National Night Out is Tuesday, August 5th  

The   board   had   a   brief   mee-ng  June  11th  to  plan  for  NNO  (5:30  to  8:00  pm).    We  picked   the   theme  “Patrio(c”  the  ole  red,  white  and  blue.     We   also   voted   that   BBQ  pulled   pork   and   pulled   chicken,  with   buns   and   baked   beans   will  be   supplied   by   the   HOA   Board  along   with   sodas   and   water.  Please  bring  a   side  dish   to   share,  (odd   numbered   addresses   will  supply   “salads   and   chips”)   and  (even   numbered   addresses   will  supply  “dessert  items  and  chips”).    The  Na-onal  Night  Out  event   is  a  na-onwide   campaign   focused   on  helping   neighbors   get   to   know  each  other  beOer  and  to  

become   aware   of   poten-al  c r i m i n a l   a c - v i t y   i n   t h e  neighborhood   (see   page   3   for  crime   stories   at   MF1).   This   has  always  been  a  very  popular  event  at  Meridian  Firs  1.    This   is   an   excellent   way   to   meet  your   neighbors,   come   join   the  fun!   Watch   for   add i-ona l  informa-on   to   follow   as   we   get  closer  to  the  date.                                    See   you   Tuesday,   August   5th   in  the   field   behind   the   upper  mailboxes  (don’t  forget  to  bring  a  side  dish  and  a  chair  to  sit  on).      

Windermere PROPERTY  MANAGEMENT  

Chantelle  Mitchell,  CMCA,  AMS  cmitchell@wpmsouth.com  253-­‐638-­‐9811  ext.  218  

JULY/AUGUST                  2014  

Marilyn  Kennedy  Heidi  Guthrie  Deb  Camuso  Pauline  Schoeneman  Cliff  MaOhews  Ron  Knowlton  Judy  Berghuis  

President  Vice  President  Treasurer  Secretary  Director  Director  Director  

BOARD  of  DIRECTORS  

Presidents Message: Better Communities

August/September 2011

T O W N H O M E C O M M U N I T Y

More than a destination at the end of the day, a community association is a place you want to call home and where you feel at home. There is a difference between living in a community and being a part of a community. Being a part of a community means sharing with your neighbors a common desire to promote harmony and contentment.

This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents and association leaders reorganize and accept their rights and responsibilities. In all cases, this entails striking a reasonable, logical balance between the best interest of individual homeowners and those of the community as a whole.

Community Associations exist because communities exist and because they offer choices, lifestyles, amenities and efficiencies that people value. Yet, with all their inherent advantages, Community Associations face complicated issues, none more common than the challenge of balancing the rights of the individual homeowner and those of the community as a whole. Managing this critical and delicate balance is often the essence of effective community leadership.

Property ManagerShelley Murray - 206-387-7177 smurray@windermere.com

President Marilyn KennedyVice Pres Judy BerghuisSecretary Heidi GuthrieTreasurer Deb CamusoAt Large Ron KnowltonAt Large Pauline SchoenemanAt Large Susann Haines

Board of Directors

National Night OutSave the Date . . . Tuesday - August 2, 20105:00PM – 9:00PM (upper grass lot by old tennis courts)

Together Again: Meridian Firs 1 & 2

• HOA to provide Hawaiian Pork & Chicken

• Water & Sodas

Meridian Firs 1 residents, bring Salad or Chips to share

Meridian Firs 2 residents, bring Dessert to share

Games – Prizes – Bounce Toy - Food - Fun - Friends

Goal is for Uniformity in Complex by  board  of  directors    At  our  last  board  mee-ng  in  May,  we  reviewed   the   new   lamp   post  resolu-on/rule  and  a   leOer  was  sent  out  to  all  owners.    The  board  will  hire  someone   to   fix   any   broken   lamp  posts   and   put   on  missing   globes   for  uniformity   in   the   complex   with   the  standard   round   globe.     The   lamp  posts   will   be   repaired,   but   the  individual   homeowner   will   be  responsible  for  any  electrical  issues  if  they   aren’t   working   (as   the   power  source  for  the  posts   is   located  inside  each  unit).  We  are  a  community  of  58  homeowners  so  this  is  a  large  under-­‐  taking   by   the   board.     A   couple   of  examples  are  below:        

Our   goal   is   to   have   all   light   posts  looking  the  same  and  in  tact.  This  will  make  a  big  impact  in  the  complex.      

At   our   2013   annual   homeowners  mee-ng,   owners   were   asked   to  sign   and   return   the   “Consent   to  Amendment   of   the   Declara-on  for   Mer id ian   F i r s   Owners  Associa-on”   and   “Consent   to  Amendment   of   the   Ar-cles   of  Incorpora-on   of   Meridian   Firs  Owners  Associa-on”   to  allow   the  board  borrowing  authority.    We   needed   a   total   of   44  signatures   of   both   documents  before  we  would  be  able  to  make  the  change,  but  we  received  only  a   few   signatures   back   of   the  number  that  was  required.    Board  members   started   knocking   on  doors   to   explain   to   owners   the  importance  of   this  change  and  to  clear   up   any   confusion   about  “borrowing   power”   they   may  have  had.            It’s   important   for   everyone   to  fully   understand   the   implica-ons  of  the  amendments  to  the  CC&Rs  being  approved  by  2/3  vote  of  the  homeowners.    With  this  approval,  it   will   bring   the   associa-on’s  covenants  more  up-­‐to-­‐date  (these  were  wriOen  back  in  the  80’s  and  have  never  been   revised).     It  will  also   allow   the   associa-on   to  borrow   money   to   fund   exterior  ma i n t e n an c e   a nd   c a p i t a l  improvement   projects   in   the  future,  and  lastly  it  will  reduce  the  percent   requirement   to   pass  future   amendments   from   75%   to  60%  of  vo-ng  membership.    Thank   you   board   members   for  geong   the   addi-onal   signatures  needed  and  geong  this  passed,  a  HUGE  effort!      

The   board   would   like   to  recognize   Pauline   Schoeneman  who   lives   at   24941   for   the  improvements   made   to   her  yard   this   Spring,   with   the  addi-on  of  a  railing  and  border  in   her   front   yard   which   is  credited   to   her   son   Bill   for   his  handywork.        We  would  also  like  to  say  thank  you   for   following   the   process  and  turning  in  the  architectural  request   form   when   making  changes   to   a   structure   (she  added   the   railing   to   the   top  of  her   stairs)   and   the   board  a p p r o v e d   t h e   c h a n g e !    R emembe r   m a k i n g   a n y  improvements   to   the   outside  structure  of   the  building  needs  board  approval   (without   it,   the  board   reserves   the   right   to  have   the   structure   removed   at  h omeown e r s   e x p e n s e ) .    Remember  Architectural  Forms  can   be   found   on   our   website,  the   address   is   located   in   Odds  &  Ends  on  page  3.    Pauline   &   Bill,   what   you   did  really   improved   the   look   of  your   front   yard   (understanding  it  is  s-ll  a  work  in  progress).      

Page  2  WE DID IT! by  board  of  directors  

Newsletter Publish Months Changed by  judy  berghuis  

Over  the  past  couple  of  years  the  newsleOer   has   gone   through   a  few   trials   &   tribula-ons.     When  we   first   started   publishing   the  newsleOer   it   came   out   monthly,  but  it  was  filled  with  non-­‐essen-al  ar-cles   because   we   didn’t   have  enough  to  write  about.    Then  we  changed  it  to  quarterly  and  found  that   the   informa-on   in   the  newsleOer  was  too  far  in  advance  to  do  anyone  any  good.    So  the  last  board  mee-ng  we  had  in  May,   I   suggested   to   the   board  that   we   start   publishing   the  newsleOer   bi-­‐monthly,   this  ensures   the   informa-on   is   much  fresher  when   it   happens   and   not  too  far  in  advance  that  it  might  be  forgoOen.        Hopefully   with   six   newsleOers   a  year,   we   finally   hit   on   the   right  number.      

Appreciation to Our Neighbor by  board  of  directors  

A   car   (1993   black   Honda   Civic)  was   stolen   from   our   neighbor-­‐  hood   back   on   April   13th.   It   was  taken   from   the   driveway   of   the  homeowner  living  at  24852  in  the  upper  loop  in  Meridian  Firs  1.    Also,   thieves   broke   into   another  vehicle   (a   white   van)   that   same  month,   again   in   the   upper   loop.  The   van   was   used   as   a   work  vehicle.    A  laptop  was  stolen  from  the  vehicle  and  was  aOached  to  a  swivel   holder,   it   had   industrial  strength  velcro  aOached  to  it  (the  thieves   ripped   out   the   swivel  holder).     Also   a   baOery   charger  was   plugged   into   the   laptop   and  the  thieves  (instead  of  unplugging  it)  cut  the  wire  and  took  it  also.      There   was   also   a   report   of  another   aOempted   break-­‐in   late  at   night   into   another   car   parked  in   the   upper   circle.   This   aOempt  was  thwarted  by  alert  neighbors.      

Homeowners   are   reminded   to  keep   their   vehicles   locked   up.  Also   to   keep   doors   and  windows  to   their   homes   locked   up   even  during  the  day.        We   ask   that   you   report   anything  suspicious   by   calling   911.   If   you  ask   yourself,   “should   I   call   911”,  the  answer  is  probably  yes.    The  Kent  Police  have  been  out  to  our   neighborhood   a   number   of  -mes   lately  and  are  aware  of  the  situa-on.   They   are   ac-vely  working   to   solve   some   of   these  theqs.    Any   informa-on   you   might   have  could  be  very  valuable  to  the  Kent  Police   in   puong   a   stop   to   these  theqs!    Don’t   leave   anything   of   value   in  your  car  –  don’t  be  a  vic7m!  

Page  3  

Crimes @ Meridian Firs 1 Are Up By  ron  knowlton  

Odds & Ends by  Board  of  Directors  

Meridian   Firs   Email   address   is  meridianfirs1@gmail.com  send  us  an  email   and   it   copies   to   all   board  members.    M e r i d i a n   F i r s   W e b s i t e   i s  hOp://www.meridianfirs1.com/   you  c a n   fi n d   a n   a b u n d a n c e   o f    informa-on  here.    Board  Mee7ng  Schedule:    The  Board  of  Directors  holds  eight   (8)  mee-ngs  throughout  the  year.    The  Board  does  not  meet  in:  March,  June,  August,  or  December.    Mee-ngs  are  held  on  the  2nd  Tuesday  of  the  month  at  5:30  PM  at   the   WPM   South   Office   and   are  subject  to  change  without  no-ce.    At  the  beginning  of  each  mee-ng   there  is   a   homeowner’s   forum   –   owners  are   encouraged   to   aOend   the  mee-ng   to   stay   informed   on   the  business   of   the   associa-on.     If   you  plan   on   aOending   the   mee-ng,  please  call  in  advance  to  be  added  to  the  agenda  or   to  be  no-fied   if   there  is   any   change   in   the   mee-ng  schedule.    4th   of   July   Celebra7on:   Remember  Meridian  Firs  1  prohibits  fireworks  of  any   kind   within   our   community.  Failure   to   comply   will   result   in   a  $100.00   fine   to   the   owner   who   is  most  directly  related  to  the  situa-on  or   the   parents   of   any   minors  involved,   followed  by   a   $200.00   fine  per   occurrence   thereaqer.   Lake  Meridian  has  a  professional  show.  

The  saying  “you  get  what  you  put  in”  applies  to  associa-on   living.    There’s  more   to  being  a  member  of   an  HOA  than  many  people  realize.    A   community   associa-on   is   a   non-­‐profit  en-ty  with  the  sole  purpose  of  maintaining,   protec-ng,   preserving  and  enhancing  the  common  property  of  the  development  while  promo-ng  harmony   among   the   membership.      As   a   new   homeowner   within   an  associa-on,  you  should  know  what  is  expected  of  you.  1.    Par7cipate  in  the  community  AOend   the   annual   associa-on  mee-ng,   open   board   mee-ngs   and  social   func-ons   like   NNO   to   have   a  beOer   unders tand ing   o f   the  community’s   business   and   to  promote   a   sense   of   community   by  mee-ng  your  neighbors.    Volunteer   your   -me   as   a   leader  within  the  community  and  run  for  an  open   board   posi-on.   Support   the  community   associa-on   by   following  the   rules,   including  maintaining  your  property   and   not   damaging   or  liOering  on   the  common  area.   If   you  learn  of  a  neighbor  that  is  not  abiding  by   the   governing   documents,  introduce   yourself   and   share   your  concern.    They  may  not  be  aware  of  the   governing   documents,   rules   and  policies  of  the  community.  2.     Keep   up-­‐to-­‐date   on   associa7on  affairs  Review   your   associa-on’s   governing  documents   to   stay   current   on   what  your   responsibili-es   are.     These  documents   are   in   place   to   protect  the   value   of   all   the   homes   and   to  ensure   uniformity   throughout   the  community.   Read   the   associa-on  newsleOers   and   visit   the   associa-on  website   frequently.   Review   the  annual   assessment   no-ce   and  budget.      

If   an   amendment   to   one   of   the  governing  documents   is  proposed,  educate   yourself   by   reading   and  understanding   the   governing  documents  and  the  reason  for  the  proposed   change.     Take   it   upon  y ou r s e l f   t o   p a s s   o n   t h a t  informa-on   and   educate   your  neighbors,   to   ensure   that   the  amendment  posi-vely  impacts  the  associa-on  as  a  whole  –  not  just  a  few  members.  3.   Vote   for   board   of   director  candidates   and   on   community  associa7on  maLers  Each   associa-on   is   led   by   a  volunteer   board   of   directors.  Annually   you   will   be   invited   to  aOend   a   membership   mee-ng   in  November   to   vote   on   associa-on  maOers,   including   the   elec-on   of  board   members.     The   length   of  board   member   terms   of   office   is  defined   in   the   bylaws.   Board  members   vote   among   themselves  to  determine  who  will  serve  in  the  capacity  of  officers  (president,  vice  president,   treasurer,   secretary,  etc).  4.    Pay  annual  assessments    The  board  of  directors  will  adopt  a  budget   annually.   Expenses   will  include   items   such   as  maintaining  the   common   areas,   addressing  legal   and   safety   issues,   enforcing  the   covenants,   and   adequately  insur ing   the   property   and  associa-on.    Without  the  member-­‐ship   paying   the   assessment,   the  associa-on   would   not   be   able   to  afford   these   items   –   or   even   an  aOorney   to   collect   the   delinquent  balances.   Each   lot   or   unit   owner  within   a   community   associa-on   is  an   automa-c   member,   and   is  required   to   pay   all   assessments  and  charges.  Unlike  a  country  club  membership   with   dues,   those  l i v ing   wi th in   a   community  associa-on  are  not  able  to  opt  out  and  avoid  paying  the  assessments.      

Page  4  HOA Living: You Get What You Give by  board  of  directors  

Summer Grilling by    board  of  directors  

One   of   the   most   enjoyable  summer   pas-mes   is   cooking  outdoors  with   family  and   friends.  Nearly  everyone  would  agree  that  a  steak  or  burger  cooked  over  the  open-­‐flame   of   an   outdoor   grill  tastes   beOer   than   one   prepared  indoors   in  a  broiler  or   frying  pan.    However,   residents   in   mul--­‐residen-al   housing   must   take  special   precau-ons   to   enjoy   the  benefits   of   grilling   outdoors.  Using   open-­‐flame   grills   or   other  grills   can   be   unsafe.   By   taking   a  few  simple  precau-ons  you  could  prevent   a   relaxing   evening  outdoors  from  turning  into  a  fiery  tragedy   for   you   and   your  community.    Posi-on  grills  at   least  10  q.  away  from   siding,   fences,   deck   rails,  and   out   from   under   eaves   and  hanging  tree  branches.  Keep   children   away   from   grill  areas:   declare   a   3   foot   “safe  zone”  around  the  grill  The   smoke   produced   during  grilling  can  be  harmful,  even  fatal.  Lethal  smoke  can  build  up  in  your  unit   or   your   neighbors   unit  through  an  open  window  without  your  knowing.