May 5, 2018
Mt. Index Riversites Community Club, Inc.
annual meeting of property owners
Board members present: Mark Bollman, Carrie Byrne, Brent Corey, Rebecca Davis, Kathleen EckartLove, Patty Harbaugh, CJ Holmes, Gary Johnson, Don Larsen, Earl Van Buskirk, Mat Williams
Absent: Dave MacFarlane
Announcements & Opening Remarks
The meeting began with a welcome from Mark Bollman, President of the MIRCC Board. Bollman thanked Erika Palmer and Melissa Bailey for hosting the coffee hour that preceded the meeting.
Owners with discussion questions or issues of community-wide interest were invited to sign up for an opportunity to speak during the meeting. Owners with specific questions or concerns about lots or accounts were directed to see Bollman or Earl Van Buskirk individually after the meeting.
Four Nominees for Five Positions
Mark Bollman stated that for the new fiscal year, there were four nominees for five open positions. Carrie Byrne, CJ Holmes, Mat Williams, and Lora Cox will be joining or continuing on the Board for the next three-year term. After several years of service, Patty Harbaugh is retiring from the Board.
Revised Bylaws
Gary Johnson reminded everyone about the recently amended bylaws as they pertain to the availability of Board seats and mailing ballots. Last year, like this year, there were fewer nominations than available seats. Since last year’s results were a foregone conclusion, the Board did not mail out ballots. This was an effort to save money; however, it was pointed out that this was not in compliance with MIRCC bylaws.
To take care of this, the Board drafted a proposed bylaws amendment stating that when nominees were equal to or fewer than the number of seats available, no follow-up mailing of ballots would be necessary. The proposed change was mailed to owners last year. No comments were received from owners during the comment period, so in January 2018 the revised bylaws were approved.
This year, there were again fewer nominations than available seats. There were five open positions; only four individuals expressed an interest in serving. In compliance with the newly-amended bylaws, the Board did not mail out ballots.
Financial Report for 2017-18 Fiscal Year
Earl Van Buskirk recapped what the Board has accomplished financially this year.
There was a lot of collections activity. There were three foreclosures on property that resulted in MIRCC receiving past-due funds. MIRCC received four lots as deed in lieu of foreclosure. Two lots were sold, bringing in $13,600 (funds that are too recent to appear on the financial reporting). As part of its collection efforts, MIRCC has appeared before a judge three times and has had favorable outcomes in each case. All this activity has made a difference in overall collections.
Van Buskirk explained that income statements are divided into bridge users (E-Sec) and non-bridge users (A-Sec). Net income for May 2017 through April 2018 after expenses are paid for E-Section is $132k; net income for the same period for A-Section is $17k.
The Balance Sheet shows that total assets and liabilities are in balance and the balance is up $50k from a year ago. There are two more payments to make to Acrow for the bridge. One payment remains to satisfy owner bridge loans. Snohomish PUD gave the community $250k to help pay for the bridge (40% of its cost). In total, $12,900 remains to be paid on the bridge.
In E-Section, the Board has tried not assess for roads inside the community while owners were paying for the bridge. Successful collections activity has helped to make this achievable.
Aging accounts for A-Section total over $81k. E-Section has $174k in unpaid assessments at this time.
Van Buskirk noted that for the upcoming 2018-19 year, assessments for many E-Section owners are less than half of what they have been in the recent past.
Patty Hughes asked whether MIRCC has a way of recovering delinquent road dues when someone sells their property. Mark Bollman explained that typically, the answer is yes. MIRCC has liens on those properties. When such a property is sold, the escrow company sends a form asking what must be paid in order for MIRCC to release the lien. The exceptions are bank foreclosures and tax foreclosures; in those situations MIRCC is not first in line to be paid. Bollman said that for any account more than 90 days delinquent, a lien may be filed with the county. The hope is to eventually recover delinquent road dues through transfer of property.
John Sharf asked how Snohomish PUD’s decision to halt plans for a water project on Sunset Falls has affected PUD’s interest in the community. Van Buskirk stated that PUD still has land and equipment within the community. MIRCC will have meetings with PUD in the near future to stay informed. PUD does not appear to be planning any immediate changes.
Bollman reminded the audience that each month, the financial reports are reviewed at Board meetings. Property owners are always welcome to attend and hear the latest update.
Canyon Falls Bridge
Earl Van Buskirk reiterated that the bridge is nearly paid off. He contrasted that with the fact that, for a time, E-Section owners had to traverse the landslide between A and E sections on foot to reach their properties. Mark Bollman expressed amazement at how swiftly the bridge was installed and paid for.
E-Section Road Committee Report
Dave MacFarlance was absent. In his stead, Mark Bollman reported that MacFarlane enjoys a good relationship with Paul Hery, who has the equipment used to maintain E-Section roads. Bollman added that E-Section roads are pretty passable.
Gary Johnson mentioned that Paul Hery is a great resource to E-Section. He has a grader and excavator, and because he lives in the community, he is also able to address gate issues very effectively and economically.
A-Section Road Committee Report
Mat Williams said that Guy Bennett is a great asset to A-Section. Like Hery, he can build anything, and he has helped A-Section to locate and acquire good used equipment, which he can maintain. Williams said that A-Section roads have been well-maintained, despite the bad weather.
Brent Corey said logging trucks have been causing wear and tear on the Forest Service road between the Lake Serene trailhead and Highway 2. He encouraged drivers to slow down, since speed contributes to washboarding on the road. Corey said Bennett has done a miraculous job maintaining the road, especially the access from Route 2 to the A-Section gate.
Community Comments and Open Discussion
No one formally signed up to discuss a topic during the open discussion portion of the meeting; however, Jim Monahan asked what it would cost to pave A-Section roads. Williams said the A-Section committee has a pretty good idea of the cost, and that it is an A-Section goal to improve the roadway through the community. Paving would reduce maintenance. He noted that if more people would pay their assessments, paving would be more feasible.
John Sharf asked about the condition of the slide at Sunset Falls. Bollman stated that it is stunning to look at, and that it seems safe to assume that the county will never re-open the area. Williams suggested that anyone interested could look at the area’s history on Google Earth to see how the slide has changed yearly, and to see the new slides that have opened up.
Closing Remarks
Bollman mentioned that Lora Cox is the new member joining the Board. He said that the next meeting is Saturday, June 9 at 9am at the Index Fire Station.
Respectfully submitted by
Carrie Byrne & Rebecca Davis
Absent: Dave MacFarlane
Announcements & Opening Remarks
The meeting began with a welcome from Mark Bollman, President of the MIRCC Board. Bollman thanked Erika Palmer and Melissa Bailey for hosting the coffee hour that preceded the meeting.
Owners with discussion questions or issues of community-wide interest were invited to sign up for an opportunity to speak during the meeting. Owners with specific questions or concerns about lots or accounts were directed to see Bollman or Earl Van Buskirk individually after the meeting.
Four Nominees for Five Positions
Mark Bollman stated that for the new fiscal year, there were four nominees for five open positions. Carrie Byrne, CJ Holmes, Mat Williams, and Lora Cox will be joining or continuing on the Board for the next three-year term. After several years of service, Patty Harbaugh is retiring from the Board.
Revised Bylaws
Gary Johnson reminded everyone about the recently amended bylaws as they pertain to the availability of Board seats and mailing ballots. Last year, like this year, there were fewer nominations than available seats. Since last year’s results were a foregone conclusion, the Board did not mail out ballots. This was an effort to save money; however, it was pointed out that this was not in compliance with MIRCC bylaws.
To take care of this, the Board drafted a proposed bylaws amendment stating that when nominees were equal to or fewer than the number of seats available, no follow-up mailing of ballots would be necessary. The proposed change was mailed to owners last year. No comments were received from owners during the comment period, so in January 2018 the revised bylaws were approved.
This year, there were again fewer nominations than available seats. There were five open positions; only four individuals expressed an interest in serving. In compliance with the newly-amended bylaws, the Board did not mail out ballots.
Financial Report for 2017-18 Fiscal Year
Earl Van Buskirk recapped what the Board has accomplished financially this year.
There was a lot of collections activity. There were three foreclosures on property that resulted in MIRCC receiving past-due funds. MIRCC received four lots as deed in lieu of foreclosure. Two lots were sold, bringing in $13,600 (funds that are too recent to appear on the financial reporting). As part of its collection efforts, MIRCC has appeared before a judge three times and has had favorable outcomes in each case. All this activity has made a difference in overall collections.
Van Buskirk explained that income statements are divided into bridge users (E-Sec) and non-bridge users (A-Sec). Net income for May 2017 through April 2018 after expenses are paid for E-Section is $132k; net income for the same period for A-Section is $17k.
The Balance Sheet shows that total assets and liabilities are in balance and the balance is up $50k from a year ago. There are two more payments to make to Acrow for the bridge. One payment remains to satisfy owner bridge loans. Snohomish PUD gave the community $250k to help pay for the bridge (40% of its cost). In total, $12,900 remains to be paid on the bridge.
In E-Section, the Board has tried not assess for roads inside the community while owners were paying for the bridge. Successful collections activity has helped to make this achievable.
Aging accounts for A-Section total over $81k. E-Section has $174k in unpaid assessments at this time.
Van Buskirk noted that for the upcoming 2018-19 year, assessments for many E-Section owners are less than half of what they have been in the recent past.
Patty Hughes asked whether MIRCC has a way of recovering delinquent road dues when someone sells their property. Mark Bollman explained that typically, the answer is yes. MIRCC has liens on those properties. When such a property is sold, the escrow company sends a form asking what must be paid in order for MIRCC to release the lien. The exceptions are bank foreclosures and tax foreclosures; in those situations MIRCC is not first in line to be paid. Bollman said that for any account more than 90 days delinquent, a lien may be filed with the county. The hope is to eventually recover delinquent road dues through transfer of property.
John Sharf asked how Snohomish PUD’s decision to halt plans for a water project on Sunset Falls has affected PUD’s interest in the community. Van Buskirk stated that PUD still has land and equipment within the community. MIRCC will have meetings with PUD in the near future to stay informed. PUD does not appear to be planning any immediate changes.
Bollman reminded the audience that each month, the financial reports are reviewed at Board meetings. Property owners are always welcome to attend and hear the latest update.
Canyon Falls Bridge
Earl Van Buskirk reiterated that the bridge is nearly paid off. He contrasted that with the fact that, for a time, E-Section owners had to traverse the landslide between A and E sections on foot to reach their properties. Mark Bollman expressed amazement at how swiftly the bridge was installed and paid for.
E-Section Road Committee Report
Dave MacFarlance was absent. In his stead, Mark Bollman reported that MacFarlane enjoys a good relationship with Paul Hery, who has the equipment used to maintain E-Section roads. Bollman added that E-Section roads are pretty passable.
Gary Johnson mentioned that Paul Hery is a great resource to E-Section. He has a grader and excavator, and because he lives in the community, he is also able to address gate issues very effectively and economically.
A-Section Road Committee Report
Mat Williams said that Guy Bennett is a great asset to A-Section. Like Hery, he can build anything, and he has helped A-Section to locate and acquire good used equipment, which he can maintain. Williams said that A-Section roads have been well-maintained, despite the bad weather.
Brent Corey said logging trucks have been causing wear and tear on the Forest Service road between the Lake Serene trailhead and Highway 2. He encouraged drivers to slow down, since speed contributes to washboarding on the road. Corey said Bennett has done a miraculous job maintaining the road, especially the access from Route 2 to the A-Section gate.
Community Comments and Open Discussion
No one formally signed up to discuss a topic during the open discussion portion of the meeting; however, Jim Monahan asked what it would cost to pave A-Section roads. Williams said the A-Section committee has a pretty good idea of the cost, and that it is an A-Section goal to improve the roadway through the community. Paving would reduce maintenance. He noted that if more people would pay their assessments, paving would be more feasible.
John Sharf asked about the condition of the slide at Sunset Falls. Bollman stated that it is stunning to look at, and that it seems safe to assume that the county will never re-open the area. Williams suggested that anyone interested could look at the area’s history on Google Earth to see how the slide has changed yearly, and to see the new slides that have opened up.
Closing Remarks
Bollman mentioned that Lora Cox is the new member joining the Board. He said that the next meeting is Saturday, June 9 at 9am at the Index Fire Station.
Respectfully submitted by
Carrie Byrne & Rebecca Davis