Citizens Association Newsletter Winter 2008

Citizens Association Newsletter Winter 2008

Property Management People

82A Wormans Mill Court

Frederick, MD21701

(800) 336-8009

Fax (301) 694-9514

Community Manager

Renee Hall x 1023

PMP Office Hours

M-F 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Next Regular Board Meeting…

…Is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2008 at the Jefferson County School Board Office at 110 Mordington Ave, Charles Town, WV

CITIZENS MEETING

Tuscawilla Hills Citizens Association

April 14, 2008

SouthJeffersonElementary School

Summit Point Rd., Summit Point

1. Reading of last Citizen Meeting Minutes
2. Board of Directors minutes
3. Treasurers Report
4. Management Co. Report
5. Delinquent Road fund Report
6. Committee Reports
7. Parks and Recreation - Bob Tansil
8. Garden Club – Doris Walsh
9. Grounds and Roads – Tom Ashby
10. Covenants – Gary Kable
11. Questions and Issues from the floor

Visit the Community Website at:

Apology from the Editor

While technically it is still (late) winter, this newsletter was intended to go out in January with the new Collection Policy Resolution. However, due to the Association attorney’s obligation to the WV legislative session, she has been unable to give the policy a final review. For this reason you may see a slight delay with the Spring Newsletter and then we will be back on track for the Summer Edition.

ANNUAL MEETING RESULTS

The Annual Meeting was held on January 14, 2008 at SouthJeffersonElementary School. A handful of residents turned out for the election and having no additional nominations from the floor, the slate of nominees as presented by the Nominations Committee were accepted unanimously.

2008 Projects

There are several projects scheduled for 2008. You may have noticed one that began in late January and is ongoing.

Storm Water Management Areas

The storm water management area behind the Handi Stop on Tuscawilla Drive has been completely cleared of weeds, briars and small growth, leaving only the trees. One of the areas on Fenway at the curve that parallels Rt. 51 has been cleared and the area directly across the street is being cleared at this time.

The final area to be cleared in 2008 is the common area between Berkeley Dr and Rt. 51.

The cleanout of these areas was extensive. Many hours were spent removing saplings, briars, dead wood, broken limbs and trash. These areas will now be mowed and maintained weekly during mowing season to prevent new growth.

This project was budgeted at $10,700 and figured into the operating budget. That means no reserve money was spent on this project.

POSTAL STATION ROOF The postal station on Tuscawilla Drive, by the former office will receive a new roof this summer. This will be a reserve expense and is incorporated into the 2008 approved budget

ROADS About $69,000 in road work is budgeted from reserves in 2008. This work will not begin until late summer. Because this is such a large ticket item and the reserve contributions have just begun to be set aside this year, it is vitally important that 2008 Association Dues are paid for this work to commence.

Delinquent Accounts

We were very successful in 2007 and the beginning of 2008 in collecting past due assessments from homeowners.

At the beginning of 2008 we had delinquencies of just over $24,000 for past years. Through collection efforts made by PMP and the Association’s attorney, we are proud to report that number has dropped to $11,112 in just 10 weeks. That number will continue to drop as debt repayment plans are satisfied.

It is important to note that the $24,000 number mentioned above rose sharply in 2008 when legal fees had to be expended by the Association in order to collect the delinquent assessments. Those legal fees are being collected as part of the collection efforts. Almost $10,000 in legal fees was collected from delinquent homeowners in January 2008 alone!!!

Delinquent owners take notice – Pay now or pay MORE later!!!

LOOKING FORWARD

Many homeowners have already paid their dues for 2008, while others took advantage of the 4 month payment option offered by the Board of Directors. In all, we have collected over $114,000 of the 2008 dues with just about $60,000 remaining. Thank you, to all homeowners who have stepped up to the plate and have accepted their responsibility to this great community.

SPRING CLEANING, OUTDOOR HOME REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

As the weather continues to improve, and spring fever takes over, residents are beginning to venture outdoors. Looking over the house and yard to decide just what needs done and what projects to take on this year.

While looking around please take notice of the condition of your soffits, gutters, downspouts and the fascia around your house. How does the porch rail look? Thanks for getting the paint out early. Additionally, take a look at the north facing portions of your home. Does it have a greenish hew? If so, power washing may be just the ticket.

In this economy, homeowners now, more than ever, need to do all they can to maintain their property value. Thanks for taking on these jobs early and saving the association time, natural resources and postage by keeping your home in compliance with the governing documents.

Tuscawilla Hills Leash Law Reminder

Tuscawilla Hills has a leash law that is supported by Jefferson County Animal Control Department. Any dog caught running loose can be picked up and taken to the animal shelter. It will cost the owner $100.00 to retrieve their animal. Residents arealso asked to clean up after their pets when you take them on a walk.

DISABLED, UNREGISTERED, INOPERABLE, UNINSPECTED VEHICLES.

DO YOU OWN ONE?

Heed this warning and take care of them now. Register them, repair them, inspect them or get rid of them. If you don’t, the Association will. Parking these vehicles in your driveway and yard will not matter. Legal letters are forthcoming and you will be court ordered to remove these vehicles from the property. You will also be responsible for all legal costs associated with the injunction as well as the towing and storage fees.

VIOLATIONS – HEARINGS - FINES

Where do I put my trash cans? Trash can receptacles may be placed at the curb the evening before pickup and must be put away by the evening after pickup. They must be stored where they cannot be seen from the road or your neighbor’s property. There are over 500 homes in Tuscawilla and there are only 24-36 offenders. Your neighbors have found a way to keep them out of view – ask them, and make the change at your house.