ASHFORD PARK POA ANNUAL MEETING AND
ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS FOR 2024
January 09, 2024
5:30 pm at The City of Foley Council Chambers
The annual meeting of the Ashford Park POA meeting was held on January 09, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the City of Foley Council Chambers. Lee Bochnia, President, called the meeting to order. Pat Billingsley, started the meeting with all attendees and board members standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. President Lee Bochnia, Treasurer Mike Wojtaszek, and Secretary Pat Billingsley were present. Mike explained that Sybil Owen had moved out of state and that Mike and Pat were asked to join the board after the resignations of 2 previous board members.
Lee welcomed all to the meeting and asked Mike to give the financial reports. Mike explained the Financial Statements that were given to all attending. After finishing the details, he asked if anyone had questions. No one responded. Mike then explained the 2024 Projected Budget. He informed all that there will be significant spending for all of the ponds. He also said that Ashford Park has 25% ownership in Hampton Pond and that Hampton Park owns 75%. The money allocated for the ponds can be used for all of the other ponds, too. Mike went on to say that the legal fees were $13,000 which was high. Mike concluded that he was hoping for a positive income in 2024. Again, he asked if anyone had questions, and no one responded.Q
One of the objectives this year is to re-work the By-Laws and change/update the Covenants of Phases 1,2, 3, and 4 as they have all passed the 20-year mark for updating, instead of waiting until 2026 and doing all 8. Sally Gedosch questioned whether the wording would all be the same for all phases and Lee said yes, they would be.
Lee informed all that there had been a security breach in our Ashford Park Gmail account. The password has been changed and will be monitoring it closely.
Lee went on to talk about the ponds and priorities for 2024.
Hampton Park Pond is smaller but may cost more to repair it. The City of Foley Public Works cleared debris and overgrowth from the ditch draining the pond south to CR 20. Planning on doing the east bank first. Hampton Park has the majority interest (75%) and they are low on funds. Our priority is to stay in good standing with the Foley EPA. We will pay 25% of the costs. Mike said that the only way that Hampton Park can raise the money to cover the costs is to increase their dues or have an assessment. Ashford Park’s portion of the Hampton Park Pond work should be around $20000 for 2024.
East Ashford Park Pond goes into the high school drainage ditch and it is the length of the whole block. All of the East and West Ashford Park areas drain under the streets and go into the East Ashford Park Pond. This area drains approximately 30% of Ashford Park including the East Ashford Park detention pond. Cleaning that area on East Ashford Park enabled us to assess damages caused by Hurricane Sally and the lack of any previous maintenance. It hasn’t drained in the past 2 years. The spillway is nonfunctioning, no water drains to the city-controlled remediate. The clearing was completed in September 2023. We will need to remove the debris, dredge, and put in culverts. Plans are to open a canal, clear debris, and spillway allowing it to drain. Bids are being requested. Two of the three received to date. Once complete, the area will be left open and assessable for future maintenance actions.
East Ashford Detention Pond – The elevation has risen from 6 inches to well over 18 inches. Work will require contractors to excavate dirt and grade within the pond area to the original grade and design.
Hickory Pond – Clearing and cutting vegetation in the Hickory Pond and canal. This requires mobilizing equipment to put pond/load/haul/dispose of cattail cuttings with amphibious aquatic cutter/harvester, mower, weed eaters, operators, truck, and trailers. It was brought to our attention that homeowners are throwing debris in the pond and it makes it more difficult to maintain. Please do not throw anything into the pond. Mako has a contract for 2 years for 3 cuts/yr. This includes cutting all three ponds. The contract is being renegotiated to itemize cuts and timelines. The target is to reduce the $13,5400 commitment to under $9,000 annually.
West Ashford Common Area – We have removed the fences on both sides of West Ashford Park Drive. We had a contractor clean it up with a stump grinder, mulch, and grade it. The plan is to let the ground settle and then seed it. Opening more green areas to our green areas. Have been thinking about putting up dog stations as many people are not cleaning up after their dogs and leaving the feces or the bags. There was a question about a tree in the common on East Ashford Park Drive. They are the properties of the Ashford Park POA. Some people wanted to know if the tree was going to be cut down and the answer was no. Frith’s Lawn Service cuts the grass in the common areas. We need to update his contract.
Pat Billingsley read the minutes from the October 03, 2023, quarterly POA meeting. There were no questions.
Mike informed us that there is only one bank account now as there had been two, one for the general funds and one for the ponds. He had to move money between the 2 accounts frequently, which was very time-consuming. The pond account was closed and all monies were combined in the general fund.
Bobbie Hale stated that the Database is much better, and Lee thanked Pat in correcting errors. Lee also thanked Bobbie Hale, Linda Bochnia, Kim Killiam, and Walt Johnson for the wonderful Christmas decorations on both entrances of Park Ave.
There was a discussion about the traffic situation on Park Avenue and Hickory St. One member said that Hickory St. is very dangerous and that the sidewalks are not going to help the problems. Pat said that she and Mike both live on Park Ave and can contest the fact that many cars speed and do not stop for the stop signs. Pat also said that some were residents of Ashford Park. Lee Bochnia, Linda Bochnia, Pat Billingsley, and Gary Billingsley attended the Foley City Council meeting asking for assistance in controlling the Park Avenue traffic. More neighbors need to attend and express concerns to the Foley City Council and Charlie Ebert, our City Councilman.
Mike said that the yearly dues are due by January 1, 2024. There are 4 homeowners in arrears for 2023. We have been lenient in the past and the Board will file liens or small claims court if the dues are not paid.
Pat called the meeting to be adjourned and let the election take place. The election took place and all ballots were counted and the top three were elected. There were 45 ballots cast, one was blank and one was submitted by a non-homeowner and removed. Pat Billingsley, Mike Wojtaszek, and Lee Bochnia were elected with 43 votes each.
The Board would also like to thank Bobbie Hale and Linda Bochnia for all their work in organizing, envelope stuffing, and mailing the 2023 year-end invoice packages to the 279 homeowners.
The Ashford Park P.O.A. Board of Directors has determined that the Ashford Park Homeowners Associations Financials are proprietary to the Ashford Park property owners exclusively. Homeowners are advised that any any all financials can and will be made available to all Ashford Park owners upon request.
To receive a copy of the most recent Ashford Park Financials, please make your request via email or USPS postal service. The request must include the Ashford Park owners name, address and lot number and a copy of the most recent financial report will be forwarded to you.
Please forward all requests to the following.
Ashford Park Property Owners
PO Box 1078
Foley, Al. 36536
Thank you for your consideration,
Ashford Park Property Owners Association
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Quarterly Meeting Minutes Ashford Park Property Owners Association
April 6, 2024
Foley Public Library
Meeting was opened at 5:10 pm with the pledge of allegiance.
Roll Call
Lee Bochnia
Mike Wojtaszek
Gary Billinghsley
(Pat Billingsley leave of absence Section 4 of Bi-laws)
Review minutes from January 9th meeting and election
Introduced invited meeting guests.
Steve Solomon Safe Harbor
Charles Ebert Councilman
Shawn Miller Lieutenant Foley Police
Wayne Dyess Community Development
Dan Summers Code Enforcement
Financial review Mike Wojtaszek. Copies of quarterly financials provided to all attendees. Noted that as of the meeting date, we still had a number of residents who we are waiting annual assessment payments and that the board is allowing some additional time (two weeks) for mail delivery delays.
Attendees were appreciative of the work and clarity Mike has provided in explanation of the finances.
After finishing the details, he asked if anyone had questions. No one responded. Mike then explained the 2024 Projected Budget. He informed all that a large portion of the 2024 budget was earmarked for the ponds and grounds maintenance. Estimates for 2024 portion of Hampton pond maintenance were much lower than anticipated. Mike explained removing and combining second pond fund in details. Mike concluded that he was planning for a positive income in 2024. There were no questions
Gary Billingsley as head of the Architectural Committee sat in on a temporary basis for Pat Billingsley on medical leave. Gary reviewed number of covenant warning letters issued. Reviewed number of violations issued for the first quarter. Gary noted most residents are appreciative of the covenant violation notices and take corrective action immediately.
Lee Bochnia provided drainage updates. East bank of Hampton Park pond was completed. Hampton priority is to keep spillway cleared. Mike said that the only way that Hampton Park can raise the money to cover the costs is to increase their dues or have an assessment. Ashford Parks portion of the Hampton Pond work was estimated at around $2000 for 2024. East Ashford Park drainage goes into the high school drainage ditch and it is the length of the whole block. All of the East and West Ashford Park areas drain under the streets and go into the East Ashford Park Pond. This area drains approximately 30% of Ashford Park including the East Ashford Park detention pond. Clearing and dredging of the East Ashford drainage ditch to the spillway is planned as the first phase after the clearing. Once cleared and functioning efforts will move to clearing culverts from East Ashford Park street drainage.
It was brought to our attention that homeowners are throwing debris in the pond and it makes it more difficult to maintain. Please do not throw anything into the pond. Mako has a contract for 2 years, 3 cuts/yr. In order to save dollars board is considering reducing cuts to bi-annual. The contract is being renegotiated to itemize cuts and timelines. Target is to reduce $13,5400 commitment to under $9,000 annually.
Subject of feral cats in neighborhood. Digging in gardens and damaging vehicles. Safe Harbor was contacted to help in addressing issue.
Steve Solomon Safe Harbor. The Safe Harbor Animal Coalition (S.H.A.C.) is a volunteer-run, Baldwin County and donor-funded animal welfare organization dedicated to the humane care of homeless and abandoned cats and dogs in Baldwin County, Alabama. Safe Harbor Animal Coalition aims to reduce and control the overpopulation of homeless cats and dogs through spay/neuter, vaccinating, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return and cat colony management, while providing lower cost veterinary services to their partner organizations. In addition, funds directly support education and training in order to create healthy and empowered communities, promoting spay/neuter initiatives and educating on responsible pet ownership. Steve went on to explain the programs support of TNVR, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programs and educating neighborhoods on community cat safety and colony management. Safe Harbor also provides low-cost veterinary services for their partner nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations. Lee will be assisting Steve with locations for TNVR. Steve invited all residents to visit the sanctuary on RT. 65. The location on RT. 20 is the medical center.
Charles Ebert Councilman Charlie Ebert began his service as council representative for District 5 in 2006. He was born and raised in Foley. He is a lifelong resident of Foley. He was graduated from Foley High School, attended Faulkner State Community College, and was graduated from Auburn University with a BA in anthropology and a minor in business. He is president of Ebert Agency, Inc. His community service includes past president of the South Baldwin Jaycees, Foley Optimist Club, Foley Rotary Club, and 12 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Foley Fire Department. He served as co-chairman for the Foley Kids Park Building Committee. Discussed Hickory sidewalk project, Route 2 expansion project west of Hickory pending Baldwin County approval and funding. Children’s Park, Foley Library expansion, proposed aquatic center .
Michigan and Hickory intersection project. Planned and designed, pending Baldwin county approval and funding. All attempts are being made to save intersection trees.
Traffic flow problems on Park Avenue. City has approved traffic flow study. City has earmarked $38.000 dollars for Park Avenue. Capstone Engineering will be conducting the study for traffic calming measures that could be implemented along Park Ave. Both Mike and Lee volunteered to join committee and provide neighborhood input and comments on project.
Shawn Miller Lieutenant Foley Police Department discussed Foley police department growth and expansion. Recruitment challenges. Lieutenant Miller also explained addition of Support Services and the needed impact on police department work volume. Foley Police also support special events in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surrounding areas.
Wayne Dyess, Director of Community Development. Explained responsibilities for the controlled growth for Foley residents and all matters relating to development. Ensure that all codes, ordinances and other regulations are met for the health, safety and well-being of Foley citizens. The Community Development Department deals with day-to-day as well as long-range planning. They provide support for the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the Historic Commission, the Mayor and City Council, and the citizens of Foley. Discussed building Foley from center out. Foley downtown entertainment district. Planned Pickelball courts.
Officer Dan Summers Code Enforcement. There are two police officers assigned to Code Enforcement. Code enforcement officers are responsible for protecting the safety and health of citizens by making sure that buildings, dwellings, and land in the city of Foley are in accordance with city ordinances. They ensure that all new businesses to the area have obtained proper business licenses and permits. They investigate abandoned vehicles, junk, trash, litter and debris, environmental or health hazards. Animal control is also a part of code enforcement. There are numerous ordinances involving dogs. Most people are dog lovers, but not everyone, so dogs must be kept in check according to municipal ordinances. Officers often capture dogs that are running free. Every effort is made to locate the owners including posting photos on the Foley Police Facebook Page. Discussed vehicles and parking, Officer Summers said only responsible for street parking. Parking on yards and lawns responsibility of HOA’s. They do not enforce covenants.
The Ashford Park P.O.A. Board of Directors has determined that the Ashford Park Homeowners Associations Financials are proprietary to the Ashford Park property owners exclusively. Homeowners are advised that any any all financials can and will be made available to all Ashford Park owners upon request.
To receive a copy of the most recent Ashford Park Financials, please make your request via email or USPS postal service. The request must include the Ashford Park owners name, address and lot number and a copy of the most recent financial report will be forwarded to you. Please forward all requests to the following.
Ashford Park Property Owners
PO Box 1078
Foley, Al. 36536
Thank you for your consideration,
Ashford Park Property Owners Association
Adjourned meeting 7:00pm
ASHFORD PARK HOA QUARTERLY MEETING
JULY 30, 2024
5 PM FOLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
The quarterly meeting of the Ashford Park HOA was held on July 30, 2024, at 5 pm, at the Foley Public Library Meeting Room with 16 Homeowner Attendees and 3 Board members.
President Lee Bochnia called for the meeting to begin, and roll call was taken with all answering present. Board members and Attendees were then asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lee reported that there were 7 liens recorded since the last meeting. Lee read the minutes from the April 16, 2024 meeting. Lee then stated that Gary Billingsley stepped in for Pat Billingsley due to medical issues. He then informed everyone that Gary was part of the Architectural committee.
Sally Gedosch stated that she had trouble downloading the Minutes from the last meeting. Lee said that they were posted on the HOA website. Lee said that he would check the website to see if there are problems.
Lee also reported that a drain on Park Avenue had been damaged and would be repaired by the city.
Mike Wojtaszek, Treasurer
Mike reported that a few homeowners are in arrears paying their dues. Late fees exceeded budget. The professional services budget is $10,00.00 for legal and tax preparation services. The Administration budget looks good. We have $63,296.30 in the HOA bank account and a CD of $21,836.91. A homeowner asked Mike why the ponds are not in separate bank accounts as they were in the past and thinks the ponds should not be in the general fund and should be separate accounts like they used to be. Mike stated that we spend the most money on the ponds and that there is no reason to have two separate bank accounts.
Jerry Delmont stated that he had met with the mayor about short-term rentals. A discussion began and we don’t think we can stop them.
Pat Billingsley, Secretary
Pat thanked all for the kind words regarding her recent hip surgery. Pat reported that 4 houses had been sold since the April meeting. A new Homeowner Information Sheet has been created as our database has erroneous information and multiple errors. Bobbie Hale gave the homeowners who were present one to fill out. Pat thanked them for filling them out and thanked Bobbie for her help. Pat told the attendees that the Board members would not share any information. However, some people in the neighborhood have given out Board member’s phone numbers/addresses. Please do not do this.
The Board held a Board of Directors meeting at Lee’s house on 06/27/2024. Mike will be having surgery in August. If you have questions, please contact other Board members, while he convalesces. There was a discussion regarding Homeowners whom are in serious arrears with their dues. We discussed legal action options that we may take to get the outstanding dues/fines current. Some of the Board are planning on going to the City Council meetings regarding the traffic situation on Park Ave. and all of the traffic on Hickory St. and Pine St.
Lee is following up on the clean-up at our Hickory entrance, that was damaged during the sidewalk construction.
We are beginning to update of the By-Laws.
Architectural
Architectural committee member Gary Billingsley reported that there have been several violations reported. Police reports were filed on an aggressive dog issue. We are continuing to monitor this.
There was one violation regarding the maintenance of a home and it was resolved.
There were 5 trailer violations and all were resolved.
There were 2 building permits approved. One was for a sunroom and the other for an addition to a home.
A violation letter was sent regarding an RV parked in the driveway overnight and beyond. It was moved.
A violation letter was sent regarding a fence that was down and it was repaired.
There was an email/letter l sent regarding an inoperable vehicle and it was moved.
Lee Bochina, President
Hampton Park
Lee stated that we won’t be able to do all in 3 years and are changing plans. We pay 25% of the Hampton Pond costs. We probably won’t see the Hampton Park pond getting better anytime soon.
East Ashford Park
Lee stated that work is ongoing on the East Ashford Park main drainage ditch that accesses the City of Foley’s drainage system. The chosen contractor is Mako. They dredged a canal around all of the obstructions to the drainage spillway. The water, that drained into this area, has not drained in at least 8 years. Water is now flowing. Mako dredged a canal and opened up the two pipes in the spillway. The canal was dug a little deeper, will hold the minimal water until the silt buildup brings it level. Frith Mowing is unable to mow the drainage ditch for the first time in years. The next steps are clearing the debris and overgrowth blocking the East Ashford Park bulkhead which is approximately 200 feet south of the drainage ditch. Once the area is dry, bids will be secured to clear all the remaining debris from the area. The fence is also in bad shape.
East Ashford Detention Pond
The pond will need to be surveyed to the original depth. The plan is to bank dirt and bring the detention back to the original depth. Surveys will also be conducted on the Kitchen Pond and the Crossford/Oakford ponds.
West Ashford Common Area
The fence was removed. The area was cleared and leveled. This area can now be mowed.
Hampton Park
Hampton has completed work rebuilding the west bank.
Hickory Pond
Mako cut the grass/brush but hasn’t cleared the canal. They are scheduled to cut and clear growth in the first week of August.
We received an email from Charles Ebert regarding traffic studies for Park Ave. with in the next 30 days. Projected costs are $38,000, which the city will have to pay.
The Ashford Park Entrance off of Hickory was damaged during the sidewalk construction. The City of Foley is committed to facilitating all repairs. There was irrigation and rose bushes were damaged.
Lee said that our flags are damaged and need to be replaced. Motion passed.
Lee also stated that homeowners/ mowing companies are encouraged not to blow the grass clippings into the street. They can pose a hazard to automobiles and motorcycles.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.