PKA News
By Amry Cox
The Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Restatement of Restricted Covenant are the
primary documents forming Pine Knoll Association, Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization that is our homeowners association. Almost 50 years ago, a group of smart
folks thought ahead to what would be the important issues and guidance for good
governance. They were strategic and pretty successful as we have thrived as an organization
since 1967.
One of the requirements in the Restricted Covenant is a mandated three-year review
cycle for that document. The association may propose change(s), which must then be sent
out to all property owners for their consideration. Any changes voted for by a majority
of the membership at an annual meeting will be included in the newest version of the
Restatement of Restricted Covenant. This can occur only on a three-year cycle, and any
voted change is in effect once recorded with the Register of Deeds of Carteret County,
making it public and able to be reviewed by any individual.
A quick review of the past Restricted Covenants reveals a few changes and additions
down through the years. In 2012, the effectiveness time frame was adjusted from three to
ten years, meaning we still need to review every three years, but now the covenant stands
effective for ten years. In 2005, it was decided that the annual assessment (dues) will be
established for the next year and voted on by a majority of the membership at the annual
meeting. The signage article specifying that “for rent,” “for sale” or owner’s/property name
signs could not exceed three square feet was last changed in 1996. The minimum heated
space requirements for a PKA residential lot was defined in 1991.
Bylaws have no prescribed review cycle. The last big review and change for the bylaws
was calendar year 2012. No effectiveness limitations constrain the bylaws. Using the three-
year rule for Restricted Covenant established by the 2011 version, the next review cycle
was calendar year 2015, followed by calendar year 2018, and so on. Perhaps a three-year
review of all our governing documents is an effective process for the future.
It is not a bad idea to review governing documents periodically and see if they are still
relevant. Do they do what they need to? Do we need to change anything? If a change needs
to be proposed, it will be publically discussed
at board meetings just like any other item
of interest. Ultimately, any proposed change
will be mailed to all homeowners for
consideration and a vote.
It is reasonable to consider whether we
need to change our acceptance guidance
and governance documents. Do we add tort
immunity language or delete limitations on
signage to match town guidance? Do you
have any ideas for our Restricted Covenant
or Bylaws? Please review our documents and
provide any thoughts through our website
at pineknollassociation.com or during a
board meeting, which is held on the second
Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at town
hall.
Above all, our first priority is to our
neighborhood and how to best operate
and maintain it for the common use and
enjoyment of all homeowners.
Volunteer recognition. A big nod
of appreciation to a few of those elusive
volunteers seen last month who quietly help
out when they see something that needs to
be done: a walker who started picking up
cigarette butts as she walked her dog Molly,
a Garden Club member who started to pick
up trash along Oakleaf, the lady who goes by
Ramsey Park every so often and cleans up,
and a neighbor who picks up and weeds at
Kings Corner. Thank you for your service to
PKA.
No |ob too big or too small. Residential and Commerdal!
Rentals, rent to own, flnondng (os low os $ll.00/mo.)
and options for every budget!
We fix: Iroa hord water, rotten-egg and ddorine odors, etc.
We have drinking water purifiers and
bottle-less drinking wcrter coolers—
say goodsye to beetles in the New Yeorl
We service ALL brands!
Kinetico*
home water systems
ADVANCED WATER SYSTEMS
"your authorized, independent Kinetico dealer"
252.223.4444
* KineticoNC.com
Snakes in the News
By Frederick Boyce
The unfortunate case of the two-year-old girl in New Bern who was bitten by a
rattlesnake has given impetus to the usual flurry of late-summer snake stories in the media
that typically lend an annual boost to the drowsy news cycle during these lazy dog days.
Most of the stories I’ve read or seen lately have been more or less reasonably balanced and
contain a lot of correct information, though one must always bear in mind that stories
in the mainstream press about snakes, sharks, alligators or other animals perceived as
“dangerous” are created by reporters, not experts, and though experts might be consulted
in the process, there is often quite a bit that is lost or misquoted in the final product.
The media’s priority is often ratings, and factual information can take a back seat to
sensationalism.
From the recent headlines, one might gather that a plague of snakes is practically upon
us, but that is hardly the case. Wildlife biologists are in general agreement that snake
populations everywhere are in decline, for a number of reasons, and while one might
indeed be more likely to see more snakes at certain tirhes of the year, especially in the
spring, late summer and fall, there is no sudden, dramatic increase in numbers going
(Continued on page 23)
PINE KNOLL Shores
By Michelle Powers
Are you a member of the Pine Knoll Shores Women’s Club? If not, consider joining us on
Friday, September 23, for the first meeting of the 2016-17 program year and learn more about
the club’s upcoming activities, meet other club members and consider joining. Any woman
residing in Pine Knoll Shores may become a member of the club. Or, are you a member who
hasn’t attended a meeting lately? Come on back—we promise you interesting speakers, fun
activities, rewarding community involvement and a well- run, short business meeting.
Personally, I was reluctant to join the Women’s Club when I bought my home in Pine Knoll
Shores in 1993. After all, I was only here part time at first. I had my fill of meetings during
my career and I didn’t want to be coerced into volunteering for too many volunteer jobs.
Once I started attending on a sporadic basis as a guest, I realized this was an organization
that provided meaningful contributions to the community and the members were friendly,
intelligent, accomplished and fun. Here are some reasons to consider participating in the
Women’s Club:
The Pine Knoll Shores Women’s Club provides opportunities to
• Meet new neighbors and connect with old friends
• Participate in providing a scholarship to a deserving female student at Carteret
Community College
• Support worthy local charities and community organizations, such as the Bogue Banks
Library, the Boys 8c Girls Club, the Mile of Hope program, the Broad Street Clinic and
many others
• Increase personal knowledge through monthly lectures by cultural, medical and
community leaders
• Socialize, along with spouses and partners, with other club members through a
variety of special events, including Supper Club, Cook’s Night Out, the Christmas and
installation lunches and other social events
• Join a club-sponsored book club
• Enjoy delicious refreshments at our monthly meetings
• Receive a special benefit—a directory of all club members, with over 100 Pine Knoll
Shoes residents, including names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses and
spouses’ names, which is worth its weight in gold, or at least worth the membership fee
of $20.
Please mark your calendars for the first meeting of the new club season on Friday,
September 23, at 9:30 a.m. at the Pine Knoll Shores town hall. The speaker will be Pine Knoll
Shores resident Peter Makuck. An East Carolina University Distinguished Professor Emeritus
of English, an award-winning poet, short story writer, essayist and critic, Mr. Makuck will
read from his own works. You will not want to miss this meeting. Visitors and guests are
always welcome.