Washington Square Estates

2026-01-29 HOA Annual Meeting

Board Present: Joel Stevens, Catie Aznoe, Mackenzie Hart, Kimberlee Reitmeier, Dolly Specht

Zoom Meeting; 7pm

Attendees

Lot 47 Johnson

Lot 72 Tom McGowan

Lot 29 + 30 Nancy Lof

Lot 81 + 104 Dolly Specht

Lot 10 Leo Macleod

Lot 11 Mike Shkolnik 

Lot 105 Catie Aznoe

Lot 52 Kimberlee Reitmeier

Lot 103 Mackenzie Hart

Lot 101 Joel Stevens

Lot 49 Steven Kray

Proxy Votes

Lot 9 Laurie Burke

Lot 35 Virginia Nelson

Lot 90 Trent Edwards

Lot 13 Ellen 

Lot 1 Devon Anderson and Cella Roy

Lot 99 Robert Ryan and Sara Wood

Lot 71 Adam Aguilar

Lot 41 Scott Bauer

Lot 59 Ronald Cameron

Lot 63 Robert McLellarn

Lot 97 Linda Rutledge

-We have a quorum

Discussion/Reports:

1. Stairs from Ventura Ct.  to Ventura Dr. and our park. Committee to explore options for rebuilding?

Volunteer work party did not come together; Joel looking at options for stairs masonry vs. wood; Joel wants to put a committee together; Leo MacLeod volunteered, Tom McGowan volunteered, Tom gave permission for power/outlet use, as did Catie; 

-Question asked about how to collect past due dues; First step is that we contact the owner; have to research where owner lives when there is a renter present; threaten lien, file lien (none this year yet), We have one resident 6 years behind, one 5; Catie sending notices at the end of the month; recommendation that we offer payment plan; We have offered payment plan and received one response;  

-Question asked about what is the next step on the stairs; Joel: want a committee; Leo & Tom are willing to be on committee; Joel will reach out to schedule; 

-Question asked if City will help; ask for their connections; maybe their engineering staff has connections; Dolly asked and they were not interested before, she will try again; Leo shared his concerns about safety and liability; Joel will set date and we can post on the website to get more support

2. Landscape Maintenance

-Price went up for services a bit; we were gifted PGE wood chips, and Dario is spreading; he charges $400 per unit; Maybe we have a work party to spread so we do not have to keep paying Dario; The loads are free from PGE, we need to let them know when we want them to stop; they are being spread at the north entrance of WSE (off Alfred); Mackenzie will be the contact for Dario moving forward

3. Trees on Common Property

-Removed one from lot 1; Mike shared that when neighbor had tree fall on their house, his own rates were raised; NOTE: if you see any on common property, please let the Board know; Mike shared that it looks like there are some small ones on the creek side that need to be taken care of; might be able to take care of himself; 

4. The Roster

-The roster went out via link to this annual meeting; we have it on the website and it is PASSWORD PROTECTED, check your email for that information; opt out option is available (see email and website); Roster is for neighbor use only – DO NOT use for soliciting; 

5. Treasurer’s Report and actions to collect delinquent dues

-Dolly shared on screen the 2025 Year End Report; Mackenzie recommends stating that ending cash is $289 and the $4000 is moved to cash reserves

6. Elections

-Dolly is leaving the Board; Caite will take over treasurer position; still have an open position; any takers?

Election of Officers:   We need to fill several board positions, so please consider volunteering.  

7. New Business: Dolly has an offer of a street sign for free; that says Washington Square Estates; might be confusing since it looks like a street sign;

Questions: Mike asked about social events; 

Progressive Dinner would be fun; summer picnic; awesome goal; need support to plan; neighborhood garage sale; Let’s put it on the website; Board will discuss details at next board meeting!

Meeting adjourned at 8pm

1/13/2026

Washington Square Estates Homeowners:

We have decided to have the 2026 General Meeting via Zoom, instead of in person.  We did this to save some money on the venue rental, and in the hopes that we would get greater participation by the membership.   The Meeting is Thursday January 29th at 7:00 pm   You can join the meeting by clicking on the link, or pasting it into your browser.    Please be sure you know your lot # when logging into the meeting.     We will also send out proxy forms in the next few days.

Joel Stevens is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 838 0155 0516
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Check the WSE HOA  website for additional details;  https://wsehoa.org/

Tentative Agenda

Check on Quorum   (20% for regular business,  over 50% to amend bylaws or increase dues)

Discussion/Reports:

1. Stairs from Ventura Ct.  to Ventura Dr. and our park. Committee to explore options for rebuilding??
2. Landscape Maintenance.
3. Trees on Common Property.
4. The Roster.
5. Treasurer’s Report and actions to collect delinquent dues.
6. Elections.   
7. New Business.

Election of Officers:   We need to fill several board positions, so please consider volunteering.

Save the Date: January 29, 2026 7pm Zoom meeting; Agenda coming soon

2026-01-08 HOA Board Meeting
Present: Joel, Catie, Kimberlee, Mackenzie, Dolly
Agenda: Financials, Stairs, Landscaping, Elections

-Dolly shared Finance summary:
Balance in Bank as of 12/31/25            5879.67
Less paid to Avendano for December         600.00
Less paid to State Farm                        1496.00
CASH IN BANK as of 01/08/26      $ 3783.67
=================
Delinquent Dues as of 01/01/26:
1 year        8 x 96    =      768
2 years      7 x 192  =    1344
3 years      4 x 288  =   1152       
4 years      2 x 384  =      768    
5 years      2 x 480  =     960     
6 years      1 x 576  =     576   
———————–
Total Receivables    5568
Notes: invoices will be sent for delinquent dues; we have updated addresses and email addresses this year; Board will proceed with next steps with late fees & liens if fees do not come in this year.

-New dues are $120, 108 lots total

-Stairs: getting worse, still need action; Landscaping: Joel asked if Dario might be someone who could work on our stairs; not sure; we want someone who is licensed & bonded; Joel is looking at option of pre-done concrete slabs; 

-Elections: Dolly is done; Kimberlee & Catie are willing to stay, but would prefer to have someone take over their board roles (secretary & at-large); Catie willing to take over treasurer role; 

-By-laws need to be updated to reflect the approved changes from our Special Meeting; Catie will do that then we can send link to members

-Annual Meeting: Joel will create letter to send out; 
Annual HOA Meeting date January 29th, 7pm  – SAVE THE DATE; will be a Zoom meeting

The Board will meet Thursday 1/08/26 at 7:00 pm at the home of Joel Stevens; 9660 SW Ventura Ct

7:00 pm

Board Members Present: Joel, Catie, Mackenzie

Homeowners Present: 2

Proxy Votes Received: 58

Board Updates

Stairs from Ventura Ct. to Ventura Dr. and our park: Thanks to those who offered to help, but we did not have enough volunteers for either of the two previously suggested dates. Joel is going to organize a different date, aiming for 5-6 people to repair the worst of the steps with lumber, as the budget will allow for a temporary repair. Tom offered power from his house near the lower section, and Catie offered power from her electric truck for the upper section. In the long term, Joel is considering options such as concrete or recycled plastic timber for a complete redo, but the high cost of bulk orders is a concern. Tom suggested exploring the possibility of drop shipping smaller quantities from suppliers, and both Joel and Tom agreed that adding a railing would be necessary for safety and legal compliance. Tom shared that he had been working with the city for four years to get a sidewalk installed in the cul-de-sac, but the HOA would need to sign over the property for it to be possible. Joel noted that the city was repaving Ventura Drive and installing ADA-compliant features, including sidewalks on the common property on SW Ventura Dr, which we aren’t being billed for.

Landscape Maintenance: Dario is now coming 4 times per month throughout the year. He indicated that he would need to charge more for the individual visits if he only comes 2 times per month. The prices have not been raised since at least 2020. Previous quotes from other companies have all been higher than Dario’s fees. It was noted that the overall increase in landscaping expenses, with 4 visits a month throughout the year, is one of the reasons for the needed dues increase. We need to spread bark on the entry areas within the next few months. Joel suggested that PGE can provide bark with a quick turnaround, and we can also contact Mike’s Trees. Catie will follow-up with Joel on scheduling and Dario on spreading bark.

Trees on Common Property: The Board approved paying for the removal of one tree from common property adjacent to Lot #1. The tree (rooted on common property) is currently being held up by a tree on Lot #1’s property. Mike’s Tree Service will remove it within the next month. The quote is for $2700, but no more than $3000. It was noted that the cost of one tree removal is more than the annual tree reserve fund, and part of the need for increased dues. 

Homeowner Roster: The roster is ready to send out, and Catie will send it out in the next week. 

New Business: Dues Increase from $96 annually to $120 annually per lot. The budget presented at the Annual Meeting forecasted a remaining balance of $150 at the end of the year, based on the current annual dues income and expenses.The dues have not been raised since 1991 and are no longer in line with current insurance, tree removal costs, and grounds maintenance expenses. VOTE: Increase Dues to $120 annually ($10 monthly), starting January 1, 2026. 56 Yes Votes and 4 No Votes (54 votes via survey, 4 votes via paper forms, 2 in-person votes) Proposal passes with greater than 50% majority of homeowners.

 Bylaw 4.2 Change: Board Terms: Proposal to amend Bylaws Section 4.2 to set all board terms to two years with staggered terms. It was reiterated that there were no changes to other sections regarding board member approvals or removals. (Full text below.)VOTE: Amend Bylaws Section 4.2 as described. 58 Yes Votes and 2 No Votes(54 votes via survey, 4 votes via paper forms, 2 in-person votes) Amendment passes with greater than 50% majority of homeowners. 

Bylaw 7.4 Change: Reserve Funds: Board proposed to exclude the special projects fund from the $15,000 end-of-year limit to allow for building funds for special projects, such as stair repair, without affecting the dues collection for regular expenses. (Full text below). Discussion in the meeting focused on how to phrase the proposal to make it more specific to the project and its timeline. Mike suggested that the special project designation was too vague and could make homeowners unsure without a limit on the end-of-year balance for the special project fund. The board will discuss and prepare a separate proposal for the annual meeting to establish a fund to make more permanent repairs to the stairs. This proposal anticipates that it will take more than one year to accumulate the necessary funds. VOTE: Amend Bylaws Section 7.4 as described. 48 Yes Votes and 12 No Votes(54 votes via survey, 4 votes via paper forms, 2 in-person votes) Amendment does not pass. 

Additional Comments: Joel asked for suggestions for a venue for the annual meeting that is nearby and affordable. The acoustics at Metzger Park do not work for our group. If a venue is not identified, the meeting will be hosted on Zoom. It was suggested that the low attendance of this meeting could have been due to it being a special meeting. New board members are needed. Please consider stepping up. Feel free to email prior to the annual meeting in January. 

Mackenzie motioned to adjourn, and Catie seconded. Meeting Adjourned at 19:55.

Attachment: 

BYLAW 4.2 AMENDMENT Current Text:4.2 COMPOSITION, ELECTION AND TENURE The board shall consist of five (5) persons duly elected, at the annual meeting, from among the members of the Association, at which time two (2) directors shall be selected for two (2) year terms. The remaining three (3) directors shall serve for a one year term. Nominees must either be present or have provided a written statement of their willingness to be nominated and serve if elected. Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of one year from time of election, or until a successor is elected or appointed. Proposed Text:4.2 COMPOSITION, ELECTION AND TENURE The board shall consist of five (5) persons duly elected at the annual meeting from among the members of the Association. Nominees must either be present or have provided a written statement of their willingness to be nominated and serve if elected. Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of two years from the time of election or until a successor is elected or appointed. Reasoning: The board is proposing a change to article 4.2 of the Washington Square Estates Bylaws to clarify the length of terms for the board. The current language in the article is contradictory in terms of the length of terms between the first and last sentences. For simplicity, we propose that each board member serve a two-year term instead of assigning one-year terms to some board members. BYLAW 7.4 AMENDMENT Current Text: If total reserves of the association exceed $15,000 as of the end of an annual period, the Board shall suspend the monthly assessment until the reserves fall below $5,000.Proposed Text: If the association’s total reserves, excluding the special project fund, exceed $15,000 as of the end of an annual period, the Board shall suspend the monthly assessment until the reserves fall below $5,000. Reasoning: In anticipation of building a fund for specific special projects, such as fixing the staircase, we must ensure we can carry the fund over a year without affecting our annual budget and legal and tree reserves.

-The HOA Board will meet October 1, 2025 at the home of Catie Aznoe from 7pm-8pm

–SPECIAL HOA ZOOM MEETING scheduled for October 8, 2025

Topic: WSE HOA Special Meeting
Time: Oct 8, 2025 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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WSE HOA Special Meeting Agenda

Old Business:
I. Board Updates
   A. Stairs from Ventura Ct.  to Ventura Dr. and our park
   B. Landscape Maintenance
   C. Trees on Common Property
   D. Roster
II. Treasurer’s Report 

New Business:I. Dues Increase from $96 annually to $120 annually per lot

   A. The budget presented at the Annual Meeting forecasted $150 remaining at the end of year based on the current annual dues income. 
   B. The dues have not been raised since 1991 and are no longer in line with current insurance, tree maintenance, and grounds maintenance expenses.

VOTE (50% membership required)
     A. Yes to $120 annually ($10 monthly) dues to start January 1, 2026
     B. No to dues increase.

II. Bylaw 4.2 Change: Board Terms

   A. Set all board terms to two years with staggered terms. (Full text below.)

  VOTE (50% membership required)
 A. Yes to Bylaw 4.2 Amendment as described.
B. No to Bylaw 4.2 Amendment as described.

III. Bylaw 7.4 Change: Reserve Funds

A. Exclude the special projects fund from the $15,000 end-of-year limit to allow for building funds for special projects, such as stair repair, without affecting the dues collection for regular expenses. (Full text below.)

 VOTE (50% membership required)
A. Yes to Bylaw 7.4 Amendment as described.
B. No to Bylaw 7.4 Amendment as described.

BYLAW 4.2 AMENDMENT
Current Text:
4.2 COMPOSITION, ELECTION AND TENURE
The board shall consist of five (5) persons duly elected, at the annual meeting, from among the members of the Association, at which time two (2) directors shall be selected for two (2) year terms. The remaining three (3) directors shall serve for a one year term. Nominees must either be present or have provided a written statement of their willingness to be nominated and serve if elected. Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of one year from time of election, or until a successor is elected or appointed.

Proposed Text:
4.2 COMPOSITION, ELECTION AND TENURE
The board shall consist of five (5) persons duly elected at the annual meeting from among the members of the Association. Nominees must either be present or have provided a written statement of their willingness to be nominated and serve if elected. Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of two years from the time of election or until a successor is elected or appointed.

Reasoning:
The board is proposing a change to article 4.2 of the Washington Square Estates Bylaws to clarify the length of terms for the board. The current language in the article is contradictory in terms of the length of terms between the first and last sentences. For simplicity, we propose that each board member serve a two-year term instead of assigning one-year terms to some board members.

BYLAW 7.4 AMENDMENT
Current Text:
If total reserves of the association exceed $15,000 as of the end of an annual period, the Board shall suspend the monthly assessment until the reserves fall below $5,000.
Proposed Text:
If the association’s total reserves, excluding the special project fund, exceed $15,000 as of the end of an annual period, the Board shall suspend the monthly assessment until the reserves fall below $5,000.
Reasoning:
In anticipation of building a fund for specific special projects, such as fixing the staircase, we must ensure we can carry the fund over a year without affecting our annual budget, legal, and cash reserves.

Present: Joel, Catie, Kimberlee, Dolly
Guests: Diane and Chuck Koster
Discussion:
-Tree Removal on Lot 1: remove the tree that is on the HOA property 
Board agrees; Joel will reach out to Mike’s Tree Service and follow up with homeowners

-Stair Project: Joel has letter to send out via email for the project to repair the stairs; will send to Catie to distribute

–Set date for Special HOA meeting: Zoom meeting on September 17th 7pm; need agenda to post; only can discuss what is on agenda – Joel will create by August 13th; send proxy form when we send out agenda; Kimberlee & Catie willing to go door to door to get votes prior to meeting; HOA Board meeting before Special Meeting Tuesday September 9th 
Discussion around lack of interest in HOA participation; question about whether we can disband HOA; concern about community property; too many unanswered questions
(CANCELLED: RESCHEDULED FOR 10/8/25)

-Question about the house on Lot 3; garbage pile in driveway; 7185 has been transferred; Catie will send Kimberlee the contact information so she can reach out 

-Catie will send out updated PDF contact list to members

-Diane asked about getting a cell tower in our park; Catie will research

-Diane has the Halloween banners and would like to pass them along; Dolly and Catie will ask around

-Next HOA Board meeting Tuesday September 9th at 7pm; Catie Aznoe’s home 9620 SW Ventura
(CANCELLED: RESCHEDULED FOR 10/1/25)

The board is meeting August 6th at Catie Aznoe’s at 7pm. 9620 SW Ventura.