Letter From the President (May 2022)

Happy New Year! Here’s hoping your 2022 has been a good year so far for you and your family!

This newsletter writer has been busy with life and unfortunately death, so it’s easy for time to get away from you. So let’s try to catch you all up on the goings on within the community and the Board activities since the first of the year.

The community voted in January to reelect last year’s Board members for 2022 and approved the proposed budget for this year. This budget on paper actually shows a loss for 2022 but in the past, we have under budgeted our income and over budgeted our expenses. If we do run in the red we will use our reserve money to cover the over expenditures. The Board expects our finances to be in good shape for this year.

The neighborhood came out of the winter in pretty good shape. We have some sprucing up to do in the common areas and the amenities. You probably noticed the tree trimming. We paid for some of the larger work along the creek and our landscaping crew did the pine trees along the entrance and across from the clubhouse under their monthly budget. That was very generous of them.

As usual we will power wash the clubhouse and pool deck along with some of our fencing especially where the pine trees were trimmed up. We had the metal fence around the pool repainted and additionally painted the gazebo. Next up will be painting more pickleball lines on the far tennis court so we can add a couple more areas to play within the tennis court area.

The basketball court will be refinished soon and we’ve added a large trash can that we hope will encourage the players to throw their trash in. One can only hope!

We are adding a new piece of playground equipment around July and removing two worn out items. As the years go by we would like to continue to add and grow the playground. With more families moving in this makes sense.

The social committee has been very active with wine night, bunko and the egg hunt with the bunny. They have 2 pool parties planned for this summer.

Well that wraps up most of everything. If I missed something  I’ll add them to the next letter.

I wish all the Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Congratulations to our 2022 graduates for their outstanding achievement.

Thanks for taking the time to read through the letter. Hopefully you will find it informational.

Don Roach – President CCHOA

Street Parking

Do you know the number one complaint every year for the past 10 years? Street parking! It is the reason we changed our covenants to cover it a few years ago. That and set a cap on rental properties. If you park on the street it has to be temporary, if not, you will be receiving a violation letter. Second offense will be fines. We do not go looking for violators. If you have someone that is violating this covenant you need to go on our website and file a complaint with a picture and obviously the address. If you have to park on the street for a length of time you need Board approval. There are also some parking slots at the clubhouse that you can utilize with permission. If you have to park on the street be aware of where you are parking and you are not hindering your neighbor’s ability to get in and out of their driveway. Also is/are your vehicle(s) blocking other driver’s vision such as parking on a curve or multiple vehicles in a row?

 

Financial Update

As of March 31, 2022 our total assets stand at $552,561.64. Delinquent accounts are $12,721. Approximately $1,222.50 has been collected in past due accounts in 2022.

 Our expenses are $11,247 more than we budgeted but our income is $2500 higher than we expected. So we are running slightly lower than $10,000 over budget. Expenses are running higher due to high expense items that were required early this year and we have a few more items that will require $$$ . Many of these items were cooked into the cake but they are averaged over the entire year. When that happens, the expenses become skewered versus the budget numbers. We expect the budget to come in line as the year progresses.

 

Landscape Report May 2022

Tree canopies have been raised at the creek, playground across from the clubhouse, by the tennis court and in the entrance.  The crew cleaned extra areas at the entrance and hard trimmed some of the bushes as well.  This gives the neighborhood a cleaner, neater appearance.

Shrubs are being pruned and grass is starting to be mowed.  The crew is having some start up issues such as manpower, doing work above and beyond, and equipment failure but we hope to get this worked out before the growing season starts.  All these things slow the crew down so they’ve not got a routine yet that is set.  PLEASE DON’T TALK TO THE CREW AS THIS SLOWS THEM AS WELL. Be patient, we’re working on it.

We’re allowing the use of bigger mowers having been promised they will be very careful.  Smaller mowers will still be used on smaller yards.   So far we have not seen any damage from using the larger mower and the cut looks good.

Flower beds will be planted in the next week or two and the irrigation will be checked.

We’ve had one application of pre-emergent weed spray and will have another starting Thursday 5/12 and finishing Monday 5/16.  For those having the backyard done be sure to have your gate unlocked and items picked up in your yard.

We will be having our monthly meeting with the landscape company manager this week and will address some of the issues we’ve had.  Getting them on a specific schedule being our number one goal.

Bob Weber & Landscape committee.

 

ACC News

We have had 15 ACC requests YTD.  I found another supplier for our vinyl fencing repairs. Menards.com Yardworks Belmont 6×6 White dog ear vinyl fence panels. I have forwarded the link to Robert Cox, one of our subdivision repair contractor as well. 

As a reminder to homeowners who want to modify the outside of home or any landscaping modifications the procedure is to send in the 2 page ACC request found on our website. Any alteration or change of any kind to the exterior of your home or lot requires prior approval of the ACC Committee.

Thank you,

Stephanie Barnes and ACC Committee

Amenity News

The pool opened May 1, but our monitors will not be on the job until Memorial Day weekend. Until then you swim at your own risk and monitor each other for rule compliance. For those that cannot comply with the pool rules,  we will be deactivating your cards and fines may be applied. Some residents have already had their cards deactivated because of fees not paid or other reasons. We see them trying to come in on others cards, asking someone to let them in or hold the gate for them. If this happens then both residents will have violations applied to their cards and could be fined as well. Also remember that a COVID Waiver must be on file for your key to be active. Thanks for helping to keep the pool safe.

Lastly, I’m always looking for volunteers to open and close the pool. If you’re interested see me at the pool or email me at cchoaamenities@gmail.com

The far tennis court will have additional pickleball lines drawn on it and we are purchasing two mobile nets to be used so more players can use the courts at one time.

The basketball court will be resurfaced soon. The last application did not last as expected. This company we have hired has had better results.

Both courts will be shut down during the upgrades. We will send out notifications on Facebook.

Thanks for your understanding.

Chuck

Ladies Card Game

Will be Thursday May 19 @ noon at the clubhouse. Bring five $1dollar bills and a dish to share

Bunko

Will be Saturday May 21, @ 7 PM at the clubhouse, with meet and greet at 6:30 PM. Bring $5 and a dish to share and your own drinks. Bunko is a dice game that you win at by rolling certain combinations.

Pool Party

The social committee is planning two pool parties this summer. June 4th and August 6th are the tentative dates. Both dates are on Saturday. This allows them to have a rain date the next day if possible. Mikey the DJ will be there playing music for all. Grills will be going and hot and cold food will be served. Please provide your own drinks.

Kids Safety

Every year we discuss the need to slow down while driving through the subdivision for safety reasons. Again this is a reminder to slow down and watch for children playing in or near the streets. I’m sure none of us want to have an accident with our neighbors who may not be looking out for you and your vehicle. This is not about who is right, it’s about avoiding a tragedy.

 

Signs everywhere a sign

Our covenants state residents cannot place vendor advertising signs in their front yards. We have allowed them for 24 hours after the work was finished. After that they need to be removed.

Newspapers in the Driveways

Last notice: Here is another item we’ve discussed many times and continues in some locations over and over. This too will be met with violation letters and fines if necessary to bring the home into compliance. Pick up your unwanted newspapers or stop the subscription. All of these free newspapers have a number to call when you no longer want them.

Information

We have contracted with two new companies to cover our landscaping and pool needs in 2022. Our two long term vendors failed us more than usual and in some cases became contentious. Both of these new companies, Courtyard Pools and Atlanta Landscape Group come with higher price tags but offer better service and were both competitive in the bids we received from

others.

Website

I cannot say this enough, go to our website and look around. You will find everything you need, especially information to handle most of your questions and how to submit various forms and report issues. The website address is on the top of this newsletter for your convenience! Additionally our email address is centennialcommoner@yahoo.com.

Spring Cleaning

As the subdivision ages so do our homes and landscaping in the front yards. With that in mind our ACC group has been tasked to work with our CMA partner to identify residents who need to spruce up their homes and remain in compliance with our covenants. Hopefully most of you know where you need some work done or the changes needed to enhance your home. Remember you do need to fill out an ACC request form and get approval before beginning any work.

Mailbox Numbers

The Board will not replace mailbox numbers for you. You will need to do the work yourself or have it done. The Board does have some numbers that we will give to you if needed. If we don’t have your number here is a vendor that can provide you with the 2″ Williamsburg Brass Mailbox numbers:

Addresses of Distinction.com, 800-436-1647, 770-436-6198, $3.95 each plus shipping.

 

Thanks for reading,

Don Roach, President and the Board of Centennial Commons, Directors, Bob Weber, Finance & Landscaping, Chuck Whitaker, Amenities, Stephanie Davis, ACC Coordinator  and Shirley Cox, Secretary/Legal

Letter From the President (Dec. 2021)

This is it, last letter from the Board for 2021. It has been a fairly decent year. Compared to 2020 this has been freer of restraints by the virus, although we did have a spike over the summer that was worrisome. 2022 looks to be another good year financially for us. We are spending more money for goods and services as you are doing in your households. The Board though sees enough income though to offset the rising costs this next year so the $87.50 monthly fees will remain the same. Woohoo! 

We have contracted with two new companies to cover our landscaping and pool needs in 2022. Our two long term vendors failed us more than usual and in some cases became contentious. Both of these new companies, Courtyard Pools and Atlanta Landscape Group come with higher price tags but offer better service and were both competitive in the bids we received from others.

Currently the subdivision is awash with leaves and a December pinestraw delivery is expected. The Board has placed as much pressure that we can on our current vendor Brightview without holding payment. We took this last step recently notifying the vendor if things didn’t change immediately we would be withholding monies to pay other vendors to do the work that they are contracted to do.

I cannot say this enough, go to our website and look around. You will find everything you need, especially information to handle most of your questions and how to submit various forms and report issues. The website address is on the top of this newsletter for your convenience! Additionally our email address is also at the top of the letterhead…

As the subdivision ages so do our homes and landscaping in the front yards. With that in mind our ACC group has been tasked to work with our CMA partner to identify residents who need to spruce up their homes and remain in compliance with our covenants. Hopefully most of you know where you need some work done or the changes needed to enhance your home. Remember you do need to fill out an ACC request form and get approval before beginning any work.

While this Board has, as a last resort, fined residents for ACC/Standard violations, we have come to understand that this form of persuasion to ensure compliance is very necessary. Because of this, the Board is creating a fine schedule that will be published early in 2022 that will define the consequences of non-compliance. This schedule is a reminder to longtime residents and information to new residents that they do live in a HOA community and have to adhere to the covenants.

Other non ACC/Standard violations are not treated the same. Some violations/behaviors can be corrected with a warning letter. Others are egregious enough to warrant an immediate fine. The Board acts on these violations in a manner that is best for the safety and protection of our residents, amenities and HOA.

You will find information through the letter that was discussed at our most recent executive and open meeting on Nov. 15.

Thanks for taking the time to read through the letter. Hopefully you will find it informational.

Happy Holidays to ALL!

Thanks,

Don Roach

President CCHOA

Annual Meeting

The Centennial Commons Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 6 PM @ the clubhouse and virtually. So you will have two options to attend. This will also allow us to go fully virtual if there is a health need to do so and we can’t meet at the clubhouse.

 

New Year’s Eve Casino Party

If our current health situation in Georgia stays the same, our plan is to go forward with this event. There may be many that attend and the clubhouse is only so large. Obviously you can wear a mask if you want but spacing will be impossible to maintain. So decide for yourselves if you want to attend this year. We plan to make this an annual event so there is always next year.

Casino Night

BYOB, refreshments and snacks – The HOA will provide some snacks and meats. Social Committee is not sure at this time what that will be.

7 PM entry to clubhouse

7:30 PM casino tables to begin

10:30 – 11 PM wrap up casino tables.

11 – 11:45 drawing for door prizes

Guests of residents not included in prize winnings.

Residents are allowed 2 guests.

Maximum number allowed in clubhouse is 40. Once count hits 40 the event is closed to any other attendees. Those that RSVP will be will be included in count. Prefer residents to RSVP with count on attending. But not mandatory.

Santa is Arriving Dec. 11 @ Clubhouse

Santa will be available for pictures and to take your children, grandchildren’s wishes between 1 and 3 PM, Saturday Dec. 11. The social committee will provide snacks and crafts for the children. Come on down and see the big guy…

Holiday Light Contest

The social committee will be driving the subdivision picking out the best dressed house again this year. There will be 4 winners selected and given Home Depot gift certificates for their hard work!

Cookie Exchange Dec. 16 7-9 PM

The social committee will be holding a cookie exchange event. Bring 2 dozen cookies to exchange for other cookies brought. Bring your recipe for others. Please bring a beverage of your choice. Also bring a white Elephant gift if you’d like to participate in that. More details are on Facebook.

Ladies Card Game

Tuesday Dec. 14 @ noon at the clubhouse. Bring five $1dollar bills and a dish to share.

Kids Safety

Every year we discuss the need to slow down while driving through the subdivision for safety reasons. Again this is a reminder to slow down and watch for children playing in or near the streets. I’m sure none of us want to have an accident with our neighbors who may not be looking out for you and your vehicle. This is not about who is right, it’s about avoiding a tragedy.

Street and Stop signs

Well Cobb County told us they were going to install the new street signs the week after Thanksgiving, and so far nothing has happened. Surprised? No I’m not, but beware they could be in here anytime and working and that’s what they are doing. If you don’t remember why, this is a new federal law that has required signs to be bigger and more reflective. Our current sign have to be replaced because of this.

Financial Update

As of October 31, 2021 our total assets stand at $533,624. We still have a $20,000 cost for pinestraw that is outstanding when it is delivered. Delinquent accounts are $14,480. Approximately $4,240 has been collected in past due accounts. Delinquent accounts have stayed steady over the year.  Our income is running behind our expenses by over $10,000. Expenses are running higher due to high expense items that were required this year. Additionally we have expensed those items that we use to capitalize. We still expect to end the year close to even and maybe have a positive amount on the ledger.

Signs everywhere a sign

Our covenants state residents cannot place vendor advertising signs in their front yards. We have allowed them for 24 hours after the work was finished. After that they need to be removed.

Landscaping News

Leaves, leaves, leaves.  The landscape company is working frantically to remove the leaves and as of 12/3 they have only two streets to complete before they return to the front and start again.  Pine straw will be applied yet this month and then we’ll be done for the year.  And what a year it has been!  Brightview Landscape Company bought out our very good 4 Seasons Landscape Company early this year and it has been a battle ever since.   Every landscape company had problems getting employees but Brightview had those problems and then some.  With Covid stopping many employees from Mexico from entering the US, often early in the growing season they didn’t have enough employees to send here and weeks would go by before the neighborhood was mowed.  Throughout the season we have seen shoddy work and it was problem getting a proper response.  Only with a call to corporate headquarters were we able to get them to get the leaves up before the pine straw was applied.

Having vented enough I’m glad to report that this is our last year with Brightview.  We will begin the New Year with Atlanta Landscape Group.  They have made many promises and if they deliver on those promises the neighborhood will look as good as it should.  Let’s all pray they deliver so our beleaguered HOA Landscape Coordinator and his committee member have some rest in 2022.

Newspapers in the Driveways

Last notice: Here is another item we’ve discussed many times and continues in some locations over and over. This too will be met with violation letters and fines if necessary to bring the home into compliance. Pick up your unwanted newspapers or stop the subscription. All of these free newspapers have a number to call when you no longer want them.

New Director

Stephanie Davis will be replacing Bill Drake as the ACC Director. Stephanie has been a volunteer for the HOA for years. She is very talented and has a background in coordinating business adventures. She will be an asset to the HOA and the ACC committee. Thank you Stephanie for volunteering your talent and time to us!        

 

Mailbox Numbers

The Board will provide numbers as we have them. The Board will not replace mailbox numbers for you. You will need to do the work yourself or have it done. If you want to replace your own numbers here is a vendor that can provide you with the 2″ Williamsburg Brass Mailbox numbers:

Addresses of Distinction.com, 800-436-1647, 770-436-6198, $3.95 each plus shipping.

 

Thanks for reading,

Don Roach, President and the Board of Centennial Commons, Directors, Bob Weber, Finance & Landscaping, Chuck Whitaker, Amenities, Stephanie Davis, ACC Coordinator  and Shirley Cox, Secretary/Legal.

Letter From the President (March 2021)

It’s spring! Yay!! Vaccines are rolling out and things are starting to get back to normal. Let’s hope this trend continues and last year becomes a bad memory. Let me give you some information on the future for Centennial Commons.

First I’d like to thank all that voted in the budget and Board for another year. We take your vote of confidence as an affirmation on our vision and goals we have for Centennial Commons.

Next we have just decided to hold our next open meeting in April virtually as we believe it will still be too soon to fill the clubhouse and expose the Board and our CMA representative to Covid-19. The scheduled day and time would be April 19 @ 7 PM but with the unexpected way things are going you just never know, right? We will update you as that date gets closer.

The plan is to open the pool again this year. Our Splash contract has been inked and it will be much like last year. In the beginning a monitor will be around for closing and once things heat up we plan to have a monitor on duty the entire time to check in residents and guests. We will be checking those residents and guests with the names we have on file with signed waivers. Last year’s waivers are rolled over to this year so you do not need to fill out a new one.

For those who did not complete their waiver last year, or any new residents that need to complete and turn it in, a copy of the waiver is attached.  Please fill it out and return either via email or at the HOA drop box at 5247 Centennial Hill Drive.

If you bring any new person who hasn’t filled out a waiver, they will have to fill one out. We’d prefer if it was filled out prior to arriving but we plan to have forms available poolside.

The fitness room and clubhouse will remain closed until we work out the intricacies that are required by CDC and the State of Georgia. I know there are a few of you that are chomping at the bit to use them. We are working to finalize all the details, but we have to protect our investments for all those that own them. Please be patient.  Our anticipated opening is early April.

This year with all the amenities possibly being used the Board will be very busy. I’m sure based on past performances we will meet the challenge. If you find some time and you can help us please look into being a volunteer. As the old saying goes, many hands make light work!

Thanks for taking the time to read through the letter. Hopefully you will find it informational.

Thanks,

Don Roach

President CCHOA

OTHER NEWS

Kids Safety

Every year we discuss the need to slow down while driving through the subdivision for safety reasons. Again this is a reminder to slow down and watch for children playing in or near the streets. I’m sure none of us want to have an accident with our neighbors who may not be looking out for you and your vehicle. This is not about who is right, it’s about avoiding a tragedy and protecting our community children.

Signs

Our covenants state residents cannot place vendor advertising signs in their front yards. We have allowed them for 24 hours after the work was finished. After that they need to be removed. I’m seeing more and more of these which will cause violations letters to go out.

Egg Hunt and Bunny

The social committee had decided to go forward with the egg hunt this year!  On March 27th, our bunny was hopping around the Tennis Courts to welcome the youngsters. All activities were held outside. The event was a huge success and the children seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Thanks to Elaine Drake and her team/friends for organizing, planning and clean up. Special thank you to the bunny that had to weather a bit of heat while everyone else was in shorts. Hope to have another one next year!!!

Pool Opening

Saturday, May 1, 2021, @ noon, will be the opening date and time for our pool to open. Hours of operation for the first two weeks will be from noon to 7 PM. Of course, we need everything to come together such as pool inspection, pool equipment running as intended, furniture being set out, pool deck being cleaned, etc. We will keep you updated on the opening as it gets closer.

Chuck Whitaker is still in need of volunteers to help with water testing, emptying garbage cans, and closing/opening requirements. Without additional volunteers, pool hours may need to change.         

Contact Chuck at cchoaamenities@gmail.com or by phone at 404-934-5023.

Mailbox Numbers

The Board has decided to replace mailbox numbers as they are identified. Bill Drake has volunteered to provide the maintenance required to replace those that haven’t stayed on. The Board will pay for the cost of the numbers and Bill’s time to complete the tasks as needed. If you want to replace your own here is a vendor that can provide you with the  2″ Williamsburg Brass Mailbox numbers:

Addressesofdistinction.com

800-436-1647

770-436-6198

$3.95 each plus shipping.

Fitness Center / Clubhouse Opening

We’ve had many inquire about the opening of the fitness center. The Board has decided at our March meeting to revisit this and since then we have received more favorable guidance from our attorney and insurance carrier. There will be additional rules added to both amenities to enable them to be used. These new addendums will need to be followed or the resident(s) will lose the right to use them along with fines for any unauthorized use. Based on these new guidelines we will open these amenities. The plan is to open in early April.

Pressure Washing / Fines

Second notice: The Board has sent many communications to residents to clean up their homes while the weather is good to do so. Warning letters have been sent also. If you are a resident that has received one of these letters you should respond to CMA with your plan to fix the issue or else you will be subject not only to a fine but a daily fine. Hopefully you will make the necessary plans to abstain from having to pay fines.

 

Newspapers in Driveways

Second notice: Here is another item we’ve discussed many times and continues in some locations over and over. This too will be met with violation letters and fines if necessary to bring the home into compliance. Pick up your unwanted newspapers or stop the subscription. All of these free newspapers have a number to call when you no longer want them.

Landscaping News

  • Pruning is done, trees are mostly trimmed up and grass mowing has begun.
  • They will finish the first mowing next week, weather permitting. There will be more lowering of the grass to about 1 inch when they complete the mowing.
  • We had 4 complaints about the hard prune and all agreed that was good considering 300 homes.
  • Supervisor will check the dog stations and refill them as needed.
  • Irrigation will be checked and turned on by the 1st week of April.
  • Aeration will be done at the end of April or the 1st week of May.
  • The next turf treatment will be a liquid pre and post emergent weed control and will be applied April 15.
  • Flowers are scheduled to be planted first week of May.
  • Crew is spraying pine straw areas to reduce weeds.
  • Pine straw scheduled for 1st or 2nd week of June.
    Next meeting April 16 at 9:30.

Financial Update

As of Feb. 28, 2021, our total assets stand at $525,201. Delinquent accounts are $10,825. Our income is very close to our budgeted amount and is only $1500 more than we anticipated. Expenses are running less this time of the year, $6300 less to be exact. As spring leads into summer our expectation is for those to rise so it’s good we have a cushion of excess money. Based on last year’s events the Board, with Treasurer Bob Weber’s help, crafted a pretty concise budget. So we are confident it will be very close to the actual expenses we will incur. Therefore the Board is certain, with more than adequate assets in our accounts, our current monthly fees cover our expenses and the reserves are funded well enough for any unforeseen issues in 2021.

New Expenditures

We have a cement issue at the pool where the far west corner has settled and broke and raised the cement into a tripping hazard. This issue will cost us $5,000 dollars to repair. We will attempt to get this done before the pool opens.

Secondly, we have added another pump to the pool. This will help clean the pool when we have a large amount of bathers. It will also help when a pump goes out or some other required maintenance procedures would cause us to shut down the pool if we had just one pump. The cost was $6,000.

Lastly, we are contemplating parking lot repairs of approximately 2 K dollars. Maintenance now will save many dollars in the future.

 

Thanks for reading!

Don Roach, President and the Board of Centennial Commons, Directors, Bob Weber, Finance, Chuck Whitaker, Amenities, Bill Drake, ACC Coordinator and Shirley Cox, Secretary

Letter From the President (October 2020)

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE IN THE KNOW!

Email: centennialcommoner@yahoo.com

It’s that time of the year for preparations for the Annual January Meeting. Nominations to the Board need to be sent to either CMA or the Board for inclusion on the ballot that will be sent in late November or early December.
If you’re interested please fill out the form on the website and submit it as soon as possible. The current Board will remain if voted in. Write-ins will be allowed but they stand little to no chance of accumulating enough
votes to be elected. This is the opportunity for any resident who believes they could better serve the HOA than the current Board members or feel they have the talent to offer the HOA. Remember we are always looking to add to our volunteer lists and starting as a volunteer gives you a chance to see what is required of a Director of the Board. Many hands make a job easier. Thanks!

So will this year ever end!? It looked like we were getting better but no, we’re not. Most views are we will need a vaccine to be able to go back to normal. While that’s disappointing things could be much worse, right? The Board worked hard to keep the pool open this summer trying to ensure we kept everything in line with the CDC guidelines. We were very cautious about allowing the use of the tennis and basketball courts albeit with restrictions. The Governor then gave us some relief with a sign that said you use our facilities at your own risk. So we opened the playground and posted the signs (as required) on all our amenities. Unfortunately, we and our legal team did not feel comfortable with opening the clubhouse to outside events and the fitness room. Those
will remain closed until further notice. As we wind down these last few months of 2020 you can rest easy that your Board has been showing up and working hard to keep the HOA moving in the right direction throughout the year. We have put the final touches on the next year’s budget, but we are waiting for a couple of vendors’ proposed contracts. And as you read through the
newsletter you will see what we have been doing this summer. As much as we’d like to take a break, now is the time to prepare for 2021.

I’m very proud of the work and effort of all the Board members to keep the HOA strong. If you get a chance, thank them for their work. That goes a long way!

Thanks for taking the time to read through the letter. Hopefully, you will find it informational. At this point it is
our safest and best way to communicate with all of you.

Thanks,
Don Roach
President CCHOA

Election Day – Nov. 3

Political Signs

Our covenants state residents can place only one (1) political sign – not to exceed 2 feet by 2 feet. The sign may be displayed on a lot two weeks prior to an election that the sign pertains to and must be removed the day after the election. Signs need to be placed in non-mowing areas during the mowing season, which we are currently in.
Again only ONE sign.

Annual Meeting – Jan. 2021

You will be receiving information on this meeting over the next couple of weeks. The Board is looking to hold a virtual meeting as a choice. We would tabulate the votes and answer any submitted questions to the Board at this meeting. Basically the Annual meeting format only over the computer. More information will be forthcoming from CMA or the Board.

New Entrance Sign

Bill Drake was instrumental in getting the new 3D sign that you now see as you leave the subdivision. Bill is still working with the technology to understand all the functions of the sign. Hopefully, he will conquer the
device and we will have all our messages communicating to the residents as they leave the property soon.

Halloween Light/Decoration Contest

Every year we have many of our residents dress up their homes for fall and Halloween. With all that is going on, the social committee has decided to award the top 3 homes with Home Depot gift cards. First place will be $100, second $50 and third will be awarded $25. Good luck to those that take the time to do this! The committee will be judging the night of Oct. 30 so make sure you leave your home lit up if you’re leaving…

Video Conference Ability

As with the Annual meeting, CMA has offered us the ability to hold the open meeting virtually. The Board is
mulling this over. Again it would not be an immediate 2-way street. Questions could be submitted before the meeting and answered during the meeting. The information provided would be as we previously did before the virus. Each Director will communicate what is going on in their specific area of responsibility.
No decision yet but we are intrigued by the offer.

Fitness Center

We’ve had many inquire about the opening of the fitness center. The Board reviewed this very thoroughly by reviewing the CDC and Georgia guidelines. In addition, we sought out advice from our paid partners CMA and
lawyer on the possibility of doing this. We were told this was extremely risky and unless we were to commit to a very strict regimen and pay for professional cleaning daily, they could not advise us to do this. Knowing this
information the board decided to not open the Fitness Center. It was a difficult decision but a safe one. I know some are upset but I hope you do understand. As soon as we can open it up, we will. We have had all the
equipment repaired and serviced so it is ready to go.

Mailbox Numbers

For some reason, the numbers are falling off the mailboxes. While this isn’t a big deal, it is an important way of identifying your residence. CMA has started notifying the residents of the issue. From some recent email and Facebook comments the Board has decided to make the information on getting replacements available to the residents through email and Facebook community.

2″ Williamsburg Brass Mailbox Numbers

Purchase at Addresses of Distinction:

addressesofdistinction.com 

800-436-1647

770-436-6198

$3.95 each plus shipping

We have decided to give everyone a 30-day reprieve, or until Dec. 1, 2020, to repair. After that date, you will receive a violation letter and will be subject to the information within the letter.

Pressure Washing / Fines

The Board has sent many communications to residents to clean up their homes while the weather is good to do so. Warning letters have been sent also. If you are a resident that has received one of these letters you should
respond to CMA with your plan to fix the issue or else you will be subject not only to a fine but a daily fine. Hopefully, you will make the necessary plans to abstain from having to pay fines.

Newspapers in the Driveways

Here is another item we’ve discussed many times and continues in some locations over and over. This too will be met with violation letters and fines if necessary to bring the home into compliance. Pick up your unwantedvnewspapers or stop the subscription. All of these free newspapers have a number to call when you no longer
want them.

Landscaping News

Fungicide was applied to all of our side and front yards at our last turf treatment to address Spring and Silver Dollar dead spots that are now showing up in some of our yards. New pine straw will be applied to all of our side and front beds in late November/early December depending on
when the fall leaves have been removed. 
“Hard” pruning of hollies and large lorapetalum will begin in January/February. This will give the shrubs the look of being sparse and over-pruned but these are hardy bushes that will come back when spring arrives. This is being done to keep the bushes shaped properly and keep a consistent visual look to shrubs throughout our subdivision.

Financial Update

We ended 2019 with $471,235 in assets. As we finished the month of September 2020 we currently have $503,399 – an increase of $32,164.00. This figure will more than likely continue to increase as we finish 2020. The
community is well off financially. Next year’s budget will be our first deficit budget (approx. $2,000.00) in my memory to be submitted to the residents. That’s due to over $11,000.00 of increased expenses for fungicide and aeration in 2021. Another $8,000.00 is attributed to costs for running the pool due to the virus affects. As we say this, we don’t factor in many items of revenue such as rentals, bank interest, capital contributions, late collections, etc. These types of income are subject to many factors, therefore we don’t try to guess what their amounts will be. YTD 2020 these types of income have contributed $6,198 to our bottom line. If that holds true in 2021 we will have income above our expenses!

The Board feels with more than adequate assets in the accounts our current monthly fees cover our expenses and the reserves are funded well enough for any unforeseen issues in 2021.

Thanks for reading!

Don Roach, President

and

The Board of Centennial Commons Directors:

Bob Weber, Finance

Chuck Whitaker, Amenities

Bill Drake, ACC Coordinator

Shirley Cox, Secretary

Letter From the President (July 2020)

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE IN THE KNOW!

Email: centennialcommoner@yahoo.com

It’s time we provide the community some updates on the virus and how it has affected your HOA.  

Still, all social functions and meetings have been suspended until what time we can safely do them. The Board has met pool side in April & May and just recently here in July in the clubroom. In addition we have discussed various topics via email and conference calls.

The following are items that are or have been implemented or mandated because of the virus.

Thanks for reading,      

Don Roach, President

COVID-19 News

The Pool

The pool has opened but requires waivers that have to be signed by adults (18 and over) and by parents or guardians of any children who want to use the pool. Guests are allowed but each resident is only allowed a total of 6 people to enter on their key. Guests need to sign their own waivers, not the residents! We ask each resident to limit their stay at the pool to 3 hours if the pool is busy. If the pool is at capacity we ask you to leave after 2 hours if there are other residents wanting to use the pool. The maximum capacity originally was 35 but was increased to 50 when the governor changed the crowd capacity. Social distancing is recommended and encouraged while at the pool. Wearing of a mask is a personal decision but no masks in the water.

Other Amenities

Your waiver is good for all amenities so only one waiver is needed for use of the amenities. Unfortunately, the other amenities, playground, and fitness room are still closed due to the guidance from CMA and our legal representatives based on the Governor’s edicts. Mostly, this is due to be able to clean either facility after each use.

The Basketball court can be used only by immediate family members due to the social distance issues and as long as they have submitted a waiver.

Tennis court along with pickleball usage is allowed but social distancing is recommended and also requires a waiver.

The clubhouse will not be rented until what time CMA and our legal representatives okay that use. This amenity will probably be the last to open. We are still taking reservations but I would not get my hopes up before October or November.

Again one waiver covers all available amenities. But if using the clubhouse or the tennis/pickleball and basketball courts we must have everyone, entering our property to use an amenity, sign a waiver. If not, you the homeowner could be held legally liable. 

Changes Coming Soon

We have new locks being installed the week of July 13th on the tennis and basketball courts. These new locks will help Chuck Whitaker from having to open up these amenities every time a resident wants to use them. Once locks are installed you will again be able to use your key to gain access. But you still must have a waiver on file for your key to work.

Additionally, we will be resurfacing the tennis courts the week of 7/20. This will repair all the cracks and add new paint and nets. I believe the courts will be closed for one week after repairs to ensure the work will not be affected.

The state has passed a bill to provide us with some protection from litigation but has not been signed into law as of this writing. Per the legal interpretation, this won’t change much in the overall scheme of things so I doubt you will see either the fitness room or playground open until some of the mandatory requirements are lifted. At this writing, we are seeing an increase in cases and concerns over the hospitals’ capacities. Until the time when cases reduce, I doubt the state will change anything. In fact, we may see tougher rules which may cause closings of the open amenities.

Maintain social distancing when at the amenities and use hand sanitizers and spray solution bottles provided. Wash your hands frequently and use a mask when needed. Keep your hands from your face too. If we practice these habits we can protect ourselves from the virus.  

I do hope you and your families are doing well and wish you good health.

Other News

Basketball and Tennis Court Use

Until the new locks are installed you can use the courts by calling Chuck Whitaker 404-934-5023. For basketball court use, due to the impossibility of social distancing, only immediate family members can use the court. Only one family at a time. Please give Chuck an hour’s notice before wanting to use the court. Chuck will meet you and unlock the chained door to the court you want to use. When finished make sure you close the door and ensure it latches.

Swimming Pool – August and Beyond

The Board will look to extend the splash monitors at the pool for as long as we can. With Cobb County postponing the start of school by two weeks it should give us another 2 weeks of coverage. Our contract calls for weekend staffing after school starts. Our contract doesn’t cover the cost of additional coverage so we will pay Splash monthly for the hours used. Once the monitors leave we will need to see if we can reasonably meet what is mandated by the state CDC for the pool to stay open with volunteers. If not, then the pool will close during those times when we aren’t staffed.

Traffic Calming

Colin Ferguson will be reaching out to the residents to see what they’d like to do to curb some of our heavy-footed drivers. He will be surveying the subdivision and will bring the results to the Board for action. If you forgot about this it was printed in the Jan/Feb Newsletter. Here it is again: Traffic Calming

 

Landscaping News

4 Seasons have been working hard to keep up with the growth this year. With the added moisture everything has been growing fast. They have assured us that they will get current and with the recent trimming, our subdivision looks pretty good. The straw beds need to be weeded and some of the mowings seems uneven. But all in all, they have corrected most of their mistakes. We will continue to let you know when there are spaying and trimming going on. Anyways as much as they let us know… If you have an issue, send an email to centennialcommoner@yahoo.com  for us to forward to the supervisor of the crew at 4 Seasons. We don’t take phone calls on landscaping issues. Please do not call Kathy Andregg for landscaping issues in 2020.

Resident Financial Issues

For those residents having difficulties maintaining their monthly assessment fees, the Board highly recommends

you contact our CMA representative, Melody Daniel @404-835-9201 to pursue a financial arrangement.  The Board will review all arrangements presented by CMA for approval.  We hope this will lessen the amount of financial distress on those residents in need.

Financial Report

Our financial situation is fluid and we are currently spending less than we have in the past. The reserve account has been maintained at high enough level that we are in a position to handle most any issue. That is our goal.

May Financial Report –

Cash Operating: $111,919.99

Cash Reserves: $59,243.06

Cash Res Money Market: $340,351.51

Total: $511,513.56

May Operating Cost: $19,862.86

May Income: $26,549.93

Why not June? We don’t get the previous month’s financials until mid-month.

Help Keep Our Neighborhood Clean

Many of our residents like to walk in the nice weather.  We are looking for volunteers that would be willing to pick up debris and trash when you see it.  The HOA will provide trash Grippers for anyone who is willing to volunteer.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Us.

SPLASH is hiring!

Our board received this notice from SPLASH if anyone is interested:

If you know of anyone that is looking for a summer job and likes being outside around a pool, Splash may be the perfect fit for them!

Some quick facts about working for Splash as a Lifeguard or Pool Monitor:

  • No previous work experience is required
  • Employees must be at least 15 years old
  • We teach two American Red Cross Lifeguard certification classes per year for anyone that wants to become a Lifeguard
  • All employees’ starting pay rate is above the minimum wage
  • Lifeguards have a higher level of responsibility and training, therefore have a higher starting pay rate than Pool Monitors
  • Employees work on average 20 hours per week, but we are flexible. We have some employees that work closer to 40 hours and others that work less than 20.
  • More than 75% of our summer staff works for us for multiple swim seasons

404-643-3310

Thanks for reading!

Don Roach, President and the Board of Centennial Commons, Directors, Bob Weber, Finance, Chuck Whitaker, Amenities, Bill Drake, ACC Coordinator and Shirley Cox, Secretary

COVID-19 Amenities Update – April 29, 2020

COVID-19 Update on Amenities – April 27, 2020

The Georgia Governor has reduced restrictions in the state as of April 25 & 27. The Board wants to update all of you on what that means for our subdivision.

Fitness Room – The ability to use fitness facilities is directed towards large fitness facilities. There are 16 requirements that have to be met in order to open and stay open. Our partners, CMA, and their legal representatives have advised us to not open as we could not meet these requirements. If we are unable to meet all of those requirements allow the use of the facility our insurance carrier would not cover our liability. Therefore the fitness room will remain closed.

If the restrictions become manageable in the future and we can maintain our insurance coverage we will open ASAP. Currently, we have two broken treadmills and are working on getting those repaired before opening. Also, we plan to deep clean the facility, including the restrooms before opening those areas.

Pool – We have received better news regarding the pool use. Most health officials agree that the spread of the disease in the pool is greatly diminished. But we still have the social distancing issue to address when the pool is allowed to open. Currently, the dates being discussed are mid-May or Memorial Day weekend. The Board is much more optimistic about the pool opening versus the fitness room.

As we await the word to open we are authorizing Splash to fix and repair the pool as needed and to perform the maintenance required for the pool to be ready for Cobb county inspection. We anticipate this will be completed by the first week of May.

When we do open there is a high probability of additional restrictions that will be placed on those that want to use the facility. These restrictions will not be negotiable. Our ability to stay open will require all participants to abide by the rules. When we know anything further, we will provide the homeowners with that information.

Clubhouse – Clubhouse rentals are closed until further notice. Any rentals that are currently on the calendar will be assessed as they get closer to the date of the rental. Any checks that have been submitted will be destroyed unless the resident provides other instructions. If any resident wants to cancel, notify us by emailing centennialcommoner@yahoo.com.

Playground – We have not been advised when this will be open for use.

Tennis & Basketball Courts – We will continue to allow the use of these facilities for family members only that live in Centennial Commons as long as they call ahead (at least one hour) to Chuck Whitaker 404-934-5023. Chuck will unlock the gate for your play. Remember, only one family at a time at each facility.

Thank you,

CCHOA Board

Attn Residents - Get your COVID-19 Amenities Waiver to use the amenities!

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