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Community members who served on the Rules Committee over the past year were: Britt Wisniewski, Chair; Judy Colby, Vice Chair; Lynn Koontz; Georgia Powers; Barbara Cooper; Bob Doupe, Alternate Member; Judi Slajer, Board Rep; and Larry Kibbee, Board Rep. The Rules Committee holds their regular meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
The following are some of the items the Rules Committee discussed, reviewed, made recommendations or acted on over the past year.
In May of 2009, the Committee began its work on a redefinition of single family in our governing documents. This was in response to a request from the Board that the Committee and the Manager conduct research into broadening the definition of "single family" in the Protective Covenants. The result of this effort is on the ballot for the upcoming Annual Election.
The Committee also provided the Board with a recommendation for the definition of an Ex Officio Committee Member which considers the contributions made by the inclusion of staff in Committee work.
In June of 2009, the Committee forwarded to the Board revisions to Rules and Regulations, Part II, Chapter 20, regarding the Appeal Hearing Procedures and Appeal Request Form. This was in response to a need for procedures outlining the appeal hearing process and the need for a document to summarize the outcome. The Appeal Request Form was also revised requiring the appellant to specify in detail the grounds for their appeal. To date, no additional recommendations for procedural changes for hearings have come forward from the Committees.
In July of 2009, the Committee met with representatives of the Lot and Greenbelt Committees to work through draft language regarding trees, views and landscaping for inclusion in Rules and Regulations, Part I – General. New policy will include a definition of shoreline and sensitive areas, view restoration, view creation and clarify the permit, mitigation and maintenance fees. The final version of the language is awaiting the outcome of Ballot Issues 2 and 3 following the Annual Election.
After the Harbor Committee reviewed and finalized their Guidelines, the Rules Committee forwarded them to the Board for consideration.
In September of 2009, the Committee participated in a Board Work Session to clarify the role and mission of the Rules Committee including its administrative structure and how the two entities function together to strengthen service to the Community.
The Communications Committee Guidelines were reviewed and forwarded to the Board for consideration. Revisions included allowing the placement of real-estate ads on the Website.
In November of 2009, the Committee reviewed the Election Committee’s recommended additions and changes to Rules and Regulations Part II – Chapter 50 and forwarded them to the Board for consideration.
The Committee also approved language provided by the Building Committee permitting the installation of solar panels at residences in Shelter Bay, bringing the Community into compliance with new legislation adopted by the State of Washington. This amendment precipitated the need for a complete revision of the Building Construction Guidelines including new Building Committee Guidelines which were completed in April 2010. Subsequent revisions to Rules and Regulations – Part I regarding roofing requirements were also recommended for Board consideration.
The Committee also reviewed language for Rules and Regulations – Part I allowing non-resident marina tenants to purchase Rec Tags and utilize our recreation facilities.
In December of 2009, the Committee reviewed a revision to Rules and Regulations – Part I incorporating the Social and Recreation Committee’s recommendation that each household be allowed two garage sales per year and forwarded to the Board for consideration.
In response to a situation resulting from an owner’s proposed disposal of cut wood, the Rules Committee requested the Lot Committee to review the ownership of trees on lots and how timber should be disposed of after tree cutting.
In January of 2010, the Rules Committee approved and forwarded to the Board amendments to the Protective Covenants regarding the definition of Single Family and changing the "posting" requirement for Covenant amendments from 50 days to 25 days.
In February of 2010, the Rules Committee reviewed proposed Lot Committee and Petitioner amendments to Article IV, Section 5, Trees, Shrubs and Planting. It forwarded the Lot Committee amendment to the Board for consideration and advised the Petitioners to revise their language to allow for the proposed Lot Committee amendment regarding native trees.
In March of 2010 in response to Lot Committee requests, the Rules Committee issued three fines on members for a loose dog, an unkempt lot and violation of the off-street parking rule.
This past year, pro-active enforcement has not been a priority issue of the committees as they have been able to handle infractions without requesting fines be imposed. Therefore, only three fines on two property owners were levied. The committees are doing an incredible job of mitigating and settling member disputes before they become Rules Committee appeals, thus we have had only one appeal hearing this past year. The Committee supported the Lot Committee on a compliance issue for maintenance of a view restoration from a hearing held in 2008.
Depending on the outcome of the Annual Election’s proposed changes to the Protective Covenants, the Rules Committee will be reviewing the need for housekeeping changes to the rules and regulations and various committee guidelines.
Since our governing documents may not always meet the Community’s needs, the responsibility of the Committee to participate in the process of changing, making additions to, updating, or revising them is on-going. We welcome the new Board of Directors and the challenges we will face in the year to come. I am very grateful for the time, energy and thoughtfulness of the volunteer members of the Rules Committee and our Secretary Debbie Byrd. Without all of her assistance, we would never have completed the past year’s demanding agenda in a timely manner.
Respectfully submitted,
Britt Wisniewski, Chair
Rules Committee |
