The Rendezvous
This is the April 2008 newsletter of the Bridgerland Meadows Homeowners Association. This website / blog contains the same information as the printed newsletter and allows the opportunity to make comments about any of the issues in this month’s newsletter or to view previous editions of the newsletter. As urgent notices are received throughout the month, they will be posted immediately, so check back regularly, or you can set it up as an RSS feed through the program of your choice. This is not an official form of communication with the HOA Management. It is provided to increase community awareness, involvement, and communication.
April 21, 2008
Quadra Media Update
The parent company of Quadra Media Works filed for bankruptcy in January of this year. As of the date of publication of this newsletter, Quadra Media Works is still under contract to provide internet, cable, security, and phone service to the development. Please continue to pay for your service as they continue to provide service. If you have any service or billing problems, please contact them to have them addressed. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, please contact the HOA Management through Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com.
The developers of Bridgerland Meadows are currently in negotiations to arrange for another service provider. Because of the nature of contract negotiations, they are unable to provide any information about the prospective service providers.
For additional information about your technology package, see the FAQ’s article below.
The parent company of Quadra Media Works filed for bankruptcy in January of this year. As of the date of publication of this newsletter, Quadra Media Works is still under contract to provide internet, cable, security, and phone service to the development. Please continue to pay for your service as they continue to provide service. If you have any service or billing problems, please contact them to have them addressed. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, please contact the HOA Management through Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com.
The developers of Bridgerland Meadows are currently in negotiations to arrange for another service provider. Because of the nature of contract negotiations, they are unable to provide any information about the prospective service providers.
For additional information about your technology package, see the FAQ’s article below.
The FAQ’s About the Technology Package
Don Barringer, one of the developers, has provided some responses to some frequently asked questions about the technology package:
Why do we have a technology package?
Our original goal was to create a technology system called a “Connected Community.” This would have been a wonderful thing had the service provider been able to support all their claims. From the get-go there were problems, but we attributed those to a new start up company and were probably not as demanding as we should have been. But this is all water under the bridge.
In retrospect, it would have been much easier to go with the conventional communication options seen in most developments. Our intentions were to have a superior system without any visible exterior equipment or wiring. We have installed interior wiring and other infrastructure which, if supported, would have allowed each home to function as a “Smart Home.” In short, our goal was to create a technology system which would be like an expensive home one would find in Park City, only do it at an affordable price. Of course, we were told that the company supplying the tech services would be able to do all they claimed and more. We were the first development of the company to come on line and so we were patient and asked our residents to be patient. Unfortunately, the system has never performed as was promised, and has been our number one source of customer dissatisfaction.
What is happening with Quadra Media?
We thought the company was beginning to perform better and just beginning to be able to deliver the services promised, and then in January of this year, the parent company filed for bankruptcy protection. This move created difficult circumstances for Quadra Media. They were just beginning to make progress, but with the bankruptcy filing, creditors would not extend credit, employees left for more stable employment, and caused Quadra Media problems they simply could not overcome. They, to their credit, have been making every effort to keep our services up until a new company could be located to take over the Quadra position. Sometimes the service has been lacking, but they have not left us alone to struggle through this on our own. We, as well as you, have felt the pain of the entire technology problems. We know the technology system has caused us to lose sales. We know that many of you have suffered through less than adequate technology services.
Please understand that we are doing everything in our power to attempt to satisfy you, our customers. We are listening to your concerns and want you to be happy. We are grateful for your patience and do know that this casts a negative shadow on us as developers. Please again understand that we thought we were providing a state of the art system that would surpass typical services available in our area. We are actively working to deliver the services you expect. We are in negotiations now with major service providers and hope to have resolution in the very near future.
Why can’t we choose our own service providers?
There are several reasons for having a subdivision wide system. The first is cost. I am told by several people that Comcast and Quest get you into their systems at a reduced cost, but then increase rapidly. Two individuals have told me that their basic television and internet alone is over $120 per month. By negotiating a “package” with a provider our goal is to provide our residents with a great package price which hopefully is 10 -20 percent less than they could procure as an individual for the same services. Second, as the developer, we have made a large investment in the infrastructure to provide these specialty services. Third, by negotiating a group contract with a service provider on behalf of the current and future residents, we hope to get a better package which will carry more weight now and in the future with the service provider.
Do the developers receive any “kickbacks” from the technology package?
Please be assured that this is not the case. We have invested approximately $400,000 of our own money for infrastructure costs and to date have not received any money to help offset those costs. The original plan called for the developer to receive a residual amount to help offset the cost of the infrastructure, but none of that ever happened. So please don’t think that somehow the developer has benefitted at your expense, as that is simply not true.
Will “AMI Utah” be the new service provider?
The AMI truck that some of you saw was here on a service call installing a new security system for the development. We hope this system will help us in the recent thefts we have experienced and also provide additional security to the subdivision now and in the future.
When do the homeowners assume control of the HOA?
The CC&R's state that the builder retains control of the homeowners association until the subdivision is fully completed or for 10 years, whichever comes first. To my knowledge this is consistent and standard practice among homeowners associations. This is for the protection and well being of all involved parties. It is very important that during the time the developer is in charge of the homeowner’s association, that leadership is identified which will aid the new association and that the developer leave the association in good financial condition. Both of these are the developer’s goals. We have deposited several thousand dollars which are developer paid into CD’s which are earning interest for the homeowners association.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact the HOA management through Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com.
Don Barringer, one of the developers, has provided some responses to some frequently asked questions about the technology package:
Why do we have a technology package?
Our original goal was to create a technology system called a “Connected Community.” This would have been a wonderful thing had the service provider been able to support all their claims. From the get-go there were problems, but we attributed those to a new start up company and were probably not as demanding as we should have been. But this is all water under the bridge.
In retrospect, it would have been much easier to go with the conventional communication options seen in most developments. Our intentions were to have a superior system without any visible exterior equipment or wiring. We have installed interior wiring and other infrastructure which, if supported, would have allowed each home to function as a “Smart Home.” In short, our goal was to create a technology system which would be like an expensive home one would find in Park City, only do it at an affordable price. Of course, we were told that the company supplying the tech services would be able to do all they claimed and more. We were the first development of the company to come on line and so we were patient and asked our residents to be patient. Unfortunately, the system has never performed as was promised, and has been our number one source of customer dissatisfaction.
What is happening with Quadra Media?
We thought the company was beginning to perform better and just beginning to be able to deliver the services promised, and then in January of this year, the parent company filed for bankruptcy protection. This move created difficult circumstances for Quadra Media. They were just beginning to make progress, but with the bankruptcy filing, creditors would not extend credit, employees left for more stable employment, and caused Quadra Media problems they simply could not overcome. They, to their credit, have been making every effort to keep our services up until a new company could be located to take over the Quadra position. Sometimes the service has been lacking, but they have not left us alone to struggle through this on our own. We, as well as you, have felt the pain of the entire technology problems. We know the technology system has caused us to lose sales. We know that many of you have suffered through less than adequate technology services.
Please understand that we are doing everything in our power to attempt to satisfy you, our customers. We are listening to your concerns and want you to be happy. We are grateful for your patience and do know that this casts a negative shadow on us as developers. Please again understand that we thought we were providing a state of the art system that would surpass typical services available in our area. We are actively working to deliver the services you expect. We are in negotiations now with major service providers and hope to have resolution in the very near future.
Why can’t we choose our own service providers?
There are several reasons for having a subdivision wide system. The first is cost. I am told by several people that Comcast and Quest get you into their systems at a reduced cost, but then increase rapidly. Two individuals have told me that their basic television and internet alone is over $120 per month. By negotiating a “package” with a provider our goal is to provide our residents with a great package price which hopefully is 10 -20 percent less than they could procure as an individual for the same services. Second, as the developer, we have made a large investment in the infrastructure to provide these specialty services. Third, by negotiating a group contract with a service provider on behalf of the current and future residents, we hope to get a better package which will carry more weight now and in the future with the service provider.
Do the developers receive any “kickbacks” from the technology package?
Please be assured that this is not the case. We have invested approximately $400,000 of our own money for infrastructure costs and to date have not received any money to help offset those costs. The original plan called for the developer to receive a residual amount to help offset the cost of the infrastructure, but none of that ever happened. So please don’t think that somehow the developer has benefitted at your expense, as that is simply not true.
Will “AMI Utah” be the new service provider?
The AMI truck that some of you saw was here on a service call installing a new security system for the development. We hope this system will help us in the recent thefts we have experienced and also provide additional security to the subdivision now and in the future.
When do the homeowners assume control of the HOA?
The CC&R's state that the builder retains control of the homeowners association until the subdivision is fully completed or for 10 years, whichever comes first. To my knowledge this is consistent and standard practice among homeowners associations. This is for the protection and well being of all involved parties. It is very important that during the time the developer is in charge of the homeowner’s association, that leadership is identified which will aid the new association and that the developer leave the association in good financial condition. Both of these are the developer’s goals. We have deposited several thousand dollars which are developer paid into CD’s which are earning interest for the homeowners association.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact the HOA management through Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com.
Time to Plant Your Garden!
An open area has been set aside for any of you wishing to plant a small garden plot. The area will be on the Northwest end of the project behind Phase III. The area will be prepared by tilling the ground and making sure there is water available. The garden area will be ready to plant by the 1st week of May. This is not a community garden where everyone plants and weeds and then harvests a common area. Instead, this will be your own individual garden plot. It will be up to whoever plants it to weed it and maintain it.
There should be plenty of room, but please contact Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com to reserve your space.
An open area has been set aside for any of you wishing to plant a small garden plot. The area will be on the Northwest end of the project behind Phase III. The area will be prepared by tilling the ground and making sure there is water available. The garden area will be ready to plant by the 1st week of May. This is not a community garden where everyone plants and weeds and then harvests a common area. Instead, this will be your own individual garden plot. It will be up to whoever plants it to weed it and maintain it.
There should be plenty of room, but please contact Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com to reserve your space.
A Place for Pets
Within the next thirty days, the concrete pads for the pet areas will be installed. They will be located on the south side of Phases I and II. They will have water piped to the area, a fence around the area, and eventually plastic bags and a receptacle for your use. It is hoped that this will eliminate the problems with pet waste in the neighborhood.
Within the next thirty days, the concrete pads for the pet areas will be installed. They will be located on the south side of Phases I and II. They will have water piped to the area, a fence around the area, and eventually plastic bags and a receptacle for your use. It is hoped that this will eliminate the problems with pet waste in the neighborhood.
Siding Repair
You may have noticed that the damaged vinyl strips along your garage doors have been replaced. They were damaged by the garbage truck because the cans were left too close to the buildings. They were replaced by the developers because this was an unexpected problem. In the future this will be your individual responsibility, so please continue to place your garbage cans beyond the concrete strip to avoid any further damage. And, thank you for responding to the requests to place the garbage cans inside your garage. The neighborhood looks much better!
You may have noticed that the damaged vinyl strips along your garage doors have been replaced. They were damaged by the garbage truck because the cans were left too close to the buildings. They were replaced by the developers because this was an unexpected problem. In the future this will be your individual responsibility, so please continue to place your garbage cans beyond the concrete strip to avoid any further damage. And, thank you for responding to the requests to place the garbage cans inside your garage. The neighborhood looks much better!
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