THE RENDEZVOUS

This is the November 2009 newsletter of the Bridgerland Meadows Homeowners Association. This blog contains the same information as the printed newsletter. Also, to view previous editions of the newsletter. This is not an official form of communication with the HOA Management. It is provided to increase community awareness, involvement, and communication. Please keep comments respectful and use appropriate language.

HOA Budget

Enclosed with this mailing is the latest Quarterly Report, Statement of Financial Condition, prepared by the HOA accountant. The report gives an overall statement of financial condition. This statement basically demonstrates that the financial condition of the Association is sound. We are still climbing out of a deficit, which we fully anticipated, in that some of our main expenses (landscape maintenance, snow removal, and utilities including water) were formerly shared by a smaller number of residents. During the past year, we have begun to see a better financial picture as we have increased the number of residents while at the same time the expenses listed above, have not increased in the same proportion as new residents.

The second report, Statement of Activities, sets for our income and expenses through the third quarter of 2009. HOA dues are the primary source of income and grounds maintenance, insurance, and utilities are the largest expenditures. The developer, has taken diligent steps to keep expenses down and has also supported the HOA by loaning money for obligations when the HOA funds were not available. The developer is contributing funds to a capital improvement fund, which will aid the Association in the future when capital outlay items will be large. Examples of capital outlay include new roofing, siding and concrete repairs, and road maintenance.

Technology Fees

No one likes to hear the words, “dues increase,” any more than one likes to hear “co-pay increased,” or “tax increase,” or any other “fee increase.” However, fee increases are a part of life, and once one understands the basis for the increase, one usually accepts the increase and moves on. We are not raising the fees arbitrarily or without diligent thought and planning. The reasons are described below. The Homeowner Dues of other similar HOA Associations is not the basis of the increase, but may serve to lessen the angst. We have examined the HOA dues structure of most of the other like properties in Cache Valley for which we could find information and learned that the average of the dues of the 9 HOA properties researched is $86.00 with a range of from $80.00 per month to $124.00. Bridgerland Meadows Homeowner Association dues are currently $55.00 per month and will increase on January 1, 2009 to $65.00 per month, by far still the lowest in the valley.

So you might ask, why the increase? Basically the increase is to continue to develop, install, serve, and maintain the infrastructure for the distribution of technology to current and future residents. We made a strategic decision to bring Comcast into the development to provide a wide array of technology services delivered by a nationally recognized company, with capability of full technological support. In order to entice Comcast to come into the development, which again we believe to be a sound business decision (further explanation below), given the recession we are currently in, required we allow them to use our existing infrastructure and delivery system at no charge to them. They were not willing to pay us for the use of our delivery system or to provide an ongoing maintenance fund for us to expand the system to new homes or to maintain the existing system. Still, we felt it important enough to bring them into the development as a fundamental and foundational technology company, we were willing to agree to their demands. Having Comcast in the development will provide a long term consistent technology option for all residents. Without Comcast, we would have been limited to satellite options for television, and Qwest or other local options for Internet. And who can guess what technology delivery will look like even 10 years into the future. With Comcast, we are pretty much guaranteed they will deliver the latest technology to the development. We would not have this assurance without them.

Our plan, once Comcast is firmly in place, is to open up the development to other technology providers. We are currently talking with Qwest and are in hopes that next summer will see them in all phases of the development. Qwest is currently available to Phase I residents only. Once Qwest is tied into our infrastructure, we will consider other options, including satellite. By providing several technology options, we believe the residents will benefit with lower pricing (competition), better service, and eventually several delivery options which hopefully will satisfy individual desires and needs. For these reasons, we believe we have made a sound business decision, especially for our residents.

Technology Fee

Therefore, the $10 monthly dues increase will be earmarked for technology. These funds will be used to install future infrastructure to Comcast specifications serving Phases III and IV. They will be used to maintain the current and expanded infrastructure and keep the technology delivery system updated with the latest technological developments. They will be used to bring Qwest into Phases II, III, and IV, so that Qwest can provide land telephone lines where needed, Qwest internet options, and so that Qwest can bundle an array of services including Direct TV. As other options for delivering technology become available in the market place, we will seek them out and if feasible these funds will allow us to bring these options to the residents.

Again, no one likes to see a fee increase. We hope that the above explanation gives you the information you need to feel that you will directly benefit from these funds. Technology is an important part of our daily lives. We will do everything possible to bring you a price competitive, superior technology service, which will allow you multiple choices and which will keep pace with new developments. If you have questions or concerns and you would like to speak with us, please call 755-7829 during business hours to make an appointment or receive a call back.

Official Notices

• Garbage and Recycling Bins must be placed beyond the concrete strip that runs along the buildings (approximately 2 feet from the building). The siding on several units has been damaged by the garbage truck because the bins were too close to the building. The City will no longer pick up your garbage or recycling bins if they are too close to the buildings. Please store them in your garage as soon as possible after pickup. If left outside, they make it difficult to maneuver vehicles, remove snow, sweep the driveway, and they make the neighborhood unattractive.

• To help with snow removal please make certain there are no items in the driveway behind your home (i.e., cars, toys, garbage cans, etc.) or on the main sidewalks in the development. It is very difficult to remove the snow if there are obstructions in the driver’s way. If the driver encounters any obstructions, he will begin to assess an extra charge that will be passed on to each homeowner responsible.

• Residents are responsible to shovel their walkway from either the 10 foot or 5 foot main walkway to their front entry as well as the snow that may pile up behind the garage from the snowplow. The association will keep all other walks cleared. If you see areas needing attention during or after snowstorms, please contact the HOA management.

Thank you for your cooperation in making this a comfortable and safe community. Please address any comments, questions, or concerns to Sharon Andersen at (435) 755-7829 or sandersen@redeagledevelopment.com

Snow Time

Please see Sharon if you need to park a car in the guest parking along 1530 North. Beginning November 15th the City ticket cars parked on the city streets between 1AM and 6AM.
Ice melt harms concrete in most cases. If you decide to use ice melt understand that damage to concrete may not be covered by the HOA. Make sure to use a product that will not harm the concrete.

What Are The CC&Rs?

CC&R is an acronym for covenants, conditions, and restrictions. It is a legal document detailing the restrictions governing the use of real estate. CC&Rs are usually enforced by a homeowners association (HOA), and they are passed on to the new owner when the property changes hands. Enclosed is a summary of the CC&R’s for Bridgerland Meadows.

Winter is Coming!

Please remember to keep the alley ways clear for snow removal. This would also be a good time to change your furnace filter. We would suggest you also vacuum inside and around the furnace and the room in which it is located.

Garbage/Recycling cans:

Garbage and Recycling Bins must be placed beyond the concrete strip that runs along the buildings (approximately 2 feet from the building). The siding on several units has been damaged by the garbage truck because the bins were too close to the building. The City will not pick up your garbage or recycling bins if they are too close to the buildings. Please store them in your garage as soon as possible after pickup. If left outside, they make it difficult to maneuver vehicles, remove snow, sweep the driveway, and they make the neighborhood unattractive.

Caps/lights/Fence:

During the past few months you have noticed installation of more fencing. Along with more fencing, we are installing caps and lights. We hope these additions are adding to your enjoyment of Bridgerland Meadows.

Vandalism:

Please report to Sharon any vandalism accruing in the development. We were able to identify the vandals damaging the ceiling in the pavilion. Turns out they were children residing in a neighboring development.

Parking:

From November 15th through March 15th the city does not allow any overnight parking on city streets. We have a limited number of parking passes available to park in the guest parking near the mailboxes. See Sharon as these passes will be issued on a first come first come basis.
Also, people have been parking diagonally in the cul-de-sac at the end of 1530 North. You will get ticketed for parking this way. Only parallel parking is allowed on city streets. The city is concerned about fire trucks needing to enter the area.

Technology:

We hope you are happy with the new Comcast service. We have only heard about one unhappy customer. If you are having issues we may be able to direct you to the appropriate Comcast contact. Call Sharon 755-7829 for info.
Our goal is to eventually add more technology options for you once Comcast has been established. We are in discussions now with Quest. As we learned with Comcast, negotiations can be very slow.

Pet Update:

Thank you all for cleaning up after your dog (if you have one). In recent walk through, we were impressed at the improvement in this area. Keep in mind this winter, that to leave droppings in the snow creates huge problems in the spring. So please continue to pick up. Also a reminder that dogs continually urinating in a small grass area will kill the grass which will need to be replaced at owner’s expense.

Garden:

It seems to us that their needs to be more organization to better utilize the garden area. Our suggestion is that those of you who are interested in the garden, form a group to decide how best to proceed next year. We will be happy to do what we can to support your efforts, ie., water schedule, spraying for weeds, etc. With a little organization on your part, we still think the garden area is a great idea.