2015 2nd QUARTER ENKA VILLAGE COMMISSION MEETING

April 8th, 2015 at 7 p.m. Enka Public Library

Meeting was called to order by Eric Bradford, Enka Village Commission President.

• Eric Bradford introduced the current Commission Officers: Himself as President, John Steele – Beautification, Mike Sargent – Secretary and Amy Good – Treasurer
• Agenda was re-organized, moving the Jacob Holmes noise issue from topic # 7 to #1 to facilitate Biltmore Lake residents who were present and in attendance for the noise issue

• JACOB HOLMS NOISE ISSUE
• Enka Village Commission has been communicating with John Manson; Capital Improvement Manager for Jacob Holms Industries (referred to as JHI)
• Communications indicating that Enka Village appreciates the fact their expansions have created jobs, Village residents work at JHI, but, their machinery is affecting the quality of life in our neighborhood and the surrounding area.
• Area that encompasses JHI has been re-zoned to “industrial” and is considered to be in the County so the plant does not fall under any noise-ordinance issues.
• Enka Village is communicating with John Manson in hopes to reach a mutual resolution to this issue since there is no legal precedence available.
• When JHI expanded Buncombe County supported and invested in the expansion due to the jobs creation the expansion was creating.
• Please see this webpage detailing Buncombe County’s 2014 Incentive Agreement with JHI:
• http://www.buncombecounty.org/common/Commissioners/20140107/Incentive%20Agmt%20Final.pdf
• Hawking (Hillcrest Street resident) asked if OSHA has been contacted with regards to the problem, at this point no had known if they had.
• Eric Bradford indicated that essentially “we are over a barrel” and the best course of action to get results was to rely on their willingness to make the necessary changes if not than at that point research other avenues
• JHI contracted an independent company to conduct a survey with regards to the noise being emitted from JH. The study has been completed and JH engineers are reviewing the findings. The study has not yet been released to the public
• Enka Village Commissions’ stance is to wait until the JHI expansion is complete and make necessary changes.
• Hawkins indicated that if the noise is below 65 decibels they can operate for 8 hours according to OSHA. Eric Bradford indicated having no knowledge of OSHA’s involvement but these are great items to consider and looking for suggestions and feedback concerning the noise issue.
• Eric Bradford read the last email he received from John Manson before the Commission Meeting
• Eric Bradford explained what that meant was once they identify the resolution to the problem it could take some time to implement those changes
• Eric Bradford believes JHI truly wants to fix the problem. John Manson is backed by the senior management at JHI and sends Eric weekly emails about the situation, even if Eric has not emailed him.
• All emails received from John Manson are cc’d to Bill McManus, head of the Biltmore Lake HOA. The Board of Directors for Biltmore Lake are in agreement with Enka Village’s wait and see stance.
• JHI has requested Enka Village and Biltmore Lake to funnel future communications through Eric Bradford or Bill McManus to avoid receiving multiple calls of complaints
• Since the Enka Village Facebook Group is a closed group another Group page called Candler Community was created to provide a forum for questions and updates regarding the noise issue. It is an open group so it is available to anyone to join. It will feature any and all events relating to and affecting neighborhood residents in the Candler area
• Eric Bradford introduced Laura Pease (Biltmore Lake resident) to discuss Biltmore Lake’s position
• Laura explained she was not a Board or HOA representative but her next door neighbor was the President and is up to speed on events through conversations with him.
• Laura explained that Biltmore Lake’s position was identical to Enka Village and offered that if communications break down in the future that other neighborhoods with a vested interest in the noise issue from JHI should become involved and form a stronger complaint with lager numbers involved possibly developing a class-action style complaint
• Eric thanked Laura for her information and emphasized the importance of moving forward working together to rectify the situation
• An open Community wide meeting is scheduled for May 4th at 7 pm at the Enka Public Library to discuss this issue. Official representatives from JHI will be invited to join the meeting
• The JHI noise issue was concluded Biltmore Lake Residents thanked everyone for allowing them to attend the meeting and left

• Status/Voting of Commission Officers
• Returning back to the Agenda Eric Bradford re-introduced the Board Commissioners and announced the current Officers would like to remain for another year if there were no other contenders for those positions, there were none
• David Allbach made a motion to keep the current officers in place, it was seconded and passed.
• Eric Bradford mentioned that the VP Commission spot was available and that Glenn Satterfield wished to be considered for that post. Eric asked if there was anybody else interested in the position, there were none. Eric Bradford made a mention to elect Glenn Satterfield as VP, it was seconded and passed. Glenn Satterfield is now Enka Village Commission VP

• Welcome New Neighbors
• Eric welcomed new neighbors to the Village and in attendance at the meeting and sadly reported the Judds on Crescent Street were moving.

• Treasurer’s Report

 

• Amy explained that the Commission will be contacting Scott Schuller for an update regarding the street lights on Hillcrest Street
• Ashley Tweed asked if the Village has received money from Bent Creek for the Kickball Challenge, and the answer was YES, we received approximately $136.00

• Facebook Page standards and practice
• Eric reminded everyone that the Enka Village Facebook page is a closed group meant for and used by residents of the Village. Villagers post pictures of their kids, various parties, their houses, etc. and they don’t want outsiders seeing that
• Being approved to the page depends on three factors
  • Do you currently live in Enka Village
  • Did you grow up in Enka Village
  • Do you currently have family or relatives in Enka Village
  • If they answer “no” to any or all of these questions they have no business being on the Enka Village Facebook page.
• Admins for the Facebook page will be current board officers

• Upcoming events
  • Recapped Festival of Neighborhoods
  • Reminded everyone of the upcoming Village yard sale (April 11th), Community cleanup (April 18th)
  • Heritage Day, Mike Sargent agreed to contact Brian Cook in organizing the details for the event
  • Progressive dinners? Amy Good agreed to organize an upcoming progressive dinner
  • John Steele announced a cleanup of the dead brush running along the tops of Orchard, Pine and Oak Streets
  • City Arborist will be planting new trees throughout the Village at Resident’s locations whom requested them
  • July 4th Village Celebration

• Open Floor
  • David Allbach offered a suggestion for the street lights on Hillcrest Street, Mr. Hawkins reminded him that no changes could be made that are in conflict with the Enka Village Bi-Laws. It was stated that the bi-laws were implemented back in the 1950’s and a lot has changed since then and maybe they need to be looked and changed. Mike Sargent volunteered to form a committee to review, change and update items in the bi-laws. An Enka Village meeting will be called to address those and vote on with the Community
  • Yard of the Month will resume in May
  • Reminder that April 21st is the Book Club meeting at Amy Good’s house
  • Mary Lou Surgi announced she was digging up her raspberries offered them to anyone who wants some
  • Concerns about the sewer system was brought up and decided a sub-committee needs to be formed to investigate and possible problems and fix them pro-actively rather than re-actively.

Motion made to conclude meeting, seconded and the meeting was officially concluded.

February 2nd, 2015 Enka Library 7pm

Commission President introduced himself and the rest of the Commission. He then explained the Meeting minutes are being kept by the Commission Secretary and will be posted onto the blog, with a link to those minutes on the Village Facebook page. Meeting was officially called to order.

Commission Secretary introduced Detective Cindy Douthit with the SIU/Sex Offender Unit in Buncombe County to address concerns and questions about registered Sex Offenders. Detective Douthit explained she has been a Detective with the Buncombe Co. Sheriff’s Dept. for over 15 years. She shared the County’s Sex Offender Registry website: sexoffender.ncdoj.gov. That registry show pictures of the offenders and information regarding their offense and incarceration. If the word “AGGREVATED” appears in their descriptions, that indicates they are guilty of multiple offenses. She presented the Sex Offender & Public Protection Registration pamphlet that is the Law concerning Sexual Offenders for North Carolina, she passed it around for everyone to view. She proceeded to explain before the meeting she was on the phone with the Commission Sec. explaining the web-site. They performed a search of offenders in the area using the Sec.’s address, and 35 offenders showed up within a 3 mile radius of Enka Pine St. Det. Douthit urged Residents to be “proactive” rather than reactive. Be aware who the offenders are and where they are living. Parks, day/child care, schools are off limits to offenders and they cannot be within 300 feet of those areas and cannot live within 1,000 feet of those areas. Offenders are required by law to look like their picture(s) on the Registry. If they do make changes to their appearance they must have new pictures taken at the Sheriff’s office. Det. Douthit explained that unfortunately these offenders are here and just wants everyone to be aware of it whether you have children or not. Det. Douthit then opened to the floor for questions:

Q: The new school is being built down the road, how does that affect and registered offenders in the immediate area?

A: Offenders having an established residence before any of the restricted areas are built are grandfathered in, if they move that grandfathered clause is null and void. In addition to their restrictions to the off-limit premises mentioned, they are not allowed to partake in Halloween with regards to entice trick-or-treaters to come to their doors or residence. They are not allowed to be alone with children, baby-sit, transport to/from children. The same restrictions apple yo churches or facilities with child/day care

Q: When Offenders move how soon are they required to register their new address?

A: 3 Days. If offenders move from and to within the same state, they are required by law to provide the new location to the Sheriff’s Dept.  That address is then updated by the SIU/Sex Offender Unit Secretary. If the offender is moving from one state to another state, they have 10 days to provide the new location to the current locations Sheriff Dept.  In Buncombe County, updated addresses are posted by the following day of receiving the info. Det. Douthit will work closely in alerting the Commission Sec. If any new offenders move into the area and in turn notify the residents.

The most important thing is to be aware of your neighbors your surroundings and suspicious activity. Most residential break-ins happen during the day-time hours while people are at work.

Q: When offender’s move from one state to another, how do they provide a location if they are looking for someplace to move?

A: They are required by law to provide a location, even if they are staying at a Holiday Inn that is a location and that can be changed once they found someplace, the location is then updated to wherever they end up. Det. Douthit has even confirmed locations for homeless offenders by climbing under bridges with a flash light in the middle of the night to ensure the offenders are where they are supposed to be. There are currently 410 registered sexual offenders in Buncombe County, herself and a team of others continually verify offender’s locations.

Meeting like this are very important to Detectives to ensure awareness and the safety of residents. She welcomes the additional eyes watching. She would rather field 20 calls to turn out to be nothing, rather than no-one calling and it turns out to be something.

Commission President thanked Det. Douthit for coming and speaking and clearing up some of the misconceptions people had and urged anyone with additional  questions or wanting to report something feel free to contact her directly at: 828-250-4453 or the Police’s non-emergency number: 828-250-6670.

HERITAGE DAY: President requested possible date(s) reminding everyone last year’s Heritage Day was in May and it rained causing a “light” attendance. This year the President has some new resources and avenues available to get information out to the people. Suggested contacting people from American Enka, try to get that network of people involved with Heritage Day. Ideally that’s what we would want; an afternoon of storytelling and eating BBQ and utilizing our Park. A lot of the new residents moving into the Village is not aware of the rich history this Village is a part of.

Q: Did last year’s Heritage Day involve Enka Baptist Church?

A: The Commission did contact Enka Baptist about participating and possibly serving as a back-up location in case it rained, but Enka Baptist submitted an extensive list of requirements. In meetings with the new Pastor, who recently took over, did not seem interested in being involved.

It was suggested to have Heritage Day on a Sunday to coincide with a church service or Enka Baptists’ Homecoming, they could come next door and partake. It was decided Sunday, June 14th, 2015 for this year’s Heritage Day. Volunteers to form a Heritage Day Committee to plan and organize the event was requested.  Julie Nobblitt, the Allbauch’s, MIke Sargent, John Steele, Matt and Meg Baetzhold volunteered.

FESTIVAL of NEIGHBORHOODS: This Year’s Festival of Neighborhoods will be held on Sunday March 15th, 2015. All 26 Neighborhoods in Asheville come together at the Cellular Center to brag and show off their neighborhoods. The President encouraged residents to attend and show their support and pride. Brian Cook volunteered to develop a presentation for the event.

NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP: This year’s Neighborhood Cleanup is scheduled for Sunday April 18th, 2015. It is part of the month long clean-up, just like last year’s, there will be Community dumpsters located in the Village. Volunteers will go around and assist residents with items to be disposed of. Ashley Tweed requested the week before (04/10-11/15) to have a community yard sale. The Yard Sale will start in the park, and proceed from that location. Anything sold from that location will go the Village’s account. Residents can have a yard and anything you raise at your location you may keep, if you wish to donate items to the Village Yard Sale, simply take the items to the park the morning of the sale.

CITY ARBORIST: The City Arborist has requested: if any Residents in want trees (2 max.) for the front of their house to contact him. The Commission President, Eric Bradford is the Village’s direct contact to the City Arborist, so contact Eric if you wish to receive some trees (no charge). The trees that are provided are indigenous to NC.

The meeting was then turned over to the Treasurer for the Treasure’s Report.

(Click Image to see larger view)

The report focused on the year-end of 2014. 67.62% of residents have paid their HOA assessments. If all residents paid their assessments it would total %1,165.91 there is almost $1,000.00 less of what we actually received. Expenses include: insurance on the park, street lights on Hillcrest, lawn maintenance, pay for the room for Commission Meetings and had several expenses that we did not have before like Heritage Day, and Kickball which the Village still has not received any money from. Money was made from the sales of t-shirts. A Committee will be formed if there is a Kickball game this year to monitor expenses and ensure prompt receipt of funds.

Ashley Tweed suggestion to have a community-wide program that rewards residents that have paid their assessments to receive an “I Love My Neighborhood” sticker to display and encourage others who have not paid to do so. Nothing was officially decided.

Q: Do renter’s or the property owners pay the HOA Assessments?

A: Home owners pay, but if renter’s want to pay it would be greatly appreciated.

Commission Secretary announced new Commission Meeting signs were being made due to the face the old signs, with the exception of 1, have gone missing or have fallen apart. He proposed a motion that any emergency or urgent operational expense under $200.00 (one per quarter of calendar year) could be executed without a community vote, it was seconded and passed. Beautification Officer requested approval for additional lighting for the “ENKA VILLAGE” sign in the park. It was decided to present the Commission a proposal with costs and be put up for a vote at the next Commission Meeting.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Several people expressed interested in having one. Amy Good was volunteered to organize one, she agreed to set-up and organize one.

EMILY SUTTON DEZIO: Emily explained that she has been working with Garrett Artz (whom achieved getting a cross-walk between Enka-High and Hominy Valley) with regards to getting a Green-way for our area. County Commissioners have approved a Green-way that begins at Hominy Pool, goes behind the school, into the Valley to the base at the light across A-B Tech across the street of the Village down to Sand Hill Venable. A 3 mile biking, hiking and walking green-way.

County Commissioners have approved the land and building of the Green-way, but not the funding of the project. Ultimately the green-way would be connected to the other local green-ways. There was a fundraiser Feb. 3rd at Zaxby’s on Smokey Park Highway at 7 pm. and 10% of all sales would be donated to the Green-way project. On Feb 12th, 2015 at 7 pm, there will be a Community meeting at the Enka Public Library to rally community support and organization for the project. It is open to everyone to attend. The President emphasized the importance of community residents to become involved with showing support. Village residents’ property values will be going down because of the industrial happenings across the street, the Green-way will increase the property values in the area. The Green-way will make the area a more appealing property to all residents in the area. It’s there, it’s waiting all it needs the advocacy/support to build it. It will also serve as a buffer between the Village and Jacob Holmes’ loud fans.

The Meeting was then opened to the floor for comments and questions.

COMMENT: Contacted the County Extension Agent about pruning the Apple Tree in the Park. The agent might make the pruning a demonstration, if so info will be posted on the Village Facebook page.

SUGGESTION: Volunteers in the Village grow seedlings into flowers and sell them as a community fund raiser, possible have them available to purchase at the Village Yard Sale in April. Questions were then raised about a location to grow the seedlings, First Step Farms was suggested because they not only grow the seedling nut will deliver them when ready. Ashley Tweed volunteered to contact the farm to inquire some information.

Q: Has anyone contacted the DOT with regards poor draining of Orchard Street’s alley where it meets the park? When they widened Sand Hill they incorrectly installed the drain resulting a pooling of water. It was decided during the Neighborhood Cleanup, volunteers spruce up the Village, maybe clean the foliage around the sign in the park, and fill in the small pond on Orchard’s alley with gravel.

Next Commission Meeting is scheduled for Monday May 4th, 2015 at the Enka Public Library at 7 pm.

Meeting was concluded.

October 20, 2014 Enka Library 7pm

The meeting opened with discussing the street light on Hillcrest Street. The Street has 4 lights. John Steele proposed that Scott Shuler (works with Haynes Electric but would do the work on the side) would replace the bulbs with newer, more energy efficient bulbs that run $150.00 a bulb. If we paid for the bulbs Scott would do the work for free. A budget of $600 was decided on for the lights on Hillcrest Street, a motion was presented and passed.

Eric Bradford announced “Neighborhood Cleanup” would be November 8th, 2014, with dumpsters placed at the top of Orchard Street and on Hillcrest Street. Emily Sutton Dezio handed out garbage bags to fill with leaves, the City Garbage will pick up the bags, empty them, and leave them to be re-used. It is a program sponsored by the City of Asheville that the weekly garbage run will pick up rather than residents waiting on the special service to pick up the leaves.

John Steele – Beautification Officer announced that beginning next month, the “Yard of the Month” program will be back on schedule when a yard is chosen a small bio of the residents and pictures of the winning yard will be posted on the Village Facebook page. The Village Christmas wreaths will be hung on the street lights the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The Meeting was then opened to the floor for any other topics. Emily Sutton Dezio suggested a contact pereson representing Enka Village (Tree Czar) be appointed to converse with Duke Energy about the tree trimming in the Village. Mike Sargent volunteered to contact Terri Smith, a possible contact about the trees with Duke Energy.

Julie Noblitt mentioned there will be a pumpkin carving at the Enka Park, Sunday October 26th at 4 pm.

Eric Bradford mentioned there was an event at the Enka Library, “A Look Back” at American Enka and Enka Village on Thursday.

The Meeting was concluded.

July 21, 2014 Enka Library 7pm

• Meeting was called to order.
• Commission President thanked and welcomed everyone for coming to the meeting.
• President introduced himself and the Treasurer and Vice President.
• President referred to the agenda and informed everyone that there will be timeallowed for any issues not on the agenda.
• President informed everyone that the meeting was being videotape for easiertranscribing of minutes.

ITEM #1: President requested more residents to join the Commission because the Vice President would soon be stepping down and the President was looking to step down in the near future. He then mention that the Secretary position was opened and Mike Sargent wished to fill the role. A vote was taken and Mike Sargent was elected to the position. The next available position was Beautification and John Steele wished to fill that role. After describing what the role involved a vote was taken and he was elected to the position.

ITEM #2: The Treasurer provided a Financial Summary: 54% Homeowner Dues have been collected. There is $3,367.52 in the Community Savings. The Treasurer asked if there were any questions, there were none and she concluded the report.

ITEM #3: Mike Sargent was introduced to present a demonstration of the Enka Village Website. The web address and password was provided to the group. Internet was not available and could not show much of the website.

ITEM #4: Several lights were out on Hillcrest St., only two (2) were working. and despite the outages, the Commission was still receiving electric bills. The Treasurer contacted Duke Energy to fix the lights, because Hillcrest is considered to be outside City limits, they would not fix them. A resident from Hillcrest St. in attendance informed the Commission that they would be willing to fix the problem themselves by climbing up ladders and replacing the light bulbs. The Commission informed the Hillcrest Residents in attendance to inform the Commission when a bulb goes out and they would fix the problem themselves.

• It was suggested to convert the old fashion light bulbs to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs would save on cost and last longer.
• Treasurer was asked how much the bill was on average, she replied $30-$40
• President agreed to assume that task of researching the conversion. He knew the person who was handling the conversions to LED for the City of Asheville.
• A Resident informed everyone that the street lights were controlled by a timer. He would personally adjust the timer to compensate for power outages and time changes.
• The President requested to be shown how that was done

ITEM #5: The President explained that the sidewalks on Hillcrest St. are in pretty bad shape. Once again Hillcrest St. is outside City limits and not serviced by the City so it becomes that the Neighborhood has to fix and absorb the costs involved.
• The President suggested to think of a Community wide fund raiser to raise money for the repairs.
• It was recommended to get an estimate of costs for the repairs and approach the Biltmore Lake Commission for financial assistance.

ITEM #6: The meeting was turned over to Emily Dezio to discuss the upcoming Kickball fundraiser. The Enka Team is being formed and several items will be sold to raise money. Items include Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and T-Shirts. No funds from the commission is funding the event. Emily is paying for the T-Shirts. All money raised is being split 50/50 with Bent Creek which is a win win since Bent Creek outnumbers Enka Village with the number of households.
• Emily was asked where it was being played and she provided directions.

ITEM #7: The President introduced Bruce Fleming to discuss repaving Orchard Ave. Orchard Ave. is the alley road running between Crescent St., Pine St., and Orchard St. He received an estimate for the repaving of the road and it broke down to $250.00 per household that backed up to Orchard Ave. (even numbered addresses on Crescent & Pine St. and odd numbered addresses on Orchard St.)
• Bruce Fleming canvased Orchard Street to talk to residents and gauge their
receptiveness to the project and the cost. He talked to seven (7) residents which
five (5) were willing to put money down for their portion.
• Bruce Fleming requested the Commission two items; 1. Organize a Community Day that
volunteers in the community would be willing to work on Orchard Ave. 2. Address the
issues concerning Orchard Ave. at the entrance from Sandhill Rd. since he considers
it park of Enka Park.
• The President agreed to organize a Community Day.
• Bruce Fleming informed that personally has attempted to fill in the hole in the
ground in Enka Park with little success.
• The Commission President stated contacted the City of Asheville Storm Water Division
about the issues of Enka Park. They told him the park was too far back from the road
to receive and assistance from them.
• Concerns were raised about households having to pay extra due to households not
willing to pay their share toward the project.
• A resident, in attendance, explained that years ago (1980’ish) when he was on the
Commission, they investigated repaving Orchard Ave. but it was determined it was
useless to repave until the ditches and water run-off were fixed first.
• The water collecting and pooling in Enka Park was explained that the storm water
drain is on the opposite side of where the water collects and is approx. A foot above
ground level impeding draining.
• Another resident in attendance stated they do no utilize Orchard Ave. except for
maintenance issues or for dropping items off in the back yard, but was willing to
participate to maintain the neighborhood.
• A motion was made and carried to schedule a separate meeting to take a census of
residents and discuss the project further.
• Commission President agreed to work with the Beautification Officer to organize a
Community Day to work on Orchard Ave.

ITEM #8: The President mentioned the car that was recently broke into and asked if anyone could provide any details.
• Amy Good stated that her Neighbor’s car that was broke into was left un-locked
• President spoke to how safe the neighbor is with regards that there are neighbors who
look out for each other, question suspicious activities, people and cars.

The President explained that Amy Good has done research regarding safety. Several
options are available to us.
• A Resource Officer could attend a meeting to explain and answer questions regarding a
Neighborhood Watch Community.
• Signs could be provided announcing that it is a Neighborhood Community Watch.
• President explained that Firefighters from the recent gas leak fire, as a community
the best thing we could do is simply know and look out for each other, know your
neighbors.
• A motion was offered and carried to further investigate this issue.

ITEM #9: Neighborhood cleanup was omitted in order to discuss concerns regarding speeding vehicles in the neighborhood. The Treasurer explained that there is a petition to have officials come out and observe traffic patterns and offer recommendations based on their observations to help control the speeding issue. One signature per household totaling 40% off households in the Village to get it approved. Once the report is completed, several items can be provided with no cost to the neighborhood.
• Speed limit signs.
• Door knob hangers
• Speed Bumps
Motion offered and carried to form a committee to further investigate this issue.

It was requested for everyone present at the meeting to introduce themselves. Everyone introduced themselves and where they lived.
The Meeting was then concluded from official business and opened for any other issues.
• The newly elected Beautification officer asked for volunteers to help with trimming
low hanging tree limbs blocking areas of pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks. It
was suggested to get the residents permission that had offending trees planted in
front of their houses before cutting. It was then suggested that we contact the City
to do it, but it was decided not to.

The Commission President announced that the City of Asheville’s budget was being finalized and if anyone wanted a tree planted in front of their house to inform him.

Vice President explained the “Yard of the Month” was still occurring and was currently held by a residence on Lake Drive. The VP was attempting to contact the residents and find out the next winner. The previous winner of the Y.O.M informed the VP he would be willing to pick a new winner if need.

A request for a report of Heritage Day was requested. The Treasurer responded that financially we broke even. She suggested next year a sub-committee be formed to properly plan for the event.

The meeting was officially concluded.