Riverbend Snow Removal Service
November 2003
RIVERBEND SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE
For the benefit of new residents in the community, below is an explanation of the snow removal services that have been contracted by the Board of Trustees for your community. Please note that the contractor is not responsible for clearing snow (digging out cars) from around vehicles that are parked in the court parking spaces. In addition, at the discretion of the contractor, a parking space may not be cleared out if a parked vehicle is in the adjacent space. The contractor does not want to be responsible for damage to a neighbor’s car. For the most effective service to each court, the court should choose a “Court Captain”. The Captain’s responsibility is to alert all neighbors in the court to move their vehicles out of the courts, at the same time, so that the contractor can perform the snow removal in the most effective way.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
- Not to clean the snow off your car, and dump it back on to the cleared streets after the contractor has cleared your court. This is for the safety and well being of the residents in your court.
- Move your vehicles when your court is being cleared.
- No parking will be permitted on Riverbend Drive, by the Township of North Brunswick during a snowstorm. Vehicles normally parked on Riverbend Drive, which is a Township road, can be parked on the playing fields across from the community on Schmidt Lane. Once the Township has cleared Riverbend Drive, you may re-park your vehicle on Riverbend Drive.
November 2003 Newsletter
The Riverbend At Hidden Lake Association Newsletter appears to contain no copyright or other restrictions (*) which would prevent the reproduction of its content on this site as a community service.
This is the Fall/Winter 2003 edition.
Annual Election/Meeting Update
Community Pride
2004 Budget and Coupons
Children Playing in the Court
Attached
Happy Holiday Season
Riverbend Townhouse Owners Association
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Except for the choice of typeface in this printed newsletter, which did not lend itself to the usual OCR. This newsletter was simply read aloud to dictation software which did the heavy lifting. It’s actually faster than shuffling the pages through the scanner! But the error domain shifts from correcting character recognition inaccuracies to managing the eye-brain-mouth gymnastics required to read for accuracy rather than comprehension. (Who proofreads this stuff before it’s printed, anyway?) |
Annual Election/Meeting Update
The annual election meeting was held on Tuesday, November 18th. There were two candidates running for election to the vacant Board position. A big thank you to Celestine Grimes and Maria Rodriguez for caring enough about their community and taking the time to run in this election. Celestine Grimes was elected to the Board to serve for a 3-year term. Congratulations Celestine!
This year’s meeting was attended by 55 people either by proxy or in person. Thanks to all of the homeowners who bothered to either vote by mail or attend the meeting in person. To those homeowners who did not vote, or attend the meeting, we can only imagine that it is because you think the Board is doing a fantastic job and your participation was not needed.
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
Community Pride
Both management and the Board of Trustees, who are your fellow homeowners, perform on-going communitywide inspections. Concern has been raised that some owners are ignoring the community rules, or feel that they don’t apply to them. Community rules or for every owners protection in order to preserve our property values. Some of the issues that have come to our attention are:
- garbage cans are being stored outside, they must be kept inside your garage;
- empty flowerpots by front doors, garage doors or in common flower beds, these should all be cleaned out of dead plant material and stored in your garage were inside your private backyard area;
- artificial decorative flowers are not permitted to be displayed outside of your privacy area, they must be removed from all common areas to include front and rear beds, and on the sides of or in front of garage doors;
- firewood may not be stored in any front or rear beds. The only place to store firewood is inside your privacy area or in a firewood ring on the slab at the entrance to your home by your front door.
- Construction wood for siding replacement cannot be stored on the exterior of your home except within your private backyard area.
- Halloween decorations are still being displayed, tasteful holiday decorations are permitted to be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed 15 days after the holiday;
- U.S. flags — patriotism is wonderful, however, it is disrespectful to the flag to hang it in a faded or tattered condition. In addition, the flags overhanging over the court roads, is going to present a problem for snow removal. We are requesting that these flags be removed and re-installed hanging in your back-yard privacy area. The association and its snow removal contractor will not assume any responsibility for flags are damaged by the snowplows or front end loaders that maybe used during snow removal service.
- Hoses stored outside your privacy area are not permitted. Please store these hoses for the winter inside your garage or privacy areas. Remember to winterize yours spigots.
- We have also noted that some walkway lights fixture have been vandalized and broken. If you notice that any light in your area has been damaged, please report it to management. It is unfortunate that the community will have to spend additional money of replacing 20 walkway light lenses that have been vandalized. As community residents, please vigilant in looking out for the individuals that may be responsible for this damage. Remember that walkway lights are tested and the bulbs replaced once a month in order to keep our budget in line. If a light goes out near your home, report it and be patient. The bulb could take as long as a month to be replaced.
- Signs are not permitted in the community. This includes owners names being displayed on doors and gates.
- The community is 20 years old. Fences, siding, gutters and leaders need replacement. Please take a good look at the exterior of your home and be proactive. Don’t wait for an association letter giving you a deadline to have the necessary work done by.
- Pickup newspapers, flyers, telephone books etc. that are dropped off at either your front door area or garage doors. This is often an indicator to burglars that you’re on vacation leaving your home vulnerable to possible burglaries. We’re amazed even see UPS and other delivered packages lying by front doors for weeks and sometimes months!
- Sided homes have a beautiful look, however, in order to keep them in top condition, they must be maintained. Siding must be replaced, and sometimes renailed. Staining must be done every 3-4 years with 2 coats of stain. If you try to save money by doing it less often, you’ll end up paying much more, as the results will be the need to replace the siding in total. There are people in the community who can validate this information as this has happened to them.
- Downspout extensions must be dark brown to match the others in the community. You are not permitted to extend your downspout’s to allow this water to runoff on sidewalks or the roads. This will cause a hazardous condition during the winter causing ice to form. Accidents that occur due to this can become the homeowner’s responsibility. Make sure that you carry liability insurance personally.
- Radon remediation piping that is visible from the exterior MUST be painted dark brown or match the color of your siding.
- Dryer vents must also match the siding. White vents are not permitted.
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
2004 Budget and Coupons
We are pleased to advise that the 2004 budget reflects no increase. Therefore, your monthly fee starting January 1, 2004 will remain at $175.00 per month. Each owner should still have one coupon left in the book that was sent to you for 2003. In December a new coupon book will be mailed to each owner. Please remember to include the coupon with your monthly payment check. Checks cannot be accepted in the management office, please do not drop-off any payments there. Elecronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is available should you wish to ensure that your payment is always on time and no late fees will be assessed. Please be reminded that should this winter be snowy requiring extensive snow clearance, a snow assessment may become necessary after the winter. We hope not!
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
Children Playing in the Court
There are a number of new residents in the community whom we welcome to our neighborhood! As a reminder to both new and older residents, the community does not allow children to play in the 13 courts of the community. This includes ball games, riding bikes, skateboarding etc. This is very dangerous to the safety and well being of our young residents. PLEASE let your children know (both younger and older) that this is not permitted. In addition the community walkways are for pedestrian traffic only. Please do not bike ride on the walks.
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
Attached
Attached you will find a listing of contractors that have been used by other residents in the community. These are offered as suggestion only. Should you choose to use them, you should interview them, obtain competitive bids, check their insurance coverage and interview them yourselves. Remember to obtain building permits when you embark on renovations. The association assumes no responsibility regarding your satisfaction with their services. If you have used to contractor that you are happy with and want to share their name with other owners in the community, please feel free to submit the information to management.
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
Happy Holiday Season
The Board and management would like to wish you all of happy, healthy and safe holiday season and all the best for 2004.
November 2003 Newsletter Contents
Riverbend Townhouse Owners Association
We once again would like to remind all owners that in accordance with our association’s documents, no exterior changes may be made without written approval from the Board of Trustees. This includes the installation of new decks, replacement of roofs, windows, garage doors and siding, or any other exterior modification that replaces existing components.
The attached listing was compiled to assist you with your own property inspection and give you another perspective of some of the things that you should be reviewing. The Board and management would be happy to answer any questions that you may have in this regard. We are here to assist you and would gladly review your concerns with you or assist you in trying to obtain the appropriate contractor. All contractors must be insured and have workers compensation insurance in order to protect you and the Association from any possible claims.
Pruning: Maintaining the shrubbery and trees within your enclosed backyard area is a homeowner’s responsibility.
| Green Thumb Services | Joe Bianco | (732) 297-3333 |
| Growing Concern | Mark Janiek | (732) 821-5526 |
| Tamke Tree | David Cohn | (800) 822-3537 |
| Tree Tech | William Moates | (732) 725-0706 |
Gardening: Maintaining the grass area inside of your fenced-in yard is a homeowner’s responsibility. These contractors can also assist you in the design of patios, decks, stonework, etc. within your backyard area.
| DeVries Landscaping | (732) 297-1244 | |
| Fama Landscaping | Louis Fama | (732) 545-8070 |
| Green Thumb Services | Joe Bianco | (732) 297-3333 |
| Growing Concern | Mark Janic | (732) 821-5526 |
Decking: The wooden decks that are inside your enclosed backyard area, as well as on the upstairs of certain homes, are a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. It is evident that certain decks are in need of repair and, in some cases, are dangerous in their existing conditions. No new decks may be installed without submitting written plans to the Board of Trustees for review and approval in writing.
| Bob’s Home Maintenance | Bob Bersch | (609) 259-3472 |
| Professional Maint. Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
Fencing: The wooden fencing and the wooden lanai is the homeowner’s responsibility.
| American Fence Systems | Jesus Molina | (732) 442-0440 |
| Blackstone Lumber | South Brunswick | (732) 821-1761 |
| Professional Maint. Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
| Rutgers Fence | Bob | (732) 294-9410 |
| The Home Depot Milltown | Milltown | (732) 432-0500 |
Brickwork: The brickwork on the unit, as well as the front stairs to some units and the concrete at the front entrance, as well as the concrete apron outside the garage door is the homeowner’s responsibility.
| Harval General Contracting | Marc Brien | (201) 672-5248 |
| Professional Maint. Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
| Tomaselli & Son | Sal Tomaselli | (732) 297-4815 |
Garage Doors: The garage doors are the homeowner’s responsibility. They may be replaced with doors that are insulated and maintenance free as long as the color of the door is the same dark brown color and the style of the door is the same as the others in the community.
| Edison Overhead Doors | (732) 985-2100 |
| Neptune Door Co. | (732) 922-4626 |
| Overhead Door Company | (800) 722-5785 |
| Petra Overhead Doors Co | (732) 721-3319 |
Chimney Cleaning/Cap Replacement: The chimney should be cleaned after burning a cord of wood in order to avoid a chimney fire. It is also evident that the chimney caps are rusting, and many have been reported to be leaking. These should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
| All American Chimney | Dennis Kuhn | (201) 927-3899 |
| Chelsea Chimney Sweep | (908) 283-2624 | |
| Complete Fireplace Service | David Walker | (732) 866-4101 |
| Homestead Chimney Inc | Robb Stasyshyn | (800) 242-7668 |
Roofing: The roof over your home is the homeowner’s responsibility. Many of the homes are showing signs of premature shingle failure, and approximately 10 units have been re-roofed. The shingles look like “potato chips” the way they are curling up. If you re-roof your unit, the contractor that you use may be able to get a credit or refund for you because of this premature shingle failure. The shingles are manufactured by GAF, and replacement shingles should match the color of the existing shingles on your roof. Management has a color sample of these shingles in their offices. Contact EPM if you need assistance in matching the color.
| Aiese Contracting Corp | Lou Aiese | (732) 290-1333 |
| National Roofing | KC Kloda | (609) 771-4200 |
| Professional Maint. Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
| Thermo Side | (609) 228-4686 |
Siding: Prior to painting the unit, any siding that may be rotted, cracked or warped should be repaired or replaced as necessary. It should also be powerwashed prior to painting/staining in order to remove mildew and stain. Stainable caulking should be applied where necessary at minor cracks and around joints, windows and doors, and all nails that have popped should be re-nailed.
| National Roofing | KC Kloda | (609) 771-4200 |
| Bob’s Home Maint | Bob Bersch | (609) 259-3472 |
| Professional Exteriors | Gus Revuelta | (732) 288-9512 |
| Professional Maint Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
| Thermo Siding | Lester Krol | (609) 228-4686 |
| Times Siding | Dean Carman | (732) 269-4740 |
Windows: The windows in the community are the owner’s responsibility. They may either be replaced as an entire unit for more energy efficiency, or the glass may be replaced due to the seals being worn and creating moisture between the two panes of glass. Replacement windows must be approved by the Board of Trustees in writing and must match the existing windows in the community.
| Blackstone Lumber (East Brunswick) |
Steve Charney | (732) 254-5550 |
| Windows & Doors Galore | David Sensi | (609) 581-1740 |
| Glass Replacement | |
| Ben Franklin Glass | (732) 249-1223 (Somerset) |
| Bumper’s Glass | (732) 846-9385 (New Brunswick) |
Painting: It is recommended that the exteriors of the homes are painted every three years. Powerwashing is recommended prior to painting, and two coats of stain will protect the siding which will lead to the avoidance of premature replacement.
| A+ Painting | Ken Addone | (908) 246-0796 |
| Accent Painting | (908) 914-8895 | |
| All Seasons Painting | AI Ossanna | (908) 821-7247 |
| Professional Touch | Gene Francisco | (908) 263-1510 |
Gutters/Leaders: Inspections have identified that many gutters have come loose from the fascia boards, or need to be re-strapped, or the leader has pulled away from the building and needs to be re-strapped or the elbow at the bottom is missing. Gutters should also be cleaned out every fall in order to prevent ice-damming in the winter.
| Bradley Gutters | (732) 238-2727 |
| Flow Rite | (732) 257-3221 |
| Jay Kay Gutters | (732) 794-3172 |
| My Gutterman | (800) 750-1085 |
| Stormmaster | (732) 521-4989 |
General Exterior Carpentry: General wood replacement, deck repair/replacement.
| Professional Maint Plus | Chris Kosty | (732) 381-4646 |
| RTB Contracting | Robert Bridgman | (732) 388-1333 |
| The Final Touch | Barb Comuntzis | (800) 438-0319 |
Plumbing: The homes in our community are at the age where the hot water heater should be carefully checked for rusting. If it rusts through, your home will be flooded and your personal belongings will suffer severe water damage.
| Dale’s Plumbing & Heating East Brunswick | (732) 238-8788 |
| Jack Dolan & Sons | (732) 247-2763 |
| RupCoe Plumbing & Heating New Brunswick | (732) 545-7999 |
MANY OF THE CONTRACTORS LISTED ABOVE WILL PROVIDE DISCOUNT FOR THE USE OF THEIR SERVICES TO RIVERBEND OWNERS. THE CONTRACTOR YOU USE IS YOUR CHOICE. THESE ARE SUGGESTIONS ONLY.
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