POA board talks trails, rules changes

BELLA VISTA — The Property Owners Association board met Dec. 10 in a work session. Work sessions usually don’t involve a vote.

Rather, it’s a chance for board members to hear about issues on the agenda at the next regular meeting.

The board discussed a proposed change to bylaws recommended by the Rules and Regulations Committee. It concerns elections when there are more than three vacancies to fill. There are always at least three vacancies since the nine three-year terms are staggered, but if a board member doesn’t complete his term, there might be a fourth vacancy and that position will be for less than three years.

Traditionally, the short term is given to the person who placed fourth in the election, but that was never clearly stated in the bylaws. The proposed change will fix that.

Sandy Fosdick worried members have misunderstood the proposed change. It doesn’t apply to a vacancy that came about after the start of the election. During the 2020 election, board member Steve McKee was removed by the board, but that happened after the ballots had been printed and mailed. The board appointed Mike Abb to fill the seat but only until the May 2021 election when members will fill the position for the last year of the original term.

Tom Judson presented two improvements to the trails system. The first was a proposed improvement in the area close to Lake Ann. Those trails haven’t been widely used. Improvements will make the trails more usable, which actually makes maintenance costs go down. Many trail users are looking for smaller loops, so part of the plan is a new trail that connect two existing trails and form a shorter loop.

Also, land once part of the ArkMo parcel may be transferred back to the association. The entire ArkMo parcel was sold by the association last year. Now trail developers are suggesting a small portion should go back to the association to aid in the development of trails. The POA would be responsible for maintenance on those trails, but it would be part of the $35,000 maintenance expense that was already approved.

He reminded the board whether or not ownership of the land changes, the association has already agreed to maintain the trails up to $35,000 a year.

Both the board and the city will have to approve an amendment to the trails agreement, but Judson thought the city would agree.

Also, Cooper Communities would need to agree to bring the property into the association so it can become common property. If the land is part of the association, water service can be established so a water fountain can be added at the trailhead, Judson said.

Fosdick said the 2020 plan, introduced during the last assessment increase election seemed to indicate the association wouldn’t add any trails for three years. While the plan means the association won’t pay to build any new trails, adding any trail will eventually mean increased maintenance costs and members may feel it violates the agreement.