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VIEWS
The Official Publication of the Lacamas Shores Homeowners’ Association
ANNUAL HOA MEETING RECAP
Linda Harnish, HOA President
The Board of Directors of the HOA wants to extend a
tremendous thank you to our wonderful neighbors in Lacamas
Shores who turned out to attend the Annual HOA Meeting on
Friday, March 27th at Lacamas Lake Lodge. We had a recordsize crowd in attendance, and everyone is thrilled to see that
level of interest in our community. The Board went to great
lengths to ensure that the meeting was conducted with the
utmost integrity, safety, decorum and lack of bias, so we feel
pleased that it was the high caliber, professional meeting that
our members deserve.
There were a record number of voters that could be counted
toward the quorum this year thanks to the amendment to the
By-Laws which the Board recently enacted stating definitively
that voting by postal mail or electronic transmission was
allowed. We’ve arrived in the 21st century! We feel this
change will have a tremendous long-term benefit to the
community, making it so much easier to vote without being
present in person at a meeting. According to the CC&Rs we
need 35%, or 89 members voting by ballot, by proxy or by
personal attendance, and this year we reached an astonishing
166! Many thanks to those who contacted friends and knocked
on doors for making people aware of the concerns and getting
out the vote!
There were 158 ballots submitted and a total of 403 candidates
names were check marked on those ballots. Without a doubt, it
was a close race! The final tally of votes is shown on Page 2.
We were fortunate to have secured Kevin Harker, a Vancouver
attorney and founder of the Community Action Law Group, a
legal practice specializing in HOA law, to conduct the meeting.
His command of Roberts Rules of Order kept the meeting
flowing smoothly, and the depth of his knowledge of
Washington state law regarding homeowner associations was
certainly impressive. We were especially pleased that he ably
managed the remarks made from the floor to keep very positive
and unbiased discussion moving productively. Many, many
good suggestions and questions were surfaced during the
slightly more than an hour of open discussion. Thanks to
everyone who spoke up and shared such great ideas! Mr.
Harker gave not only the homeowners, but also the Board, a
renewed sense of optimism that working through some of our
challenges might not be as insurmountable as previously
HOA Meeting Recap continued on Page 2
What’s Inside
Easter Egg Hunt
........................3
Arbor Day Celebration
..............6
Downtown Camas
......................3
New 4th of July Coordinators
....7
Final Tally of Votes .....................2
Financial Report
........................4
Annual Garage Sale
..................7
New Resident Contact Info
..........2
Real Estate Update
....................5
Calendar
.....................................8
Backflow Testing
..........................3
Canoe Club Sign-up
..................6
Teens for Hire
............................8
PUBLICATION GUIDELINES
The VIEWS is the official
publication of the Lacamas
Shores Homeowners’ Association
and is published 6 times a year.
We welcome suggestions and
submissions on neighborhood
news or topics of interest. Articles
should be submitted by email and
may be edited. Contact the
editors if you have comments or
questions.
Deadline for June/July Issue
May 15, 2015
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Linda Harnish ................503-708-1933
Vice President:
Dave Patterson........................
210.7840
Treasurer:
Elaine Foster...........................
281.0752
Secretary:
Steve Nelson...........................
210.7295
Other Board Members:
Steve Marrinan ......................833.2209
Marian Jackson.......................
954.5190
Matt McCants .................515.480.4915
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEES
Architectural/Landscape:
Richard Arnold ......................834.1710
John Ulmer
.............................834.7371
Don Davis ..............................335.7587
Steve Marrinan .......................833.2209
Matt McCants
..................515.480.4915
City of Camas Liaison:
Steve Marrinan ......................833.2209
Matt McCants
..................515.480.4915
Maintenance Supervision:
Cindi Marrinan
.......................833.2209
Canoe & Recreation:
John Ulmer
.............................834.7371
Boat Dock Keys:
Cindi Marrinan
.......................833.2209
Boat Parking Stickers:
Rob Bernardi .........................834.4361
Good Neighbor:
Rita Alvarez-Haller ................834.4214
Progressive Parties:
Richard Arnold ......................834.1710
Directory/Address Change:
Steve Nelson...........................
210.7295
Views Newsletter Editors:
Catherine Arnold ....................834.1710
Linda Harnish ................503-708-1933
HOA Meeting Recap continued
believed. However, to clarify remarks that
were published following the meeting by an
individual not on the Board, we won’t truly
know if we can impose fines on the small
number of homeowners who cause big
problems by not adhering to the CC&Rs
until our governing documents have been
thoroughly reviewed, and that’s a task we
hope to get underway soon.
All of the returning Board members are
extremely grateful to the concerned and
dedicated homeowners who recognized that
loyal members of this community have
been working hard for them and are willing
to continue to do so. We welcome the
addition of Matt McCants to the Board
and know that he’ll bring some of his
passion and fresh ideas for bettering the
community.
I’ve become something of the Board
historian over the last year, having read and
catalogued every set of meeting minutes,
most legal documents and copies of the
Views that were maintained since 1992
(unfortunately nothing can be found from
the very earliest years). What I’ve learned
from all the hours spent reading is that
none – NOT ONE – of the problems being
discussed in 2015 is new. Our hope is to
work together to find some new solutions!
Final tally of votes from HOA annual meeting 2015
Kelly
Marrinan
McCants
Nelson
Callerame
76
89
82
88
68
% of total of 403 votes cast
18.86%
22.08%
20.35%
21.84%
16.87%
% ballots w/vote for candidate
48.1%
56.33%
51.89%
55.70%
43.04%
Total votes received
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ADDRESS CHANGE - COMMON AREA - BOAT LAUNCH
New to the neighborhood? If so, contact
Steve Nelson at 210.7295 or email
[email protected] to make sure
you are included in the Lacamas Shores
Directory and receive all mailings. Also
contact Steve if you have address or phone
number changes in order to keep your
information current. We like to maintain
current email addresses for all residents in
the event we need to reach you for an
emergency.
You may request that your
email address or phone number not be
published. Your information is never shared.
It is important that we keep this information
up to date and we depend on you, the
homeowner, to notify us promptly.
Be sure to sign up for the Neighborhood
Watch program. Check the website,
lacamas-shores.com for information on the
Web Page Editor:
Catherine Arnold ....................834.1710
2
Watch program and the neighborhood
BackFence email list.
If you are new to the neighborhood and
would like to receive the “Lacamas Shores
Welcome” please call Rita Haller at
834.4214. It is best to call when you first
move in to get useful information and
materials, plus a welcome gift. Local area
information is also available on the City of
Camas website, www.cityofcamas.us.
Contact Cindi Marrinan at 833.2209 or email
[email protected] to obtain your boat
launch gate card and bathroom key. Contact
Rob Bernardi at 834.4361 to get a Boat
Trailer Parking Sticker which is required for
parking in the boat launch area.
To reserve the common area for private
parties, contact Catherine Arnold, 834.1710
or email [email protected].
CAMAS REQUIRES BACKFLOW TESTING
Each year, the City of Camas requires that all residents have a certified irrigation
backflow test. Washington State Law (WAC 246-290-490) requires annual testing
of backflow prevention assemblies. This testing is performed by a Washington
State Certified Backflow Tester. The purpose of this test is to determine if your
step septic system is performing correctly to avoid contamination of the water
that flows into your home. The City of Camas sends out notices in April
advising you of when to have your test done.
A reduced rate per house is available for Lacamas Shores homeowners from The
Grounds Keeper. If you are interested in taking advantage of this group
discount, contact them to schedule your test. The discount rate is available only
if you call before May 20th. In order for the company to offer this reduced rate,
they need to do a group of homes at a time. When scheduling your
appointment, please state that you live in Lacamas Shores and would like to
receive the group discount.
The Grounds Keeper
576.4119 Phone
571.0999 Fax
Email: [email protected]
Rate: $30.00 + tax
Discount given ONLY if backflow test is scheduled before May 20, 2013
Please note that you can call and schedule your testing even before you receive
the letter from the City. Additional information and a list of other state certified
backflow testers is available here.
LACAMAS SHORES
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 4 at 10:30 AM
Common Area by Basketball Court
Last year’s Easter Egg Hunt was quick, fun and a blast for everyone! The hunt
goes on rain or shine. Please plan to drop off 10 eggs per child at Amy Higdon’s
home by April 3. Fill the eggs with candy or stickers and feel free to tape them
closed if you wish. You may leave the eggs in the
bin on the porch.
Look forward to a good turnout again this year. If
you have any questions, please contact:
Amy Higdon
360.977.2514
3
Downtown
Camas
April 5, First Friday, 5-8 PM
Spring into History
A fun event celebrating our Camas
history and the coming of Spring!
Lots of fun family activities such as
the History Hunt, the toilet Paper
Toss and much more.
April 26, Camas Clean Up
and Planting Day
Come downtown on April 26th,
2015, from 1-4 PM and make our
town beautiful! Share an afternoon
with other local community
members who want to help make
Saturday, May 9, The Camas
Plant & Garden Fair
9 AM - 4 PM
This event fills the entire downtown
area with a fantastic selection of
plant and garden related items from
local vendors.
Camas Farmers Market
Wednesdays 3 - 7 PM
June thru September
Come to nibble or shop ’til you
drop! A variety of local produce,
plants, and food all from local
vendors.
FINANCIAL REPORT
MARCH 27, 2015
by Elaine Foster, HOA Treasurer
I would like to highlight some of our highest expenses.
Everyone should have received a copy of the financials with
their ballots in the mail.
could be taken to enforce the CC&Rs. The other was related
to accusations of wrong doing by a special interest group.
Despite this, we had $8,500 of positive cash flow. One change
we made last year was to have the Baileys do the entrance
flowers instead of a landscape company. The Baileys also
painted many of our mail box stands that were in bad
condition.
Our largest operating expense is for maintenance of the
common area. Most of the work is done by our 2 employees,
Doug and Julie Bailey.
Last year we spent $12,000 from the reserve fund to clean out
the swale and we have budgeted $20,000 to clean the pond
this year. We had a reserve study done in February that
determined our reserve funds of $156,000 are sufficient at this
time. The study recommended painting the boathouse and
storage buildings, repairing and seal coating the asphalt
leading down from the boat launch gate and replacing some
of the playground equipment in the next year or two.
We streamlined our assessment process by including specific
instructions about due dates and penalties with the notices we
mailed out. This has resulted in only 5 homeowners who are
not current on their assessments.
We plan to have a professional CPA audit done this year as we
have not done one in many years. In prior years, a review of
the financial statements was done by volunteers in the
neighborhood. Last year a CPA firm did the review. There is a
legal requirement to do a professional audit every year unless
there are enough signatures from homeowners to waive it. If
the audit is waived, a review must be done instead.
Based on the current reserve study, we have concerns about
meeting the requirements to add to the reserve fund in the
future as most of our revenue goes towards operating
expenses. With this in mind, the HOA may need to consider
an assessment specifically for the reserve fund to insure proper
funding for the future.
The 2015 budget is in line with operating expenses from last
year and expected expenses this year. The budget for legal,
accounting and other professional is higher than in the past
due to the audit, reserve study update and the possibility of
more legal fees.
We incurred legal fees as a result of two issues. One was due
to homeowners not following the CC&Rs related to RV/boat
parking. We needed legal advice to determine what action
Our Newsletter Needs Community Specific Information!
Putting together a newsletter for Lacamas Shores is quite
challenging considering there is so much more we could
include in it than we do. Many residents have interesting news
to share about upcoming events, personal milestones, issues of
community interest, etc., but we never hear from you!
does, then this knowledge will help make living in Lacamas
Shores more enjoyable.
Another benefit of increasing the members' awareness of
association issues is to help motivate others to take an active
role in our community. The more we understand about how
our Association functions, the more likely we are to get
involved.
Between our Board of Directors and committee members we
try to include items in the VIEWS that not only inform
owners of important business matters before the association,
but we are also attempting to help educate our members on
some of the ongoing challenges that our association must face
on a monthly basis.
Don't forget that our newsletter is one of the best
communication tools available in our community and in order
to help our newsletter become more community-specific we
need to hear from YOU.
Many times we repeat issues such as the Budgeting/
Expenditures and Rules Enforcement throughout the year in
order to help owners understand some of the complexities of
running our association. It is our hope that if more members
understand why the Board must make the decisions that it
If you would like to contribute to our community or to the
VIEWS, please do not hesitate to contact our Board members
and the newsletter Editors. We look forward to hearing from
you.
4
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
FRAN BROWN 360.901.3726
Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate
ACTIVE LISTING ADDRESS
SQFT
PRICE
DOM
2049 NW Lake Road#
4,517
$639,000
334
5933 NW Michaelbrook Lane
3,927
$789,800
7
3013 NW Michaelbrook Lane
3,913
$799,000
241
6209 NW El Rey Drive
5,335
$849,900
27
5700 NW El Rey Drive
4,515
$874,800
65
2510 NW Walden Court
3,419
$949,950
15
4627 NW Oregon Court
4,972
$1,095,000
319
3217 NW Lacamas Drive**#
6,380
$1,295,000
27
3327 NW Lacamas Drive#
7,549
$2,600,000
126
SQFT
LIST PRICE
DOM
PENDING
AT OFFER
5137 NW Valley Court
3,780
$500,000
1
4733 NW Park Court
4,580
$549,900
10
1945 NW Lacamas Drive
4,241
$919,000
243
SOLD YTD
SQFT
LIST PRICE
SOLD
PRICE
DOM
AT OFFER
2709 NW Lake Road#
4,775
$1,095,899
$970,000
9
1529 NW Lacamas Drive#
6,245
$1,598,000
$1,475,000
280
3025 NW Lacamas Drive**#
6,201
$1,295,000
$1,132,500
309
**Golf Course #Lake
CAMAS REAL ESTATE MARKET UP IN 2015
• Price Indexes Were Strongly Up, with the 3-Month
Moving Average Up 20.1% (Feb. 2014 vs. Feb. 2015);
while the 12-Month Moving Average went up 11.3% for
the same interval
• The Inventory level for Resale Homes is at 2.5 Months moving up only 0.1 months from our year-end 2014
report keeping us in a Strong "Seller's Market."
• Approximately 28 Resale Homes closed in February
2015, compared to 24 Sold in February 2014; an increase
of 4 homes or, 16.7%.
• REO/Bank Owned property sales were 4 units (14.3% of
total); up from 2 (8.3%) in 2014. • Short Sale /Pre-Foreclosure property sales were 1 units
(3.6% of total); down from 2 (8.3%) in 2014.
5
CANOE CLUB REGISTRATION & PIZZA FEED
PLUS BOATHOUSE CLEANUP-WORK PARTY
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
LEONARDO’S PIZZERIA
The Lacamas Shores Canoe/Kayak and Recreation Club will
hold its annual Membership registration/signup and pizza
party on Sunday, April 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Leonardo’s
Pizzeria located at 1st Street and 164th Ave. in Vancouver. We
have reserved the back room so bring the family.
We will also hold our now annual Spring Work Party from
3:00 to 4:30 PM prior to the Pizza Party. Please help get our
facility ship-shape for the coming season. We’ll clean up the
boathouse, inspect and repair all boats and safety gear. Bring
extra cleaning/repair supplies (rags, buckets, broom, tools) if
you have them. Meet at the boathouse at 3:00 p.m.
The main benefits of membership are the unlimited, year
round use of the club’s boats, which include canoes, kayaks
and four-person paddleboats. The boats are stored in the
“boathouse” located by the picnic area and basketball court in
the common area adjacent the boat launch. Paddles, life
jackets and carts to move the boats are also available there.
The Canoe and Recreation Club memberships run from May
2015 to April 2016 and are limited to Lacamas Shores
Homeowners for a cost of $40.00 per family. The dues include
the food and refreshments provided at the signup party. It’s
the “Best Deal in Town.” Come and meet your neighbors,
share some food and get signed up to enjoy and explore
Lacamas Lake.
Boats are checked out on a first-come, first-served basis. Club
rules include signing a waiver of liability regarding use of the
boats and requiring that guests and members under 18 years
of age must be accompanied by one of the adult members
when using the boats. Members are issued a key for a new lock
on the boathouse every year.
Some of our life jackets have gone missing over the last few
seasons. If you borrowed one, please return it. If you have any
extra that you could donate, the club would be grateful. We
can use all sizes, infant - adult.
For more information or to let us know you’re coming please
contact John Ulmer at 834.7371 or [email protected]. Let
us know what kind of pizza you like. The menu is available at
Leonardo’s Pizzeria.
ARBOR DAY - CELEBRATING OUR TREE-MENDOUS ASSET
Arbor Day is a nationally
celebrated observance that
encourages tree planting
and care. Did you know
that trees provide
tremendous social and
economic benefits to your
community? Trees can
Western Hemlock was
proclaimed the Washington
supply much needed shade
State Tree in 1947.
in summer, buffer against
high winds, conserve water,
and protect the soil from erosion. They also add beauty and
value to our property.
Inslee proclaimed, April 8th, 2015, as Washington State
Arbor Day.
Proper tree care is an investment which leads to substantial
returns to a homeowner. Proper tree pruning, tree selection,
and tree planting are the topics that cannot be emphasized
enough. If you’re concerned about the fate of trees where you
live, please pull up a soap box and join us as we continue to
harp on these tried-and-true messages in urban forestry.
• Don’t top trees!
• Hire an ISA certified arborist
• Plant and prune trees according to best practices and
industry standards
• Purchase high-quality nursery stock
• Plant the right tree in the right place
Founded by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day has been
celebrated for more than 100 years. His simple idea of setting
aside a special time for tree planting is now more important
than ever.
Now let's all go out and hug a tree!
Lacamas Shores residents MUST contact the ACCLandscape Committee before starting any tree work.
In Washington, April is known as "Arbor Month" with treerelated celebrations across the state. Recently, Governor Jay
6
LACAMAS SHORES 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
GET READY FOR THE BEST
SUMMER PARTY EVER!
If you're worried about what to do with the kids over the 4th
of July holiday, don't be! Lacamas Shores has one of the best
celebrations in the area. Plans for this year’s 4th of July
parade and picnic are well underway, and it's going to be the
greatest ever.
This year Cindi Marrinan welcomes two new volunteers,
Molly Tuttle and Alison Benjamin, who are both enthusiastic
about creating a fun 4th of July event. Cindi Marrinan has
coordinated the Independence Day Celebration for 11 years
and plans to pass the baton to Molly and Alison next year.
This year’s celebration will include lots of kid activities as well
as hula hoop and limbo contests. Friends and family of all
ages join the kids for exciting games and contests. Sarah Bang
will coordinate the Kid's Parade again this year and Deb
Mrazek will arrange for a great BBQ.
Molly, Cindi & Alison 4th of July Coordinators
Every year many neighbor volunteers are required to make
this event the best party in Camas. Look for more 4th July
information in the June/July issue of the VIEWS. Get ready
to celebrate our nation’s birthday!
LACAMAS SHORES ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Spring is here and so is garage sale fever! The Lacamas
Shores annual garage sale will be held on Saturday, June 6.
This is the only sanctioned garage sale in our neighborhood
and advertising, plus word of mouth has resulted in large
crowds each year.
a popular event for many neighbors who will be busy on
Saturday and it gives them a first shot at the good stuff.
You may choose to participate in both or just the Saturday
sale. If you choose to participate in the Friday evening sale, let
your neighbors know by posting on the BackFence.
For those who haven’t witnessed this annual event, be
prepared for a lot of car and pedestrian traffic. To participate,
all you need to do is gather up your “stuff ” and open your
garage door at 8:00 AM. They will be waiting for you.
You may wish to invite a neighbor for a joint sale. The more
help you have the easier it is to conduct a sale. You will also
attract more buyers if you have more selection AND, it’s more
fun! A group sale could include a tag on items stating: Owner,
Sale Price, Sold For to make divying up the profits easier.
Preview Sale Friday Evening
Lacamas Shores typically has a preview sale for homeowners
on Friday evening starting at 5:00 PM. This has proved to be
6
Here’s What’s Happening
Calendar
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 AM
Contact: Amy Higdon (see page 3)
Canoe Club Registration & Pizza
Sunday, April 26 @ Leonardo’s Pizzeria
Contact: John Ulmer (more info on page 6)
Annual Garage Sale
Saturday, June 6, 8 AM - 4 PM
HOA Board Meetings
2nd Thursday of the month, open to all Association Members
Contact [email protected] for time & location.
Teens 4 Hire
Babysitter/Pet Sitter/House Sitter/etc.
Erin Marrinan............................ 833.2209
Pet Sitter and Plant Care
Rachel Wiley.............................. 833.2113 or 609.7754
[email protected]
Gretchen Hensley...................... 977.2241
Licensed driver [email protected]
Bree McClelland........................ 977-2235 or 833-2332
Certified babysitter by Safe Sitters
[email protected]
Neighborhood Clubs
Hamburger Club..........................................Mike Harnish
Canoe/Recreation Club...................................John Ulmer
Host a Progressive Party
Progressive Parties are easy and fun to host. Guests bring all
the beverages and food and you provide the glasses and
dishes, etc. These parties are a great way to meet your
neighbors and make new friends. There are no Progressive
Parties scheduled at this time.
To host a Progressive Party, contact Richard Arnold at
834.1710 or email [email protected]. Your
neighbors will thank you!
Taylor McCants ......................... 515.208.6312 or
515.480.4915
com
Find it at lacamas-shores.
Check out the Lacamas Shores website to see what’s
happening in our neighborhood. Be sure to
register for the Neighborhood Watch email
p r o g r a m a n d t h e B a c k Fe n c e t o g e t
recommendations and keep in touch with neighbors’
concerns.
Other Highlights
• Neighborhood Directory
• CC&Rs and latest financial records
• Neighborhood contacts
Let us know if there is something you would like to
see on our website. [email protected]