Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025
Meeting Minutes โ 2025 Annual Meeting
Time Called to Order: 7:04 PM
Presiding: Tonya Prowse, POA President
Also Present: Chris Prowse, Improvement District Commissioner, and homeowners
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM. Tonya Prowse welcomed homeowners and asked that discussion remain on the agenda, with open comments available at the end.
2. Sewer Litigation Update
Chris Prowse provided an update regarding ongoing litigation with the sewer company.
- The subdivision has been involved in litigation for approximately six years.
- The dispute concerns ownership of the sewer pipes within the subdivision.
- The court previously ruled that the sewer company does not own the pipes, but also did not clearly establish ownership by St. Joseph Glenn.
- The case was delayed after the judge recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
- The subdivision is awaiting a new court date.
3. Sewer Rates and Possible Settlement
- The sewer companyโs rates were discussed, including concerns about high monthly charges.
- A possible settlement was discussed that would recognize subdivision ownership of the pipes and reduce rates to approximately $55/month with limited annual increases.
- Connection to Little Rock Wastewater remains a long-term option.
- Estimated project costs have increased from approximately $500,000 to about $1.4 million.
- Any future project would likely require bonding through the existing improvement district.
4. Improvement District Assessment
- A one-time improvement district tax increase was discussed.
- The increase was needed to cover legal fees related to sewer litigation.
- Phase Seven homeowners may need to be billed separately due to improvement district banking limitations.
- Any remaining funds may be applied toward bond obligations or future infrastructure needs.
5. Financial Report and Budget
The financial statement and proposed budget were reviewed.
- Attorney fees were a major expense from the prior year.
- Asphalt work had already been paid for, with an additional labor charge expected.
- The proposed budget largely mirrored the previous yearโs budget.
- The entertainment budget was reduced to $0.
- The $250 previously allocated for entertainment was moved to street repairs.
Budget Vote: The proposed budget change was approved by those present.
6. Street Repairs
- Current pothole repair work was discussed.
- A large pothole near the entrance was identified for repair.
- Asphalt patch bags will be tested in one of the larger dips before additional repairs are attempted.
- Birch Glen road issues were discussed, including potholes, sinkholes, clay, roots, and poor original road construction.
- The subdivision may ask the city to take over road maintenance in the future.
7. Bridge Repairs
- Both bridges had voids where dirt was washing out underneath.
- Repairs were completed to prevent safety issues.
- The work cost approximately $4,000.
- One bridge required approximately 140 bags of concrete, and the other required approximately 50 bags.
8. Garbage Trucks and Weight Limits
Heavy garbage trucks and delivery vehicles were discussed as a major contributor to road damage.
- A possible truck weight limit or axle limit was discussed.
- Smaller trash trucks may be acceptable.
- Residents discussed whether trash service could be coordinated subdivision-wide.
- The president was asked to research options and gather resident feedback.
9. No Soliciting Sign
- The previous no soliciting sign at the entrance is missing.
- Residents supported replacing the sign.
- Homeowners were encouraged to place visible no soliciting signs on their own property for stronger enforcement.
10. Improvement District Commissioner Vacancy
- The improvement district requires three commissioners.
- One commissioner position is vacant due to a resignation.
- Residents were asked to consider serving as a commissioner.
- The position primarily involves reviewing attorney updates and helping make infrastructure-related decisions.
11. POA Board Positions Needed
The president emphasized the need for residents to step up and serve on the POA board.
- Open positions include Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
- The president stated she is willing to continue for two more years if a full board can be established.
- If volunteers do not step forward, the POA may need to hire a management company.
- A management company would significantly reduce the amount of dues available for subdivision maintenance.
12. Open Comments
- Residents discussed road conditions, city involvement, possible grants, and subdivision maintenance.
- The cityโs current mayor was described as receptive to working with the subdivision.
- Grant opportunities for street repairs may be reviewed when available.
13. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned after open discussion. Residents were thanked for attending and encouraged to consider volunteering for POA or improvement district positions.
Key Takeaways
- Sewer litigation remains ongoing.
- Legal fees required a one-time improvement district assessment.
- Budget was approved with entertainment funds moved to street repairs.
- Street repairs and heavy truck traffic remain major concerns.
- A no soliciting sign will be replaced.
- POA board and improvement district volunteer positions need to be filled.