Wynthorpe Minutes
Community Meeting
October 25, 2007
Attendance: BOARD – Trish, Phil, Rick, Linda, Stacy
23 community members
Treasurer’s Report
- Linda reported that there is currently $35,894 in checking, $28,436.39 in the Money Market Account. 9 people are currently delinquent. There were originally 22 delinquent. Linda stated that the community initially pays collection fees, but that those fees are charged to the delinquent homeowner and refunded to the community at the time payment is received.
Blinking Street Lights
- A community member stated that the street light in front of her house keeps blinking on and off. Trish told the members to call Delmarva Power regarding any issues with street lights.
Dead Trees on Open Space
- A community member asked what was going to be done w/ all the dead trees in the community. This has been an ongoing issue. The county had been seeking reimbursement from Mr. Capano, the developer of the community, for the trees. The county informed us that we would need to keep the trees in the ground as proof that they were there and were dead. The county has been unsuccessful in getting Mr. Capano to act to replace the trees. A homeowner recommended taking Mr. Capano to small claims court for the cost of the trees. Another homeowner suggested that we just replace them considering the length of time that it’s been, so the community can look good sooner rather than later. Denise Smith offered to go to court on the community’s behalf if the board chooses to go this route. This will be a discussion for the future board.
Tall grass along Route 9
- A community member asked why the grass along route 9 was allowed to get so tall in the summers. Trish stated that the strip of land along route 9 officially belongs to the state. Due to member complaints that we were mowing an area that did not belong to Wynthorpe and it was causing higher landscaping costs, the board asked the landscaping company to discontinue mowing this area. The county will mow the area, but will not do it as frequently as the hired contractor w/ the community. The community must either be willing to pay the additional cost to maintain this area or deal w/ the taller grass as a result of county oversight. The new board will make that decision when they hire a contractor next spring.
Playground
- There was discussion as to whether or not the community should keep the playground considering the expenses to maintain and repair the damage done from graffiti and vandalism. Phil stated that the community is obligated to keep the playground for 10 years from the conception of the development. This time should soon be up. At that point, a community vote would need to be conducted to determine what to do w/ the playground. It would require a 2/3 majority vote of the community to remove the playground.
- Trish is seeking estimates to lower the chain length of the swings. A Certified Playground Safety Inspector came out and stated that 12 10 ft. lengths of chain would be needed to make the repair. The mulch would not need to be changed to accommodate this.
Community Watch/Block Watch
- Community member wondered if some sort of community watch would help lessen the likelihood of vandalism. This type of thing was looked into in the past. Trish stated that a Officer Corporal Gladney had come to a past community meeting to discuss these options, but at the time there was not enough community interest. This is something that could be looked into again since there has been an increase of community involvement.
Snow Plowing
- Rick is seeking snow plowing bids for a one-year contract from a company willing to bill within the guidelines of the Snow Removal Reimbursement Program. He has sent many emails and had a couple people come out, but bids have been slow in coming. This will have to be finalized in time for the first snow.
Sex Offender Registry
- Trish informed the community that a call was made to residents of Wynthorpe by New Castle County Police that there is a registered sex offender living in our community. She referred members to the sex offenders’ registry web site for New Castle County for more information. Trish did speak w/a New Castle County criminal investigator regarding the matter and they said this individual is currently wanted for parole violation and is thought to no longer be living in the neighborhood. Homeowners were encouraged to call 911 if they see this individual in the community.
Renting
- A member asked if the rules allowed for someone to rent out their home. This was not immediately known and the board will review the matter.
Board Nominees
- The following individuals were nominated for the 2008 board:
Nominee Motion 2nd
Valecia Selby Stacy Woods
Margaret Dent Rick Agard
Denise Smith Linda Draper
Eugene Whye John Joines
Leslie Savage Margaret Dent
Rick Agard Margaret Dent
- Trish Tatnall, Linda Draper, Phil Allen, and Stacy Woods who are currently serving on the board, stated that they will not be able to return to serve for 2008.
2008 Board and Budget Ballots
- Trish stated that she will draft ballots for the 2008 board and budget. These ballots will be delivered the weekend before Thanksgiving and be due by Thursday, December 6th, which is the date of the next community meeting. Results will be announced during the meeting and the new board will be introduced.
Adjourned. The next community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 6th at Victory Christian Fellowship.