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 were nominated and have accepted another two (2) year term.

 Each fall, the Board of Managers set goals and objectives for the upcoming year.  2011 Status and 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 four hundred dollars ($400).  For 2011 the board will continue to balance the budget, plan for capital improvements and consider a rebate for the annual fee.

Ø      Maintain and improve Highland Park Structures and Amenities.  2011 budget item to include;

1.      Pool Expansion Project – complete legal language and send out voting ballot.  Follow-up activities as deemed appropriate by community vote.

2.      Tennis Courts– Plans include two must do items including paving and new nets.  We are considering the costs and benefits of adding  windscreens.

3.      Re-seal and repair nature park trail and parking lot.  

Ø      Liability, Risk Assessment and Reserve Analysis.  This activity is focused on the Clubhouse & Pool areas.   Board is in process of selecting vendor and will target 2011 for completion.  State Law on reserve fund guidance for associations was passed on September 10^th, 2010. 

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 2010/11 Season.  The heated pool remained in operation from Memorial Day weekend thru mid-September.   Gate pool pass checkers continued for 2010 resulting in decreased number of non-resident gaining access to the pool.  Please follow the Pool rules as they are published for your safety.

Ø      Pool Expansion.  Board is in the process of finalizing the ballot and documentation.  From the town hall poll there “seems” to be enough support for a pool expansion.  Big question is will it be $200 or $400 out of each homeowner’s pocket.  Ideally the association would like to take the 90K opportunity from the developer and assess a $200 fee vs. a re-vote that passes with 50% vote making the homeowner contribution $400 and *no* developer assistance.  Board is in process of finalizing legal language on the voting ballot.  This process is taking longer than expected due to the complexity of all the components.  Look for your ballot starting in the mid-November time frame. 

Ø      Communication through Highland Park and Newsletters

Website is continuously updated (Thank You Sean Flaherty for volunteering your time).  The Board continues to publish two (2) newsletters in the Spring and Fall.

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.  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.  Thank You

5K TURKEY DASH ---IMPACT ON HIGHLAND PARK 

By Bill Mazzolini

Heads up!  The 5K Turkey Dash will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, from about 8:30 – 10:30 am (official start is 9:00 am).  This race, in its seventh year, has been a very successful fundraiser for the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation.  The sponsors are expecting about 1,300 participants.  Planning is 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 will 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 residents and guests:  (1) Avoid parking on streets from about 8:30 – 10:30 am;  (2) Drive very slowly; (3) Watch out for runners/walkers.  A flier with additional details will be sent by Foundation volunteers in mid-Nov.  If you have questions, or would like to volunteer, call Stacey at the Nakon Foundation (440-933-7621).

THIRD QUARTER 2010 FINANCIAL REPORT

BY: Kevin Malinowski

Improvement Notes:

*   Tennis court repairs have been moved to the 2011 budget.

** Bathroom and Pool items are included in the expenses above.

By Kathi Maxwell

We are in the process of gathering bids for repairing the court surface, replacing the nets and adding high tenacity polyester windscreens along the fence.   The surface will be cleaned, cracks repaired and an acrylic resurfacer will be applied to the entire area.  The court area will be repainted according the United States Lawn Tennis Association guidelines.

If you are interested in joining the tennis and pool committee please email me at kmaxwell@highlandparkassoc.com

SWIMMING POOL UPDATES

By Bill Mazzolini

Based on generally positive feedback at the two “town hall” meetings held in July, the Board of Managers has finalized a proposal to expand/improve the Swimming Pool Complex.  You have received, or will soon receive, a ballot and informational package.  Highlights are as follows:

***The proposal requests your approval to: (1) amend the Code of Regulations to increase the maximum number of homes in Highland Park from 607 to 700; and (2) authorize expenditure of up to $180,000 for the expansion/ improvement project.

***Because the proposal requires amending the Code, it must be approved by at least 75% of all homeowners (336 of 450).

***Funding of $180,000 for the project comes from:  a $200 special assessment from all homeowners (billed at $100 in 2011 and $100 in 2012); and a $90,000 contribution from our developer South Park, Ltd.

***The project increases the main pool by 50%, the kids’ pool by 100%, the deck area by 85%, number of tables/chairs by 200%, and number of lounge chairs by 100%.  The restrooms will also be expanded/improved. 

If you have questions about the proposal or project, please call any Board member.  And whether you vote “yes” or “no”, please carefully review the information and submit your ballot in a timely fashion.  Thank you!

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

By Bill Mazzolini

One way we help each other is by using Neighborhood Watch Program concepts.   By augmenting Police Department resources, this Program is intended to create a greater sense of security because neighbors can “Look Out For Each Other”.  Signs are posted at both entrances.  The key concepts for homeowners to use are as follows:

***        Know what is “usual and customary” about your neighbors, so that you can tell what is unusual and out of the ordinary”.  Don’t be a busybody or invade anyone’s privacy----but do be familiar with who lives in houses (children and teens as well as adults), types of vehicles and daily routines. 

***        “Look out for each other” during vacations or extended absences.  Use common sense and don’t leave signals indicating “no one is at home”.  For example, take action to cover your mail, newspaper, circulars/fliers, garbage cans, and lights.

***        Adhere to good observation techniques:  (a)  observe secretly, whether in your home, your car or on foot;  (b)  don’t confront suspects;  (c)  watch for suspicious people, vehicles or sounds; (d)  trust your judgment and recognize when to call for help;  (e)  write down “what, “when”, “where”, “who”, and license plate number, if it’s safe to obtain it; and (f)  periodically practice your observation techniques.

***        When necessary, call for help using the following protocol:

For bona fide emergencies (any crime, fire or serious medical problem in progress or suspected to be

 In progress)----call 9-1-1.

For non-emergencies (crimes which have already occurred, non-life threatening situations, minor mischief)--call the Police at 934-1234.  Be prepared with “what”, “when”, “where” and “who”.  And don’t hang up until instructed. Key Point No. 1:  don’t hesitate!  When your judgment tells you something wrong is happening or about to happen, immediately call the Police !

Key Point No. 2:  call immediately, but do not take personal risks to prevent a crime or make an arrest.  That’s the responsibility of the Police.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

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

 Q:        Winter is on the way.  Along with driving slowly and carefully, are there other “need to know” items?

 A:        Here are a few reminders from Section IV Highland Park Handbook of Rules and Information: 

***        Maintain sidewalks in good repair.  Remove snow/ice within twelve hours (Avon

Ordinance Chapter 660).  But, do not shovel snow/ice onto the streets.  It is prohibited

(Ordinance Chapter 412).  Inform your snow removal contractor of this prohibition, if

applicable. 

***        Parking is prohibited on streets when more than two inches of snow has fallen during

any twenty-four period (Ordinance Chapter 452). 

***        If your mailbox gets struck by a snow plow, contact Avon Streets Dept. (937-5424) for

repairs.  

Q:        I plan to rent the Clubhouse in the winter.  Will the parking lot and entry sidewalks be accessible?

A:        The Association has a snow removal contract with Brunner Landscape to plow the parking lot and sidewalks around the Clubhouse as circumstances warrant.  Salt may be used sparingly on sidewalks.  Because of the variability of the weather and the ineffectiveness of salt at very low temperatures, we urge everyone to be mindful that slippery ice and snow may exist anytime temperatures drop into the 30’s.  Because of timing and priority, some parts of the common areas may not get quickly shoveled.  If you are using those areas, please be extra careful of the hazards.  The Association’s specifications address most, but not all, winter conditions and hazards.  The Association does not guarantee or promise protection against all hazards.  Your care and attention to the conditions that exist is therefore necessary to ensure your safety while on the Association’s property.

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.

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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. 

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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:

Company Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:     

Business Description:

Additional Information:

PATRONIZE YOUR HIGHLAND PARK NEWSLETTER ADVERTISERS