At November’s meeting, the Board will be voting on the proposed budget for the 2009 calendar year. Your Board and Finance Committee have put extremely long hours into the effort of constructing a budget and 6-year plan which are fiduciarily sound for the Community, while still being sensitive to the needs of homeowners during a difficult economy. Always remember that your board works tirelessly for the good of HeatherRidge, and they do so without receiving one dime. They must pay the same assessments as you, and understand that the Community must come first to maintain its value and service to all owners. The same goes for all of our HeatherRidge committees. Kudos to a great Board and committees.

The auditors have received most questionnaires back from the Board and Management and are preparing the finals to the Audit. The Board, Finance Committee and others will meet with the Auditors to review the audit and go over any proposed suggestions and opinions in December.  In conjunction with the audit, the Board is reviewing the feasibilities of having a review conducted next year (by the Accounting firm) and also to possibly have an updated reserve study.  I’ll keep you informed as to those suggestions.

The joint HeatherRidge/Village construction project for the Gages Lake sidewalk replacement has been completed, with the exception of a few landscaping issues currently being corrected by the construction company.  The sidewalk looks terrific and will last many years to serve our residents.  Considering the small contributory cost to HeatherRidge as our share, we got a good deal and added value to our infrastructure.

As an additional note, the Village has called my office to personally thank our maintenance crew for helping them, in a supportive effort, in making this sidewalk project run smoothly.  Jason, Chad and Ryan were right there as issues developed relative to HeatherRidge, and quickly intervened to keep the project going. Also, Brad and his landscape crew were right on top of other obstacles, such as the need to move several trees to allow for path changes and perform other supporting roles.  Many thanks to our wonderful staff of pros.

As HeatherRidge ages, we must be diligent in keeping our facilities and homes in top repair, especially when it comes to wood deterioration.  We are currently in the process of having an analysis and proposals made concerning the golf maintenance building, as there is a noticeable degree of wood-rot occurring on that structure. A proactive approach rather than incurring higher later costs is being pursued. Hidden Hills is currently doing just that as well with their Cabana Pool and Recreation Center facilities.

Our Maintenance and Landscaping crews have been busy repairing support beams and posts at the SBCRC entrance, starting renovations at HHRC, prepping plows and salt trucks for the winter (see articles regarding salt in your Happenings), fixing broken sewers and mailbox peds on Chip Ct., and doing the normal major task of fall leaf and general cleanup.

Our Security Chief has been very closely involved in working up feasible and reasonable requirements for our proposed pool gate and rec center doors as we continue our entry projects for Hidden Hills and Covered Bridge.  New proposals were submitted and approved by affected Neighborhood committees, DSL lines are scheduled, and hopefully the project will continue to its conclusion for this spring, if approved by Board.

Check your HeatherRidge Happenings for scheduled Christmas and New Years entertainment and gatherings coming up at our CRF. It’s always fun and warm keeping close to your neighbors, and having good times together. Cathy Hawkins has many great things planned for and coming up at the Central Recreation Center.

Stay well, keep safe, KEEP WARM, and have a wonderful holiday season.  May I also extend my personal best wishes and thanks to our wonderful and dedicated office staff. Cathy McGrath and Debbie Garcia keep all of us on track and running smoothly, and they truly are an appreciated part of our Community as well.

Finally, happy holiday wishes and a big thank you from Summit Management for giving us to opportunity to serve you throughout the year.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager