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View back issues of our newsletter using the menu at the bottom.
November 2023
Fall Issue
Budget for 2024
The 2024 budget will be prepared by the Board of Directors at a meeting held in early December. Financial plans are prepared in a fashion where needs are prioritized and categorized. Unit owners may provide items for consideration to the Board in setting monthly assessments to the Association Administrator. Throughout the year, we have received suggestions and the Board will weigh the impact of implementing this input on an increase in fees as the sole source of financing your Association comes from the assessments that are levied. The Association is not immune to increased financial pressures throughout the world related to the cost of everything as well as personnel to perform services at the property. In addition to funds to provide for normal operations, your Association also collects funds for future capital reserve expenditures such as roofs, siding and concrete that will be spent in future years. Gutter Cleaning All gutters will be cleaned after final leaf drop. Many trees, such as oaks will drop leaves late but please do not attempt to climb a ladder and clean the gutters yourself. Please contact the Administrator if you have a major blockage so that the cleaning personnel may be alerted to a special situation at your home. Gas Grill Safe Storage Gas grill tanks may be stored OUTSIDE the unit ONLY -- NEVER in the garage. At the end of the season, it is recommended that propane gas tanks be returned to your gas dealer for safe removal of any remaining gas. You may then store the empty tank OUTSIDE. Ideally the tank should be turned in to the dealer and a new tank obtained during the next season. Remove Door Mats, Ground Level Lighting and Pet Leashes It is essential that you remove all doormats, pet tethers, patio furniture, grills, firewood, garden hoses, planters, lawn chairs and other obstructions from the sidewalks and driveways around your home. Some of these items are easily hidden by snow and darkness when services are performed and can cause severe personal injury or equipment damage, which results in extreme delays in the clearing of snow and potential bodily injury to personnel clearing snow. Certain items that are in the way may cause the areas that are obstructed to receive no snow services. Utility Work Utility, Cable and Internet providers perform installation services at the Association from time to time and none of them notify the Association of their presence. Frequently, an installer may set up things inside your home but leave cables on the lawn for burial by other technicians. If the lines remain on the lawn or worse, strung across driveways, damage will occur when landscape and snow removal services are provided. Contact your utility if this situation exists and request prompt burial to avoid outages which only your utility can prevent. Report open vaults or pedestals with exposed wiring directly to the appropriate utility. Fully Funded Reserve Waiver A notice to waive the fully funded reserve requirement has been provided to all Unit Owners. Although the Association has been building a reserve fund over time and reserves have increased substantially, sufficient funds may not available to perform all of the capital replacements necessary in a short period of time in accordance to state statues. Please sign and return the card so that there will not be an reserve assessment increase that would occur if the requirement is not suspended. Snow Removal The Association provides reasonable levels of snow removal services only after snow accumulation in open areas, not subject to drifting, exceeds two (2 ) inches at a maximum of two times per day. Times are set to provide reasonable clearance of paved common areas to fit typical business hour work schedules. Salt or calcium chloride deicing agents are generally not used, but feel free to "salt to taste" areas by your front door to provide safe access to your home or to deal with ice dams that may form at some homes. We can provide supplies of ice melter upon request. Mechanical equipment and vehicles are used in the snow removal process and it is often not possible to effectively remove snow in front of garages where one vehicle is parked in front of the 2 car garage door or when vehicles are double parked in front of one another or in the turn around driveway extension areas. Unit Owners have the responsibility for the removal of snow and ice at all other times. Please report concerns to the Administration with the understanding that we are unable to provide specific services at a particular residence or accommodate personal scheduling requests. Our contractor also cannot knock on doors or wait for you to move vehicles during the completion of services. Winter Parking The Association s Parking Rule provides for the parking of vehicles in the enclosed garage and directly in front of the owner s garage. These four (4) spaces are for the exclusive use of the unit owner and their guests. Short term parking is also available in the off street spaces on South Point Trail and along the west side of the street, subject to City of Berea parking ordinances, which includes no overnight parking, no parking when snowfall exceeds 2". The driveway extensions, the paved areas with gravel at the ends, are not for the permanent parking of residents at any time of the year, but for maneuvering in and out of garages and the temporary use, such as for a few minutes while guests enter or exit vehicles or packages are unloaded. These driveway extension areas need to remain clear for your neighbor s access to their garage and for the storage of snow during winter months. When vehicles are parked in the extensions while snow removal services are being performed, it is impossible for equipment to provide adequate clearing of paved services. Gas Appliance and Firewood Safety Periodic maintenance is necessary to provide safe operation and minimize the possibility of the effects of carbon monoxide buildup in gas appliances. The following items should receive your attention: * All new furnace and water heater installations require a building permit issued by the City of Berea. You should see the building permit before any work is started at your home. * Furnaces and hot water tanks should be cleaned and adjusted annually, to provide efficient and safe operation. * All homes must have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed according to manufacturer's instructions. Proper location of detectors is important to prevent false readings and to insure that units are audible in sleeping areas. * Do not warm up cars in the garage or park vehicles by backing them into the garage. * Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping. * Do not store propane gas tanks in the unit or garage. Return them to the dealer. * Firewood must be stored away from exterior building surfaces to prevent siding damage and insect or vermin infestation. * Purchase only small quantities that can be used within a limited period of time as firewood cannot be stored on the common elements Financing Your Association The Association receives the funds to pay for normal operations, maintain the Common Elements and provide reserves for future capital expenses solely from you, the unit owners in the Association. Monthly assessments must be paid by all unit owners on a timely basis. Otherwise the amount not received must be made up by those who pay their fees on time. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of unit owners pay their fees on time and some pay their assessments in advance. If your personal situation causes financial difficulties, it is important to remember that your Condominium assessments are second only to your taxes and mortgage. The Declaration provides for costly sanctions any time a payment is 10 or more days overdue which could risk the and foreclosure action may follow thereafter. Although the Association cannot forgive or otherwise waive delinquent fees, payment plans may be approved to bring an account current within a reasonable period of time. You should provide the details of your situation in writing and send it to the Association for consideration. Safe Storage of Grills & Firewood Gas grill tanks may be stored OUTSIDE the unit ONLY -- NEVER in the garage. It is recommended that propane tanks containing gas be returned to your gas dealer. Firewood must be stored away from exterior building surfaces to prevent siding damage and the effects of insect and vermin infestation. Purchase only small quantities that can be used within a limited period of time as firewood cannot be stored on the common elements. Pets When exercising your pet please remember the requirement to take a plastic bag or other tool to immediately remove pet waste from all parts of the property. Care should be taken to walk pets on sidewalks or driveways when not in the area immediately adjacent to your home. Pet leashes, stakes or chains also should not be secured to any part of the building or lawns. Service Requests Please contact the Association Administrator to place requests for services to the common elements around your home. You may call us at (440) 572-7649 with your information, send a request form by mail or submit a request online through the website in the Services section. The Association will undertake projects to enhance and maintain the Common Elements. These items include the painting of building trim over the next several years. Arial, Helvetica, Sans-serif, sans-serif">July 2022Property Projects
The Association will undertake projects to enhance and maintain the Common Elements. These items include the painting of building trim over the next several years.
● Siding Cleaning - The siding on buildings D, E and G will be cleaned using a low pressure spray with a biodegradable cleaning solution. Owners will receive advance notice before the start of work at their building.
● Trim Painting - Wood trim and certain other building items will be painted after the siding has been cleaned.
● Tree Removal - Several trees in a state of decline or that have sustained significant storm damage will be removed. Budgetary limitations will not permit the immediate replacement of these plants.
● Review of overall property topography with cost estimates for potential future grading and lawn re-seeding will be sought to deal with water retention and bare spots.
● Adjusting mulch beds away from siding surfaces.
● Deep edging of landscape beds and tree rings. Mulch will not be applied this year as we evaluate an every other year program for mulch installation.
Certain tasks are best performed at specific times of the year so certain items may not be completed until the fall.
Watering Lawns and Landscape
During periods of extreme drought, in most cases, the lawn will go dormant, turn brown and typically will recover when rainfall and moderate temperatures return in the fall. Smaller ornamental trees and shrubs may drop leaves when stressed by heat. You can help them with just a bucket of water applied around their roots every week or so.
Grilling Safely
Please chill when you grill as the Ohio Fire Code prohibits the use of charcoal and gas grills within 10 feet of any building in a multifamily dwelling. Violations should be reported to the non-emergency number of the Berea Fire Department at (440) 826-5880.
Please DO NOT call 911 (unless there is an out of control fire emergency) or the Association to report violations.
When storing gas grills, propane tanks must be stored OUTSIDE of the building and never
in garages or the homes.
Mulch is Flammable
Please know that mulch in landscape beds is made of dry shredded bark from trees. A cigarette butt thrown into mulch can catch fire resulting in disaster. Cigarette filters do not decompose and should not be thrown on the landscape or pavement and must always be put out in an ash tray and disposed of in the trash some time after they have cooled.
Detect and Sleep Safely
Fire Departments recommend that all homes have Dual Mode or two individual Smoke Detectors that alert residents to smoky and flaming fires near all bedrooms. The detector will have both photoelectric and ionization sensors.
Local Fire Departments also recommend the nighttime closing of all bedroom doors when persons are sleeping.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors should also be installed in every home.
Property and Landscape Review
Our annual Administrative property walk though is complete and service request to contractors will be issued for Association maintained items. Notices will also be sent to owners where attention to maintenance of limited common elements and architectural items are necessary. Please contact the Association for guidance on the appropriate materials and design standards as following installations at a neighboring property may compound an error. Your cooperation in the correction of issues noted to enhance our curb appeal will be appreciated.
Here are a few other things to check to keep things in order and minimize long term maintenance issues:
● Seal your deck every few years. If your deck is looking worn-down, have it pressure washed and resealed.
● Check your fence. Repair or replace any loose slats or rot on your fences. Use epoxy to patch up any worn wood.
● ALL Replacement patio work (fences/floors) requires an Architectural Review before work starts.
● The paint colour for patio fences, doors and wood trim is Sherwin-Williams Navajo White SW-6126. Check newspaper or mail advertising inserts for frequent discount pricing.
● Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Turn them on to ensure water is still running as it should; if you can stop the flow with your thumb, the water pressure may be too low and a pipe inside your home may need to be fixed.
Avoid Laundry Room Washouts
The supply valves to washers should be turned off when the machine is not in use. If you are not in a habit of turning them off, make sure that the valve has not frozen open before starting the regimen, as forcing them could cause a leak. Supply hoses to washers should be checked monthly and replaced if necessary with burst proof lines that have stainless steel sheaths or linings. Check the operating instructions for your dryer to see how often the interior of the dryer and vent ductwork should be cleaned. Most brands recommend service every 6-12 months. hile in the utility room, be sure to check the
a r conditioning drain line to make sure that it drains properly, does not leak and make sure that the washing machine drain is not clogged with lint.
Please do not flush dental floss, diapers, personal hygiene or other items that may form a mass in or otherwise clog sewer lines. Cooking grease should be disposed of in a container placed in the trash.
All Patio Improvements Require Architectural Review
Provisions permitting the replacement of patio fences and privacy dividers with Bufftech New Lexington with Lattice top in the Almond colour have been adopted as the only option for vinyl in addition to replacement with original wood materials.
The full replacement of ANY patio fence, privacy divider or patio floor surface requires an Architectural Review BEFORE work starts and all requests are DENIED until so approved by the Association. Information such as drawings and materials lists are required in writing. The Rule regarding Limited Common Elements is published in this issue and an Architectural Review form is available from the Administration or on our website.
In order for us to approve any replacement fence, the specifications should follow the guidelines below:
● The perimeter dimensions of the replacement fence will be nominally the same as the original as built by the Developer - Nominal 8 foot by 16 foot (8’x16’) as adjusted to fit the original as built fence dimensions.
● The Garage Privacy Fence shall be a nominal twelve feet (12’) extended from the front of the building
● The nominal side wall height of the fences shall be six feet (6’)
● The Fence will be constructed of Bufftech New Lexington Vinyl with Lattice Accent top in the Almond Colour
sptrail.condohome.net/doc/fence.pdf
sptrail.condohome.net/doc/patioreview.pdf
Trash Collection, Pets and Complaints
All trash collection and recycling services are provided City of Berea. The Association does not have any facilities, budget or personnel for the handling or removal of Trash.
- Place carts at the curb no earlier than 4:30 PM Wednesday evening
- If a holiday occurs during the week, the collection day will be Friday
- Remove refuse cans from the curb by Thursday evening.
Trash Cart - bagged household garbage and non-recylable trash
- Cart lid opening must face the street and handle must face the home
- Cart must be placed on driveway or tree lawn approximately 3 ft. from curb
Recycle Cart -
- Newspapers: The entire newspaper including inserts.
- Aluminum, steel and bimetal cans- food and beverage cans only.
- Glass: Bottles and jars- food and beverage containers only.
- Plastics: Clean empty containers with a neck #1-7
Pet waste must be removed immediately after its deposit on the grounds.
All complaints, about an Association resident, must be in writing, contain the signature of the complaining party and be sent via US Mail. Complaints about resident behaviour are not accepted by telephone, fax, or e-mail.