Fuel costs have pushed snow removal expenses higher and wildfires have doubled our HOA insurance. But as we begin fiscal year 2022-2023, the HOA Board believes it can hold the line on the $570 monthly assessment by slowing the pace of roof replacements and new paint jobs.
The new budget was adopted without any objections during the regular Board meeting on June 30.
Our reserve study gives us reason to be optimistic that we’re on solid ground, but we’re still looking for specific answers from the consultant. Of course we’ll keep everyone updated if conditions change.
Parking signs
We’ve finished phase one of our parking signs enhancement project.
All of the existing 7″ brass numerals have been refreshed, with most mounted on new backboards on steel posts anchored in concrete.
Unit 14 was the last one.
The next phase will involve spaces without pre-existing numbers and designated guest spaces. We’re exploring options to find a close match to our legacy numbers.
Pathway lighting
The 50+ pathway lights are working– with a few exceptions. Unit 9 and Unit 31 have some internal wiring issues to be addressed. Unit 33 needs a new circuit and Unit 36 needs some troubleshooting. We hope to resolve these issues soon.
Revenue enhancement?
Incline Pines has experienced an unprecedented spike in sales since the start of the pandemic.
The ability of high-salaried employees to work from home has driven prices to record levels.
The HOA Board is considering a plan to take advantage of the frequent turnover with a community enhancement fee that would be assessed on every transaction, negotiable between buyer and seller. The fee would likely be based on a small percentage of the purchase price and would bolster our reserve fund. This is a common practice among many HOAs.
We’d love to hear what our fellow homeowners think about this. Please comment in the space below.
Rocky Road
Our private road is looking pretty rough in a couple of spots– a collapsed shoulder at the second switchback (between Units 28 and 29) and a long stretch of cut asphalt and gravel below the third switchback (between Units 9, 7 and 6).
Both rough patches are the result of work done by NV Energy, which tells us repairs will be made soon.
EV chargers
Two owners have recently expressed interest in putting an EV charger at their designated parking spaces. The new CC&Rs specifically allow this and the HOA has adopted a procedure to streamline the installation process. Both of the existing private chargers at Incline Pines are enclosed in custom-built wooden cabinets. We’re exploring options for commercially-available metal enclosures that would further simplify the installation.
Homeowner improvements
Our community has an active architectural committee whose members have spent multiple hours familiarizing themselves with the layout of every one of our 40 homes. This will help them review architectural approval requests from their fellow homeowners. We’ve designed a standard form in fillable PDF format. When submitting a request, please include as much detail as you can, including sketches and photos. The new CC&Rs clarify the procedure for owner alterations (page 30) with a diagram of the Limited Common Elements where owners can make improvements (page 60).
Summer vacation
We’re going to take a break for the next couple of months, but will call a meeting if necessary for HOA business–for example, to consider roofing bids.
Otherwise, we look forward to seeing everyone at the annual members meeting on Sept. 17 at 10 am.