Tuesday, January 4, 2011

STAY IN TOUCH - Join the Barnes Crossing Google Group

One of the most effective tools used recently in neighborhood HOA's and other groups has been the Google Group.  In keeping with the times and as a way to streamline communications amongst our friends and neighbors here in Barnes Crossing, we are pleased to announce the formation of the Barnes Crossing HOA Google Group.  Buy clicking the link you will be allowed to sign up and join the group and be kept in the loop as to what is happening within the neighborhood.  Additionally by sending an e-mail to Barnes-Crossing-HOA@googlegroups.com you can make others aware of what is going on within the neighborhood including reporting suspicious people, cars, activities etc., as well as making others aware when you either find something belonging to others or have one of our 4-legged friends wonder off.


This powerful tool is available exclusively to residents of Barnes Crossing.  Postings to the group will not be allowed to sell or solicit any items, and offensive or insulting comments and remarks will not be tolerated or permitted.


We encourage you to join today and "get in the loop" as to all that is going on within the 'hood.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Annual Meeting Update

Thank you to everyone who attended the annual meeting this year.  Here is a recap of what was discussed at the meeting and a follow-up on where we are now with some of the issues.


Communication - Many people complained that the lines of communications were confusing.  In an effort to streamline communication we deleted the barnescrossingneighborhood@gmail.com e-mail address.  All future communications will come from Ghertner.  If you are not signed up for e-mail updates from Ghertner please call their Homeowner Service Center at 615-277-0359 to request a security key code.  This will provide access to all the HOA documents including meeting minutes, and you will receive communication updates via e-mail.


Street Lights - The street lights are finally being installed.  Many of you have probably noticed that the installation process has begun and will hopefully be finished very soon!


Security - The board voted to hire a security company from the beginning of November to the December 31st on Monday through Friday from 9-3:30.  This decision was made to address recent security issues in the neighborhood and to help prevent holiday packages from being stolen from the door steps as many were last year.  After continued discussion and review of the financials, the board has voted to discontinue the security guard at the end of December.  Another idea discussed was to add a drive through gate at the entrance.  Neither of these options are feasible at this time without increasing the HOA dues by an additional $10-20 per month.


Stop Signs / Intersection - There were several complaints about people speeding through the intersection at the four way stop.  The board has voted to install speed bumps at the stop signs to help resolve this issue.  We would like to urge everyone to please drive the speed limit in the neighborhood and be sure to stop fully at the four way stop.  This is a busy intersection where people are walking to check their mail, walking their pets, etc.  We also have children in the neighborhood we need to watch out for.


Striping of Shaylin - Some homeowners complained of the parking situation on the new portion of Shaylin Loop.  We are unsure at this time when Ole South will pave this section, but it will likely be after they have built the remaining town homes.  In the meantime, the board has voted to paint parking lines versus hiring someone to do so in an effort to keep the cost down.  We welcome additional volunteers.  Please keep your eye out for flyers by the mailbox detailing the date and time this will occur as it will require everyone to move their cars and will be weather dependent.


White Van - There were several complaints of a white van that was parking in visitor parking.  That van has been removed and no longer be parked in Barnes Crossing.


The "Shooting" - Most everyone has heard about the shooting that occurred in the neighborhood.  We want to reassure everyone that this was a targeted isolated event.  These renters were evicted and have moved out since the event.


Fines - The question was asked about where the fines that are collected are reflected in the budget.  Luckily we do not have to collect many fines because most homeowners respond to the first warning letter when a violation occurred.  After the annual meeting the Board voted to track and record fines separately on the income statement; however, there will not be a dollar amount associated to the line item for fines since they are unpredictable and cannot be reasonable estimated.

HOA Dues Reminder

The board voted to increase the HOA fees to $90 per month as of January 1, 2011.  If you are currently using recurring payments through Smart Street to pay your fees, please be sure to go in and change the amount to $90 (this WILL NOT automatically change for you).  If you are on ACH bank draft through Ghertner & Company, this will be changed for you automatically.  As a reminder, HOA fees are due the first of the month.  Any fees received after the 15th on the month will be charged a late fee.

Do Your Part - Clean up after your pet.

People not cleaning up after their pets continues to be the number one complaint in the neighborhood.  We have placed dog poop stations all around the neighborhood to make cleaning up after your pet easy and convenient.  Please be respectful of everyone in the neighborhood and be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet.  There is an excellent document called "The Scoop on Poop" that gives a great explanation on why it is so important to pick up after your pet.  Please click to review the document here.

Landscaping

Before spring arrives, we would like to take the opportunity to remind you that according to the bylaws, prior written approval from the board must be obtained before making any landscaping improvements ro modifying any landscaping.  This includes planting flowers or other plants.


Thank you for your cooperation!

Who to Call

If you have any complaints or issues, please contact our management company, Ghertner & Company, at 615-277-0359 (during normal business hours) or e-mail our property manager at reggie.tullis@ghertner.com.  For after-hour emergencies, please call Ghertner & Company at 615-255-4736.

Holiday Decorations

Just a friendly reminder that according to the bylaws, all seasonal/holiday lighting and decor can only be displayed until January 10th.