Sunland Division 17 Owners Association
March 11, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
The Gathering Place, 135 Fairway Drive
Call to Order
President Susan Hamman called the meeting to order at 2:30
Verification of Quorum
Member-at-large Beverly Stern was absent
Approval of Agenda
Treasurer Betty Gwaltney moved, and Vice President Mark Anderson seconded the approval of the agenda. The motion passed.
Review and Approval of February Meeting Minutes
Betty moved, and Mark seconded a motion to approve the minutes. The motion passed.
Old Business
Insurance Claim – Susan Hamman
Susan described a water leak in one unit, with damage to cabinets, floor, and walls, and said the investigation and resolution were progressing.
Cascadia Awning – Mark Anderson and Mike Johnson
Mark discussed damage to a gutter and siding caused by an unapproved awning that will require the removal of the awning and repair of the damage. The awning was installed by a past owner, and the Board discussed the financial implications, as the Association is responsible for upkeep, but not for unapproved alterations. As a previous owner installed the unapproved alteration, this will require discussion with the current owner.
New Business
Reserve On-Site Study – Approval – Betty Gwaltney
Every third year, the Association must have a reserve study performed with an on-site visit, and 2026 is such a year. Betty received a quote for such a study of $2,640. Mark moved, and Lawrence seconded a motion to accept the quote. The motion passed.
2025 Financial Audit – Betty Gwaltney
Recent changes in Washington law require annual financial audits, rather than annual reviews and periodic audits. An audit of our 2025 finances was performed, and the audit found no errors or omissions of note in its preliminary report. The final report will be submitted when the auditors are paid.
Mt. Baker drainage
One unit on Mt. Baker has no storm drains on the property and no drainage ditches or French drains. It is one of the oldest units in Sunland North. The owners have asked for something to be done, but the request was mailed to a mailbox not in use, and was not discovered for some time. Photographs of the driveway show significant water building up on the driveway during rain. The Landscaping and External Maintenance committees will investigate and see what can be done.
Officer Reports
President Update – Susan Hamman
Nothing to add.
Vice President – Mark Anderson
Nothing to add.
Secretary Update – Lawrence Charters
Officers and committee chairs should ready articles for the April newsletter. Please have all materials sent to the editor by March 24.
Lawrence also discussed attacks on the website, and several Board members and audience members mentioned spam and scam messages sent via email.
Treasurer Update – Betty Gwaltney
Monthly Expense Report
Feb 2026 Operating expenses: $19188 YTD $ 56258 UNDER budget $ 2,178
Interest income YTD: $ 5,869
Total Funds on hand February 28, 2026:
Operating Accounts $ 342,916
Reserve Accounts $ $1,191,691 (85% in CDs)
TOTAL $ $1,534,607
2025 Financial Audit
“We noted no transactions entered into by Sunland Division 17 Owners Association during the year for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus. All significant transactions have been recognized in the financial statements in the proper period.”
The financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear
Uncorrected Misstatements:
Professional standards require us to accumulate all misstatements identified during the audit, other than those that are clearly trivial, and communicate them to the appropriate level of management. We have provided management with all audit adjusting journal entries recorded.
Disagreements with Management:
For purposes of this letter, a disagreement with management is a financial accounting, reporting, or auditing matter whether or not resolved to our satisfaction, that could be significant to the financial statements or the auditor’s report. We are pleased to report that no such disagreements arose during the course of our audit.”
Reserve Study with Site Visit – Proposal
Level 2 Reserve Study Update with Site Visit – $2640
RCW 64.90.545 Reserve study.
“(1) Unless exempt under subsection (2) of this section, an association must prepare and update a reserve study in accordance with this chapter. An initial reserve study must be prepared by a reserve study professional and based upon either a reserve study professional’s visual site inspection of completed improvements or a review of plans and specifications of or for unbuilt improvements, or both when construction of some but not all of the improvements is complete. An updated reserve study must be prepared annually. An updated reserve study must be prepared at least every third year by a reserve study professional and based upon a visual site inspection conducted by the reserve study professional.”
Member-at-Large – Beverly Stern
Absent.
Committee Reports
Architectural Control – Rob Crombie
Things are pretty slow. A new screen door was approved, and installation of handrails was approved on Mt. Baker. A park bench has been installed off the walkway going up the hill on Blakeley Blvd.
Insurance – Susan Hamman
A week ago, Susan received an insurance notice, along with lots of requests for documents. She also received notice of non-renewal for the Association’s excess liability policy. Several other local HOAs also received notice of non-renewal for their liability insurance. Our insurer is investigating other sources for liability insurance. All insurance paperwork must be completed before the current policy expires in May.
Developed Landscape – Tom Steffen
Absent.
Exterior Maintenance – Mark Anderson, Acting Chair
Mark reported that the storage trailer used by exterior maintenance needs to be jacked up (the tires are rotting), and the outside of the trailer is showing wear. Maintenance is developing a set of guidelines on materials recommended for long-term maintenance and modifications. External maintenance has divided up responsibilities among several volunteers, each with an @sunlandnorth.org email address for internal communication.
Natural Habitat – Sarah Miller
Sarah was absent, but several members commented on the volunteers for their work on clearing the walkway on Blakeley that runs up the hill to the south. Energy lapsed before reaching the top, but everyone was impressed with what was accomplished.
Welcome Committee – Sandy Reed
Sandy Reed sent in this report: “In January, our committee received a list of 8 new residents to contact and welcome to our community. Following the visit to a new owner on Blakeley last month, we are now down to two residents and are in the process of scheduling them for the following month.”
Communications and Outreach – Kathy Gross
Please send in contributions for the April newsletter. Lawrence asked for photos for the newsletter and website.
Owner Comment Period
There is a multi-trunk tree near the RV lot that might need to be removed to prevent damage to the RV lot. It was identified as the last tree next to Woodcock near the RV park.
There was a discussion about the SLOA meeting and how well informed Sunland North members are about SLOA activities.
Adjournment
Susan adjourned the meeting at 3:36 pm.