all until then he wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Submitted by,
Mary Ann McWilliams
Administrative Assistant