September 2010
Minutes of the HOA Board of Directors Meeting, September 13, 2010
Present: Carole Princer Levy, Carolyn Levy, Paul Spindel, Enrique Teuscher, Herb Meyers. Also present: Irving Fletcher (unit #49) and Tom Pallman of Stillman Management.
The meeting was held at the home of Carolyn Levy. Board President Carole Princer Levy called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. The following issues were discussed:
Minutes: The minutes of the Board of Directors meeting of August 9, 2010, were unanimously approved.
The Board extends it’s condolences to Marci Litt for the passing of her mother.
Budget: The HOA budget and financial report was reviewed. Brookridge finances are currently on budget. The closing accounts as of August 31, 2010, were as follows:
Cash account: $30,037.50
Capital account: $217,662.12
To maintain a budget balance, and in anticipation of higher costs in connection with contract renewals with Stillman Management and Ron Vitti Landscaping, the need of resurfacing the pool, as well as unexpected expenses, such as storm damage, the Board is considering a $10 increase in monthly maintenance charges from $515 to $525, starting January 2011.
In view of the fact that no maintenance cost increase has occurred during the past several years, the Board considers this increase a modest, but necessary budget adjustment
Sprinkler System: Following up on a meeting by Irv Fletcher and Carolyn Levy with landscaper Ron Vitti, Mr. Fletcher issues a report suggesting several steps to improve the current old sprinkler system at Brookridge, in the hope of avoiding the high cost of installing a completely new system.
The first steps in this process will include creating a map identifying the location of all sprinklers in front and in back of all units and sprinkler zones, adjusting the zones as needed and installing a meter to measure the water-flow of the system. Further steps will depend on the outcome of these investigations
Property Issues: Tree maintenance at the lower half of Brookridge will begin this month, prior to the onset of winter. The cost for pruning of this segment is $5000.00. Further tree maintenance, especially in back of the units, will begin in the spring of 2011, except for a few emergencies that require immediate attention.
The installation of Belgian curbstones along all roads and driveways will begin before the end of September. Minor inconveniences may occur in this process of beautifying the Brookridge community. In the unlikely event that a cable may be cut to a TV or phone line, Verizon promises restoration of service within 24 hour after reporting the problem.
The Board is discussing a number of security issues, including the possible need and cost of fencing and gate changes. Any discussions requiring input from Homeowners will be reported as further discussions develop.
Speed bumps have been installed on the northern side of the entrance area in the hope that they will slow down drivers who tend to cut the corner when exiting from the north. A yellow line guiding drivers to stay on the right side will be added.
Homeowners are reminded that parking in guest parking spots for more than five days requires a fee of $125 per month. Exceptions, such as houseguests parking there, must be discussed with Tom Pallman. In the past, the Board has been somewhat lenient regarding this issue, but this rule will be enforced in the future.
Regarding a request for benches to be added to the two circles, models and prices are being investigated to be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
North end of Brookridge: A promising discussion is currently taking place regarding security and aesthetic issues at the north end of Brookridge. Cherry Lawn wants to install a generator behind their store to avoid the destruction of their frozen and refrigerated food in the event of a lengthy electric outage. Municipal law requires a distance 60 feet between a generator and private property. Cherry Lawn is 2-1/2 feet short of this distance, unless Brookridge Homeowners agree to forgo this requirement.
In exchange, Cherry Lawn would install, at no charge to Brookridge, a wood fence, shrubbery and a vegetable garden along the length of their and Brookridge property. The Board is in favor of accepting this arrangement, pending comments by Brookridge Homeowners. To be able to plant bushes before the onset of winter, comments, if any, are needed immediately. In the event we do not reach agreement with Cherry Lawn the Board anticipates spending $1.200 for planting bushes along the Cherry Lawn-Brookridge border.
Pool Party: If you did not join the Labor Day pool party, you missed a great chance to meet and chat with the large number of Homeowners who attended. The Board would like to thank Barbara and Arthur Balik for providing the food and Edith Meyers for cookies and delicious homemade brownies. Thanks are also due to Monica Teuscher and Ann Spindel for their trash detail, as well as to Steve Berkowitz, Bill Kapner. Monica Teuscher and Joe Boyle for keeping the pool open all summer without a lifeguard.
The pool will stay open until the end of September.
Next Board meetings: Tuesday, October 19th at Enrique Teuscher (Unit #45) and Tuesday, December 7th at Herb Meyers (Unit #47).
The meeting ended at 10:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Herb Meyers