ARTICLE IX: ADMINISTRATION

Notwithstanding anything contained in these By-Laws to the contrary, Declarant as defined in the Covenants or its assigns shall be responsible for the administration of the Association until such time as the first annual meeting of the members of the Association. Declarant shall designate the date, and give notice, of the first annual meeting of the Association, if such first annual meeting is to be held at a time other than as set out in Article I, Section 3, of these By-Laws.

Pursuant to Section 7A-38.3F of the North Carolina General Statutes, all members are hereby informed that you have a right to initiate mediation pursuant to the terms of the statute to try to resolve a dispute with the Association. Both the homeowner and the Association must agree to mediate the dispute, and each side is responsible for splitting the cost of the mediation, including payment of a professional mediator. The mediation process is an opportunity to reach an agreement to resolve a dispute – neither side gives up their right to go to court to have a judge resolve the dispute if the parties are not able to reach an agreement through mediation. The specific process to initiate voluntary mediation is outlined in Section 7A-38.3F of the North Carolina General Statutes.