Resident Meeting Highlights 8/24/2023

Our resident meeting led with a presentation from Rick Shepherd, the Shelby County Commissioner for our County District #8. Commissioner Shepherd has served in this position for 15 years and seen the rapid development and growth of Shelby County during this time. He reported that the county now has a population of over 235,000 residents, has a budget of 160-170 million dollars and is ranked as the #1 county district in Alabama and #6 in the entire country. The county has no debt and all projects are paid without borrowing money. Roads are in good condition and maintained well. Concerns that were raised included:

• Over development of Apartments in our area. He pointed out that the Apartments being built are in the City of Birmingham and Shelby County has no control over preventing that. Any proposed apartment or high-density residential developments in Shelby County (not within a city limits) have been turned down.

• Trash/Recycling Services. Now handled by Waste Management who was the only company that bid and their services do not include recycling.  Yard Waste services can be provided but at a higher rate.  Shelby County is working on a trial recycling program with Mt. Laurel. To aid in the lost recycling for this area, Rick committed to assisting us if we wished to join in the Chelsea “Got Junk” program for once-a-month pick-up services.

• Water/Sewer:  Water and Sewer were originally provided by Birmingham Water Works, who included a large sewer surcharge at the time to develop the sewer system in our area. The sewer system has been sold to Alabama Water Utilities, yet our water bill still includes the large sewer fees.  Shelby County has had little control over either until passage of Amendment 8 (to the AL Constitution) last year and will go into effect in 2024.  Residents also discussed that Birmingham Water had stopped giving rebates for sprinkler meter readings and replaced it with a 15% reduction – yet many reported not getting the reduction unless you call them.
  
  A resident asked if water wells are permitted in Brook Highland? – Wells may be permitted in Shelby County and there is no explicit restriction in our Covenants.  Caution about drilling in Brook Highland was noted as this has been determined to be a potential sink hole area in the past.

• Roads: Noted that Shelby County has been recognized as having the best roads in the State. Maintenance is well managed and easily accessible. Rick brought Clay Aderholt (Asst. Engineer) to the meeting. Rick and Clay committed to patching any hole in the subdivision from just a phone call, providing the road is a Shelby County road/street.   Rick committed to a trailered speed detection/warning vehicle to be parked on Brook Highland Drive for a few days in an effort to control speeding vehicles.

• Emergency Medical Services and 911. Well supported by the County Commission to provide all residents with Paramedic and emergency response.

• Drainage: Shelby County is only responsible for drainage and culverts that are within the street right-of-way, and cannot enter private property without permission.  The drainage areas within neighborhoods are typically on private property and the responsibility of the landowner. 
  
  Note:  Brook Highland HOA does not have explicit rights to drainage easements within the neighborhood.  The rights and responsibilities of the HOA regarding drainage areas in the neighborhood is under review by our Insurance provider and their attorneys.

• Noise Ordinance: Shelby County does have a noise ordinance that they can enforce but urges residents to resolve issues directly with their neighbors or seek HOA assistance prior to engaging the sheriff’s department.  He noted that officers must witness the violation in order to act.
  
  Note: Brook Highland covenants include restrictions of “…dangerous, noxious, offensive, or excessively noisome activities…”.

Homeowners Association Topics included:

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

A Presentation from Rebecca Jones on the new Social Committee and organization of groups and future projects. Currently in development stage.

• Ongoing survey to determine areas of interest.  Block Parties, holiday decorations/events and yard sales were most popular items.
• Work with existing clubs
• Immediate need for Decorating Committee
• Planning a Trunk or Treat for Halloween
• Also need someone to manage future Food Truck schedule

SIDEWALK PROJECT.

Information was shared by Vince Amaro outlining the progress of the sidewalk and the contributions and collaboration with the Shelby County Highway Department. Currently finalizing the legal paperwork and will be finalizing the bid soon. Anticipate completion before year’s end.

LANDSCAPING CONTRACT

The BHHOA Board has contracted with The Southern Landscape Firm to replace Eddleman Landscaping and several other landscaping subcontractors. They will handle all the landscaping needs for our common areas. By combining all the necessary services under one source it will not only simplify the process, but save money on the overall landscaping budget. Southern begins October 1, 2023.  Also, a spigot was installed to facilitate water availability for cleaning the entrance area. Consequently, the entrance wall has now been pressure washed.

FINANCIAL

Handouts of the Year-to-Date Financial Status as well as a draft of a five-year projected budget were available to the attendees. There was also an updated draft of the enforcement policy.

Q&A:  Several questions were asked from the residents including:

• Enforcement of covenants for RV’s parked in driveways:  A resident made a formal complaint, at the advice of his attorney, of the Board of Directors not enforcing covenants restricting parking of RVs in driveways.  The resident cited multiple instances over the past three years and demanded we enforce the covenants.  Note, the HOA does enforce this, allowing 24-48 hours for loading/unloading prior to sending a violation letter.
• Signs placed in front yards: What are the expectations or time limits?  How does that compare to the RV parking? Suggest the HOA clarify.
• When to use ARC: Is approval required if just performing maintenance or restoration? No, but submit if in doubt.  Suggest the HOA clarify.
• Potential future development of a park/walking trail on the HOA property at Warrington Circle:  Would require engagement of residents and adjacent lot owners.  Pros and Cons discussed of cost, liability, security, parking, traffic, etc.  A resident asked if the HOA would accept donations toward this (money, play equipment, etc.) – The Board does not believe there is a restriction precluding donations.
• Speeding on Brook Highland Drive – Call SC dispatch for increased patrol.
• Pothole repair:  Call SC as needed.  Do not attempt to repair yourself.  Note, Birmingham owns street at rear entrance, from 119 to the lake.
• Is it possible to gate our neighborhood? Currently no, as the county owns the streets and we do not own property at the rear entrance.  It would also require a change to our covenants, which would require a 2/3 affirmative vote of all lot owners. 
• A resident scheduled a visit by the HOA Board the next morning to review potential drainage issues with new sidewalk on their property, which includes an open ditch which needs cleaning out as it has potential flooding issue with large rains.
• Questions were asked about Flock Cameras: How do they work? Availability for reviewing pictures? Are they effective? – We have two HOA officers with admin access and have granted access to both Shelby County and Birmingham Law Enforcement.  A few examples were cited in which we have worked with law enforcement to identify cars associated with theft and threatening behavior.