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| ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTERS(For Previous Twelve Months)HOA newsletters, which include board meeting minutes, are posted here monthly. You may also continue to have newsletters hand-delivered to your door. To do this, please call 410-661-4624 and leave your name and street address on the answering machine. To cut down on paper use and copying costs, we will prepare paper copies only for those homeowners who call with their request. IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING YOUR NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL, AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD WITH YOUR NEW ADDRESS. IF WE DO NOT HAVE A WORKING EMAIL ADDRESS, WE CANNOT SEND YOU THE NEWSLETTER. JUST EMAIL YOUR NEW ADDRESS TO hoa@cromwellstation.net * * * BOARD
MEETING June 4, 2008
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CROMWELL STATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
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The meeting was called to order by President Penny Kitko on April 2, 2008 at 7:05 PM with 4 board members and 6 homeowners present. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written. Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer’s Report. Year-to-date expenditures total $32,728. Expenditures for the month of March: $13,778 including RCM Management fee, Chesapeake Landscaping, BGE, Nagel & Zaller (attorneys), Harford Hill Elementary (meeting costs), Reserve Advisors for new capital reserve study, Tru-green (fertilizing), State Farm Insurance and our capital reserve contribution. Assets total $174,603 including checking, saving and reserve accounts.
Roberta Marques reported for RCM Management Co. Reserve Advisors has been selected by the Board to update our capital reserve study originally done in 2001. Engineers will be meeting on 4/29. Our books will be audited this month at the RCM offices. Roberta Marques reported on her investigation of tree planting programs. (See Landscaping Committee Report.)
ARC. No report. (If you submit a request, remember to allow 30 days for approval.)
Landscaping Committee: “Tree-mendous Maryland” is a new program for planting native trees and shrubs offered jointly by the Maryland DNR and Baltimore County. Native trees and shrubs are being offered at a heavily reduced price and will be delivered free to qualifying communities for planting in open spaces. We will apply to this program for trees in the fall or early next year.
DUMPSTER DAY AND YARD SALE: As reported last month, our yard sale will take place on Saturday, May 10th and will be advertised in the Penny Saver; Dumpster Day will be held on May 17. We will try to secure 3 general dumpsters and one dumpster dedicated to metal only. DUMPSTER USE IS HIGHLY REGULATED. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED.
Explosive or flammable material.
Acids, caustics, pesticides, chemicals
Medical/radioactive waste
Liquids or liquid waste
Drums or tanks (unless clean and cut in half)
Animal carcasses
Large stumps
Wood/logs greater than 8 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length
Any item that cannot be lifted manually
Remember, brush/yard waste, containers (glass, plastic, tin cans, aluminum) and paper are part of our regular recycling pickup on alternate Tuesdays.
The County has sent a letter reminding us that, “all community clean-up loads that arrive at Eastern Landfill for disposal will be inspected to ensure compliance with regulations. Any loads that are not acceptable may be banned from the landfill until the contaminants are removed and properly handled. It shall be the Community’s responsibility to cover any extra cost incurred by the hauler due to re-handling contaminated loads.”
Homeowner emails and Open Forum:
A homeowner is complaining about trash in the front of their home. The board reminds you that trash should not be put out until after 7 PM and should be in plastic bags in trashcans to prevent opening by birds/animals. Any bits and pieces left behind should be cleaned up when the trashcan is retrieved.
A homeowner asks about putting advertisements in our newsletter. The board had voted previously not to do so. The only items not directly about the community affairs will be items of community interest (parks, library, county/state activities).
At the suggestion of a homeowner, a Social Committee is being formed to plan community events. They will meet and report back at the May meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black, Secretary
Notice: Once again, residents of Cromwell Station have been victimized by random thefts from cars. There are two really important things we can do to prevent this: 1) Don’t leave anything evenly remotely valuable visible in your car; 2) BE SURE TO LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS. Locking the doors is especially important because this is a crime of opportunity. Thieves want easy access; they want to get the stuff quickly with a minimum of noise.
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BOARD MEETING: MARCH 5TH
(next meeting: April 2nd, Harford Hills Elementary School, 7 pm)
The meeting was called to order by President Penny Kitko at 7:05 PM. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written. Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer's Report. Year-to-date expenditures total $18,239. Expenditures for the month of February: $11,062 including RCM Management fee, Chesapeake Landscaping, BGE, Nagel & Zaller (attorneys), Harford Hill Elementary (meeting costs), Reserve Account, Castlewood Tree Service (tree/stump removal) and miscellaneous postage. Assets total $180,520 including checking, saving and reserve accounts.
Roberta Marques reported for RCM Management Co. No decision has been made regarding the update to our 2001 capital reserve study. We continue to search for a quality update at a reasonable price. A decision should be made by the end of the month. A portion of our payment to Outside Unlimited has been held back pending the results of their reseeding. The County has agreed to look at our storm drains to determine the need and responsibility for repair. We expect letters from the County regarding sidewalk repair/replacement to begin this month as the County continues to finish its inspections.
Rob Hoehn reported for the ARC. They received and approved 3 requests for repairs/improvements. The committee plans its first walk-through of the year for the end of March. Their main focus will be painting, privacy fences and improper storage. REMEMBER, YOU NEED ARC APPROVAL BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PROJECT. PLEASE ALLOW 30 DAYS.
Jim Kitko reported for the Landscaping Committee. Thanks to information from a homeowner, we recently learned of a County tree-planting program for qualifying organizations. The County will provide 5-8 ft. trees, some decorative and native to Maryland, at a cost of $27 each if 10 or more are purchased. This will include free delivery and planting. There are two areas in the community that need trees; RCM management will follow up on this to obtain particulars. Individual homeowners also may participate.
DATES HAVE BEEN SET FOR DUMPSTER DAY AND YARD SALE DAY: The community yard sale will take place on Saturday, May 10th and dumpster day will be held on May 17. We will try to secure 3 general dumpsters and one dumpster dedicated to metal only. Volunteers are needed to tend to the dumpsters. If we do not get volunteers, dumpster day will be cancelled. Please contact the Board if you would like to help.
Reminder to those homeowners who rent their homes: You need to let the Board and RCM Management Co. know to whom you are renting. Also, it has come to our attention that there is a new law regarding rentals which may impact homeowners. See www.baltimorecountymd.gov for more information.
Open Forum
1. The county has identified 56 sidewalk plates in front of homes in need of repair.
2. Abbott's Plumbing is working on several homes on Kathsway Ct. to remove polybutylene ("blue poly") water pipes. They work from the inside out. If interested, please contact Abbott's Plumbing.
3. Caution is suggested as at this time of year the deer are very active and are plentiful in our community.
4. It is against the law in Baltimore County to burn anything outside, including leaves and trash.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black, Secretary
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The meeting was called to order by President Penny Kitko at 7 PM with all board members and seven homeowners present. Minutes of the January meeting were approved as written.
Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer's Report through 1/31/08. Expenditures: RCM Mgmt. Fee, $1060.51; snow removal 1/17, $874.82; coupon books, $491.28; website maintenance for three years, $410; Chesapeake Landscaping tree removal' $185; monthly meeting cost, $59.73; reserve account, $711.66
Roberta Marques reported for RCM Mgmt. Co. The County has examined our sidewalks and marked some areas for repair. They hope to have the entire community examined and marked by the end of February, weather permitting. Green paint designates the problem areas; white indicates where the County may have responsibility for repair (such as around a water meter). After marking is completed, the County will send letters to homeowners needing to make repairs.
As a reminder: Homeowner dues are $40.99, effective Jan. 1st and should be sent to the lockbox address, not to RCM.
Trash cans must not be stored in the front yard. It is not only unsightly but is also in violation of Article VII, Section 1(g) of the covenants under which we operate. "Trash, garbage and other waste shall be kept only in sanitary containers and shall not be visible from the streets." Please keep all trash and garbage in clean condition in the back yard.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Jim Kitko reported for the Landscape Committee. The committee is very pleased with the results of the water project on Tigreff Court. Water is no longer causing erosion on the hill above Roger Valley Ct. and the drainage ditch is usually dry. They have found a small area near the end of Roger Valley Ct. where water continues to stand. Since standing water breeds mosquitoes, they will investigate the best way to eliminate the condition.
ARC: No ARC report.
NEW BUSINESS
1) The capital reserve study performed by Beck Engineering in 2001 needs to be updated so that the Board can more accurately assess our long-term financial needs. The Board has asked RCM Mgmt. to investigate this and to report back to the Board on firms and prices.
2) The sediment pond needs some attention. We believe this is the County's responsibility; we will ask them to look at possible fence repair and weed mowing.
3) Our storm water management drain slabs require inspecting. The Board has noticed that there has been some erosion around some of them resulting in a gap between the bottom of the slab and ground level.
OLD BUSINESS
A motion was made and passed unanimously to retain the services of a new auditing firm.
OPEN FORUM/HOMEOWNER INPUT
A homeowner has asked for the names of plumbers who might repair the "blue poly" pipes leading from the house to the water main. Although the Board cannot recommend any particular company, the following are the names of plumbers that have been used by other homeowners in the community. Action Plumbing, A.J. Michaels, MTS Plumbing and Stillwell Plumbing.
A car has been abandoned in our community and will be reported to the police.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:02 PM
NEXT BOARD MEETING: MARCH 5TH, 7 PM, HARFORD HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black, Secretary
CONTACT INFORMATION
BOARD: hoa@cromwellstation.net ARC: ARC@cromwellstation.net
P.O. Box 8456, Parkville, MD 21234
ANIMAL CONTROL: 410-887-5961
RAT CONTROL: 410-887-4066 (Health Dept.)
RCM MGMT.: Roberta Marques, 410-933-0500
MISCELLANEOUS
Homeowners who may be interested in obtaining fresh vegetables during the summer will want to check out Cromwell Valley Park's nonprofit farm. By purchasing a share of the farm's crops before planting, you can pick up fresh produce for 24 weeks throughout the harvest. For more information, call them at 410-880-2428 or online at cvcsa.org
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: MARCH 9TH TO NOVEMBER 2ND
Do you have obsolete electronics to dispose of? Much of our e-waste can be recycled and much of it contains hazardous materials that need proper disposal. Gcycle.org lists facilities that reuse or recycle these materials. For more information on this topic, try earth911.org or call 1-800-253-2687
The board meeting was called to order by Penny Kitko at 7:05 PM with four board members and eight homeowners present. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as previously distributed. Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer's report covering December and yearend. Monthly expenses include RCM Management Co., $1062; Nagel & Zaller, $115 (attorneys); Chesapeake Landscaping, $1,686 (snow removal); auditors, $1600; Outside Limited, $3590; and Columbia Ground Maintenance, $1267 for a total of $9320. Total expenditures YTD: $76,934.
RCM MANAGEMENT REPORT:
a) On Dec. 8th, RCM and two CSHOA board members walked through the neighborhood inspecting the sidewalks. Their findings were passed along to the County with the request that the County confirm their findings. Inspectors from the County have come out; however, due to fiber optic work being done by Verizon, they were unable to complete their work. When their inspection is finished, letters will be sent to those homes where the sidewalks need work.
b) RCM Mgmt. has current information on all homes in our community that have been sold recently.
c) Homeowners are encouraged to clean up leaves in and around their front yards, to trim back bushes around front entry ways and house numbers and to replace any that are missing.
Architectural Review Committee: Only two requests for improvements have been received, both of which have been approved.
Landscaping Committee: The committee plans to prepare a new 5-year plan in the spring.
NEW BUSINESS
The budget for 2008, as reported in the 2007 Annual Meeting Minutes, was approved unanimously. This includes: Administration, $9,118; Maintenance (contracts), $68,602; Management Company, $13,400; Committee Activity/Miscellaneous, $940; and Reserve Acct. Savings, $8540 for a total budget of $100,600.
OLD BUSINESS
The discussion of acquiring a new firm to handle our annual audit will be taken up at a future meeting.
HOMEOWNER INPUT/EMAILS
A) A homeowner reported that their car was broken into. The Board reminds all homeowners to keep their cars locked at all times and to leave nothing of value visible to anyone looking in the windows. Break-ins and vandalism are acts of opportunity that can be greatly reduced by following these guidelines.
B) Recently a homeowner returned home from work to find several areas of the house badly damaged by water originating from a broken valve in the plumbing under the kitchen sink. They encourage all of us to be aware that our plumbing is aging and may need to be replaced/repaired before a major break occurs.
C) We have received a report of a deteriorating mailbox. Because the mailboxes are the property of the U.S.P.S., the board is unable to remedy the situation. We suggest that if you have such a concern, you can call or stop in at the Parkville Post Office to report it (410-663-1346).
D) Residents should have received their 2008-2011 recycling schedules from the County. If you do not have one you may call 410-887-2000.
REMINDER: OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 6TH AT HARFORD HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT 7:00 PM. HOWEVER, IF THE SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED DUE TO BAD WEATHER, THE MEETING WILL BE CANCELLED.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.
CONTACT INFORMATION
ARC: P. O. Box 8456, Parkville 21234 or ARC@cromwellstation.net (need 30 days to approve)
Animal Control: 410-887-5961
Rat Control: Health Dept. at 410-887-4066
RCM Management Co. Roberta Marques at 410-933-0500
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CROMWELL STATION HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBER 2007
ANNUAL MEETING - NOV. 7, 2007
The annual meeting of CSHOA was called to order at 7:05 by President Penny Kitko with all Board members present and 13 homes represented.
Current board members were introduced and they, along with volunteers on the ARC, Landscaping Committee, block captains and our web support team, were thanked for their efforts on behalf of the community. It was moved and seconded to accept the Minutes of the previous meeting (October); the motion passed unanimously.
Barbara Fuller presented the financial report, year to date. Yearly income is budgeted at $90,063; $87,267.07 has been received as of 11/07/07. Yearly general and administrative expenses (including management fees, legal fees, insurance, taxes, BGE and miscellaneous expenditures) are budgeted at $23,435; $18,360.38 has been expended. Yearly grounds maintenance (including snow removal) costs are budgeted at $62,560; $48,288.01 has been paid. A Certificate of Deposit representing our reserve fund currently invested at PNC Bank has come due. The capital reserve contribution of $4,068 for this year has been made and added to the funds and a new CD in the amount of $121,198 has been purchased.
With regard to the capital reserve fund, a motion was made and seconded to raise homeowner dues by 10% for the coming year in order to continue our contributions to this fund. After some discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Therefore, beginning with January 2008 dues will be $41.00 per month.
A budget for 2008 was presented reflecting an expected total expenditure of $100,600 including $9118 for administration, $68,602 for community maintenance, $13,400 for management services, $940 for committees and miscellaneous items and $8540 for capital reserves.
Ballots for the election of officers and ARC members were distributed. Nominations from the floor were called for; Ron Brown was nominated to the ARC and Dan Pugh to the Board.
While ballots were being marked, Penny Kitko reviewed activities for the past year. This year the ARC became accessible by email at ARC@cromwellstation.net which speeds up considerably the approval of your home improvement requests. Our monthly Newsletter may be viewed at our web site or may now be received by email: send your name, address and email address to hoa@cromwellstation.net if you wish to have the Newsletter emailed to you. This year we installed tie-in drain spouts behind the even side of Tigreff Court, stopping the erosion problem on the common ground behind homes on Roger Valley Ct. The drain pipe behind 3948 Forest Valley was extended to eliminate a marshy area. Four hills were hydro-seeded. Also standing water in three other areas was addressed and eliminated. We continued the removal of dead white pines and, as in other years, removed and replaced dead plants and shrubs. Once again, our tree donation was successful with 5 additional trees being planted.
For 2008, the Board will concentrate on improving the condition of our sidewalks. According to County Code #18-3-304 property owners are responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks abutting their property. In the case of the common grounds, the HOA is the owner and therefore responsible for its repair. Our property manager will contact the County. The County will assess the sidewalks to determine which need repairing. We will let the homeowners know when the County plans to come out and any other information we receive from the County.
ELECTION RESULTS: Marked ballots were collected and counted by Carolyn Finnerty and Bill Fuller. Two members elected to the Board were Barbara Fuller and Dan Pugh; three ARC members elected were Rob Hoehn, Ron Brown and Donna Bilek.
NEED TO REACH THE BOARD? You may email us at hoa@cromwellstation.net, you may call RCM, our property manager, at 410-933-0500. The best way to reach us is to come to our open Board meeting, the first Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Until further notice, these meetings will be held at Harford Hills Elementary School (on Old Harford Rd. at Joppa). Please remember, board members are volunteers; therefore, respect their privacy and do not telephone board members at home.
OPEN FORUM: The following concerns were raised by homeowners in attendance:
1. A number of homeowners have experienced bursting/leaking water pipes in the area between the water meter and the home. This is often the result of failure of the "blue poly" material used for the pipes when the homes were constructed. This material is no longer up to code; therefore, a licensed plumber must replace it rather than repair it. It's much better to tackle this problem before it actually occurs because the broken pipe can cause quite a mess. Anyone who wishes to be proactive should be aware that this job definitely requires a plumbing contractor with the means to reach the pipe; it is not a do-it-yourself project.
2. The Verizon box on Forest Valley near the community entrance has been painted with graffiti. Verizon should repaint it. The homeowner also noticed two blighted trees; however these were white pines and will be noted by the Landscape Committee during their spring walkthrough.
3. Once again a homeowner has complained that individuals are walking their dogs, permitting them to relieve themselves on other homeowner's property and not picking up the waste. It was suggested that the Association begin to assess fines against homeowners who are found to be doing this. Homeowners who permit their dogs to defecate and who do not properly dispose of this waster are in violation of a County regulation. The Board suggests that if you observe this activity you should speak directly to the homeowner involved; if the situation continues, you may call Animal Control (see below) who will contact the dog owner. Uncollected animal feces create an environment for rats (they love the stuff) and it reflects poorly on the community. Furthermore, if you own a dog and walk it in the community, you have an obligation, out of respect for your neighbors, to not foul their property with your dog's poop.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: DECEMBER 5, 2007; HARFORD HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 7:00 PM
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black
Secretary
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CROMWELL STATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER, October 2007
BOARD MEETING: October 3rd
The board meeting was called to order by Penny Kitko at 7:05 PM with five board members and five homeowners present. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as previously distributed.
Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer’s report covering August. Monthly expenses include RCM Management Co., $1058; Nagel & Zaller, $155 (attorneys); Chesapeake Landscaping, $3,233 (grounds maintenance); Tru-Green, $806; Ramada Inn, $262 (annual meeting) and miscellaneous clerical expenses, $50 for a total of $5564. Checking Account funds total $35,297 (update not available; Savings Account funds total $19,788 and Reserve Account funds total $109,276 (additional funds to be transferred). Total expenditures year to date: $43,654; total income year to date: $70,775. The bill for the recent drainage improvement work has not been submitted. A certificate of deposit is coming due; funds will be reinvested and options are being considered.
There is some dissatisfaction with the services being provided by the auditors who have audited our books for the entire life of the community. We will get proposals and references before deciding whether to change. We have changed the delivery address for our property taxes to eliminate any delay due to forwarding.
RCM MANAGEMENT REPORT: Improvements to the drainage system behind homes on the even side of Tigreff Court and behind 3948-50 Forest Valley Rd. was begun during the week of Sept. 10th. The major portion of the work has been completed and we will meet with the Outside Unlimited representative to discuss what remains. No bills will be paid until we are satisfied with the work. A homeowner has reported that the drainage improvements on Forest Valley Rd. have eliminated the standing water. Ms. Marques reported that ours is the best looking community that she manages.
Architectural Review Committee: In September the ARC received 6 requests for improvements, all of which were approved. As of October 1, one request was received and is pending. The ARC wishes to thank everyone who uses the website to make requests. It is the speediest method. Reminders: 1) Grids in our windows and French doors are the standard; no deviation from them has ever been approved. 2) Storm doors should be painted to match the main door.
Landscaping Committee: The committee sends a most enthusiastic “thank you” to those homeowners who watered the grass seed that was planted where the drainage work was done. A recent walk-through revealed 8 more pine trees that have died and need to be removed. Committee members met with our tree donors for this year to determine the desired locations for their trees. The trees will be planted during the week of Oct. 8th
NEW BUSINESS
A) Our annual meeting will take place on November 7, 2007 at the Ramada Inn on Loch Raven Blvd at 7 PM. Notice of the meeting as well as application for nominees to the Board and ARC were sent in early September. THERE WILL BE 2 OPEN BOARD POSITIONS AND 3 OPEN A.R.C. POSITIONS. So far, we have received two nominations: one for the Board and one for the ARC. WE ENCOURAGE ALL HOMEOWNERS TO CONSIDER RUNNING.
B) The Board wishes to thank Ron Spalding and Bill Black for their efforts in keeping the community free of trash. This is something that all residents can do. When you see paper, bottles and other items lying in the street or on the common ground, please pick them up and discard with the next trash collection.
C) Once again there has been a report of rats in the neighborhood. We all need to remember that we live in an area surrounded by woods and fields, habitats to many wild animals. Residents are encouraged to go to the website to see just what a large number of wild things share our community. Rats are not considered a problem unless they are appearing in large numbers and have established homes on our property. To deter rats we must deny them the three things they are looking for: food, water, shelter. If we all clean up trash, pet food, animal feces, rats will leave. Residents who are concerned about this should contact the Health Department at 410-887-4006. Should there be any areas where conditions are bringing rats, they may be called to the attention of RCM Management which will address the problem with the homeowner.
As a result of our continuing investigation of the sidewalk repair situation, we have been informed by the County that the sidewalks in front of the homes are the responsibility of the individual homeowner. There are 17 parcels of common sidewalks owned by the Association and that are HOA responsibility. Sidewalks are in various stages of deterioration and any cracked portions that rise more than one-half inch over the curb will need to be repaired. The Board will seek several proposals for repair to determine a price per sq.ft. and will do a walk-through to identify those in need of repair. Once the walk-through is completed, homeowners who need to have work done in front of their homes will receive a letter. The homeowner may choose to utilize the contractor hired by the HOA or may choose to have the work done independently.
A) A homeowner wrote to the Board regarding a broken sewer pipe behind the home. This is a very distressing problem; however, the Homeowners Association is not responsible for repairs in this situation. If the broken pipe is on homeowner property it is the responsibility of the homeowner; if it is on a common area, it is the responsibility of the County.
B) A homeowner reports that there is SMOKING activity in the woods. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. The fields and woods are very dry and a butt or any small spark could cause a brush fire. We encourage smokers to do so responsibly.
C) Recently a small animal was hit by a car on Forest Valley Rd. and the body was left there. We hate to see this happen so we encourage you to remember that the speed limit in our community is 25 miles per hour. Please observe it. In addition, drivers on Roger Valley and Tigreff Ct. should automatically stop at Forest Valley to check for traffic leaving the neighborhood.
REMINDER: OUR ANNUAL MEETING IN NOVEMBER WILL BE HELD AT THE RAMADA INN ON NOVEMBER 7TH AT 7:00 pm. Our next regular Board Meeting will be on December 5th at Harford Hills Elem. School.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black, Secretary
BOARD MEETING: SEPT. 5TH
The board meeting was called to order by Penny Kitko at 7:05 PM with four board members and nine homeowners present. Minutes of the previous meeting (June) were approved as previously distributed. Barbara Fuller presented the Treasurer’s report covering May, June and July. Monthly expenses include RCM Management Co., BGE, Nagel & Zaller (attorneys) and Chesapeake Landscaping (grounds maintenance). For May, these expenditures totaled $5795; for June, $5862 (including the cost to have the unauthorized structure removed from the woods at the end of Forest Valley); for July $5088. Checking Account funds total $35,297; Savings Account funds total $19,788 and Reserve Account funds total $109,276 (additional funds to be transferred). Total expenditures year to date: $38,067; total income year to date: $47,738.
RCM MANAGEMENT REPORT: Improvements to the drainage system behind homes on the even side of Tigreff Court and behind 3948-50 Forest Valley Rd. will begin during the week of Sept. 10th. From the four bids we received on this work, Outside Unlimited was chosen. We anticipate that this work will alleviate the erosion problem resulting from water draining from behind homes and running on to community property. Homeowners affected by this work were notified by mail. Additionally, Outside Unlimited will “slit-seed” four hills (two on Roger Valley and two on Forest Valley) due to erosion unrelated to the drainage problem mentioned above; will replace the five dead azaleas in the small bed on the corner of Tigreff and Forest Valley and replace three golden globe shrubs in the entrance bed on Satyr Hill. The total cost for their work will be $10,384.
There is some concern about the condition of the hill at the end of Tigreff Court. This hill was re-landscaped and reinforced two years ago. Unfortunately, since then the plantings have been cropped and killed by hungry deer so we need to replant with deer-resistant plant material in order to preserve the improvements we have made. Bids and suggestions will be taken for the new plantings. Alternatively, the hill can be allowed to revert to its wild state and become part of the wooded area next to it. The board will follow up on this.
Our community, generally, looks good with some occasional infractions such as trashcans being kept in front of some homes and newspapers piling up. In these cases, RCM sends letters to the homeowners involved.
Architectural Committee: No report.
Landscaping Committee: 1) New flowers for the Fall/Winter will be planted near the entrance some time between mid-Sept. and mid-October. 2) Our common areas have been fertilized three times this year, with a final fertilization to be applied probably before Halloween. 3) Based on cost and likelihood of success, “slit seeding,” rather than grass “plugs” or “hydroseeding,” was chosen as the method to repair the four eroding hills mentioned above. 4) Our tree donation program has yielded five new trees, donated by three families. 5) The five-year landscaping plan developed in 2005 will be updated for 2008. Many of the items included in this plan have been completed.
NEW BUSINESS:
OLD BUSINESS:
We are continuing to investigate the situation surrounding sidewalk repair, trying to get a definitive answer regarding financial responsibility. Barbara Fuller will contact Vince Gardinia to see if he can get firm information. Sidewalks are in various stages of deterioration and any cracked portions that rise more than one-half inch over the curb will need to be repaired.
HOMEOWNER INPUT
We have heard from several homeowners via email this month. Their concerns follow.
A homeowner would like to remind pet owners to clean up after their pets. This not only means placing the droppings in a bag but also taking the bag home with you to be disposed of in the trash. This is a Baltimore County Law. If you observe a pet owner continually violating this law, keep a list of the dates & times and contact Animal Control at 410-887-5961 to report the pet owner.
A homeowner requested information on disposing of tree branches. According to recycling information from the County, branches need to be cut in 3-foot sections, bundled together and placed in the trash/recycling area on the same day with cans/bottles. Anyone needing a recycling schedule or having additional questions should contact Baltimore County Recycling at 410-887-3188. If your branches are not picked up please remove them and put them out the next day with the trash. Please do not leave recycling material lying on the curb.
Our Linden trees are particularly sappy this year and are dropping sap on cars parked beneath them. If you can’t move your car to a different parking spot, the only solution is to wash the sap off until cooler weather arrives.
OPEN FORUM: Homeowners attending the board meeting had the following concerns:
Some privacy fences are deteriorating and are in disrepair. This is an ARC issue and concerned homeowners should email the ARC (ARC@cromwellstation.net) or write to them at Cromwell Station HOA, attn: ARC, P. O. Box 8456, Parkville, MD 21234.
In some areas of the community parking is a severe problem due to some homes having 3 or 4 cars. As a matter of courtesy to neighbors, residents should not park more than two cars in the designated parking areas. Excess vehicles should be parked along the curb where space is available.
The hill on Kathsway Court is in poor condition due to lack of sufficient rain and the grass being cut too short. The landscaping committee will look at it in the spring and decide then if it should be added to the plan for 2008. We have asked Chesapeake Landscaping to keep their mowers at least 3-1/2 inches high.
OUR NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING WILL BE OCTOBER 3RD. PLEASE WATCH OUR SIGN FOR LOCATION.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Black, Secretary
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
RENTED HOMES: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR MANAGEMENT COMPANY BE AWARE OF HOMES THAT ARE BEING RENTED. IF YOU RENT OUT YOUR HOME, PLEASE CONTACT RCM MANAGEMENT CO. AT P. O. BOX 44646, BALTIMORE, MD 21236 TO LET MS. MARQUES KNOW YOUR NEW MAILING ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER AND THE NAME AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE PERSONS CURRENTLY LIVING IN YOUR HOME.
PET REGISTRATION: MANY PET OWNERS ARE NOT AWARE THAT ALL PETS SHOULD BE REGISTERED WITH OUR MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
NEW HOMEOWNERS: Our community has gained 13 new homeowners between January and July of this year. This newsletter will be delivered to them this month with the request that they choose how they want to receive their monthly newsletter. Any homeowner not currently receiving the newsletter by email or to the door, should contact the board with their request.
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING YOUR NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL, AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD WITH YOUR NEW ADDRESS. IF WE DO NOT HAVE A WORKING EMAIL ADDRESS, WE CANNOT SEND YOU THE NEWSLETTER. JUST EMAIL YOUR NEW ADDRESS TO hoa@cromwellstation.net
