Dear Colonial Heights owners, the following is a summary of the CHBOD (Colonial Heights Board of Directors) meeting on 3/2/2023.
The Board of Directors meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM at 653 Bashford Rd.
Present were: Roman Borisenko, CHHOA president; MK George, treasurer; and Jeff Shaughnessy, property manager.
Accomplishments since the last meeting:
1. Rear masonite paneling on the rear of Unit 639, as well as the storage unit, converted to Hardy Plank and painted.
2. Large dead tree in front of 659 was safely removed.
3. Damaged front steps and porch replaced on 667 and 669. Staining and painting are to be done after the treated wood dries.
4. Damaged steps from the rear deck of 669 were replaced. Staining to follow.
5. Sewer line access pipe protruding 2 1/2 ft above ground, reduced to ground level due to safety concerns.
6. Clogged sewage pipe in the back area of 659, with sewage coming out from the clean-out cap, has been snaked and cleared out.
Once again the soft clog consisted of paper towels, lubricated wipes, and feminine hygiene products all combined with grease that had been disposed down the exit pipes from within our homes via the kitchen sink and toilets. The board has written about these resident practices in the past. We have pleaded with everyone to cease what keeps on happening. Unfortunately, we do not have a schematic of the Colonial Heights sewage pipelines and how the 4-inch lines of multiple units interconnect to take sewage to the city sewer line under Oak Run. This is the 4th incident in the last 4 years, and the total monies wasted amounts to $2000. This is not money bettering our community, just expenditures to prevent additional damage and to avoid a $1000/day city fine. To all Colonial Owners and Tenants, this is a redundant statement, as it has been said before, but we must do better regarding what we flush.
7. Regarding the installation of “leaf guard” protection to our gutters. Leaf guard Inc bid $12,100 or $550/unit. A subcontractor they use bid $11,000 or $500/unit.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Our dues per month are way below the area average. It had previously been $115 since 2005 until $120 was implemented 18 months ago. The by-laws allow the BOD to make small increases, and out of necessity as our property is 39 years old, effective May 2023, dues will go to $125/month.
Material costs are 60-100% higher, particularly wood products, and labor in our area is higher as well, with the growth of the Raleigh area. All closing attorneys are surprised at our low rate. For example, Dutch Village Townhomes off Gorman Street has a monthly dues rate of $200. Stoney Hollow at Six Forks and Long Street is $267/month. We are always striving to efficiently improve the community and all our listings sell quickly at excellent prices. So, please view what you pay monthly as an investment in the future equity of your home.
2. The city of Raleigh added new bright green yard waste carts which came up for discussion. So, now the city has dropped off 22 more of these eyesores to add to the dark green garbage and blue recycling containers. Because we are a townhome community, most owners don’t need or use yard waste cans. Not to mention most of the owners misunderstood the whole idea of what yard waste cart is made for and misuse it with inappropriate trash (you can read more at https://raleighnc.gov/yard-waste-carts).
To reduce what is sitting around, we want all owners who don’t utilize theirs, to consider surrendering it for the HOA to turn back to the city of Raleigh. If this applies to you, please bring your yard waste can, to the common area between 655 and 659. Park it next to the side wall of 655, which will be our collection zone. When the collection is complete, the city will retrieve them.
3. Also the board has decided to prohibit 669, as of this meeting, from placing their blue re-cycle can in the middle of their second parking spot where the wooded area begins. It’s an eyesore and has caused complaints from drivers, particularly with trailers, who have almost clipped the rear of the car that’s sticking out of the painted area due to the can positioning.
4. We will commence with the “leaf guard” installation throughout the complex. We will procure the materials and use our handymen, which will cut the total cost of this project by about $4000. Expect completion by the first half of April.
5. The ACH dues paying format has proven successful with 15 of 22 owners participating. If you’re not enrolled, we encourage you to consider taking that step (more information at https://colonialheightshoa.com/pay-dues)
6. Also, as President Harry Truman once said, “the buck stops here”, meaning he was the final decider. At Colonial Heights, the BOD is the final decider. The board consists of homeowners of this association and strives to be fair. If a homeowner refuses to accept and comply with a board decision, which is rare, then we now will seek a decision via the use of Wake County small claims court.
7. Please let the BOD updated with your current email address. If you have a new address please make sure to send an update to info@colonialheightshoa.com
7. Finally, if you feel you would like to serve the community and contribute to our improvement, there is one board seat open as you read this. Contact us at info@colonialheightshoa.com if you’re interested.
Respectfully.
Colonial Heights HOA BOD
info@colonialheightshoa.com
www.ColonialHeightsHOA.com