MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MERRYWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION October 24, 2009 The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by the MPOA President, Allyson Keller, An invocation was given by Jeff Peacock, followed by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance by the members. New Business Elaine John officially resigned from her position as Secretary. REQUEST FOR A  MOTION FOR JENEL GAUTHIER TO BE ACTING SECRETARY MOTION BY            Jerry Tracey SECOND                   Jeff Peacock Accepted by             ACCLAIMATION     Request for a motion to waive the reading of Minutes from Feb 17TH was made by Allyson Keller MOTION BY            Jerry Tracey SECOND                   Jeff Peacock Accepted by             ACCLAIMATION MOTION TO RATIFY Jenel Gauthier  as Secretary MOTION BY            Jerry Tracey SECOND                   Jeff Peacock Accepted by            ACCLAIMATION BRIEF TREASUERS REPORT FROM ALLYSON (Sam sick and unavailable for meeting) The year began for the current board on February 17th, but the books didn’t transfer until late April with the Bank.  At that time there was approximately $4700 in the checking account and $5000 in the savings account. During the course of the year, the expenses of grass, the work on the pond, office and mailing expenses reduced the checking account to approximately $1,700 and the savings account to $3,000. A Complete report will be posted on the Merrywood internet site. REPORT ON COMPREHENSIVE RE-ZONING – LARRY BOSTON Larry reports that he and Allyson have attended the comprehensive re-zoning meetings and believe that Merrywood Property Owners are not in any jeopardy of losing property values with the new zoning.  They will continue to monitor these issues until final vote is made to accept the new zoning. REPORT ON PARK & LANDSCAPING – ALLYSON Front Area maintenance now being done by Prime  - Kevin Wolfe, Merrywood Resident POND Vote of Board for work unanimous.  Funds were distributed as follows: $2,000 from savings account and balance of $1,300 taken from operating account.  Scope of Project explained as a continuing upgrading of the Bird Sanctuary with planting and benches.  Allyson complimented Matt Edmondson for the excellent job he did in taking down the dangerous trees, clearing the overgrowth without damaging the new oaks and other trees and correcting the in-flow of the canal.   Allyson thanked him for fish fry and the work he has done for MPOA in the past with the courtesy removal of damaged trees during Katrina Thanks to Jimmy and Larry for planting. Request for additional funds or buy a plant and drop it off. NEW BUSINESS Bill and Denise Bishoff’s son Daniel wishes to have a Fun Run/Walk at the next meeting.  Allyson called for a motion to have Bill Bishoff be in charge of the event. MOTION BY            Jerry Tracey SECOND                   Jeff Peacock Accepted by           ACCLAIMATION President Allyson Keller announced the next meeting would take place in the park in the later spring after Mardi Gras, Football Games and when it starts to get warmer and would include a BBQ. LET’S EAT –   Request applause for Matt’s cooking as the smell is exquisite! MOTION TO CLOSE MOTION BY      Jerry Tracey SECOND             Jeff Peacock Accepted by ACCLAIMATION  Meeting closed. _______________________________________ As you may recall, our Treasurer was kind enough to let us know he was contagious and unable to attend our Fall meeting.  Sam is doing better and will have a formal treasurers report at our Spring Meeting to be held at the Pond and includes a BBQ! Until then, I wanted to give a unofficial review of our associations financial standing for 2009. The major work at the park to remove the dangerous trees and clear the brush out was financed by $2,000 from our savings account and the remainder from our regular checking account.  Donations of plants and volunteering members has largely been responsible for the improvements you will see at the pond area. 2009 EXPENSES AND BALANCES Expenses: Grass Cutting/Landscaping            $1,260.00 Postage/Printing                                 $368.61 Utilities                                                $265.91 Internet                                               $128.74 Special Project                                 $3,300.00 Other                                                     $70.00                                     Total               $5393.26 Membership Dues Received in 2009:            $3090  SAVINGS ACCOUNT BEGINNING  BALANCE               $5,168.08                                                                  TRANSFER  TO CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR POND CLEANUP  $              (2,000.00)  INTEREST CD'S & SAVINGS ACCT  $                  407.02  BAL AS OF 12/31/2009  $               3,575.10 CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT                                           $1,175.60                                           $90000.00 TOTAL                            $10,175.60 MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MERRYWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009 The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by President Jeff Peacock, An invocation was given followed by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance by the members. The Special Meeting was called under Article VI Section 2 of the By-Laws in order to elect new officers of the Association. The President then suspended the rules of Article V Sec 1a, b, c & Sec. 3 of the By-Laws and appointed Elaine John as acting Secretary for the recording of the meeting.Election of Officers President Peacock reported that resignations from the Board of Directors were received from the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The resignations were accepted and President Peacock then offered his own resignation as president, effective upon the election of the new officers. The following MPOA members offered themselves to fill the open positions: Allyson Keller President Jack Horil, Jr Vice President Sam Payne Treasurer Elaine John Secretary Mitch Mogg Board Member Jerry Tracy made a motion to accept the foregoing names for nomination. The motion was seconded by Jimmy LaCava. There were no other nominations from the floor for the open positions. A call for the close of nominations was made by Jerry Tracy and seconded by Jimmy LaCava. The vote began and it was recommended that a vote be held on the slate of candidates as a whole. The entire slate was voted on and approved by the members present at the meeting. No opposition was voiced on any of the candidates. As a result of the vote of the membership, the following MPOA officers were elected: Allyson Keller President Jack Horil, Jr Vice President Sam Payne Treasurer Elaine John Secretary Mitch Mogg Board MemberOther Business Larry McMillen introduced himself as a new Merrywood resident and was welcomed by the members. A member asked whether everyone that had previously served on the Merrywood board had been thanked. Former President Peacock was receptive to the inquiry and turned over the meeting to the new president, Allyson Keller.Recognition of Members by President Allyson Keller President Allyson Keller came to the podium to lead the meeting and began by thanking the previous Board and all the residents that contributed so much to the Merrywood community by serving on our Board and Committees. President Keller invited all previous board members that were present to rise and be recognized. The members gave a warm round of applause for the previous board. President Keller continued with specific announcements and acknowledgements of current and past board members as follows: Linda Ward was thanked for offering to be our Past President Representative to the Board of Directors. Both former presidents, Ron and Jeff, were invited to serve, but each had pressing business issues. The Architectural Committee will be headed by our Vice President, Jack Horil, who hopes to bring Mr. Walker back into service. Jon Craig has graciously agreed to continue service on the Architectural Committee Considering we have Linda’s influence on the board, Allyson proposed that she would like to declare our Theme as being to “Protect, Service and Landscape.” In particular the distress at the pond from the snow and Hurricane Gustav should be addressed promptly. Given the interest and support in the preservation, enforcement and possible combination of the covenants, it was noted that we are fortunate to have Mr. Linton Morgan’s offer to be our in-house counsel on the matters concerning the covenants. It is hoped that Jimmy LaCava will continue to serve on our Beautification Committee and that a few of our able bodied members will help in the pond area Larry Boston followed the St Tammany 2025 issue that was the starting point for the rezoning of the entire Parish. Larry has agreed to keep a finger on the pulse of the rezoning and a watchful eye on how that could affect Merrywood. Further President Keller hopes that Tom Malone will continue to operate our website that is so beneficial to us all. Finally, President Keller thanked Jerry and Pat Tracy for their continued service to the MPOA. The Tracys have provided their service of processing the mailings for our meetings, dues notices and newsletters. She thanked them again for that time consuming work and noted that the Tracys are the purist of gold in their generosity and spirit. In addition, the Tracys have the electric light at the front entrance billed to their account which we reimburse. Other Issues and Close of Meeting President Allyson Keller would like to continue the signage program that Ron started to encourage slower speeds in Merrywood. Also, she hopes to facilitate the program to build a community directory of the pets, an item that was discussed in the fall meeting. Following a question from the floor, concerning the posting of the subdivision covenants, there was a short discussion about the covenants and the possible legal restrictions preventing the publication of the covenants on the website. Sally Morgan agreed to look into this issue. President Keller continued with a mention that Merrywood has a higher number than usual of vacant and for sale properties as do many other subdivisions in the country right now. When the economy picks up, we may be seeing an influx of new residents. She noted that the standards we set in the graciousness and appearance of our community will greatly influence the quality of new residents we attract. President Keller reiterated how much she appreciated the people who have served and volunteered their time and skills for the Merrywood Association and that she was humbled by knowing so many fine people. President Keller stated that though we may sometimes disagree with each other; we have never lagged in having but one goal – the Betterment of our Community of Merrywood. No further issues were presented for the attention of the general membership or the Board. Linda Ward and Pat Tracy were thanked for providing the refreshments for those who wished to partake and socialize after the meeting. A motion to close the meeting was made by Sally Morgan. Larry Boston seconded the motion. President Keller closed the meeting at 8:00 PM. Respectfully submitted by Elaine John, MPOA Secretary. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MERRYWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING                         TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008   The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by President Ron Feske. Dave Shafer led the Invocation. The membership recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Due to the many issues that needed discussion, the Election of Officers, and the Guests that wanted time on the Agenda the reading of the Minutes of the Last Meeting was waived. The first Guest, Gary Cooper who is the Council Member from District 2, had several issues of information that he felt our members needed to be aware of.  First, debris from the storms will be picked up soon.  Members advised him that while Merrywood is designated a Private Subdivision on the map, the roads are maintained by the Parish and its designation was changed sometime in the past.  Second, the Waste Transfer Station that is being put on property between River Road and Covington on Route 25 is a foregone conclusion that went through the hearing process back in 2006 with no action possible at this time.  The buffer of trees that was to be kept was clear cut and the fine for this infraction was very small.  Third, he has been working with Scott Simon regarding a traffic signal at Barker’s Corners.  Forth, Honey Rose has gone through 2 phases of a hearing process.  The third and last is to be Thursday. This is different information than we had at the Board Meeting.  The process involves 4 acres at the rear of the Polo Grounds Property.  It includes two group homes to house respite care for the families of mentally handicapped children.  Allyson Keller wants guarantees that her property values will not decrease and that drug and alcohol dependent persons will not be housed in these group homes and therefore able to walk into the Merrywood Subdivision to threaten the safety of the residents.  Mr. Cooper is willing to get some homeowner’s together for a meeting with Honey Rose.  The plan at this time is to accept no Federal funding and to be able to limit the persons availing themselves of their services to those with the same disabilities that they serve now with the horse therapy.  Mr. Cooper suggests that residents keep a look out for the yellow zoning signs and call him with any information found so that timely action can be taken.  He also said that he would call regarding the Judge Guidry political sign on Orleans and advise him of the Covenants.  Attempts by the Architectural Control Committee have been ignored.  Mr. Cooper’s phone number is 985-590-9133 so that anyone who has an issue to discuss or information to provide can contact him.  The Architectural Control Committee needs a chairman. A Think Tank for the Covenants will be formed soon.  Our covenants are vague and so many have been abandoned in the past that it is really necessary to form a committee to look at some revisions.  A sign up sheet is being past for several areas that need volunteers.  Those who signed up for the Covenant Think Tank in the past will be contacted also.  The Treasurer’s Report shows that the balances as of 8/13/08 are as follows:              Checking Account                    $2,830.41              Savings Account                      $4,993.68              $1,000.00 CD                            $1,149.78              $9,000.00 CD                            $9,000.00 Current membership is 127 from Merrywood and 7 from Chenel Farms. Nominations for Officers for the upcoming year are as follows: President Jeff Peacock – This nomination was made by Becky Feske and seconded by Judi McGovern.  A vote of the membership named Jeff as President for the upcoming year. Vice President Bill Skinner – The nomination was made by Becky Feske and seconded by Ethel Istre.  A vote followed to accept Bill as Vice President by acclamation. Treasurer John Hotop – The nomination was made by Lisa Peacock and seconded by Jan Hughes.  A vote followed to accept John as Treasurer by acclamation.  Secretary Karen Wassel – The nomination was made by Jan Hughes and seconded by Ethel Istre.  A vote followed to accept Karen as Secretary by acclamation.      At Large Board Member Allyson Keller – The nomination by Bob Pecunia was seconded by Laura Freeman.  Allyson was elected by acclamation.  Each officer took an Oath of Office to support and defend the By-Laws and Covenants of Merrywood Property Owners’ Association.  Our new President, Jeff Peacock, was introduced.  Jeff told us a little about himself.  He and his wife Lisa have 8 children from 18 to 2 years of age; four girls and four boys.  He is an Alltel Systems Technician.  Jeff mentioned the ability of anyone to address the Association by means of the Web Site and that he can personally be contacted at 985-502-7472.  Jon Craig responded to a question about the 9000.00 CD.  A trust was established by Mr. Chenel to pay for the insurance for the pond area.  At some point the insurance became more expensive than the Association could pay and a law was found that negated the need for the insurance.  The trustees wanted to be free of their responsibility as trustees.  They went to Court and the CD was set up when the Trust was dissolved in Court.  The agreement was that the 9000.00 would never be touched. However, the interest from the CD can be used for anything that benefits all residents of Merrywood.  This 9000.00 belongs to Merrywood and not to the Property Owners’ Association.  Another guest, Johnnie Sanders, who is running for Justice of the Peace spoke.  He likened the position as similar to a family court where differences can be resolved with a disinterested third party.  He also invited everyone to a Picnic at the park next to the Post Office in Folsom on Saturday, September 27.  Judi McGovern spoke of her wish to set up a method of registering pets in Merrywood so that dogs that are found running loose can be reunited with their families.  Judi has run a non profit organization for Greyhound adoptions for the last 22 years.  She sees dogs in the area that may be dumped rather than resident’s pets.  She will contact residents of the need to tag their animals.  She will maintain a Roster of animals so that dogs found that do not have tags will be referred to Animal Control.  Bob Pecunia moved to name Judi McGovern Merrywood’s Animal Control Liason.  It was seconded by Jon Craig.  The motion was carried by a vote of the membership.  Allyson Keller stated that she would donate 50.00 to help fund this effort.  A door prize of a gift certificate to Chilis/Macaroni Grill was won by Laura Freeman.  A motion to close the meeting was made by John Hotop and Ron Feske seconded this motion.  The membership closed the meeting at 9:15 PM.  Respectfully submitted by Karen Wassel, Secretary, Merrywood Property Owners’ Association.

MERRYWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS’ GENERAL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2008        The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by President Ron Feske. A Tribute to Kay McGartlin, a very active member of MPOA was presented by Ron. This Tribute highlighted the many contributions that Kay made to the Association including being a Past President, an Elected Board Member, the Messenger Newsletter Editor, and her many Committee contributions. An Invocation was given by Dave Shafer. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ron. A tree will be planted in Kay’s honor at the Pond and Allyson Keller volunteered to build a bench to be placed next to this tree. Minutes from the September 25, 2007 General Meeting were read by Karen Wassel. Sue Malone presented the Treasurer’s Report. Balances as of April 10, 2008 are: checking account = 3958.32, savings account = 4855.05, 1,000 CD = 1135.53, and the 9,000 CD is 9000.00. Current Membership is 114 from Merrywood and 7 from Chenel Farms. Year to date the areas that are not in sync with our budget are fewer paid members and lower interest on bank accounts. We have several expense areas that we have allocated more than has been spent and we have had some volunteered donations by members that should off set these items by year end. Ron presented two very professional looking signs that he has built as indication of the Association’s fiscal responsibility. These signs have interchangeable lettering that can be changed to announce an upcoming meeting, social get together or Web Site entry. Ron is hoping that we can produce more signs for speed limits throughout our neighborhood to give it more of a park like look. It only cost 122.00 for the two signs that are already completed. Everyone agreed that these signs are beautiful and a real asset to our neighborhood. Ron also did a brief report on Beautification in the absence of Lynda Ward and Jimmy LaCava. Crepe Myrtle have been placed at the entrance thanks to a donation by Allyson Keller with a supplement donated by Lynda Ward. ReTree St Tammany is to be planting trees by the pond and will maintain them for three years. Allyson announced that she has some bird houses she will put at the pond also. The problem with three wheelers racing down streets and driving on pond property was discussed. A letter regarding this can be found on the Web Site with a phone number to contact the Sheriff 898-2338 should this be observed. Three wheelers are not allowed on public streets and parking on private property such as the pond area is not allowed without specific approval of the property owner. We do not want new trees to be run down by vehicles. Please help us assure that the things planted have a good chance or survival. Dave Shafer, Chair of the Architectural Control Committee, reports that property owners should touch base with him before making outside improvements so that he doesn’t have to try to contact you regarding your intentions. He also reports that all FEMA trailers in Merrywood are gone. Ron advised of the Attorney contact that was made regarding a fence going up that was not within the covenants. This issue has been resolved but while he had this attorney’s attention he got a written explanation of our current covenants that were written in 1965. It would take 51% of sections 1, 2, and 3 and 51% of section 4 to change our covenants. Some new housing issues are not addressed in our covenants currently and it is thought that perhaps it would be a good thing to look into the possibility of adding to or changing some of the covenants. A Think Tank will be organized to study and make suggestions. Jeff Peacock asked that newcomers at the meeting tonight see him before leaving so that he could take information back to his wife who was unable to attend the meeting. A Volunteer Sign Up Sheet was passed around to get ideas of who would be interested in serving on the Nominating Committee (slate needed by September General Meeting), Financial Auditor (August), Night Out Against Crime Committee (August 5, 2008), Newsletter Editor, and the Covenant Think Tank. Tom Malone mentioned his work on the Web Page and his hope that more persons will help him by making “Out and About” and other pages a collaborative effort. Please contact Tom 796-8464 to let him know of any additions for the Site. Merry BINGO will be Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 and will have a Cinco de Mayo theme. The WST 7.17% rate increase meeting is May 8, 2008 at 4:30 PM in the Cooperative’s Franklinton office. The Honey Rose Farms project met with some opposition and is totally scrapped. The property is up for sale. We will have to remain diligent to see what zoning changes a sale of this property might bring. Allyson moved that e-mails she sent regarding this project be admitted into the minutes. Sally Morgan seconded this motion and the membership voted to allow for this insertion. 2/9/08 Allyson, Ron asked me to let you know that HoneyRose Farm will not be in attendance at the next board meeting so there is no need for you to attend. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me at 796-0206. Karen, Secretary MPOA 2/10/08 Karen, Sally raised the question, is it on the agenda to be discussed? Allyson 2/10/08Allyson, It will not be on the agenda and as far as anyone knows the program has been postponed indefinitely. Karen 2/10/08 Karen, Thank you for the information. If it comes up on the agenda for discussion, or presents in person to the board again, please contact me or the Morgans at sbm510@bellsouth.net. Thank you Allyson 2/18/08 Allyson, I spoke to Ron after the meeting the other night about this project. He had called Mr Vandercook and was advised that this project is on hold perhaps for the next ten years or so. They are continuing the program they had at the Polo Grounds but they are no longer pursuing the ambitious project that they originally proposed. Probably a matter of money or lack thereof. Karen A Door Prize of a Shop Vac was won by Tuck Tucker. Ron closed the meeting at 9:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Wassel MPOA Secretary xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx MERRYWOOD PROPERTY OWNERS’ GENERAL MEETING MINUTES      SEPTEMBER 25, 2007          The meeting was called to order at 7:45 PM by President Ron Feske. An Invocation was offered by Dave Shafer. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ron Feske. Minutes from the March 13, 2007 were read by Secretary, Karen Wassel. Sue Malone, Treasurer, reported that the $1000.00 CD was rolled over to a 12 month CD at 4.89% in June when it matured. Lee Road Water refuses to reverse the $1.50 charge for a late payment in May when the check appears to have been lost in the mail. The missing check will be held on the books as it is not feasible to incur a $35.00 bank charge to stop payment on it. The Checking Account balance is $2568.61 as of 9/8/07. The Savings Account balance is $4609.52 as of 9/5/07. Balance on the $1000.00 CD is $1103.22 as of 9/5/07. Balance on the $9000.00 CD is $9000.00 as of 9/5/07 since the interest on this CD rolls directly into the savings account. The rate on this CD is 4.41%. The current membership as of 9/5/07 is 132 in Merrywood and 4 in Chenel Farms. Sue asked anyone who may be interested in the Treasurer’s position in the future to contact her She would be glad to work with anyone who wants to get familiar with the tasks involved. The Slate of Officers for the upcoming year was presented by Ron Feske. President Ron Feske Vice President Jeff Peacock Secretary Karen Wassel Treasurer Sue Malone At Large Elected Board Member Jan Hughes Nominations from the floor were solicited. In the absence of additional nominations, Allyson Keller moved to close the nominations. The motion was seconded from the floor and the vote to close the nominations was unanimous. A vote to install the Slate as presented was also unanimous. Lynda Ward reported that some ditches have been opened to better allow drainage and that street signs have been replaced as needed. In late October or early November work on the entrance and pond area will begin as temperatures moderate. Lisa Peacock reported that the welcoming committee has been contacting newcomers as they move in and that those visited have been pleased with the contact. Dave Shafer is the new Chairman of the Architectural Committee and he reports that there is one FEMA trailer left in Merrywood. Since September 15, 2006, 2 month extensions have been granted and it has not been determined if the trailer in question is under an extension. This will be investigated further by Dave. One newcomer reported that he had not been given a copy of the Covenants when closing on his property. The realtor was REMAX. We will initiate another mailing to all Realtors in the Area to remind them of the need to provide copies of the Covenants to all purchasers. Tom Malone is asking for more input for the Out and About area on the Web Page. He also reported over 30,000 hits on the site during September. Volunteers will call all paid Association members about the Halloween Trick or Treat signage. This was very successful last year and made it safer for Trick or Treaters to locate residents that were encouraging visits for Treats. The signs are posted at the end of the driveways of all Association members who wish to participate. Merry Bingo will be held again on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Fire House. Jeff Peacock and Jan Hughes will coordinate the event. Anyone who has donations for prizes should contact one of them. The first Tuesday in August is traditionally the date of “Night Out Against Crime”. Volunteers are being sought to organize this activity in the coming year. Anyone wishing to work on this event is encouraged to contact Ron Feske or Jeff Peacock. Scott Simon and Alex Ackel, who is his Campaign Manager for Adam Ackel, were introduced and each had ten minutes to present their vision for the 74th District should they be voted in as State Representative on October 20. 2007. Charlie Vandercook, President of the Honey Rose Foundation, presented current plans to develop land across from Merrywood. Initially plans involve a camp for the disabled. Mr Vandercook will be attending another meeting in the Spring as further plans are developed. A door prize drawing for a holiday snow globe was won by Sunny Gaude. Tuck Tucker announced that the Knights of Columbus at St John’s is having a Golf Tournament at Money Hill on October 13th. He invites anyone interested to contact him. Further information will also be on the Web Site. Ron closed the meeting at 9:05 PM.