Action Required - Homeowners Response to Voting on new Deed Covenants and Bylaws

As you know, in our semi-annual meeting earlier this year, homeowners were presented with a summary of proposed changes to both the Restrictive Covenants and Bylaws for the Belleau Woods HOA. These proposed changes are based on your feedback and we are happy to present you with the complete, final copies of these documents for your vote.

Your response is required!

To vote on the changes, click the big blue “Vote Now” button above. Here is what you need to do:

1. Type in your property address, your confirmation code (found in the printed letter you got in the mail), and your email.
2. Check your email inbox. You will get an email from Adobe Sign. Open it.
3. In the email, click the link to open the voting form. Read the documents. You will see places to mark your vote and sign your name.
4. Mark your choices and sign your name on the form. Click “Submit” when you are done.
5. You will get another email with a copy of what you signed. Save it for your records.

That’s it! If you follow these steps, your vote will be counted.

Summary of proposed changes (Covenants)

1. “Developer” changed to “HOA”.

   ➤ Why: Because the homeowners now control the neighborhood, not the original builder.

2. Home businesses now allowed (with limits).

   ➤ Why: To let people work from home without turning the place into a strip mall.

3. Mandatory HOA membership added.

   ➤ Why: To make sure everyone chips in for maintenance and common stuff.

4. Short term leases prohibited. Approval required for all leases.

   ➤ Why: To prevent Airbnb-style rentals and keep renters accountable.

5. Allow electric street lamps.

   ➤ Why: To save energy and give owners more choices.

6. Street lamps must stay on from dusk to dawn.

   ➤ Why: For safety and a nice-looking neighborhood.

7. Late dues now collect interest.

   ➤ Why: To encourage people to pay on time.

8. Collection of dues and fines can be enforced by lien.

   ➤ Why: To legally back up our ability to maintain shared spaces and collect dues.

9. CCR changes now require a vote of 67% of owners.

   ➤ Why: To make changes more democratic and transparent.

10. Established a set of fines for violations.

    ➤ Why: To hold homeowners accountable when problems occur.

Summary of proposed changes (Bylaws)

1. HOA membership is now automatic with homeownership.

   ➤ Why: No more optional dues — everyone contributes.

2. Quorum for meetings lowered to 10%.

   ➤ Why: Makes it easier to actually hold meetings where meaningful votes can occur.

3. Remote meetings are now (explicitly) allowed.

   ➤ Why: Makes participation easier, especially for busy or traveling folks.

4. Inactive or unpaid Board members can now be automatically removed.

   ➤ Why: Keeps the Board active, engaged, and accountable.

5. Clarify officer roles and officer count.

   ➤ Why: Adds flexibility based on how many people want to help.

6. Cleaned up rules for removing and replacing Board members.

   ➤ Why: Prevents confusion and power struggles.

7. Committees now allowed, but can’t make decisions.

   ➤ Why: Lets volunteers help out without giving them authority.

8. Board meeting notice dropped from 10 days to 2.

   ➤ Why: Lets the Board move quickly when needed.

9. President gets official tiebreaker vote.

   ➤ Why: Helps avoid deadlocks in decision-making.

10. Officers must be current residents and owners.

    ➤ Why: Ensures only invested community members are in charge.

Complete Proposed Documents

Next Steps

Signatures from at least 80% of current homeowners are required to finalize these changes.