South Carolina Tax Info At Risk

The S.C. Department of Revenue announced on October 26, 2012 that approximately 3.6 million Social Security numbers and 387,000 credit and debit card numbers have been exposed in a cyber attack .

Anyone who has filed a South Carolina tax return since 1998is urged to visit www.protectmyid.com/scdor and use the activation code SCDOR123.

Experian’s ProtectMyID Alert is designed to detect, protect and resolve potential identity theft, and includes daily monitoring of all three credit bureaus. The alerts and daily monitoring services are provided for one year, and consumers will continue to have access to fraud resolution agents and services beyond the first year.

You may also contact Experian toll-free at 1-866-578-5422.

(Information provided by Arnold Advisers, 914 Dougherty Road, Aiken, SC, 29803)

Needed: Architectural Committee Members

The Homeowners Association needs volunteers to serve on the Architectural Committee.  Members interpret the rules of the covenants, evaluate proposals from homeowners in light of those covenants, and make recommendations to the board for sensible changes to the covenants if they are not a good fit for our neighborhood.

Interested?  Email us at pleasantpointe29851@gmail.com.

Activity Update

We hope you are enjoying the Autumn weather.  Days like these almost make up for the one-hundred-plus degree days of the Summer.

We have been working closely with Gold Ivy Realty who, as you know, we brought on board to help the Home Owner's Association assist with covenant enforcement, dues collection and so forth.  Karen at Gold Ivy has been tireless in this role. She gives these things the attention they are due. 

Some activity points worthy of note:

We brought on a new contractor to handle the groundskeeping. Moulton's Landscaping has been conscientious and responsive in their new role with us.

The replacement fence along Pine Log road has recently been painted.  This will help to ensure the fence lasts a good long while. The contractor is returning any day now to repaint the fence at the Pleasant Point entrance.  That fence has taken some nicks and cuts and needs the makeover.

We've looked into repairing the lights at the entrances.  And we have every intention of doing so.  This is not an inexpensive job.  We must be certain we can meet our monthly obligations before taking on improvements and other one-time expenses. 

The dues for Pleasant Pointe work out to $8.33 per month.  We base our budget on collecting dues from all properties in the subdivision.  When some fall behind in paying those dues, improvements and repairs are placed in a wait status while current income pays the monthly expenses.  We thank the most of you who are current or are actively working to catch up.  If you'd like to work out a catch-up plan, you can contact Karen at Gold Ivy Realty, 649-0100.

On the subject of annual dues, those who have asked in previous HOA meetings will be happy to know that the Gold Ivy team indeed has billed the developer for the lots he still owns.

Expect to see a letter in your mailbox early in November with more information.

Happy Halloween!

Gold Ivy Realty

Chances are you have recently received a letter from Gold Ivy Realty.  Karen at Gold Ivy is assisting the board with some of the homeowner association management duties that must be attended to but have been a little much for the volunteer board to accomplish.  Gold Ivy is the property management firm that was referenced in the meeting minutes from March 2012.

Among the duties Gold Ivy is handling is dues collection and covenant enforcement.  Having this kind of talented assistance for the homeowner association is a welcome addition and will help the association uphold the quality of Pleasant Pointe and protect property values for us all.

Meeting Minutes, March 2012

Pleasant Pointe Homeowner’s Association

Annual Homeowner’s Meeting Minutes

March 20, 2012

The meeting was called to order by Pat Cox, PPHOA president at 7:04 p.m.  There were 16 attendees at this meeting, plus four board members.  The meeting began with an introduction of board members followed by introduction of residents.

2011 in Review:  Pat addressed the budget summary which was included in the mailing announcing the meeting, thanking those members who have already paid dues for 2012.  In 2011 the board took in just under $400 more than was spent.  Dues payments are critical.

The PPHOA has engaged the services of attorney Phil Woolhiser.  Mr. Woolhiser is advising the board on dues collections, and other legal matters including covenants and county ordinance enforcement.  Mr. Woolhiser is filing liens against property owners in arrears on dues.  These liens will be exercised at any closing for the affected property whether for sale or refinancing.

The PPHOA has let a new contract for a new landscaping service.  The new contract reduces costs by $50/month.

The PPHOA had the dilapidated fence along Pine Log Road, parallel to Lenox Way demolished and replaced.  This fence will be painted during 2012.  When the fence is painted it is the intent of the board to repaint the fence at the Pleasant Pointe Drive entrance as well as it is chipping and flaking.

It is a challenge to keep up with property owners and the board continues its ongoing resident verification.

The Year Ahead: 2012

Gary Bacon, board VP – has diagnosed some the issues with entrance lights.  The board intends to fund repairs in 2012.

There are no volunteers to step up and serve on the board.  The board will negotiate with a management company to take over certain board duties.  The current quote from the management company is $250 per month but the board president will attempt to negotiate that to a lower figure.  If hired the management company will collect dues, pay bills, develop annual budget, provide statements, issue covenant violation letters, perform monthly inspections of the neighborhood, and provide welcome packages for new homeowners.  Under consideration is Gold Ivy Realty. 

If a management company is hired, the current board president, vice president and secretary will remain in place as a liaison team. 

Discussion from the floor:

Resident reports that In 1994 the HOA was dissolved.  Response:  The Homeowners association was reestablished in 2006 by vote of the neighborhood at large. 

Covenants:  Need to be updated and there is a question as to the applicability of any covenants to all parts of the subdivision.  Response:  The board will establish a committee to update the covenants.  

Discussion of various violations of county ordinances.  Response:  The board has no authority to enforce county ordinances.

Question:  How do renters know what the rules are?  Response:  Good question.  Board will look into a way to manage that.

Request:  Please be courteous – curb your dog from urinating on neighbor’s property and ornamental plants.  And please pick up after your dog.  Response:  Will put reminder in minutes 

Request:  Entrance sign at the Sandlewood Way entrance is peeling and is in need of repair.  Response:  This will go on the maintenance list and will be funded as funds are available.  .

Request:  Can we have the management company show up to discuss with homeowners?  Can we make sure all the homeowners know about the management company?  Response:   Will check to see what procedures are required for such an action.  Board will follow those procedures and keep the community informed.  We may have the  management company come and speak to a special meeting of the homeowners.  Will schedule such action by June 1^st.   

Comment:  Thank you to the board members for serving.  It is not fair to board members that nobody else will volunteer.  We need the management company.  If it requires paying more in dues, that’s fine with me.  Response:  Thank you for your kindness.

Question:  If we hire a management company, will the dues increase?  Comment:  They likely will have to as they have been the same since 2007.  Comment:  Homeowners Association dues are very inexpensive (calculates to $8.33  per month) and if they need to go up then so be it.  Comment:  If everyone pays their fair share we might not have to increase the dues.  Response:  We are trying hard to balance requirements and income.  Cannot say for certain that dues will need to increase.

Meeting adjourned 8:07

Recorded and submitted March 20, 2012

Timothy P Fitzgerald

PPHOA Secretary 

Fence Completion

We are happy to announce the completion of the replacement fence along Pine Log Road.  And a special thank you to the residents whose properties back up to the fence lines for your assistance and cooperation.

Fence Construction

Hi neighbors!

By now you may have noticed the work going on along the fence line behind the Lenox Way properties.  The original fence was in sad shape and did not present a favorable appearance to passers by along Pine Log Road. Last year the fence suffered some damage when one of the Bradford Pear trees dropped a limb and damaged some pickets.

The contractors are rapidly moving on the new fence project.  The new fence will be a different style, an equestrian style fence and will look very similar to the fence adjacent to the Pleasant Pointe Drive entrance.

It will take some time for the treated lumber to cure so the new fence will not be painted for several months.  However, it will present a much better appearance than the one being demolished today.

Meeting Minutes, February 2011

Minutes

Pleasant Pointe Homeowners Association Meeting

Feb 22, 2011

The annual meeting for 2011 took place on Feb 22, 2011.  There were 41 people in attendance – approximately twenty-five households out of an estimated 180 households within Pleasant Pointe.

Meeting was called to order by Gary Bacon, HOA Vice President.  The VP introduced the other board officers:  Pat Cox, interim president, Beth Barranco, Treasurer and Tim Fitzgerald, Secretary.

The VP outlined ground rules for the meeting including adherence to the published agenda until reaching its end and the need for all to be respectful of one another.

The Treasurer gave her report indicating the following:

                2010 Dues Receipts - $15,318.14 (This includes collection of some arrearages)

                2010 Expenses:  $11,457.07

Presently there is still in excess of $21,000 in uncollected dues arrearages.

                2011 Budget was presented line by line.  This budget will be published in a separate document.  The total of the 2011 budget is $17,070.  Included in 2011 budget are increases in energy sensitive expenditures (utilities, landscaping), and new elements of the budget never before included to include liability insurance for the Association, Officers and Directors insurance for the Board Members and an attorney on retainer to handle such issues as may arise.  For the first time the budget includes lines for an emergency fund and a capital improvements fund to accommodate the maintenance of fences, signage and such belonging to the Association.

The VP announced the board is seeking to rebid the landscaping services.  The contract has expired and is being executed month-to-month.  Details will be published.  Anyone wishing to receive a request for proposal may contact the board at Pleasant Pointe HOA, PO Box 5983, Aiken, SC 29804.

Officer Elections:  It is time to elect officers of the board.  Such elections will be by ballot to be mailed to each household.  The Interim President, Vice President and Secretary have volunteered to serve terms for 2011.  Nominations are needed for the position of Treasurer.  Should no nominations be received for this position the board has no choice but to pay a third party to perform these duties

.

Note that ballots will be disbursed only to households in good standing with the Association.

Question from the floor concerning when dues are payable.  Per the protective covenants dues are payable in advance on January 1^st.  In 2011 the board voted to move this date to March 15^th to put time between this due date, property tax due dates and the holidays.

Question from the floor regarding information dissemination to those without access to the internet.  The board will take this under advisement and develop an information strategy.  Meanwhile the Interim President, Pat Cox, announced her phone number as 803.663.3632 and the VP Gary Bacon announced his as 803.646.1409.  Someone from the floor reminded the gathering of the Street Captains system.  The board will resurrect the last known list of such Captains and will be contacting them soon.

The Interim President spoke of the need for a strong Association to remedy the complaints that come from Association members.  The hiring of Banks & Associates PC as our attorney will provide more leverage to the Association to resolve issues.

Question from the floor about streetlights and HOA dues compensation.  This question arises every meeting and the answer does not change.  Any member who provides a copy of an electric bill for a Pleasant Pointe address to prove they are being charged for a streetlight will be credited an equal amount toward their association dues.  This is an annual requirement to be accomplished upon receipt of invoices from the Association.

Question from the floor about the tall grass underneath the transmission lines.  Board will contact SCE&G to determine corrective measures.

Question from the floor about driver liability should there be a collision with a golf cart in the neighborhood.   Board will look into this question.

Comments from the floor about the need to observe posted speed limits within the neighborhood for the well being of all.

Comment from the floor that landscapers are dumping grass clippings behind entrance signs.  Board will investigate.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.  The Treasurer provided a $50 check to the church for the use of their facility.

Respectfully submitted.

Tim Fitzgerald

Secretary, Pleasant Pointe Homeowners’ Association

Pleasant Pointe Homeowners Association Meeting

The Pleasant Pointe Homeowners Association will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, February 22d at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting place will be the fellowship hall of the church across Pine Log Road from the Sandle Wood Way entrance to Pleasant Pointe.

Homeowners Association Update

Greetings all and happy 2011.

The Homeowners Association will hold a general membership meeting in February.  We will publish the date once we have confirmed location and time.

Keep an eye out for annual dues invoices.  The treasurer is working on these right now.  You should receive yours by the end of January.

The HOA Board of Officers has voted to set the dues deadline this year for March 31st.  This puts a little more distance between property taxes and the HOA dues.  The extra time may also allow for many to receive tax refunds in before the deadline.

Check back soon for the date of the membership meeting.

Preparing for November Election Day

The radio reported recently that SOME Aiken precinct voting locations have changed.  I wanted to know if that affected Pleasant Pointe homeowners, so I attempted to check.

Naturally they couldn't make it as simple as I hoped.  Here is what I found out:

My voting location did not change...however, for you to be certain that you show up at the correct location, you should check your own voter registration.

You can do this on line by visiting the following internet address:

www.scvotes.org/check_your_voter_registration

Once you are there you will provide your name and birthday to check the status of your registration, and you can also see the polling location.

Wish I could tell you no locations have changed for our neighborhood, but it comes down to each street.

Go check yours...it is easy.

Tim

An Experiment

Discovered an interesting website tonight - one showing a map overlaid with symbols indicating reported crimes.

This site has been added to the Useful Info links on the right.  We'll give this a try for a while to see how it works.

Feedback is appreciated.

As Requested - That Parking Ordinance

During the July 6th meeting an Association member asked if we could post the wording of the Aiken County ordinance about which there has been much discussion but very little clarity.

Here is an excerpt of that ordinance:

Section 8.10 Placement of Objects and Vehicles On, In or Adjacent to Road Rights-of-Way, Road Easements and Roadways; Hazardous Objects.

1.             No signs, fences, walls, or other objects, including vehicles, may be placed either temporarily or permanently on or in any road rights-or-way, road easements or roadways owned by the federal, state, or county government ……

Please note that this excerpt is posted as is, with no attempt to interpret the ordinance nor determine if it applies to any particular circumstance.  We are simply posting this in response to the request that we do so.

Minutes of Meeting - July 6, 2010

Minutes of Meeting

Pleasant Pointe Homeowner’s Association, July 6, 2010

As approved by majority vote of the Association board, July 7, 2010

Meeting was announced via the Pleasant Pointe Patriot (pleasantpointe.blogspot.com) and signs at the neighborhood entrances for several weeks prior to the meeting.

JULY 6^th, 2010

Meeting was called to order by Dave Hill, Association President, at 7:05 p.m. at the Pentecost Methodist Church, Pine Log Road.

The entire board of officers was in attendance.  Approximately thirty to thirty five households were represented including the officers.  For the record there are approximately 184 homes in Pleasant Pointe.

COVENANTS AND THE PPHOA

President began the meeting by reviewing highlights of property covenants establishing the Pleasant Point Home Owners’ Association (PPHOA), as recorded in Aiken County records in 1995.  The president highlighted segments of the covenants establishing all property owners in Pleasant Pointe as members of the PPHOA, as well as the establishment of the authority and responsibilities of the PPHOA Board of Directors.  This authority includes the right to set dues, collect dues and assess a property lien against properties if dues are unpaid.

President also read from incorporation document establishing the PPHOA as a legal, non-profit entity in 2008.

RECENT DUES COLLECTION EFFORTS

President addressed the assembly on the success of the 2010 dues collection effort.  The association would have been insolvent as of July 2010 but for this effort.  The collection effort has thus far collected about $5000.  As established in the letter to residents distributed in April, property owners who have yet to become current on dues have been reported to a collection agency.  The president relayed the board’s reticence to take this action, but the board sees this as only fair to those who are members in good standing.  Unfortunately, the collection agency will take fifty percent of all back dues collected resulting from the agency’s efforts.

The president also informed the assembly of the reason statements were not sent to homeowners leading to the 2010 collection efforts:  there were insufficient funds in the PPHOA account to cover the cost of printing and mailing, while still meeting other financial obligations for which the PPHOA is legally responsible.

The president opened the floor for discussion and questions about the dues.  Summary of discussion:

                What accounts for different households owing differing amounts to the PPHOA?  Answer in general – some have made full payments each year, some have made partial and some have made none.  President advised anyone wishing to know the status of their account as reflected in the PPHOA treasurer’s records should contact the president or the treasurer.

                Has an audit been done?  No.

                Motion and Second that books be audited.  Discussion:  Audit will cost $1500 - $2000.  There is no accusation of theft by the PPHOA board.  Motion failed by a wide majority.

                If covenants say all property owners are members why can’t all property owners examine books?  Answer in general:  There is a difference between being a legal member and being a member in good standing.

                Motion and Second:  That PPHOA books be open to members in good standing.  Discussion:  Board has committed itself to having a written budget for presentation to the general membership for 2011.  The budget and financial statement will provide this information to the membership.  Members have a right to see reports of income from their own accounts, and all accounts collectively, along with expenses paid by the PPHOA.  However members do not have a right to see reports of income from other individuals in the Association.  This is a function for the Association board.  Motion failed.

                Continued discussion from the floor:  Members not in good standing should not be allowed to speak or make motions in meetings.  President replied he is inclined to allow all concerned to participate.

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                Continued discussion from the floor:  From the earliest days of this PPHOA it has been common practice for the Association board to answer individual inquiries regarding status of a property owners account.  It simply requires an individual to ask.

                Motion and Second:  That the treasurer look in to the cost of auditing the books at the end of the year.  Motion failed.

President discussed where PPHOA spends the money collected as dues.  Generally the money is paid for landscaping, electricity, water, emergencies such as removing the broken tree, and a special expense in 2010 to replace the entrance signs on Pleasant Pointe Dr. which were ripped and unattractive.

President also addressed electronic posting of information as a cost avoidance measure for the PPHOA.  Secretary Tim Fitzgerald was asked to address the website and email. 

Secretary explained the purpose of the website (blog) is to provide information of common interest to the neighborhood.  It serves as a cost-effective official means of communication for the PPHOA board.  However, due to the open, unregulated nature of comments, and no way to assure who is behind comments, the PPHOA board does not take comments posted on the blog for action; comments are not official communications with the PPHOA board.  Official communications can be made via email at pleasantpointe29851@gmail.com or by US Mail at Pleasant Pointe HOA, PO Box 5983, Aiken, SC 29804.

Secretary also invited members to submit information about companies who employ our members, or owned by our members as a means of free advertising for those companies.

President addressed those without internet access saying those who need to receive a paper copy important information should provide the HOA with that request in writing so the Association board can capture this list.

ON-STREET PARKING – President raised the issue of on-street parking saying we do not have definitive guidance as to its legality or the enforcement of the ordinance.  Question from the floor:  Can you post the ordinance on the website?  Answer:  Yes, once we track down the exact wording of the ordinance.

Damaged Tree Response – President discussed the tree on PPHOA-owned property damaged in last week’s storm.  Tree has been cut away and stump grinding is slated for Friday, July 9^th.  Motion and Second:  Obtain three quotes then evaluate what is affordable understanding the trees need to come down due to age.  Motion carried by a wide margin.  PPHOA board will obtain quotes than evaluate affordable courses of action.

PPHOA Directory – Under consideration by the Association board is the creation of a subdivision directory with contact information provided by members for members.  While this is just in the idea stage at the moment, be assured that member participation would be completely voluntary.

PPHOA BY-LAWS – President addressed recent changes to the proposed by-laws.  These changes are incorporated in the proposed by-laws listed on the PPHOA website (pleasantpointe.blogspot.com).  Copies of the proposed by-laws were distributed to each represented household at the meeting.  Those desiring a paper copy should contact the PPHOA board.  Due to recent changes in the proposed by-laws, a vote on these by-laws will be postponed until the next scheduled general membership meeting in November, 2010.

Discussion included the mandate for liability insurance on behalf of the PPHOA as well as bonding, errors and omissions insurance for the board officers.  Consensus is this insurance is needed if affordable.  A comment from the floor asked if a special assessment could be imposed.  President replied it is within the authority of the covenants, but we would like to be able to budget for such needs.

Motion and Second to obtain three quotes for insurance.  Motion failed.  The Association board will take a prudent look at the requirements and costs.

Question from the floor:  Is the PPHOA putting liens on property for those who do not pay dues.  Answer: not as of yet.

Motion and Second:  That the PPHOA board will, for all properties with unpaid dues as of midnight, December 31^st 2010, obtain a lien against such properties immediately.  Discussion:  The president reported the local magistrate has said unpaid property dues would generally not be tolerated, that he would find in favor of the PPHOA, and that associated fees and court costs would be added to the defendant’s bill. 

Motion carried by a wide margin.

Question from the floor:  Do Realtors know PPHOA exists?  Answer:  The president says the Aiken Board of Realtors has been notified and all realtors have access to this information.

Motion and Second: That the meeting be adjourned.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Timothy P. Fitzgerald

PPHOA Secretary

July 7, 2010

A Word About This Website...

A good question about comments left on this website came up at tonight's meeting.

The Association board uses this website to provide information to the neighborhood.  Dates of meetings and other information important to the community are posted here as a convenience for you and a cost savings in for the association (this website costs the Association nothing.  Annual budget for website = $0.00).

Conversely, comments left by readers of the website are not considered as official communications to the officers.  As happened tonight, a reasonable question to ask is "Why?"

A couple of reasons really. 

First - the board Secretary is charged with the upkeep of this website.  You can trust that the content of this site comes from members of the board.  Should anyone hack into the site and post something fraudulent, the board officers will note and correct that in short order.  Thus, you can have confidence in the site.

The same cannot be said for comments.  To avoid a restrictive, cumbersome registration process, the comments feature allows anyone to post a comment.  And comments can be posted anonymously.  This means someone who stumbles upon this blog but does not live in this neighborhood can post comments.  

In short, we cannot guarantee that comments made actually come from Association members.  Even if a comment is posted with a name, there is no safeguard to ensure that person is who they claim to be.

So - official communications to the board should use the email address or the mailing address or approach one of the board members in person.

BUT LET US CONSIDER ONE MORE POINT:  As you know, the address to this site is posted at the entrances to the neighborhood.  We have many homes for sale in the neighborhood.  It is likely that someone looking at a home in the neighborhood will have a look at the website.

It is therefore in everyone's interest to keep the comments civil and charitable.  A prospective homeowner might be dissuaded from buying in Pleasant Pointe after reading comments that are insulting or vitriolic.  Slow home sales can translate into ever lower purchase prices which hurts the resale value of all homes in the neighborhood.

We want to keep the comments open as a means of neighborhood interaction.  Help us do so by posting comments that are positive, constructive or helpful.

If you want to blow off steam -and many of us need to from time to time -  use the email address or postal address.  That way you can be assured of receiving a response.