SCPOA Board Addresses Former Board Member Concerns and Appoints New Association Attorney at MARCH 19, 2024 MEETING.

Perspective and Opinion by Tom Harris, Associate Editor

The purpose of this article is to provide a public update for all dues-paying residents of the Swansboro Country Property Owners Association (SCPOA) regarding recent developments within our community. The Sentinel attended the March 19 SCPOA meeting, joined by approximately ten residents. Here are the key highlights from the gathering:

During Agenda item V. Open Forum, a former SCPOA board member, who had resigned before completing her term, raised several comments and inquiries. This individual expressed concerns, which will be outlined below. Board President Karen Paul subsequently noted that these matters had been addressed in the SCPOA newsletter distributed to all members following the annual meeting. Despite the apparent frustration and embarrassment displayed by the former board member, President Karen Paul and Communications Committee Chair Meredith Blain provided courteous, accurate, and confident responses to her queries. As her questioning persisted, the woman’s demeanor shifted, manifesting a blend of anger and embarrassment.

The Sentinel reports the actual questions the woman asked and the board’s answers as follows:

1. “Are homeowners required to give details of their disabilities to obtain Zoom access to board meetings?”
   Answer: The board is following the procedure outlined by the current legal counsel, which begins with a request for ADA access to be sent to our TMT manager, Melissa Bell.
2. “What is the status of the building?”
   Answer: The details were included in the newsletter, and the building was never delivered because the permit was never issued.
3. “What is the status of the Dogwood Lane sinkhole and why is the board waiting until next year to take action?”
   Answer: Details of the status of this issue were also in the newsletter. The board had one road repair company take a look recently, and they reported that this is not a large issue. The board is still waiting for a second opinion, which will also be free advice. This issue will be included in the road work bid packet this year. It was never delayed until next year.
4. “Is the current maintenance shed safe for our maintenance team?”
   Answer: Yes, the current building is zoned as a maintenance garage and is safe for our workers.

Her relentless pursuit of answers elicited audible responses from the attendees, reflecting a sense of discomfort. Apparently not satisfied with the board’s responses, shortly after the meeting, reports emerged indicating that the discontented woman had again taken to social media to voice her opinion.

Other news from the meeting includes:

• Agenda item VIII. D. – Building Update: This issue was discussed at length. Building/Communications committee chair Meredith Blain stated that the board was still seeking a buyer who would accept the plans and other artifacts to recoup some of SCPOA’s losses. The building remains unfinished and undelivered and had been engineered and approved by the county as a garage.
• Item VIII. E. – Insurance for Special Events: SCPOA’s insurance policy will include liability coverage for daytime events on SCPOA common area property. Watch for future updates in the Sentinel and in the Mosquito Byte about a planned event in early June.
• Item IX. A. – Legal Options: The board voted to restore the previous SCPOA Attorney Rod Baydaline. It was stated that Rod had previously represented SCPOA, had responded almost immediately to the board’s inquiries, and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience representing homeowner’s associations.
• Item IX. E. – Approval to name the playground: Dyer Lake Park: The board voted to name the park and approved a sign along Mosquito Rd. There was a mention of a placard on a picnic table, and the board said it would stay in place.

The Sentinel observed that the new board members, who were seated at the previous SCPOA meeting, appeared to seamlessly integrate. The Sentinel continues to be impressed with the business-like character of the meetings under the new board, who are always prepared and knowledgeable regarding their duties.

The next board meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the fire station.

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