Board Meeting
| 15 September 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
The Board is scheduled to meet at the EPM office. Contact EPM for further information.
Board Meeting
The Riverbend Board met Tuesday, July 21 at the EPM office. I strode into the meeting room a few minutes late but as it turned out it didn’t matter; I was turned away. There was apparently some business being discussed – the lawyer was present – that wasn’t for the ears of mere homeowners. I returned some time later to find two representatives from Growing Concern, our contracted landscaper, in the waiting area. The Board, behind now-closed doors, was keeping them waiting as well. At around 7pm, a full hour past the scheduled start time (and a half-hour late for Growing Concern’s appointment) the lawyer left and we filed in. It’s worth noting that Harrison left at that point, begging off for another appointment. I didn’t see Toni at all. The remaining three Board members were present, as was Janice (EPM). There were no homeowners besides myself.
Discussion began with the folks from Growing Concern.
- Concerns were expressed about the shrub pruning schedule. The problems apparently went back to June when pruning activities kicked off on the opposite side of the community than is usual. It was pointed out that the weather was a big factor - we had an awful lot of rain in June.
- Problems with light sensors were noted. Some are obscured, causing the lights to trigger at inappropriate times. They’ll be looked at and corrected.
- The irrigation system was enabled at the start of the season, as usual. Following complaints and subsequent investigation, Growing Concern found the system shut down. It’s been corrected.
- The Board suggested to Growing Concern that they contact individual homeowners regarding needed work within their private property boundaries (i.e. not common property). Growing Concern requested permission to use homeowner contact information for this purpose, and the Board agreed to supply it. It’s worth noting Growing Concerns’ terms for this kind of work. They will expect full payment in advance of starting the work. They cited that they cannot afford to chase delinquent payments. Finally, work performed for individuals in this manner (if any) will be carried out by alternate staff so that homeowners will not be able to claim that association fees are being used to benefit individual homeowners. (Ah, the ancient and honored business art of covering one’s ass lives on!)
- The Board notes that they’ve observed that some homeowners have taken on some cleanup and pruning for themselves – both in common areas and on their own property – and in some cases are leaving their trimmings for Growing Concern to pick up.
- The Board cautioned Growing Concern about snow removal, citing the need to care for our new plantings by the entrances.
- The Board will be requesting bids for additional irrigation to be installed to support those new plantings. Current irrigation is manual.
- One year remains in Growing Concern’s current contract.
- The Board brought a number of homeowner concerns, as expressed in letters written to the Board, to Growing Concern’s attention. I don’t see the need mention individuals in this forum.
By then Mike (I missed his last name and company), who performed the work on our new entrances, was present. Growing Concern left.
- The shale content of the soil, worse than anticipated, contributed to time and cost overruns. The company is absorbing the cost and the Association will not be charged.
- Mike observed that the old work (those wooden ties) had not been set properly at the outset, likely because of the construction difficulties posed by the shale content. The new walls have correct footings as well as at least two buried courses. In some cases the walls have been relocated slightly from the original plan so as to construct them properly.
- About 80 cubic yards of material was removed as part of this project.
- There was some discussion of the buried irrigation discovered during the course of the project, and some is still the subject of investigation (working/not working/salvageable).
- There was some discussion of the need for some additional plantings and/or ground cover. It’s agreed by all that it looks a bit sparse on top. Something will be done, but additional irrigation will also be needed in those areas to support it.
- Mike found evidence of the water feature that was at the west entrance when the community was built. (Almost no one but me remembers when it was operational, and I didn’t live here at the time.)
- In consideration of our budget, Janice recommends deferring additional investment at this time.
- The Board mentioned that they’ve observed kids using the new walls as recreational equipment (skaters, boarders), and they’ve been chased off several times.
- The Board told Mike that all feedback on the project has been positive. I agree – it looks great and really adds value to the community.
Mike left after being paid, followed by some regular business. Some of that was discussion coming out of letters sent to the Board by homeowners but, again, I see no need to mention individuals in this report.
- The ballast in the mini-playground has settled some and there was a proposal to fill it. Discussion ensued as to whether or not the settling is normal (it is), whether there’s a legal need to replace or augment it (there isn’t) or whether it’s okay as is for now (it is). No further action will be taken at this time.
- The evergreen trimming, which takes place every two years, will be due. The proposal to retain the usual company to do it is accepted. It’s noted that their work on our trees has been commended by other experts and their prices have not increased in many years.
- The Board discussed the performance of the company that maintains our sidewalk lighting (by the name of Caveman?). Lately performance has been sub-par, and the Board is wondering whether the company is losing interest in our business. This matter is flagged for follow-up.
- The Board discussed sidewalk maintenance. The original estimate was high (yet was about half of the next-higher estimate), but called for much work that Janice felt was unnecessary (nice-to-have rather than needed to limit liability). The revised estimate, while less than the original, wasn’t enough less – it didn’t agree with the revised square footage estimates. This led to some discussion of basic math, which everyone agreed appeared flawed. Janice was granted authorization to go back to the contractor to renegotiate the cost (downward) on behalf of the Board.
- Janice told the Board that they need to find a solution to making their meetings handicapped-accessible. Meetings are currently held in the EPM office – the second floor with (apparently) no such access. (To me, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act seems vague about how the Act applies to a business like a property management agency, but I believe that it could reasonably apply to the public meetings of a homeowners’ board. I think it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. It sounds expensive. Please note that this is just my opinion; I’m not a lawyer and don’t even play one on TV.) Some discussion ensued but no conclusions were reached.
- The Annual Meeting date was set for November 4, 2009 in the usual place, at the Municipal Complex.
The meeting adjourned.
Please take note that this report is not an official report. I’m merely a homeowner – just like you. I decided one day to take a more active role rather than just complaining. I showed up for the meeting. This report is from my scribbled notes and foggy memory and both are subject to my interpretations.
Nevertheless, unless you show up for yourself, it’s about the best you’re likely to get!
Found!
Found: stone
Yesterday evening I found a large, round stone in front of my home! This no ordinary stone, not by any means. It’s about a foot across, weighing maybe 20 pounds, very symmetrical and very smooth.
I don’t know where it came from, but I have a pretty good idea how it got here. You see, I was out watering plants a bit earlier and I know it wasn’t there then. After the watering, I had been inside for a short time when a small group of youths sauntered by on Riverbend Drive, heading east. Yes, I can identify at least one of the group by their voice. That was approximately 7:30 in the evening. At about 7:40 I spotted the stone.
My guess: these kids stole someone’s decorative stone, got tired of carrying it and deposited it in front of my home. Of course, another explanation is that a dog owner left it there for their dog to pee on, since they seem to love to pee here. But somehow that seems less likely.
I walk the community regularly and I’ve never seen another like it, or else I’d have knocked on your door by now.
Sheesh, and it was just the other night at the board meeting when we all agreed that it seemed as though there was less foot traffic through the community this year. If you know what I mean.
July Site News
Today brought quite a few bits of behind-the-scenes maintenance to the site, so if you notice anything out of whack please let me know. It all looks good but, hey, you never know!
Riverbend Community
Wow! Have you seen the work being done at our entrances? The project is really coming along. Between the new signage and the walls being erected, the improvement is really quite dramatic. I can’t wait to see it finished.
This is a Board meeting month, too. Why not show up?
In the Township
I’ve read recently of traffic enforcement step-ups in North Brunswick and surrounding towns. Watch your speed – both for safety and to avoid the tickets, points and surcharges.
Independence Day
Independence Day is nearly here. On July 4, 1776 the United States of America adopted the Declaration of Independence, which separated us from the Kingdom of Great Britain. (If you’re not familiar with the document then please give it a read.)
Many things don’t look particularly good today. The economic slump, while showing some signs of recovery, is still hurting way too many Americans. Prices for goods and services may be down but the tax increases are more than makng up for that. Our new President… well, I won’t even go there.
In spite of the doom and gloom, though, let’s not lose sight of the simple fact that the United States of America remains the greatest land on Earth. Yes, it really is as simple as that! Do you doubt it? Just look around at how many long for what we have.
Everyone, please celebrate the holiday responsibly and have a safe and happy holiday.
EPM Bank Change
| 1 July 2009 |
The EPM bank change is effective today.
Board Meeting
| 21 July 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
The Board is scheduled to meet at the EPM office. Contact EPM for further information.
Recycling
| 8 January 2009 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 10:00 am |
| 22 January 2009 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 10:00 am |
| 5 February 2009 | ||
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| 19 February 2009 | ||
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| 5 March 2009 | ||
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| 19 March 2009 | ||
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| 2 April 2009 | ||
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| 16 April 2009 | ||
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| 30 April 2009 | ||
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| 14 May 2009 | ||
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| 28 May 2009 | ||
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| 11 June 2009 | ||
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| 25 June 2009 | ||
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| 9 July 2009 | ||
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| 23 July 2009 | ||
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| 6 August 2009 | ||
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| 20 August 2009 | ||
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| 3 September 2009 | ||
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| 17 September 2009 | ||
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| 1 October 2009 | ||
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| 15 October 2009 | ||
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| 29 October 2009 | ||
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| 12 November 2009 | ||
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| 27 November 2009 | ||
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| 10 December 2009 | ||
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| 24 December 2009 | ||
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There is a recycling pickup today.
The pickups of plastic, glass, newspapers, and cardboard usually occur between 8 AM and 10 AM on alternating Thursdays. See the North Brunswick Township site for the full schedule. Riverbend is in Zone 3.
Please note that the recycling pickups near the Thanksgiving holiday hasbeen adjusted to accommodate the holiday. The reminder here has been updated to reflect the change.
As of October 2007, North Brunswick’s recycling materials were picked up by Central Jersey Waste and Recycling, Inc. of Trenton, NJ. You can reach them at 609-656-4200.
Learn more about Middlesex County’s Solid Waste Management programs, including the schedule for Household Hazardous Waste Days.
Please be a responsible citizen and recycle!
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