Highland Park

Homeowners’ Association

Newsletter – September 2007

 

Volume 5, Issue 2

 

 

      

 

Board of Managers Mission Statement:

To ensure that Highland Park homeowners’ value and living experience are maximized through (1) cost-effective management and maintenance of “common areas”, and (2) the administration and enforcement of the Code of Regulations and Deed Restrictions.

 

 

Carlyle Management Co.

 

28001 Chagrin Blvd.

Suite 302

Cleveland, OH  44122

Phone: (216) 464-7465

 

Clubhouse email:

clubhouse@highlandparkassoc.com

for information or

Clubhouse reservations. 

This email will automatically forward to Heather at Carlyle Management.

 

Property Management –

Edward Fratus, Extension 228

 

 

Dates to Remember

 

Daylight Savings Time Ends, Sunday Nov. 4th

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Managers

 

Dave Celznick, President  934-6174

Karri Furness, Vice-president  934-7219

Bill Mazzolini, Treasurer  934-0710

Jeanne Stark,  934-3348

Kevin Malinowski 216-403-8233

 

 

 

Please send an email to highland@highlandparkassoc.com

if you would like to be added to

the email distribution list.

 

Website:  www.highlandparkassoc.com

 

 

 

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Dave Celznick

 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new Board members: Jeanne Stark and Kevin Malinowski.  Welcome to the Board!  I believe you will find the opportunity challenging as well as rewarding as we make the decisions that are in the best interest of Highland Park.

 

Many Thanks go to Bob Richenburg for two great years of service to the Highland Park community.  Bob was a key driver in initiating our Mailbox Improvement Program as well as assisting with Nature Park drainage and improvement issues.  Thank You!!!

 

Also a Thank You goes out to Olivia Poggenpohl.  Olivia also moved our Mailbox Program forward as well as assembling and editing the past couple of Newsletters.  Thank You!!!  

 

The Board of Managers has identified key focus areas which will help us to maintain and improve our community.  The 2007 Goals and Objectives -

Ø      Continue to achieve a balanced budget for the 2007/2008 fiscal year.

Ø      Maintain and improve Highland Park structures and amenities.

Ø      Conduct a liability, risk assessment and reserve analysis.

Ø      Generate awareness and enforce the Code of Regulations and Deed Restrictions.

Ø      Implement the Mailbox Improvement Program---Phase 2  (Taking Action)

Ø      Ensure zero shutdowns for the pool in the 2007 Season.

Ø      Develop a Summer Security Improvement Plan.

Ø      Develop a Playground Improvement Plan.

Ø      Update the General Operations Survey  – Fall 2007

Ø      Enhance communication thru the Highland Park Website and Newsletters.

Ø      Complete the Highland Park Directory.

 

 

AWARENESS & ENFORCEMENT OF CODE AND DEED RESTRICTIONS 

By Dave Celznick

 

For the past two years the Board has worked to make residents aware of Code & Deed Restrictions specifically for mailbox and yard upkeep.  For 2007 we began to implement an aggressive plan to bring everyone into compliance with Code and Deed Restrictions.  Well-maintained yards and mailboxes/posts add to the aesthetic value and desirability of our community.  Overall, the community has stepped up to fixing/painting their mailboxes/posts consistent with Association requirements.  The Board voted to implement Phase 2 which includes enforceable legal actions as a last resort (if necessary).    

 

The first fifteen (15) minutes of each Board meeting is open to homeowners who would like to express concerns or comments in person to the Board of Managers.  Please call any Board member for the time and location of the next meeting and ask to be added to the agenda.

 

As a general awareness reminder we are all owners of Association property.  The Board has set a high quality standard for our vendors and expects each homeowner to maintain property within the Deed Restrictions and Code of Regulations requirements.  This agreement was part of the documentation each of you signed when you purchased property in Highland Park. 

 

FALL 2007 SURVEY----HEADS UP!

 

The Board will be sending out a survey in the fall of 2007.  We need your help in completing the questions and answers as this document will assist is identifying and prioritizing Association activities and objectives.  This is your opportunity to give feedback!!!

 

 

HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING---ACTION ITEMS

By the Board of Managers

 

Six issues were raised by attendees at the 2007 Annual Meeting on April 16th.  All were reviewed

by the Board of Managers.  Here’s the resolution and action plan:

 

Item 1:  Are “contingency reserves” at the correct level?

 

Resolution/Action Plan:  Current target level is $90k – 100k, which is about 20% of depreciable assets (a

typical benchmark).  Bill Mazzolini (Treasurer) and Kevin Malinowski will lead a small team to nail this

down.  Estimated completion date is Feb. 1, 2008.

 

Item 2:  Provide info for those that want to upgrade their mailboxes with new numerals, paint, etc.

 

Resolution/Action Plan:  Item complete.  Information was provided in the letter sent to all homeowners

from the Board of Managers in May.  Thanks to Olivia for spearheading this current effort!  Additionally,

Mike Jessup found the maroon numerals on the internet.  We’ll put this info on the website.

 

Item 3: Remove the white plastic fencing at entrance and around the common areas.

Replace with a better, fancier system (such as the one at Bentley Park).

 

Resolution/Action Plan:  Item complete.  The Board voted to maintain what we have until the fencing’s

useful life is over.  When full replacement is necessary, a different style of fencing will be evaluated,

considering cost vs. benefit.

 

Item 4:  Emphasize “no glass at the pool”.

 

Resolution/Action Item:  Item complete.  This issue was included in the Pool Rules mailed to

homeowners in May and emphasized on two signs at the pool.  Lifeguards have also been trained to

enforce this rule.

 

Item 5:  Remove some dead trees near the Nature Park.

 

Resolution/Action Item:  Item complete.  Five dead trees near the woods on Truxton and South Park

have been removed.  Holes were top-soiled. Thanks to Jeanne Stark for directing this project!

 

Item 6:  Provide disposal facilities at the playground.

 

Resolution/Action Item:   The rubbish can installed two summers ago was removed after a 3-week trial

because homeowners were using it to dispose of dog waste.  Jeanne will review other options. 

Estimated completion date is March 1, 2008.   PS--- Pet waste must be disposed of in the homeowner’s

proper receptacle (Avon Ordinance and Highland Park rule).

 

HELLO,  NEW  NEIGHBORS!

 

Please extend a “warm welcome” to the following who moved into Highland Park since January 1st .  If

we erred or missed your name, we apologize.  Please let a Board member know.

 

On Astoria:  The Cordesmans;  The Millers.              On Bellcrest:  The LaPorte’s; The Stumphauzers.

On Billingsley:  The Summers;  The Wallaces.         On Edenhall:  The Metzgers.

On Glendenning:  The Papugas; The Senters.          On Harriman:  The Powells & The Fishers.

On Haverford:  The Hartmans;  The Li’s.                   On Montrose:  The Gormleys; The Hollanders;

On Montrose:  The Rice’s                                           On Southington:  The Barnharts

On South Park:  The Kalvitz’s;  The Moore’s;  The Siplers;  The Wolters

On Truxton:  The Gallions;  The Tills.                         On Wendell:  The Barons; The Baurs;

On Wendell:  The Bevins; The Fords; The Matko’s.

 

CLUBHOUSE UPDATE

By Bill Mazzolini

 

Upgrading of the Clubhouse party room was completed in April:  new carpet was installed and the interior

was painted at a total cost of $3k.  We continue to receive very favorable feedback from those using the

internet for reserving the clubhouse.  A new work process was implemented in May to speed up the

return of the security deposit.  To reserve the clubhouse, send an email to Carlyle at:

clubhouse@highlandparkassoc.com). Details and a calendar are on the website.

 

SWIMMING POOL END-OF-YEAR REVIEW

By Bill Mazzolini

 

The pool got lots of use this hot summer!  The pool shut down on Sunday, Sept. 16th.  The number of “very crowded days” is increasing as the population of Highland Park increases.  The Board will begin the planning process on how to manage the higher growth anticipated down the road.

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

by Bill Mazzolini

 

Operating Fund – Summary

     2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Seven Months, 2007 Actual vs. 2007 Budget—in 000’s dollars

Revenue

 

 

Seven Months Actual

 Seven

Months Budget

Variance

 

2007 Budget   

 

Annual Assessments @ $400

 

168.4

167.2

1.2

 

         167.2

 

All Other Income

 

       4.8

           3.0

1.8

 

      6.0

 

Less Rebate @ $25

 

          (10.5)  

(10.5)

0.0

 

(10.4)

 

TOTAL REVENUE

 

162.7

159.7

3.0

 

              162.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative

 

5.9

5.6

0.3

 

10.1

 

Professional

 

6.9

7.0

(0.1)

 

11.9

 

Contracted Services

 

42.8

49.4

(6.6)

 

77.7

 

Maintenance & Repair

 

8.9

4.4

4.5

 

  6.0

 

Utility

 

5.5

5.9

(0.4)

 

14.0

 

Taxes/Other

 

8.8

6.8

2.0

 

  6.8

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSE

 

78.8

79.1

(0.3)

 

              126.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allocated for Improvement Projects/Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

               36.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher-than-budgeted expenses were caused by completion of the Parking Lot Lights Project, carpeting/painting the clubhouse, and increases in property taxes/income taxes.  For clarity, we’ll separate out the projects from the routine operations/maintenance expenses in the year-end report.

 

Over and above the budgeted routine operations/maintenance expenses, the Association’s money has been or will be spent on the following improvements in 2007:

                                                                                                                                    PROJECT

            DESCRIPTION                                                          COST                         STATUS        

 

            ***        Increase in lifeguard hours for safety             $6k                              Complete                   

            ***        Parking Lot Lights, Phase 2                            $5k                              Complete

            ***        Montrose Basin Renovation                            To be defined              4th quarter

            ***        Nature Park Water Control                             $3k                              Complete

            ***        Parking Lot Repair                                          $12k                            October

            ***        Clubhouse carpet, painting                             $3k                              Complete

            ***        Removal of 5 dead trees                                $1k                              Complete

            ***        Clubhouse security locks                               $1k                              Complete

            ***        Rt. 83 Entry Fountain Replacement               $4k                              Complete

 

The Association will essentially “break even” this year, and will add only a small amount to the  contingency reserve” fund.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

By the Board of Managers

 

The Board frequently fields questions from homeowners. Here are a few that might be helpful for some of the new residents and may serve as a refresher for current residents. This new section is similar to the “Friendly Reminders” that we used to include in the Newsletter.  There’s other FAQ’s on the Highland Park website.

 

Q:        I have a “battle” brewing with a noisy neighbor.  How do I resolve this?

 

A:        Per the Code of Regulations, the Board of Managers is chartered to enforce the Code and the restrictive covenants (i.e., Deed Restrictions) and Highland Park-generated rules (e.g., the Pool Rules).  The Code does not empower the Board to enforce Avon ordinances/laws.  Generally, the Board does not resolve disputes between two neighbors unless the dispute is related to the Deed Restrictions or our own rules.  In this case, it is alleged that Avon City Ordinance 648.10 “Noise Disturbances” is being violated.  The neighbor should attempt a friendly resolution first with constructive communications.  If that doesn’t work, the neighbor may choose to report the

Ordinance violation to the Avon Police (934-1234).  An officer will review the situation and take necessary enforcement action.  A similar game plan might be warranted if parking ordinances are being violated.

 

Q:        Can we use the Clubhouse dumpster for our dog waste or household rubbish?

 

A:         No, please, No!   Avon’s Ordinance in Chapter 618 requires pet owners to dispose of waste in their proper receptacle.  This ordinance is in place for sanitation control reasons, and in our case, for courtesy/consideration of nearby neighbors, those at the pool, and those using the clubhouse.  The dumpster near the Clubhouse is for swimming pool rubbish and rubbish from Clubhouse renters.  The dumpster is not for disposal of pet waste or home refuse.  A few months ago, a clubhouse renter had to take home their own rubbish because someone late at night had filled the dumpster with carpeting, etc.   Please remind your neighbors to follow the rules.

 

Q:        I desire to build a deck and a backyard fence.  Who do I contact in the Homeowners’ Association?

 

A:         To ensure a consistent and accurate interpretation of requirements in the Deed Restrictions, contact the “Architectural Review Board” through Carlyle Management.  More details are on pages 4-5 of the Highland Park Handbook of Rules and Information (Feb. 10, 2007 edition).  The Board representative is currently Bill Mazzolini.  He can help facilitate the process and answer your questions.  For clear-cut situations, Bill can approve the project “on the spot”.

 

Q:        Where can I obtain some advice regarding an effective sump pump system to protect my

            basement?

 

A:         Karri Furness obtained information from City Engineer Mike Bramhall and published it in the August, 2006 Highland Park Newsletter.  It focuses on sump-pump maintenance and optimal back-up design.  For a reprint of the article, please contact any Board member.  If you are interested in discussing a unique dual backup system, call Bill Mazzolini.

 

 

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTORY

By Jeanne Yeagley & Sean Flaherty  

 

We are in the process of updating the Highland Park Homeowners’ Association Directory. It’s been three years since our last edition and there are many new residents include. This year, in order to streamline the process we have created a link on our website to submit your information. Just log on to http://www.highlandparkassoc.com/DirectoryForm.htm and once you submit your data, the information is sent to a spreadsheet. This makes it easy for us to merge the data into the new directory format. Of course, we’ll include you in the directory if you don’t have access to the internet. Complete the attached form and send it in. Just a reminder that distribution outside of the Highland Park subdivision is prohibited and is not to be used for business purposes. Including names and ages of children is at your discretion.

 

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Please complete the following contact information on the website or mail this form to:

         Highland Park Directory Update

         c/o Jeanne Yeagley

         36131 North Park Drive

         Avon, Ohio 44011

 

 

Last Name

 

First Name

 

Spouse Last Name

 

Spouse First Name

 

Street Address

 

City

 

State

 

Zip Code

 

Home Phone

 

E-mail

 

Child #1 Name

 

Birth Date

 

Child #2 Name

 

Birth Date

 

Child #3 Name

 

Birth Date

 

Child #4 Name

 

Birth Date

 

Child #5 Name

 

Birth Date

 

 

           

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NEWSLETTER ADVERSTISING

 

Thank you to the many residents who have used the Newsletter to advertise your business.  We hope it has proven valuable to your organization. 

 

If you have a business you’d like others to know about (or if you have been satisfied with work completed by a local company and think they could be a good resource for other residents), why not advertise in the Highland Park Newsletter? The cost to advertise for residents is $25/issue or $85/for three issues (three Newsletter issues are distributed each year) or for non-residents is $40/issue or $150/year for a business card size advertisement.  Please see this issue’s advertisements on the last two pages and support these local businesses whenever possible. 

 

If you are interested in advertising your business, please mail in the “Newsletter Advertising Form” below or e-mail your company info to MazzOhio@aol.com.   If you have a company logo that you’d like included, please ensure that you include it in the e-mail you send.  Checks should be made payable to Highland Park Homeowners’ Association.

 

 

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Newsletter Advertising Form

 

Mail to:  Bill Mazzolini          3861 Silsby Ct.                      Avon, OH

 

Please check one of the following:

HP Resident:            Single Issue Business/Service Advertising (resident $25 / non-resident $40)

Non-Resident:        Annual Business/Service Advertising (resident $85 / non-resident $150)

                       

Company Information:

Company Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Business Description:

Additional Information: 

 

 

Please enclose a check payable to Highland Park Homeowners’ Association for the appropriate amount.

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