Meeting was held by Zoom
The Board of Directors of Whittier Community Association met virtually on March 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Frank Hackett, President
Jackie Parks, Vice-President
Tim Sweeney, Treasurer
Elizabeth Hoover, Secretary
Sally Hoague, Director
Robert Calahan, Director
Patrick Berry, Director
Bernarda Jackson, Director
Nancy Sweet, Director
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT:
Linda Blum, Legum & Norman
Homeowners (On file with Management)
Guests:
Jeremy Holder, Vice President, Ausherman Development
Erin Mallery, Area Manager, Ruppert Landscape
Dejan (Dan) Milenkov, President, Continental Pools, Maryland Division
Alexis Johnson, Regional Manager, Continental Pools, Maryland Division
Call to Order
The regular meeting was called to order by Mr. Frank Hackett, President, at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Hackett stated the Whittier HOA Directors have been discussing mapping systems to make it easier to review the lawncare and snow removal within the community.
Erin Mallery, the Area Manager for Ruppert, has indicated that they have a mapping system and have been asked to join us tonight to share it with the Board in preparation for discussions later.
He also wanted Ms Mallery to cover the removing of the Juniper bushes on Christopher’s Crossing and also the snow removal and ice pretreatment procedure.
Ms. Mallery reviewed the breakdown of areas on the map she shared on screen.
The Juniper bushes have been removed and will be replaced with Annuals that will be better suited and cost effective for the community.
Jeremy Holder (Ausherman Development VP) provided updates on property, annexation, and stormwater issues.
- Mr. Ausherman agreed to support stormwater repairs after discussing Kellerton property flows and project misconceptions.
- The annexation process covers several parcels (approximately 72 acres), with proposed R4 zoning and flexible density (186-265 units), but no immediate development planned.
- Faith Reformed Church is included in the annexation for future expansion, maintaining institutional use.
- The annexation process is moving from Planning Commission to City Council and involves workshops and public hearings.
- Stormwater management regulations require no increase in post-development runoff, with stricter future guidelines and responsibility based on state/local standards.
- North Branch Trail right-of-way dedication will be timed by the city, independent of property development.
Questions were addressed regarding property flows, maintenance obligations, and regulatory changes. The session concluded with appreciation for the insights provided.
A review of pool repairs in preparation for the pools opening was provided by Alexis and Dan from Continental Pools
Approval of the January 14,2025 Minutes:
A motion to approve the minutes as edited was made by Sally Hoague, Frank Hackett Seconded The motion passed with a vote of 8/1/0.
Note: Minutes for the February 12, 2025 Director training will be sent with March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes draft for approval at the next HOA Meeting on April 21, 2025 .
Committee Reports:
Treasurer’s Report, Tim Sweeney
The Treasurer reported that the transfer from Vanguard to Legum & Norman is nearly complete. Monthly statements and expenses are being checked, with some minor issues already resolved. Financial training for the board is planned for late March.
Pool Committee – Tim Sweeney
The committee discussed updates to guest passes and lost-and-found policies, aiming to improve both convenience and safety for members and staff.
The pool schedule for 2025 is almost finalized, aligning with the Frederick County school calendar. A notable change is that all pools will open at 10:30 a.m. on July 4th to accommodate holiday plans. Alexis has been instrumental in coordinating these updates and in helping the HOA manage pool maintenance, including identifying a costly water pipe issue.
Alexis demonstrated strong initiative by managing urgent pool maintenance issues, coordinating with city officials, and ensuring water was shut off to prevent excess
charges. She played a key role in meeting with plumbers and facilitating repairs at both Greenleaf and Weatherburn, reflecting her deep commitment to the community and operations. The discussion emphasized prioritizing necessary repairs for health department approval and recommended maintenance, while postponing conversations about pricing for a later meeting.
Funds for pool repairs, spring maintenance, and a 2025 Reserve Study are already budgeted, with additional money set aside for needed mechanical upgrades.
The HOA board approved updates to the pool rules by email, including a new policy for registering large pool parties, revised guest pass pricing, extended lost-and-found retention, and the allowance of collapsible wagons. A ratification of the vote was done formally during this meeting
Tim Sweeney made a motion that we amend or change the pool rules as written. Frank Hackett seconded the motion.
There was discussion and a vote was taken to ratify the email vote.
The motion passed with a vote of 9/0/0.
Pool Repairs:
Tim Sweeney informed the Board of an additional $5,500 needed to complete the renovations for the pools.
A motion was made, seconded and passed 9/0/0
After reviewing the recommendations for repairs presented by Continental Pool a motion was made by Tim Sweeny to accept the outlined cost for the proposed changes, including installing a new pump at Cobblestone Pool.
Beth Hoover second the motion.
The motion passed with a vote of 9/0/0.
Architectural Control – David Latch
Report not available
Social Committee – Beth Hoover
The social committee met recently and planned several events for the year. A survey will be posted to Facebook, There is consideration of moving the parade to Memorial Day to increase participation, as many people are usually away during the 4th of July. Input is being gathered regarding this change.
All updates will be included in the upcoming newsletter. Here are upcoming community events:
- Neighborhood cleanup and spring potluck on April 27th. The cleanup will take place from 2 to 4 PM, followed by a potluck. An Easter Bunny appearance is planned. The location for this portion is to be determined, with more details to follow soon.
- Shower watch party and yard sale scheduled for early June.
- Additional events are planned throughout the summer, including photos with Santa, a Santa Parade, and holiday caroling.
Most dates have been set and will be included in the newsletter sent to all residents and board members to add to their calendars and share with neighbors. The goal is to encourage increased community involvement this year.
Townhouse Committee – Jackie Parks
On February 28th, the Town Home Committee held an Open Forum via Zoom. While hosted by the Town Home Committee, the forum is open to anyone with concerns or topics to discuss, and there are no time limits for speaking. No votes are taken; the meeting serves to gather information for further review by the directors.
One resident raised a recurring issue involving a neighbor’s uncollected dog waste, which the committee is addressing with assistance from the City of Frederick.
Another concern involved unused vehicles in additional parking areas on Lakeside, some appearing abandoned due to flat tires.
Dog Park Task Force – Jackie Parks
The Director of Parks and Recreation, Bob Smith, recently confirmed our meeting. We have identified a City-owned area at the end of Wetherburne for development into a dog park.
Mr. Smith is currently preparing a cost estimate for the project, as referenced in earlier documents.
At present, one resident has committed $10,000 toward the project, and additional donations may follow once final costs are known. The park will remain City property, with ongoing maintenance—including mowing and waste management—handled by City staff.
Newsletter Report – Sally Hoague
Please submit any pictures or articles via email at least five days prior to the first of the month. This timeline ensures adequate opportunity to organize and prepare the newsletter content. Following compilation, the newsletter will be sent for approval and any required revisions before distribution to management.
Stormwater Management: Jamie Parks
Mr. Jamie Parks stated the community is addressing new Maryland Stormwater Management Specifications and noted of erosion in Eastern Forebay that needs to be corrected.
Mr. Hackett noted he received an email from Mr. Jonathan Pembroke, Ausherman Senior Program Manager, that Mr. Ausherman would pay for some of the cost to repair the rip rap going into the Forebay. Wastler advised they have $7,084 within their proposal for rip rap material for the project and Mr. Ausherman agrees to pay $3,500 directly to Wastler. Whittier would see a credit on the invoice showing the reduced cost. Mr. Hackett noted the bid from Wetland-WSSI was over $25,000 in comparison. Mr.
Hackett made a motion to hire Wastler and Son to complete repair work. Mr. Patrick Berry seconded the motion
Frank Hackett made a motion to hire Wastler & Son to finish the swale…Patrick Berry seconded the motion
The motion passed with a 9/0/0 vote. Management Report:
Corporate Transparency Act:
The report mainly covers the Corporate Transparency Act, which is finished for now, though modifications may happen later, especially regarding enforceability for community associations.
Old Business:
Towing Company
Ms. Hoover asked about the status of the new towing company and need to get resolved. She requested to get signs up by April 1 or look at renewing with Dorsey’s.
New Business:
Yard of the Week Program
The Yard of the Week program resumes in May through July—August is too dry to continue—and we’re waiting for confirmation from the Garden Club about judging again this year.
Whittier Stream Clean-Up:
A Whittier stream cleanup day has been organized. The focus will be the corner of Wetherburne Way and Whittier Drive, where significant efforts have already resulted in the removal of two truckloads of leaves. We encourage as many community members as possible to join us on Saturday, March 29th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to help complete the remaining cleanup. A flyer with additional information will be distributed shortly.
Landscaping Mapping Task Force
A Mapping Task Force was implemented by Frank Hackett the HOA President. Jackie Parks was asked to take the lead for Task Force. The Board was asked if there were other Directors who would like to be a part of the Task Force. Patrick Berry and Elizabeth Hoover volunteered. Jackie Parks indicated she would like George Prygocki to participate with the Task Force.
Homeowner Comment Period – Open Forum
A Homeowner who lives on Lakeside voiced concern for the available parking on Lakeside Dr. This concern was voiced to Director Parks during the recent Open Forum. He expressed a desire for the Board to find a solution to those vehicles that have been parked on Lakeside Dr. without any sign of movement over the last few months.
The Board moved to closed session…residents were invited to remain on the call in the waiting room until the Board returned with a report what took place in closed session.
Closed Session Report:
The board requested Legum and Norman to assign a new Community Manager.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Jackie Parks…Elizabeth Hoover seconded the motion
The motion passed with a 9/0/0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:43pm.
Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Board of Directors is April 21, 2025
Minutes prepared by: Jackie Parks (HOA VP)