Trustee Meetings

Second Tuesday of each Month

Holy Cross Lutheran Church located at 13014 Olive Blvd

Corner of Fernview and Olive Blvd. Please enter at the rear of the church.

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 pm.

ISSUE 59 © May First Issue 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I have a couple of items that I would like to share with you.

First, spring has exploded like a thundering herd of angry elephants. All over the U.S., thousands have had their lives irrevocably changed by spring storms and flooding. Old Farm Estates dodged a huge bullet on Friday, April 22^nd. According to a staff member at the St. Louis County Office of Emergency Management, the EF4 tornado that ripped through Bridgeton first touched down in the Missouri River bottoms by Maryland Heights Expressway. It is frightening to think of how close it was. I hope you, your family, and your home survived safe and sound. Given the intensity of the storm, it was a miracle that there were no deaths or major injuries. I would urge you to consider this storm a reminder to review your emergency preparedness plan.

On a completely different track, you should be aware of a developing situation. The Trustees recently learned that Parkway School District has an overcrowding problem at McKelvey and Craig schools resulting in the District to research the possibility of changing the attendance areas in the central part of the District. Our understanding is that Old Farm Estates might be moved to a different elementary, middle, and high school. However, the changes wouldn’t take place until the 2012-13 school year. I know that many will have concerns and very strong opinions about this potential change. Since there is no official plan yet, we don’t really have enough information to gauge the impact it might have. The District is still researching its options and is expected to make a decision near the end of 2011. We have contacted Parkway, opening a channel of communication, and will continue to gather information. As we learn more, we will pass that information along to you. I would ask that you to do the same.

Have a fantastic summer.

-Sam Craig

PLEASE DON’T WAIT …

The purpose of this article is simple: to save you money. Each year in November, the Trustees mail the invoice for the subdivision assessment which is due by the end of December. Each year, several lot owners, for many reasons, don’t pay their assessment on time. Despite letters advising them that they are delinquent, the invoice remains unpaid resulting in a lien being filed against their property. What most lot owners do not know is that once this happens, an additional $80 is added to the amount due to cover expenses associated with the liens. What was once a $100 assessment is now an amount due of $180, plus penalty and interest. Please be aware of the assessment invoice and any subsequent communication from City and Village.

The Trustees know that many of our neighbors have been hurt by these hard economic times. We are very willing to work with you do get through the difficult situation you may be facing. These are done on a case-by-case basis. City and Village can normally arrange to get your assessment balance paid to avoid liens and additional penalties, providing you honor your agreement to a payment plan. If need be, please contact a Trustee and, together, we will find a plan that works

If you are not receiving these notices, you have a couple of options. You can visit the St. Louis County website to confirm the mailing address associated with your property (http://revenue.stlouisco.com/ias/) or you call City and Village at 739-4800.

-Sam Craig

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF TRUSTEES

Judge Barbara Wallace entered her judgment in the case of Gary Hall, et al. vs. Larry Jackson, et al. (Cause No. 09SL-CC05338) on March 16, 2011. In her six page judgment, Judge Wallace ruled decisively, on all seven counts of the lawsuit, in favor of Jackson and the other six defendants (all were current or past Trustees). The judgment became final on April 15, 2011. Three days later, on April 18, the plaintiffs filed an appeal. Their reasons for the appeal were not available at press-time.

The judge ruled that the Trustees are vested with considerable discretion with which to execute their responsibilities. She found that the Trustees had established a clear record, since the early 1980’s, of interpreting the Indenture to spend assessment funds on the repair and maintenance of all subdivision common property – including the pool. She concluded that the actions of the defendants were reasonable in continuing to follow this interpretation. She also ruled that the plaintiffs produced no evidence to support their allegations that:

the 2004 indenture amendment was improperly adopted,

the Indenture prohibits non-residents from joining the pool,

the Trustees were negligent, or

the Trustees should be personally liable.

Lastly, she ruled that there was no legal basis for removing the Trustees from their offices. To read the entire judgment or the petition filed by the plaintiffs, go to oldfarmestates.org. There you will find a similar article about this lawsuit, but it will have links to these documents.

The plaintiffs in the case, Gary Hall, Janet Fortus and Robert Gates, filed their original lawsuit in February, 2008 against six current or past Trustees. In December, 2009, most of the suit had been dismissed by the judge and the parties were preparing to try the final two counts when the plaintiffs withdrew the lawsuit. Four days later, the same plaintiffs re-filed a second lawsuit which became Cause No. 09SL-CC05338. Though the new suit had wording differences, it made essentially the same allegations as the 2008 lawsuit except that it added an accusation of negligence. The defendants in the second suit were also Trustees and past Trustees, but there were seven this time including Larry Jackson, Kathy Schweitzer, Ted Campbell, Sam Craig, Karla Reichelt, Mike Davis and Dan Bellows. No explanation has ever been given why these seven were chosen as defendants from the 13 Trustees sitting at the time or the numerous other previous Trustees.

-Sam Craig

CHAIRPERSONS NEEDED

Vacancies exist for chairpersons on the Cul-de-Sac and Streets and Sidewalks committees. The former involves, coordinating with the residents adjacent to a cul-de-sac, upkeep, budget requirements and maintenance coordination of the area. For the latter, it involves mainly coordination and combination of resident’s comments and relaying to the County.

It’s not a requirement to be a Trustee to hold these positions. Contact Sam Craig at 576-1514 or samcraig677@gmail.com for additional information. Your name will be discussed at a Trustee meeting.

-Jerry Goldberg

OLD FARM ESTATES SUBDIVISION

TREASURERS REPORT – 2010

We began the year with a surplus of $25,982 and ended 2010 with a surplus of $17,445. Major highlights for the year include the following: We spent $15,515 on repairs and improvements at the pool. This amount exceeded the planned spending by $5,500. The overrun in pool capital expenditures is primarily related to a required upgrade to our filtration system. Legal expenses were $9,986 and exceeded our budget by $6,986. The majority of legal fees were incurred to protect our ownership interest in the land extending from Bookbinder to Creve Coeur Mill Road. See prior Gazette articles on our website for discussions about the quiet title lawsuit.

-Ted Campbell

OLD FARM ESTATES SWIM CLUB

The financial results for the Swim Club were mixed in 2010. Total net income for the club was positive $758. Net income for pool operations was negative $539 down from a positive $4,567 in 2009. The main contributor to this reduction was a drop in membership. Membership decreased to 128 from 142 in 2009. Although this was a significant drop, it is only slightly lower than the average (132) for the last ten years. Membership matters so please encourage your neighbors to join and pay the membership fee.

The Swim Team posted positive results for 2010 and showed a gain of $164 despite a sizable loss on T Shirt fundraising. Non Swim Team fundraising again contributed positively. The Revenue and expenses for our Pool Club is presented below and includes all the operating expenses for our Swim Club.

The Old Farm Estates pool is owned by the Old Farm Estates Subdivision. The pool facilities are operated by the Old Farm Estates Swim Club. Residents who would like to use the pool must become a member of the Old Farm Estates Swim Club. Please see our website at oldfarmestates.org for more information.

-Ted Campbell

SOLICITING

It’s Spring, the flowers have sprung up…..and so have the hawkers at your door! Be aware that this is “prime time” for door to door solicitations for anything from roofing to siding to driveway sealing to…..pick one. You should also be aware that everyone who solicits, or peddles, door to door in unincorporated St. Louis County is required by law to obtain a license to do so.

If they are dealing in “the selling of goods, ware or merchandise from a stock of merchandise with him”….. they are a peddler. An example would be someone selling “leftover” meat from an order that they delivered to your neighbor.

If they are “an individual” who is “traveling by foot, wagon, automobile, motor truck or any type of conveyance from house to house” and “taking or attempting to take orders for the sale of goods, ware, books, charts, maps, magazines or other merchandise for future delivery, or for services to be furnished or performed then or in the future”….they are a solicitor. An example would be those roofing/siding/window/lawn folks.

It is unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to engage in such business without having first obtained a license from the Department of Revenue, Division of Licenses or from a State agency. They are obligated to carry an identification card with them at all times while engaged in peddling, or soliciting, and must show you that card if they approach you and you ask them to do so.

The issuance of identification cards also applies to those solicitors who are working on behalf of a non-profit organization, and no one is allowed to peddle, or solicit, between the hours of 9 pm. and 9 am. unless you consent to it.

Exemptions to this chapter of the County Ordinance (Title VIII Chapter 804) include churches and fraternal lodges which are soliciting among their members, the solicitation is done by their volunteer members, and (of course) funds solicited which are governed by the Campaign Finance Disclosure Law.

So before you donate, or allow someone give you an estimate on repaving your driveway, or purchase some meat or produce, ask him or her for their identification card. They should have one.

-Kathy Schweitzer

SWEETGUM BALLS PICK THEM UP!

It is that time of year again. Do you know that Sweetgum balls drop between the months of December and May? Don’t let them lay around all summer and fall. Please pick them up now or pick them up soon. These large prickly balls make the street and yard look terrible, they make it difficult to walk on the sidewalk and make it nearly impossible to ride a bike. We have many of these trees in our neighborhood and they are beautiful trees with big broad leaves and gorgeous fall color but they certainly make us pay the price.

You can spray these trees but the time window to do it is very short. The time to spray is in the spring and depends on weather conditions. There is a very short window of opportunity to spray these trees. If you are interested in spraying, use a professional.

St Louis County will sweep each street twice per year upon request from residents. They do a drive-by to verify need. You can call and request a street sweep at 615-8538. For the yard there is only one answer to this pesky problem. The balls will stop falling later this month and will not fall again until the winter. So please take a minute to make the neighborhood a safer and more beautiful place.

-Ted Campbell

DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Just a reminder… Old Farm Estates will hold elections for District Trustees in November, 2011. Nomination forms will be mailed in August. The subdivision is divided into seven districts, which will elect one Trustee each. To serve as a trustee, you must be a lot owner and in good standing regarding your assessments. Please be sure to return your nomination form if you have an interest in serving as a District Trustee. If you have questions, contact any Trustee.

-Sam Craig

FILL NEEDED

We have wash-outs on the common grounds requiring fill of dirt or concrete. Contact: Larry Jackson, Common Grounds chairman 878 4068.

-Larry Jackson

ARE YOU ADDING ON A ROOM THIS SPRING OR BUILDING A FENCE OR SHED?

OFE residents take especially good care of their homes --- that’s one of the reasons OFE remains such a popular neighborhood for new buyers. By adhering to basic guidelines during a project, we can ensure a high standard of quality for OFE’s homes, and thereby maintain and improve the value of our homes. The builders of our subdivision wanted to help residents with this goal regarding outside projects or add-ons and wrote into the indentures that it was the duty of the trustees:

To consider, approve or reject any and all plans and specifications for any and all buildings or structures, fences, detached buildings, outbuildings, accessory buildings, swimming pools or tennis courts, proposed for construction and erection on the said lots, proposed additions to such buildings or alterations in the external appearance of buildings already constructed, it being provided that no building or structures, fences, detached buildings, outbuildings, accessory buildings, swimming pools, tennis courts or other structures, may be erected or structurally altered on any of the said lots unless there shall be first hand written approval of a majority of the Trustees to the plans.

Indenture “D” under “Responsibilities of the Trustees”

By following this indenture and presenting your new fence, new utility shed, new room for review by the architectural review committee of the trustees, everyone is protected. We are all proud of our neighborhood and we all depend on it maintaining its value. Let’s all also follow the indenture and allow the architectural review committee to look over our projects.

Just so that you know the kind of input that you get from this committee, you may be interested in a couple of the more recent projects reviewed by the trustees. One was a utility shed that was visible and adjacent to the fences of at least five neighbors.

The committee encouraged that resident to use siding and roofing on the shed that would match the house rather than use metal siding and roof. The resident had extra siding and agreed. In another shed review, the committee pointed out to the resident that the proposed location of the shed was too close to the power lines. The resident was happy to revise his plan.

The trustees encourage residents to keep up their lawns and homes and make improvements in both. Such maintenance keeps our neighborhood beautiful and comfortable for all of us while it also secures the value of our homes for the inevitable day when we will sell. Please present your outside projects (including fences) to the architectural review committee 30-45 days before a trustee meeting (2^nd Tuesday of each month). If that timing is too tight, just call me at 469-1760. We’ll work with you as necessary. Let’s keep OFE the desirable neighborhood it has always been. To schedule a review, please email me at speck.ma@yahoo.com. Thank you and Happy Building!

-Mary Anne Speck

2^ND ANNUAL DISTRICT 1 BLOCK PARTY – JUNE 25^TH

It’s that time of year again, come on out and join us for our 2^nd annual District 1 block party on Saturday June 25^th. The street closure has been approved with St. Louis County for Camphill Ct. between Musket Ct. and Old Farm Drive. District 1 includes the 74 homes on Camphill Ct., Musket Ct., Old Bridge Dr., and Old Farm Dr. from 13005 to 13166. This will be an evening filled with fun for all ages – BBQ, activities, and a great opportunity to meet all your neighbors. Please bring a side dish, drinks, cooler and chairs – no glass bottles. Brats and hot dogs will be provided. Anyone interested in volunteering your time or talent, please contact Luke Bader at lukewbader@aol.com or 406-5168. Watch for a flyer with more details to follow. We look forward to seeing you on June 25^th. Please RSVP, thank you.

-Luke Bader

BARKING DOGS

It is against County ordinance, Chapter 611.210 to allow a dog to be barking and disturbing neighbors. To report a problem, call Animal Control at 726-6655.

-Jerry Goldberg

PRESIDENT

Sam Craig 576-1514 samcraig677@gmail.com

DISTRICT TRUSTEES Officers, Committee Chairs and

Committee Members

1 Luke Bader 514-9652 lukewbader@aol.com

2 Mike Davis 434-4572 mdavis.plastics@sbcglobal.net Swim Club

3 Vacant

4 Sam Craig 576-1514 samcraig677@gmail.com Long Range Planning

5 Dan Bellows 469-8087 dbellows@ymail.com Long Range Planning

6 Larry Jackson 878-4068 lgjackson@sbcglobal.net Vice President, Common Grounds

7 Ed Shimamoto 205-1990 eshima@yahoo.com Welcome Wagon, Directory

AT-LARGE TRUSTEES

Ted Campbell 542-0727 cambellted12@yahoo.com Treasurer, Pool

Joy Fisher 579-9370 joyfisher@live.com Recreation

David Voeller 878-3178 dvoeller@gmail.com Secretary, Internet

Jerry Goldberg 434-2566 jerryfrang@sbcglobal.net Editor, Neighborhood Heritage Preservation

Kathy Schweitzer 576-5891 choicesfcu@yahoo.com Long Range Planning

Mary Anne Speck 469-1760 speck.ma@yahoo.com Architectural Review Committee

Directory

Les Shenberg 514-0280 lshenberg@hotmail.com Neighborhood Watch

2011 OLD FARM SWIM TEAM FUNDRAISERS.

New for Trivia Night!

= RAFFLE for Prizes during. You do not need to be present to win. Anyone can purchase raffle tickets. Tickets will be $1 each or buy 6 for $5. Tickets can be purchased from any Old Farm Swim Team member, at the pool during swim meets, at other pool functions, or contact LuAnn Franzer at 453-9211 or lpfranzer@charter.net. See our website oldfarmestates.org for ongoing updates on raffle prizes as this information becomes available.

Any donations of Gift Basket items, gift cards, or cash are welcome, please contact Nancy Martin

434-6045 or clla64@aol.com

= CONCESSIONS will be made available for sale at this year’s event, so no last minute scrambling or trips to the store! Check our website the week of the event for final menu.

2011 Old Farm Swim Team Sponsorships:

This year we will again sell various levels of “sponsorships” to local businesses who want to promote their services or to families who want to convey their well wishes to our teams during home meets. For sponsors, professional-quality banners will be created. The banners will be 2 x 4 ft., printed in one color (from hi-resolution PDF files provided by the advertiser) on weather-resistant vinyl. We will post the banners for the entire pool season in a highly visible place. Hundreds of area families will see these ads during our home meets alone.

In addition, businesses or families can choose to sponsor a Round at our Trivia Night for $50.

For more information on sponsorships, please contact Chris Hester - dmhester@swbell.com

or 249-0335.

-Chris Hester

WELCOME WAGON

Directory Updates

We wish to welcome these new residents to Old Farm Estates. These and more new names and phone numbers will be included in the next OFE Directory, which will be published this fall.

1924 Beacongrove Dr	Degraaf, Jeffrey, Janet, Amy	1925 Beacongrove Dr.	Kassing, Brian, Jessica
1315 Benbush Dr	Tham, Quoc Dieu, My Ha	13218 Damask Ct	Walkenhorst, Robert
13182 Strawberry Way	Tierny, Thomas, Mary Pat	1957 Burlewood Dr.	Bader, John
13144 Four Poster Ct	Kessler, Violetta	1909 Bookbinder Dr	Szamkowski, Joseph
1973 Pickfair Dr..	Magruder, Deron & Brecher, Amy	1858 Bookbinder Dr.	Solomon, Vinita
13236 Delft Dr.	Wieser, John & Sewell, James

-Ed Shimamoto

OLD FARM ESTATES POOL

Summer is quickly approaching and it won’t be long before the flowers are blooming, (the grass is already starting to grow). That means it won’t be long before the OFE Pool will be opening for the summer! The pool will officially open on Saturday, May 28, 2010, (Memorial Day weekend) and it will close after Monday, September 5, 2010 (Labor Day). Remember, the pool is open on “holiday Mondays”, (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day), and closed on the Tuesday after the holiday.

We will hold four Pool Workdays this May to get the pool spruced up and ready for the summer. The dates will be: April 30, May 7, May 14 and May 21, from 8 am-12 Noon. All volunteers are welcome! We can use as much help as we can get. We want to continue to improve the pool and update the appearance, but we need your help.

We had a great year in 2010, and many improvements were made to the pool. New tables and chairs were purchased with money raised completely by the various fundraisers held. The Garage Sale and Trivia Night were very successful and a lot of fun. Pool membership was strong and we are looking for more new members this season. The membership information was mailed in mid April. You can also go to the OFE website, oldfarmestates.org to see the rates and join.

The OFE Swim Team had a fun year in 2010 and had some of the top swimmers in the Conference Meet which was held at the end of the season.

Michelle Tischer will be back again this year as the Head Coach. There will be Swim Team sign-ups on Saturday, April 30, from 10 am-12 noon at the Pool. Additional information is available on the website.

Finally, look for more information coming soon on the following big events at the pool, which will be open to all residents for these events.

Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day): There will also be a Kid’s Party from 2-4 pm with games and prizes!

Monday, July 4 The OFE Parade will be at 11 am, ending at the pool.

-Mike Davis

WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION

In the last issue of the Gazette, an article appeared on the topic of yard waste. Since then I have received a few emails of residents continuing to place leaves and yard waste in the streets or curb. This practice is inconsiderate. According to MSD, leaves in the storm sewers could cause overland flooding or even the possibility of flooding into homes. . Larry Jackson, our Common Grounds chair has noticed leaves and gumballs are clogging up the sewer lines along Greenbough. This waste washes down to the common ground incurring expenditure for common ground cleanup.

-Jerry Goldberg

PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

It’s time for a refresher on parking within OFE. I obtained the following from the St. Louis County website http://library3.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=11512&doc_action=whatsnew

According to Title XII Traffic Code Chapter 1207 Parking Regulations, parking is not allowed:

(a) On a sidewalk

(b) In front of a public or private driveway exiting onto any highway, roadway, alleyway or parking lot

(d) Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant

(e) On a crosswalk.

(f) Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk.

(g) Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any intersection or so close to the intersection as to obstruct the normal flow of traffic.

(h) Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

(i) Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five (75) feet of the entrance (when properly posted).

(j) Alongside or opposite any roadway excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic

(k) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street.

(l) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway, roadway, alleyway or within a highway tunnel.

(m) At any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

(n) Within eight (8) feet of a public or private mailbox.

(o) Upon any portion of the right-of-way of any controlled or limited access highway.

(p) Upon any portion of the road so as to obstruct emergency snow removal operation.

(q) Upon any unpaved shoulder or other unpaved portion of the right-of-way

-Jerry Goldberg

AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH PARKWAY

The Trustees signed a License Agreement with Parkway School District that grants us permission to perform maintenance on the hill along the east side of Old Farm Drive near the entrance. This agreement puts in writing an understanding that had been in place for about 30 years. The negotiations were finalized when the License Agreement was approved by the Parkway Board of Education at their March 2 meeting. The Trustees and I would like to thank the homeowners who attended the Board meeting and affirmed their support for this agreement to the Parkway Board.

Most homeowners assume that this small strip of land is Old Farm common ground. In fact, most of it is a part of Parkway’s Fern Ridge property. Going back about 30 years, the School District was doing basic maintenance on the hill, like cutting the grass. Because of its prominent place at the subdivision’s entrance, the Trustees came to the conclusion that it was important that this property be attractive and maintained to an above-average level commensurate with the caliber of our homes. They felt it needed additional maintenance like irrigation, fertilizing, mulching, and planting flowers and shrubs. Consequently, they talked to Parkway and reached some type of an agreement, though there wasn’t a written agreement that we could find. Regardless, Old Farm has been maintaining it ever since.

Within the last couple of years, a homeowner learned of this situation and created confusion at Parkway about the intent of the Trustees. Consequently, we approached the administration and negotiated the License Agreement addressing the concerns of both parties. Parkway retains ownership while granting Old Farm Estates the right to enter the property and do the maintenance we feel is important. There are no lease or purchase costs for OFE. Our insurance protects the District, and either party can end the agreement without any penalties. In the end, the hill will be well maintained and the entrance to the subdivision will remain attractive.

-Sam Craig

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

WE’RE UPDATING OFE’S EMAIL LIST AND NEW DIRECTORY INFORMATION

It’s been generations since a bell ringer stood on the street corner calling out “Hear Ye!” to all the citizens, but as limited as this method is, it still gets our attention! Today, though, we use so many faster, more effective means of communicating to large groups in a timely manner. One of those methods is email. Your OFE trustees want to serve you, our neighbors and friends, in the most effective manner possible and that means communication. To meet that goal, we want to be able to contact you via email occasionally and to provide you with a directory that is complete & accurate. Therefore, for Trustee use only, we are compiling a list of OFE residents’ email addresses and getting updated information for the directory. With your consent we also may publish email addresses along with your street address and phone number in the new fall 2011-2012 OFE Directory.

So, please, provide us with your email address(es). Besides using the OFE neighborhood email list to distribute special messages and alerts, the board of trustees may also use the list to selectively disseminate general information that relates to OFE --- perhaps just to direct residents to the OFE website for a particular notice. The list of email addresses will be protected --- not sold or shared. In addition, when we send out email notices, the board will use a “Listserv.” In other words, everyone’s email addresses (except your own) will be hidden on emails. Someone suggested that to further protect one’s privacy, a person can set up a separate email address to deal with more ‘public’ issues (like notices from OFE), and then, give OFE only this ‘public’ email address. It’s a thought.

As noted above, we may include your email address in the new 2011-2012 OFE Directory which we are publishing this fall. We understand that some OFE residents will choose to keep their email addresses private --- as some do their phone numbers, but to be effective, we need as many people as possible to join the list.

We would like the new 2011 directory to be as accurate as possible. If your phone number or other information has changed, please let us know that as well on the form below. Either mail the form to me at 13275 Hobnail Drive (63146) or email your information to me at speck.ma@yahoo.com.

Residents can purchase advertisements in this directory. Please contact me or Ed Shimamoto, eshima@yahoo.com, 205-1990 for more information.

-Mary Anne Speck

Download the pdf version of this newsletter for a form you can use to send in new information.

To View Previously Published Old Farm Estates Gazette Issues

please click on the issue below: