Mansker Farms Newsletter

Official

Mansker Farms Newsletter Approved by the Board of Directors Spring/Summer 2008 BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED AMENITY AREAS There are still vacancies on the Advisory Board. All of By the clubhouse-At the new playground area the the vacant terms are for one year. The importance of tetherball is being replaced with a new and hopefully getting a full Board (5 members) cannot be stressed sturdier rope and ball. The basketball hoop has been enough. As things stand now the HOA will be taken repaired. However, if those that lower the hoop, in order over by us, the homeowners, on January 1, 2010. That to dunk the ball, don’t quit hanging onto the hoop after is only 20 months away! Without some experience their feat of unparalleled athleticism, it will have to be under our belts that transition could become scary. We replaced and the option to lower the hoop may cease to really need some dedicated residents that truly have the exist. That would be a shame for the younger ones. good of the neighborhood as their motivation to get Also, it was asked about the gate between the pool & involved. If you are interested please contact Zee playground being opened. This will not happen for a Terry at [email protected], or at 277-0320. couple of reasons. The first was the fear that the mulch, and other playground debris would too easily be brought YARD SALE into the pools. Also, it is not within our means to install the gate with the security system. Understandably, it The annual yard sale will be Saturday, April 26th from would be easier for those parents with children to enjoy 8am-until. As always, the HOA will take care of the both areas simultaneously. For the time being you advertising and signage. The forecast that day is in the parents will have to leave the pool area to keep watch on mid 60’s and partly cloudy. I guess the kids could set the kids. up lemonade and hot chocolate stands! By the old pool-The gates to the basketball and tennis courts are being checked to see why the card readers are I’d love some feed-back on the idea of next year not working. What has happened in the past is that some getting a charity to have trucks either come through the persons are “swinging” on gates which misaligns them neighborhood the afternoon after the sale, or maybe be and messes up the magnetic connections between the at the Clubhouse parking lot so that all your remaining fence & gates. It will be repaired. treasures could be donated. Just shoot me an email and let me know what you think. At both-It was brought to our attention that all the swings for both areas are those for toddlers. We will be changing one on each swing set to a “regular” swing for the older kids. Something that everyone, kids and parents, need to know is that skateboards, roller skates, In This Issue: razors, or anything else with wheels is prohibited on the tennis courts and basketball courts. While it is the perfect place to skate and so forth, what it does is cuts grooves Topic Page into the surface. I’m sure the tennis players can attest to Yard Sale, Amenity Area, Book Club 1 the problems that brings about. Again, the resurfacing of Security Committee, E-mail Bank, Club House 2 Paving, Pets, City of Hendersonville 3 those areas is costly and something we all ultimately pay Round-about, Website, Architectural Review 4 for. Spring Clean-up, Security Cards, Vehicles 5 Note from Mona 6 BOOK CLUB INVITATION Business Cards 7-8 May 4th A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Book discussion and potluck lunch. South Asian Heritage Book Club (as listed on Oprah.com) If interested please call Rekha at 822-1511 or email her at [email protected].

Mansker Farms Newsletter 1 SECURITY COMMITTEE CLUBHOUSE It is unfortunate, but this neighborhood does experience I’m sure you know the clubhouse is up and running. its share of crime. Some is petty vandalism, others To make a reservation please contact Zee Terry at more serious. Last year the HOA hired a security [email protected] or at 277-0320. Presently, company during the summer to help patrol the area, the rental fee is $15.00 an hour with a two hour and keep a watch in & around the amenity areas during minimum. Whole day rentals are $150.00. A security the after hours. It helped, but it was very costly. So deposit of $500.00 is required and will be returned in much so that it caused us to fall into the red by full if you comply with the requirements for check-out. summer’s end. Bottom line is that without raising our So far everyone, as a whole, has been great about doing maintenance fees we cannot afford to do that again this what has been required and taking pride in what year. What has been suggested, and hoped for, is that a belongs to all of us. The Board will be reviewing the committee could be formed to do what the security expenses and income of the clubhouse after its one year company did last year. The specifics would certainly anniversary to see if any adjustments need to be made have to be worked out by the committee, but the real in the rental fees. The goal is for the clubhouse to pay need is some kind of patrol between the hours of 10pm- for itself. 2am. This is when most of the vandalism seems to occur. Before you stop and move on to the next article EMAIL BANK because you are not interested in participating in this You might recall you filled out contact information please remember this; the details of how, when and sheets sometime ago. Finally, an email bank has been what the committee would do are not set. I’m just set up from the information provided. It was set up as sharing with you what the need is. We have a means to get information out quickly, and to keep approximately 700 homes occupied. If everyone (in a everyone informed. As of this date, we have used it perfect world) volunteered a one hour shift, you’d only twice. If you have not received any notices from me be committing to an hour every 2 years! Please you can register your email address by sending an consider getting involved. If we, as a neighborhood, email to [email protected]. Please don’t step up and begin to be more pro-active in the include your name, address, phone number and if you needs of this neighborhood, you can be assured that the choose, an emergency contact person & phone number. maintenance fees will be raised significantly in order to If you previously filled out the form, and did not cover all the expenses. If you are interested in making receive any of the notices it means that, for whatever this a safer place to live, & are willing to get involved reason, there was a glitch with the email address. in a positive way please contact; Mona Wilbanks, 824- Please just send an email to me at the above address & 0355, or at [email protected]. Should we I will correct whatever error exists. If you need to get enough people interested we will meet one evening share something of importance with everyone send an at the clubhouse to get organized. A date and time for email and I will do my best to get it out in a timely the meeting will be set at a later date. manner. All notices are subject to Board approval.

POOLS- We will have monitors at both pools again this year. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN This is a large expense to the HOA, but I think THE TRAILS everyone will agree, it is money well spent. The It’s great that someone is taking the lead on the opening of the pools is scheduled for Memorial Day forming of a Neighborhood Watch back in the Trails. weekend. The closing will be Labor Day. In the past, As stated before this is something that each section weather permitting, the pools stayed opened past Labor needs to do for itself. A Watch is far more efficient Day. Because of budgetary restraints, this year that and effective if kept on a smaller scale. For will not happen. This is just one of the small things we information on being a part of the Watch in the Trails can do to help keep our fees down with very little please contact Kim Briley at 615-310-1773 or email impact to whole. her at [email protected].

Mansker Farms Newsletter 2 PAVING LOST & FOUND This is a subject of constant concern. It might help the With the recent storms that have come thru we’ve got frustration level of some if it is understood that the paving of some residents looking for some missing items that the roads is not a duty of the HOA. If the roads have not have gone with the wind!  If you found a russet been dedicated back to the City, they are the responsibility of orange/floral chair pillow will you please contact Leon the Developer, Vastland Realty. If the roads have been Davis at 615-537-2710 or at dedicated back to the City, which, at this time, are only the [email protected]. older sections of Mansker Farms, then road issues should be addressed by the City of Hendersonville. The HOA does not have anything to do with paving regardless of which entity CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE has “possession” of the roads. With all that said, Zee is able The HOA is limited in that it can only enforce the rules to find out from the Developer when certain projects are and regulations set forth in the CCR’s and By-laws. A slated to be done. She has been told that the Westfield area real source of “enforcement” can be the City. Many, (Castle Court & Fieldcrest) is slated to be paved within the many of the complaints that are heard from our next 30 days. It is frustrating when you feel that your section neighbors can be addressed by the City. For example, has been completed for months or years and has not been speeding is breaking the law. The HOA has no powers paved properly. I’m not speaking for the Developer, but were the law is concerned. Call the Hendersonville usually the final paving is not done until ALL construction Police Department. I have been told in the past that the within the ENTIRE section is completed. HPD is allotted X amount of dollars for the setting up speed traps (a layman’s term I’m sure). How those dollars are allocated depends upon need and how need PETS is decided is by making HPD aware of existing I’m exhausted and my vocabulary spent! I can’t find any problems. The way you do that is call, call and call new words, or ways to ask that those of you that are pet again. The speeding on Mansker Farms Blvd. and owners to please be responsible pet owners. When you take Ridgeview Trace is ridiculous! Summer is right upon your dog for a walk all anyone wants you to do is to clean up us and with the kids out of school the chance of after the animal. If you don’t want to do that, what in the something horrible happening increases. It doesn’t world makes you think anyone else would want to do it for take a fool to understand the possibilities, but it is a you? We are getting some calls on the area in and around fool that doesn’t act accordingly. the round-about back at the Trails as being “over-used”. The common areas are just that; common areas for the use of Another example of how the City can help is the Codes everyone, not just your pet. Think of it like this…next time I Dept. The City has ordinances that address decide to have a party I’m coming to your front yard, requirements for the upkeep of yards, undeveloped lots, uninvited and unwanted, to have the party. When I leave I’m or unoccupied lots (existing homes). If you go to not cleaning up the aftermath from the party as I’m sure you www.hvilletn.org and click “documents” you can find won’t mind stepping in and contending with the mess I leave what you are looking for. It is the experience of many behind. Feeling a little abused and infringed upon? That is that the City’s ability to address an issue is swift and pretty much how those that do not have pets, or are more forceful. We all pay City taxes so don’t hesitate responsible pet owners are feeling because you don’t clean to use the services they provide. up after your animal. Cats are no exception.

Also, please have some consideration about the noise your GHERTNER HAS MOVED dog makes…day and night! Before you take off to get your new security cards please call the Ghertner office for directions. They Just as a reminder the City of Hendersonville does have moved from 7th Ave to 50 Vantage Way, Suite have leash laws and noise ordinances. The Animal 100, Nashville, TN. I believe the new offices are Control number for Hendersonville is 264-5355. somewhere in the MetroCenter area. Call 255-8531 for directions. All phone numbers remain the same.

Mansker Farms Newsletter 3 ROUND-ABOUT ELECTED OFFICIALS - Here’s a listing of those that Several times the topic of the signage that controls the represent us on every level of government. If you are new and need to find out about registering to vote contact the Sumner County traffic flow at the round-about going into and out of the Registrar of Voters @ 452-1456. Residents of Mansker Farms Trails has been brought up. The existing signage was now vote at Word of Life Church, 1041 Center Point Road. required by the City of Hendersonville. Any changes would have to come from them, not the developer or City the HOA. This also applies to the speed limit within Mayor the subdivision. Scott Foster 822-1000 [email protected] As a means of slowing people down, additional stop signs and speed bumps have been suggested. You may Aldermen Ward 3 recall additional stop signs were put in by the Jo Skidmore 824-0033 Lance Wray 512-1861 Developer to help solve the speeding problem down [email protected] [email protected] Mansker Blvd. You will also recall the City promptly had them removed. The City has never, in my County experience, been the least bit receptive to the issue of District 10 speed bumps. This would be a great issue to take up Jo Skidmore 824-0033 Paul Goode 479-5088 with our aldermen, Lance Wray and Jo Skidmore. Look for their contact information in the listing of State elected officials. House District 45 Rep. Debra Maggart 741-3893 UPCOMING PLAYS AT BEECH [email protected] HIGH SCHOOL Senate District 6 Ax of Murder May 6th at 7:00pm Senator Diane Black 741-1999 Is there really such a thing as a haunted play? Find out [email protected] in this audience-interaction mystery. A Monster Ate My Homework May 12th & 13th at Federal 7:00pm House District 6 See what happens when a likeable high school student Rep. Bart Gordon 451-5174 creates a tale to explain his missing English assignment. Senators Both plays are in the BHS Auditorium and tickets are Bob Corker 352-9411 Lamar Alexander 736-5129 available at the door. You can call 24-6200 ext. 153 for more information. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WEBSITE FYI-Everyone needs to know that Article XI, Section 3 of As I told you in the last issue of the Newsletter a our CCR’s state that changes made to the units that are in proposal had been submitted to the Board for approval accordance with the originally approved colors scheme (i.e. for the allocation of funds to set up a website for the doors, shutters roofs) or a rebuild done in accordance with HOA. The proposed amount wasn’t approved, but we the originally approved plans and specifications do not did get an allocation. Efforts are being made to see require approval. HOWEVER, if that is not the case you do what we can get within our reduced budget. We’re need to submit a request for change before proceeding. This hoping to have features such as a discussion board, includes something as simple as a change in paint colors to FAQ’s, Newsletter Archives, and a resident’s directory the addition of fences. It may seem obtrusive, but the benefit just to name a few things on the wish list. Because we is that we have continuity within the subdivision and helps are trying to minimize our cash outlays we may have to maintain a level of standard wherein we all profit. The start simple and add on as time and money allows. It requirements for the approval of changes are only for those would be really nice to have the instant access to on the exterior of your premises. Contact Zee Terry with information and each other. Keep you posted. requests

Mansker Farms Newsletter 4 SPRING CLEAN UP YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS It is that time of year again. Take the time to clean out your flower beds, repaint the mailbox, and trim up the These young people would like you to give them a call if shrubs, just to mention a few of the springtime chores you need their services. Each can give you their we all dread. The alternative is a nice reminder from qualifications and rates upon request. Zee, or a visit from the City, plus a fine!! DOG WALKING If you are trimming limbs and pulling dead shrubs the Justin Humphries 822-9292 City does provide limb pick up. Go to Mia Montalvo 826-8212 www.hvilletn.org for the limb removal schedule. You will see that the City is divided into sections, and each BABYSITTING section is covered at least once every month. I’ve Cody Humphries 822-9292 seemed to notice that the trucks come through here within the first week or so of every month. If time LAWNS MOWED allows, they will go through twice within one month. Blayne Nguyen 615-299-6179 When you don’t keep your yard up it hurts all those around you. Be considerate.

NEW SECURITY CARDS VEHICLES of ALL TYPES Hopefully everyone had a chance to come by the 1. Please do not park your vehicles in the street. Clubhouse and pick up their new security cards. The 2. Please do not park your vehicle on the sidewalk. cards will allow access to both pools, the ball courts 3. Please do not park your vehicle in your yard. and the Clubhouse during a rental. If you have any 4. Please do not park any vehicles in the parking lot of outstanding debts to the HOA your card will either not the Clubhouse. be activated, or will be deactivated until you clear up 5. NO off road vehicles are allowed ANYWHERE your account. If you need help with your account 6. Do not drive your motorcycles on the sidewalk – please contact the Financial Dept. at the Ghertner Regardless of what size the bike or the driver happens offices at 277-0324. to be! If you were unable to pick up your cards you will have to go to the Ghertner office. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but everyone had 12 different This may be a stretch….but obey all opportunities between the fall and spring distributions at the Clubhouse. The reason you have to appear in traffic laws while driving within our person is that a picture id and signature are required. subdivision and observe the 30mph Don’t forget the pools will be open in a little over a month so don’t delay in taking care of this. VERY speed limit. The life you save might be IMPORTANT-The pool monitors, in no way, shape or your own child’s. form will be able to address issues with your account standing, or give you access to the pools. You have to contact Ghertner to get your cards, or to clear up any problems with your account.

Mansker Farms Newsletter 5 Note from Mona:

Last year was a real budgetary challenge. The HOA took on a number of new expenses that quite frankly, put the crunch on us. We had the new amenity area to open, the new Clubhouse to open, the hiring of a security company, the cost of opening, maintaining and staffing two pools and also, an increase in the common area that requires lawn maintenance. By year’s end we were hurting and had to borrow from our reserves. Thank goodness we had them. Much of the credit of us even having reserves goes to Zee Terry at Ghertner. When the Board met before year’s end there was serious discussion about the need to raise the maintenance fees for 2008. It would have made everything easier, but the homeowners that try and represent you felt strongly that they would rather “tighten the belt” than increase the fees. With that in mind Zee has looked for places where we can cut back to stay within our means. One of the ways that will help keep our fees down is for us, the homeowners, to get involved and start doing things that usually cost the HOA money. Security was a huge expense and simply something we cannot afford. I hope all, or many of you will step up and help get this committee up and running. It would take very little from all of us to make a big difference.

Also, I’d really like to encourage you to visit the City of Hendersonville’s website and see what they can do as a remedy for some of your issues. There are ordinances that cover solicitors, pets, noise, property maintenance and it goes on and on. This is not to negate the responsibilities of the HOA, but the HOA is not designed to solve every problem that exists. We pay more in taxes than we do HOA fees. Get your money’s worth!

Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas & suggestions. Hope everyone has a safe and fun summer!

Til next time! Mona [email protected] for Newsletter related correspondence [email protected] for Email bank 824-0355

Mansker Farms Newsletter 6 HERE ARE A FEW OF YOUR NEIGHBORS THAT WOULD APPRECIATE A CALL IF YOU NEED HELP WITH . . .

Mansker Farms Newsletter 7 Mansker Farms Newsletter 8 Mansker Farms Newsletter 9