HOA Meeting for the Cobblestones of Chestnut HIll 2/11/2025
Meeting called to order at 0546
Board Attendees: Natasha Hulme,Catherine Webster, Sheera Maitland, Joyce Shepherd
Homeowner Attendees: A2,B5, D8, E10,F3, G2,G11
Agenda unanimously approved
January minutes read by Joyce Shepherd
Minutes unanimously approved
Treasurer’s Report
Operating Income: 29,195.97
Reserves: 143,575.69
Total Cash Balance: 172,771.66
Minutes Unanimously approved
Old Business
Cresheim Traffic Mirror : The delay is because the mirror could not be attached to the cement pole. A pole will be purchased that can be strapped to the concrete pole for stability. Installation will be completed by the end of this week.
Traffic Calming Measures: A detailed diagram shown by Natasha. Request for double yellow lines, parking on the other side of Crittenden, Speed limit marked in street, speed humps, and no parking zone boxes painted at entrances to our lots ( as per posted signs).
The process for submission:
- Check to see if the street is eligible for desired measures
- Ideas to be submitted through the 311 portal. If approved
- A petition must be submitted
Updated Rules and Regulations:
The current changes cannot be enforced until 30 days after distribution. The tentative date is 3/20/2025.
Trash and Recyclables update for this friday: No changes at this time. Pickup is still Friday.
New Business
*Concrete Bid was adjusted from $350 to $300 when multiple squares were ordered. This price includes destruction of old damaged paved square, removal of debris, frame and pour of cement for new paving square. We will move forward with taking orders from homeowners. Homeowners will be billed for the service. The fee will be due with the next Condo Fee. NOTE: When an additional fee is attached to Condo Fees, the additional fee will be taken out immediately. Example: if you owed $300 HOA + $150 violation and paid only $300, you still owe $150 to complete your HOA fee. If unpaid in the current month,a late fee of $49 will be assessed. The repaving will be delayed to the Spring (to be more budget friendly). This project should include the arborist to cut the roots lifting the sidewalk on Mermaid Lane. The uneven pavement is causing a tripping hazard.
*Insurance Payment Discrepancy- While reviewing the bills and invoices, Natasha saw that there was a double payment this month totalling 7,979. It was reported to Vicky and State Farm’s Ann Spangler and at 2:14pm as they were corresponding, it looks like there may be two months credit, at the very least on credit for overpayment of $3989. Natasha stressed the importance of the board’s oversight of billing in the Onyx portal.
*Snow Removal updates- So far this year: Discrepancy and renegotiation results Storm of January 5th-7th was billed at $4815. When reviewed, Natasha found a discrepancy in the snow report. Gras gave the snow total for Onyx’s zip code, not 19118. Natasha was also not happy with billing 3 times for salting when the first two times did not adequately cover the paved areas. Gras conceded, reassessed and adjusted the total for the bill by $2200 down to $2612.
E9 charger post removal. An oversight occurred when the lot was restripped and numbered in 2022. E9, was moved over one space, leaving the EV charger post at a visitor spot. Anne never addressed it because 1) she doesn’t have an EV and 2) she didn’t know it was her post. In the early morning hours January 17th, a visitor backed into the post, causing it to lean towards the sidewalk. This was when NatashaI realized the mistake. Anne requested that it be disconnected from her unit, the inactive line buried, and the post removed and capped. The Board agreed. Because the homeowner ordered the electrician, the bill was significantly lower than if the association ordered the work. The Board approved the $200 expense and credited the funds into Anne’s ledger towards her dues.
*An inquiry was raised about the new parking Rule created on January 15th: Section: Parking, Line 10: All vehicles (residents and visitors) shall abide by Philadelphia street parking rules. This includes prohibited parking within 5 feet of any driveway entrance. – This rule was written in response to at least 9 members’ complaints, citing near misses when leaving the Cresheim lot. The Board’s response, with the community in attendance, is that the safety of our members and residents is most important and we reserve the right to pass rules based on changing conditions and situations. Getting the city to ticket for the no parking zone has been impossible, therefore, we believe we have jurisdiction to prevent impeding the entering and exiting of the lots. Philadelphia’s parking rules are enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Parking regulations include where you can park, how long you can park, and when you can park.
Where you can’t park
- Driveways: You can’t park in front of driveways, including your own .
Dog walking – A homeowner had an encounter with a dog owner walking through the common area after a suspicion that the dog defecated and no bag noted. The suggestion that a waste bag is visible when walking your dog through to the exterior zone of the complex submitted to the board. The discussion during the meeting included homeowner feelings that the board making this a rule was overreach and too demanding. Our four legged friends love to stop, sniff, and make little tinkles along the way and can sometimes be mistaken for pooping. The board’s decision was NOT to make the suggestion that waste bags be visible and unless waste is actually seen left on the property (a fineable offense), any misunderstanding will be considered a neighbor dispute. It was also reported an increased practice of not picking up after dogs on Crittenden and Mermaid lane. Residents are urged to file a report via the 311 portal. This increase is a health hazard produced by some residents of CHH and CH Towers owned by Eaglerock. Pictures can be uploaded with the complaint.
Homeowners discussed the large amount of bird droppings on the cement islands and cars. Joyce Shepherd discovered that the birds (Song Sparrows) sleep on the branches at night defecating and malting. Catherine discovered that they can be deterred with reflective items or Owl statues. Tne board will look into these remedies.
Future Hybrid Meetings: It was requested that The Board consider the addition of a virtual / hybrid meeting for those who can’t make the in-person. I do not have an issue with working out the logistics but in-person will always be preferred if there is no weather alert. Homeowners are again urged to register for the Cobblestones Portal. The link for virtual meetings is in the portal. Pennsylvania made it legal for digital governing of HOAs including electronic voting, in May of 2023
Septa and The Eagles Parade: The R7 will provide transportation to Center City, The only inbound stops are CHE and Wynnmoor. Please be vigilant regarding illegally parked cars in our lot on Friday. Notify a board member of any occurrences.
Next Meeting: March 11th at Springfield Library
Meeting adjourned at 0654