Several residents have inquired into Tree Tops participation in the Westchase community spring garage sale on May 1^st.    The board has agreed that this is a worthwhile community event.   We will be requesting that our gates be opened at 7am on May 1^st.   If you have any questions, please contact Diane at diane@montgomerypropertyservices.com.

April Newsletter Final Draft

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Some folks have reported issues with opening the newsletter file so the text is here as well.

Tree Tops Update – April 2010

Highlights from the Board Meeting held on 4/1/10

Compliance Committee

• Diane Miragliotta proposed formation of a compliance committee to take actions necessary to resolve violations of the covenants and deed restrictions.  This includes working with residents to resolve compliance issues and recommending to the board appropriate fines and other actions when voluntary correction cannot be obtained.   This topic was well received by all who attended the meeting and it is understood this committee is needed.
• The process for imposing fines is posted  on the Forum site under the Architectural topic.    
• The committee will be comprised of three residents who are not board members.
• If you are willing to serve on this committee please submit your name to Diane at diane@montgomerypropertyservices.com.   

Welcome Committee

Marcus Gibbs spoke about the Welcome Committee.   A new neighbor’s welcome package has been developed and are being delivered to new residents shortly after they move in.  The package includes:

• Instructions for accessing the Tree Tops Website and Forum,
• Information regarding the community email distribution list,
• Reminders of the deed restrictions and forms to request ARC approval for changes,
• Instructions and remotes for front gate access and a key to the pedestrian gate,
• Other helpful information and forms,
• A pedestrian gate key is also provided.

You can see the welcome package on the Forum site under the General tab or request a copy from Marcus Gibbs at marcusgibbs@tampabay.rr.com.  Marcus also has pedestrian gate keys.

The most recent new neighbors are:

Mani and Naveena Vindhya – 9630 TTL

Alonso and Sajal Alvarez – 9638 TTL

Dr. Joseph Skeens – 9919 TTL

William and Geraldine Edens – 9917 TTL

Capital Improvements

Three capital improvements are being considered and bids are being requested.  Details will be communicated to the community for comment prior to approval of the projects.

• Installation of a swing set in the playground area.
• Installation of covers over the existing equipment to provide shade to prevent super-heating of the equipment surfaces.
• Installation of an aluminum fence and landscaping along Montague Street north of the entry to the end of Tree Tops property.  This will require removal of the existing fence, bamboo and vegetation.
• ·

Update on the Dock

The following prepared statement from our attorney regarding the dock situation was read by the Board President.  

“During the period of time from the original vote, I have worked with both attorneys and Mr. Cuteri to mediate the issue with the dock.   While the mediation is still outstanding, and I am unable to disclose anything specific with regards to the mediation, the intent of the Board of Directors was to avoid litigation.    In the event that mediation, is unsuccessful the HOA has the ability to remove the dock from the Associations Common property under Article 7.6.2.    The Association has spent time, money and effort to resolve this matter in the best manner for the association.”  

After the statement was read, a discussion took place regarding a number or residents wanting a second vote to change the guidelines regarding docks to allow the Cuteri’s dock to comply.   Their position is that if all residents voted it would pass or at least settle the issue and they would work to get the residents to vote this time.  The board then agreed to allow the dock to be voted on one last time.   The board is currently working with a company to provide a secure web voting mechanism and details will be forthcoming very soon.   The voting process will allow several ways to cast your vote.   The board is hoping to have a decision next week from the company.   The voting will take place as follows:

o    A letter will be mailed to your house with a proxy statement, and an id and password to a secure web site and information regarding the dock.  You will be able to vote online, mail in your proxy, fax your proxy or drop off your proxy at Brian’s house.

o    If the vote again fails to pass the amendment, the board intends to once again reach out to Mr. and Mrs. Cuteri to resolve the issue through mediation.   This will be given a short period of time to come to completion. 

o    In the event the mediation is unsuccessful, as mentioned above the board with authorize the dock to be removed under Article 7.6.2.

o    Information will be posted on the bulletin board reminding residents to vote as well as weekly reminders through the web subscription service.

o    To pass the amendment 76 YES votes are needed to meet the two-thirds majority required in the by-laws.  All residents are asked to express their opinion on this issue by voting either YES or NO so the board and the Cuteri’s know the desires of the community.  Not voting leaves the question up for debate.

o    In addition to the dock, the board has been asked to place a proposed changed on the proxy to  to allow each resident to have one portable basketball court which can be left out at all times.

Submit Your Name for the Next Board of Directors

      In May the board will be expanding to 5 members, 3 representatives from the association and two from HBH.  The terms of the current board members will expire on 6/30 and a new election will take place.   If you are willing to serve on the board of directors for the next year please submit your name to Diane at diane@montgomerypropertyservices.com.   

Budget Meeting

The budget meeting will be held at the May board meeting.  The finance committee is currently gathering the information necessary for final budget preparation.  The Reserve Study is scheduled to begin on April 13th and the results will be included in the 2010-2011 budget.   A reminder that annual dues will be collected in June and be due by June 30^th.

New Reports on the Forum

The following reports are now posted in the on the Forum each month in the general section:

• Requests for ARC approval and the ARC’s decision
• Violations log, actions, and current status
• Bank Balance Report
• Reserve Balance Report
• Income and Expenses and Related Budget information

Playground Paver Issue

Pavers have been removed from playground parking lot several times.   We have fixed these once again. If you see anyone removing some of the pavers, these please let us know.   We cement in the ones we replaced to hopefully prevent reoccurrence.

Oak Tree Fertilization

Fertilization of the individual lot owner’s tree on the right-of-way as well as the remaining trees throughout the community has started.  Weed control will also be done at this time.   Liquid fertilizer has also been applied and the fertilization company will keep an eye on the trees to see if more maintenance is required.

Community Trash Pickup Day

• Neil Robberts would like to organize a trash pickup day.   Diane is looking into a community program where dumpsters could be brought into the neighborhood potentially on one of the free HBH lots.   Each homeowner would be able to throw items from their home into the bins.   In addition, we are reaching out to the association to ask if you would be willing to participate in a trash pickup day on common grounds.   If you are willing to help, please submit your name to  diane@montgomerypropertyservices.com.   

Community Events

• The Egg Hunt was a huge success.  40 kids participated and 600 eggs were quickly collected by the little ones who plotted out their strategy for collecting the most eggs.   Our next event will be a community BBQ which we are hopefully planning for May.  

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