My first Community Manager’s report of the new year comes to you with hopes that your holiday season was good and best wishes for the year ahead.

Last month, an audit meeting was held between the HUA Board, the Finance Committee, Mark Cantey and his auditors. The audit was explained, suggestions were made regarding apparent areas of needed improvement, and questions were answered.  Our auditors are currently finalizing the missing pieces of the 2007 audit and should have a copy to us shortly. Additionally, the Board is still reviewing the feasibility of having a less expensive “Review” conducted next year. Fiduciary responsibility will be exercised in this consideration as well.  The Board is also looking into the advantages of having an updated professional reserve study performed in conjunction with our current Six-Year Plan for capital improvements.  Both of these issues will be reviewed by proposal through TLLCISI and recommendations will follow to the HUA Board for future consideration.

Proposals are being received and submitted to TLLCISI concerning the renewal or change of most major Association insurance policies, which shall be completed by the 3/5/09 end date.

It goes without saying that the Landscape and Maintenance crews, along with contracted labor, have had their hands full plowing and applying ice melt day after day in some cases to keep up with the recent snowfalls.  Again, we are functioning with a finite supply of ice melt, due to the cost and availability as previously mentioned.  There are always going to be sections that, for whatever reason, some residents are unhappy about.  Additionally, someone will always be first and someone will always be last.  In this weather, and considering the tasks at hand, patience must be exercised in getting your areas cleaned and useable.  Suffice to say that, knowing what it has been like in many other communities outside of HeatherRidge, we see results much more quickly and efficiently here.  But please continue calling the HUA office with any issues of concern regarding snow and/or ice removal.

In addition to their snow control activities, the Maintenance crew is forging ahead with projects such as light maintenance, demolition and replacement of certain fixtures at the StoneyBrook Clubhouse, and restoration of the HH clubhouse related to the damage from last summer’s drainage issues and destruction.  However, snow control activities are always the priority.

After reviewing and downsizing proposals and configurations for the upcoming Hidden Hills, Cabana Pool and Covered Bridge Recreation areas, the orders have been placed, as approved, for the continuation of the security installations.  This work is going on right now, and is scheduled to finish around the first week of March.  This will allow time for all interested residents to obtain their new badges in time for the pool openings in the spring.  DSL lines, from both AT&T and Comcast are scheduled, and the project is continuing nicely.  When completed this year, it will afford all HeatherRidge residents more security for their recreation centers and a totally efficient means for security to keep the premises safer for all.

Continue to check your HeatherRidge Happenings for scheduled entertainment and gatherings coming up at our CRF. The success of any program of activities at any resident community depends on the support it gets from the members of the community.  Keep the value of your amenities high!

Sincere condolences to Carol Marker, HUA Board President, on the recent passing of her brother in California.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager