Published by the Board of Trustees

Published by the Board of Trustees

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Welcome

Welcome to the Nov 2012 issue of the Stonegate Newsletter, a communication from the Board of Trustees (the Board) to the members of the Stonegate Condo Association, our neighbors.

The Board extends a special welcome to our newest neighbors, those who have made Stonegate their homein 2011-12.

What is the Board of Trustees (the Board)?

The Boardconsistsoffivevolunteers, nominated and elected at the annual meeting held inOctober/November. Each of the 62 unit owners cast one ballot in favor of a candidate. Board members are elected tostaggeredthree yearterms.

The Board’s charter is tokeep Stonegateasafe and friendly place to live.The Board has regular monthly meetings to (1) execute routine business, (2)address extraordinary issues and (3) plan for future requirements. We encourage residents to stay informedand tocontact Board members when they have questions orconcerns.

When is the Annual Meeting?

The Association’s 2012annual meeting is scheduled on November 26, 2012at7 PM (19:00)at the Chelmsford Public Library. The Board requests at least one person from each household (Unit) attend, both to ensure that your needs are met and your opinion is heard. Residents seeking election to the Board can submit their names in advance, or at the meeting.

Two seats on the Board of Trustees are open during this election.

Trustees / Term
Barry Mikoluk / Manager / #52 / 2013
Michael Breneman / Facilities / #71 / 2012
Jerry Schmidt / Secretary / #72 / 2014
Ravi Kichannagari / Treasurer / #19 / 2012
Ram Sundaram / President / #16 / 2012
The speed limit is 15 MPH for residents and visitors. /

Be Ready For an Emergency

Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely.

Flashlights

Bottled water

Nonperishable food items

Blankets

Phone numbers for your utility companies

First-aid kit

If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline available to fuel it, and make sure you store the gas safely.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Inspect your heating system

Change Air Filter

Clean the gutters

Caulk around windows and doors.

Turn off exterior faucets

Drain your lawn-irrigation system

Prepare to stow your mower

Test your sump pump

Check roof for damage and repair

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6D Certificates

A 6D certificate is usually required when re-financing or selling your home, usually in the same month as your scheduled closing. This one page document states that your condo fees are paid up to date and that you are in full compliance with the Stonegate Condominium Rules and Regulations. Please givethe Boardat leastTWO weeks notice for providing you with this document. There is a processing Fee of $25 for Requests. Visit our Web site for instructions on requesting this document.

Satellite Dishes and Solar Panel

The Board’s guidelines for satellite dishes and Solar Panel are posted on the Association’s web site. They conform to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Below are the highlights.

Board approval is required

Submit schematic to board for review

Rear of home preferred

Wiring & junction boxes should be hidden

Must not encroach on common areas

Also requires a Hold Harmless Agreement to protect the association

Attention
Please sign -Hold harmless Agreement available in our condo website /

Tree Removal policy

The Board has establisheda tree removal policy and the complete guidelines have been published in our website. Some of the highlights of the policy are:

Board approval is required

Board may designate contractor

May require replacement with a specific type of tree

Cost – May be covered by association if storm affects many homes or if trees pose a significant risk.

Extracts from the Associations Rules & Regulations

Remember to obtain Board approval before changing your unit’s exterior.While we encourage unit owners to freshen up their unit’s appearance, we also want topreserve theclean and attractive look that brought us all to Stonegate. Our association’s rules and regulations are on our web site and if there are questions please contact the Board.

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Violations

• The board stepped up enforcement of rules & regulations this year
• Walk-around are used to monitor compliance
• Written notices are sent
• Homeowners are given 30 days to correct issues
• Fines
• $25 per type of violation per month
• Also $25 per month for late fees
• Homeowners can avoid fines by communicating with the board and taking prompt action to correct any issues

Speed Bump /

• Board installing speed bump during coming spring 2013.
• Majorityof the members voted in favor of the Speed pump.
• Place, number of speed bumps and size etc will be decided by an Expert.

Auditing

As required by law the Stonegate Condo accounts must be audited and verified by non Board members. Thanks to voluntaries

1. Kathryn #36.

2. Sithlam Sathish #7.

3,ZhouYou #5. .

Insurance

Water heaters have a limited useful life (i.e., 5 years, 7 years, etc.) based on the installed make and model. Leaking water heaters can cause extensive flood and humidity damage. The Board urges residents to inspect and if necessary replace water heaters showing deterioration or nearing the end of their useful life.

If the worst happens and you need to file an insurance claim, you must notify the Board before contacting the Association’s insurance provider. Remember – the current deductable is $5,000

Per our insurance company:

• The water feeds to your washing machine washing machine MUST be equipped with burst resistant hoses. Retain proof of purchase for these hoses when installed.
• Wood burning fireplaces must be inspected annually and cleaned a minimum of every 3 years, or more often if inspection indicates it is necessary.
• Units must have functioning CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors on each habitable floor of your home. This is also a State Law.

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Garbage and Refuse

Please remember that trash cans, garbage, and other refuse must be stored in the interior of your unit. Yard areas, decks, parking areas, and common areas must remain free from rubbish debris.

Pets

Our association’s rules and regulations require unit owners to request written approval to keep pets/animals. This is required for insurance liability purposes. /
The Association’s insurance policy requires residents with pets/animals maintain an individual homeowner’s insurance policy at their own expense. Dogs must be leashed while on Stonegate property. The Board will refer unleashed dogs to the Town’s Animal Control Officer.
House Painting /

As summer approaches, the Board reminds unit owners to comply with the following procedures before painting their unit.

ALL unit owners who wish to paint their house MUST send a letter notifying the Board of the selected color scheme (even if it is the same as existing color scheme – house, trim, shutter, door), and when they plan to have it done.

Anyone wishing to change any part of their color scheme (house/trim/shutters/ door) must first receive approval from the Board. Please providethe Board with the exact brand and color of the paint you plan to use (provide a paint chip,if you can) and let us know when the work is scheduled to start.

Note: Anyone who currently has house/ trim/shutters/door of an unapproved color may NOT repaint his or her house/trim/shutters/door the same color until it is approved.

Unit owners who paint their house in an unapproved color scheme will be responsible for the cost of having the house repainted – either at the present time, or as a lien upon their house for a future paint date.

Approved color book is available to condo members. If you like to refer the color book please contact the board to obtain the color book and must be return to the board within the given time. Color book consists of approved colors with sample pictures from the Stonegate Units.

Have a safe and prosperous New Year in 2013!

The Board of Trustees

USEFUL TOWN SITES:

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Traffic Safety Reminder

Please keep to the right when entering and leaving Stonegate!

Parking during School bus times:

During the morning and evening hours when school buses are scheduled, the Chelmsford Police department is asking residents to park on the right side of the Stonegate road (opposite from the mail house). Please avoid parking in front of mail box when waiting for school bus pick up and drop off. Also,please avoid parking within 30 feet ofthe stop sign. Parking not allowed on the Ansie Road

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