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Summer Newsletter Report
August 24th, 2008
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As most of the residents of Stacy Ridge Estates already
know, an effort has been underway, for quite some time,
to revise and update the CCR document that we inherited
from the original subdivision developer. For purposes of
this article and this newsletter, I’ll skip past all the reasons
that the document needs to be revised and updated. These
reasons have all been well documented elsewhere.
The revision, still underway, has been a monumental task.
Admittedly, more so than expected... Toss in a small business,
some kids, soccer practices, family vacations, etc…
multiplied by 11 ad hoc committee members who all have
their own day jobs, kids, etc…and here we are roughly 20
months later – still working on it.
We’re making some progress, though. And, I’m happy to
report that we’ve trudged through the most subjective and
controversial sections of the document without a single
octagon match. My thanks to the committee members
(listed in your Stacy Ridge directory) who are volunteering
their time on this project. (emphasis on the word volunteering).
The group is a diverse mix of your neighbors
with different views and opinions, but a common sense of
purpose and willingness to give of their time for the benefit
of our Association.
Again, without delving too deeply into why the revision
effort was initiated in the first place (not the subject for
this particular article), I can offer some brief insight into
some of the fundamental objectives informally adopted by
the committee. First, the committee has sought to simplify
the language in our covenants. The document should
be for the purpose of its users, (you, the homeowner) not
your attorney - no offense intended to those of you who
happen to be both… So, you should find the document
written in a style that leans more towards plain English
rather than the current legalese. Secondly, the committee
has sought to eliminate, to some degree, ambiguity in the
current document. We’ve all dealt with paragraphs and
provisions that either don’t make any sense or are completely
subjective depending on a given homeowner’s, the
ACC’s or the Board’s interpretation. Hopefully, you’ll
find a little more clarity in the final product. Third, and
this is probably the least significant, the committee is attempting
to clean up the document. Some provisions
deemed necessary but missing have been added. Some
provisions deemed unnecessary have been omitted. Although
there hasn’t been much of this type of change,
there has been some and may be more as the progress
continues. Lastly, we’ve all dealt with the issue of phantom
amendments, some filed of record, some not, and
wondered whether or not the document we possess is the
actual CCR document. By completing a wholesale revision,
not simply an amendment to the existing document,
hopefully this problem will be resolved, finally.
“So, when will it be completed?” I’m not sure. The committee
has been trying to meet at least twice each month,
but the progress made at each of these meetings depends
largely upon the content of the document that is reviewed
at any given meeting and how much discussion, debate,
and modification that occurs. And, it’s a bit unpredictable.
Some of the more benign sections of the document
can generate the most discussion. In any case, I think I
can speak for the entire group when I say we’re committed
to being thorough. While it would be really nice to have
the document completed by some specific date – we’d
rather take the time needed to make sure it doesn’t have to
be revised again. Given the scope of the effort, it isn’t
something we want to repeat.
“So, what if I don’t agree with the changes made…” This
is a pretty common question, and although I doubt I can
answer it sufficiently here, perhaps I can re-frame it.
First, the revisions being made by a Committee of your
fellow members and neighbors will initially be submitted
to your elected Board of Directors for review, discussion,
debate, (octagon matches if necessary), and editing. Subsequent
to the Board’s approval, it will then be presented
to the membership for ratification subject to the quorum
requirements outlined in our Association bylaws. I’m
100% certain that not every homeowner in our Association
will agree completely with the revised document. I
would submit, however, that if you take the time to read
through the current document, you may find it to be quite
a bit more contentious. Perfection is not attainable here.
Our community, homeowners, families, lots, homes,
yards, builders, fences, streets, neighbors, vehicles, etc.
are far too diverse. But, I’m confident that in comparison,
you’ll find the revised document far superior to the current
one. And as you consider whether or not to agree, ultimately,
to its ratification, be mindful of the fact that long
hours and careful consideration were invested into the
revision, and your alternative is the status quo.
In closing, I’d like to say I think our subdivision is really
great. Having served on the ACC, the Board, and now on
this ad hoc committee, I’m perpetually impressed with the
quality of people that I encounter residing in Stacy Ridge
Estates. That our HOA has been able to govern itself for
all these years with such a shoddy governing document is
a testament to the commonality and sense of community
that we should all be proud of.
Respectfully,
Jason Tucker
CCR Revision ad hoc Committee Chairman
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