HOA spending is under budget and the overall financial position remains solid through the first five
months of the year. However, legal expenses continue to run ahead of projections. Through the end of May, the HOA has incurred $9,906.36 against a full year budgeted amount of $10,000, primarily due to unanticipated and on-going issues with two HOA members. While the Board is seeking resolution of outstanding issues promptly and efficiently, we are taking measures to ensure that the overall spending remains within the approved budget. As a result, the Board has decided to delay further construction of the pavilion beyond installation of the expanded concrete pad until we have greater visibility into the overall spending for the full year. You can review the full financial report on the HOA website at www.sovereignoaks.com under “Community Updates and Minutes.” As a reminder, there is a one-month lag on filing of financial reports. They are posted along with minutes from the previous month’s meeting minutes.

Batter Up! Play Ball

Interested in forming a Sovereign Oaks co-ed, non-competitive softball team to participate in the Asheville City League this fall? Sign-up starts in July, the Season begins in September. We would need to field a team of at least 10 people in order to register. Cost per person is approximately $60. This pays for field rental including equipment (other than gloves), umpires and T-shirts. If interested, contact:

Jack Klippel
(email): jackklippel1944@gmail.com
(cell phone/text): (404) 692-9059
or Brad Allen
(email): bdallen2007@gmail.com
(cell phone/text): (612) 386-3415

Sovereign Oaks Donation Strengthening the Warren Wilson Relationship:

This past month the Sovereign Oaks HOA made a $5,000 donation to Warren Wilson College, as it does every year. This on-going relationship benefits the entire HOA in several ways. It not only ensures HOA members with access to the extensive public hiking trail network on the college property but strengthens the working relationship with our neighbor regarding trail maintenance, coordination and communication with the HOA regarding on-campus events and visits by Warren Wilson forestry faculty who help us appreciate the natural environment that makes Sovereign Oaks special.

Road Frontage Maintenance Option: HOA Landscape Contractor:

While the HOA has the landscape contractor mow frontage along undeveloped lots, owners of occupied lots are responsible for maintaining the frontage of their property along roads within Sovereign Oaks. This maintenance of the road frontage is necessary for more than cosmetic reasons. Maintaining the
road frontage ensures visibility and easy access to utility installations and fire hydrants. One HOA resident asked if the HOA’s landscape company, Asheville Lawn and Landscaping, could do the job on occupied lot while they are mowing the unoccupied lots, which they do approximately once a week during the growing season. It would ensure that the road frontage gets trimmed all at the same time. The Landscape and Trails Committee spoke with the contractor and he is willing to add private lots into his work schedule when crews are here (most lots would cost ~ $10 – $15 per cut, according to the company). If you want to make arrangements to have your frontage trimmed at your expense you can contact Tony Careccia at (828) 691-2018 or by email at ashevillelawnandlandscaping@gmail.com.

The Straight Poop:

Stating the obvious, dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste. As a reminder, Sovereign Oaks Protective Covenants, Article VII, SECTION 4 reads in part: “All pets must be kept under the control of their Owner when they are outside the occupant’s dwelling and must not become a nuisance to other residents at any time.” A nuisance includes allowing dogs to deposit dog waste on a neighbor’s lawn, driveway, etc. It’s not only unsanitary and unsightly, it’s un-neighborly. Be considerate and clean up after your pet. As the dog population continues to grow within Sovereign Oaks, all pet owners have a shared responsibility to ensure that the community remains safe, pleasant and comfortable for all residents and guests.

Next Board Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, July 5th at 7PM

The meeting will be held at 17 Hawberry Court.  Any HOA member wishing to address the Board on any topic should notify the board at least ten days prior to the meeting at board@sovereignoakshoa.com. If you just want to come and listen to the business portion of the meeting without presenting, you’re welcome to do so as well. Just let the board know ahead of time as a courtesy and to ensure adequate seating is available.