Letter from the
President
Could it be that springtime is almost here? If you’re like me, it’s none too soon. I imagine many of us will be making trips to the nursery to replace some of the plantings that were crushed and a general clean-up once the soggy soil dries up. If you notice things on our common property that are damaged or not quite right, let us know so we can address them.
As you begin your spring projects just a quick reminder to check to see if an AERC request is needed. This really only applies to the more major changes to your property such as changing the color of the outside of the house or installing a deck or shed, but if you’re unsure just drop us a note and we can let you know. Forms are located at the MWHOA website. Included in this newsletter is a reprint of the AERC guidelines for a reference as well.
Sincerely,
Michele Heffner
Spring is here and MWHOA will have a
spring bulk trash pick-up on April 10rd. This will be
a good opportunity to clean out your garage, basement or shed. Pick-up
time is 7 am, so place items out at the curb the evening before. As per
the contractor, the following items are excluded from this pick-up:
appliances (such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers), hazardous
materials, tires, and car batteries. Also no mattresses or box springs.
Meet Your 2010 Board:
President Michele Heffner
Vice President John Patton
Treasurer Donna Terry
Secretary Ron
Stehlin
At-Large Dudley Skinker
AERC Chair John Patton
2010 Board Meeting Schedule
April 20, May 18, Sep 14, Oct 12,
Nov 16 - Annual Meeting
In an effort to realign the MWHOA quarterly billings with the corresponding quarters, starting in 2011, the billing schedule will be moved up by one month. So for 1st quarter 2011, the assessment bill will go out in December 2010 and be due the first of January rather than the current schedule of the bill going out in January and being due in February. We appreciate your patience with this adjustment.
Feeding the Crows
Neighbors are reminded that our covenants require trash be put in containers with covers. The board has received several complaints about trash bags being placed out which has resulted in crows and other animals tearing into these bags and strewing trash around. We need everyone’s cooperation to address this problem.
Montgomery West Architectural and Environmental Guidelines.
(Developed August 2004 by the AERC)
Reference: MWHOA Convents
Article XI: Architectural and Environmental Standards
Article XII: Prohibited Uses and Nuisances
In accordance with the MWHOA Covenants the AERC establish the following guidelines:
Home color - homes (siding, roof) should be maintained in one of the original colors offered by the builders of the neighborhood (siding colors: light gray, white, beige/tan, pale green). Any change in color (including shutters and trim) must be approved in advance by the AERC using samples of the color desired. The official palette for shutters and trim in the McCormick Paints “Exterior Colour Collection” available from the AERC.
Driveways - Driveways should remain their original width unless approved by the AERC.
Satellite dish placements — Satellite dishes should be located to be as unobtrusive as possible. Dishes should not be visible from the front of the property, if signal can be achieved from the back or side.
Sheds — No metal sheds. Sheds should be the same color as the house. Only one shed per lot. Shed location and size should be in accordance with Montgomery County standards. Sheds should not exceed 144 sq. ft. and height of 9 ft. For townhomes, sheds should not exceed 64 sq.ft.
Vehicles — Should only be parked on driveways or in garages, no vehicles on side or back lots.
Fences — All Fences should be split rail and be properly maintained.
Noise - Hours of quiet should be respected per Montgomery County guidelines.
Trash and garbage containers should be properly secured to prevent spillage and should only be in public view the evening before and day of collection.
Common areas — No storage of personal items or equipment. No dumping of trash, yard waste, and trimmings.
Firewood should be stacked neatly in the backyard.
Trash and waste — No accumulation or storage of litter, lumber, scrap metals, refuse, bulk materials, waste, new or used building materials, nor trash of any kind is permitted on any lot.
Each property should be maintained to be attractive. (Lawns mowed, trees trimmed, house/decks properly maintained).
Noise: The
Police are frequently called out on noise complaints. Under County law,
"quiet hours" for weekdays
run from 9pm to 7 am, and on weekends from 9pm to 9 am.
During "quiet hours" the maximum decibel level is
55 dBA, which is the volume of sound needed to carry on an
ordinary conversation between two people 10
feet apart. The penalty for excessive noise during
"quiet hours" is $500 or $750 for a second offence. The
Police recommend that TV's and stereos be kept to
conversational levels, that owners do not use power tools
during "quiet hours,” that pet owners be diligent to
control dog barking, and that all residents make special
efforts to keep sound down during "quiet hours."
Complaints should be sent to the Department of Environmental
Protection at 240-777-7700.