Master Board Meeting notes - May 12, 2008

The Victor Gardens Community Association (Master) Board of Directors met last night at City Hall.  It was the first meeting since the Master Board transferred from POA-Scherer/CPDC.   The new Board was able to get through a lot of business in the two hour meeting.  Another Board Meeting has been scheduled for June 6, 2008 to take up the topic of "New Business". Please see notes below for the topics discussed. Official minutes will be available at a later date. 

All Board Members attended, along with Chuck Schneider and Gina Lampe from Community Development, Inc.  About 25 residents also attended the meeting. 

1. The Board elected new officers: 

Dan Sjoquist, President

LaVonne Fitzgerald, Vice President

Carmen Carter, Secretary

Michael Noonan, Member at Large

Len Pratt, Member at Large

2.  Resident Forum:

The Board was given a list of issues that were compiled by Mike Bailey and Mark Vlker.  The list should help the Board understand concerns of the residents.   Many of the items were already known by the Board, and some were scheduled as new business items.  These items will likely be addressed at Board Meetings in the near future.  

Dawn Primeau asked the Board to address the unfinished developer projects near her home.  

Julie Bixby asked the Board to consider a small amount for VG's Social Committee's events.  After Mrs. Bixby's request, Michael Noonan, of Rottlund/David Bernard Homes, and Len Pratt of Pratt Homes offered donations of $500.00 each to be used for this year's Social Events budget.  The funds will be controlled by the VGCA Master Association for that purpose.  The Social Committee's new $1000.00 budget will go a long way in keeping the tradition community activities for all Victor Gardens residents.  Residents appreciate this generous donation from Pratt Homes and Rottlund Homes/David Bernard Homes.  

Residents also asked the Board to clarify the status of the Pool opening this year.  Later in the meeting the board approved a Pool and Activity Maintenance contract.  The Pool is expected to open Memorial Day weekend.

3.  The Board was provided books of VGCA documents, including financials, rules, and other information.

4. The Board reviewed financial statements, discussed outstanding debts, and worked towards solving those problems.  Chuck Schneider, of Community Development Inc. clarified the water bill situation.

5. The Board asked residents to form a Grounds Committee.  This committee will establish maintenance contract specifications and report problems, in addition to other things. Residents interested in volunteering again this year for the Grounds Committee are encouraged to contact Mike Bailey and Mark Vlker.

6. The Board accepted a contract for a new Pool maintenance provider.

7. The Board discussed insurance.

8.  Community Development Inc. resigned as Victor Gardens Community Association's management company.  A search for a new management company is underway.  Community Development Inc. agreed to stay on a few months, and promised to provide a smooth transition to a new company.

9.  New Business was scheduled for the next Master Board Meeting, June 2, 2008.  (Corrected) An agenda will be released then it is provided by the Board or our Community Development, Inc.

10. Meeting was adjourned

Master Board Meeting location changed

I have just been informed that the location for tonight's 6:00PM Master Board Meeting has changed.  The new location is the Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall.  This room will accommodate more residents who wish to attend.

The meeting is open, and all residents are welcome.  A forum will be provided for homeowners wishing to bring their issues before the Master Board.

Single Family Village - Architectural Review

The Single Family Village Board was informed today that POA-Scherer (VG's Declarant) has turned over limited authority to the SFV Board to approve/deny architectural and landscape applications related to existing SFV homes.  According to Gina Lampe, our Community Manager,  "The SF Board has the authority to review and approve/deny any ARC applications received on all EXISTING homes.  The Declarant will retain control over all NEW construction and NEW landscaping."

The issue will likely be discussed at an upcoming SFV Board meeting, along with how the SFV Board will carry out this new responsibility.  The forming of a Single Family Village ARC may also be discussed.

Single Family Village - 4/21 Board Meeting Minutes Available

Minutes have been published for the April 21 SFV Board meeting.  You can view and download them by visiting our Documents page.  An agenda will be published for the next Board Meeting when it is scheduled.

You're Invited to Join Our Victor Gardens for a Cure Team

Hello to Our Neighbors and Friends of Victor Gardens:

Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a nearby neighbor down the street, we all know someone who has been touched by cancer. Many of us are concerned about this disease and want to do something to make a difference. That's why we’ve decided to take part in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®.

This year's White Bear Lake Area RFL will be held at the WBL South Campus from 7 PM July 25th through 7 AM July 26th. We would personally like to take this opportunity to have you join our neighborhood team, "Victor Gardens for a Cure".

At the event, we'll camp out overnight, walk around the track and interact with many interesting people. There is an incredible tribute to cancer survivors and caregivers that starts off the night and a moving ceremony honoring those who have fought the disease. I can truly say Relay is unlike anything else you'll ever do. It's a night full of fun, hope, and remembrance. For more information on the Relay, you can visit the link below to gain a better understanding of what it is all about.

Click here: http://www.wbrelay.org

Over the course of the next several weeks, we’ll be following up to recruit additional members, help raise donations, collect silent auction donations and ask local businesses to help by sponsoring our team.  If you or anyone you know is interested in being part of this event, or would like to make a contribution, please contact one of us at your earliest convenience.  We look forward to discussing this with all of you in the future! 

Erin Yoshida

kjetyoshi1@comcast.net

651.653.1438

Melissa Klamerus

klamerusmd@comcast.net

651.485.5967

Maintenance Update: Spring Cleanup

Thanks to Tony Schwab for spending much of last Sunday cleaning up around the neighborhood.  Tony gathered a few pick-up loads of stray trash, loose sit fencing, and other debris.  Thanks also to other residents working to keep Victor Gardens looking great.

VG North Village Preliminary Plat Approved

On April 21, The Hugo City Council "Approved a PUD amendment and a preliminary plat for a 72 townhome development at Victor Gardens North Village. The applicant proposed the modification in order to develop a different style of townhome than was previously approved, and it also reduces the number of homes on the site by 32 units."  -source:  The Citizen, Council to Consider Everton Improvement Project, by Aaron Rupar,  April 30, 2008.

Road Improvement Project

At a recent Hugo City Council Meeting, the Council considered Everton Ave. road improvements north of Frenchman Road (Co. Rd. 8).  Pratt Homes petitioned the city council for an improved road, which would connect a proposed church, clinic, and Victor Gardens North Village. 

 The Citizen, Hugo's official newspaper has the full details.  "The stretch of Everton being considered for improvements is about 700 feet in length, and would extend north from County Road 8 to a point where Rosemary Way would connect the townhome development behind Festival Foods to Everton Avenue."   -source:  The Citizen, Council to Consider Everton Improvement Project, by Aaron Rupar,  April 30, 2008.

NDP Off to a Good Start

Neighborhood Development Partners LLC, the company marketing 26 lots in Victor Gardens East, began mowing its undeveloped properties today.  Maintenance crews worked through a year's worth of tall growth on lots previously owned and neglected by CPDC/POA-Scherer.  This follows their installation of new lot identification signs a few weeks ago.  Residents appreciate NDP's effort to keep our neighborhood looking good.

Clean-Up Day Cancelled

The Annual Victor Gardens Clean-Up Day has been cancelled for this year.  It will not be rescheduled.  The City of Hugo has already done some clean-up and maintenance work, and there's not enough left to hold a special neighborhood event.  

There is still some garbage and debris left over from the winter, so residents are encouraged to pitch in as individuals. Tony Schwab and others will continue to work to keep our neighborhood looking great.  Take a look around where you live, and clean-up what you can.  Thanks!

Master Board Meeting set for May 12.

The next Victor Gardens Community Association's Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 12.  This is the first meeting of the master association since homeowners were elected to the master Board.  The meeting will be held at Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center at 6:00PM.

The master board will elect its officers and begin to address the neighborhood's problems.  As in the past, a portion of the Board Meeting will be devoted to a homeowner forum.  This would be a good time for residents to voice their opinions and volunteer to help our Board in the challenges ahead.  

An formal agenda is not yet available, but homeowners have already been contributing their opinions to a post on our neighborhood's website (click here).

Single Family Village - Board Elects Officers

The Single Family Village Association's Board have elected officers.   

Michael Warner, President

John Roehrich, Vice President

Dan Sjoquist, Treasurer

Mark Vlker,  Secretary 

Ron Mehl, Member at Large (Neighborhood Development Partners, LLC)

The new SFV Board  has selected Dan Sjoquist as the SFV representative to the Victor Gardens Community Association (the master) Board of Directors.  Details and meeting minutes will be available soon.

The Single Family Village includes American Classic, David Bernard, Hartman, Nottinghome, Pratt, Senn & Youngdahl, Ryland, and Welle & Hove homes.