Jefferson County’s All Star Game (Subdivision Summit, Part 2)

While many tuned into the All Star Game on television July 10^th, over 200 Jefferson County residents (our local All Stars) gathered to participate in the second Subdivision Summit which was sponsored by Councilman Charles Groeteke of District #4 and me.

During the meeting, local attorneys John Maupin, Richard Magee, Dwight Vermette and Renee Meyer of the Eckenrode-Maupin law firm gave presentations and answered questions from subdivision residents and trustees from every corner of Jefferson County.  Jefferson County Recorder of Deeds, Debbie Dunnegan also shared helpful recording information and described services available through her office.

Presenters gave details illustrating the Board of Trustee’s Role within their respective subdivisions.   The audience enthusiastically participated in the question and answer session. Many questions were answered regarding the purpose of indentures and how to address reoccurring problems.  In addition, topics ranging from the rights of residents to the responsibilities of trustees were discussed.

As in the first summit, participants left pleased, but hungry for more. As we, once again, ran out of time during the question and answer session, we collected dozens of additional questions and will be following up with participants as answers to their questions are made available.  At the end of this article, I will post a sampling of questions which burn in the hearts and minds of Jefferson County subdivision residents and trustees.

These seminars were developed to meet the needs of residents in Districts 2 and 4, but it is becoming increasingly clear that these concerns are County-wide issues.  We have great council members in Jefferson County who take the time to share concerns from district residents.  This inter-district cooperation between council members helps identify trends and problems that seem local at first, but are much broader in scale than one might expect. 

Councilman Groeteke and I are so grateful for the residents who have brought these concerns to our attention, for the wonderful volunteer efforts of Gail Shorney and the local attorneys who have all worked tirelessly and pulled together to help us help the All Stars of Jefferson County, our subdivision residents and trustees.

Many folks have asked us to hold a third session. Councilmen Groeteke and I are considering available options.  We have received so many great responses already from Monday night’s All Stars.  Here are a few:

Everybody was so professional.  I really enjoyed the presentations.  Thank you. – Bob

I was very pleased that we attended the summit and found it most informative.  Please thank all those who made this experience great – Carol

The Seminar was very informational… We look forward to the next Subdivision Seminar. If you should need a volunteer, I would be available to help – Les

Here are some of the questions posed by attendees:

Questions regarding formation of Home Owners’ Associations (HOA)
Do subdivisions have to file income tax (federal or state)?

Is there a proper name for subdivision rules and regulations (i.e.  indentures, bylaws, etc)?

When a subdivision is created, are there always indentures created?

Is there a legal requirement to record subdivision indentures with the Recorder of Deeds?

Indenture enforcement
Is the HOA required to file a lien against a homeowner’s property if subdivision dues are not paid and who can file this lien? 

What fees can be included in a lien? 

What can be done if the HOA does not enforce the rules and regulations?

Foreclosures
Our subdivision has one home which as been foreclosed.  It is not being kept up, and there are unpaid assessments.  How do we approach the bank?

County Council
How will you publicize the next time you conduct another seminar so that my neighbors can attend?