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 Architectural Rendering of Proposed Ohio Border Fence Design

The design makes use of the existing columns and replicates them.  This produces an attractive fence while minimizing construction cost.  The wood fence is a high quality board-on-board design.  By eliminating the overgrown hedges and the associated maintenance and planting drought tolerant native ground cover in the space between the fence and the sidewalk, we will save both landscape maintenance costs and the expense of irrigation.  This will, over a period of time, help pay for a significant part of the project.  Update, as of January 2010:  Based on the bidding process that was recently completed, the cost of the original fence design is beyond what can be supported by the association's current budget.  The design was re-bid without the additional columns and with material specifications that allow for less expensive wooden fence construction.  We are currently examining the new bids and our budget to determine how to proceed.  The Ohio project was discussed in detail at the annual meeting on January 23 and it is evident that it is supported by our membership.  More updates will be posted soon, but we hope to start the project witihn about 60 days.

Financial Update

Many HOA budgets are being severely strained by uncollected dues as a result of unforeseen financial difficulties that have been experienced by association members.  Many associations have been impacted by a large number of foreclosed properties.  We're pleased to report that our finances are healthy.  During the past 2 years, we have focused on collecting unpaid membership dues and have taken action to collect large unpaid balances as necessary.  As a result, our overdue receivables are at a historic low and are much lower than comparable associations in the area.  As presented at the annual meeting, the association grew its assets by about 35% from year end 2008 to year end 2009.  In addition, accounts receivable were reduced by about 30% to their lowest point in the association's history.  Expenses for 2009 were significantly under budget.  If you are interested in detailed reports on the association's finances, contact Fitchwood Management to request the year end 2009 reports.  These are available to any member.

Dues Increases

For the first 12 years of its existence, the association did not increase membership dues.  During this period of time, annual inflation was about 2.5% as measured by the Consumer Price Index.  By the end of the period, the purchasing power of the dues collected had declined by 35% while almost all major maintenance items that had been created by the aging of the community had been deferred.  A dues increase was the only logical choice.  Our dues increases over the past few years have been moderate.  At 5% annually, they only marginally exceed the long-term inflation rate. 

Restore the Appearance of Green Metal Edging

Many homes in our community have old metal edging that has turned rusty and unattractive.  Replacing the edging with new green metal edging costs about $10 per foot if you do it  yourself, or about $20 per foot if you pay to have it done.  For about $15, you can purchase a paint that encapsulates the rust, prevents further deterioration and returns the edging to a new look.  It is called Hammerite Rust Cap and it is available at Elliott's Hardware for about $15 per quart.  A quart is enough to do all of the edging in most yards.  You brush it on and it takes a couple of hours to do all of the edging.  Use the dark green color.  It matches the original green color of the edging almost perfectly.

Neighbor Joe Brown Offers Lawn Service

Our neighbor, Joe Brown, offers professional lawn maintenance services, including weed control treatment.  Contact Joe at 972-571-6725 or joebrown1960@gmail.com.  Joe does a great job and can help with any landscaping or maintenance issues that you may have.

God's Green Earth - Commercial and Residential Lawn Services

Contact Tom True at ggelawns@yahoo.com or 972-658-0237.  God's Green Earth specializes in organic weed control and is highly recommended by our neighbors.

 Speedy Green Offers Discounted Services to Preston View HOA Members

Speedy Green is the HOA common area landscape contractor. They are pleased to offer the following services to the residents of Preston View: 

• Lawn Treatments for $35* per treatment (treatments include fertilizer/pre-emergent & weed control)
• Fire ant control $89* (1 treatment lasts approximately 1 year)