The Grapevine
Volume 1 - December 12th, 2001

Dear Marie's Vineyard Homeowners,

On October 18th, 2001, we had our first Marie's Vineyard Homeowners Association meeting. This meeting was mainly for the election of Officers and Board Members. Results are as follows:

The Officers and Board members have met three times since October 18th. We started bank accounts and paid routine utility bills. We negotiated a new lawn maintenance contract. The original contract was $4200 yearly for lawn maintenance of the neighborhood entry and the new contract is for $3,888 yearly, saving $312 each year. The contract is going to be adjusted to contain pruning and fertilizing of the trees in the tree plan.

The Board has also reviewed the Bylaws and Covenants. The Bylaws are the rules that govern how the Board conducts its business. The Board may change the Bylaws by a simple majority vote of the Board. Covenants are the "laws" of the neighborhood. The Covenants cannot be changed without a vote of the homeowners with 2/3 of the votes favoring the proposed amendment(s). The Board has created some proposals for changes to the Covenants. These proposals will be discussed, but not officially voted on at the upcoming neighborhood association meeting. Please let us know if you need a copy of the Covenants.

We are currently checking with the City of Olympia on the status of the funds for the neighborhood park. When the neighborhood was built, each house paid $1844 (source Patty Ingersoll) to the City of Olympia Parks Department. (Open Spaces $1242, Ball Parks $300, Urban Trails $163, Parks $106, and Tennis Courts $33). The Board will update all homeowners on this matter as it develops.

ADDRESSES

The Board members would like to know how best to communicate with you. There is a address change form attached that you should fill out to indicate your preferences. If you do not respond, then I will not change your address.

PRODUCT RECALL

Owners of the "Whirlpool Over The Range Microwave Hood Combination" should be aware that this product has been recalled. Whirlpool wants you to disconnect the power to your microwave, and call 1-800-785-8897, or visit www.repair.whirlpool.com . The manufacturer will give you up to $100 to help you buy a microwave while you are waiting for them to repair your built in microwave. They are concerned about the product's fire safety record.

SPEEDING

Numerous individuals have complained about the speed of traffic in our neighborhood. Please drive responsibly, and be careful of small children.

PARKING

Concern has been expressed regarding illegal parking. Parking is legal on only one side of the road so that emergency vehicles may reach our homes. Parking is also illegal in cud-de-sacs. Please inform your family and guests.

WEB SITE

Laura Christian, our Board Member and Webmaster is developing a web site for our Homeowners Association. The web address is www25.brinkster.com/mvhoa . (Yes, the address starts www25.) The site is operational, but not finished.

QUARTERLY MARIE'S VINEYARD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MEETING

All Marie's Vineyard homeowners are invited to the Homeowners Association meeting on January 31st, 2002, 7 p.m. at McKenney Elementary school, 3250 Morse-Merryman Rd. SE. The Board members want your input.

(Return to Meetings)