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Community Members serving this past year: Britt Wisniewski, Chair, Judy Colby, Whit Hansen, Georgia Powers, Bob Doupe’, and Board Representatives: Judi Slajer and Rod Falor. The Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month.
The Committee began the year with questions regarding voting procedures after the 2007 election. Several issues were brought up, one concerned having Eagles Nest owners named on the alpha list that was used as part of the election materials. Another issue was the closeness of the vote between two candidates. The Rules Committee Chair petitioned the Board for a recount for two candidates. A recount was ordered and a miscount was discovered. After the Election Committee had finished its election report which made recommendations for additions and changes to a number of the governing documents, the Rules Committee processed these changes. It made recommendations which were implemented by the Board. This resulted in changes to the Rules and Regulations concerning having a write-in candidate make a declaration before an election, adding a clear automatic recount process, and other Rule changes, as well as eliminating proxy voting from the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws.
The Committee was asked to review the section of the rules regarding “outdoor burning” to exclude chimeras from this rule. After careful research and consideration the Committee ruled that this exemption be denied primarily on the basis of fire safety.
Another issue that came before the Committee was the display of political yard signs which were forbidden under our signage rules. As a result, members may now display signs of limited size and for a limited time for candidates running for political office and/or ballot issues in any election.
The Committee is currently reviewing changes and amendments to Committee Mission Statements and Guidelines for compliance with community governing documents recommended by the Safety Committee.
Given the community’s ownership of the Marina, and thus responsibility for the harbor waters, the Committee has been working with the Harbor Committee to formulate a set of Rules & Procedures that will incorporate private dock rules and procedures into the overall rules and procedures for management of the harbor, marina and private docks. We are also working with the Manager on new rules for use of the marina parking lot and restrooms.
The past year we have coordinated a settlement on one complaint, held two hearings, participated in two Board hearings, processed the requests for six fines and three complaints. Two of these complaints are now complete with final action pending. One fine was paid. Three fines are still outstanding. One hearing request is being mediated and may still be heard and one complaint was settled at the committee level. Two hearings are scheduled for May 2008, one for non-compliance of required tree removal for view restoration and one for illegal storage of trailers.
A great many committee hours this year have been spent on the issues of fines, tree removal for view creation and/or restoration. With the more proactive positions taken by the Building, Greenbelt and Lot Committees, the Rules Committee has received and acted upon many more requests for appeal hearings either by the committees or by the community members asked to abide by or comply with Community Rules and Covenants.
When a fine is imposed, the person fined has the right to appeal the fine itself or the amount of the fine. This process delays fine payment and compliance with the rules for several more weeks as we go through the appeal process. As a result, the Rules Committee plans to review the current fine structure to determine if changes are needed in the appeals procedure.
Respectfully submitted
Britt Wisniewski, Chair
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