HIGHLAND PARK
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2004

Release 2

Issue 2

 

 

Upcoming Events:

Movie Night – Friday, June 28th – after dusk

 

Wine Tasting – July 10th – 7:30pm

 

Pools Hours:  

9am-9pm - 7 days/week

 
Carlyle Management Company

28001 Chagrin Blvd.

Suite 302

Beechwood, OH 44122
Clubhouse Rental - April O’Brien

Property Management–Ed Fratus

216-464-7465

 

Board of Managers:

President - Bill Mazzolini 934-0710

Vice Pres. - Dave Celznick 934-6174

Treasurer - Sean Flaherty 934-3492

Secretary – Theresa Perusek 934-3260

Trustee - Pete Just 934-2330

highlandparkassociation@yahoo.com

 

 

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Bill Mazzolini

 

On March 23rd, Bryce Jones, Rob Gerberry and Bob Odom completed their two-year term on Highland Park’s Board of Managers.  Thank you, gentlemen, for all your contributions!  

 

Members of the Board of Managers are noted above.  To focus our efforts and resources, the new Board developed a Mission Statement and 2004 Objectives.  They are as follows:

 

Mission Statement----Board of Managers:

Ensure that Highland Park homeowners’ value and living experience are maximized through cost-effective management and maintenance of “common areas” and administering and enforcing the Code of Regulations and Deed Restrictions.

 

2004 Objectives:

  • Achieve a balanced budget and generate a reserve for contingencies.
  • Revise the Code of Regulations to require a vote by homeowners for implementation of “significant” changes.
  • Implement procedures, rules and facilities so that there are zero shutdown incidents at the swimming pool.
  • Generate revenue through Newsletter and Directory advertising.
  • Conduct at least two adult and three family-oriented activities.
  • Generate active community involvement through communications and teamwork.

 

As noted in Sean’s Financial Update, the 2004 budget surplus will be allocated to the contingency reserve and some community improvements (park path sealing, playground wood chips, parking lot/pool lighting, pool umbrellas and solar cover, Clubhouse baby changing tables, and maintenance of new detention basins).

 

HOMEOWNERS INPUT AT BOARD MEETINGS

By Bill Mazzolini

 

To provide another mechanism for homeowner input, the first 15 minutes of regular Board meetings will be open for Q&A, critique, etc.  After 15 minutes, homeowner input ceases and the Board begins its work using the defined agenda.  Homeowners are allowed to remain and listen to the entire meeting if they choose.  To allow fair time for all, contact Bill Mazzolini to inform him of your issue or discussion item prior to the Board meeting.  The next  meeting will be on Tuesday, June 8th at 7:00 pm in the Clubhouse.  See the calendar on highlandparkassociation@yahoo.com for future dates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COULD ONE + ONE = MORE THAN TWO ?

By Bill Mazzolini

 

Heads-up……we were approached by the Board of Highland Park Phases 1 and 2 to explore the possibility of merging both Associations into a single entity.  This would add 30 more homeowners to our current 332 (7 already belong to both).  The benefits, downsides and legal and financial questions need to be defined, reviewed and resolved.  A merger would require ratification (via formal vote) by at least 75% of our homeowners.  This will be worked on later in the year after other high priority objectives are implemented. 

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE

By Sean Flaherty

 

This is my first update to the Highland Park Homeowners Association since I joined the Board of Managers as the treasurer this year and I am pleased to report that the 2004 financial picture is looking good.  I have data through the month of April and, for the most part, we are well within budget parameters.  We are on pace with our expected year-to-date income with about 90% of the homeowners submitting their annual association dues by the April due date.  We thank you for your prompt payment. 

 

There are a few budget areas where we have incurred some unplanned or increased expenses like legal fees and some extra snowplowing from the late snowfalls in March.  We will continue to monitor these items and be sure that we manage other budget areas to help offset any overage.  The Board of Managers and the respective committees have approved some minor capital expenditures for the coming months.  Some of these expenditures are outside of the current budget areas and will reduce the bottom line.  These expenditures are directly related to security and safety for our community and even with the additional expenses, if we stick to our budget, we will still be on track to finish the year with a balanced budget and a small contingency reserve.

 

Our financial summary through the month of April ’04 is as follows:

 

Operating Fund - Summary

 

        April 2004

 

 

 

 

Year to Date

 

Annual

 

Revenue

 

 

Actual

Budget

$ Variance

 

Budget

 

 

Total Income

 

122,314.83

123,466.67

-1,151.84

 

130,570.00**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REVENUE

122,314.83

123,466.67

-1,151.84

 

130,570.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

 

10,000.00

Contingency Reserve***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120,570.00

Net Revenue – Reserve

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative

1,947.77

2,033.33

85.56

 

6,100.00

 

 

Professional

 

4,510.00

4,566.67

56.67

 

13,925.00

 

 

Contracted Services

6,444.56

8,567.26

2,122.70

 

49,050.00

 

 

Maintenance & Repair

6,201.82

4,525.33

-1,676.49

 

22,100.00

 

 

Utility

 

1,596.37

3,129.33

1,532.96

 

9,400.00

 

 

Other

 

3,379.47

3,664.00

284.53

 

8,500.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSE

24,079.99

26,485.93

2,405.94

 

109,075.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Revenue - Expense

98,234.84

96,980.74

1,254.10

 

11,495.00

 

 

**This figure includes the $-8630 deficit carried from last year

***Target for contingency reserve is in the $7k – 10k range.

 
 
ACTIONS FOR MAKING HIGHLAND PARK A BETTER COMMUNITY

 

The Board has been working to continuously improve the community we all live in.  Here’s what we’ve been doing:

 

COMMITTEE UPDATES


Each of the board members has been assigned to oversee each of the community committees.  The entire list of all volunteers will be communicated in the next Newsletter.  Thanks to all who have already volunteered!!!  The committee leaders and Board liaisons are as follows:

 

Ø       Social – Pete Just (934-2330)

Ø       Landscaping - Dave Celznick (934-6174) and Karri Furness (934-7219)

Ø       Directory – Jeanne Yeagley (934-4778)

Ø       Communications – Theresa Perusek (934-3260) and Pete Just (934-2330)

Ø       Swimming Pool – Bill Mazzolini (934-0710) and Dave Celznick (934-6174)

Ø       Clubhouse and Recreation Facilities and Spaces - Sean Flaherty (934-3492)

Ø       Neighborhood Watch Program – Bill Mazzolini (934-0710)

 

GET INVOLVED!!!!  The community activities will only be a success if community members pitch in and help coordinate and organize various events and activities.  We can’t do all of these things without you.  If you are interested in joining one or more of the above listed committees, please contact one of the listed committee members. 

 

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

By Pete Just

 

For a listing of Highland Park Community events visit http://calendar.yahoo.com/highlandparkassociation.

 

As this wet Spring season is drawing to a close, the consistently nice weather we’ve been waiting for has to be just around the corner.  Well, the Social Committee is hoping that’s the case because the first two Summer Events are in the works.

Highland Park Summer 2004 Movie Night #1

Date:          Friday, June 18th (back-up rain date is Friday, June 25th)

Venue:       Clubhouse grounds—we’ll figure out the best place to put up the screen

Time:         Families can start gathering around 8:30 pm.  The first presentation will begin as soon as it’s dark.

Movie:        Nominations are still being taken!  We are planning to run one or two “shorts” (cartoons,

featurettes, etc. geared towards the younger kids) and then run a full length movie starting around 10:15 pm geared towards those 10 years and older.  Please provide some recommendations for a good PG or mild PG-13 rated film.  You can email me at pwjust@adelphia.net and nominations will be discussed at our next Social Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 9th at 7:00 pm in the Clubhouse.  All are welcome and invited to attend.

 

A concession stand will be open throughout the event to purchase various refreshments.  Movie Night itself is a free event.  Look for event flyers in your paper boxes in the next few days!

Highland Park Wine Tasting 

Date:          Saturday, July 10th (back-up rain date is Saturday, July 17th)

Venue:       Clubhouse and grounds

Time:         7:30 pm – until ?

Cost:          $15.00 per individual or $25.00 per couple (subject to change)

Details:      The committee is still working on several details, but the intent is to feature selected wines from

one of the Sandusky-area wineries paired with food samplings.  A representative from the selected winery will be available to take orders at the conclusion of the tasting or may sell bottles directly at the event.

 

 

 

 

A flyer with more detailed information will arrive in your paper box by June 25th.  This should be a fun (and even educational) evening and we hope wine enthusiasts of every level can participate in this inaugural event.

 

A BIG thank you goes out to everyone who’s volunteered their time to work on the planning of these initial events.  We can use more help, so please get in touch with me or come to the next Social meeting on June 9th.

 

LANDSCAPING

By Dave Celznick

 

On May 8 and 22 several volunteers joined forces to clean up Highland Park.  The team rolled up their sleeves and cleaned-up the detention basin and front entrance pond area, as well as the creek area in the back of the park.  Volunteers included: Tracy Abrahamowicz, Bill and Jeanne Mazzolini, Darlene Fedor, and Karri Furness.  A big thank you goes out to each of these individuals for volunteering their time.  A big thank you also goes out to Doug Dedolph for his continued effort in keeping the back creek area of the Nature Park cleaned up.  Thanks again to all!

 

Also big thank you to Brownie Troops #487, Faith McDonald and Debbie Moritz, Karri Furness, Michelle Poling and Jeanne Mazzolini for planting the flowers at the nature park, by the clubhouse and by the pool area.

 

Nature Park Update

 

The Landscape Team is in the process of devising a plan to transform parts of the Nature Park into a nature preserve.  If you have feedback and are prepared to do a little planning and digging please join us at our Landscape Team meetings. 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

By Theresa Perusek

 

E-Mail Address

In order to continuously improve communications, an e-mail address has been setup for you to submit questions and comments.  Please send questions or comments to:  highlandparkassociation@yahoo.com.

 

You can also contact a board or committee member, if you prefer discussing your question or comment “live”.

 

If you would like to be included in periodic email correspondence that contains important information about upcoming Highland Park community activities and events, please take a minute to send us an email with your contact information.  Our email address again is highlandparkassociation@yahoo.com.

 

 

Neighborhood News

 

Garage Sales

 

A Highland Park Neighborhood Garage Sale is planned for June 24th - 26th.  This coincides with Avon’s Annual Aunt Tique and Uncle Junk weekend.  If you’re interested in having a garage sale at this time, contact Katie Gute at 934-3437.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warm Welcome to our New Neighbors

 

We would like to give a warm welcome to the following families/individuals who recently, within the past 3 months, moved into the Highland Park Community:

 

The Walker Family               The Gorman Family

Truxton Place                       3991 Haverford Place

March 2004                          April 2004

 

The Schneider Family           The Koehler Family

Haverford Place                    Bellcrest

April 2004                             May 2004

 

The Coleman Family            The Mavrakis Family

36305 South Park Drive       Scottsmour Court

April 2004                             May 2004

 

The Galik Family

3982 Haverford Place

May 2004

 

 

CLUBHOUSE AND RECREATION AREA COMMITTEE

By Sean Flaherty

 

The weather is getting nicer and we are looking forward to an enjoyable spring and summer season filled with family activities.  The Clubhouse and Recreation Committee held an organizational meeting in April where we generated many great ideas and outlined some preliminary plans to help make the areas more enjoyable.  For example, new baby changing tables will be installed in the clubhouse washrooms in June.  Please email us at highlandparkassociation@yahoo.com if you have comments, suggestions or would like to join to the Clubhouse and Recreation Area committee.

 

The clubhouse continues to be wonderful asset to the community.  It is available for rental and is an ideal place to host community or family events this spring and summer.  To arrange clubhouse rental please contact Carlyle Management Company at (216) 464-7465 - Option 7.  This is a voicemail box so please leave your name, contact number(s), a good time that you can be reached and your first and second choices on rental dates.  A representative will reply to messages within 24 hours (Mon-Fri).

 

The park and play area are also wonderful assets to the community and we need your help to maintain the safe and fun environment for all our children, families and surrounding neighbors.  The playground is open to children of all ages.  Children enjoying the playground should be under adult supervision whenever possible.  When using the facilities, please exercise caution, common sense and common courtesy to make everyone’s playground experience an enjoyable one.  Please remember to dispose of your trash properly.  We are looking into adding a trash receptacle near the playground this summer but in the meantime, please be sure that trash is not littered in the playground or park.  Please report any safety issues to someone on the Board of Managers, to Carlyle Management or the police, if necessary.

 

 

 


 

 

SWIMMING POOL

By Bill Mazzolini

 

Thanks to homeowners who helped revise the rules and generate improvements:  Mary Bell, Dave Celznick, Marianne Jacobs, Julia Jones, Bill Mazzolini, Faith McDonald and Debbie Romanchok.

 

The pool opened as planned on May 29th.   This season, you will see the following changes (some already done, some in progress):

·                                 Revised mandatory pool rules.

·                                 Supervision at the large pool by Hastings Water Works from mid-afternoon until closing.     

·                                 Six new umbrellas---$30 each.

·                                 Lighting on motion sensors to deter vandalism---$1,000.

·                                 Solar cover to minimize heat loss at night  (a “trial” basis, without a reel system)---$370.

 

See the separate flyer for swimming lessons!

 

Pool heating system status:  Recall that about 45 homeowners indicated in the January Survey that they supported some form of pool heater.  That’s enough interest that the Board wants the Pool Team to finalize its evaluation of alternatives, installation cost and annual operating cost for such a system.  We know enough already to conclude that the costs are “significant” and that a majority of homeowners must approve the project via a formal vote.   For a gas-fired heater, installation cost is in the $8k - 10k range with operating costs of approximately $4k per year.  To get this off dead-center, here’s the rough plan:

 

1.                               Obtain one more cost estimate for gas and electric systems.

2.                               Obtain one estimate for a sun-heated system on the clubhouse roof.

3.                               Present alternatives, pro’s/con’s, and costs to the Board (September/October)

 

Based on merits and a sound funding plan, the Board would then decide “next steps”---either to defer the project, or to promptly move it to a formal homeowner vote so that, if approved, it would be ready for the 2005 season.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

By Bill Mazzolini

 

We are pleased that several more people signed up to help:  Theresa Robertson, Joe and Renee Terebieniec, Scott and Shelia Buchanan, Stephanie Grady, Mary Petzinger, Krista Skinner, Julie Delaney and Geoff and Patty Schneider.  Thanks to all for volunteering.  We’ll get this program energized again shortly!

 

REMINDERS

 

To promote courtesy and consideration of your neighbors, please remember to:

 

  • Obey all driving rules, especially the 25 mph speed limit.

 

  • Comply with the “Restrictions to be Placed in Deeds for Highland Park Phase 3” which are part of your Code of Regulations.

 

  • Pick up after your pets and ensure that your dog does not roam “at large” (per Avon ordinances).

 

  • Maintain and upkeep your mailboxes.

 

  • Minimize wind-blown debris by putting garbage out no earlier than Sunday evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

By Theresa Perusek

 

Do you have a business you’d like others to know about?  If so, why not advertise in the Highland Park Newsletter?  Beginning with the June newsletter issue, an advertising section will be added.  The cost to advertise will be $25/quarter or $85/year (four newsletter issues are distributed each year) for a business card size advertising section. 

 

If you are interested in advertising your business, please complete the following form and return it to Alex Fensore 36112 Haverford Place or Theresa Perusek – 3445 Truxton Place or e-mail your company information to theresa.b.perusek@accenture.com.  If you have a company logo which you’d like included, please ensure that you include it in the e-mail you send.  Checks should be made out to Highland Park Homeowners Association. 

 

Thank you to Alex Fensore for bringing this idea to the board, as well as for all of his help in getting the advertising off to a great start!!!

 

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Newsletter Advertising Form

 

Please check one of the following:

 

Quarterly Advertising ($25):

Annual Advertising ($85): 

 

Company Information:

Company Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Business Description:

Additional Information: 

 

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

 

Thank You!

 

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The next newsletter will be distributed in early September.