Btw…during the month of January
The Oaks Board members thought you might be interested in knowing what they have been working on during their first month in office.
• First thing we accomplished was hiring a new management company – Assurance Realty and Property Management. Ann Wesley is the owner and has been working diligently to get contact information from each Owner so that the Board is able to provide notices and announcements to everyone.
• The next thing that was taken care of was get all of the CD’s, which make up the funds for the reserve account, and reviewed for the best interest rates. We thought you would want to know that the Reserve CDs are making money at 4% interest or above. Outstanding job, Earl!
• When Lexington was hit with freezing temperatures and icy road conditions in December, it caused pipes to burst in a couple of units causing water damage. Board members, Connie Robertson and Bo Cofield, along with a neighbor, Diane Johnson, assisted a neighbor in distress and then researched local agencies who could offer assistance to that resident if needed. Ms. Wesley was instrumental in contacting the insurance companies for The Oaks to file a claim for the damages. She met with an adjuster so that an assessment could be made for the co-owners who incurred damages.
• The roofs on E7 and E8 are being replaced. Ms. Wesley was able to hire, with Board approval, a roofing company that provided a cheaper bid than the original bid provided by AMS. That company’s bid was accepted and has proceeded with ordering supplies needed to repair both roofs. Weather permitting, those roofs will be replaced.
• On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the annual Board meeting, Robin Cooper announced that he was officially resigning his position on the Board. On Thursday, December 8th, David Flynn, Vice President, asked Kris McDougall if she would consider being appointed to the Board to complete Robin’s one year term, she agreed to be considered, the Board voted in favor of the appointment and Kris was officially on the Board. David sent an email to Board members announcing a meeting would be held on Saturday, December 10th, for the election of officers. At the meeting, Connie Robertson nominated Kris McDougall for President and Kim Link nominated Bo Cofield. Bo declined the nomination because he preferred to get some Board experience. The Board elected Kris McDougall as President, Connie Robertson as Vice President and Cheri Buchignani as Secretary. Kim Link was already serving as the Board Treasurer.
• The Board was also faced with filling a couple of vacant positions. Due to unforeseen health issues Kim Link resigned from the Board so the Board had to immediately look for a Treasurer. As the stars aligned in our favor, we were so very fortunate to get Earl Watts to come on board. No pun intended! Being that he is still a practicing CPA and keeps up with tax laws, etc. he agreed to help get the finances in check, make sure the reserve money CD’s are making the most money possible, continue monitoring that all our bills are paid and staying on top of fees collected, etc. We are so fortunate to have Earl help us through this transition from AMS to Assurance Property Management.
• The next asset we added is Ron Oliver. What better way to stay on top of what is needed to complete some of our major/minor projects and the bids for those projects then to have someone who owned his own construction business for many years. He can look at these projects and the bids and evaluate for the Board as to whether the actual items on the bids are necessary and whether the price is too high or reasonable. Ron, too, is an awesome addition to this Board and brings so much experience that the money he can potentially help us save, well, that is priceless.
Hey, did you know that if you have a personal issue to bring to the Boards attention you can call the President, Kris McDougall at (859) 272-9766. After your 15-minute presentation, the Board will discuss your issue, and if necessary, a Board member will be assigned to gather additional information. When a decision is made you will be notified personally and, if the Board determines your issue would be of interest to others, it will be presented at the monthly Board meeting.
The NEW Board held their 1st Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, and the new members and officers were announced. Minutes from that meeting are on the table in front of the office door. The February Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the clubhouse. We hope you can find the time to attend.
These are some of the things your Board has successfully accomplished during January. Watch for the next Btw… for February accomplishments around the first week in March. You can find it on The Oaks website www.TheOaks395.com check your email, or a paper copy on the table in the clubhouse in a folder marked BTW… Help yourself!
FUN FACTS…TO JOT DOWN OR PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR
• March Madness is right around the corner. Selection Sunday is 3/12/23 @ 6:00 p.m. for men’s basketball and at 8:00 p.m. for women’s basketball on CBS. Hope it is worth watching. Go Cats!
• UK Baseball starts Friday, 2/17/23 against Elon at 4:00 p.m. in Elon, N.C.
• Book lovers…Did you know we have a Book Club at The Oaks? Their next meeting is Monday, 2/20/23, at 1:30 p.m. in the clubhouse. If interested in joining just pop in at that meeting and let them know. The book they are reading for the April meeting is called Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Also, there are books you can borrow from The Oaks library in the Clubhouse, book donations are accepted. When returning or donating books, please put them in the Book Return gold bucket next to the library.
• Are you a social person that enjoys using your creative juices to do more than just attend functions sponsored by the Social Committee? If you are that person, the Social Committee needs you. Please contact Sue Wieser who is the chairperson for this committee. You can always leave your name and number with Chrystal in the office for Sue to contact you or you can call me at 859-619-1146 since I’m on the committee and I can relay a message to her.
Remember…not everyone has one so please pick up after your dog. It’s a courtesy to your neighbors and keeps the grounds free from messes to clean up.
We hope you enjoy this new form of communication in making sure you are kept informed of factual information that is taking place and not speculation. If you are not interested in receiving this monthly update, please let us know and we will remove your email from the database for this particular mailing.
Thanks,
Cheri
Cheri Buchignani
Secretary
The Oaks Board of Directors
FYI…My apologies for getting this out so late but it has been a work in progress, and I wanted it to include everything and not just pieces. The February Btw…will be close behind so we can get caught up and be up to date.
Have a wonderful day!