Minutes of the Bennington Community Annual Meeting
Thursday, March 09, 2000

Star Power presentation.

Meeting called to order at 8:00 p.m.

Board members present:  Wanda Harich, Greg Mott,  Maggie Gifford, Collin Hill, Troy Mitchell, and Richard Crow.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Troy Mitchell):

Troy will be stepping down as Treasurer.

There is approximately $219,000.00 in the operating budget.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

ARC (Shelly Ward):

Three walk-throughs will be performed to maintain the exterior of homes in the community.  She is looking for volunteers.

CLUBHOUSE (Cindy Nelligan):

Nothing to report.

GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE (Lance Wright):

Remind the community that there is no paint cans or tires to be left out for bulk pickup.  Hazardous waste can be dropped off at the City facility on Rabbit Road on the first Sunday of the month.

A resident wanted to know who was responsible for picking up trash left in the community.  Lance responded that it is everyone’s responsibility.

A resident was concerned about teens drinking and leaving beer bottles in the community.  He was told to identify the teens, inform the board and their parents, and if necessary call the police.

A resident wanted to know about the light problem on Honeybrook Lane and why he did not receive a return call.  He was told that he did not ask for a call unless there was a problem.  He agreed.

The community was informed that the City would be taking over Bennington’s lights in the future.  A resident wants to see this in writing.

The “Crier” is back in business.  The deadline for articles is February 15.

LANDSCAPING (Mel Karlinsky):

Spring Cleanup is scheduled for April 8 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Court Beautification plans can be submitted to the committee for approval.  The committee will provide money to purchase the supplies needed.  Residents are just required to do the labor and to maintain (water) the area for the first two years.

A resident was concerned about a bare area on Goodport Court.  The committee will provide them with grass seed.

Another resident wants the Board to start spending money on the community to update its appearance. The Board will look into budgeting items for next year.

A resident brought up the possibility of hiring a professional management company to obtain bids for a new landscaping company.

POOL (Tony Delisi):

The pool is being renovated and is at the second stage.  The pool is a major expense every year.  The cost of the renovation will be approximately $65,000.00.  It will be ready to open as scheduled.

WELCOMING (Pat Scaler):

Nothing to report. (Absent).  Call the Administrator if you know of new neighbors.

NOMINATIONS OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS:

Two members have left the Board and one member’s term is up.

Wanda Harich and Mel Karlinsky are on the ballot.  Rick Nelligan and Vaughn Parker are nominated from the floor.

The newly elected Board members are Wanda Harich, Mel Karlinsky and Rick Nelligan.

OLD BUSINESS:

·        PARKING ISSUE  Collin Hill would like volunteers to poll the community on the possibility of reserving parking spaces.  He will make sure that the work will be done according to the bylaws so that they can be changed if it is decided to do so.  Seventy-five percent of the community must agree to change the Bylaws.  The City of Gaithersburg will be contacted for their

assistance.  After much discussion a MOTION to table the discussion until the committee can determine a plan passed unanimously.

·        The large building on Clopper Road in the Bennington Corporate Center does not emit hazardous fumes, and Board was involved in having the stacks covered.

NEW BUSINESS:

·        Mel Karlinsky would like the Board to approve a change in the Architectural Guidelines that would allow second-story decks.  After much discussion for and against a MOTION to allow second-story decks.  A MOTION to table the motion passed.

MOTION to do no further action on the second-story deck issue without the community’s knowledge is moot do to the earlier motion.  No action will be taken without a mailing to the community first.

·        Richard Crow would like to recruit block-captains to help out with Welcoming, the Directory, etc.

·        Residents are concerned about the thefts and vandalism in the community.  They reiterated to the members to call the police if anything seems out of sorts.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.