Neat and Tidy
A member submitted the below to clarify the misinformation from Surfside United and their supporters regarding claims of proposed covenant changes targeting "yard art". It is worth noting that at the June 18, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting the Chairperson of the Tree, Brush, Vegetation and Noxious Weeds (TBVN) Committee formally stated for the record there has been no past, or current plan, to focus on "yard art".
Neat & Attractive Appearance as Defined by the CC&Rs
Let's look at the facts rather than the myth that the HOA wants to establish a 'neat and tidy' covenant to focus on "yard art" as stated on the Surfside United website, by their recommended candidates, and current Trustee Christoph. The fact is that the term "neat and attractive appearance" has been in the CC&R's for well over 40 years and is clarified in Section 2.0 - Restrictions on Use of Platted Parcels and under Section 5 - Owner's Responsibilities. . There is no reference to yard art.
CC&Rs - Revised in 1981 and Still Current Today
2.0 - Restrictions on Use of Platted Parcels
Defines what constitutes neat and attractive by outlining restrictions
2.1 - No platted parcel shall be used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish, trash, garbage, or other waste.
2.2 - Wrecking and junk yards shall not be permitted on any platted parcel nor shall unused vehicles be abandoned or stored thereon causing unsightly appearance.
5.0 - Owner's Responsibilities
5.1 Owners shall maintain the improvements on their premises and the grounds of such premises in a neat and attractive manner. Property owners shall keep the exterior of improvements on their premises in a good state of repair and appearance.
"Tree Aesthetics" Does Not Mean Yard Art
In 2021, The Tree, Brush, Vegetation and Noxious Weeds (TBVN) Committee discussed stumped trees that are dead and trimmed branches at the bottom of said stumped trees. The term "aesthetic" was apparently confusing or had too many negative connotations to it, so the committee is not using that term. The extrapolation from dead tree stump to yard art was made by Trustee Ronda Christoph claiming yard art (buoys) hanging from dead tree stumps is 'cute'. Therefore, she claims that the TBVN committee is coming after members' yard art.
At the first Ad Hoc Environmental Committee meeting, members identified an environmental problem that, "Some members have cut trees leaving unsightly trunks, debris or stumps. This increases fire hazard and encourages insect infestation," (November 14, 2021). Trustee Christoph and Surfside United used this to create the idea that members were opposed to stumped trees, thus the chant to abolish tree height covenants, yet those same tree stumps become 'cute' if they have 'yard art' hanging from them.
Let's look at the facts rather than the myth that the HOA wants to establish a 'neat and tidy' covenant to focus on "yard art" as stated on the Surfside United website, by their recommended candidates, and current Trustee Christoph. The fact is that the term "neat and attractive appearance" has been in the CC&R's for well over 40 years and is clarified in Section 2.0 - Restrictions on Use of Platted Parcels and under Section 5 - Owner's Responsibilities. . There is no reference to yard art.
CC&Rs - Revised in 1981 and Still Current Today
2.0 - Restrictions on Use of Platted Parcels
Defines what constitutes neat and attractive by outlining restrictions
2.1 - No platted parcel shall be used or maintained as a dumping ground for rubbish, trash, garbage, or other waste.
2.2 - Wrecking and junk yards shall not be permitted on any platted parcel nor shall unused vehicles be abandoned or stored thereon causing unsightly appearance.
5.0 - Owner's Responsibilities
5.1 Owners shall maintain the improvements on their premises and the grounds of such premises in a neat and attractive manner. Property owners shall keep the exterior of improvements on their premises in a good state of repair and appearance.
"Tree Aesthetics" Does Not Mean Yard Art
In 2021, The Tree, Brush, Vegetation and Noxious Weeds (TBVN) Committee discussed stumped trees that are dead and trimmed branches at the bottom of said stumped trees. The term "aesthetic" was apparently confusing or had too many negative connotations to it, so the committee is not using that term. The extrapolation from dead tree stump to yard art was made by Trustee Ronda Christoph claiming yard art (buoys) hanging from dead tree stumps is 'cute'. Therefore, she claims that the TBVN committee is coming after members' yard art.
At the first Ad Hoc Environmental Committee meeting, members identified an environmental problem that, "Some members have cut trees leaving unsightly trunks, debris or stumps. This increases fire hazard and encourages insect infestation," (November 14, 2021). Trustee Christoph and Surfside United used this to create the idea that members were opposed to stumped trees, thus the chant to abolish tree height covenants, yet those same tree stumps become 'cute' if they have 'yard art' hanging from them.