During the end of May and into June, the Landscape and Maintenance departments moved into full gear in the never-ending quest to improve and maintain our areas:

In the Covered Bridge Neighborhood, many potholes were dug out and filled with asphalt to carry them through a longer period of repair than by using cold patch filler. Also, dead trees and associated inconsistent trees were removed and were replaced.

The StoneyBrook/Cambridge Neighborhood saw their Rec Center parking lot entranceway re-done, and paved and striped as well. This provided for more cars being able to fit in the lot. Also, signs were changed to prohibit basketball playing while functions were being held in the Rec Center building. Also, pool copings were caulked to allow them to survive until next years planned liner replacement.

Hidden Hills Condos had some of their lawn area filled in and reseeded, a need resulting from inept restoration services provided by Com Ed.

Organic Sediment Removal Systems has completed work on ponds 1 through 4 (as budgeted) and removed most of the organic "muck" in a most efficient manner. The silt/muck was pumped out into bags which you see in several areas of the community and near the golf course, and will remain for a few months until the water completely drains and the sediment can be distributed. They really did a fantastic job on the ponds, and if there is a slight odor once in awhile during the dry­out period, it's a small price to pay for the benefits realized.

A product demonstration was held for several of us at the Security Office showing the merits of the Zebra Badge maker system and software, which is being considered for purchase to be used as the basis for revamping our pool pass systems throughout the Community. It's a very good system and, if approved and brought in, should carry us a long way into the 21st Century Rec/pool pass world.

The management office will soon be tied in with networking software, enabling greater communication and efficiencies within our HUA office itself and to/from the Summit Management office as well. Also, I'm currently reviewing several different computer software packages, along with generic Excel as well, in determining a good means of project tracking and anticipating due dates by milestones/dates for various monetary payout needs. This should help our Board, committees and management keep a tighter rein and control over project deadlines, plans and expenditures, and provide for a more improved and efficient operation.

Finally, I must say a few words to remind everyone that Association Rules and Declarations are established for the benefit of all. Any association or community must be diligent in enforcing rules designed to maintain the functionality, appearance and desirability of our neighborhood. This is especially applicable to landscaping changes and satellite dishes. Please make sure proper permission is obtained before attempting or pursuing any changes involving common area property. We will all benefit from cooperating with and adhering to community rules and requirements.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager