Welcome to Pine Mountain Estates News Update. Here you will be able to get the latest information if you’re not on Facebook. Happy Reading!
Letter to Almost All Members – September 2023
In an effort to keep everyone informed of information going on around the mountain, it has become apparent the “classified” Pine Mountain Phone Directory, published by the POA Office and available to members only within this website (under a password) has been released to Starnes Aycock Law Firm. The release of the directory, without consent of the Pine Mountain Property Owners permission, is an offense called “Invasion of Privacy: Public Disclosure of Private Facts. To view the letter see: Starnes Aycock Law Firm Letter.
Also Note: A statement from PM POA President Edith Stitt dated Oct 12, 2021 (We can only hope this is true.)
“Pine Mountain’s Directories of its Members and/or Residents are intended for communications between Members alone and NOT for solicitation, nuisance, or harassment.
If any solicitation, nuisance, or harassment occurs to anyone within this communication, your email program can likely block or filter others’ emails to the trash and we hope that you use this option. If a Member solicits, causes nuisance, or harasses other Members- the offending Member will no longer be included in group emails.”
– Edith Stitt , Oct. 12. 2021
Meeting and Rules – August 2023
August 23, 2023 members of Pine Mountain, some or all – not sure, received an email from Edie Stitt, President that contains some very eye opening statements – these can be read in Meeting and Rules Aug 2023. She also references the new Common Areas Rules and Regulations 8-2023, and financial statements: 22-23 Budget Report Aug and water Financial Statement 8-23.
Take from it what you will, but if you read it correctly and you’ve been here a while – you may see something our new members do not.
Have you heard about the “Secret” Meeting?
A couple of Pine Mountain Members decided to hold a meeting with a select few. The meeting was held on June 27th at the hotel. The Agenda was to allow attendees to voice their concerns and be able to express themselves without fear or retaliation. Items discussed had be presented to the board either at meetings and/or at the office, without success.
The contents of the June 27th meeting will be presented to the board at the next board meeting scheduled July 11th. A brief synopsis will be provided, for time purposes, while copies of all details will be given to each board member.
- June 27th members meeting minutes: PM Members Minutes 27 Jun 2023
- Letter to the Board in response to the June 27th meeting To the Board of Directors July 2023.
Update: On July 10, 2023 Edie announced Board meetings will be held in the old Golf Shop but because the A/C isn’t working properly, the meeting for July 11, 2023 has been canceled vs. holding it in the pavilion.
President’s Note July 2023
The first letter of the 2023-2024 from Edie Stitt, the board is keeping the Committee Assignments open until July 15th. If you have any skills that would benefit Pine Mountain, please sign up.
The NC Utility Commission has scheduled a public staff hearing concerning Red Bird’s purchase of Pine Mountain in their July docket.
For all details of the letter, please click July 2023 President’s Note.
Sale of NC State University Lots (June 2023)
Some, most or all of Pine Mountain residents have received a letter from the Office of Finance & Administration of the University Real Estate & Development asking if they would like to purchase one or more of the building lots within the boundaries of Pine Mountain.
The question that comes to mind is: where are these lots and how much are they being sold for. Attached are two maps: NC State Student lots and NC University Agricultural Foundation. To discover the amount per lot, please contact progers@ncsu.edu or phone (919) 515-8022 for additional information.
This procedure of offering other property owners first opportunity is through the Pine Mountain Covenants & Restrictions Article II General Reservations and Conditions, Section 1 First Refusal Purchase Option.
Note: If you wish to see these lots with more detail, please go to the Burke County GIS website (https://gis.burkenc.org/), after accepting their disclaimer conduct your search through “Enter Owner Name”. For example, “Agricultural” was used to locate the third screen shot. You will have to zoom in to find the Pine Mountain lots.
2023 Quarterly President Letter (April 2023)
This quarterly letter discuses the change in the monthly board meeting dates to the 2nd Tuesday of each month, which makes it difficult to provide a financial report in a timely manner. No update to the water situation, Ms Betty Brown’s 100th Birthday Party will take place on April 15th. How many board slots that need to be filled in June and how members are donating wildflower seeds to be planted on the golf course along with orchard trees. Gates are still broke and finding a gate for the front is difficult. 2023-April Quarterly Statement Letter
December 2022 President Letter
Updates that include Water/Wastewater, asphalting the roads, PM tractor and Chevy truck, expanded ways to pay your assessments and there maybe a Pine Mountain 50th Birthday Party. 2022 Dec President Letter
October 2022 President’s Letter
The 2022 3rd quarter letter is now out discussing Adopt-a-Highway, water, annual assessment billing, future asphalt repairs and gardening. 2022 3rd Quarter Review
The other letter received, called Home or Townhouse Owner is about the dumpsters, speed limit, asphalt repairs (more details), water valves, best flushing/draining practices, contact information (of residents), etc. 22-Oct House Townhouse Notice
July 2022 President’s Letter
New changes have occurred when members are notified of annual assessments, information updates on the land dispute that holds the twin towers, and the water system, and looking for volunteers to join committees. To view the letter: 2022 3rd Quarter Note.
2022-2023 Election
Members have received their annual voting ballot(s) to fill 3 empty board seats. The attached letter states the ballots must be received by the office no later than June 9th at 9:00 am. To view ballot POA Election 2022-2023
Please note, that the results of the voting will be announced during the Annual Membership Meeting on June 11, 2022, at 10:00 am, location to be announced.
April 2022 President’s Letter
Our April 2022 invoices included a President’s letter that provides updated information concerning the situation of our water system, research & quotes for new controlled-entry gates, commercial mower, Firewise Party (May 7th, 3 pm), and a request for nominations for this year’s voting (looking for 3 persons). To read the letter, click here: 2022-April President Letter
December 2021 President’s Letter
To view the December 2021 President’s letter containing information on the latest NC Dept of Environmental Quality inspection, Pine Mountain’s wastewater treatment permit, Red Bird Utility’s application update, Firewise, and non-judicial foreclosure updates, please click 2021- Dec President Letter.
New Date for Water Vote – November 20, 2021
The Board is calling for a new meeting to vote for assessing paying members connected to the POA water system $200 per lot. They are hoping for $18,800 to cover the items described in the letter. Before the October 12th meeting a request, from members, demanding financials, board meeting minutes, a current budget, and audit were met with so much disgust that the Board made up numbers to create a budget, claimed an audit wasn’t possible and will charge members for copies of the financials and meeting minutes because it takes too much time to create. Nov 20, 2021 Water Meeting & Proxy. Note: The Proxy the Board is providing does not provide a space for the property owner to ‘choose’ who they want to vote for them, only the Board.
Email to Members – October 2021
An email went out on October 12, 2021, as a direct result of a 2021-Oct-8 Petition from members demanding copies of board meeting minutes and financial statements. This petition was in direct result of a notice, by the board, requesting a vote to charge all ‘paying’ lot properties an additional $200 to assist in funding “parts as a form of insurance” to the PM water system. A copy of this request can be reviewed in 2021 Oct Letter to Member.
Letter to the Members – October 2021
Members received a letter from PM POA, Inc., dated October 2021 providing changes to the POA Office hours, a link to the publicly recorded governing documents, and a notice to stop paying Henderson and unsubscribe to their emails. Please read this letter – it contains a lot of additional info about board meetings, social gatherings, and photo opportunities. Letter: 2021 Oct Letter to Member
Water Update – Vote October 15, 2021
Received a letter from the POA along with a “Sanitary Survey” from the NC Environmental Quality office and a Proxy vote – giving the POA the authority to vote for you if you decide not to show up for the October 15, 2021 meeting at the South Mountains Fire & Rescue Station. See Documents: Sept 2021 Water Situation- Meeting – Vote
Fine Schedule
The Pine Mountain Board of Directors created a Fine Schedule and sent it out through one of the Facebook pages on August 26, 2021. See Announcement: POA Fine Schedule
Adopt-A-Highway Program
Pine Mountain has been awarded two 15-year stars to be displayed on our Adopt-A-Highway signs due to the dedication of our volunteers. The state stated, “In recognition of your service to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for all North Carolinians…” The letter goes on to say the Adopt-A-Highway volunteers from all 100 counties picked up more than 3 million pounds of litter and have saved the taxpayers more than $5M annually in roadside clean-up costs. DOT Ltr Adopt A Highway July 2021
Common Areas Committee
Pine Mountain has a new committee with the loss of the golf course, it’s called “Common Areas Committee” designed to look at the various parts of Pine Mountain and how to bring in more activities to the members. Unfortunately, Katherine Lee – Chair, was not able to announce the results from their 1st meeting. To see her report, please go to Common Areas Committee Report
Pine Mountain July 2021 President’s Letter
This year, our President, Edie Stitt has started the new fiscal year announcing all new board members and details about the trails you’ll find on Pine Mountain and others in the immediate area. Along with a mention of ‘notice of the availability of mediation to resolve disputes with the association’ along with ensuring everyone knows our speed limit is 25 MPH and watch out for all living creatures within our gates. To read in detail: 2021-June Pres letter
Pine Mountain Annual Membership Meeting – 2021
The 2021 Annual Member’s Meeting will be held on June 12th at the Pavilion, across from the POA Office, at 10:00 am. Meeting should include Announcement of all new Board Members, Annual Budget, Committee Reports, plans for the new year and much more.
There will be a Picnic Lunch immediately after the meeting, folks are encouraged to bring a covered dish to share.
Pine Mountain Water Situation Letter – Vote
A lot of members received a letter from the Pine Mountain Property Owners Association, Inc. Office dated January 2, 2021 that states the Board of Directors voted unanimously to Members in Good Standing an opportunity to vote in reference to relinquishing ownership, interest and control of the Pine Mountain POA’s water and wastewater facilities to Central States Water Resources and/or their North Carolina subsidiary.
To view this letter and the ballot, please click: PM Jan 2021 Water Letter
A Letter from Pine Mountain POA President – Edie Stitt:
Dear Pine Mountain Members, October 2020
I hope this letter finds you healthy and well.
Pine Mountain’s Board recently voted to transfer the accounting responsibilities to Henderson Properties, Inc of Charlotte NC, effective Nov 1. The accounting responsibilities will include banking, invoicing, collections, bill-paying, reporting, and tax-prep, among other items involved with financial services. Sometime before December’s billing cycle, you should receive more information concerning invoicing and payment from Henderson. Thanks for your patience in this process.
Pine Mountain applied for the renewal of its wastewater treatment plant discharge permit this year. The state had a time period for public comments after the permit information was posted in the newspaper. Some of the neighbors on Wards Gap Road, outside of the Pine Mountain community placed signs in their yards communicating falsehoods to passers-by and also contacted the state. While the state employees tried to explain the science of what goes on with this type of treatment plant to the neighbors, they still insist we are dumping “raw sewage” into the Jacob’s Fork River. Because we exist in an “outstanding watershed,” Pine Mountain’s effluent is held to very high standards. We have had some violations this last year, which resulted in penalties. There are problems we, with the state, and Envirolink (the current operator,) are trying to identify and remedy to prevent violations.
North Carolina is issuing a conditional treatment permit to Pine Mountain. It will require Pine Mountain to develop a plan for compliance, the testing will double and also occur in the river, and there will be more reporting to the state for evaluation and processes. The state inspector was confident that Pine Mountain would achieve what needs to be done because we are already performing some of the tasks called out in creating a plan. Unfortunately, once again- everything is about the money. Envirolink raised their prices 5% in September. The Board has been seeking alternatives and is hopeful that we can escape the strangulation.
The Board is made up of Members who pay timely. It’s not as if we enjoyed raising assessments on ourselves much less anyone else. The past expected the future to pay for it and the future is here. There is much to maintain. The equipment has not been well-cared for and is old. It’s hard to hire employees when they can’t be supplied with working machinery for the job. Repairs, renovations, and reorganizing has been going on in everything Pine Mountain does as fast as the money permits us to go.
Thanks for your patience,
Edie Stitt -President, Pine Mountain POA, Inc.
————————————————————————
Pine Mountain’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (Posted August 21, 2020)
In an effort to stay informed of our current situation on the Pine Mountain Wastewater Treatment Plant, the following letter was received from our Board President, Edie Stitt:
We’ve had two inspections in the last month by Linda Wiggs. She has been Pine Mountain’s inspector for many years.
The next inspection will be with a camera to locate leaks in the lines. (We know there are leaks, we don’t know where.)
From these inspection results- we need to net the duckweed out of the pond, bag it, and remove it from the property. It will grow back, so it’s as much fun as the beavers (of which we might have one or two again.)
No evidence of “raw sewage” is coming from the pond effluent. The violations and fines PM received don’t indicate raw sewage, either. They indicate problems that need to be resolved. …Too much ‘clean water’ inundating the system creating problems.
The Board approved the installation of an influent meter on the treatment plant. The current meter is not accurate and thus not approved by the state.
I sent the product information to the state to ensure it meets the mandate. This is about $5500.
Linda (and other state employees) are frustrated with the situation of complaints drawn from an ignorant population. With hundreds of package plants across the state, they don’t want to see Pine Mountain become the precedent in how the public comment process goes down.
The state players have asked for more information/evidence from the two people downstream who have signed the petition. From what I understand, nothing in the category of ‘evidence’ had been provided. The conversations between state employees and the complainers concerning how these systems work are also fruitless.
Linda related to us that she doesn’t want to see a public hearing as a result of the public comment period, but she is not a decision maker in the process. She said public hearings are also unproductive, especially when people are rooted into beliefs of their own design and have other motives at work.
There are significant odds that the 2 complainers’ problems are self-generated. Just because septic systems aren’t reported like PM’s Treatment Plant doesn’t mean they don’t put out a more significant amount of pollution.
The public comment period has ended. That the signs remain are a likely testament to ulterior motives than actual ‘save the river’ commentary.
Linda related that she has suggested the state set a compliance schedule for PM, (which allows us time to get the ducks in a row,) pause the permit until at which time compliance is achieved, and then release it.
I’m thinking about contacting the state legislature in mass distribution of email to let them know how flawed this public/comment/hearing process is.
Pine Mountain sits in what is called an “Outstanding Water Shed.” Unless laws and regulations change, there will never be another sewer plant permit granted within the watershed. Linda Wiggs said that it should be the beacon for any future development, because our permit which currently allows for 20,000 gallons a day can be expanded to 64,000+ gallons a day. We could provide for ‘real’ lodging, restaurants, and some light commercial development- and/or get more townhouse clusters to add to the sustainability of the whole.
Whatever- she said- “You don’t want to lose it.”
Bob Bennink is trying to get the public staff to allow us to turn off people for non-payment. He said that whether we are a public utility or private; we’d have that right anyway. …and those commercial facilities should want us to stay private, because once we go public- they will be forced to pay, not just the expenses into the system, but a profit on top. They will pay more. But they aren’t paying and that’s what is hurting us …just like everyone who is not paying. That’s the basis of all the problems.
We’re working on that, too.
Pine Mountain’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (Posted July 20, 2020)
In the past couple of months, news spread within the local area that Pine Mountain is up for renewal of its Wastewater Treatment Plant. For some reason, this has set off a series of complaints, signs being posted around Pine Mountain and a wide variety of other actions/comments from community neighbors.
Edie Stitt, President of the Pine Mountain Board of Directors sent out the following letter to the permitter:
Dear Mr. Bennett,
I am the President of Pine Mountain Property Owners Association, Inc.
The public comment period for the permit renewal of Pine Mountain’s Wastewater Treatment Plant has been stressful for my community, culminating in libelous signs filled with falsehoods posted throughout the greater community, threats, and nails dropped at our front entrance.
1.) Pine Mountain is not pumping raw sewage into any waterway. Posting pictures on change.org with iron bacteria claiming it’s sewage does not make it sewage. Ear infections and swimmer’s itch have nothing to do with Pine Mountain’s effluent. False information has done nothing but stir up hate, frenzy, and has misled the public. Social media has eliminated the facts, in favor of lies.
2.) We have sought help from the state and our operators with the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) problems and received NO EFFECTIVE solutions. Meanwhile, we have complied or are in the process of complying with all requests/demands – even knowing the outcome will not change. Meters and weed-eating will not change the results, in other words.
We have taken great care to do what was advised as fast as we are physically and financially able to do it.
-No inspection report from the state has ever found its way to my desk.
3.) Last August-September the commercial facilities within Pine Mountain’s border, (which have not been fully operational since 1998,) opened and hosted hundreds of people in a one-hundred-room hotel and a separate restaurant. This was when many problems began, of late. In addition, while these facilities are being invoiced, they are not paying Pine Mountain’s POA for their capacity- as charged. They invite RVs and Campers to dump their wastes into our sewer system.
4.) Environlink- our operator- had N.C. Rural water help with a smoke test to find potential leaks in the system. None were found. Envirolink has been trying to arrange for another smoke test in the commercial facility area to determine whether or not they are dumping stormwater into the WWTP.
5.) “Slick Rock” at Jacob’s Fork River on Ward’s Gap Road is an attractive nuisance not far from the WWTP. There are dirty diapers always left on site in the river, people wash their cars and trucks in that river, and leave trash. The Catawba River Keepers are never onsite cleaning it up. Residents of Pine Mountain do.
6.) There are three structures/homes/businesses leeching their sewage directly into White Oak Creek on Wards Gap Rd near Pine Mountain’s entrance. We have no authority to change this condition, yet it could directly affect the water quality – before it reaches Pine Mountain’s effluent, just a short distance away.
7.) The ‘neighbors’ stirring up the hate and public disgust- have removed acres of a riparian barrier to Jacob’s Fork River, farm up to its banks, and have a road that runs through it—- ALL of which directly affect water quality.
8.) Pine Mountain’s Board of Directors has been committed and ACTIVELY seeking a resolution to our problems. The vicious aggressive and egregious attacks against our community have been underserved. When trying to engage the agitators into a productive conversation, they refuse, delete our factual representation on social media, and escalate the ugliness.
Municipalities dump sewage into the rivers during rain events, Duke dirties rivers with coal ash run-off, the vindictive combative neighbors’ filth the river of their own accord; all the meanwhile the state hammers punitively at this small community-owned system. No help.
Pine Mountain POA has paid $4200/month to a private operator over the last year for the operations and testing of the system; we have made thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance; and yet we are still having difficulties. This is an expense to be shared among the users and the largest entity is not paying. This subsidy is harming the affordability of living at Pine Mountain- where the WWTP has 35 customers.
In light of the situations that confront us; the neighbors that don’t know what they are talking about, the lack of problem resolutions from the state of NC and our operator; and the punitive strangling from the state, The Board of Directors -all volunteers- have concluded that the property owners association should not be in the sewage business.
Sincerely,
Edith Stitt
President,
Pine Mountain Property Owners Association, Inc.
Pine Mountain Video – “Why we Love Living Here!”
In this video, several of our residents have provided pictures of ‘Why they Love Pine Mountain” and these are presented to you for your enjoyment.
Please note that Pine Mountain no longer has the Golf Course that has been advertised.
2018-2019 Board and POA Accomplishments
As we end the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year, it’s always good to look back at all the accomplishments the Board, the POA and all our Wonderful Volunteers have accomplished. These items could not have come this far if it wasn’t for you. See Accomplishments.
Property Management – Approved by the BoD
On 28 Feb 2019, in a working board meeting, the Board of Directors approved hiring a property management company called Cedar Management Group. For the next few months, expect a major transition. See Property Management for details. (Article updated April 15, 2019)
Selling Pine Mountain’s Water System
Due to a course of events that occurred around 2015 – Pine Mountain POA, Inc. was placed into a position to become either a Public Utility or sell the water/wastewater system to another source. To read the details of this up-and-coming vote, please read Sale of Pine Mountain Water. (Article updated April 15, 2019)
Mountain Trails
Pine Mountain and South Mountains State Park intertwine with trails, rivers, trees, great views, and more. If you’re one to walk, bike, or hike nature trails – Pine Mountain and South Mountains State Park are the remnants of the much larger Appalachian Mountains, separated by the Catawba River valley. The range covers approximately 100,000 acres in four North Carolina counties. To get a glimpse of the trails available within South Mountains State Park, click Trails. To acquire what’s happening within South Mountains State Park, visit their Facebook page for details.
Firewise Community
The Firewise Community Program is designed to educate and give guidance to wooded residential areas to prevent loss of homes and property to wildfires. Each home in Pine Mountain is expected to complete a Firewise Home Assessment for the purpose of reducing the probability of a wildfire loss.
Pine Mountain Disaster Planning
When facing an emergency or disaster that may put your home/property in danger, the last thing you need to do is panic about what to do. Stay informed, Be Safe!
Pine Mountain Information Disbursement:
Pine Mountain has been growing leaps and bounds with disbursing information to its members. To ensure you are receiving information properly, the following sites have been set up for your convenience:
- Pine Mountain’s Official website: PineMountainNC.com is currently under review and revision.
- Pine Mountain’s Facebook Group: Pine Mountain POA, NC is where neighbors can openly communicate with their neighbors on animal sightings, social gatherings, announcements, various issues of concern, etc. All Members are welcome, anyone ‘living’ on the Mountain and if you live alone, you can have a family member join in – so in case of an emergency or evacuation – they will be notified immediately like everyone else.
- Do not be confused by the Pine Mountain POA Official Facebook Page created recently that will only allow Members-In-Good Standing (dues paid in full). The Official site cannot be used to: report any problems, get answers to problems, complain about anything, or reliable for reporting service outages.
- Pine Mountain’s News website: PineMountainNews.com is where detailed information about what’s happening within the community that every member needs to know.
News:
Open communication and current news are vital to any community. If you have news that needs to be announced, please do not hesitate to contact Wanda Merical at WMerical@msn.com.
PS: If you do not like anything that has been posted on this site, for any reason, I don’t give a crap!!! This is my site, I pay for it, I created it, I keep it up depending on the forthcoming of information provided by those that like to keep us in the dark.
Thank you!!!
This is GREAT!!
Great
Works for me, thanks.
Lookin’ good. Thank you for all you have done and all you are trying to do.
Excellent — thank you!