Minutes of the Huntington Highlands Annual Meeting: February 10, 2025

Zoom meeting called to order at 7:35pm by Co-President, David Blatner.

HHCO Board in Attendance:

• David Blatner – Co-President
• Carol Straughan – Co President
• Tammy Lally – Treasurer
• Trisha Albrecht – Secretary

Homeowners in Attendance:

• Melissa and Bill Williams
• Chris and Paul Vanderwel
• Liz Storey
• Eric and Diane Tomita
• John and Robin Godfrey 
• Javier Sanchez
• Elizabeth Thampi

David Blatner welcomed all neighbors to the official 2025 Huntington Highland Annual Meeting

All attendee’s Introduced themselves.

HHCO Budget-Treasure Report:

• Tammy Lally provided and reported on the 2024 financial summary and the 2025 projected budget.
• Five homeowners have not paid their 2024 dues, two of which owe for 2023 and 2024. Tammy will send out reminders until all dues are collected.
• The projected budget for 2025 is very similar to the previous year. 

Huntington Highlands homeowners can obtain a copy of the financial summary by sending an email to board@huntingtonhighlands.org

• There was discussion of researching and using HOA software services for the accounting and administration duties and better information sharing associated with our community organization.The Board will share the results of this research and a cost/benefit analysis later in the year.
• The Board wants to begin building up the reserves and using $20,000.00 as a target.
  • Mailbox sheds will need maintenance in the future.
    • If something were to damage the entryway, we would need to repair it. 
    • Our expenses will continue to increase. 
    • Our overall spending is just slightly under the dues we collect.
• Our community has not increased dues for nearly 20 years. A suggestion was made to increase dues from $100.00 to $150.00 annually. 
• Before increasing the dues the Board will do further analysis, inform the community and approval will be obtained according to the bylaws.

Social Activities Report:

• Melissa Williams and Chris Vanderwel reported on a very successful May event at Cottage Lake Park. 32 adults and a handful of kids participated. Games were played, treat bags were provided along with hot dogs, chips and drinks. A mustard and catsup dispensing machine the Storey’s built was a big hit. 
• Another family event at Cottage Lake Park will be planned later in the year.
• An adult only event has been scheduled in April which will include wine tasting and parings. 
• Details will come through Mailchimp and on our website.

Communications:

• Some homeowners indicated Mailchimp goes to their junk mail and it was suggested to add mc@huntingtonhighlands.org to your contacts to land in your primary email.
• Other suggestions for communications were to put signs up on the mailbox sheds and/or include a QR code, double email homeowners and put the annual meeting on the website. 

Front Entrance Report:

• Trisha Albrecht reported on the spring and fall planting at our front entrance.
• Greg Olsby volunteered with the spring planting.
• Melissa Williams and Steve and Nicole Bruce volunteered for the fall planting.
• This spring will require laying a yard of mulch in the beds for nutritional value and Trisha asked if a few homeowners would help.
• We also discussed forming a planting committee and an email will go out this spring asking for volunteers.
• No suggestions were made for changes or improvements. 

Sub-Contractor’s List:

• David Blatner reminded homeowners to access and submit recommendations for contractors for home improvements on our website. 
• Please share the wealth of knowledge by going to huntingtonhighlands.org, select “Recommended Services” and follow the instructions to complete and submit the form.

Mailbox Sheds Maintenance:

• Carol Straughan and Trisha Albrecht inspected the mailbox sheds and decided no maintenance was needed at this time. We will continue to monitor and will obtain an estimate for painting when needed.
• It was suggested that homeowners tidy up their mailbox sheds.
• David Straughan puts moss killer on top of their mailbox shed to keep the moss down and he also pulls out staples.
• The Heimfelds had their mailbox broken into in the past year. 

Web Page Update:

• David Blatner will post upcoming community events on our website “Events” page.

Election of Officers:

• 2026 is the next election year. Please let the board know if you’re interested in running for a position!

Other Business

• The Board sent out a survey but few homeowners have responded. David Blatner will send out another email in hopes of receiving more comments. He wanted to remind everyone it is anonymous, so if you volunteer for an activity, please include your name and email address. He will keep it open until the end of the month.
• A homeowner found a bracelet and with the posting of Mailchimp, it was returned to the owner through Liz Storey.

David Blatner made a motion to close the meeting which was seconded. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.

Minutes of the Annual Meeting: February 27, 2024

Zoom meeting called to order at 7:40pm by Co-President, David Blatner

HHCO Board In Attendance:

• David Blatner – Co-President
• Carol Straughan – Co-President
• Tammy Lally – Treasurer
• Trisha Albrecht – Secretary

Homeowners in Attendance:

• David Straughan
• Melissa Williams – Social Committee
• Bill Williams
• Chris Vanderwel – Social Committee
• Paul Vanderwel
• Liz Storey
• Andrew Blaser

David Blatner welcomed all neighbors to the meeting and introductions were made.

Low attendance was noticed this year.

• Suggestions for a larger turn out were; start the meeting earlier than 7:30pm, send more reminder emails, put signs on the mailboxes and put the Zoom link on the HHCO website the day of, so people can find it easily.
• There was concern the group email link was not working correctly.
• David Blatner will look into the system to see if it is failing. 
• Liz Storey appreciates a Zoom meeting which makes it easier to attend with children.

HHCO Budget/Treasurers Report:

• Tammy Lally provided and reported on the 2023 financials and 2024 projected budget.
• Andrew Blaser inquired about the insurance category. It is a general liability policy for directors and officers, and if neighborhood issues arise.
• Annual dues are trailing in and expect to collect the same as last year.
• There was an increase in landscaping in the monthly budget due to overdue maintenance and flower expenses for the front entrance.
• After a complete overview the proposed budget was approved for 2024.
• Huntington Highlands homeowners can obtain a copy of the financials, by sending an email to board@huntingtonhighlands.org

Social Activities:

• Melissa Williams and Chris Vanderwel reported on the May Social Event held at the Cottage Lake Park. The location worked well for this event. Hotdogs, chips and soda’s were provided and 30 neighbors attended. 
• They will organize another event this spring and possibly this fall. 
• Welcome Baskets were delivered to the Blaser Family and to Diane and Eric Tomita.

Entrance:

• Trisha Albrecht recapped the work done on the front entrance and thanked the Storey family and the Olsby’s for their help.  A few boxwoods were removed, mulch was laid in the garden area, flowers and bulbs were planted.  There was positive feedback from the homeowners and the flower planting will continue.
• The board is looking into installing a water meter on both sides of the front entrance to measure the water usage for this area to reimburse the Peacocks and Sodorffs for water.
• Paul Vanderwel was thanked for his work on maintaining the lights.
• Paul Vanderwel asked if we could cut the stray birch limbs off the trees. Trisha Albrecht will contact Apol’s for that service.

Sub-Contrator’s List:

• David Blatner reminded members of the recommended sub-contractor’s list on the HHCO website.  If homeowners want to recommend a sub-contractor, go to our website at www.huntingtonhighlands.org, select Recommend Services and follow the instructions to complete and submit the form.
• Edits for a service already listed on the website can be made by resubmitting the form with correct information or by sending an email to info@huntingtonhighlands.org.

Mailbox Maintenance:

• Carol Straughan reported on the mailboxes.  They seem to be looking good and if there are problems contact the board.

Webpage Update:

• David Blatner reported there are no current updates, and reminded everyone the website contains important neighborhood information, CC&R’s, recommend services and map.  If you want to email your neighbor click on the Map tab, then the lot and an email address will appear.
• Liz Storey recommended setting up a newsletter to send notices of social events, annual meetings, etc., through a service know as Mail Chimp.  Homeowners have the ability to unsubscribe if they do not wish to receive the community emails notices.
• David Blatner and Liz Storey will work on this Mail Chimp newsletter idea.

Election of Officers:

• Every two years the Huntington Highlands Community Organization elect new officers.
• The current board agreed to stay on, serving for another two years if there were no new nominations. No further nominations were made by the members.
• David Straughan made a motion for the current board to continue their positions.
• By a unanimous vote, the 2024 board members are as follows:
  • David Blatner – Co-President
  • Carol Straughan – Co-President
  • Tammy Lally – Treasurer
  • Trisha Albrecht – Secretary
• Melissa Williams and Chris Vanderwel agreed to continue to serve on the Social Committee.

Other Business:

• A neighbor reported three coyotes attacked their small dog. Unfortunately the dog did not make it.
• A suggestion was made to alert homeowners and provide a contact number for the Fish and Wildlife Department.
• There were no other neighborhood issues brought up at this time.

Meeting adjourned 8:33pm

Minutes of the Annual Meeting: March 7, 2023

Meeting was called to order at 7:15pm by Co-President, David Blatner.

HHCO Board in Attendance:

• David Blatner – Co-president
• Carol Straughan – Co-president
• Tammy Lally – Treasurer
• Trisha Albrecht – Secretary

Homeowners In Attendance :

• Pete Fortman
• David Straughan
• Gene De Roule
• Melissa Williams – Social Committee
• Chris Vanderwel – Social Committee
• Paul Vanderwel
• Liz Storey
• Carson Solem
• Jamie Jamerson
• Karen Mosy
• Denise Kesterson
• Carol Olsby    

David Blatner welcomed all neighbors to the meeting and introductions were made.

Budget / Treasurer Report

• Tammy Lally provided and reported on the 2022 financials and projected budget for 2023.  
• As of the end of 2021 all homeowners dues were current.
• Actual dues collected in 2022 were $6,600.00.
• Three homeowners have not yet paid their 2022 dues. A reminder will be mailed to those homeowners.  
• 2022 expenses were $5710.53. That includes Entrance Landscaping, Welcome Baskets, Insurance Policy, Internet Website Domain, P.O. Box Renewal. Postage, WA Secretary of State Annual Filing/Renewal and Social Events.
• 2023 homeowners dues are still being collected.
• 2023 budget was drafted and Tammy asked for input for anticipated expenses for Welcome Baskets, Insurance Policy, Social Activities.
• Melissa Williams and Chris Vanderwel felt the Welcome Basket budget of $150.00 was sufficient.
• David Blatner has requested confirmation on the insurance policy expense.               
• $500.00 for Social Activities was discussed. 
• The attending group wanted three social activities throughout the year and felt $500.00 for each social activity was sufficient.  
• David Straughan motioned to approve a budget of $1,500.00 for three activities throughout 2023. Carson Solem seconded.
• A vote was called and approved by the attending members.

Social Activities Report / Welcome Baskets

• Melissa Williams and Chris Vanderwel reported on the community’s spring social function held at Melissa’s home last spring. Tents were set up, food and beverages were provided, gift bags and door prizes were given away. Spring seemed to be a good month for this function with 40 neighbors in attendance.
• Two Welcome Baskets were given to new neighbors and two more will be delivered soon. 

Follow Up on Entrance / Landscaping

• Paul Vanderwel asked if the landscaping expense was too high and if we should obtain another bid from a different company. 
• After a discussion, it was decided our current landscaping company is reliable, doing a good job and felt $70.00 per week was well worth it.
• Trisha Albrecht brought up the front entrance landscape and suggested we remove the overgrown boxwood directly in front of the Huntington Highlands sign, to make it easier to read.  
• Carol Olsbey suggested we put in red geraniums that will bloom all summer and suggested additional soil and watering may be needed. 
• Trisha and Carol O. will put together a plan to remove the boxwood, plant flowers and submit to the board for budget approval.
• Trisha obtained a bid to install two black rail panels on the border of Huntington Highlands and Sirena Estates. The company was unable to match the existing fencing and custom panels would be required to match the existing fence at a cost of approximately $10,000.00. A motion was moved to kill this project and a vote of hands by the attending community members passed the motion.
• Spring is the time to remind everyone to review the landscaping guidelines and to keep the community clean and well kept.  
• An email reminder will be sent to all neighbors in our community with landscaping guidelines. In addition, a notice will be stapled on the mailbox huts.
• The board will send a friendly follow up letter to neighbors that do not comply with the community guidelines.

Webpage Update: 

• David Blatner reported the Webpage is current. Recommended services, important documents, CC&R’s and a neighborhood map are all on our website. He reminded everyone to review the website and that emails can be sent directly to neighbors by going to the map and clicking on the house address.
• Gene De Roule offered his services as a coder.

Mailboxes:

• Carol assessed the mailboxes. Some are more ragged than others, but still good.  
• Dave Straughan will put moss control on all mailbox hut roofs.
• If maintenance is required, please let the board know. Pete Fortman fixed their mailbox hut on his own – thank you Pete! No need to repaint at this time. 
• Staples used to affix notifications on the mailbox huts should be pulled out from time to time by the homeowners.

Other Business / Neighborhood Concerns:

• Cul-de-Sacs
  • Melissa Williams brought up the maintenance of the circles throughout the neighborhood cul-de-sacs. Most are overgrown with weeds and unkept. 
  • The board reminded everyone that it is the responsibility of the landowners to maintain their circles. The bylaws specify only one cul-de-sac on NE 194th Street must be maintained by surrounding landowners.
  • Carol remembers an addendum to include all circles and will search for that addendum.
  • Liz Story suggested sending a letter to the homeowners in the cul-de-sacs, letting them know of their responsibility to maintain their circles, as they may not know it is their responsibility. In the letter it was suggested to include the landscaping guidelines and a drought tolerant plant selection.
  • David Blatner asked if there should be a budget for this?
  • Melissa Williams was always told there was no budget to maintain the circles.
  • The board will get a plan in place to notify the homeowners in the cul-de-sacs.
• Property Lines
  • Denise Kesterson asked about finding her property line and landscaping up to the line.
  • Trisha mentioned there are white stakes in the ground on every corner of the property, but may be hard to find and that neighbors leave a natural green space between homes.
  • Liz suggested going to the King County Parcel Viewer website to get an idea of the property outline. 
  • David B. hired a surveyor to identify their property lines.

Note: Election of officers occurs in 2024. Elections will be next year, please jump in and take on a role.

Dave Straughan moved to adjourn the meeting, Pete Fortman, Seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:26pm.

*If homeowners would like more information on the finances and the budget, please contact the board.

Huntington Highlands Community Organization
Annual Meeting: April 7, 2022
Via Zoom

David B. called the meeting to order at 7:36 pm

HHCO Board in Attendance: 

• Carol Straughan – Sr. Co-President
• David Blatner – Co President
• Susan Sodorff – Treasurer
• Lynn Kepl – Secretary
• Trisha Albrecht – Social 

Homeowners in Attendance: 

• Bill Williams
• Melissa Williams
• Pam Logsdon
• John Logsdon
• Liz Storey
• Reiley Yang
• Chris Vanderwel
• Peter Fortman
• Carson Solem
• David Straughan
• Jan Clark
• Rowan Clark
• Tammy Lally

Budget/Treasurer’s Report:

Susan provided a Budget Expense and Operation Budget summary:

• Budget forwarded from 2021 – $11,000
• 2022 Dues paid – $7,000 bringing total operating budget to $18,000
• Outstanding dues are $700, once paid total operating budget will be $18,700
• Entrance landscape/mowing $3300 (annual) 
• Complete the fencing at front entrance will be about $2500 (one-time expense)
• Social events – $2200 (annual)
• Admin fees (postage etc) – $200 (annual)
• Lawyer budget retainer if ever needed – $700 (annual)
• Entrance Insurance liability policy – $1200 (annual)
• Reserve fund is $600 (annual)
• This brings current 2022 Budget expenses to $10,600 with remaining working balance of $7400.

Social Activities Report:

• Trisha Albrecht and Pam Logsdon have been delivering Welcome Baskets containing local Woodinville information, CC&Rs, and Website etc). Baskets were delivered to a new single homeowner on 194th and new couple with three kids in elementary on 196th.
• Other social activities have been suspended due to COVID. 
• Carol asked about re-initiating social events. Pam suggested early spring wine/ice cream social or something simple to get kids and community together outside in early spring.  
• Chris Vanderwel and Melissa Williams have volunteered to take over the social volunteer position from Trisha and Pam. Chris and Melissa will craft email for Carol to send out with selected date and venue for a Spring Social. 

Entrance Discussion:

• Entrance needs to be completed. The manufacturer doesn’t seem to distribute in Washington anymore.  The installer doesn’t seem to be in business anymore, he retired. This is challenging as we only need two 8 ft sections however most installers don’t want that small of a job. Need to find a similar product and an installer. 
• If anyone has ideas for fencing and/landscape services who would do this work, please send to the Board. Lynn also offered to try a contact in hopes to help. 
• Susan raised that some lights are burnt out at the entrance. Also, to investigate sensor to see if the sensor is working properly. Chris noted Paul will look when he is back in town. 

Web Page Update:

David gave a quick update on the web site:

• Liz Storey helped last year with getting the contractor list and form ready for submission. 
• All minutes, important documents and contractors list is on this site
• David called to all Homeowners to please fill in the form on the site to recommend their favorite contractors. David noted to scroll down to fill in the form. Note: you need to submit one contractor at a time. 
• David Blatner will send an email to homeowners letting them know to submit their favorite contractors. 
• Pam suggested for Carol to also send reminder of the web page in Carol’s communications. Lynn suggested any communications to HHCO homeowners should have the website Huntingtonhighlands.org/members as a part of their signature. 

Mailbox Maintenance:

• Carol is looking into mailbox cleaning and repairs as some of the wood is rotting and/or paint has deteriorated at the bottom. We may need to leverage budget throughout the year to address this. Carol is just beginning to investigate it. 
• There have been reports of mail theft by breaking into and damaging homeowner’s mailboxes. Tammy and David indicated as a precaution to go to USPS online and sign up for “Informed Delivery” your mail to be scanned to help monitor if mail is missing. It was suggested to add this information on the HHCO Website. 
• The link to USPS Informed Deliver is Informed Delivery (usps.com).

Election of Officers

Board of Directors/Election of officers occurs every 2 years in even numbered years. Board positions are a two-year term.

Carol walked through volunteers and nominations made prior to the Annual Meeting. 

• Carol Straughan and David Blatner have volunteered for position of Co-Presidents
• Trisha Albrecht has volunteered for the position of secretary
• Tammy Lally has volunteered for the position of treasurer
• Note: Social Committee is volunteer and does not require nomination. Chris Vanderwel and Melissa Williams have volunteered to take this position from Tisha and Pam. 

Carol opened the floor for further nominations for all positions. No additional nominations were made. David moved to close nominations and take a vote. Chris Vanderwel seconded the motion. Carol called for the vote.  All confirmed to move forward with the 2022 new officer nominations. 

Your new HHCO Officers for 2022 – 2024 are as follows:

• Carol Straughan – Co-President
• David Blatner – Co-President
• Trisha Albrecht – Secretary
• Tammy Lally – Treasurer

Social Committee is volunteer and does not require nomination. Chris Vanderwel and Melissa Williams have volunteered fill this position after outstanding social engagement over the years by Trisha and Pam.  

Other Business:

David shared an experience in replacing a deck and a surprise of being required to discover if there were wetlands on his property during the permit process. He offered awareness that there will likely be an extra step / cost when permitting through King County. David will put the firm he used on the contractor site to assess for wetlands. 

Neighborhood Landscaping Concerns:

• Pam and Rowan noted a few homeowners are not taking care of their front landscaping and wanted the board to be pro-active in approaching the homeowners to comply with the CC&R’s. It was noted that people did not realize they needed to email the HHCO Board with a formal complaint for the board to take any action. 
• The board was asked to state the direction and ask that they comply, and the Board should send a letter via USPS describing the verbal complaints to the homeowner. The USPS Letter needs to provide detail with specific issue/complaints that need to be solved, in addition to the guidelines. 
• Reiley noted the Board should make the request actionable, set a date to be resolved and if not addressed by the stated date, then the board will take action. 
• David B referenced: HHCO Landscaping Guidelines: http://huntingtonhighlands.org/members/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HHCO_LandscapeGuidelines.pdf
• Homeowners are made aware and accept the CC&Rs as they purchase homes in the Huntington Highlands organization. CC&Rs are also provided in the new homeowner gift baskets. 
• Rowan offered to assist in gathering feedback to share with the board and the homeowner in question and even deliver if needed. 
• David Blatner asks any homeowner to send written complaints to David/HHCO Board regarding unkept landscaping with specific detail about what the complainer would like to have addressed. 

Pete motioned to close the meeting at 8:47. 

Meeting adjourned

Our annual HHCO meeting will be held on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Straughan residence – 18430 NE 194th Street. Below is a summary of the main items on our agenda.

• Presentation of two proposals for renovation of the entryway.
  • Landscape designer will present two ideas for the entryway.
  • Discussion with the designer will follow presentation.
  • Landscape designer excused from the meeting.
• Budget presentation.
• Social activities report.
• Status report on HHCO Board Member terms/openings.
• Other topics as brought up by attendees.

Huntington Highlands Community Organization
Meeting Minutes Jan. 28, 2010

1. Self introductions – 22 people attended, representing 16 HHCO residences
2. Elections of officers
   • Asked if people would like to co-serve
   • Dan Albrecht moved to re-elect the current officers, who had all agreed to serve again.
   • Melissa Williams seconded
   • All approved
3. Budget report
   • Treasurer was absent from meeting but had prepared the budget report.
   • Jeannie Marcil read the budget report.
4. Entrance sign
   • Work to start on getting bids and design;
   • Design to be traditional
   • Time line – start planning and bidding
   • Linda Becher suggests cleaning fence now. Linda will lead effort to work with Randy (entrance maintenance person) to see if cleaning is feasible and what it would cost.
   • Carol Straughan suggested she and Susan Sodorff assist Linda in meeting/working with Randy.
   • David Blatner more interested in secondary entrances and the monuments proposed for those.
   • Pam Logsdon commented on how the main entrance really defines the neighborhood.
   • Someone needs to check with the county to see what will be allowed as far as new monuments.
   • When entrance sign designs are available, David Blatner will put them on the web page.
5. Mail box Shed update
   • All were repaired, primed, painted and new asphalt roofing installed.  Job well done.
6. Security
   • Ask if you can help
   • Take a picture with your cell phone.
   • Look out for your neighbors
7. Social events
   • Halloween thank you to Larry and Linda Becher
   • Ladies Holiday Gift Exchange thank you to Trisha Albrecht
   • Laura Ullman has volunteered to host the Gift Exchange next year.
8. Garage Sale
   • Jeannie Marcil offered to spearhead organizing an HHCO sponsored garage sale this May.
9. Web site presentation by David Blatner
   • Notification once a month would be sufficient
   • Would like to add a ‘Want Ads’ type feature
10. Other Business

Meeting was adjourned.

In attendance:

Matt Hart, Bryan Bouwman, Jeanne Marcil, Mike Summitt, Tu Tran, Tammy and Terry Lally, Trisha and Dan Albrecht,  Melissa and Bill Williams, Susan P. Anderson, Elaine and Tom Pool, Lynda and Larry Becher,  David Blatner,  Laura Ullman, Brenae Brix, Pam Logsdon, Carol and Dave Straughan

The annual meeting of the HHCO will be held January 28th at 7:30 pm at the Straughan residence – 18430 NE 194th Street. The agenda will include: election of officers; budget review; entrance renovation update; mailbox shed improvement summary; discussion of social events and safety concerns; web site development; other discussion. The HHCO Board looks forward to seeing you and getting your input on our neighborhood.

Lynda and Larry Becher once again hosted the Halloween BBQ. We had lots of residents stop in and visit while enjoying a bowl of chili, hot dogs and hot cider before the ‘trick or treating’ began. Thanks so much to the Bechers for continuing to support the Huntington Highlands Community Organization so that we can have this fun evening. The portable fire-bowl in the driveway was an extremely nice touch!

(Sorry, this is actually a photo from 2008… we’ll get some newer photos soon.)

The Ladies Holiday Gift exchange was a delightful evening. We had about twenty neighbor ladies join in for a fun-filled evening of great food and the ever-exciting gift exchange. Trisha Albrecht was our hostess and her home looked so lovely all decked out for the season. Thank you Trisha, for a great holiday get-together.

Laura Ullman has volunteered to host the Ladies Holiday Gift exchange in 2010!