Year End Recap From The Riverbend Board

December 3, 2005 by Administrator
Filed under: Board Notices 

December, 2005

In mid November, the 2005 Homeowners Association Annual Meeting was held in the Hidden Lake clubhouse. There were several new attendees among the audience, and everyone participated enthusiastically in the presentations and discussions.

The following issues were addressed at the meeting.

  • Election of Trustees
    There were four candidates for the open Board positions. Harrison Lewis and Ron Senchesak were elected to the Board for a three year term. (There are five positions on the Board. The terms are staggered to allow for the election of at least one member each year.)
  • Budget and Finances
    The Monthly Assessment will not change for the upcoming year. Each entry in the budget was presented and discussed. The formal budget, in its entirety, is available for review by contacting a Board member, or through the EPM office.
  • Paving and Sidewalks
    Three more courtyards were repaved this year. We hope to have the entire project completed next year, pending any unforeseen changes. We did not anticipate oil prices doubling since we did the courtyards last year. That certainly impacted the cost of asphalt. Drainage basins were added to remove sitting water.
    We had a number of broken water lines during the year, and we will continue to address the breaks as they occur. In an ideal world, it would be best to redo the drains/PVC water lines as we reengineer/repave each courtyard, but the total costs preclude us for doing this.
    There were several sections of sidewalk that, because of cracking, tree roots, or general deterioration, were replaced. We try to keep the sidewalks safe.
  • Pets
    Animals are like members of the family, but homeowners must remember that they are members of YOUR family, and not your neighbor’s. The Bylaws of Riverbend allow for two pets per home.
    If homeowners are not respectful of the reasonable wishes of their neighbors regarding disturbances caused by their animals (or children, for that matter), the offended homeowners should respond in one of two ways. First, if the animals are threatening someone, or doing damage to Riverbend common ground, then the Riverbend Board should be notified, through the EPM office. If it is a noise disturbance, do NOT call the homeowner. You should call the North Brunswick Animal Control Office directly. The Officer will advise you of best steps to follow.
  • Playground
    We look to replace the playground equipment in the spring. Several homeowners have presented the case that they found Riverbend even more attractive, because of the playground area. Our realtor contacts have confirmed that selling point. We have had contact with a number of playground equipment manufacturers/designers, and their proposals are under consideration.
    Our insurance carrier has advised us that we need to remove any equipment that uses arsenic treated wood and plan to add a protective rubberized or mulch base for all the playground elements.
  • Landscaping
    We have been working closely with our landscaping contractor to create areas that are conducive to healthy growth for grass, bushes, or trees. Several of the walkways have become overgrown. As our budget allows, we will begin removing trees where they have out grown their space and now damage the sidewalks and inhibit the growth of surrounding vegetation. Light and fresh air will then be able to reach the ground.
    Several homeowners have created jungle-like conditions inside their fenced area. We will be compiling a list of professionals that can help in creating an open, usable garden area for the house. It will add to the value of the building.
    Homeowners should check with the Board before changing any landscaping features beyond your private property. Common property is owned by the Association and maintained by our landscaper.

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