Administratively, the HUA office is currently in the process of obtaining proposals and bids from various Banks and financial institutions with regards to the possibility of obtaining a line-of-credit or loan for the primary purpose of infrastructure repair (roads, drainage, etc) and possible tax liability.  As you may know, the request for loan proposals surfaced when it was felt that perhaps interest would cost us less to get all of the in-need roads done immediately instead of spreading them out over the Six-Year Plan and being subject to skyrocketing asphalt increases.  Loans obtained for homeowners associations are somewhat different than conventional loans, as the collateral pledged is, for the most part, the future assessment income to the association.  Therefore, there are a select few organizations dedicated to providing these types of loans and really consider it their forte, and know what associations need in this regard.  Many banks shy away from homeowner groups, or have no idea on how to work the mechanics of this type of loan.  Ultimately, presentations will be made by one or more institutions to the Finance Committee.

Updates to the property tax liability and status issues concerning the golf “open space” area will be reported and acted upon as needed.  Hopefully, this will be resolved (to our favor) within the next several weeks.

The policy with the new health insurance carrier (United HealthCare) is now in effect for all employees who have elected to take such coverage.  Hopefully, changes in insurance requirements and huge swings in rates will diminish for 2008-09, possibly enabling us to remain with one carrier for longer than one year.  Needless to say, it’s a hassle for the employees and the HUA staff and Board to be constantly changing carriers.  But as always, the most fiduciarily correct and responsible choices will prevail.

Our bank account for general operating funds for the Golf Course has been switched over to the NorthSide Community Bank from Fifth Third Bank.  This affords us interest income, less fees, and is just as convenient for logistical needs. NorthSide is also one of the banks that has been asked to propose a loan package to HUA.

Our Landscape Department is continuing to make repairs and removals of damaged plant and tree material, in addition to their normal cutting and trimming routines.  The department is properly staffed for the season, and they are concentrating on special areas which present a threat to safety and/or disease to the community.  The Community is again reminded that priorities and urgency dictate which items must be tended to immediately, and which must be regarded as secondary to the Community.  Although concern is given to all landscape issues at HeatherRidge, some will fall in front of others for scheduling.  As always, aside from heath, disease and safety issues, the overall appearance of the entire community is of foremost concern.  Tree stumps will be removed as marked by JULIE and priorities and labor permit.  Additionally, residents are reminded to be sure to submit architectural requests for all outside landscaping, which is mandatory for all areas greater than 18” from your building structure.  Violations of landscaping on common area may be restored back by HUA personnel, the cost of which shall be billed back to the homeowner.  Homeowners do not privately own common area around their home … all common area is association-owned.

By the time you receive this, you should be seeing the paving of the Covered Bridge areas being accomplished, and this program should only take about a week or so to complete.  Quotes are being reviewed to provide for new fencing around the Covered Bridge Pool area, and once that project is completed, installation can begin on the security system door and gate controls.  Additional proposals are being entertained for combined usage signs (to include golf, clubhouse and the Cabana Bar) at both the Route 21 and Colby Road entrances.  Proposals are also being sought for the surface treatment of the two upper tennis courts.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager