News from the Board

Meeting Notes

Summaries from recent meetings are available below.

The Board is seeking volunteers who may be interested in working on community activities and projects. Do you have the time and some ideas about how to make the neighborhood better? Contact us!

February 22, 2022

The meeting was short, as there was no new business on the agenda.
Current account balances were shared by the Treasurer.
While street lights have not been resolved, the Board has contacted the Ulen Foundation to discuss possible funding sources. The Foundation has suggested that the Board submit a formal proposal/application for grant funds.  The Board has agreed to proceed, once an updated estimate has been provided by a contractor.

February 4, 2022

The electrical work has been successfully completed, thanks to the ongoing support and help from residents, contractors and our unofficial consultants.  Overall, the Board believes that the project was a success; in addition, the neighborhood was able to pay for the work without using any borrowed funds, thanks to good fiscal management and planning.
Streetlights continue to be a challenge. The Board is seeking ways to address lighting in the most cost-effective way.  Solar options have been explored, but have not been fully satisfactory. Streetlights are still hooked up to the old system – the box in the “island” is currently part of the streetlight circuits, so for the moment it cannot be removed without losing the lights. The Board continues to look for suitable alternatives.
There are several areas in the neighborhood where cable/telecom cables are still unburied. The Board is writing letters to utility companies to get them to finish this work, which has been unsightly for many weeks. Individual owners should also send letters – it was suggested that a form letter be developed so that the companies hear the same compliant from all parties. Residents who are dealing with this will be contacted to plan for this.
The Board discussed community engagement and succession planning at some length. There are no current candidates that we are aware of who might have interest in taking on Board roles. Many new residents have moved in recently – we will need to improve engagement to ensure there are potential successors in the pipeline. We need to better communicate why participation is important (for both residents and Board members),  expectations, roles and activities of Board members, term limits (4 years – an ordinance requires staggered term lengths to ensure some overlap) and the amount of time that might be required, potential training and job shadowing opportunities, and the process for elections, procedures, and documentation. 
A new snow plowing contract was completed to ensure streets stay safe throughout the winter.

October 28, 2021

The Board reported the ongoing messages of condolences and support it has been receiving from the community about the loss of our friend and neighbor, Gary Katona. His presence and support will be sorely missed, as he was an active and joyous participant in many neighborhood and Board activities. We continue to offer our most heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Jennifer Jones, and their family.
The Board extended its additional thoughts and prayers to Board member Elmer Parks, who is battling health issues and is currently hospitalized. Elmer and his wife, Helen, are beloved long-time Ulen residents -- we wish Elmer a swift recovery.
The Town's budget for the coming year was submitted to the Board for approval and is in the process of getting the necessary governmental approvals.
The electrical grid project is proceeding, with remaining secondary connections expected to be completed in November (weather-permitting). Residents may still be experiencing occasional disruptions to cable and internet service, as some properties have had their cables inadvertently cut. Contact your cable service provider if this occurs to ensure a timely repair. 
The Board is pursuing options for our malfunctioning streetlights, which have been an ongoing and significant issue. Current streetlights will not be reconnected after the electrical grid work is completed, and the board is looking at "green" options which may provide the Town access to new government funding sources. 
Landscaping in the circles has been refreshed, and looks great.  A team of volunteers has also helped us replace and properly retire some of the tattered flags in the neighborhood.
Steve Lewis is attempting to get commitment from the city on leaf pick-up dates. Currently the city is planning to pick up every Wednesday for an eight-week period. In addition, a new snow removal contract is being renegotiated.

For more information, or a copy of the meeting minutes, please contact us.