November Newsletter

Hey Trailheaders!  Here is a quick newsletter for the month of November.  Also included in this months newsletter is the latest neighborhood roster.

General Items

  • With the election coming up we would like to remind residents that yard signs are not permitted.
  • On a safety note the Board would like to let residents know that while residents should not be in/around the pond we do have safety items in place in the event someone falls in and is not capable of getting out.  There is a life ring located at the far end of the pond by the outlet pipe.  There is also a retrieval pole located on the fence rail next to the life ring.  Furthermore there is a small “john boat” located in the pines behind the pond.  This boat has a rope and can be pulled from one end of the pond to the other.  It is designed to help with safe retrieval on ice.  If you have any questions about these safety devices or want to see exactly where they are please let the board know.
  • Its that time of year where the pond fountain will be turned off.  The fountain will be removed and put into storage for the winter.  This is to keep the pump from being damaged by the pond freezing.  The fountain will be put back in early spring.
  • With winter just around the corner we would like to remind everyone to take the time to properly store outdoor items.  Hoses should be brought in.  Items that are permitted on decks and patios may remain.

Financial News

  • Attached are the 3rd quarter financials.  Thanks to Doug as always for putting these together!  If you have questions please feel free to contact the board.
  • The board will be completing the 2014 budget by the end of the year.  This budget will be sent to residents then.

Landscaping & Design

  • The board has completed its review of the bids received.  We will be proceeding with Moscarino Outdoor Creations for our grounds management.  This decision was made after careful review of the submitted bids and review of the bidders.  This decision will allow the board to refrain from raising dues in the near future while addressing our increasing reserve needs.  Service will start November 1, 2013 and will continue through the end of the contract period, October 31, 2016.  We will keep a close eye on Moscarino to make sure they perform to the level that our residents have come to expect from grounds management crews.
  • Schill will conclude his contract with a fall cleanup.  This will occur sometime in the month of November.
  • If you have existing agreements with Schill Grounds Management you are more than welcome to continue such agreements.  If you wish to work out additional work for your property with Moscarino please contact the landscaping committee for more information.
  • As with any change in service there is the possibilities of a few issues as a new contractor learns the ropes.  Please be understanding of this but don’t hesitate to report issues to the landscaping committee.
  • The board made sure to define more stringent snow removal rules in this contract.  We have now specified a 1″ trigger on our roads instead of the previous 2″.  Also, Trailhead Lane is now completely included in the scope and has been designated as priority number one when it comes to snow removal.  The contractor will utilize a combination of snow plowing and deicing agents to clean our road.  Note, a 2″ trigger remains in effect for resident drives and front walks.
  • In regards to snow removal on drives, remember that the contractor will not plow drives that have cars parked on them.  This is a liability concern to the contractor.
  • Remember if you are planning landscaping or architectural/design changes to submit a landscaping or design form to the respective committee.  All forms are available on the website.  When you fill them out you can drop them off to the committee chair in person or email them to landscaping@trailheadvillage.com or design@trailheadvillage.com and make sure to read the rules and regulations to see what is and isn’t permitted in the neighborhood.  Please remember that the review process can take up to 21 days to complete.