Stone's Throw Condominium Association, Inc (STCA)

Stone's Throw Condominium Association, Inc (STCA) Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ)

What is Stone's Throw Condominium Association, Inc? Stone's Throw Condominium Association (STCA), is, incorporated, non-profit homeowners' association (HOA), is a legal entity created for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and managing Stone's Throw Condominiums. Stone’s Throw is a Federally Certified Property (FHA Certified).

What do you mean by FHA certified? FHA Certification is the method used by HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) to ensure that Condominium Complexes meet detailed criteria to ensure that they are financially stable and managed properly. HUD uses the certification process as a risk management tool to reduce the probability of foreclosures on FHA insured loans on condominiums. This new “FHA Approval Process” is a detailed and extensive review of the Condominium Projects legal documents, financials, and overall health of the community.

FHA Certification benefits the entire community, even if there is only one unit up for sale. This means that in the future an FHA Loan can be assumed (including the interest rate) by a new buyer. With interest rates at an all-time low, this is a very valuable asset to our HOA community and will increase the value of units throughout the community.

Re-certify for FHA approval every two years. The next re-certification for our community will be May 2016. (The board has submitted the information for this year and we are waiting for certification from HUD)

Where can I look up the certification? You can view/pull up the certification on the government website hud.gov https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Who is a member of STCA? Each and every homeowner is a member of STCA. Membership is both automatic and mandatory as a homeowner.

Who operates STCA? The STCA Board of Directors is given the authority to enforce the association by-laws, and to manage the amenities of our community as defined in those by-laws.

The Board of Directors, a voluntary group of homeowners, are elected annually by fellow homeowners during our town hall meetings. The STCA Board of Directors is gathered together to help protect our property values, and to enhance our sense of community. A growing number of neighborhoods in Huntsville have an HOA like STCA. STCA is subject to the statutes that govern homeowners' associations.

What are by-laws, and how do I get a copy? 1 | P a g e STCA by-laws are a set of rules and guidelines regarding the operation of Stone's Throw Condominiums, which are in turn regulated by Alabama Uniform Condominium Act. The by-laws include homeowner responsibilities, along with policies and procedures followed by the Board of Directors involved with the successful operation of Stone's Throw Condominiums. All new homeowners are provided a copy of the bylaws after they purchase a unit. Any additional/replacement copies may be purchased for fifteen dollars ($15.00)

The by-laws are also available in PDF format for informational purposes at; http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

Who are the STCA Board of Directors? The STCA board is comprised of volunteer residents, elected annually by fellow homeowners during our town hall meetings: The current board has the following positions.

 - (PRESIDENT)  - (VICE PRESIDENT  - (SECRETARY  - (TREASURER)  - (MEMBER AT LARGE)  - (MEMBER AT LARGE)  - (ALTERNATE)

How do I contact the STCA board? You may call or send a text message to: (256) 829-8563 (you may remain anonymous when no reply is requested)

Email your questions to the board at: [email protected]

Mail your questions to: Stones throw Condominiums Association 1003 Stones Throw Lane NW Huntsville, Alabama 35806-3523

A community drop mail box (burgundy/reddish) is located next to the residential mail boxes across from the pool near the clubhouse, beside the community trash receptacle.

Can I vote for board members using this website? Unfortunately, not at this time. If voting is available through the website in the future, the board will notify each homeowner.

When are our town hall meetings, and where are they held? The association regularly schedules town hall meetings, and notifies each homeowner before the meeting. The meetings are usually held in the clubhouse located beside our pool. If you would like to receive an email in addition to the written notice, please join our website mailing list. 2 | P a g e How do I join the website's email mailing list? Navigate to (or click) the link below, enter your email address, then click "subscribe": http://www.stonesthrow.org/email-subscribe/ (You will need to check your email or junk mail to confirm joining the list)

Do I have to be a board member to contribute to our community? Absolutely not! There are opportunities to join various committees that handle the development of community activities. If you have a specific area of interest, or an issue of personal concern (holiday decorations, community parties and gatherings, other improvement ideas), and would like to volunteer to help make a difference, please contact the association.

May I bring a visitor to our town hall meetings? Of course, visitors are welcome. Even though our town hall meetings are organized for homeowners, STCA will not prevent visitors from attending. As per the bylaws ,visitors not acting as proxies may NOT participate during the meeting, and may be asked to step outside during financial discussions.

By contacting the board in advance, arrangements can be made for approved guest speakers to be invited to our town hall meetings to share information on a variety of topics.

What is a proxy? A proxy is an individual appointed to act or vote on behalf of a homeowner by representing them at our town hall meetings. The board must be notified in advance by the homeowner that a proxy will be attending the town hall meeting to act on behalf of the homeowner, in order to prevent any potential for misrepresentation.

Who do I call in an emergency? In cases of an emergency such as fire, or when an ambulance or Huntsville police are needed immediately, please dial: 911 (emergency services)

For an electric outage, natural gas leak, or an outside water leak: (256) 535-4448 (Huntsville Utilities)

In case of storm damage, downed tree limbs, a neighbors plumbing issue affecting your unit, or roof leaks: (256) 829-8563 (STCA voice mail or Text Messaging)

If I see something or someone suspicious in our community, what should I do, and who should I call? Call the Huntsville police department's non-emergency number to report any suspicious activity. This number can also be used any time police assistance is needed and there's not an emergency: (256) 722-7100 (Huntsville police non-emergency) You can request to stay anonymous.

Please also call or email STCA so the board is aware of the suspicious activity. You can request to stay anonymous (256) 829-8563 (STCA voice mail) mailto: [email protected] (email)

3 | P a g e You can request to stay anonymous.

Are there rules about noise? The City of Huntsville observes a noise ordinance which is enforced by the Huntsville police department, along with the noise expectations and guidelines that are outlined in the association by-laws. You may call the Huntsville police department's non-emergency number to report any violations: (256) 722-7100 (Huntsville police non-emergency)

Please inform the association once a compliant has been reported to the local police: (256) 829-8563 (STCA voice mail) mailto: [email protected] (email) A courtesy call will be made by the board to the violating unit. If noise continues, at another time, a fine may be imposed as per the house rules.

If I observe another homeowner who is not in compliance with other by-laws for our community, who do I contact? If you believe a governing rule has been violated or is about to be violated, please contact the Board by phone/text or email. Please include dates, times, and detailed information concerning what was observed and who was involved. Any and all legitimate complaints are investigated and addressed. Your complaint is always anonymous.

What are association dues? The STCA association dues are a predetermined fee each homeowner pays for the upkeep of our community. This fee is billed monthly, and annual advance payments are permitted.

The dues for a 2 bedroom are: One hundred and twenty dollars ($150.00) a month The dues for a 1 bedroom are: One hundred and five dollars ($130.00) a month

How do I pay my association dues? Dues may be paid by check, cashier’s check, or money order, made payable to STCA, and placed in the community drop box, or mailed to: Stones throw Condominiums Association 1003 Stones Throw DR NW Huntsville, Alabama 35806-3523

Can I pay my dues through the STCA website or with a credit card? The website is not currently designed to accept online payments, and STCA does not have a method in place to accept credit card payments at this time. Online payments are possible through third-party bill pay services available through most local banks and credit unions. Please contact your personal bank or credit union for additional information.

When do I pay my association dues? Dues (and potential assessments and other fees) are due and payable on the first day of each month.

What happens if I'm late paying my dues? In order to keep consistency, the Board has adopted the delinquent dues policy to ensure uniformity for all homeowner. The policy can be located if you click the link below or you may email/mail a request for a hard copy.

4 | P a g e http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/delinquent/

Who keeps track of the association bank accounts? A dedicated bank account has been opened for STCA. The Board of Directors is responsible for the collection of dues and potential assessments. STCA retains an accountant manages the billing, collection of dues, assessments, and to perform any associated accounting and yearly tax filing.

What are assessments? Occasionally homeowners required to pay a share of common expenses not covered by the monthly association dues, such as large improvement projects, unplanned maintenance expenses, or repairs to the common areas and shared amenities. These items are voted on by the homeowners and must receive a majority of the votes of the participating homeowners. You can refer to the Stone's Throw by-laws for additional information, and to download a PDF copy, click: http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

What do my dues pay for/cover?  General liability insurance for the association required for the protection of STCA ( Storms, wind damage)

 Accounting functions for handling STCA finances and by annual certifications, maintaining the bank account, preparation of an annual tax return, routine billing and collection processes and procedures, wages, taxes, and legal fees. A copy of the STCA annual budget is distributed and voted on during the annual town hall meeting.

 Maintenance of the clubhouse, pool, signage, mechanical replacement and repair, fencing, mowing, edging, landscaping, and general maintenance of common areas.

 Exterior building painting, maintenance and repair, re-roofing, re-paving, and siding maintenance.

 Emergency repairs if needed to common elements.

 STCA improvements and additions.

 Refuse (garbage) collection 3 times a week.

 Pest control and termite bonding.

 Utilities & water that benefit the community i.e. Power and water service bills for the clubhouse, pool, irrigation, and lighting installed in common areas.

 Website upkeep, printing, copy supplies.

 STCA provides Comcast Xfinity Digital Starter cable package only, along with one digital tuner, included with your dues at no additional charge to each homeowner.

 A percentage of the homeowner dues is placed into reserves in order to provide adequate long-term maintenance and upkeep of the property. This also helps reduce the frequency and impact of assessments when they are necessary, as long-term projects are budgeted for in advance. 5 | P a g e  A percentage (10%) of the homeowner dues is placed into reserves for recertification purposes. FHA requires this amount to be shown in the annual budget so as to obtain certification.

What are common areas/elements? Common areas are shared areas in our community intended for use by the all Stone's Throw Condominium residents, such as our lawn areas, clubhouse, pool, and parking areas; see Section 5 of the bylaw declaration page.

How can I receive a copy of STCA liability insurance information? Please contact the board or association accountant with your request, including which format you would prefer to receive the information (mailed hard copy or email).

How do I upgrade or add services to my cable television package? Comcast / xfinity offers additional programming upgrades that can be billed directly to the homeowner or tenant in addition to what is provided with your association dues. Please visit http://my.xfinity.com or call Comcast for additional information: (256) 859-7800 (Comcast Xfinity customer service)

Can I install satellite / dish television service? The installation of satellite television service NOT allowed by on association grounds unless approved in writing by the Board. No one is allowed to install any dish/hardware on the side of the building or Chimney. Please contact the board for additional information before you order/transfer service.

When can I use the pool, how do I get my key, and can I invite friends? Swimmers must be residents of Stone’s Throw Condominiums and their guests. Residents must accompany guests at ALL times, with a maximum of six guests per homeowner. The pool rules are clearly listed at the pool or can be viewed online: http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/pool-rules/ THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

I lost my pool key, can I get another one? If you lose your first key, the cost of obtaining another key will be fifteen dollars ($15.00)

How do I reserve the clubhouse how much will it cost? In order to reserve the clubhouse, call/text/email the Board about your intention of reserving it. The process is first come first served, however to secure the place you MUST PLACE A DEPOSIT. A homeowner MUST sign the appropriate paperwork/contracts, make a refundable deposit by check and by cash if your venue will be held less than 7 days from the reservation date and finally make a walkthrough ( before and after). Please review the paperwork for full details and cancellation policies. (See documents tab for clubhouse rental rules)

If the clubhouse contents are left clean and undamaged after the event, and no rules were violated/reported a refund is issued (by check) or may be applied to your dues (if you request). The steps to reserve the clubhouse are located at http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/house-rules/ . PLEASE NOTE that no absolutely no pool privileges come with the rental of the club house. Your guests have to stay in the clubhouse.

6 | P a g e Homeowners : The deposit is one hundred dollars ($100.00) Tenants : The deposit is one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) plus a non refundable twenty five dollars ( $25.00) to defray the cost of the utilities.

Failure to adhere to the rules will result in forfeiture of your deposit.

What kind of pet can I have? As per the bylaws the only allowed pets are dogs, cats, small birds and fish. The weight limit for a pet is thirty pounds when fully grown. There are guidelines and city regulations governing animals, and for cleaning up after your pet/s, and additional expectations in the by-laws. See the overview at: http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/house-rules/

Also, the pet policies, homeowner responsibilities & liability are outlined fully in our by-laws, Section 26: http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

Also, the Huntsville Pet Ordinances can be found at: http://www.hsvcity.com/animal/ordinances.php

Can my guest bring a pet to the association? NO. Due to liability reasons, guests’ area absolutely NOT permitted to bring any pets to the association.

Where do I park my car? One vehicle can be parked in front of the resident’s building. Parking for additional vehicles and guests are outlined in the house rules: http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/house-rules/

And the related policies governed by our by-laws: http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

If I have visitors, where do they park? Two vehicles are allowed to park in front of your building. Additional guests must use the second vehicle parking areas, or park in front of our clubhouse. For detailed information, and the location of the second vehicle parking areas, please refer to the house rules: http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/house-rules/

And the related policies outlined in our by-laws: http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

Who do I call when a street light is out? We routinely check for lights that have burnt out, but if one is missed, or goes out between regular checks, please contact the Board for maintenance: (256) 829-8563 (STCA voice mail or text) mailto: [email protected] (email)

7 | P a g e I lost my mailbox key? If you lose your mail box key, you have to contact the POST Office in our area in order for them to assist you to change the lock. The closest post office is on Wynn Drive. Due to Federal Privacy laws, the HOA does not keep any homeowner mail box keys. Should you need to change the mailbox lock, you will have to arrange it with the Wynn Drive Post office (Located at 645 Wynn Drive , 35816 ) and arrange a time when the mail man can open the mail box unit to allow you to change the lock. Locks are available at local hardware store or Walmart/ Target.

How old are the building roofs? The roof of each building was re-shingled in 2010.

May I fly an American flag on my home? Yes, you may fly an American flag from a bracket on your home at any time. Installation must been approved by the association in advance.

If I want to make changes, additions, or improvements to my unit, what process do I need to follow? Any changes service must follow the guidelines governed with the by-laws, and plans must be reviewed and receive approval by the board prior to any changes being made. Please review the bylaws or contact the board for more information/guidance.

If I disagree with a decision made by the board, can I sue the association? Certainly. However; keep in mind, suing STCA is essentially suing yourself, since every homeowner is a member. Also, consider the HOA retains legal counsel at the expense of the association, and if the decision were to favor the association, you might be responsible for attorney's fees, court costs, filing fees, etc.

Can I rent or lease my home? Yes. Anyone renting or leasing a home in the community is bound by all of the same covenants and rules that apply to homeowners, in order to ensure that all homeowners are protected from the actions, or inactions, of tenants that may be renting or leasing a home. If you lease your unit, you must provide a tenant lease and contact information, as prescribed by the bylaws. Please review the bylaws for full details.

Are there any other policies, procedures, rules, or regulations for Stone's Throw Condominiums? A list of our House Rules can be found at: http://www.stonesthrow.org/residents/house-rules/

Comprehensive information governing all homeowner responsibilities and association policies and procedures are located: http://www.stonesthrow.org/wp-content/documents/Bylaws.pdf

What if I found an answer that was not clear or contradictory to the bylaws? Should a contradiction be found/notices within this questionnaire , the official governing rules/bylaws shall prevail. The association reserves the right to change, amended, delete this question and answer for at any time or if made aware of such errors.

Can I request addition to this Question and Answer sheet.

8 | P a g e Yes, if you feel there is important information that need to be added to this informational form, please mail/email/of drop off what you would like added to the sheet.

9 | P a g e