Dear Colonial Heights owners, please CAREFULLY READ this announcement:
The following is a summary of the CHBOD (Colonial Heights Board of Directors) meeting on 6/8/2021.
Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM at 653 Bashford, the residence of Roman Borisenko. Present were: President, Roman Borisenko, and board member M.K. George, owner of unit 637, providing a quorum if both agree on a decision. Also present was property manager Jeff Shaughnessy, who does not have voting privileges The board looks forward to adding a third member in the near future. Please consider volunteering for that vacancy.
Old Business:
1. New hardy plank installation, caulking, and painting project completed on units 645 and 647. Also, new hardy plank cement boards were added to the large side of unit 645, caulked, and painted. Material costs are jumping rapidly as hardy plank is now greater than $12/ board, versus $6 2-years ago, and slightly over 100 boards are needed for the backside of a unit.
2. New steps and stringers completed to 629, and the stairs of 631 were repaired and paintwork completed were needed. The treated wood needed for the stairs has really skyrocketed in the past 1 1/2 years, even worse than hardy plank. To put the increase in lumber prices into some perspective, consider that $30,000 worth of lumber for a new home now costs $70,000 in 2021.
3. The storm drains and broken drain pipes between 641-645 and 655-659 were both repaired.
4. Briefing of the parking lot asphalt repair, sealing, striping, and space numbering project, approved at the previous board meeting was reviewed. We are looking forward to finding an appropriate contractor ASAP.
New Business:
1. We have two new owners in the last two months. Ms.Dominique Weatherspoon, unit 661, and Mr. and Mrs. DJ Boyd went from tenants to new proud owners of unit 659. Welcome and congratulations to both.
2. The last segment of the meeting was a detailed look at our monthly dues collection, payment patterns, and possible option for owners. Unfortunately, four (4) owners are behind an average of 6 months in dues owed. As of Oct/Nov 2020, overall dues status was excellent as some serious arrears were addressed in 2020. This reflected having a properly elected BOD in place, interest penalties along with possible but unwanted legal action. The goal now is how can we get back to and maintain that excellent status.
Here is a summary of how owners render payment: Seven (7) owners pay with their personal financial institution sending auto payment monthly through their “bill pay” service, We currently receive checks from SECU, Wells Fargo, DCU, and Bank of America monthly. Nine (9) other owners pay via mail using their personal checking account. They use their own stamps and drop the payment in the mail, a difficulty we had hoped and still do want to eliminate. A new proposal to follow by the way. A couple of owners pay by buying a money order and personally hand it to Jeff or mail it to him. Collecting from four (4) owners seems to be an ongoing, repetitive problem. Such patterns present monthly budgeting challenges and are frustrating to realize that Colonial Heights is simply not a high priority for these owners. There is a lot to accomplish, four units still need masonite converted to hardy plank on their backside, one shed needs to be done, one complete roof front and back needs to be done, clogged gutters need replacing and leaf guards added. There are always steps, porches, railings, spindles, and painting projects. We would like new signs and some flowers to be part of near term plans. Monthly operating costs are always about the same, but monies for repairs and capital improvements that last for years are impacted when $460-$545 per month do not come in for deposit.
Thus, the board is implementing the following effective September 1st, 2021:
1. A slight increase in dues of $5 per month to $120. This is the first increase of dues in 15 years since April 2006. The increased cost of wood, labor, and materials is here to stay, and contractors in this area are not desperate for work.
2. Secondly, a late payment fee of $15 will be added to the balance of owners who will not clear their account balance monthly. We will have a grace period of 15 days each month, as we know a lot of bills come due on the 1st. However, not paying Colonial Heights will no longer be a no-penalty option, which is not fair to those who make it a priority each and every month. Don’t use not paying as a weapon, if you want to make a request contact the board via email at: info@colonialheightshoa.com.
3. We now bank with Fidelity Bank. Fidelity has a program where they will do an ACH draft from your banking account with your financial institution at no cost to you. You eliminate stamps, mailing, money orders, penalties, etc. Just tell the board you would like to sign up and you will be provided the proper form. The quick book’s idea could not be implemented, but Fidelity’s service is an attractive substitute.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Colonial Heights HOA BOD
info@colonialheightshoa.com
www.ColonialHeightsHOA.com