The meeting was called to order at 1:00 by President Thomas Cooke.

Board members present: Joe McCalpin, Barb McCalpin, Bruce Liljegren, Joan Moreaux, Sam Barnard, Bob Hunton, Sandy Reed, and Stoney Brown.

Board members absent: None

Announcements: Tom Cooke advised that the Green Valley Food Bank had sent a letter of thanks to the HOA for the donation of 908 pounds of food by residents of EE since last December.

Acceptance of previous minutes: There were no corrections to the March meeting minutes, which are considered approved.

Treasurer’s report: Joan Moreaux reported that there has been some difficulty in contacting the HOA accountant because of a phone line problem and also the fact that April is their busiest month due to tax season. However the HOA is still operating below budget for the year, and as soon as financial statements are available they will be publicized. It was noted that 3 houses were sold during this last period. A few annual assessment payments remain outstanding, and registered letters are going out shortly to those who have not yet paid.

Architectural: Bob Hunton reported there are no outstanding issues requiring a report this month.

Capital Projects: Sandy Reed reported the pool and spa re-plastering is currently under way, and should be completed in about 2 weeks. A discussion was held about some options the contractor had suggested: replacing handrails in the pool and spa, re-do'ing the pool ladder in such a way that it will not interfere with closing of the pool cover; upgrading the re-plaster that will go into the spa.  A motion was made, seconded, and passed to proceed with the suggested options, which will elevate the final cost to a total of $13,198.36.

Common Areas: Stoney Brown reported the main issue in the common areas currently is the removal of mistletoe from several mesquite trees, which has been done by Monstrosity Tree Service. A discussion about weed control was held, and control will be implemented where needed.

GVCCC: Joe McCalpin, reported on activities at the GVCCC.  A full report will appear in the Periodico.

Neighborhood Relations: Sam Barnard reported that peace and harmony is prevailing in our neighborhood, with no problems noted.

Recreational Facilities: Tom Cooke reported that the only matter of consequence in our recreational facilities is the re-plastering of the pool and spa, which is underway. Some signs have been posted in the Ramada, reminding people to replace the chairs and tables to their original positions, and leave the Ramada clean after functions take place. It was noted that Gary Beatty had been awarded with an honorary membership in the HOA as a token for his long service to EE at the tennis/pickle ball court.

Hospitality Committee: Sam Barnard reported for the Committee, noting that the last Hamburger Nite for this spring was held, and that a Cinco de Mayo pot luck is under planning currently. The Volunteer’s Dinner was a huge success.

Neighborhood Watch: No report

Enhancement Committee: The Committee has about three thousand dollars on hand and expects to receive an additional thousand plus from the Home Tour proceeds. The committee has agreed to grant one thousand dollars to the committee planning for the xeriscape garden project. The new chairperson for the Enhancement Team will be Barb McCalpin. The Volunteer of the Year award was made this year to Tess and Lance Ewing.

Old Business: Ben Sheffield reported on negotiations for the purchase of new lamp heads for our streetlights, which he has been able to obtain for a cost of $22.98 each. A general discussion ensued about the replacement project in general, and a motion was made to allocate the sum of $9,000 to the purchase of 350 of the heads. This will be sufficient for the 328 lamp posts we have, and extras to cover future needs. Additional checking will be done to determine the best price on bulbs, and an appropriate wattage. The lamp heads and bulbs will be ordered immediately by Ben and be stored in a secured area until being assembled and installed. Installation will take place in the fall, when our winter residents have returned, as we expect to accomplish the task with volunteer labor. The new lamp heads will closely resemble one now installed on the post nearest the Ramada entrance.

New Business: There were some items of new business. The committee working on the proposed xeriscape garden requested permission of the Board to utilize a portion of the common areas for this purpose. The area in question is located behind the home at 989 Regalo, and commonly known as “Stoney’s View”. Permission was granted for use of the site for this purpose, pending final presentation of a formalized plan for the garden.  A letter will issue authorizing this use.

The second item of new business was a request that the new committee known as Bienvenidos a Esperanza be recognized as a permanent and standing Board committee, with a budget not to exceed $500 for the remainder of this calendar year. This was based on the very good experience of the newcomer’s brunch, and the level of interest among the new residents that appeared to be developed from this activity. Upon motion duly made, seconded and passed, the request was approved.

A property owner, Bob Konrad, complained about the level of chlorine in the pool. He was advised that the matter would be called to the attention of our professional pool service.