Minutes for Dutch Island Annual Members Meeting
January 18, 2024
Welcome
a. President Ben Perkins welcomed property owners and introduced Board Members.
b. Ben noted 2023 accomplishments to include:
Placing reserve funds in interest bearing accounts that generated ~$25,000 in income
for 2023 and are expected to generate ~$55,000 in income for 2024.
Roads and storm water drainage systems were evaluated by a civil engineer to
determine future maintenance and replacement needs.
The tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted to include pickle ball courts, and pickle
ball nets were purchased.
Tennis court lighting was upgraded.
The swimming pool decking was repainted under warranty.
The swimming pool was resurfaced (no more “pool toe”).
A new security contractor was engaged, resulting in a more responsive contractor and
higher pay to the employees without paying more for the service.
A new landscaping company was engaged to provide a higher level of service.
Commenced work to have an additional internet service provider on the island.
Landscaping improvements were implemented, including phase 1 of the causeway
trimming project (intended to improve views while promoting the health of the trees
and bushes and protecting the causeway from erosion), improvements at the front gate
landscape beds, and elsewhere on the island.
Installed a new digital sign at the front gate.
Hosted many social events (including the annual Christmas with Santa, the Easter Egg
hunt, the July 4 party, classic car coffees, and the crabbing tournament).
Holding more board meetings by Zoom after realizing that more residents attend board
meetings if held online.
Increased resident engagement through the use of committees, including landscaping,
tennis/pickleball, playgrounds, and streets/roads/drainage/safety. A special thanks to all
of our volunteers!
c. Forecast for 2024 and beyond:
In response to numerous requests, a large sun shade will be installed at the playground
to promote enjoyment of the playground during sunny days.
Completion of the causeway trimming project.
Addressing the unsightly parking area at the causeway culvert/bulkhead, to include
grassing and grading that area.
New covenants to be submitted for a vote of the homeowners. The Board circulated
the draft covenants to homeowners for comment. Feedback continues to be received,
and changes have been made in response. Once the Board is confident the covenants
are in an acceptable form, the Board will circulate the covenants for a vote, likely in a
few months.
Lighting upgrades at the pool building parking lot (thanks to Rushing Electric for helping
us contain costs).
Drainage and road maintenance and repair based on the civil engineer’s report.
Identifying means to improve pedestrian safety on the stretch of road from live oak
circle (the intersection of Meriweather Dr. and Dutch Island Dr.) to the causeway.
Maintenance at the dock pavilion, which needs bracing.
Restocking fish in the pond on Wild Thistle, and improving access for residents to fish
that pond near the corner of Wild Thistle and Hedge Nettle Crossing.
Financial Report
a. Finance Committee reported $242,000 net income and $1,266,000 in assets. The Reserve Fund is
currently invested in Certificate of Deposits and will generate approximately $55,000 in interest.
Security
a. In 2023 a new security company was engaged. To date, recordkeeping of passes has improved.
b. Residents are encouraged to use gate sentry website to order gate passes.
Covenants
a. Since phases of Dutch Island were developed over many years, different covenants are in part out
dated and have a variety of assorted rules. Consolidated and updated covenants will make it easier for
homeowners, lawyers, realtors and board members to advise and comply.
b. Presently, there is no way to enforce covenants. New covenants will clarify covenant enforcement
policy.
b. In order to adopt these new covenants, a 2/3 consent by residents is required.
c. Even if you do not agree with every covenant, please vote “yes.” A simplification and merging of
covenants will be better for the entire neighborhood.
Homeowners questions.
a. How will infraction of covenants be enforced?
b. Is homeowner allowed to perform routine yard maintenance on Sunday? Answer is “yes.”
c. Can special assessment be applied to some lots and not others? Answer is “No. If there is a special
need beyond Reserve Fund, special assessments will be applicable to all property owners.
d. Why does Dutch Island experience power outages? Answer is “high winds blow wires together and
cause a short.”
e. Speed bumps need painting to increase visibility. Answer is “speed bumps will be addressed as a
part of roadwork to be performed in 2024.”
f. How can golf cart speeding, underage driving and lack of lights be handled? Answer is “required
registration of golf carts.”
g. How can needed road repair take place immediately outside gate exit? Answer is “contact our
county commissioner Helen Stone.”
Meeting adjourned.
Tally of votes for 2024 Board
Chad Barrow, Paul Painter, Gary Allen, Sarah Hunt elected.