december newsletter

Raintree Newsletter
R a i n t r e e P l a n t a t i o n P r o pe r t y O w n e r s A s s o c i a t i o n , In c .
December 2013
ANNUAL MEETING & 2013 ELECTION RESULTS
VOTED IN
Cindy Davis
3 yrs.
James McClung
3 yrs.
Toni Burst
3 yrs.
Fred Rommel
1 yr.
Inside this issue:
Page
ELECTION RESULTS
1
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
1
FINANCE
2
ARCHITECTURAL
2
ROADS
2
MAINTENANCE
3
SECURITY
3
LAKES & BEACH
4
Implementing the election results or in any way deleting paragraph 4c from
REMINDERS & UPDATES
4
the Amended Covenants and Restrictions covering lots in the Raintree
RULES
5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5
CONTACT INFORMATION
6
BALLOT ISSUES
BOAT LENGTH
PASSED
*DELETE 4C
PASSED*
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
FAILED
*Wherefore it is hereby ordered adjudged and decreed that the Defendant,
Raintree Plantation Property Owners Association, Inc., shall and is hereby
temporarily enjoined and restrained from taking the following action:
Plantation Subdivision Development and from communicating to its
members that the deletion of paragraph 4c is effective at this time. This
Preliminary Injunction shall remain in force until the
conclusion
of
Plaintiff’s action for permanent action and Declaratory Judgment.
So Ordered: Honorable Stanley Williams, Judge
From Your Raintree POA Board President
I am pleased to serve as your Raintree Property Owners President for the 2013-14 year. We continue
to provide the best possible service to our community despite continued financial restraints. I was
extremely disappointed that you failed to give the Board the ability to bring requests for emergency
needs despite the safeguard that the matter would have to be voted on after the Board submits the
proposal. The detractors of this effort lied about how the process would work and thus scared our
community into voting this down. We live in a democracy where anyone can say what they want without any
accountability and unfortunately we have some community members that feel it is their right to stretch the truth. You
may want to attend our monthly meetings to hear the self serving community members argue about issues that the
majority of you have already voted on, but their response is that the general membership did not understand the
issue when they voted on it – in other words when the majority speaks it speaks from ignorance. You may want to tell
these naysayers that you do, in fact, know what the issues are all about. I know that these comments are abrasive to
some, but I am tired of having a Raintree faction abuse their Board members by personal or professional attacks.
Your Board members serve the community and deserve respect. Your Board will not be “bullied.” We will continue to
serve the majority by looking at and acting on issues that are in the best interest of all.
H. N. Jack Graser
1
FINANCE
The POA must continue to monitor and reduce expenses and improve the collection of past due assessments. Collection of past due assessments continues to be a problem. If arrangements for payment have not been made, past due
accounts may be sent to the Collection agency or legal action may be taken. The Collection Agency fee of 29% is
added to the past due assessment amount and is collected from the Property Owner. When legal action is taken and a
judgment granted, the legal fee is added to the past due assessment amount and becomes part of the judgment payable
by the Property Owners.
Following are the account balances for Checking, Asset Improvement and Capital Improvement accounts as of
October, 2013.
1002/1062—Checking
$513,881
1004/1022—Asset Improvement
$122,119
(Income from prior year assessments)
1027—Capital Improvements
$106,199
An invoice for contracted road work, which began in November, has not been received. The total road
contract is $253,813.
Thanks to all POA Employees, Committees and Board Members for their continuing efforts to manage
expenses.
Jackie Keating, Treasurer
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE (ACC)
This year ACC has been active approving mostly exterior modifications and structures to homes already existing in
Raintree. We do have three new homes currently under construction. As a reminder, any outside structural modification, landscaping requiring retaining walls, etc. need ACC review and approval.
IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE
OFFICE.
Have a great holiday season and stay safe!
Jack Graser, Chairperson
ROADS
The speed bumps are being installed along with signs that
alert motorists. We have had some very positive feedback
about the speed bumps. Traffic has slowed considerably
where they have been installed.
The back gates may be closed on days when the weather
will permit repairs and painting to the water tower. We
appreciate your patience while this work is being
completed. Any further questions, please contact the
Jefferson County Sewer Board at 636-797-9900.
I want to thank Tom, his crew and the road committee for
all of the good work they have done to keep things moving
without any major hitches.
Cindy Davis, Chairperson
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Library Hours
Same as POA office hours.
Entry through the lower level.
A special Thank you to
Darlene Lindner for
organizing the books.
MAINTENANCE
The Raintree Maintenance Department is a multi-faceted operating department that takes part in
the following – roads, security, lakes and beach, as well as numerous additional projects which
will include making sure our roads are passable this winter, maintaining equipment, and maintaining our buildings. Our department is staffed by three individuals whose hard work and commitment are evidenced by the support they provide to keep our infra-structure functioning.
The maintenance staff has done a tremendous job this summer keeping ahead of the grass mowing while
making sure the beach area is presentable. They have improved several ditches to help prevent damage to
our roads and are ever vigilant in responding to issues that arise. They are maintaining the organization of
tools and equipment which will help us to conserve our funds and have the tools and equipment in top working
order. The boat launch area has been greatly improved with the installation of the new traction grids. Tom
continues to provide leadership for the maintenance group and each one of them is willing to put in extra
effort and long hours. Please be diligent and careful if approaching the maintenance work sites.
I am very grateful to Tom, Merle and Ed for their dedication and work ethic. They have done an excellent job
and I would encourage everyone who would like to take time to express their thanks to the maintenance team.
Should you have any projects you would like to have taken under consideration, please complete a work order
form available at the office or they can be downloaded from our web site.
Jim McClung, Chairperson
SECURITY
We are rapidly approaching the end of another year in Raintree. The holiday
season is around the corner, and with it, comes trips to family dinners or maybe
out of town excursions. It is important that we make sure our homes are secure
and well illuminated. Alarm systems should be checked for proper operation, and
contact lists updated in case of emergencies. Don’t forget to replace all your
batteries in your smoke detectors and check all your flashlights for readiness.
This year also concludes the second year we have contracted Jefferson County
Sherriff’s Department to patrol our development. The support for this action has
been great and we will renew this service next year. We will also continue to
fund weekend security at the beaches and boat ramps next summer.
The majority of the Security budget was spent putting boots on the ground
patrolling our development and securing the beach. We also updated our
surveillance software and storage capacity to handle future camera growth.
Along with these upgrades, a PTZ camera was added covering upper and lower
parking lots. My goal next year is to add a camera to monitor the beach and
loading ramp areas. The Surveillance system has reduced the occurrence of gate
damage and has been a useful tool in identifying and later collecting for
damages.
In closing please remain vigilant,.
Take good notes or pictures when reporting a
strange vehicle to police. Also please be aware that Raintree is a “No Hunting”
area.
Dan Osolinski, Chairperson
3
YES—Prepay Your
Assessments!!
If you have a hard time paying
your assessments by July 1 of
each year, then you can start
making payments on them
now. Just make a payment
and note on it that it is a 2014
payment. The money will be
put into a special escrow
account and will not be spent
until after July 1st 2014. If
you have any questions,
please call the office.
Drive the Speed Limit
We have many people walking, jogging and
riding bikes within Raintree. Please slow down and
keep our community safe.
LAKES AND BEACH
With the cooperation of the community and volunteers who devoted their time and talents, I want to express my gratitude. Thank you all for making our amenities enjoyable and safe for all.
A new year is approaching. The focus of the committee will be:

Boat Stickers: Proper location. When standing at the rear of the boat, the sticker is to be placed on the right
side of the boat, above the water level. NOT ON THE REAR OF THE BOAT WHERE THE MOTOR IS LOCATED. All
boats on the lake are required to have a sticker!

Buoys: Several buoys were replaced this year due to careless and reckless boaters. The buoys will be lighted
next year. If you witness a buoy being damaged please document and report it.

Dock: The Lake Patrol boat needs a permanent dock. A fund has been established.

Fish Fund: The 2014 budget was cut as other areas were. Less money is available and donations are needed.

Volunteers: Without the new volunteers this year, the Lake Patrol would have had to shut down. More are needed.
Dams: This will be the main focus of the committee in 2014. Both dams need repair to meet DNR guide
lines.
Most important of all, long term planning needs to be addressed by the entire community. The infrastructure of
Raintree Plantation needs major attention. The time is approaching for Autumn and Spring lakes to be dredged and
should be done in less than 10 years. There is no one to pay for this but every property owner in Raintree Plantation.
John Gaal, Chairperson
REMINDERS & UPDATES
BOAT & PERSONAL WATERCRAFT STICKERS: Valid January 1 to December 31, 2014
-
The fee is $40 each
until 3/31/14. After 3/31/14 the fee is $50 each.
NON-MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT STICKERS: No charge, but a sticker is required.
GOLF CART STICKERS: Valid January 1 to December 31, 2014— The fee is $5.00 plus proof of Liability Insurance.
CAMPGROUNDS: Reservations are required. All sites have electric hookups.. A $15 fee per night will be charged for
tent or picnic spaces and a $25 fee for RV’s & popups. There is also a $25 refundable key deposit required for the
bathhouse.
PAVILION: Reservations are required starting on March 1, 2014 at 11 A.M. There is a $50 rental fee and a $75
refundable clean-up deposit.
PLEASE DON’T LITTER! Take your bottles, cans, take out cartons, etc. home and dispose of them properly. Your
help is appreciated to keep Raintree LITTER FREE!
WALK SAFELY: Wear light or reflective clothing. Attach reflective tape to your dog ‘s leash or collar.
CLEAN UP: Keep your culverts clear of leaves and debris.
4
RULES
I’m happy to report that the average number of reported violations is down from last year. From April thru December
2012, there were 72 reported violations, a average of eight per month. From January thru October 2013, there were 61
reported violations, a average of six per month. When possible, the accused is given the opportunity to correct the situation before being charged a Censure Assessment. Thru October, Censure Assessments collected totaled $916.00.
The following is a list of some frequent violations.

Hitting and/or removing gates.

Dumping of tree/lawn debris, trash, etc. on POA property or other privately owned lots.

Pets (dogs & cats) running at large. Failure to pick up and properly dispose of pet feces. (These are also Jefferson
County animal Ordinances)

Failure to get ACC approval. Before beginning any type of work, contact the POA office to see if a permit is
required.

No current Boat Sticker

No current Golf Cart Sticker - Golf Carts on the road, including crossing the road while playing golf, are a liability to
the POA. Cart owners must purchase a sticker and provide proof of liability insurance that covers them while on the
road.

Unlicensed vehicle must be inside the garage, not permitted anywhere on lot.

Trailers, boats, PWC, RV’s or the like may not be parked or stored in front of the residence or on POA property or
roads. Permitted in driveway and designated areas.
The Rules Manual may be viewed on the web - www.raintreepoa.com
Thanks for obeying the rules and doing your part to improve the appearance of the community, protect our amenities
and to make this a better place for everyone.
Jackie Keating, Chairperson
2013-2014 Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Community Yard Sale
Heads up—start cleaning out!
Date: May 17, 2014
Cost to participate-$10 per owner
Final details @ the POA office after

President - Jack Graser

Vice President - Jim McClung

Treasurer - Jackie Keating

Secretary - Kathy Vierling
Directors
April 1, 2014
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
Toni Burst

Cindy Davis

John Gaal

Dan Osolinski

Fred Rommel
POA Hours:
M-F 11 am—5 pm
Sat 9 am—1 pm
POA Office:
636-797-3434
Fax:
636-797-9969
Email: office@raintreepoa.com
Website: www.raintreepoa.com
Raintree Country Club:
636-789-4466
NON EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Water & Sewer: (EMC)
Sheriff
636-797-9999
BILLING
636-561-9478
EMERGENCY 877-507-0008
Fire Dept.
636-797-3619
Ambulance
636-586-2132
Trash (CWI):
1-800-844-3151
Animal Control (JC):
636-797-5577
You are reading the Raintree Newsletter
On behalf of the Board of Directors And the POA Staff. . .
We wish you a Merry Christmas and
A Prosperous New Year!!!
AUTO
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Hillsboro, MO 63050
PERMIT NO. 11
Raintree P.O.A., Inc.
5998 Highway B
Hillsboro, MO 63050
Address Service Requested
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