Board Members for 2009-2010:
Cindy Rywak, President
John Kimbirl, Vice President
Keith Johnston, Secretary
Marvin Wilder Treasurer
Meda Cobb
Jim Kear
Russ Simmons
Ernie Sewell
To contact us, please send email to info@leatherwoodpoa.com
 
 

Leatherwood Mountains POA, Inc

July10, 2010 Board Communication

Our July Board meeting was held on July 10th at the Welcome Center.  The Board approved the minutes of the June 12th, 2010 board meeting and has attached them to this letter. 

 The Board discussed the outstanding dues and how to proceed with collections.  We still have quite a number of past due accounts. 

The Road Committee has received bids and the final decisions are forthcoming.  If you want your driveway paved, please contact Jim Kear.  Be aware there may be some disruptions in travel due to equipment and people in the road.

There will be some new signage around Leatherwood.  Please do not allow your pets to use the pool – it is for people only!!! 

We had a great 4th of July Celebration – thanks to Abbie, Connie, Bethany, and all the folks who helped us put it together!

As most of you are aware, a guest ran over our gate so we are using Wilkes County deputies until the gate is repaired.  I am sorry for the inconvenience but safety is the most important issue!

One of our property owners died recently – Debbie DeVita.  In her memory, donations may be sent to H.E.R.O. - Horse Equine Rescue Organization, a North Carolina company, P.O. Box 11045, Winston-Salem, NC 27116 (http://heroequinerescue.org).

Our next Board meeting is August 14th at the Welcome Center – we would love to have you participate in our meeting!

Thank you,

Cindy Rywak, President

Leatherwood POA Board of Directors Meeting

June 12, 2010

The Leatherwood POA Board of Directors met at 9:00, June 12, 2010 in the Welcome Center.

The meeting was called to order by President Cindy Rywak.   Also attending were John Kimbirl, Meda Cobb, Russ Simmons, Vance Stine, and Jim Kear.

Minutes of the May 8 meeting were corrected and approved.  John made the motion and Jim seconded.

Future board meeting dates were discussed and Russ Simmons distributed a schedule of ASU game dates.  It was agreed to leave the schedule of meetings on the second Saturday of each month as it is with no changes.

Communications and Activities Committee.  Cindy announced that Keith Johnston had agreed to help plan a July 4th event at Leatherwood since there is no chair named for the committee.  After some discussion Russ moved that the board pay for either hamburgers and hotdogs or for beverages in support of the event.  Meda seconded and it passed unanimously.

Facilities Committee.  Cindy reported that the non-slip painting of the pool deck area has been completed and that it looks nice and appears effective.

Cindy announced the pool drainage system passed the state mandated inspection at a cost to us of about $800 and the pool opened as scheduled on Memorial Day weekend.

A flyer was approved for posting at the pool advertising that pool toys, sunscreen, etc. are available for sale at the Saddlebrook gift shop.

Gate and Security.  Russ presented information about materials and costs for a sign saying “Absolutely all FIREWORKS are prohibited in Leatherwood” to be posted at the gate for July 4.  After discussion Cindy moved we order a reusable, moisture resistant sign that could be used at other appropriate holidays, at an approximate cost of $50 for a 16” x 20”  sign.  Meda seconded the motion and it was approved.

A property owner has asked for the gate code for the fire exit.  John reported that all appropriate fire service and emergency personnel as well as rental office and maintenance personnel have the codes and know to open the two fire exits in an emergency.  He stressed that we have made efforts to block unauthorized entrances and trails that could be used by hunters and four-wheelers to enter our property and that general circulation of the codes could defeat those efforts.  A letter from Keith Johnston supported John’s position and the board voted to restrict code distribution to the present list.  John made the motion and Vance seconded.

 Finance Committee:  Cindy reported that thirty-one property owners, including 14 homeowners, still owe $45,000 in past year’s dues.  She has instructed the POA lawyer to proceed with foreclosure proceedings on all of last year’s (or older) arrears, except for those who are paying on pre-arranged repayment plans.

 Management Company Update.  Cindy distributed a report from Treasurer Marvin Wilder regarding the fee schedule presented at the May meeting by the CAMS representative for professional management of Leatherwood.  CAMS basic charge of $5/mo. per lot would total $16,080 per year, plus additional fees for mailings, legal advice, employee insurance, etc.  By comparison, what we have been spending for services that CAMS would replace only total $9,688 in 2007, $10,443 in 2008, and $8,366 in 2009.  Marvin recommends we not consider such a change at this point.  The issue was tabled until our next meeting when absent board members can be present.

 Road Committee.  Jim reported that Blue Ridge Engineering has completed its survey of our roads for repair and is now writing the bid specification for competitive bidding which should begin next week.  Proposals and bids may be available for review at our next meeting.

 Russ reported that a POA member has offered to sell us a new steerable turbine blower for our tractor.  Our maintenance foreman claims it will pay for itself in reduced labor since it is strong enough to clear leaves from roads and gutters in one pass rather than doing one side at a time with the current small blower.  The road committee will ask for a trial or demonstration of the equipment before recommending any action.

 New Business:

Cindy reports a property owner has complained to the POA about trees on their property being cut by a neighbor without permission, and apparently without approval from the ARC.  There is also a report that a property owner has cut several trees of 6” diameter or more to block one of the horse trails.  Covenant Enforcement committee will investigate and contact the developer to be sure he is aware of these events and/or has dealt with them.  Maintaining the trails is still the responsibility of the developer although cutting trees is a fineable covenant violation.

The next board meeting will be at 9:00am on July 10.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.

Submitted by Jim Kear in Keith Johnston’s absence


UPCOMING EVENTS

Please watch this section for additional happenings! Contact abbie@goleatherwood.com for additional information or to make a suggestion.

Click Here to View POA meeting calendar

All Board meetings are tentatively scheduled on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10:00 - Location is the Welcome Center or Saddlebrook Restaurant. We always encourage property owners to attend our meetings.


RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

Covenant Reminders: Before you begin your plans for the construction of your new home, fence, building, car port, etc., please review the covenants. In the introduction, one paragraph states: "Although a lot (dwelling unit) owner actually owns the footage on the exterior of his building, any permanent structure or improvements erected or placed in that space must have the approval of an architectural review board. This is necessary to prevent unsightly additions, fences and structures which are inconsistent with the character of Leatherwood Mountains as a planned residential community."

For a complete reading of the restrictive covenants click on the above "Restrictive Covenants" (in red). Following is a summary of the Restrictive Covenants and the Architectural Review requirements (found in article VI).

SUMMARY OF PROPERTY RESTRICTIONS
LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS

THIS IS AN ABBREVIATED SUMMARY OF RESTRICTIONS.  PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD OBTAIN A COMPLETE COPY OF THE RECORDED DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND RESTRICTIONS.

1. RESIDENTIAL USE - Single-family residence and outbuildings 
2. SIZE AND PLACEMENT OF RESIDENCES AND STRUCTURES
    a.  1,200 square foot minimum, three story maximum, prior approval of plans and location
         of structures 
    b.  Setbacks - 45' front, 15' side, 25' rear line 
3. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
    a.  Plumbing connected to septic tank 
    b.  Complete construction within 1 year of starting 
    c.   No occupancy unless residence is complete 
    d.  Structures to be built of substantially new materials 
    e.  Fuel storage tanks to be buried or hidden
         Outdoor trash receptacles to be hidden 
    f.   Structures damaged by fire, etc. must be repaired or removed within 3 months 
    g.  Tract and improvements shall be maintained by owner
4. PROHIBITIONS
    a.  No mobile homes 
    b.  No outside toilets 
    c.  No temporary structures 
    d.  No permanent lights visible from any other tract 
    e.  No signs without prior approval 
    f.   No junk automobiles 
    g.  No clothes lines visible from streets 
    h.  No "model exhibit" houses without prior approval 
    i.   No nuisance activities 
    j.   No mining activities 
    k.  No on street parking without prior approval 
    l.   No tree over 6" removed without prior approval 
    m. No trash or debris stored or burned 
    n.  No access through perimeter tracts to interior of Leatherwood 
    o.  No tract subdivided or boundary lines changed,
     except those owned by Leatherwood  
5. EASEMENTS
    a.  Pedestrian easements are for pedestrians, bicycles, and horses only, no vehicles 
    b.  Leatherwood reserves these easements:
          1.The road right-of-way and 15' along side and rear lines for utilities and
             drainage ditches 
          2.The road right-of-way and rear and side setback areas for gas, water,
             and sewer 
          3.The right to withdraw water from any above ground water source for a
             property owner unable to obtain water at reasonable expense within his
             tract 
    c.    Leatherwood reserves easement for TV cables within above easements 
    d.   Leatherwood reserves road rights-of-way on all present and future plats for utility and
          drainage installation and maintenance.
    e.   Rights-of-way on each tract will be maintained by the Association.  No interference
          with road or trail maintenance. Trails may be relocated by tract owner at his expense,
          with prior approval

GENERAL PROVISIONS
These restrictions shall remain with the land until January 1, 2017.  They shall be extended automatically for periods of 10 years, unless an instrument signed by more than 50% of the members of the Association has been recorded, agreeing to change the covenants; provided that any time after January 1, 1990, these restrictions may be amended by the vote of 2/3 of each class of members of the Association to make variations in the restrictions but not to make changes that would annul any material rights of owners provided herein.

RIGHT OF REPURCHASE
Leatherwood reserves the right of first refusal to purchase the tracts in Leatherwood.

LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

PURPOSE

We wish to maintain a continuity of quality of construction and pleasing esthetics consistent with the Leatherwood philosophy in order to maintain the integrity of Leatherwood. Major concerns are visibility of the structure and the impact on other property owners' views.

PROCEDURE

Before commencing construction or cutting trees, submit to the Architectural Review Committee two complete sets of the final plans, including the following:

           a.  Map showing location of the structure.

           b.  Construction material types.

           c.  Colors of roof and exterior.

           d.  Four elevation drawings.

           e.  Grading and landscaping plans.

We will respond within 30 days of receiving your plans. One set of plans and specifications will be returned to you and the other copy will be retained.

GUIDELINES

The following items are suggested guidelines, not inclusive of all considerations. They are not intended to supplant the covenants of Leatherwood, but to expand on the Leatherwood concept. These guidelines may be revised from time to time. Each proposed structure will be considered on its own merits.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each property owner to comply with the covenants and these guidelines.

CLEARING AND GRADING

The site for any proposed structure is extremely critical within Leatherwood. Consideration shall be given to such things as:

                a. Location of septic systems and wells. Once a site is proposed, the location of a septic system must be approved by the county as it relates to the building site.

                b. Grading and clearing for driveways. Driveways should be planned to limit the amount of clearing and earth moving required. This is not only good economical practice, but is much kinder to the environment. Clearing and grading can cause serious erosion and long-term damage. In so far as possible, driveways should be curved to limit visibility of any improvements from the main roadway. A straight driveway is less aesthetically pleasing than a curved one. A curved driveway using the terrain may afford a gentler grade on the driveway as well. As with all of the other criteria expressed in this document, consideration for approval of the driveway will include its appearance from other property owners' views. Be sure to get your county septic permit before you do any grading of any kind, because you may destroy your septic field.

GENERAL

Homes that visually "disappear" into the trees and natural terrain are desirable. This can be achieved by using natural materials, such as wood and stone, and choosing colors consistent with nature. The following specifications are consistent with Leatherwood's natural environment.

ROOF PITCH

Recommend 10/12 or 12/12 or more, however, a minimum acceptable pitch is 8/12. Porch and hip roofs may be less steep than this.

ROOFING COLOR

Earth tones and greens that blend with the natural surroundings.

SIDING MATERIALS

Natural materials such as logs, wood, and stone.

FOUNDATION

The color and material of your foundation should blend with the structure and/or surroundings. Stone is preferred. Earth-toned stucco may be used where not prominent or not visible.

BARNS, OUTBUILDINGS, FENCES & SIGNS

All of the above criteria apply to barns, outbuildings, fences, and signs. For signs, smaller is better, farther from roadway is better, muted colors blending with background, maximum size: 18” x 18” All must be pre-approved in writing.

SATELLITE DISHES

Smaller is better, not visible or disguised from roadways and neighbors is best.

WELL

Wells should be located away from the main roadway, if possible, and disguised with a "fake" rock cover, wood rails, and/or evergreen native bushes and mulch.

LATER CHANGES OR ADDITIONS

In addition to new home construction, any construction or alteration on any tract must be approved prior to commencement. This includes tree-cutting, signs, and landscaping.

Plans should be submitted to Mountain Resource Company, P.O. Box 1426, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 for approval prior to additions to lots here in Leatherwood. We must all work together to ensure that the Leatherwood ambiance is maintained.

Please notify your contractor of the following:
No burning of trash or materials
No noisy work on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Dogs are roaming the area at times. If you have a pet with you, please keep that pet on your property.

We ask that we all work together to ensure compliance with the setting that we want here.

To contact us, please send email to info@leatherwoodpoa.com.





 Copyright © 2007 Leatherwood POA. Site Development by J & L DESIGNERS