The Finance and Golf Committees are currently reviewing the budget submitted by Golf Visions for the 2008 season. Questions concerning some line items have been, and are being, brought forth to Golf Vision’s management and many have been answered.  Additional meetings, including one with Golf Vision’s President Tim Miles, are planned to discuss any adjustments needed to the proposed figures, and those revisions should be ready shortly.

Our Landscaping Department is currently working on assignments such as cleaning up leaves (a full time effort that’s similar in ways to snow removal), cutting grass, renovation of boulders and grating, and tree replacement.  I need to reiterate again that, at times, rotted and half–to-totally dead bushes and Arbs have to be removed and/or replaced with other greenery.  In some cases, there cannot be total replacement of removed trees due to the intricate networking of wires and utility lines burrowed thru the grounds over the last 35 years.  In many instances, cables and pipes were literally burrowed right through a trees root bulb.  The Landscape Department will make every effort to restore appearances, but sometimes are hampered and prevented by ground and wiring conditions.

Our Maintenance Crew has been busy repairing drains.  This includes the CRF area, Dunham and Abingdon.  New water lines have been installed in the Waterfall Bar to facilitate the upcoming installation of soda-pop lines, which will replace other more expensive bottled and canned beverages.  The paving on Taylor in Covered Bridge will begin the week of October 22, and should be completed shortly thereafter.  The pool liner and coping replacement for the StoneyBrook pool is ordered, and initial demolition work will also begin the week of October 22, to be finished in its entirety in the Spring, well before pool season.  Also, signs have been put up for informational purposes at both entrances of the Gages Lake Road walkways, from Colby to Route 21.  These signs are meant to remind walkers to be careful on the uneven paths. Several holes along this path have also been repaired.  The Hidden Hills Clubhouse carpet is being repaired/replaced, as needed, relative to fraying seams, and the Hidden Hills Clubhouse will be re-roofed shortly.  I would also like to welcome Chad Smith to the HeatherRidge Maintenance Team, and hopefully Chad will work well with Jason and Matt in providing their wonderful services and dedication to our Community.

As soon as Wayde returns from his vacation, we will have our final modem hook-up to begin to run the initial badges for StoneyBrook Pool/Rec Center entry control system, and begin the work on the installations at our other Neighborhood facilities.  All residents will be informed as this service becomes available and badges are ready to be produced.

Initial inquiries were made to several internet service and facilities providers to check the feasibility of installing a Community-wide internet access facility, as requested by the Board.  So far, vendors are either saying it is totally cost prohibitive for an Association such as ours, down to an estimate of $20,000 per block.  Depending upon the extent desired, this could run well over $150,000 and require $15,000/month as an ongoing cost.  Needless to say, this project is being abandoned in its current vision, and I will see how things develop over time if it’s worthwhile pursuing again in the future.

The CRF will be purchasing six new banquet tables to replace a like number of broken ones.  This will amount to a little more than $1,000.  Don’t forget to check out and attend the many functions planned for our CRF facility.

Lastly, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Rita Wilke and her family and all good friends and neighbors on the sudden passing of Elroy Wilke.  Elroy was on the Umbrella Board and an extremely active and well thought of member of our Community.  Elroy will be truly missed by all.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager