With the Board facing a possible $70,000 expenditure in spillway repairs (not budgeted), stop-gap measures are being sought from the Engineering Company to provide a temporary, safe fix, if possible. The suggestion that bars be installed through the retaining walls, anchoring the walls to the ground, seems like a possible consideration. Written suggestions will be coming from the Engineer, but they have also assured us that there is no immediate danger for either walls or spillway. A report will be issued to the Board.

Four additional, clear-ownership ponds will be cleaned via an outside vendor again this summer as the pond cleaning program continues. Landscaping is currently busy planting annuals around and near the pools, along with bed cutting, weed control and normal grass maintenance. Understanding that there is a shortage of personnel this summer in the landscape department, timeframes for tree and bush replacements are difficult to predict, but will be accomplished as time and personnel permit. Brad and his crew are continually working hard to keep the neighborhoods looking great.

A purchase order for the Badge reader / scanner hardware, to be first installed at the StoneyBrook/Cambridge Recreation Center and Pool, has been issued. Security is in possession of the new printer and the computer equipment to produce the badges and maintain the database of residents. Initial training on the equipment (for the Security Department) should begin the week of May 21 and run through most of June. Equipment will be installed in SB/C during June, waiting for a transition from the old during July. Changes in the requirements for 5 scanner / readers for SB/C delayed the project slightly, but the project will still happen as anticipated and is progressing nicely. SB/C residents should watch their mailboxes for notices of change-over events throughout June-July. Meanwhile, old badges will continue to function for Rec Center and pool entry.

The Security Department is now in possession of their new patrol car, and all of our officers will now be smiling as they write you a ticket. So please drive and act responsibly throughout the HeatherRidge Community, and let’s try to keep them in their car. Kidding aside, we are always most appreciative of the dedicated work performed by Wayde and our Security Department.

Jason and his maintenance crew are busy getting all of the pools cleaned and ready for use, installing a new pump, as needed, in the Hidden Hills pool, and are preparing for concrete work by the 650-690 condos. Huge price increases in petroleum are playing havoc with our anticipated expenditures/budget for paving this Summer/Fall, and solutions and alternatives are being discussed by the Board for best dollar usage in this regard. Additional bids are also being sought.

Cathy Hawkins has obtained a current BASSET Card for liquor transactions, so she, as well as most of our bartenders at the Rec Center, have obtained this credential. Parties are coming along nicely, and we are all anticipating their “Last Dance Band” program, featuring the big band and an Italian Buffet this coming June 22nd. Be there or be square.

As our neighborhoods age, old plant material must be thinned, maintained, pruned, and in some cases, removed. The community should understand that, as this process continues, the looks of common ground areas will change. This is normal in any community, and is done for the health, looks and serviceability of common element lawn areas.

Please remember to fill out architectural and landscape request forms for ANY changes you may be considering affecting even one inch of common area. If you are in doubt, fill it out anyways to be on the safe side. Call the Umbrella office and talk to Cathy McGrath or myself for questions and/or a form. Let’s all try to avoid conflicts, hard-feelings and misunderstandings regarding what all Boards and Managers are responsible for upholding, that being the governing documents and rules of HeatherRidge and its neighborhoods.  

For our June Board Meeting, we have scheduled a speaker from Reserve Advisors to give all of us a brief rundown on the advantages of having a reserve study done for HeatherRidge Umbrella. It should be of interest to all, even though we do currently plan and are proactive through our six-year plan.

Best Wishes to all, and stay safe this Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager