ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMINDER.

OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IS TOMORROW EVENING, WEDNESDAY APRIL 21, 6-30 PM AT THE CLUBHOUSE.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MEETING AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

IAIN HALL.

PRESIDENT- BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  ATTENTION

Please be aware that due to the excessive snow load and cold temperatures, you may experience some small roof leaks. This is a common issue that is happening throughout the township.

Our roofing company has assured us that this leakage is not due to poor workmanship, but rather to the extreme build up of snow, a very slow melt and blocked drains.

Due to snow and ice build up, it is currently too dangerous to have anyone try to remove the snow from the roof or unblock the drains.

The best that we can do is to hope for warmer weather, which may be here by this weekend.

Please alert Jim Brown of DeSouza Brown Management Company @ 717 566 8123 about roof leaks caused by the storm, so it can be properly documented. We appreciate your patience, as this is something that is out of our control.

Thank you!

The Board of Directors

Villas at Hershey Meadows

February 17, 2010

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1PM TODAY UNTIL 7PM WEDNESDAY EST

This upcoming storm is predicted to bring 6-12" of snow and high winds. These conditions may cause power outages. Please offer a helping hand to those that live alone or may need help for other reasons.

The teams removing the snow a will be working hard over the next few days to keep our roads and driveways clear. Already snow is piled high and the men will be using alternate sites to dump the snow. The first location that will most likely be used will be the slopes between 121 Peregrine and 127 Peregrine. The next site if things get really bad will be the parking area at the back of the development where the snow ploughs are parked.

The snow removal men are tired from the last storm, they worked from early evening, through the night and into the next day to keep snow levels manageable. They took short breaks and rested at the Clubhouse and back into the snow to take care of our development.

They’re standing by to go through it all again.

In the meantime your board of directors is working with the management company to keep things as co-coordinated as we possibly can.

Please watch out for each other.

Thank you.

The Board of Directors.

Villas at Hershey Meadows.

February 9, 2010

Goodbye Remarks

It is now time to say goodbye to two members of the Executive Board who have devotedly served the Homeowners’ Association for two years.  I am really saying farewell to two former presidents.

Unit Owners of The Villas at   REVISED   02/25/09                                     

Hershey Meadows Condominium Association

            Re:  Solicitation of Nominations for Executive Board

                    Annual Meeting April 15, 2009

Dear Unit Owners:

            The Annual meeting of the Homeowners Association of The Villas at Hershey Meadow for the purpose of electing new members to the Executive Board will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held at The Club at Hershey Meadows, 201 Osprey Lane.

            The Executive Board consists of five members.  Three members (Jean Kelley, Nancy Cake and Mike Strawins) will retire in 2009.  Continuing to serve on the board are Pat Sucec and Donna Haase. The three seats are open, and nominations to fill those seats are being solicited.

            I hope that owners with a background in accounting, business management and planning, service on committees and boards will give this opportunity serious consideration. These skills are very important if we are to work effectively with the Property Management and represent the owners well.

            If you are interested in running for Executive Board election, please submit your name and a brief biographical sketch in writing to Robbin Roth at 201 Osprey Lane, Hummelstown, Pa 17036.  You may also drop off the information at Robbin’s office at The Club.  The deadline for receiving nominations for the Board is 5:00 p.m. on Monday March 23, 2009.

Two weeks (14 calendar days) before the April 15 meeting, all Association Members (unit Owners) will receive a ballot and slate of candidates that will include biographical information submitted by each.  While all members of the Association are encouraged to attend the April 15 meeting, you can submit your vote by proxy (i.e. sending it to Robbin Roth), who will turn it over to the Board Secretary, who will assure that your vote is counted in the election.

            Nominations will close on March 23rd at 5:00 p.m.  There will be no nominations from the floor.

.

Sincerely,

                                Mike Strawins

                                                                                   President,

Executive Board

 Landscaping  Information

     In response to the many inquiries we receive about the contracted services with Bailey, we are providing the following information:

                        Schedule of Maintenance Services for FY 2008

Lawn:

1.    Mow/trim                                                                        weekly

2.    Power edge curbs & sidewalks                                       biweekly

3.    Fertilize (3 applications)                                               spring/summer/fall

4.    Crabgrass pre-emergence                                            spring

5.    Crabgrass post-emergence                                          summer

6.    Broadleaf herbicide (2 applications)                               summer/fall

7.    Leaf removal                                                                   fall as needed

8.    Cleanup debris                                                               biweekly

Beds, shrubs and trees

1.    Edge and tanbark                                                                    spring

2.    Apply pre-emergence                                                     spring

3.    Fertilize (2 applications)                                                 spring/summer

4.    Leaf removal                                                                  as needed

5.    Trim/prune                                                                     as needed

6.    Insecticide/fungicide                                                      as needed

7.    Weed beds & tree rings, spray weeds                           bimonthly

8.    Maintain perennials (spay/weed/etc.)                            as needed

9.    Liquid fertilize                                                                 summer

Annuals & pansies

1.    Install annuals                                                              early summer

2.    Maintain annuals                                                          as needed

3.    Spray insecticide/fungicide                                          as needed

4.    Liquid fertilize                                                               summer

5.    Remove annuals                                                          end of growing season

6.    Install pansies                                                              fall

7.    Remove pansies                                                          spring

8.    Maintain pansies                                                          as needed

Maintenance & site custodial

1.    Spray non-selective herbicide on all curbs and blacktop areas as needed.

2.    Cleanup debris.

3.    Leaf removal in fall.

We had a great time on our cruise. We had 16 people from the Hershey, Hummelstown area with us on the cruise.

We sailed out of Ft Lauderdale Florida on January the 16th for our 14 day cruise. We cruised with Princess Cruise Lines on the Grand Princess, a beautiful ship that accommodates 2,600 passengers. You don't get a sense that 2,600 passengers are on board because of the layout of the ship.

The food and service was fantastic and everyone enjoyed the cruise. On the outside pool area of the ship they had a large movie screen ( approximately 12 x 24) and every evening  at 8 & 10:30 you could relax on chase lounges and watch movies.

I would recommend Princess Cruise Line for anyone who wants a great cruise. Three of the islands we visited, Curacao, Aruba and St Thomas are favorite destinations for Nancy and I. I'm going to attach two photos one of the ship and the other, the island of Curacao.

Phil

AN OPEN LETTER TO CIVIC MINDED RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAS AT HERSHEY MEADOWS 

Fellow Residents,

My term on the Villas’ Executive Board will end on April 15, 2009.  I am not going to seek another term, it is time for others to step forward and assume leadership roles.  The nomination period for the annual elections closed Monday, March 23 with NO nominations submitted!  There are three definite openings on the board, with a fourth possible.  To say I am disappointed with the lack of nominees is a major understatement. 

In order to fill the soon to be vacant positions, the Executive Board decided to re-open the nomination process.  Nominations can be filed with the Property Manager up to 5PM, April 6, 2009.  If no nominations are filed, or less than three are filed, then nominations will be accepted from the floor at the annual meeting.  What happens if no one (or less than three people) is nominated?  I do not have the answer!  Our by-laws and declarations do not address such a scenario—I guess such an event was thought to be impossible.

I have received enough phone calls and e-mails during the past year from Villas’ residents to know that many of you are concerned.  This board, and myself, have attempted to respond to each of those communiqués in a timely fashion.  While not all of our answers pleased all of the people we did respond.  Now what is needed is for those concerned residents to respond, take the next step and fill our leadership positions.  It is very rarely a good thing to have the same people to be in power over long periods, it breeds apathy among the rest of the group.  Once the majority of our residents stop caring about our community then the over all “health” of the community begins to disintegrate.

Respectfully,

Mike Strawins

President of the Villas Association

HELLO TO ALL 

I am looking forward to serving the Villas Association and all of the Villas residents during the next “Villas” year.  While I cannot promise that all of our problems and issues will be resolved but I do assure you that I will listen with an open mind.  I will not guarantee that everything people want, they will get.  Some decisions may not make everyone happy, but I pledge to everyone that the process used to make those decisions will be one that anyone can review.  In order to maintain and improve the quality of life for all Villas residents, we must communicate.  To that end, I am available to all of the Villas residents via e-mail (mjskls34@yahoo.com) and/or the phone (566-6396).  I will respond to all inquiries and comments in a prompt fashion. I and the other members of the Executive Board are committed to serving the Villas and, to that end, we will be as honest and open (as possible) in performing our duties.

One personal note, my wife and I will be going on vacation in May.  I will be checking my e-mail but not my phone messages so if you need a quick response, contact one of the other board members.  All members are listed on the Villas website.

Annual Meeting of Owners

The Villas at Hershey Meadows

Wednesday – April 16, 2008

   Present:

Board Members:                    Gerard Trageser – Vice President; Keith Li – Treasurer;

                                                Jean Kelley – Secretary; Nancy Cake – Member at Large;

                                                Michael Strawins (appointed to replace Thomas Daunton)

Legal Counsel:                       Steve Dzuranin, Esq.                

DeSouza Brown Property

Management Company:        Robbin Roth, Jennifer Nicrone, Michelle Stevenson,   

and Jim Brown  

Homeowners:                         Mary Borgersen, Paul Bower, Frederico Bueno, Ethel

                                                Campbell, Claude & Donna Dencler, James Dengler,

                                                Judi Glenn, Patricia Groh, Donna Haase, Iain Hall,

                                                Andrew Hoover,  Linda Knestrick, Shari Huffman,

                                                 Roberta & Austin Kraft, Ann McCann,

                                                John & Mary Lou McElwee, Gregory Newman,

                                                Raul Perez, Janet & David Ritter, Gary Souders,

                                                Sandra Stoner, Debbie & Patrick Sucec, John Thomas,

                                                Vivian Trageser, Eric Vitale, Mildred & Delenor Watts,

                                                and Joseph Wiedeman.

The meeting was called to order by Vice President, Gerard Trageser at 7:05pm.  He introduced the four members of the DeSouza Brown Property Management Company who were present (Robbin Roth, Jennifer Nicrone, Michelle Stevenson and Jim Brown).

At this point Attorney Steve Dzuranin informed those present that we did not have a quorum.  There were 26 owners present plus 5 Executive Board Members and 13 ballots had been received for a total of 44 out of 124 homeowners, which represented only 35%.  The by-laws state that we need 51% of homeowners (or 64 units) to establish a quorum.

Attorney Dzuranin proceeded to give several remedies for this situation.  The first was each and every homeowner on the ballot for election to the Executive Board would have to agree to proceeding without a quorum and accept the outcome as official.  At this point one of the homeowners on the ballot did so object – Iain Hall.

The next option was to reschedule the annual meeting for another date.  At this rescheduled meeting it would not be necessary to establish a quorum.  We would not have to revote and could keep the votes we had already collected.  The attorney would return to attend this meeting at his hourly rate of $225.00.

Another option, not recommended by Attorney Dzuranin, was to adjourn the annual meeting for five minutes and reconvene with the new meeting with no quorum necessary.

In the future, we could change the by-laws with respect to the percentage needed to establish a quorum but it would require a 2/3 vote to change the by-laws. 

After careful consideration and weighing all of the options, all the members present who were on the ballot for election to the Executive Board did not object to proceeding without a quorum, however, this is not intended to set a precedent for the future.  (It should be noted that Sandra Hennigan was not in attendance.)

Minutes:

So, the annual meeting began with the review of last year’s minutes.  Jack McElwee made a motion to accept those minutes; Vivian Trageser seconded; and they were unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Keith Li, brought attention to the Fiscal Year Audit.  He stated that it would have to be redone because of one change and would be available in a couple of weeks.  He explained that the Villas account almost broke even (actual and projected in 2007) and then presented the 2008 budget.  Keith suggested that taxes for the Villas be taken from the Reserve Account.  He explained that we deposit $3800 per month in the reserve account and that the interest on this account is taxable.  To date we have been paying those taxes from the general operating account.  Keith suggested that in the future we use the funds from the Reserve to pay those taxes.

A discussion ensued concerning the driveway resealing.  The Board chose not to do it in 2007 in order to use those funds to cover the deficit in snow removal.  In 2008, we are still collecting the additional $5.00 but it is erroneously located in the snow removal expense line.  The driveway sealing project is scheduled to be done in 2008; in 2009 the $5.00 will no longer be needed nor collected.

Keith reported that we currently have $136,921 in the Reserve Account and the ending balance in our operating fund is $26,639.  There are two assessments in the arrears that amount to approximately $2,000.  There was a check in transit which was deposited in the reserve in February due to problems with the transition of office staff at DSB.  David Ritter stated that according to his calculations there should be $143,000 in the Reserve account to date.

Patricia Groh understood we could obtain a lien on delinquents by paying $5 to record the transaction at our local Town Hall.  In reply, Attorney Dzuranin explained that there was an automatic lien on the property of delinquents because they could not obtain a “resale certificate” without paying off their delinquency.  VP, Trageser explained that the Board has a system of calling delinquent homeowners to determine the problem and to remind them of their obligation.

Patricia Groh injected the issue of landscaping.  She noted that Baileys Landscaping spent 3 hours 22 minutes on this site in March and had not appeared yet in April.  She wished to take a look at Bailey’s contract.  Another issue was they blew the gravel into the street but never came back to clean it up.  Jerry suggested we come back to this later in the meeting.

President Thomas Daunton’s Resignation:

Jerry talked about the resignation of the Board’s President, Thomas Daunton and the subsequent appointment of his replacement, Michael Strawins.  Originally, Tom had submitted his resignation effective April 16, 2008 so there would be three (3) Board Members elected instead of two (2).  After reviewing the By-laws, it was found that it was the Board’s responsibility to appoint a replacement for a resigning member.  So, Tom amended his resignation date to be effective immediately and the Board appointed Michael Strawins to serve the remainder to Tom’s term.

Annual Report to the Owners:

v     Project Ground Force spent many months of time and came up with a plan that a majority of owners found to be too expensive so they turned it down.  The Master Plan has been used by some homeowners, at their own expense, to plant trees.

v     The status of lawns was debated by the Executive Board.  Some believed the Builder defaulted but we did not possess sufficient documentation to prove this.  It was decided it would not be prudent to proceed with litigation.  Homeowners can grow grass on the property adjacent to them at their own expense.

v     The Landscape Maintenance Schedule is published on the web and in the newsletter.  As an example of Bailey’s cooperation, an evergreen died that was beyond the warranty period and Baileys replaced it at no cost.

v     There were 23 crumbling sidewalks in the Villas.  DeSouza Brown backed up the Board on the matter with Richmar Builders and Richmar replaced all of those sidewalks at their expense.

v     Jim Knestrick compiled a “Quick Reference Guide to Use Restrictions and Covenants” for the Villas at Hershey Meadows; it is published the Villas website.

v     Jack McElwee has created a Villas of Hershey Meadows website which is updated on a daily basis and is available for homeowners who have computer access.  It includes a blog where Villas homeowners can make comments and begin a dialogue with other homeowners.  Those who have not already done so should register their e-mail addresses here tonight.

v     We have lost two Committees – The Social Committee and the Communication Committee.  Mildred Watts put in blood, sweat and tears for the Social Committee but due to an insufficient amount of attendance at planned events, the committee folded.  There were seven members of the Communication Committee but three of them resigned.  Gregg Newman sold ads; Donna Haase was an excellent proofreader; Delenor Watts chaired the committee; Michelle Fogle funded the project; and Jack & Mary Lou McElwee published and copied the newsletter.  Now the Villas Voice Newsletter, originally started by Jim Knestrick, will no longer be published.  Although we have a website, Jerry wonders if electronic media can replace print.

v     We have a problem of tracking resale and new owners.  We need a system to obtain regular information.  Nancy Cake has been attempting to form a Welcoming Committee but has been unable to secure any volunteers.  Jan Ritter proposed that the information be collected from the check of the new owner.  Robbin Roth (DSB) replied that they receive checks and do not know where they go.  If there are any suggestions, please e-mail them to Jerry Trageser.

Election of New Board Members:

Jerry invited the candidates to come forward.  The audience was invited to ask questions of each of them. An essence of the Q & A session follows.

Question: 

Patricia Groh – The condition of the pond is of concern.  Baileys Landscaping is beginning to dump in the wetlands.  They are standing around smoking, etc.  Who can oversee them?

Answers:

            David Ritter – I would.

            Iain Hall – In a heartbeat; in the past, has pulled a basket out of the pond.

Question:

Vivian Trageser – What is the positive thing each of you are going to do to build up a sense of community?

Answers:

Donna Haase – “Movie Lady,” former Nurse Educator, would take a survey to find out why they are not coming and what they would like to see; as a retiree, will walk around and find out.

Iain Hall – Utilize township model--four meetings per year; walking and talking; getting involved like he did on Earth Day--send out e-mail and people show up.

Pat Sucec – Do not have a good answer to that other than a negative gets their attention.

David Ritter – Communication is key; will answer a question when asked; will have a clear and consistent process; decision documented and kept in a log; and finally ask people to be involved.

Question: 

Jack McElwee – Answer “Yes” or “No,” if possible and “Why.”  Should we change the management company?

Answers:

Iain Hall – We need to determine what we expect of them; we get what we pay for; not opposed.

Donna Haase – Methodically and rationally, we have to sit down and look.

Pat Sucec – Not in favor because where he works this happened and they paid more with the new company; need to work to improve relationship.

David Ritter – Having clear expectations and holding parties responsible.

Question:

Debbie Sucec – Donna, do you find being off in the daytime, that there are a lot of people around?

Answer:

            Donna Haase – No, it is quiet.

At this point, Attorney Steve Dzuranin, Nancy Cake, and Delenor Watts went to count the ballots.

New Business:

Jack McElwee initiated a discussion on the Executive Board’s decision to no longer put the monthly Board minutes with attachments of financial reports on the website.

Keith spoke about privacy issues—bids, delinquent accounts.  Jerry said he believes in transparency but worries about the communication of sensitive issues.  The minutes are available in the office for homeowner review and the office is open on Saturday.

David brought to our attention Article XXI, Section 2, b & c of the by-laws which state, “b.  No member shall have any right to inspect any files maintained by the Association for any Unit other than the Member’s Unit……” and “c.  No member shall have any right to inspect any confidential records or documents, nor any correspondence, legal opinions, documents or memoranda given to, or prepared for, the Board by the Association’ s attorneys……”.  David explained that people work and cannot get here in normal operating hours.  Jack suggested we draft the minutes differently, make two copies of minutes, or simply black out sensitive areas.  Andrew Hoover commented on the issue. 

Jack made a motion to publish the minutes and their attachments on the website; Iain seconded.  David reminded the audience that this was a legal meeting and that there was a motion on the floor.  Patrick advised that in order to overturn a Board decision, there needed to be a 2/3 vote of all homeowners.

Jan asked if it was correct that the five Board members made the decision.  The answer was “yes.”  She then asked if the new Board could decide otherwise.  The answer again was “yes.”

It was then decided to change from a motion to a recommendation for the new Board.  A show of hands indicated that a majority of those present were in favor of having the Executive Board minutes and financials available to them via the Villas website. 

Raul Perez asked a question about a depression in his driveway (sinkhole).  Jerry replied that the Board had voted to monitor it at the last meeting.  It may have to be repaired prior to the driveway sealing project.

Before the election results were announced, Jean thanked the departing Board members, Keith Li and Gerard Trageser for their service and presented them with a certificate of appreciation from the Villas community.  (Attached are those remarks.)

The election results were as follows:

Candidate                   Votes

          *Donna Haase                  23

Iain Hall                          16

Sandra Hennigan            13

David Ritter                    15

                      *Patrick Sucec                 19

                        TOTAL                         86

It was reported that there was one unsigned ballot which was invalidated but it would not have changed the results.  Therefore, Donna Haase and Patrick Sucec having the two highest numbers of votes were welcomed to the Executive Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kelley,

Executive Board Secretary (2007)

Time To Get Your Flu Shot

       When most of us think of fall, we think of cool crisp air, pumpkins, and the beauty of changing leaves.  Flu shots are not the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be something to consider, especially if you are over 65.  According to the PA Department of Aging, each year an estimated 36,000 individuals die from influenza-related illnesses and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized nationwide. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons over the age of 65 and individuals of any age who have chronic medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza.

      With record supplies of influenza vaccine expected to be available this season, state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson urged Pennsylvanians – especially those in high-risk groups – to protect themselves against illness by getting a flu shot. “The flu is still a very serious illness, especially for older Pennsylvanians, children and individuals with certain medical conditions,” explained Dr. Johnson. “Based on reports from manufacturers, more than 132 million doses of flu vaccine will be available this season in the United States. There will be plenty of vaccine, so Pennsylvanians should talk to their doctor about getting a flu shot.”

Who should get a flu shot? 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the influenza vaccine is recommended for:

- All children 6-59 months of age

            - People over 50 years of age regardless of their medical history

            - Residents of long-term care facilities

- People with underlying health conditions such as heart, respiratory, metabolic,          and immune system problems

- People with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy or seizure disorders) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems

- People with a weakened immune system such as: HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment of steroids, and cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

- People 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment

- Women who will be pregnant anytime during the influenza season

- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-59 months of age

- Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else in close contacts with any of these groups at risk for influenza

- Anyone wishing to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill from influenza

When should you get a flu shot?

  Since the flu season typically runs from October to February in any given year, you should receive the flu shot as soon as it becomes available.

Where can I get the flu shot?

     Various flu shot clinic locations and hours were posted on the website in October.  If you were not able to get your flu shot in October, you may check with the following:

- Department of Aging – 780-6191

- The PA Flu Shot Clinic Finder at www.dsf.health.state.pa.us

- Your family physician

Other helpful websites and phone numbers:

Centers for Disease Control - www.cdc.gov

American Lung Association - www.findaflushot.com or (800) LUNG-USA

PA Department of Aging - www.dsf.health.state.pa.us

PA Department of Health – 1-877-724-3258

National Immunization Program Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  - (800) 232-2522

     I hope the flu bug stays far away from you and those you love.  Getting your flu shot is the most important preventive measure (besides washing your hands) you can take to help prevent the flu bug from visiting your home.

Donna Haase, MS, RN

Disclaimer:

   This article was written by a member of the Communications Committee and should not be used as medical advice.  Please consult your physician before receiving any type of medical treatment.

October marks the sixth month that your current board has been in office and my sixth month as board president. Not unexpectedly, it has been quite eventful and, I think, productive. The board has done a lot of work that you may know of and some that you may not be aware of. Let me summarize:

First, Project Ground Force was presented to the association members. The board decided to let the members make the decision since the impact on association fees for the next couple of years was significant. As a result, the initiative was voted down but the association now has a basis for a Master Landscaping Plan.

Second, the board decided that there was nothing to gain by pursuing any kind of lawn remediation with the builder. While the decision was not popular with everyone, many of our neighbors are already working on their lawns and showing significant improvement. Thank you all for your work - it makes the whole neighborhood look better!

Third, the board has approved a new budget for 2008. The significant components of the budget are insurance, snow removal, landscaping and property management. We attempted to get bids for all four elements but were not completely successful. We asked for bids from five or six landscaping firms, for instance, and received bids from three. Bailey’s Landscaping came in around $38,000 while the other two bids were significantly higher. Details for the budget are available on the Villas web site.

Fourth, and speaking of the website, the Communications Committee has designed a website for the Villas residents. Thanks to the committee for finding the funding as well as the design of the site. Please take a few minutes to visit www.villasvoice.net.

Finally, the board approved an ad hoc landscaping committee that has developed a guideline for future landscaping requests. The landscaping committee is part of the Architectural Control Committee and anyone desiring to plant trees should submit an Architectural Change Request form to the ACC. The form is posted on the website or available from the management office.

I hope everyone has a great fall and, if you get a chance, take a walk along the rail trail along Stony Creek - the foliage is awesome at this time of year!

Regards to All,

Tom