Proposed budget figures presented to you last month will have to be revised slightly, by way of tonight’s notice and publication in the Happenings, before it can be voted upon in November.  It must be pointed out that we have been very recently informed that the cost of ice melt product has increased about 150% over last year.  This is being contested by many local groups as price gouging is being suspected in this regard.  Additionally, we also must commit to an amount of deicer that we GUESS will be enough, but not too much, to last through the winter.  Additional deicer cannot be had, and we MUST BUY what we commit to, even if unused.  So, we are being asked to predict the weather, pay through the nose, and possibly run short or have a leftover abundance of product at year end.  Many associations are up in arms over this situation.  Meanwhile, we can blame Morton Salt and we have to live with this for now.

Preliminary audit reports have been received by HUA from the Auditors, and there are several more questionnaires which need to be sent back to the Audit Firm.  Additionally, some banks and Investments verifications are still being sought.  As soon as those items are completed, a prelim audit conference will be arranged.

The joint HeatherRidge/Village construction project for the Gages Lake Road sidewalk replacement is in full swing and Copenhaven Construction has completed nearly a third of the length of walkway.  During the course of their construction, several power lines for our lampposts have been unavoidably removed and/or cut, and our Maintenance crew has been making immediate repairs prior to the cement pours.  Although the construction company is responsible for JULIE-type utility wiring breeches, HUA is responsible for our lamp posts.  It looks like all is coming along well for the most part.

Even though things are dying down regarding the campaigning issues with all of the politicians, HeatherRidge residents should be informed that our official policy is to NOT accept political ads of any type for the Happenings regarding campaigns and to NOT allow political signs to be placed on any common areas.  You will see certain exceptions for those neighborhoods having privately-owned areas extending from home building structures.  Also, in compliance with other legalities, political candidates can go door to door in our Community as long as they are registered with the HUA office and Security, and wear a badge issued to them, with their name on it, by the HUA office.  Although most solicitors are not allowed at HeatherRidge, residents are urged to place “no solicitors” signs on doors if so desired.    

As mentioned, the Maintenance Department is busy working on the repairs being generated during the sidewalk construction project. The bulk of the work is relocating light poles and wires.  Maintenance has also replaced a leaning retaining wall at the Hidden Hills Rec Center and they’re getting things ready for the winter.  Tennis windscreens were rolled up and StoneyBrook speed bumps were removed.  A new roof is completed at the Cabana Clubhouse and quotes are coming in (or already received) for siding replacement. They have also made sure the deicing material and salt was ordered and we are all set for the winter snow and ice.   

Landscape personnel have also been relocating some trees lying in the path of the new sidewalk.  They have also been doing boulder wall installs and are busy with perennial removal and fall cleanup.

Our Security Chief has gone over the revised, itemized proposal for the Hidden Hills, Cabana Pool and Covered Bridge installations. His suggested refinements and cost containments are being considered by the Board so that we may continue with the Security installation effort this winter, to be ready for spring use.  There may also be a security issue with keys/locks changed in the HH condo buildings, without Security or HUA knowledge, and this issue may be discussed by the Board at the October Board meeting.

Check your Happenings for scheduled entertainment and gatherings coming up at our CRF.  The last party had a tremendous turnout. Upcoming events include a great nostalgic memories, videos, WWII music and history gala event in early Nov, with a BratFest party in late Nov.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager