MINUTES
Board of Directors Meeting
Valencia Hills Homeowners Association
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Stephen Jenkins, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members and
guests were present: Stephen Jenkins, Jim Powder, Betty Lawrence, Andy Tyzbir, Kathy Peer, Denise Boyd, and
Dennis Luppens.
GUEST’S BUSINESS:
Dennis Luppens, City of Santa Clarita Special Districts Administrator with the Administrative Services Department
attended the meeting to introduce himself to the Board of Directors. He apologized for the confusion regarding the
ballot for the vote on changing the methodology used to determine assessment rates levied on residential properties
for the maintenance of landscaped medians in the City’s major thoroughfares. He stated that the measure did pass
with 81% of the vote, the City Counsel adopted it, and an approximate $8.00 reduction in our T-1 assessment will be
reflected on our next property tax bills.
Leah Thompson asked Mr. Luppens the status of a few landscape repair items that have been “in the works” for over
a year (i.e. brick and mow curb repair, and concrete deviations). He was unaware that the repair work had not been
resolved and asked Leah to forward the emails of her correspondence with the City to him. He said that he would
look into it and respond accordingly.
Mr. Luppens reviewed the Valencia Hills’ projects the City plans to complete in 2008-2009. Jim Powder asked Mr.
Luppens to provide the Association with the 2008 budget for the T-3 (Valencia Hills only) landscape district. Mr.
Luppens will email the budget to Leah Thompson, and she will forward it to the members of the Board. He indicated
that if the Board has any areas of concern with regard to the budget they should call in November or December to
address any issues.
ASSOCIATION MANAGER’S REPORT:
A request from homeowner to waive clubhouse rental fee to hold a “thank you” dinner for a non-profit organization
on Thursday, May 22, 2008 was approved. Security deposit required.
A homeowner’s suggestion requiring homeowner’s sign in upon entering the pool area was approved.
The Board discussed the minimum age requirement for children at the pool without adult supervision, which is
currently eight. They asked the Manager to call the insurance company to see if there is a liability issue and to
contact Old Orchard I and Old Orchard II to find out their policy.
The Board discussed a letter received from a homeowner regarding an incident in which her dog was bitten by
another dog running off leash in the field area. The homeowner was seeking monetary recovery from the
Association for a veterinarian bill incurred as a result of the dog bite, which the Board did not approve. The Board
will suggest the homeowner seek recovery from the owner of the other dog. Additionally, the Board reiterated that
the field area has never been approved for, nor has it ever been designated as, an “off-leash dog park”.
In accordance with Santa Clarita Valley municipal code 8.32.010 dogs running at large are prohibited. The Board
asked Leah Thompson to contact Santa Clarita Valley Public Safety to have some signs made up and posted
throughout the paseo advising homeowners of the law.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Financial:
Jim Powder will sign and mail the Finch and Swanson engagement letter.
Director of Operations:
The Manager presented two bids that she had obtained for Clubhouse and pool area video security systems. Prior
to the Board making a decision, Stephen Jenkins will check pricing and availability on the Internet.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board and Denise Boyd discussed the importance of passing the restated CC&R’s and By-Laws. Jim Powder
proposed sending out a 1-item ballot to decrease the number of votes required for approval (currently 80%) to a
more reasonable number. At 80% the new documents will never be approved, as it is difficult to even reach a
quorum (50% plus 1) for the election of officers.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next Board meeting will be the Annual Meeting
scheduled to be held on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse.