The Eastridge Hills HOA Board of Directors held a meeting on April 10, 2025, which included both an Executive Session and a subsequent Open Meeting.
Executive Session Disclosure:
President Wesley reported that the Board met in Executive Session to discuss contracts and other ancillary items. A key topic was the potential automation of the community entrance and exit gates, a project being explored jointly with the East Ridge Hills Property Owners Association. Secretary Liz Grisham elaborated, stating that the East Ridge Association is leading a group examining alternative DVS for gate security and maintenance. They are considering switching from gate attendants due to increasing costs and decreasing service quality. The exploration includes the possibility of automating the gates, with a tech-savvy member from their community presenting some ideas. The associations are currently reviewing contracts to compare costs with the proposed automation.
Secretary Grisham described the automation technology, which may include software and new call boxes. Residents could use an app or computer to grant access to visitors by sending QR codes to their phones. The system would record entry times and include video documentation. The technology could also replace clickers with RFID readers (stickers for residents’ vehicles). For deliveries and visitors without QR codes, a 24/7 comm center would monitor cameras and call boxes, verifying identities and contacting residents for access approval. Secretary Grisham noted that the documentation provided by such a system would likely be an improvement over the current methods. The exploration is in its early stages, with two companies presenting information, and the board is interested in seeing the technology in action elsewhere.
Preliminary cost estimates for implementing gate automation are around $48,000, with annual maintenance of $36,000 plus a monthly fee of $562 for the call center. This is considered potentially less expensive than a manned gate. Other technologies discussed include speed monitoring systems that can document speeding vehicles and send notifications. Secretary Grisham also addressed the issue of tailgating, stating that it is a common problem, and while the current spikes are a good deterrent, new gate arm technologies and breakaway gates (designed for easy reattachment after being hit) are being considered. A notice will be sent to both Eastridge and Eastridge Hills residents informing them about the ongoing exploration. President Wesley emphasized that this is an exploratory phase, and no decisions have been made.
**Open Meeting:**
Following the Executive Session disclosure, President Wesley called the Open Meeting to order but initially skipped over the Open Forum section.
**Open Forum:** Deb Storm raised concerns about fire season and requested that the HOA send a notice to homeowners reminding them to remove dead plant material. Secretary Grisham agreed to send an email. J. Goodall expressed several concerns regarding the proposed gate automation, including privacy laws and the ability for residents to opt-out of personal information capture, potential data sharing with police or other companies, and the calculation of the cost projections. He also raised a point of order, stating that discussing the “RoboCop thing” (gate automation) without prior notice on the agenda violated California open meeting laws and restricted member comments. Furthermore, he asserted that limiting discussion by cutting off speakers or interrupting them is improper and against state law. Mr. Hogan and Joel, who were also present for the Open Forum, stated they had nothing to add.
**New Business:**
**Member Requests: Animal Grazing for Vegetation Abatement:** President Wesley presented a request from Mr. JC to Choco for animal grazing (using sheep or goats) for weed and vegetation abatement. Priscilla Marin from the management company clarified that this was an annual request similar to one approved the previous year. The board members expressed their approval, and a motion to approve the request was made and seconded, passing with all in favor.
**Member Requests: Fence Damage:** Priscilla Marin described a situation where a homeowner reported that grazing animals had entered their backyard through the side fence, which abuts a park, open space, and HOA common area, causing damage. The homeowner has since repaired the fence and is seeking reimbursement. President Wesley stated that he wanted to gather more information from the grazer before making a decision. Secretary Grisham raised concerns about the age and condition of the fence, suggesting that natural deterioration might have contributed to the damage. She also suggested considering the depreciated value of the fence rather than the full replacement cost. President Wesley proposed tabling the matter until they could speak with the grazer and determine their insurance coverage. The board agreed to table the issue.
**Architectural Application: 5224 Oakridge Drive – Condition of Appeal:** Priscilla Marin provided an update on a homeowner who had installed an aluminum garage door without approval. The Architectural Review Committee had initially denied the application, but the board granted a variance on the condition that the door be painted the original color with a matte finish. The homeowner stated that the original color no longer exists and submitted an alternative color for approval. The Architectural Review Committee referred the decision back to the board. Secretary Grisham recalled that the house had a similar color scheme to hers, with a reddish-brown garage door, while the proposed color appeared to be a dark charcoal brown. However, Priscilla Marin mentioned that she had provided the original color name to the homeowner but did not have a color swatch. Secretary Grisham noted that the proposed color in the photo looked close to her current garage door color, which had been difficult to match when repainted years ago. Ultimately, Secretary Grisham stated she had no problem with the proposed color, and the board made and seconded a motion to accept it as the color for the garage door, which passed unanimously.
**Emergency Business:** There was no emergency business to discuss.
**Late Arrivals to Open Forum:** President Wesley reopened the Open Forum to accommodate Judy Meyers and Kirby Shields, who had arrived late. However, both individuals stated they had no specific issues to raise and were just observing the meeting.
President Wesley then adjourned the meeting.
