Tamarac HOA Annual Meeting
Saturday, October 4, 2025
MINUTES
Attendees: Mary Bartlett, President; Jean Long, Vice President, Stu Smith, Treasurer, Kathy Strasser, TAC, Judy Gardner, Secretary, Randy Vinson, Administrator. A total of 34 homeowners signed in (only one sign-in per residence allowed). There was a total of 50 people present.
Mary called the meeting to order at 10:00am. She asked for new residents (since last year’s annual meeting) to stand and introduce themselves. She also asked that attendees read the minutes from last year’s meeting which were provided (see Meeting Handouts).
New Business
- Board Election – Mary introduced the 3 candidates running for 3 open positions – she had previously sent an email to all homeowners with their resumes. Each candidate stood and gave a brief background: Sue Rounds, Ursula Strephans, Judith Gardner. Mary asked if there were any nominations from the floor – there were none. Homeowners filled out ballots (one per home) and they were collected and given to Jo Anne and Joe Garcia for tabulation.
- Fire Prevention – Although Mary had arranged for someone from the fire department to join us, no one showed up, even after several emails and phone calls to confirm.
- Committee Reports:
Architectural Committee (Kathy Strasser) – Provided a handout (see Meeting Handouts) to the group outlining major accomplishments over the past year and areas of concern. There are normally about 2 dozen violations to architectural guidelines at any one time. However, the small committee concentrated on the major issues. This past year focused on tripping hazards on sidewalks and painting of facias. One area that required attention was each home’s strip of land between their sidewalk and their house – which is the homeowner’s responsibility. More than 50 homes do not have the same rock in this area as the approved rock for the area the HOA is responsible for. After much discussion and checking with homeowners, the committee decided to allow homeowners to make their own decisions as to what to put in that area. They asked that the areas be attractive, and any questions should be addressed to the Architectural Committee.
Trees: Stu has the map for tree trim/removal which will take place in October/November. Pine and Cypress limbs that lean against or touch your house will be attended to. A total of 60 trees are scheduled to be trimmed and 7 trees taken down.
House Painting Schedule for 2026: Mary Bartlett reported that painting of scheduled houses will begin in February, and the colors will be the same as the houses are painted currently. Each house will be inspected prior to power washing and painting. They must have access to the backyard, Instructions will be provided to each homeowner prior to painting. It is expected that 2-3 houses will be painted per day.
Security Camera Update: Mary Bartlett reported that security cameras are currently in process of being installed inside the pool area due to recent vandalism. Cox Cable is installing internet access; cameras will be installed, and a security company will monitor the cameras during the night hours. Board members will also have access to the cameras. Solar lights are also being installed in the park area. No lights or cameras will affect private homes or yards. - Possible CC&R Revisions
Parking – The current CC&Rs were written in 2009. Since then, there have been major changes in the size of vehicles. This issue was the #1 priority for the board to address. The current rules state that vehicles must be less than 18 ft. long to be allowed to park in the street as long as there are two vehicles parked in the garage. There are some homes that have had modifications to their garages limiting the parking space available. These modifications were made in the past without board approval. However, new homeowners have an issue because personal (not commercial) trucks and some cars exceed 20 ft. in length and cannot fit in the garage (even those without modifications). In order to change a CC&R rule, we must have a quorum of 80% of homeowners and 60% approval. This is difficult to obtain if homeowners aren’t personally affected by this policy. However, the board will continue to work with legal counsel to find an appropriate solution to the problem. No fines will be charged to the affected homeowners while the situation is being resolved.
11.4 (a) Amendment. (a) Except for amendments which may be executed by the
Board pursuant to Subsection (b) of this Section, the Declaration or the Plat may
only be amended by the written approval, the affirmative vote, or a combination
of both of a majority of Owners of the Lots. 60.5 homeowners will need to approve
change. - Community Events – Save the Date!
Bulk Trash Pickup – 11/7/2025
Christmas Party – 12/6/2025 – at the pool park
- Financial Reports (Randy Vinson – Administrator) (Stu Smith – Treasurer)
Randy/Stu provided handouts (see Meeting Handouts). Mary thanked Randy for all of his hard work on our financial reports/recordkeeping and administration. We are currently slightly under budget and expect to be on, or slightly under, budget by year end. The Board has approved a $6 increase in HOA dues for 2026. This will increase the monthly dues from $154 to $160. $3 of this increase will go to operating expenses and $3 will go to our capital reserve. Some of the Increases in 2026 are landscaping/ sprinkler repairs/legal and a 14% increase by APS. Of the total budget, landscaping accounts for 47%; house painting is 27%; 8% to pool maintenance. Stu pointed out that if we didn’t have a totally volunteer Board of Directors, and had to pay for a management company, dues could be $40-50 higher.
Question: Does taking grass out and putting in rocks save any money? No, Sprinklers are still an issue; age of valve system needs constant repair; After the Board eliminated grass on 7th Ave. the landscaping bill didn’t go down – it goes up every year. Some trees died due to lack of water. Also, Kathy reported that in those cases where homeowners installed artificial turf, some trees died due to the heat of the rocks and lack of enough water. Cost of water went down a little, however that is paid by the homeowner. The price of seeds has gone up and we have lots that cost an excessive amount – example: 2 lots cost almost $1,000. We looked at installing a new sprinkler system, however, cost is prohibitive.
Stu pointed out that previous boards only sealed the streets once; we had to charge each resident $1300 in 2015 to put in new streets; Stu has projected the Capital Reserve out 30 years in order to save enough money to replace streets again in 10-15 years without (hopefully) having to charge each resident an assessment. We seal the streets every 4-5 years, the cost of which is included in the budget.
- Voting Results – All three nominees were accepted to become/remain board members.
- Other Business
Question: Why aren’t we charging parents of kids who are vandalizing the area? We have to prove that a specific person(s) committed the damage – which is one reason we are putting in cameras.
Question: JoAnn –Since the security company/board will be monitoring security what will we do with information? We will review videos and try to determine who is committing vandalism. If we can determine violators we will take action, which could be talking to the offender(s) family (if youth) or reporting to authorities for legal action.
Comment: JoAnne Garcia – I have lived here 30 years – this is best run board we’ve had. This is exceptional neighborhood. She thanked the board for volunteering their time and expertise to the community.
Question: What will the security company do if they see something unacceptable in the pool area? They have capability to communicate with anyone in the area through the system. If the violators don’t leave immediately, they will call police and notify the board.
Comment: The HOA is responsible for a part of the Moon Valley Park area/wash which is considered a Level 1 fire danger. Also, the proximity of our homes to each other presents a risk. Jean reported that we may plan another clean-up day when it’s cooler and before the trash pickup to ensure the area is safe and compliant with city requirements. We will notify homeowners in advance to obtain volunteers.
Question: Is everyone current with dues? Yes.
Question: Who is responsible for maintenance to cameras? The company will replace if damaged.
Question: Can we put in cactus? No – not allowed in the front yard.
Comment: Member at large (Mary) – the Board is adding a “member-at-large” to provide continuity to the board. This is a non-voting member and will be filled by Mary in 2026 as past President.
The drawing for a free month’s HOA dues was held and won by Marsha Aldrich, Lot 21.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:30am.