2011 Homeowner's Meeting Minutes & Information

Happy new year, neighbors. :)

In November, we enjoyed good attendance at a Homeowner's Meeting. In case you were unable to attend, or if you would like to review and share the information with others, minutes from that meeting are posted below. If you would like to see copies of the attachments, you may wish to contact our board members.

Also shared at this meeting, you can follow our police precinct on Facebook at St. Louis County Police Central County Precinct.

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BROOKDALE PLATS 1-6 HOME OWNERS MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 2011, 7:07 P.M.
MT. ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1485 CRAIG ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63146

The meeting was opened by Chairman, Tom Van Acker, at 7:07 p.m. Tom introduced fellow trustees Roger Sturdevant, Carl Oravec, Loie Riehl, Dave Mizell, and LuAnn Hunter. Also recognized by Tom were Sandy Oravec, Neighborhood Watch representative, Bernie Ruthmeyer, Legal Counsel (not in attendance), and Sarah, our webmaster.

A PowerPoint financial report was given by Treasurer Roger Sturdevant. A copy of the treasurer’s report follows these minutes as Attachment I.

Tom gave the following state of the subdivision report. November 12th was the subdivision’s 47th birthday. Overall, the subdivision looks great. Tom requested all original home owners to stand. There were 7 original home owners in the audience. There are 9 absentee property owners in the subdivision, and 4 of these are a result of foreclosures. Tom explained that when a lack of compliance occurs, he sends a form to home owner stating the problem, and requesting a correction. The major problems are grass is too high, and trash, recycling, yard waste containers are placed at curb too early, and/or put away too late. The average selling price for homes in Plats 1-6 in 2010-2011 is $188-$189,000. The highest price was $225,000, and the lowest was $150,000. These figures do not take foreclosures into account.

Tom explained that City and Village Tax Office collects and administers annual assessment fees for

Brookdale Plats 1-6. Tom further explained the procedure used, and the cost of collecting delinquent assessment fees. Some home owners have not paid their assessment fee for 1, 2 and 3 years. There are currently 9 delinquent home owners. If all fees were settled, Brookdale would receive $1,300 out of the total owed of $2,600.

Tom recognized home owner John Machek, and thanked him for working with Ameren Missouri and Sprint to replace landscaping around the cell phone tower on Waterwood Lane. Dory & Matt Dobbs, homeowners on Waterwood Lane cul-de-sac, were thanked for buying and maintaining landscaping in the cul de sac. Further costs will be reimbursed with Brookdale funds. Tom thanked home owner on Spruce Haven Court for maintaining landscaping on cul-de-sac, and remarked that Gardengate entrance looks very nice.

Tom introduced Derek Cain, landscaper, who has the contract to maintain common ground and entrances property. Derek recently removed the 2 stucco side wings and shrubs at the Schulte Road entrance.

The St. Louis Area Police Chief's Association recently voted to celebrate National Night Out in our area on the first Tuesday of October.

Brookdale Plats 1-6 Home Owners Meeting, November 17, 2011
Page 2

Tom introduced trustee Carl Oravec. Carl reviewed some common neighborhood issues. It is illegal to rake leaves into the street, and a ticket can be issued by the police for this infraction. Dogs must be on a leash at all times when outside. It is very dangerous for pedestrians to walk in the streets instead of on the sidewalks.

All street corners have a street light. If a street light is burned out, please call Ameren Missouri at 314-342-1000 to report the problem. Please provide the number on the medal tag which is placed on each street light pole. There are 3 locations in Brookdale where additional street lights could be installed. The average cost per pole is $2500.

A home owner reported that St. Louis County Streets & Highway Dept. will trim trees in the easement free of charge.

A home owner complained that her neighbor is running a business from his home, thereby causing various problems for her. Tom asked to get additional information from her at the close of the meeting.

Tom introduced trustee Dave Mizell. Dave reiterated that Brookdale has a great website. Trustees have been collecting home owners email addresses to be used only for common interest items. Please provide yours if you have not already done so.

The Brookdale annual assessment fee is $75. Dave urged home owners to pay the fee on time, and gave a list of 10 reasons to do so. This list follows these minutes as Attachment II.

Trustee LuAnn Hunter, was introduced by Tom. Subsequently, all invited guests were introduced by LuAnn.

Jill Schupp, Missouri State Representative, 82nd District, was introduced. Jill briefly described the makeup of the House of Representatives. Jill is working on a project to record Veterans histories. This is a volunteer project, so please contact Jill at 314-616-5009 or 573-751-9762 if willing to assist. Jill presented a United States flag to Brookdale.

Council member Kathleen Burkett, 2nd District St. Louis County, was introduced. Kathleen gave a brief overview of last night’s council meeting which discussed the County Executive Charlie Dooley’s proposed closing of several St. Louis County parks. Kathleen assured everyone that none of the parks would be closed, and that some other means would be found to balance the county budget. There were several questions asked by attendees. St. Louis County Government booklets were provided by Kathleen to attendees of the meeting.

Capt. Kurt Frisz, St. Louis County Police Dept. was introduced. Capt. Frisz gave an overview of the St. Louis County Police Department and the calendar year service calls.

Brookdale Plats 1-6 Home Owners Meeting, November 17, 2011
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Capt. Frisz reported very few service calls from Brookdale homeowners. The non-emergency police phone number is 314-889-2341. Capt. Frisz introduced Officer Phil Accardi. Officer Accardi spoke briefly about the Citizens Policy Academy which is held in the spring and in the fall. Handouts pertaining to the Neighborhood Email Warning System and the Neighborhood Watch Alert were provided. Copies of these handouts follow these minutes as Attachment III.

Jerry McQueen, Deputy Fire Marshal, Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, was introduced. Fire Marshal McQueen described the area within the Creve Coeur Fire District. He reviewed the various shifts worked by the firemen, and explained the number and type of calls per year. The non-emergency number for the district is 636-394-5442. McQueen stressed to not hesitate to call 911 for assistance, and said there is no charge to be transported to an area hospital by ambulance. Pens, keychain/lights and a copy of the October 9-15, 2011 Fire Facts publication were provided as handouts to attendees. The Fire Facts publication follows these minutes as Attachment IV.

A Brookdale Trivia Quiz sheet containing questions composed by Tom Van Acker and Dave Mizell were given to attendees when they arrived at the meeting. An answer sheet was provided at the end of the meeting. The quiz and answer sheet follows these minutes at Attachment V. Tonight’s PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Dave Mizell.

There were approximately 45 home owners in attendance.

Tom adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
LuAnn Hunter, Secretary

Attachments:
(The Attachments are only included with the secretary’s copy)
I. Treasurer’s Report
II. Ten Reasons to Pay Your Annual Assessment
III. Neighborhood Email Warning System &
Neighborhood Watch Alert
IV. Fire Facts Publication
V. Brookdale Trivia Quiz and Answer Sheet