Dutch Island Board Meeting Minutes 

6pm February 27, 2025

Board members present: Gary Allen, Susan Dailey, Denise Wilson,Chris Cribbs, James Garrett, Tania Groover, Casey Smith, Randy Peacock 

The meeting was called to order at 6:09pm and a quorum was met.

    Board Administration & Governance

  • Approved meeting minutes from previous meeting.
  • Open board position to be filled – will discuss at the March meeting.
  • Looking for candidates with IT/technology background to replace James, who is rolling off.
  • Fitz Hiltzheimer is willing to help with specific projects like RFID gate rollout.
  • Appointed Chris Cribbs as treasurer to fill Sarah Hunt’s vacated 2-year term.
  • Dave Fletcher and George Groover were added to ARC committee.
  • James Garrett will conduct training session on ticket system for new members.

Financial Update

Chris Cribbs presented the 2025 budget overview:

  • Net income $6,000 ahead of budget for January
  • Key expenses breakdown:
    • Security & pool: 50% of expenses
    • Landscaping, maintenance, management fees: 35% of expenses
  • Need to evaluate revenue options due to operating deficit.
  • Discussing investment strategies for $1M+ in reserves.
    • Considering line of credit as safety net.
    • Exploring index fund options with 3-year withdrawal buffer.
    • Current CD rates dropping from 6% to 3%.

Security & Access Control

James Garrett presented updates on the new gate access system: 

  • Gate arms installation completed.
  • PropTEA software rollout in progress:
    • Hardware at installer location for testing.
    • Installation scheduled within 3-4 weeks.
    • Will run parallel with current barcode system.
    • New features include:
      • License plate readers
      • Call box functionality
      • Automated contractor access options
      • Guest pass tracking
  • Discussing purchase of security vehicle vs current $1,200/month rental.

Infrastructure & Maintenance

Randy Peacock, Casey Smith, and Gary Allen reported on road and drainage issues:

  • Identified approximately 50 areas needing road repairs.
  • Randy creating detailed assessment with photos and locations.
  • Drainage project update:
    • Additional $29,500 approved for Mulberry Bluff repairs
    • Includes pipes being reset within the sloped retaining wall
  • Pool maintenance items:
    • New auto-fill system proposed ($2,500)
    • LED light replacement needed ($1,650 per light)
    • Discussing future pool deck replacement

Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

  • New members added to committee.
  • James Garrett will conduct training on ticket system.
  • Discussed paint color approval process 

Legal Matters

  • Received demand letter regarding house paint color dispute.
  • Board discussing response options:
    • Consulting with insurance company
    • Evaluating legal representation options
    • Considering response strategy

Community Management

  • Discussing wildlife management program:
    • Annual deer culling program details
    • Need for better communication with security about contractor access
  • Estate sale policy established:
    • $250 flat fee for companies
    • Must coordinate with security
    • Time restrictions to be enforced

Projects & Planning

  • Evaluating landscape improvements:
    • Pool area upgrades with landscaping and annual maintenance 
    • Tree trimming along causeway and around street lights 
    • Streetlight clearance work ($10,000-12,000 estimate)
  • Golf cart registration program under consideration.
  • Reviewing security camera implementation and speeding enforcement policies.
  • Covenants- An online push along with a mailed letter explaining the importance of passing the new covenants will be done. 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm