Wynthorpe Minutes
(Community Meeting – web & county copy)
July 26, 2007
Attendance – Chuck, Linda, Stacy, Phil, Trish, Envirotech Representative (Todd), and 20 Community Members
Envirotech Presentation
Pond System
One component of New Castle County; Storm water toxins must stay on site; Breeds plants/algae. May visit epa.gov and look up “storm water” to see requirements.
Goals
1. Maintain appropriate storm water storage capacity
2. Reduce nutrient and sediment discharge
3. Maintain appropriate water quality
4. Create habitat required to sustain viable fish and wildlife
5. Support human recreation
6. Meet regulatory agency policy
7. Provide aesthetic amenity
8. Provide educational outreach
Information Regarding Wynthorpe Ponds
It will be a process to establish the proper balance in the ponds. 12 months ago Envirotech performed one service to fix problems that were noted in an inspection. A proactive pond maintenance contract is needed to avoid the high cost of having to have the ponds redone due to disrepair in the future. Prerequisites 1. Study storm water management construction plans
2. Conduct site assessment to determine existing conditions
3. Determine duration and frequency of active management
4. Design CPMP and determine environmental management products required
Best Management Practices
1. No Mow Zones – from pond to highest shelf around the pond. Recommend conservation signs around No Mow Zones.
2. Aeration – requires general and mechanical maintenance conducted by Certified Aeration Technicians. A minimum of 2 ˝ feet of water is needed for aeration.
3. Vegetative Enhancement – requires maintenance and management
4. Exotic Invasive and Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Control – breaking the unwanted plants out (raking, mowing) may spread them and cause them to multiply; Envirotech uses chemicals with licensed, certified employees to rid ponds of these plants. These chemicals are EPA registered products and are environmentally friendly.
5. Ponds Stocked with Eastern Mosquito Fish
6. Waterfowl and Wildlife Control – avoid too many geese, etc. Use non-lethal monofilament to discourage habitation; muskrats will be trapped out in the winter months (when most effective).
7. Educational Outreach – Envirotech is willing to attend a community outreach to teach community about pond maintenance and stewardship.
8. Habitat Enhancement – Envirotech will put in nesting boxes upon request.
9. Composting for Organic Debris Removal, Nutrient Removal, and Aesthetic Enhancement
Miscellaneous Information
Ponds are federally mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Envirotech will provide the community with a quarterly report. Envirotech will serve as the liaison between the pond inspectors and WMC.
1. What about the front pond (looks bad)?
Answer: Envirotech hopes to have front pond restored by the end of the growing season.
2. Will the excess water primrose be removed?
Answer: This is being treated and removed. Envirotech requests that community members rely on them to complete the process and for community members to not do any work in an attempt maintain the ponds themselves.
3. How long will it take to reach pond goals?
Answer: Goals for the ponds should be reached within approximately 48 months with continued maintenance contract.
(Envirotech presentation completed; Representative Adjourned)
Treasury/Assessment Update
- Linda referred members to the treasury report included in the community newsletter. She stated that there are currently 20 homeowners that are delinquent in paying their assessments. Regarding Envirotech, she stated that $5000 had been budgeted for Pond Maintenance this year. This cost was based on maintenance being performed by a community volunteer (Phil Allen). As previously stated, for legal purposes, an individual must be certified to handle the chemicals needed to maintain the ponds, so a contractor is needed for pond maintenance. For this reason, charges for pond maintenance will exceed what was budgeted. The difference will have to come from the reserve fund.
Landscaping/Snow Plowing
- Phil explained that the new landscaping contract would only include cutting and trimming. All other services (seeding, pruning, etc.) will be done on an as needed basis. Fresh Cutts has given an estimate of $880 to fix the weeding problems in the open spaces that are spreading weeds to homeowner lots. Snow plowing and landscaping contracts will be drafted separately. Each contract will include outclauses for both parties. Snow plowing invoices will be done according to DE reimbursement requirements. Phil read the landscaping contract requirements, as agreed on by the board (reference: minutes from April 19th), to the community members.
Deed Restriction/By-law Addition/Addendum Vote
- Trish said that many votes have been received from the door-to-door vote, but more votes are still needed before any measure may be passed. The current number of votes in favor of proposed changes are as follows:
Shed – 99
Statues – 95
Satellite Dish – 104
Fine Process – 109
By-law Changes - 112
New Castle County Community Governing
- Trish stated that the office of New Castle County Community Governing has been dissolved. This will create new challenges for developments in New Castle County. WMC is now required to copy, stuff, and pay to send any mailings. There are plans to lower the number of mailings and to increase awareness and utilize the community web site more. How assessment collection and delinquent notices may be affected remains to be seen.
Discussion
- A member of the community suggested that the community might want to consider filing Wynthorpe as subdivisions “Wynthorpe” and “Wynthorpe West.” A proposal and 2/3 majority vote would be needed to pursue this as an option. The community member urged that members be motivated to be involved in the community. Two community members stated that they might consider joining the board next year, but have some reservations. They have been invited to attend a future board meeting to see what is involved. Ideas for promoting community awareness and involvement were discussed.
(Adjourned)