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Montgomery Farms

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HOAšŸ“Œ PinnedApril 11, 2026

2026 Annual Community Meeting Minutes — April 11th

Posted by HOA Board

Annual Community Meeting Minutes Held: April 11th, 2026 @ 11:00 AM Location: Faucett Brothers Activity Center — Cycling Studio Attendees (Staff/Board): Property Manager Mrs. Pam Baker, Property Manager Ms. Daria Shackelford, Board President Mr. Lou Lombardy, Board Member Mr. Kyle Walker ────────────────────────────────────── MEETING OVERVIEW ────────────────────────────────────── Mrs. Pam Baker opened the meeting, introducing herself, Ms. Daria Shackelford, Mr. Lou Lombardy, and Mr. Kyle Walker. Community members reviewed prior annual meeting points from 2024. HOA FEE INCREASE — 2025 Special Meeting Mrs. Pam Baker addressed community concerns about the HOA fee increase voted on at a special meeting in 2025. Several residents stated they were not informed of that meeting. Mrs. Pam Baker confirmed, based on Warner Johnson's account, that community members and board members voted and approved the increase. Mr. Beardsley requested a copy of the special meeting notes and attendee list. Mrs. Pam Baker agreed to obtain those from Warner and distribute them to the community. BUDGET REVIEW Ms. Daria Shackelford presented the end-of-year 2025 balance and the proposed estimated budget for 2026. She clarified that the proposed budget is an estimate for planning purposes; final numbers will be available at year-end 2026. ────────────────────────────────────── COMMUNITY CONCERNS & DISCUSSIONS ────────────────────────────────────── VACANT LOT MAINTENANCE Board and community members raised concerns about unmaintained vacant lots. Ms. Daria Shackelford and Mrs. Pam Baker confirmed vacant lots are subject to the same covenants and bylaws as occupied homes. Notices and potential fees will continue to be issued. A specific lot near the first entrance on the left was flagged — Ms. Shackelford has issued multiple notices; the owner has historically maintained the lot only when nearing violation. Monitoring will continue, including outreach to out-of-state owners and management companies. Mr. Beardsley identified the lot as owned by "Whitley Construction." GIS tax records show ownership as McKinney Construction — Ms. Shackelford will contact McKinney Construction directly. VACANT LOT — 12945 JOSHUA ST (LANDSLIDE CONCERN) Community requested an update on the vacant lot near 12945 Joshua St by Corey Chapman's residence. Ms. Shackelford communicated with the owner's translator in 2025 and again in early March 2026 regarding landslide and underground water pipe concerns. Owners were advised to hire a City of Northport-approved or independent inspector and provide a solution promptly. Owners agreed to begin repairs. Ms. Shackelford will follow up and provide community updates. LAWN CARE BIDS Board and community members requested that Ms. Shackelford obtain three (3) new bids for lawn care services for common areas, to be reviewed and voted on by the community. INSPECTION LETTER CONCERN Mr. Arnold expressed concern about a 2025 drive-through inspection letter regarding a fallen tree and requested no future notices given his year-round maintenance. Ms. Shackelford apologized, explained grace periods are given (especially after storms), and confirmed that guidelines are enforced consistently. She noted no fees have been issued since she began management but will continue sending letters as needed. STREET LIGHTING — BRANDON JAMES ST Community members raised concerns about crooked and non-functioning light poles along Brandon James Street. Mrs. Burton noted safety concerns due to lack of lighting. Ms. Shackelford contacted Alabama Power, who advised the City of Northport owns the poles and must approve any work. Acquiring ownership rights could cost up to $100,000 per prior management experience. Ms. Shackelford has contacted the city multiple times without success and will visit the office in person. Mrs. Pam Baker will also reach out to an Alabama Power contact for a second opinion. DETENTION POND Board President Mr. Lou Lombardy confirmed the HOA owns the detention pond for maintenance purposes only. He requested Ms. Shackelford research maintenance costs, pump expenses, and mowing costs. Mr. Beardsley noted mowing and maintenance are approximately $14,000 — Ms. Shackelford was asked to verify this figure. COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS Community members expressed concerns about not receiving notices via email or mail. Ms. Shackelford explained emails are trackable and certified mail can be returned if not signed for. She will continue communication efforts and asked residents to update their contact information as needed. COMMUNITY WEBSITE PROPOSAL Board Member Mr. Kyle Walker proposed creating a Montgomery Farms community website to centralize updates, notices, and voting, including online polls to help reach quorum. The community and board responded positively. Ms. Shackelford agreed to consult with Warner and review bylaws before proceeding and will follow up with Mr. Walker. DUCKWORTH MORRIS — ROLE CLARIFICATION Mr. Dains and Mr. Arnold asked about the role of Duckworth Morris Real Estate and how HOA fees are utilized. Mr. Lombardy explained that prior to management the community experienced disputes, lack of compliance, and no resolutions, and that Duckworth Morris provides structure, enforcement, and financial management. Mr. Kyle Walker supported this, noting improvements in maintenance and operations. ────────────────────────────────────── COMMUNITY SUGGESTIONS ────────────────────────────────────── SECURITY CAMERAS A security camera estimate was presented to attendees. Mrs. Burton shared prior safety incidents involving a suspicious vehicle in 2024–2025. Mrs. Lark-Darien requested additional bids for comparison for cameras at the two front entrances. The community agreed to move forward even if it results in increased HOA fees. Ms. Shackelford agreed to obtain additional bids. DOG WASTE STATIONS Ms. Shackelford brought forward Mrs. Burton's suggestion to install doggy stations due to ongoing pet waste concerns. Mr. Lombardy discussed challenges including placement, lack of sidewalks, and maintenance. Mrs. Burton suggested common areas. The board agreed to review bylaws, costs, and logistics. Ms. Shackelford will obtain estimates and put the matter to a vote once quorum is met. ────────────────────────────────────── MR. BEARDSLEY PRESENTATION ────────────────────────────────────── Mr. Beardsley raised concerns about the fire department charging the community approximately $26,000 in additional tax fees — an issue brought up at prior annual meetings without resolution. Mrs. Pam Baker stated this matter is not within Duckworth Morris's jurisdiction, as it involves the City of Northport and the fire department directly. Ms. Shackelford stated she will follow up. ────────────────────────────────────── CLOSING STATEMENTS ────────────────────────────────────── Mrs. Pam Baker announced this will be her last annual HOA meeting with Montgomery Farms. She will be passing the community to Ms. Daria Shackelford for ongoing management. Meeting Adjourned.