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.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Dave Celznick

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank the current board members for another year of service.   Bill Mazzolini, Kathi Maxwell and I are at the end of the two year terms.  New Board members will be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Homeowners’ Association (see “Dates to Remember” above).

 Each fall, the Board of Managers sets goals and objectives for the upcoming year.  Recap of 2009 results and focus on the 2010 Goals  are as follows:

Ø     Budget and Finance - The financial outlook remains favorable allowing for continued maintenance and opportunity improvement projects.  The Annual Assessment Fee remains at  $400.  However, for 2010 the Board has voted to grant a rebate $30 thus making the 2010 Fee  $370 plus any unpaid balance carried over from 2009. 

Ø      Maintain and improve Highland Park Structures and Amenities. Repair and improvements completed in 2009 included:

1)      Playground – New swing set upgrade, mulch & tetherball.

2)      Revision to the pool drains to comply with federal regulations and enhance safety.  

Ø      Liability, Risk Assessment and Reserve Analysis.  This activity is focused on the Clubhouse & Pool areas.  For liability reasons I have recommended that the Board engage an outside firm to  conduct a reserve analysis.   We are in process of identifying three vendors.  Results from this activity will assist in setting the “correct level” of reserve funds. 

 Ø      Mailbox - Continuous Maintenance is the plan backed by Deed Restrictions that includes sending notification to those homeowners whose mailbox and/or mailbox post is in need of upkeep. The expectation is no peeling paint, no unpainted surfaces, no rust or dents on the box and no cracked or missing components.  Well-maintained mailboxes contribute to the aesthetic value of our community. 

 Ø     Zero Shutdowns for the Pool in the 2009 Season.  The heated pool remained in operation from Memorial Day weekend thru mid-September.   Gate pool pass checkers were added for 2009 resulting in decreased number of non-residents gaining access to the pool.  Please follow the Pool rules as they are published for your safety.  As the Highland Park Association continues to grow (currently 445 on the way to 605 homes) many questions regarding pool capacity have been raised.  The plan going forward is to schedule town hall meetings over the summer timeframe and based on resident feedback put the pool expansion to a vote late fall 2010.   

 Ø      Communication through Highland Park Website and Newsletters. Website is continuously updated (Thank You Sean Flaherty for volunteering your time).  Also the Board published two “content rich” newsletters in 2009.

Speeding continues to be an Issue in Highland Park- The posted speed limit in Highland Park is 25mph.  The development is on the Avon Police Patrol route.  Those that live in the development are the primary offenders.  See related comments in the FAQ’S article.

Please remind family members to Slow Down to (25mph)!!!!

The first fifteen minutes of each Board meeting are open to homeowners that would like to express concerns or comments to the Board of Managers.  Please call any Board member for the time and location of the next meeting if you have an issue to discuss. This is your opportunity to address the Board with your concerns.  The meetings are also posted in advance on the website.   Thank You!

CURRENT FINANCIAL REVIEW AS OF AUGUST 2009

BY: Kevin Malinowski 

Since 2009 was such a difficult year for our nation, the Board took it upon themselves to pull back on any unnecessary expenses or projects.  As a result we were able to reduce the annual increase in expenses from 6.8% (from 2007 to 2008) to 1.9% (from 2008 to 2009).  Every area of expense came in under budget.  We also scaled back the planned projects.  That said, we were able to add over $23,500 to our capital reserves.  For 2010, although we expect to see some increases in expenses, we are planning some new projects; especially some needed help to the tennis courts.  We appreciate everyone’s help in paying their annual dues.

CLUBHOUSE UPDATE 

By Kathi Maxwell

Beginning June 1, 2010, the rental rates and deposit schedule will change.  The Clubhouse Party Room is available for Highland Park residents only.   Homeowners must be in good standing regarding the Annual Association Fee in order to rent the clubhouse.  Please make sure your account is up to date prior to request.  According to Association regulations, the use of the clubhouse for  business purposes is not permitted.  

The rental rate for adult non-profit clubs (yoga class, scrap booking, card clubs, etc.)** or youth non-profit clubs (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.)** will be $20 per use with a $100 security deposit.  The private party rate has been reduced to $50 (non-refundable) with a $100 security deposit.  Private parties for individuals under the age of 21 must be supervised by adults.  If you would like to rent the clubhouse you can contact Heather Johnson at Carlyle Management via email hjohnson@carlylemanagement.com or (216) 464-7465 ext. 231.

Please note:  **indicates time restrictions may apply.

The changes in the fee schedule are a result of an analysis by the Board to fairly allocate utilities, cleaning, and “wear and tear” expenses to those using the facility.

CLEVELAND CLINIC EAGLE RUN---IMPACT ON HIGHLAND PARK 

By Bill Mazzolini

Heads up!  The Eagle Run will be held on Saturday, May 29^th  from about 9 – 10 am.  This race benefits the Avon Schools Educational Endowment Fund, Avon Seniors, and Community Resource Services.  Planning efforts are underway to ensure that Highland Park residents are not inconvenienced.  The course will be the same as last year.  Highland Park’s Stoney Ridge entrance might be closed for a short period of time (30 minutes) when the majority of the runners enter.  Our eastern entrance at Rt. 83 will remain open.  Sponsors have requested the following from us:  (1) No parking on streets during the Run (2) Drive very slowly; (3) Watch out for runners/walkers.

Details will be communicated in the School Newsletter published in early May.

SWIMMING POOL

By Bill Mazzolini

The pools will open on Saturday, May 29^th !  

Two sessions of swimming lessons will again be offered by Metro Pool Services:  June 21-July 2; July 12-July 23.  Signup instructions will be available at the pool.  Cost is $45 per session.

Our Pool Team (members include Dave Celznick, Kathi Maxwell, Bill Mazzolini, Faith McDonald, Erin Morton, Wendy Rounds) will be meeting in April to review 2009 performance and develop improvement plans.  We will again use a gate-checking process to prevent non-members from entering and to control crowds.  Call any Pool Team Member with ideas.

See Dave’s “Letter from the President” on page 1 for an update on the pool expansion.

HIGHLAND PARK GOLF LEAGUE

By Sean Flaherty

The weather in Cleveland is starting to turn for the better and it is time to dust off the golf bag and prepare for the 2010 Highland Park Golf League.  We have confirmed start dates for us over at Bob-O-Link Golf Course.  The official start date will be Wednesday, May 5th.  We will have our usual start time of about 5:30 - 5:45 Wednesday evenings again this year.

The Highland Park golf league is a 9-hole social league open to all Highland Park resident golfers of any ability.  The league will consist of 2 nine-week sessions this spring and summer.  The first session will start Wednesday, May 5th and run to the last week in June.  The first tee time is around 5:30pm and we will usually have 4-5 groups.  There are no advance parings.  We simply pair up as people get to the first tee.  You are welcome to participate in one or both of the sessions.  Discounted 9 hole green fees will be offered again this year and you must pay for the 9 week sessions in advance! The fee this year will be $121.50 and you will be given a league punch card.  You may pay your green fees at Bob-O-Link Golf Course anytime after April 14th.  Bring the card with you each week and present it to the starter at the first tee.  He will sign you in and punch your card for play.  In the event you are not able to play on a league Wednesday you will be able to use the card for golf on any other day should you decide to play on a non league day (special events and tournaments excluded).  There is no expiration date on the cards.

There will most likely be folks that head over to the course over the next couple week to get in some practice rounds.  If you would like to participate in the golf league this year please email Sean Flaherty at flahertysean@yahoo.com.  Please check the Highland Park Website for additional information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Here’s a few FAQ’s received by the Board.  There’s other FAQ’s on the Highland Park website.

 Q:       What are the rules about roaming dogs and picking up dog waste?

 A:         Avon’s ordinances require dog owners to pick up and dispose of pet waste in their own proper receptacle, and ensure that dogs do not roam “at large” or endanger people walking on sidewalks.  The ordinances are in place for health and safety purposes.  So, as a reminder, please control your pet and pick up after your dog on other homeowners’ property, on streets and sidewalks, in the Nature Park and on other “common areas”. 

 Q:        What actions should I take if I witness someone not following pet-related (or other) ordinances?

 A:         Often, a “neighborly resolution” via discussion will make them aware of the ordinances and solve the problem.  If violations continue and are impacting your private property, the Police should be contacted for guidance/action.  In “gray areas” or situations in which Association “common areas” are affected, call a Board member for guidance.

 Q:        What can we do to prevent speeding in Highland Park?

 A:        First:  inform every family member to comply with the speed limit of 25 mph.  Almost all speeders live here (per input from the Police).

            Second:  Call the Police Chief and Mayor and request extra surveillance.  The Board will also send a letter to them requesting extra patrols.  Your input helps!

             Lee Jones, Ann Lorincz, Bill Mazzolini (Team Leader) and Jeff Oberg have volunteered to develop plans to improve this situation.  If you desire to join us, call Bill at 934-0710.  We need help to think “outside the box”.

 Q:        We are planning some outside remodeling.  Do we need approval from the Association?

 A:        Homeowners are required to comply with the Code of Regulations and Deed Restrictions. Significant changes to a homeowner’s property need to be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).  Examples of significant changes include siding color changes, driveway expansions, changes to front elevation, fences, in-ground swimming pools, sunroom additions, large decks/patios, etc.   Currently, the ARB includes Ed Fratus, Kevin Malinowski, Kathi Maxwell, and Bill Mazzolini.  Info/procedures are available on the Association website.  If you have questions, call any ARB member. 

 Q:        Can we store our large garbage cans outside?

 A:         Deed Restriction No. 10 includes the following:  “No material or unsightly matter shall be stored outside of the house….”  Although the Deed Restriction does not specifically reference garbage cans, the Board recommends that they should be stored inside the garage.  Thank you.

HELLO, NEW NEIGHBORS!  By: Jeanne Stark

Please extend a “warm welcome” to the following families who moved into Highland Park recently. If we missed your name, we apologize.  Please let us know.

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

Thanks to the residents who have used the Newsletter to advertise their businesses.  The fee structure for a business card-size ad is noted below. 

To advertise 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 enclose it. 

Newsletter Advertising Form

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

Please check one of the following (assumes two issues per year):

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

Non-Resident: □       □ Annual Business/Service Advertising (resident $40 / non-resident $70)                    

Company Information:

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