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December 2011

The 2012 Budget

One of the most important tasks of the Board is the preparation of the budget for the operation and maintenance of the Association.  In the preparation of the 2012 financial plan, our needs were prioritized and funds allocated for items such as landscape maintenance, insurance, snow removal, management, taxes and building maintenance. While most contracted operating expenses will remain the same, the need for capital expenditures are now upon us as completion of the roof replacement program advances. 

The process of funding the roof replacements in 2012 will come from reserve fund fees collected during the budget year.  Other capital replacement expenses will be determined during the year as costs are ascertained.  To address the need for the replacement of two roofs per year, the Board continues a practice initiated 2 years ago of implementing progressive increases in the capital expense portion of the budget. An additional $15.00 per unit per month (allocated to each unit based on the percentage of ownership) has been added to the reserve budget for these replacement costs. The progressive fee increases are implemented with the hopes of minimizing the possibility of a separate  special assessment.  

The Board entertained several scenarios, hypothetical budgets and scenarios during the budgeting process and arrived at the following fees effective January 1, 2012:

Ownership Percentage:  2.525% - $160.00 per month  2.85% - $180.00 per month

Monthly maintenance fee payments are due on the first day of the month and are considered late when received after the 10th.  Should an unexpected situation cause a delay in payment, please contact us.  The payment of Association obligations are second only to your mortgage and taxes. 

Maintenance fee payments should be mailed to 680 South Point Trail, Berea OH 44107 or may placed in the drop box at 706 South Point Trail.

Winter Parking Regulations

The driveway extensions are for maneuvering in and out of garages and temporary use (such as for a few hours) of guests.  They may not be used for permanent parking as they need to remain clear for your neighbor’s access to their garage and for the movement and storage of snow during winter months. Short term parking is also available in the spaces on South Point Trail.

Snow Removal Services

The Association provides a reasonable level of snow removal services only after snow accumulation exceeds two (2”) inches.  Deicing agents are generally not used.  The responsibility for the removal of snow and ice at all other times when the Association does not provide services is that of the unit owner.  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. 

Please remember to remove all doormats and pet tethers from the sidewalks and driveways in front of your home. These items can easily be 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.

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

Real Estate Refinance Relief

The Federal Finance Housing Agency has developed revisions to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) which provides home owners with loans financed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to refinance with reduced restrictions.
Http://www.fhfa.gov/webfiles/22721/HARP_release_102411_Final.pdf
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov

Service Requests

The Association utilizes a variety of independent contractors to provide services to maintain the common elements. Theses services are initiated work orders to contractors for small items or by special agreement in the case of items such as landscape, snow removal, roofing or painting.   Substantial cost items are listed in the annual budget and certain services may only be performed in the years when budgeted or to address extraordinary conditions or emergencies.

Residents may request services by contacting the Association Administrator by phone or by using a service request form by mail or online.  Routine requests are often   grouped to include similar services needed at other parts of the property before the work orders are issued to a contractor.  Other work that is seasonal or budgetary in nature may be authorized only at specific times.

Certain online or mail requests  receive a confirmation  at the time the work is assigned to a contractor and all work is scheduled by the contractor, not the Association. Contractors  utilize a variety of factors in scheduling work and while there may a range of general timelines for a particular service, the Association cannot provide a specific time that a task will be performed.  We hope this increases your understanding of the process of maintaining your Association.

Care and Feeding of Your Garbage Disposal

The powerful roar of your disposal’s motor may convince you it can take on anything you throw its way, but it’s important to remember that your disposal is not a trash can. Disposals are designed to grind small bits of biodegradable food waste to help prevent clogged drains. Proper use and maintenance will not only extend the life of your appliance, but will also spare you unnecessary and costly service calls.

Do:

· Small amounts of skinless, boneless, pit-less and non-fibrous foods are safe to grind.

Don’t:

 Shells, skins, husks, rinds and other hard or fibrous materials (clam shells, oyster shells, corn husks, fruit pits, banana peels, avocado skins and bones).

 Large amounts of starchy foods (noodles and rice) Although they are easily ground, they expand in water and can clog drains.

Always:

 Run cold water when operating the disposal. Keep the water running for at least 30 seconds after you turn off the unit.

Never:

 Use hot water when operating the disposal.

 Put non-food materials through the disposal. This includes all types of glass, plastic and metals (e.g., bottle caps, aluminum foil and plastic wrap).

 Put harsh chemicals in the disposal or down the drain.

Sometimes:

 Occasionally grinding bits of citrus peel helps clean and freshen the disposal.

 Grinding a little ice once a month helps scrape away deposits and remove odors.

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