Countrylane Woods Subdivision – Gascony Subdivision Association
Annual Meeting-November 02, 2011
Speakers & Officials in Attendance:
Alan Nissenbaum-Volunteer Trustee
Bob Ruck-Manchester Director Public Works
Bob Jaeger-Volunteer Trustee
Sue Allen-Missouri Representative
Mike Clement-Alderman Ward II
Marilyn Ottenad-Alderman Ward II
Dave Willson-Manchester Mayor
Gary Hoeferkamp-Realtor
Mark Chartrand-Gamma Tree
Subdivision Trees:
· Mark Chartrand of Gamma Tree spoke
· Weather trends show this winter will have heavy snow and ice
· Recommends removal of tree limbs close to home and driveway
· Gamma Tree will do tree trimming and removal with a 20% discount for those homes in the Countrylane Woods-Gascony Subdivision
Slide Presentation discussing:
· Sub-Division Facts
· Indentures
· 2011 Common Ground Management
· Grass Mowing
· Tree Maintenance
· New Trees
· La Bonne Pky
. Median Watering
· Tree Clean-up
· Landscaping
· End-cap Improvement
· Creeks/Bridges
· Improvement Ideas
· Possibilities
· Native Grasses Project is On-Hold
· Income & Expenses
· Liens Filed against Property
Follow-up Discussion
Mayor Willson
· Do not call the City of Manchester to file a lien against a homeowner. This should be done through City Village Tax Office
· The city has ordinances for barking dogs; Call Alderman Ottenad or Alderman Clement; Call Code Enforcement Officer Dave Fox; On weekends, call Code Enforcement Officer Gary Tetley (636-2271385 x111); Call the Manchester police (636-527-9200)
· Cars that are parked in driveways and blocking sidewalk. This is against the law (not ADA compliant); Call the Manchester police (636-527-9200)
· Veteran’s Memorial Service on November 11 at 11 AM-At the Veteran’s Memorial
· New Nordstrom’s Rack will be near the Eagle Bank Building
· Great Streets Initiative
· Deer Population
· Missouri Department of Conservation (DOC) stated; Manchester does not have a deer problem yet; Per the DOC, the deer situation is “localized”
· Schroeder Park has a new amphitheater
· Emergency Response Times in the City of Manchester: Police average - 1.5 minutes; EMS average - 4 minutes (the standard should be 8 minutes)
· Recent “Recycling Day” in Manchester where over eight truckloads of electrical items were collected and recycled
Questions posed at meeting:
Q: Resident noticed watering truck was getting water from fire hydrant in median
A: We had to purchase a “water permit” to allow the truck to obtain this water
Q: Assuming everyone paid their assessment, to date, we spent $50,000 of the $57,000. Can the residents have the $7,000 returned to them?
A: Countrylane Woods still has bills to pay, and there can always be “unanticipated” expenses (such as an ice storm bringing down trees in the medians, causing tree removal, etc.). [1]
Q: Resident unhappy regarding having to place “chipping debris” outdoors “the night before” it will be picked up.
A: Mr. Ruck and the Mayor explained this is not a “weekly” event, but rather occurs one or two times per year. Rules for weekly yard waste pick-up differ from “chipping”.
Q: What can be done about homes that are not being maintained in the sub-division? Residents expressed concern regarding a handful of homeowners who are not keeping up the exteriors of their homes. Issues such as rotting decks and fences, cleaning up debris in back yards, etc., were discussed.
A: Call the Code Enforcement Officer-Dave Fox or Gary Tetley, 636-227-1385 x111. Also, it is illegal to dump grass cuttings, leaves, and any other debris in our creeks (clean water act) and on the common ground.
Q: Homeowner’s property backs up to Indian Hill. Volunteers that portion of the sub-division for Native Grasses project
A: The Native Grasses project is on hold.[2]
Q: Resident saw neighbor sweeping his leaves into the street, so that the street sweeping truck would remove his leaves.
A: Street sweepers are documenting who is doing this. The documentation will be given to the Code Enforcement Officer. It is an ordinance violation to sweep your leaves into the street for removal.
Q: Will Manchester have a separate leaf-pick-up service?
A: No, it is very expensive to do this. Manchester already provides FREE yard waste pick-up, whereby other municipalities do not.
[1] Improvements to our neighborhood that go beyond maintenance are only possible when our financial status is ‘in the black’. Because we are currently financially healthy, improvements are being made.
[2] The trustees are receptive to residents willing to head up a neighborhood project of concern or interest to our subdivision. Project plans should be submitted to trustees for approval.
Annual Homeowner meeting - October 20, 2010
Nearly fifty people signed the attendance roster for the meeting. Attendees included our 92nd district state representative, Manchester’s mayor, acting police chief, public works representative and ward 2 aldermen. Following a visual presentation of trustee activity, subdivision finances, etc., the meeting featured a lengthy and informative presentation by a Missouri Department of Conservation representative. Various recommendations were discussed that could be beneficial, with a long-term focus on beautifying the subdivision in an environmentally- responsible manner. Substantial time and effort will be required to accomplish most effectively. The trustees mentioned subsequent homeowner meetings in the near future to focus on alternatives in greater detail.
Autumn 2007
Countrylane Woods
Gascony Subdivision
Homeowners Association Newsletter
From your Trustees
Robert, Alan, Donna and Bob
Volume 3, Issue I
Important date!
Annual General- Homeowners’ Association Mecting
November 28th, 2007 7pm Grand Glaize Library
Important notice on future newsletters.
Newsletters will be published on the Internet for easier communication. www.countrylanewoods.com under the Gascony heading
From the President:
This will be my last article. After 5 years as a trustee, I am retiring. Sally and I really felt good about being trustees and do believe that it is extremely important to participate. We came in with no expectations, no needs or experience. We learned a lot and met many of our neighbors. We are blessed to have 3 dedicated people currently serving as your trustees and they are doing a great job. Thanks to all who approved the rate increase in our annual assessments. This has allowed the trustees to ‘breathe easier’ and have a nice working balance to handle emergencies and safety concerns. Again, we urge you to participate, if not as a trustee, but a neighbor by informing the trustees of anything concerning common grounds and indenture infractions.
Robert Lopez, 1302 Mautenne Drive
Trees & Landscaping Report - Autumn, 2007
We are fortunate to live among such beautiful spaces here in Countrylane Woods. Our common grounds especially shine during autumn. We could wish for more rain, but that is out of our control. We homeowners can be helpful in sustaining the treasure of our natural wooded areas. Whenever you have an opportunity, please throw a bucket of water on the trees in the LaBonne median and anywhere else it may help beautify.
Please also don’t throw trash in the medians or common grounds. Thank you for your assistance. Our subdivision welsite: www.countrylanewoods.com/ (in the Gascony section,) is a great resource: there are newsletters, indentures, etc. there that may be helpful. If there is information you would like to have posted, please let the trustees know.
Alan Nissenbaum, 918 LaBonne Parkway
Treasurer’s Report - Autumn, 2007
This year was the first year for the recent increase in assessments for Country Lane Woods (Gascony Plats 1,2, and 3) and it has helped to keep us ahead of the costs of maintaining our beautiful subdivision.
In 2006 at year end our US Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations reported an income of $43,323.39 with expenses of $46,533.72, leaving a deficit of $3,210.33. This deficit was covered by a small carry over from the previous year. This allowed us to pay our bills that included a significant dollar cost for tree damage repair and removal from the ice storms of the 2006-2007 winter. Since the assessments are not due until the end of March each year, a small excess of funds is necessary to carry us over from one calendar year to the next and to deal with issues that arise in the first quarter of each year. The increased assessment was in the nick of time, since we would not have had such a carryover this year without the new assessment.
This year we are able to go into the winter season with a small excess remaining after paying the increased costs of mowing and trimming our fifteen acres of common ground and creek bed.
There are numerous other projects in the subdivision that have not been completed in recent years due to lack of funds. For example, repairs are needed on the subdivision monuments, light fixture repairs, tree removal on common ground, etc.
These and other issues including a detailed income and expense statement will be discussed at the annual Homeowners Association Meeting held in November.
Bob Jaeger, 837 Garonne Drive
Know Your Trustees:
Robert Lopez, President
1302 Mautenne Drive
636-230-9295
Email: Idontwant_com@yahoo.com
Bob Jaeger,
Treasurer
837 Garonne
636-225-3139
Email: jaegerrw@swbell.net
Alan Nissenbaum,
Common Grounds
918 LaBonne Parkway
636-225-9565
Email: jukebox@swbell.net
Donna Kepley,
Secretary
825 Garonne
636-225-8O84
Emall: dkepley@wustl.edu
_______________________________________________________________
Fall 2006 Newsletter
Maintaining Common Grounds Top Trustee Priority
Whether it’s early spring when acres of trees are blossoming, midsummer days with rolling green hills and open fields beckoning backyard barbeques, or the magnificent crimson and gold foliage that fall brings, the beauty of our common grounds reminds homeowners that Countrylane Woods is tucked into one of the last remaining natural settings in West County.
What does it take to maintain these scenic surroundings?
Removing & planting trees
Mowing the common grounds
Seeding & Broadleaf Control
LaBonne Pkwy median
Please take a moment to read the letter from our association president, Robert Lopez, regarding the status of our common grounds, the time and labor involved in caring for them and the funding necessary for this maintenance.
Dear Residents:
Finishing 2005 with approximately $5,000, we failed to do some of the goals we wanted to do. We could not predict the future weather and we needed to save the remaining funds for the first four months of 2006 in case we had tree damage, which could have depleted all funds. It is not easy trying to budget for tree removal costs. Every year is a little different. As the subdivision grows older, so do the trees and the older trees are unable to survive some of the storms that have visited us these past few years. Sally and I, this year alone, have already removed four dead trees from the median, which would have cost over $1,000 had we subcontracted the work out. You may have noticed there are at least four to five more trees needing removal. Again, Sally and I have also cut and removed trees throughout the subdivision ourselves trying to hold back costs. We have also brush hogged, pulled vines trying to save our trees and answered calls from our residents concerning unsightly areas within our subdivision. Just the brush hogging alone, Sally and I can estimate over 48 hours of labor. We do not mind in our annual walk-through of the common grounds to pick up trash, limbs and even cut back small branches so the mowers can continue cutting as close as possible to the edge of the tree lines. As trustees, we are volunteers and do not receive payment for any work performed. Considering the walk-through clean up, you can add on $2,000 to $3,000 that the subdivision should have paid a subcontractor to do. We do not mind doing some of these duties. We enjoy the beauty of the common grounds and know the beauty adds to our home values. However, we should not have to struggle at the end of the year with nickel and diming costs. We see the need to plant more trees along the median in the areas where the dead trees were. The open common grounds also have plenty of trees that need removal and replacement. While trees have been an increasing cost these past few years, lawn care costs have also increased slightly this year, and with the rising gas prices, we anticipate increases in the years to come. There are two safety issues along LaBonne Parkway that need to be addressed at the cost of $2,000 which we are afraid to spend, not knowing what our tree costs will be at the end of the year. Again, Sally and I have also cut and removed trees throughout the subdivision ourselves trying to hold back costs. We have also brush hogged, pulled vines trying to save our trees and answered calls from our residents concerning unsightly areas within our subdivision. Just the brush hogging alone, Sally and I can estimate over 48 hours of labor. We do not mind in our annual walk-through of the common grounds to pick up trash, limbs and even cut back small branches so the mowers can continue cutting as close as possible to the edge of the tree lines. As trustees, we are volunteers and do not receive payment for any work performed. Considering the walk-through clean up, you can add on $2,000 to $3,000 that the subdivision should have paid a subcontractor to do. We do not mind doing it.
La Bonne Parkway Repairs near Completion
Residents appreciate the new, smooth ride on LaBonne Parkway since its repaving earlier this year. The trustees are working with the city to complete the LaBonne median project.
Currently, the City of Manchester is repairing the end caps. Gravel has been removed and 6 inch curbing is now being installed. Once the curbs are installed, the area will be filled with dirt and grass seed. The boulders will be moved back in place.
The homeowners’ association has expressed it appreciation to the city for this overlay and curbing.
The trustees have also requested the City of Manchester to repair the curbing along LaBonne Parkway. The City Administrator has placed our request for the Board of Alderman to include this in their 2007 budget.
The Trustees strongly encourage homeowners to contact their aldermen to urge them to allow funds in 2007 for new curbing along the Parkway.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Check with CLW Assn’s Indentures regarding Building Restrictions.
Since Countrylane Woods became incorporated into the City of Manchester, many duties of the trustees regarding overseeing matters of development and maintenance have fallen under city ordinances. However, the Association continues to abide by established indentures for homeowner improvements.
Please contact a trustee for any plans you may have for fences, detached buildings, additions to buildings, swimming pools and other proposals to ensure the plans are in compliance with the subdivision indentures.
The Value of Common Grounds
A residential subdivision that has a lot of dedicated common ground has more appeal to it from a buyer’s viewpoint than a subdivision that does not.
Visually, the homes are not “on top of each other” and more spread out. The lot sizes appear larger and more spacious.
Physically, you have more area to use as a resident for your enjoyment and the upkeep is handled by the association. The cost, of course, is spread out evenly among the residents by annual assessments.
If the common areas are not kept up, the subdivision can quickly lose this built in appeal. I know of no other subdivision in the city of Manchester with as much common area as Gascony / Countrylane Woods. This does indeed add to the value of each of our homes!
Gary Hoeferkamp, Coldwell Banker Gundaker
Countrylane Woods resident
Important Contacts
Robert Lopez, Trustee
1302 Mautenne Drive
230-9295
idontwant_com@yahoo.com
Alan Nissenbaum, Trustee
918 LaBonne Parkway
225-9565
jukebox@swbell.net
Donna Kepley, Trustee
825 Garonne Drive
225-8084
dkepley@wustl.edu
Ward 1 Aldermen:
Bob Tullock
207-7313
bobtullockward1@earthlink.net
Janet Steinbrenner
527-2417
jsteinbrenner@charter.net
Ward 2 Aldermen:
Mike Clement
394-5862
mclement@mozaicltd.com
Marilyn L. Ottenad
256-3109
jottenad@swbell.net
Upcoming Events
HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
Two dates!
Informational Meeting:
Wednesday, November 1st
Main agenda is to discuss the need for a rate increase in annual assessments.
Annual Year End Meeting:
Wednesday, November 29th
Main agenda is to inform residents of the trustees activities for the year and to tally the votes for the assessment rate.
Both meetings will be held at the Grand Glaize Library at 7 pm in the large meeting room.
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.
FALL CHIPPING SERVICE
The City of Manchester will again provide the tree limb chipping service.
Ward 1 — week beginning Monday, October 2nd.
Ward 2— week beginning Monday, October 9th.
____________________________________________________________
Fall 2003 Newsletter
COUNTRYLANE WOODS/GASCONY PLATS
YOUR TRUSTEES ARE:
Stephen Reuter, President 227-6594
email: sreuter@moser.com
Doug Peters, Streets & Landscaping 391-9743 email: abtspeters@mac.com
Sally/Robert Lopez, Secretary/ Treasurer 230-9295 email: idontwant_com@yahoo.com
Directory/Newsletter Editor: Barb Reuter. Please send newsletter or directory items to: breuter@moser.com
IMPORTANT MANCHESTER INFO:
Board of Aldermen: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Court: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Website: www.ci.manchester.mo.us
ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS' GENERAL MEETING
WHEN: Wednesday, November 5, 2003, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Glaize Library Conference Room
The Trustees will lead the 2003 annual homeowners' general meeting at the Grand Glaize Library Conference Room on Wednesday, November 5, 2002 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Among the topics to be covered will be the Trustees' Annual Reports regarding ongoing maintenance of the common ground areas, projected costs for the next four years and expenses incurred in 2003.
The primary focus of the meeting will be the upcoming Special Assessment renewal. As most of you know, our Indentures make no provision, other than via special assessment, for raising annual assessments above the mandated $50 per year. However, as those indentures were written approximately 35 years ago, and we are blessed with over 30 acres of common ground area and the parkway, our basic mowing expenses alone far exceed a budget of $50 per year per household. In addition to mowing expenses, there is an ongoing need for tree removal as they age and die, erosion and weed control and repair of the parkway due to rutting.
The trustees have spent considerable time working on a projected budget to assess the financial needs for maintaining and improving the common ground areas for the next four years. Every homeowner will be receiving a letter the week of September 22 regarding the upcoming Special Assessment renewal. Please read the letter carefully. Also, please mark Nov. 5 on your calendar and plan to attend the General Meeting. A question and answer session will follow the Trustees' presentation. We have invited our aldermen, including Mike Clement, Ward 2 alderman and longtime resident/trustee of Countrylane Woods, to attend this meeting.
Countrylane Woods is one of the most scenic and attractive subdivisions in Manchester, particularly with regard to its green space and common ground. We must continue to maintain the necessary funds to meet the expenses incurred in keeping the subdivision looking its best. As rewriting our indentures would be a massive and cost-prohibitive undertaking, our only option is ongoing special assessments. Bear in mind that we are not increasing the special assessment amount above the $80 (in addition to the mandated $50, for a total of $130 per year) that it has been for the past four years. We are simply asking that the homeowners accept the Trustees' recommendation that we maintain that assessment for the next four years by voting to approve the special assessment.
______________________________________________________________
Winter 2003 Newsletter, 2002 Annual Reports
COUNTRYLANE WOODS/GASCONY PLATS
YOUR TRUSTEES ARE:
Mike Clement, OutgoingPresident 394-5862 email: mclement@aps.vertisinc.com
Stephen Reuter, Streets & Landscaping - Incoming President 227-6594 email: sreuter@moser.com
Doug Peters, Secretary/Treasurer - Incoming Streets & Landscaping 391-9743 email: petersdjabts@earthlink.net
Sally Lopez, Incoming Secretary/ Treasurer 230-9295 email: idontwant_com@yahoo.com
Directory/Newsletter Editor: Barb Reuter. Please send newsletter or directory items to: breuter@moser.com
IMPORTANT MANCHESTER INFO:
Board of Aldermen: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Court: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Website: www.ci.manchester.mo.us
SUBDIVISION DIRECTORY
The 2001 Subdivision Directory will be updated in 2003. Barb Reuter would like to be advised of any changes, additions, or deletions for the updated directory. If you are new to the subdivision, or have changes to your current listing, please let Barb know. It is very important to notify her if you do not wish to have your name and/or address and phone number listed in the 2003 directory; otherwise, all residents will be included. In the meantime, if you did not receive a 2001 directory and would like to have one, we have plenty of extras, so feel free to write Barb Reuter at breuter@moser.com, or call her at 636/227-6594.
Directory/Newsletter Advertisers Needed: As the directories and newsletters are relatively expensive to produce, we would like to cover as much of the cost as possible with paid advertising, rather than drawing from the assessment collections. If you have a business or service you would like to advertise, or know anyone who does, please contact Barb for a price list. Advertisers do not have to reside in Countrylane Woods. Our newsletters are produced two or three times per year and our directory is updated approximately every three years. This is a great way to get the word out about your business or service.
NEW TRUSTEES FOR 2003
Please welcome Sally Lopez as our incoming Secretary/Treasurer Trustee for 2003. She will be sharing Trustee duties with her husband, Robert Lopez. All of our Trustees depend on the assistance and cooperation of their spouses in performing the duties required of their respective positions. With the addition of Sally (and Robert) as Secretary/Treasurer, Doug Peters will move into the position of Streets and Landscaping Trustee, and Steve Reuter will become our new President Trustee for 2003. The transitioning of Trustees should be complete by April of this year.
Our thanks to Sally and Robert for their willingness to give of their time and talents for the benefit of the subdivision. Serving as Trustee is a worthy and rewarding commitment to our community, and is essential for insuring that the high standards for maintaining our subdivision currently in place are upheld.
Trustee Annual Reports for 2002
Attached to this Newsletter are the annual reports regarding the status of the subdivision for 2002. Included are the President's Report prepared by Mike Clement, Streets and Landscaping Report prepared by Steve Reuter, and Secretary/Treasurer's Report prepared by Doug Peters. If you have questions or comments regarding anything contained in those reports, please contact the appropriate Trustee.
ASSESSMENTS and SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR 2004-2008
City & Village Tax Office, the company with which the subdivision contracts to handle the assessment collection paperwork, should mail assessment notices out by the end of February. Payment of the 2003 assessments will then be due by the end of March.
Our current special assessment in the amount of $80, passed by a simple majority vote in 1999 and in effect for the years 2000 through 2003, will expire this year. Currently our annual assessments are $130 ($80 special assessment plus the $50 annual assessment mandated by our Indentures). The Trustees are currently assessing our budgetary needs. Late in the year, the Trustees will provide information about the approval process and recommendation for a new special assessment. Please read this material carefully and direct any questions you have to the Trustees at their numbers listed above.
NORTH ENTRANCE SIGN AND COMMON GROUND
At the General Subdivision Meeting held at Grand Glaize Library in November 2002, the Trustees opened up the floor to suggestions for how best to update and utilize the common ground and brick façade sign at Carman Road and LaBonne Parkway. Suggestions ranged from landscaping the existing sign, to tearing it down completely, planting trees, and erecting a new, more prominently positioned sign. The Trustees are interested in any input regarding what the residents of Countrylane Woods would like to see done with that area. Please call or email your thoughts to any of the Trustees.
MANCHESTER SANITARY SEWER LATERAL REPAIR PROGRAM
Did you know that you pay an annual fee for a lateral sewer repair program if there is a break or blockage beyond the main line from your home? There is a $500 charge at the time of application, but the City will then perform all repairs up to $6,000. Once the application is filled out and submitted to the City of Manchester, they will have a crew contact the homeowner to coordinate a time to come to the site and perform a camera inspection to determine the nature of the problem. Once the problem is determined (roots or actual break), the repairs should be completed within three days of the camera inspection, barring emergencies. If you would like more information, please call the Public Works Department at 227-1385, ext. 104.
KING GEORGE SANITARY SEWER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
We would like all homeowners, especially those living on Mautenne, east of LaBonne, to be aware that MSD is planning some work in the common ground just south of Mautenne and east of LaBonne, which will eventually lead to replacement of the sanitary sewers with larger pipes to better facilitate drainage. The Trustees recently met with Harvey Allen, an engineer with MSD, to review the plat map and MSD's plans for this area. Work is projected to begin Summer of 2003.
ACQUIRING PROPER PERMISSION/PERMITS
INSPECTIONS OF RENTAL PROPERTY
Anyone planning to build or modify ANY structure on their property, whether it be a home addition or fence, must get permission from the Trustees, whose numbers are listed above, as well as the City of Manchester. Please call Planning & Zoning at 227-1385, ext. 107, to obtain an application form.
YARD DEBRIS/PLANTING ON COMMON GROUND/
FIREPLACE LOGS FREE FOR TAKING ON COMMON GROUND
There is no need to dump yard clippings, limbs or trees on the common ground or in creek beds. The City of Manchester provides free yard waste pick-up on Wednesdays. Dumping on common ground is unsightly, limits our mowing service's access to all "A" and "B" areas, and encourages erosion of our creek beds by smothering and killing vegetation that anchors our creek beds. Please - don't do it.
PETS RUNNING LOOSE
The Trustees would like to remind everyone to keep pets on a leash when not confined to your yard or inside your home. This is an ongoing problem in our subdivision. Please be considerate of your neighbors by keeping your dog on a leash and picking up after it, and by keeping your cat inside. Cats running loose attack and kill birds, and are at high risk for being picked up or hit by cars. Signs seeking the whereabouts of missing cats are common throughout the subdivision. Most of the residents of Countrylane Woods are responsible pet owners, but some do allow their pets to run loose. To report a dog or cat running loose, call Animal Control at 314/726-6655, or report the situation to the police.
A serious dog attack occurred in the Fall of 2002 involving a pregnant woman walking on Pontoison, necessitating door-to-door canvassing by Manchester police in an effort to find the dog and its owner. Until the dog could be found and the status of its rabies shots ascertained, the health of this woman and her unborn child was at serious risk. This is a police matter, and they should be notified of all animal attacks so appropriate follow-up measures can be taken. Call Manchester Police at 227-1385 x108.
Walking Pets on Common Ground: We have received complaints of a problem concerning a woman who walks her dog alongside the fences of homes on Mont Dore Drive bordering the common ground area known as Indian Hill, encouraging dogs inside the fenced properties to bark, or jump into flowerbeds, in order to receive treats from her over the fence. Please be considerate and walk your dog well away from the easement line of the homes bordering common ground areas. It is difficult to train a dog not to bark, or to avoid certain areas in the yard (such as flowerbeds), when a dog walker bearing treats and encouragement is undermining that training.
COMMON COMPLAINTS AND VIOLATIONS
1. CHILDREN SLEDDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
With all the snow we have had this year, there have been frequent opportunities for sledding, and we are fortunate that our subdivision offers many areas of common ground on which to sled. However, we have received complaints from homeowners regarding sledders sliding through private property, knocking down fences, breaking landscape lighting, bird feeders, bushes and shrubbery. Please educate your children regarding proper sledding technique. Of course, accidents happen even with the best of intentions, so if you are made aware of property damage caused by your or your child's sledding mishaps, please take responsibility and work with the homeowner to repair or replace the damaged property.
2. SPEEDING VEHICLES
Speeding vehicles, especially down Mautenne and LaBonne Parkway, are an ongoing problem for homeowners living along those streets. Manchester police do patrol the subdivision for traffic violations. If you witness speeding or reckless vehicles, please take down the license plate numbers of vehicles seen speeding in the subdivision and call Manchester Police. They will follow up with the owner of the vehicles and take appropriate action. Chronic problems should be communicated to your Ward Aldermen for longer-term assistance.
3. GARBAGE AT THE CURB TOO EARLY
Manchester ordinance requires that garbage, yard waste and recycling not be placed on the curb any earlier than the night before pick-up, with all containers removed from the curbside no later than twelve hours after collection. Prior to collection, trash containers and refuse must be kept in a location that is not visible from the street unless contained within a garage or carport.
4. SIGNS ON THE MEDIAN
Placing campaign, for-sale or any other type of special event or advertising signage is not permitted on any of the common ground areas in Countrylane Woods, including the median along LaBonne. Signs advertising yard sales and open houses are permitted on common ground areas on the date of the event only. Any inappropriate signage will be removed. Anyone wishing to post campaign signs must do so on private property, with the owner's permission. Your Trustees will continue to post homeowner meeting notices in the median of LaBonne Parkway.
5. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
The Trustees have received numerous inquiries regarding the legality of commercial vehicles parked throughout the subdivision. As long as the vehicle is legally parked, i.e. legally licensed and in the garage, driveway or in front of the house of the owner of that vehicle, there is no violation upon which Trustees can take action.
6. FIREWORKS ON COMMON GROUND
Shooting fireworks within the City of Manchester is illegal. In addition to violating the law, those who shoot fireworks in our common ground areas pose a serious fire hazard, as the peak months for fireworks are some of the driest of the year. Anyone aware of fireworks going off in the subdivision should call the Manchester Police immediately.
TRUSTEE INTEREST
While the immediate need for a Trustee is filled for 2003, there is an urgent and ongoing need for residents interested in serving as Trustee for the subdivision each year. We have information regarding the duties and responsibilities of each office, and would be happy to sit down with anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming a Trustee and what that involves. We know volunteering for this role may be difficult, but it is a rewarding way to serve your community. Briefly, an incoming Trustee makes a three-year commitment to serve, first as Secretary/Treasurer, then as Streets & Landscaping, and, finally, as President.
The duties of the Secretary/Treasurer include taking minutes at the monthly meetings, paying the subdivision expenses, reconciling the checking account and City & Village Tax Office assessment collection statements, and preparing the yearly state and federal tax returns.
The duties of the Streets & Landscaping trustee include working with and overseeing the mowing service, addressing homeowner concerns regarding common ground areas, and monitoring, obtaining estimates and scheduling erosion repair and dead tree removal.
The duties of the President include preparing agendas for and presiding over the monthly meetings, and providing guidance and assistance to the new trustees.
Anyone interested in serving as Trustee is encouraged to call Steve Reuter at 636/227-6594.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION SECTION
Thanks, Mike!
With the transitioning of Trustees this Spring, after many years of service, Mike Clement will finally take his retirement as Trustee of Countrylane Woods. Mike has given tirelessly and selflessly of his time and energy to the subdivision over the years, consistently going above and beyond expectations to address issues and find solutions to problems put before him. His patience with, concern for, and commitment to Countrylane Woods and its residents is unparalleled. Although he will be missed at the monthly meetings, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a positive force in our subdivision.
Mike continues to serve as Alderman of Ward II of the City of Manchester and is active in organizing Trustees from surrounding subdivisions to meet, discuss and share solutions regarding areas of common interest, as well as challenges, faced by other subdivisions in Manchester.
Thanks, again, Mike, for all you have done, and continue to do, for the community in general, and Countrylane Woods Subdivision in particular.
If you would like to recognize a neighbor or resident of Countrylane Woods for making a positive contribution to the community, we would like to include them in this section. Please send information to Barb Reuter for inclusion in the upcoming Newsletter.
If you would like to volunteer your services in some way and need suggestions as to where your efforts are best utilized, please contact one of the Trustees.
ADVERTISING SECTION
Countrylane Woods Subdivision
Gascony Plats 1, 2, & 3
Manchester, MO 63021
2002 YEAR-END PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Dear Homeowners:
As in past years, your Trustees have ended the year with reports that review the concluding year. Besides this report, there are reports from your Streets and Landscaping Trustee, Steve Reuter, and a 2002 Financial Summary from your Secretary/ Treasurer, Doug Peters. This report will briefly examine the year from my perspective
As last year ended, Countrylane Woods neighbors, Robert and Sally Lopez, volunteered to serve as Trustees. So, I will be stepping down in April, serving a few more months in transition. As is the case with the work we do as Trustees, our spouses help us. Sally will be the Y2003 Secretary and Treasurer. Robert may be the more active trustee when the focus is on Streets and Landscaping in Y2004. I appreciate the Lopezs volunteering to serve the subdivision. Their phone numbers will be published in this letter.
I think the subdivision looked good during last year's growing season. At least, the lack of negative feedback from homeowners would tend to support that assumption. But, there can always be improvement, too. We continue to use Todd's Lawn Service. Please notify a trustee when a common ground area is missed during mowing. Without a call, we are not aware of lawn care failings.
The Trustees intended to have our large sign at Carman Road cleaned out and landscaped before spring of this year. Several comments made at the November Homeowner's meeting encouraged the Trustees to raze the sign and perhaps build a smaller one closer to LaBonne Parkway. In another part of this newsletter, we are seeking your feedback on this very issue. If you have thoughts/ideas about the sign, let us know. If you know of a nursery that you would recommend, please pass along the name and phone number. Also, if anyone is interested in helping to weed the sign through the spring and summer months, please contact me.
We are expecting MSD to be working in our subdivision this year. They have committed to putting in a larger waste sewer line from Mautenne and Labonne eastward. The bulk of their work will be on common ground, well behind homes along Mautenne Drive between Labonne Parkway and LaFeil. Several homes along LaBonne Parkway will have their front yards torn up briefly. Both homeowners have been briefed by MSD. MSD has been very considerate of our concerns by keeping us notified of their upcoming work.
Looking ahead, this year will be the final year in our four-year assessment cycle. In Y2003, the Trustees will be reviewing operating costs and will be presenting to the homeowners their proposal for a revised assessment for another four-year time period. There should be adequate information and communication prior to the approval process.
Mike Clement, Outgoing President
(636) 394-5862 mclement@aps.vertisinc.com
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