the timbers newsletter - hoa online resource · 2017-05-28 · the timbers december 2016 page 2...

The Timbers newsletter PUBLISHED BY THE TIMBERS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION I, INC. VOLUME 44; ISSUE 2 December 2016

What do I Get for My Assessment? Inside this issue:

Assessment 1

Letter from the President 2

HOA Comparison 3

2016 Accomplishments 4

More 2016 Accomplishments 5

Reminders & Notices 6

Winter Safety 7

Community Calendar 8

ASSOCIATION OFFICE HOURS

Monday : 10pm—6pm

Tuesday: 10am—6pm

Wednesday: 10am—6pm

Thursday: 10am—6pm

Friday: 10pm—6pm

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Timbers Management 303-690-1724 [email protected]

Accounting (Dale Conklin & Assoc.) 303-789-4008

Security (Citadel Security) 720-544-1049 (Regional Manager)

Aurora Police (non-emergency) 303-627-3100

Aurora Police Area Rep 303-627-3174

Aurora Animal Control 303-326-8288

Where does my assessment go? Why does the assessment go up every year? I don’t seem to be getting anything for my assessment, why do I bother to pay it? How does our assessment compare to other HOAs? If you have ever asked yourself, or your neighbor, any of these questions then you’re in luck because today you’ll get the answers. Where does it go? Your monthly assessment payment, combined with all of the other Timbers owners payments, provides for a very long list of services. If you were living in a single family home as opposed to a townhome community, you would most likely have a separate bill for most of these expenses. In 2017 the monthly assessment will be $310. When you break this down into its component parts, this is what you’ll be paying for: Maintenance $95.27 30.7% Water/Sewage: $87.21 28.1% Insurance: $31.90 10.3% Property Management: $21.64 7.0% Reserves (Savings): $23.83 7.7% Security: $11.87 3.8% Accounting & Legal: $9.20 3.0% Trash: $8.84 2.9% Pool: $7.85 2.5% Financial: $5.99 1.9% Utilities : $5.60 1.8% Misc Expenses: $0.43 0.1% Clubhouse Expenses: $0.38 0.1% Totals: $310 100% Why does it go up? Our assessment increased from $298 in 2016 to $310 in 2017. That’s an increase of just over 4%, or $12. A well run HOA has reserve funds to use for capital expenditures. Over the life of the community, the Timbers HOA did not allocate sufficient funds to reserves in order to make all required capital expenditures, such as the replacement of motor court asphalt, roofs, or the water mains. Over the past seven years, efforts have been made to improve our reserve

position so that we can replace aging infrastructure, and ultimately reduce operating expenses. Although special assessments could pay for critical infrastructure replacement, the board is doing everything possible to avoid putting such a burden on its members. Be certain to have a Special Assessment rider on your HO-6 insurance policy. That will help pay for certain special assessments that may be levied upon you. Why should I pay it? Our lawyers would tell you that the primary reason for paying your assessment is that as a result of living in a covenant controlled community, you have a legal obligation to do so and that if you choose not to, you will not be able to use the community amenities (2nd parking space, pool, etc..), could have your wages garnished, a lien placed on your home, or face foreclosure. Although this is true, the legal answer doesn’t really satisfy the question. There are a number of reasons in addition to the legal ones for why the assessments should be paid. Not paying has a negative impact on every member of the community. Due to lack of funds, certain maintenance projects must be deferred such as painting our homes or repairing the south pool. Even one owner not paying their assessment can have a serious impact over time. One way to look out for yourself is to help your neighbor. When everyone does that, everyone benefits. One way to ensure the Timbers remains a vibrant and financially solvent community is to pay your assessment. Ultimately, it’s in your best interest. How does it compare? Many HOAs in Aurora don’t include water/sewage in their rates — the homeowner is directly billed for that, so you’ll need to deduct $87.21, reducing the rate to $222.79. Now you can make a more accurate comparison to other HOAs. For further information about how the Timbers compares with other HOAs, see the article on page 3.

the Timbers December 2016

Letter from the President

Dear Homeowners & Residents,

This year has been quite eventful. It’s the kind of year in which

we have lots of endings and lots of beginnings.

We said, “Goodbye,” to our long-time Property Manager, Chris

Gelroth, who departed early in the year. Chris did wonderful

work for the Timbers and he is very much missed.

In July, Pete Beckley stepped down as President of the Timbers

HOA I, Inc to become the Vice-President. I, Peter Lund,

accepted the Board’s nomination for President.

We said, “Goodbye,” to David Bowser who served on the

Board from February 2014 to March 2016. Alicia Espiriti filled

the vacancy and brought her well reasoned and thoughtful

perspective to the Board. In September, Alicia sold her unit

and departed. Finally, we say “Hello,” to Linda Marks who has

served on several HOA Boards over the years, thus bringing a

wealth of experience and knowledge with her.

As a result of a dramatic improvement in Timbers property

values over a relatively short period of time, we have said,

“Goodbye,” to many long-time residents who have decided to

move on, and “Hello,” to many new neighbors.

Thank you for being a part of the Timbers community! Even

though we have had many changes, our association is a strong

one. We continue to improve our community and the assets

that we depend on to live a comfortable and engaging lifestyle!

Peter Lund

President,

Timbers Homeowners Association I, Inc.

The Timbers Newsletter is a publication of the Timbers

Homeowners Association I, Inc.

15088 E. Hampden Circle Aurora, Colorado 80014

Editor

Peter Lund

———————

Board of Directors

President—Peter Lund Vice-President—Pete Beckley

Treasurer—Casey Eslinger Secretary—Janelle Petrella

Kim Freeman Scott Clarizio Linda Marks

———————

Office Staff Debbie Asadoorian

Daniel Freeman

The Timbers Newsletter

Do you enjoy receiving the Timbers Newsletter? Is it of any value to you? Are there other items that you would like to see published in the newsletter? Do you have a suggestion for improvement or an article that you’d like to have published? Please feel free to provide your feedback, or your contribution, by sending an email to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

December 2016 the Timbers

Parking

Permits

If you do not have a parking permit, and you park inside a motor-court, you WILL be towed!

Each unit is guaranteed one parking permit.

A second parking permit is available to units that are current on their monthly assessments.

The fastest way to get a permit is to bring your vehicle to the clubhouse during office hours.

How does the Timbers compare?

The Timbers is a unique community. There is not a single one like it anywhere in Colorado. Yes, there are townhome communities in Aurora with similar services and amenities, but there isn’t a single community out there that has the exact mix of outdoor community space, construction style, population, services, and amenities enjoyed by residents of the Timbers. What was found during the research for this article is that there are several townhome communities that are similar enough to the Timbers to make a comparison, although none are exact. The closest match, the Shores, has very similar services and amenities to the Timbers. Back in 2011 they worked through their very own COPALUM solution after having been dropped by their insurance carrier for having aluminum wiring in half of their units. For those of you who might not be aware, the Timbers had similar major expenses during the same time period. It cost us approximately $380,000 to resolve. The chart below is broken up into three sections defined by the shading/color of the bars. The black bars represent HOA’s that offer minimal services, such as only trash pickup and nothing else. The grey bars represent HOA’s that offer basic services such as exterior maintenance, water & sewer, but no insurance or fewer amenities. The white bars represent townhome or condo communities that offer very similar services and amenities to the Timbers such as water, sewer, trash pickup, building insurance, exterior building maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and have a number of amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and walking trails. Based on this research, which includes HOA dues for 2016, the Timbers does not have either the highest ($325) or the lowest ($270) monthly dues of comparable HOA’s in the area. With $298, we appear to be right in the middle. An updated analysis based on 2017 numbers will be completed prior to the annual meeting in February.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Monthly Dues by HOA (2016)


with a very good product that will last. Additionally, valves were installed that isolated K court from the other adjacent courts.

Financial The Timbers enacted a policy to charge fees for status letters provided to real estate agents and mortgage lenders.

These are letters that answer many questions about the Timbers and are required whenever a new mortgage is being created. Previously, the Timbers provided these letters free of charge; however it is customary and expected to charge for them. Given the large number of new mortgages issued in the Timbers this year, it has provided us with a small windfall of about $10,000. The Board also authorized the collection of Working Capital whenever a home is sold. This is a single fee paid to the HOA equivalent to two months dues. These funds are put directly into the reserves and used specifically to fund capital projects, such as replacing damaged amenities, parking lot replacement, or roof replacement. This year we have collected approximately $25,000.

2016 Accomplishments

Water Mains

The single most urgent issue that we have been experiencing over the past few years has been the unexpected rupture of water mains throughout the Timbers. This year the Board made significant progress in reducing the chance of a water main break occurring by completely replacing all of the water lines in K court. Each water main break costs the Timbers approximately $15,000 to repair. If we have 10 breaks, that means we’ve spent about $150,000 just to get things back the way they were, with no real improvement. As a result, the Board decided to do two things: 1. Each time a water main breaks,

instead of just patching the pipe, an entire 20 foot section is to be replaced. This ensures that a repaired pipe doesn’t break again just a couple feet away.

2. Replace all of the water mains, at a time of our choosing, in one of the areas most prone to having breaks.

Although the K court installation took a bit longer than anticipated, the work was done well. Our contractors provided us

Roofing We are still working to resolve the roof claim from 2009. Given the numerous delays by our insurance company from that year, the Board elected to hire C3 Group, a public adjusting company, to navigate these complex and sordid waters. C3 operates on a contingency basis and will be compensated via a percentage of the recovered funds. We have reason to believe that this may actually come to a close sometime in the near future; however I am not naive enough to attempt to predict a finish date. Once the 2009 claim is finally settled, then the 2014 claim, which is dependent upon the 2009 claim, can be fully resolved. Once the 2009 and 2014 claims are settled, it will be possible to begin repairs / replacements to many of the most damaged roofs in our association. The Board knows that many of you have been waiting for action on this front. Some of you wish to install solar panels, others just want the assurance that your roof will not fail after a heavy snow. We are working diligently go achieve these goals as soon as possible.

Grounds

The asphalt sidewalk near the clubhouse was rebuilt, as the previous contractor failed to complete the job and left it in a less than ideal condition.

Snow removal was a very large issue earlier in the year as we had several large storms that socked us in for longer than anticipated. We work diligently to ensure that the walkways and motor courts are cleared for safe walking within the time required by the City of Aurora. On most days, that means sidewalks and roads need to be cleared within 24 hours of the storm ending. On some days, such as when a snow emergency is declared by the City of Aurora, that time is extended to 48

...instead of just

patching the pipe,

an entire 20 foot

section is to be

replaced.


hours.

As a reminder, if the city streets are not plowed and impassable, then it doesn’t do much good to complain that your motor court hasn’t been completely cleared. This can certainly be frustrating, but the last thing that you’d want to do during a powerful snow storm is drive out of a well plowed motor court and get stuck 10 feet into the street. On days like that, patience is required. Snow and ice require everyone to slow down and be careful.

And remember, when walking on snow and ice, Walk Like a Penguin (See pages 6-7 for details). It’s the best way to stay upright and not slip and fall.

Motor Courts

As a result of replacing the water lines in K court, all of the asphalt there was also replaced. K court is the only court in the Timbers that has had a complete regrading and replacement performed.

Other courts are still in poor shape. During the last year the Board has consulted several experts regarding asphalt maintenance, repair, and replacement. At this time we believe that it is too expensive to replace all of the asphalt in the Timbers; however it is not too expensive to perform proper repairs and set up a correct maintenance program.

Security

Our security staff has been working well with the Aurora Police Department, the Timbers staff, and residents to ensure that we continue to live in a safe and quiet community. There have been a few unpleasant issues throughout the year. Some of them were resolved quickly and others took more time.

Our security team has done a wonderful job; however they are a reactive force by their very nature. The best way to ensure that our community remains peaceful and enjoyable to live in is to be

courteous and respectful to both yourself and others.

Reserve Fund Allocations

Throughout 2016, we were able to contribute towards the following capital expenditure reserve accounts:

Roofs

Parking Lots

Pools

The purpose of the Reserve Funds is to ensure that the Timbers has enough cash on-hand to make large capital procurements. For example, the repair of the South Pool is estimated to be close to $50K. We have been saving up for that for the past six years. We’re almost ready to do the job!

For a full accounting of the reserve funds, please log into www.TimbersHOA.com. Under the Owner | Documents section, you can see the Timbers detailed financial documents. A username and password is required. If you do not have that information, contact the Timbers office for assistance.

Trash Service

Alpine Waste has done an excellent job

meeting the Timbers expectations.

We’re very pleased to have them as

partners in our operations.

You can get this newsletter, and other critical information from the Timbers website!

Visit www.TimbersHOA.com. Contact the Property Manager to obtain your

first-time login credentials. Remember—You must Log In to the website to access the content!


Community Reminders & Notices

2017 Annual Meeting Notice If you have not yet received your “2017 Annual Meeting Notice” packet in the mail, please email/call or come into the Timbers office for a copy ASAP! The packet contains a Proxy. The Proxy must be received no later than 12pm January 31, 2017. As a reminder, office hours are Monday—Friday, 10am—6pm. Monthly HOA Board Meetings The Board of Directors of the HOA meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. The purpose of this meeting is to allow members of the board, all of whom are volunteers, to conduct the business of the Association. This involves being informed of current events, reviewing budgets and expenditures, and ultimately making decisions regarding how to allocate the resources that are entrusted to the board to manage. This is a business meeting with a purpose. All members of the Timbers Homeowners Association are welcome, and encouraged to attend. Frequent attendance can result in having a better understanding of the issues being faced by our Association, and provide you insight regarding how those issues are handled. According to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA), “at an appropriate time determined by the board, but before the board votes on an issue under discussion, unit owners or their designated representatives shall be permitted to speak regarding that issue. The board may place reasonable time restrictions on persons speaking during the meeting. If more than one person desires to address an issue and there are opposing views, the board shall provide for a reasonable number of persons to speak on each side of the issue.” At the conclusion of the meeting, Open

Forum is held, where any member of the HOA may address the board or other members of the community about any topic they desire. Some members have questioned why Open Forum is not held at the beginning so that they could state their case and then leave without having to sit through the entire meeting. Open Forum is held at the end of the meeting to ensure that all old business is addressed prior to addressing any new business. It also affords those who attend the entire meeting to be more informed regarding the issues happening in their community. As always, if you have a question or a complaint, the Board of Directors is pleased to listen and will always help to resolve issues as best as it can. Frequently, problems can be resolved before bringing them to the board. The administrative staff is here to help support you. If you have problems that need to be resolved, please make your request known to them. The best way to do this is in writing via email; however we’re always willing to talk on the phone or in person.

Walk Like a Penguin I’m sure that some of you may have noticed that this is the time of year when snow falls from the sky, it warms up a little bit, the snow turns to slush, it drains to a low lying area, and then before it can completely disappear, it freezes solid again. Of course, it’s even worse on the north side of buildings where you might feel as if you have a small glacier growing right in front of you. Fortunately, this year we have not had large amounts of snow; however we must still be aware of our surroundings as we get further into the snowy season. The good news is that when snow falls, our crews diligently work to remove or reduce this walking hazard. Each morning the crew removes snow and ice build-up. In the most high risk

areas, such as the north sides of buildings and near handicapped parking spaces, they are chipping away ice and distributing sand or ice-melt salts. They’re working to be proactive so that the situation doesn’t get our of hand. These methods are very effective at keeping the area clear; however you still need to take personal responsibility for your own safety. Watch your step! Be aware of where you are walking. Being outside in Colorado in the winter is not the same as being at an indoor shopping mall. Here are some suggestions for keeping yourself upright:

Before you step somewhere, look at the ground to make certain that it is clear of snow and ice.

Wear shoes with a good tread capable of providing some grip.

Keep your balance and don’t carry heavy objects.

If your chosen path looks a bit too slippery, take an alternate route.

Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets. Not only does it raise your center of gravity, but If you do slip, it will be much harder to recover if your arms cannot move.

Walk like a penguin!

Holiday Decorating Contest It’s almost time! It’s certainly dark enough to light up your home! As a reminder, judging will take place between December 19th and 23rd. The First place winner will receive $100. Second and third place winners will receive $75 and $50 respectively. Winners will be notified in person and the results will be posted on the Timbers website.


Covenant Enforcement Committee The Timbers has re-formed the Covenant Enforcement Committee. Any member of the Timbers community who is in violation of the Declaration of Covenants will be notified to correct the violation. If the violation is not corrected within 10 days, a $50 fine will be assessed. If the violation is not resolved within the following ten days, a $100 fine will be assessed. All policies are available for review on the Timbers website.

Bible Study Group

A bible study group will meet on Tuesdays from 1 to 3pm.

Studies include material by Kay

Arthur, Beth Moore, James MacDonald and others.

I have the DVDs. You will need to

get the study book that goes with the teaching that we will want to do.

Please call Rita at:

303-549-6271

If I don't answer please leave me a message.

Insurance Coverage Although the Timbers Board of Directors has never levied a special assessment against its members, it is very possible that this could happen at some time in the future. One way to protect yourself from a huge financial burden is to ensure that you have an HO-6 insurance policy with a Special Assessment rider. This insurance product is designed to pay for special assessments arising from an emergent situation, such as the association’s deductible on roof replacements from a hail storm. Having a policy with this feature could save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expense.

The Timbers Homeowners Association I, Inc. A Non-Profit Corporation 15088 E. Hampden Circle Aurora, Colorado 80014

Community Calendar

January 12th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

February 9th - Annual Timbers Homeowners Meeting @ 7pm. Please come to the meeting, or provide your proxy to someone else who will be attending. You can obtain a proxy ballot from the Timbers office.

March 9th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

April 13th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

May 11th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

June 08th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

July 13th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm 15th - Annual Pool Party! From 11am to 3pm at the Clubhouse Pool

August 10th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

September 14th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

October 12th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

November 09th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm

December 14th - Board of Directors meeting @ 7pm 22nd - Christmas Light Decoration Judging

2017 ————————————————————

2018

HOA Rules and Regulations can be found at

www.TimbersHOA.com

Rent the Clubhouse for only $175 per day! Contact [email protected]

or (303) 790-1724 for more information