LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Board is working hard to finish 2018 projects so we don’t have carryover expenditures into 2019. We have many budget items that carry financial implications every year. In addition, there are areas where we see a need for improvements to our landscaping and amenities that became obvious to the team in 2018. Three such items have come to our attention and I will note them as follows:
- Our pool has had an increase in usage year over year and the filtration system has had a hard time keeping up. The Board voted at the Sept. meeting to replace the current system with a larger more efficient system which will cost us about 5K dollars. We could have done a major overhaul at 10K but decided to make this a 2 step replacement as we see what the results are for the new filtration system. The second step can come anytime down the road dependent on our pool usage and results.
- Our pine straw distribution has remained the same for quite a few years. We have noticed the bales of straw are becoming smaller but the price has remained the same. The Board has two choices facing it for 2019 increase the amount of straw per household or maybe go with a colored mulch. Replacing the straw initially with mulch is very costly, 60K, but after the initial cost, the year to year cost is basically the same. The Board has tabled this issue to be discussed at the October meeting.
- The basketball court is showing signs of age and will need a new paint job and some shoring up in areas where the ground is sliding or washing away.
As you can see we have some decisions to make going forward on keeping our community a favorite place to live.
Lastly, and I might add, disappointingly, we need to speak to the delinquencies that exist in our HOA. The Board has tried to be aggressive but yet understanding in these matters. We have tried to keep the cost of collections down by using a collection agency (GAR) instead of our legal team. But even with these measures, we have some homeowners who are about to reach 2 years in arrears. Normally, once the lawyers become involved we are close to beginning the process to foreclose. Our new POA rules allow the HOA to foreclose on these delinquent homes. That is a very costly measure for both parties, and if taken to a sheriff’s auction, the homeowner can be evicted from their home. We believe, and have been instructed by our legal team, it is the best way for an HOA to collect the monies owed at this point. Now I’m not naïve enough to believe those that owe us these amounts are going to read this and change. My purpose is to inform you of the decision making that goes on so when you see the legal costs rise in our budget expense you know what we are doing.
That’s enough comments from me. I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy to be living here in Centennial Commons! Until next time…
Thanks for reading,
Don Roach, President
LANDSCAPING
The last pruning of our shrubs should be done by the end of October. The 2nd dressing of pine straw will be done in December after the last leaf blowing effort.
Lawns: Growth season is over and our lawns will be cut every other week. Please remember to NOT MOW YOUR OWN FRONT LAWNS! That is part of our HOA Covenants and the responsibility of our Landscaping Company.
Decorations: Remember to put decorations in the pine straw. The covenants do not allow materials in the mowing areas. During mowing season, it is difficult to mow front lawns around an abundance of decorations.
Elections
The covenants allow one sign 2’ X 2’ to be placed in your yard (in the pine straw) 2 weeks prior to voting and must be removed immediately after the election.
The 2019 Year
We are looking for resident volunteers for committees for the 2019 Season. If you have a little extra time and would like to help, please email us at centennialcommoner@yahoo.com Also, if you would like to add your name to the ballot for the board, email Melodydaniel@cmacommunities.com
Legal
The board has decided to change our attorney firms. Effective November 1st, Winter, Capriola Zenner will be representing Centennial Commons in all matters that will be ongoing into 2019. We will be using our current attorney firm for small and non-litigious matters until their contract is up at the end of the year.
Clubhouse Rentals Issues
We find that when there are children present at clubhouse rentals or when using the amenities at the clubhouse they become bored and will entertain themselves either in the hallway or enter the fitness room when they are not of age. You the parent are responsible for their behavior. Please keep an eye on your children or your guests to make sure no one is injured or property is damaged. You the key holder will be held accountable.
Facebook Page
Our Facebook page is the best and fastest way to get immediate information regarding the subdivision, i.e.; looking for recommendations on home issues, posting events in the community, lost dogs, found dogs, and yes, even our recent bear sighting! If you have not already done so, please go to CCHOA in Acworth on Facebook and ask to join the group.
We need to remind homeowners that this page is not somewhere to post a personal grievance that you feel the board should handle. If you want the board to act on a complaint, make sure to send an email to centennialcommoner@yahoo.com. Your email will be forwarded to the proper person to handle.
(Make sure to take the time to read the conduct policy regarding all posts.)
Pool News
Pool season is closed.
The other way to get information is to join our email list. You are getting this because we have your email information and can send you important information quickly. If your neighbor doesn’t know why they are not getting this, it’s because the Secretary, Shirley Cox does not have their info. Tell them to drop her a line at shirleycchoa@gmail.com. And she will add you to our community email list.
In-Home Businesses
There are restrictions in our Covenants for running a business out of your home. Refer to Article 8.1 Residential Use for a detailed explanation.
Dog Feces
We have received many complaints regarding homeowners who walk their dogs and do not pick up after their dog. The residents have asked us to do something about this. As much as we agree that this is a very inconsiderate action, neither the board nor CMA has any recourse to this action without specific information. In order to notify CMA to issue a violation, we must have the dog owners name and/or address. Also, if possible, take a photo and include it with your request. Just a photo alone, with no other information, renders us helpless to pursue the homeowner. All names of those filing a complaint are kept completely confidential as we protect the privacy of our homeowners.
Homeowners must be present with any visitors using the amenities
If you or your family bring or allow visitors to use the HOA amenities some adult from your household must be with them continuously while they are using the amenities. We have had numerous occasions of visitors who are unaware of our rules and become offended when we tell them to follow the rules and procedures. Please help us with this issue.
New Game Day for the Ladies
Recently Elaine Drake set up a day once a month for the ladies to get together to chat and play games. The first one was June 28, and I heard it was fun and a success. Elaine normally posts the dates, times, and particulars on Facebook. Currently, there are no new dates for 2018. Watch the calendar for the next date.
Bunco 6:30 PM
Our next Bunco is November 10th. Please bring $5 to play and a dish to share and whatever type of refreshment you’d like to drink while playing. Bunco is a simple dice game and can be easily learned during
the playing of the game. Nov. 10 is the next scheduled date.
Tennis Court Usage
The tennis courts are made for playing tennis and pickleball. Any other activities can result in damage to the courts, nets, and fencing. Skateboarding and roller blades will result in damage to the surface.
Additionally, proper footwear is required to protect the surface and the user. The costs to maintain the courts are in the thousands and therefore we need to follow the procedures for playing at the courts. Please respect this amenity.
Thanks for reading,
Don Roach, President and the Board of Centennial Commons