Firehouse Related Covenant Change

Considerations for Covenant 1 - General Subject-Residental Use

Evergreen Fire Department property language reference removal so that previously fire department land can be sold as residential property.   

This will allow the fire department to sell this residential property deeded by the Jefferson County Assessor to the Evergreen Fire Department located at  7665 Malamute Drive.  This 2 acre property has remained undeveloped since Evergreen Meadows was founded.

Proceeds will go towards the main Evergreen firehouse updates located by the Evergreen Lake, and save tax dollar expenditures.  The Evergreen Fire Department doesn't need another firehouse in the area.   

Architectural Guidelines Related Covenant Proposal

Considerations for Covenant 2 - Subject - Architectureal Guidelines

Update language and remove obsolete date references

Utility Buildings Related Covenant Proposal

Considerations for Covenant 6 - Subject - Garages and Utility Buildings

Language updates and provisions for two utility buildings.  Expands the allowable utility building on an property by 1, to a total of 2.

This item was the most popular item that homeowners approved in the EMHA 2017 survey.  

Signs Related Covenant Proposal

Considerations for Covenant 12 - Subject - Signs

Updated legal language to bring in-line with laws.   

Current regulations restrict freedom of speech especially as it applies to political signs.  The proposed covenant 12 adds a paragraph b that provides for rules that apply to political signs.

By expanding this covenant, Evergreen Meadows' regulations  are brought into compliance with freedom of speech laws.

In the 2017 resident survey, the subject of mandatory dues, many residents supported the concept of having mandatory dues.  In fact, mandatory dues with the second most approved survey initiative.  Dues have historically been voluntary while the covenants and other governing documents applied to all residents.

Currently, the association receives about 40% of the residents paying voluntary dues.  That money pays for the weed abatement, insurance, mailing for meetings (required since we do not have every owner's email address) and other small operating expenses.  There has not been funding for events or activities and we have relied on the support of sponsors and volunteers for the Easter egg hunt, picnic and the garage sale.  With voluntary dues and the current rate of pay, there isn't much more that the association can do today and in the future.

The board understands that frustration and other emotions remain from litigation that wiped out the association's reserves.  But if each lot paid $50 annually, then the association and residents could work on projects to benefit all residents.  Dues would remain at $50 annually and could only be increased after a majority resident vote at an annual or special meeting. 

While the EMHA has had liability insurance, it was recommended by our legal firm that we add this section to our covenants.  This would demonstrate that not only is insurance necessary on each lot in the EMHA, but that the HOA has an obligation to have insurance on the common areas. 

It's common language in most HOAs and  does not make any practical change to how the HOA insures itself.