June 2006 | The Ledger
Dear Residents:
Most of the new projects were discussed in the last Ledger. Please take a few minutes to visit our Association’s website at http://www.ledgewoodassociation.com. Please use the pool, playground and tennis courts.
Ledgewood Financial Report | Bob Folino
treasurer@theledgewoodassociation.com
Do you wonder where your assessment dollars go? Last year, the Association expended the majority of our resources (i.e. money) on infrastructure; in particular, the creek retaining walls and swimming pool reconstruction. These were necessary and overdue repairs, but invisible to many of the residents. This year’s improvements are more visible. At our last annual meeting in November, I stated that we had a $90,000 quote just to build the new wooden street signs that had deteriorated and we were looking for less expensive alternatives. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Chambers of Chambers Construction (one of our new residents), we were able to build and install all 30 signs for about 1/3 that price.
The new playground was originally budgeted in two phases; jungle gym this year and swings next year. We were offered a considerable savings to do both at one time. In order to complete both phases, and still maintain a healthy reserve for emergencies Keybank extended Ledgewood a $50,000 line of credit which we could draw on if needed, until the new year’s assessments come in., Fortunately, Ledgewood’s relationship with Keybank, based on our Reserve Study and pool loan application, gave us some options. Since we are $13,000 below budget on our operating expenses, we shouldn’t need to use the line of credit, but felt more secure in the event of an unforeseen emergency. The volunteers who helped build the playground deserve a round of applause. They saved us an additional $6,000 in labor costs while enduring some really miserable weather. Carlos and Janeen Leon get all the credit for design and project management.
In case you are wondering about the condition of the asphalt road back to the tennis courts, the City is not repairing it for a good reason. They have a project scheduled this year to replace the high pressure sewer line that runs from the pump house to Pearl Road. It will probably run along that road. When that is complete, they will repave the entire road.
Also, the City supplied the rock to reinforce the side of the stream opposite the garage (more than 60 tons). Ledgewood paid to place the rock alongside the hillside; attempting to keep the large trees on the hill from falling onto the garage and pool filters. It appears that the City’s efforts to reduce the volume of storm water impacting the Ledgewood properties is having a positive effect. We still need to replace the drain down the “pool hill” and do some work at the bottom. The City has bought us some breathing room on that issue.
A small project that is still in the works is weeding the bed over the culvert next to the clubhouse sidewalk. We will continue the wash gravel over that area; making it low maintenance.
There is a less pleasant issue we need your help to resolve. Although this is an association, we are really running a $280,000 business. And like most businesses, we sometimes have a problem collecting fees. When we raised the assessment back in 2004, we allowed some residents to pay in semi-annual installments to ease the initial burden. However, is difficult and expensive for our volunteer-based organization to collect fees. Since everyone has had 2 years to plan for the expense, we are requiring future fees to be paid in one full payment – as in the past. Also, we have a handful of individuals who regularly drag their feet into the middle of next year to pay their fees. We just went through the legal expense of filing liens on 8 properties for failure to pay. Since this costs everyone else money, the Financial Committee has recommended to the Board that we publish the delinquent list in the Ledger until they are paid.
Architectural Review – Sally Catt
architectural@theledgewoodassociation.com
I venture to say there is no development in Strongsville as beautiful as Ledgewood in the Spring and Summer. This is all attributed to the conscientious homeowners who are vigilant about maintaining their properties. To you, we owe a sincere “thank you!”
The majority of the annual architectural review walkthrough has been completed. One of the major concerns found were the number of lamp post lights malfunctioning. This is a serious problem because they replace regular city street lights. The city has issued a crackdown and a requirement that bulbs be replaced when needed, or if it is an electrical problem it is to be fixed professionally. There are to be no exceptions. Remember, it is proper lighting that deters vandalism and crime.
It is such a joy to observe properties that have been neglected receiving a facelift by edging sidewalks and curbs, replacing and planting permanent greenery and improving the overall lawn condition. Remember, it takes all of us working together to maintain Ledgewood’s fine reputation.
TENNIS RULES
Tennis - Sign-up sheets will be available at the courts starting May 15th.
Tennis shoes only. Tennis is the only activity allowed on courts.
Private tennis courts - Ledgewood Association members only. Guests allowed with member.
Children under 18 may reserve courts until 5:00 p.m. weekdays and weekends.
TIME LIMIT: Singles - 1 hour Doubles - 2 hours NO SPLIT HOURS
Sign-up sheets will be posted at the courts on the bulletin board.
ALL NAMES must be listed on the sign-up sheet for singles and doubles, or it will not be considered a valid sign-up.
At least one of those signed up must be at the court within 10 minutes after the hour or that hour of court time is forfeited to players using the court.
NO DOGS at tennis courts or playground at any time.
Court hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 10. Any bike of any sort with a motor (motorbikes and mopeds) is prohibited in the tennis court and playground areas. Parents are responsible for any damage incurred by these violations.
KEYS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER COURTS ($5.00 KEY DEPOSIT) IF YOU NEED A KEY, CONTACT DAVE AT THE MAINTENANCE GARAGE
238-6000
Ledgewood Board of Trustees
Mark Slavik | President & Common Ground – 878-0027
George Smith | Pool – 572- 6041
Jain Baruth | Clubhouse – 238-3099
Sally Catt | Architectural Review – 572-2644
Bob Folino | Finance – 238-4251
Rick Berger | Communications – 878-0887
Carleen Sundvall | Recording Secretary-Treasurer – 330-887-5753.
