Sparrow Pond
Condominium Newsletter
Summer 2009
Message from the President
Welcome to our newly elected board members, Penny Marquette, who is a new resident and former Bath Twp Fiscal Officer, and Dick Van Auken, long-time resident and frequent volunteer at Sparrow Pond. Many thanks also to former Board members, Yvonne Highley, who served as Treasurer the last two years and Harvey Simon, who was the president the last two years. We appreciate their volunteer time and efforts !
The new condo board will be examining our finances this year, seeking ways to contain expenses and still maintain the outstanding grounds and appearance of Sparrow Pond Condominiums.The major issue facing the board is the use of reserve funds to pay for the major siding project of the last two years.We will be seeking ways to stabilize our reserve funds. We will keep you informed in the Fall and Winter newsletters.
Routine maintenance includes:
· Painting of pool deck and potted flowers at pool.
· Concrete road repairs beginning July 14.
· Regular landscape maintenance which includes mowing, shrub trimming, fertilizing and replacement of dead shrubs. Mulching on a more limited basis this year due to finances.
A few reminders:
· Pool : The pool is for everyone’s enjoyment. Complete pool rules are located on pages 11 and 12 of our Rules and Regulation Handbook.
· The pool is for Permanent Residents and their guests.
· No pets are permitted.
· Clean up after use and return furniture to its original location.
· Take all personal belongings with you.
· Please respect the privacy of unit owners surrounding the pool by avoiding excessive noise and adhering to posted pool hours.
· Children and grandchildren should be very carefully supervised.
· Common areas: Please clean up after your pets.
· Pick up stray paper and trash on the lawn.
We will be checking on the pros and cons of a suggestion made at the Annual Meeting June 16, 2009
about the installation of heating cables on the roofs to help melt ice and reduce ice build-up.
· Enjoy the warm weather and our friendly condo neighbors.
YOUR CONDO BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS. MUTUAL RESPECT IS IMPERATIVE AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO RESOLVE ISSUES AND LIVE TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.
Your Sparrow Pond Board Members :
President: Beth Doney
Vice President: Kurt Weitendorf
Secretary: Leslie Abramson
Treasurer : Penny Marquette
Landscaping : Russ Haas
Social: Dick Van Auken
· CONDO BOARD- Meetings are held monthly.
The next meeting is Sunday, August 16 at 7:00 PM at 3599 Sparrow Pond Circle. Subsequent meetings will be the second Sunday of each month at the same address and time. Owners are encouraged to attend.
Mark your calendars for the Summer Social ! It is scheduled for Sunday August 2, 2009 at VanAuken’s and Barb O’Neill’s ( # 3588 and
# 3592). Reminders will be located at the mailboxes soon.
FYI
A recent article in the Plain Dealer
( Friday, July 10, 2009) titled
“Owners’ groups seeking ‘super liens’ for condos” explains that” the foreclosure crisis is threatening to hurt condominium owners who are up to date with their payments, as cash strapped owners and empty units drain thousands of dollars in fees intended for the upkeep of their communities. About 130 volunteers representing condo associations swarmed Capitol Square last week to push for a plan that would ease the financial burden that the associations suffer when members don’t pay up.”
“Currently, associations can attach liens to properties if the owners are delinquent in paying their fees…But owner associations in most states are low in the packing order when a property goes to foreclosure.The holders of the first mortgage typically get the first priority. At least 14 states have already enacted “super lien” laws that would ensure that up to six months of association fees are paid before all other liens are settled in a foreclosure”. Kaman and Cusimano, the attorney firm that represents Sparrow Pond and most other condominium assoctions in NE Ohio, is spear-heading this much needed effort. David Kaman”said federal law already limits super liens to six months of fees. The payouts would be relatively small, but are necessary to maintain the value of the bank’s own asset” and our budget! “Typically banks and other lenders have opposed such laws,claiming they increase the cost and complexity of lending.” Watch for more information regarding this issue in the news. It affects us all!