February 2009 Board Meeting Minutes

The Fox Run Homeowners' Association Board met at 7:15 PM on February 3, 2009. Attending were Nancy Wentz, Ivy Lalonde, Mike Ryon, Karen Tunstall, Rod Langman, and John Larese.

1. Architectural Reviews: Scott is reviewing one house design.

2. Covenants: Most violators responded positively to the letters detailing covenant violations that were sent out to residents last month, but those that have not responded will get a follow-up.

3. Facilities:

Tennis Court Lights: John and Rod hope to meet with the Town of Farragut one more time to finalize the design and we expect to have them installed within the next month.

Pool Parking Lights: One of the lights may be out of alignment, so an adjustment may be needed.

Swimming Pools: New federal safety regulations may require some changes in the pool filtration system. When pool is scheduled to be opened in the spring, we will get some estimates on making these changes.

4. Grounds: Rod and Scott met with Town officials regarding the widening of Everett and sidewalks along Union. We will get some compensation for changes in the landscape and for construction easements. Knox County is sponsoring a stream clean-up on February 28 and we may participate. An email will be sent detailing this community event.

5. Clubhouse: No changes in the status of clubhouse project.

6. Speeding: Several residents have inquired about speed control approaches, so a summary of the problem is provided.

Speed humps: A year or so ago, a committee of residents investigated the possibility of having the Town install speed barriers to help slowdown speeders. The town conducted a speeding assessment and found that the average speed exceeded the 35 mph threshold, so we did qualify for assistance. The design of the barriers would allow speeds of 20 or so mph without damage to cars and barriers would be designed to allow faster speeds for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances. There were however limitations on where and how many barriers could be installed, partly as a matter of cost. Along with the resident committee, the Town held informational meetings for the neighborhood. Given our interest, the next step was a formal survey of the neighborhood to see if a majority of residents approved the installation of speed humps. The survey had to come from the Town or one of its contractors, but the neighborhood had to provide information on addresses, lot numbers, owners, etc to allow the Town to proceed. This is about where the project bogged down, and given the current financial situation with the Town, no progress has been made lately. If a continuation of this effort is desired, then a committee or a dedicated volunteer would be needed to resume the project.

Radar signs: The Board investigated the use of a radar based sign that would signal speed of approaching vehicles. This was suggested as an approach because it was argued that many speeders exceed the posted 25 mph due in part to inattention of how fast they are actually traveling. This technique has been used in other traffic areas with some success. The cost would be between $2000 and $5000 depending on design.

Increased speed enforcement: The Board considered hiring off duty policemen to monitor neighborhood for a trial period of a month or two to see if this reduces speeding. Initial information suggested under such private hiring of police, that they can only drive around and not use radar to track speeders. Later calls dispute this somewhat, so we are trying to determine if this could be a useful approach.

7. Vandalism. We received a crime analysis of the area subdivisions from Knox County for the past 3 years. The analysis was based on calls to the police department and indicated that Fox Run and Fox Den have the highest vandalism rates in the area. Although the rate may be influenced by how much we suggested to residents that they contact police for every incident, so we can get more patrols. We were lowest in vehicle theft and house burglaries.

8. Finances: Nancy presented our finances. Only three resident properties have not paid their 2008 dues. They are being assessed late fees and liens were applied as appropriate. We have about $246,000 in our accounts, and will put about $150,000 in a 1-year CD.

9. Social: Nancy has planned a progressive dinner for February.

10. New Business: Ivy contacted Waste Management about a neighborhood discount for trash pickup. They do offer one, but we would need 85% participation. She is checking on other such discounts.

The next meeting will be in early March and we adjourned at 8:30 PM.