Budget Priorities: What’s Important To You?

I’ve asked that the Board of Directors revise our Community Association’s budget given the reality of our shortfall.  It’s important for our community to spend within our means.  

The problem is that there isn’t enough funding to pay for our current level of amenities.  In addition to homeowner dues, our budget is built with the idea that financial contributions would be made by the developer (CPDC).   Although this hasn’t happened this year yet, Homer Tompkins of CPDC has been working on ways to fund the shortfall of “Developer Contributions”.  Unfortunately, our Association continues to spend money as if little has changed. 

I believe it’s time for the Board of Directors to have a candid discussion of what’s financially prudent, given our Association’s current financial state.

As a member of the community, what’s important to you?  If you look at our past expenses (link to the “Financials” page), you’ll see that much is spent on mowing, pool maintenance, utilities, plowing, etc. 

Tennis Court Retired for the Season

Today City of Hugo employees removed the windscreen and net from Val Jean Park’s tennis court for the winter.  As the weather warms up again in the Spring the net will be reinstalled.  The windscreen is also likely to be re-hung with sturdier fasteners next Spring.  This should help keep the windscreen attached through stronger winds.

Unsold Lots - Update from Homer Tompkins

I received the following email message today from the President of CPDC, Homer Tompkins.  More updates will be posted as more news becomes available.  

“Our primary lender has finally agreed to transfer the loans to M & I bank on November 1st.  I now have 3 interested buyers for the unsold and unfinished lots that have agreed to pay the HOA shortfall and on going HOA contributions in the future, IF, they are successful in buying the underlying mortgage note at the price they want to pay.  Two of the three will retain our services to manage the property, create sales and handle all architectural design and policies in place.  That’s the good news but we can’t deliver the cash offers to the bank until after November 1st but it looks promising and things will continue as they have in the past except these lots will be under a new ownership.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed all will go well and the lender will accept the offer from the two buyers we represent.  If so, homeowners can take comfort in knowing values will be kept up and HOA shortfalls will be funded.  Closing would happen prior to the end of the year at the lenders request.  That’s the latest.  Homer”

 

Halloween Fun Comes to Victor Gardens

Bring your little goblins, witches, and ghosts to Poet’s Green for treats, drinks, and glowsticks!  October 31 5:30PM-6:30PM

Volunteers Begin Work to Improve Communications

A small group of volunteers including Jason Lanpher, Debra Bean, and Matthew Collins have begun work to improve communications with allresidents of Victor Gardens.  We’re working towards an automated method of collecting email addresses.  An announcement will be made when the system is up and running.  Thanks to our volunteers!

Homer Tompkins Writes Letter to Residents

Homer Tompkins, President of CPDC and a Director of the Victor Gardens Community Association, has written a letter to residents.  It covers a few key topics that are on the minds of many homeowners in Victor Gardens.

Click here to download and view Mr. Tompkins’ letter.  

It was sent to me as PDF file and can be viewed with Adobe Reader.

Dogs & Leashes - Public Hearing Wed. Oct. 10

Parks Commission to hold Public Hearing , Wednesday, October 10:

Hugo’s City Council is considering changes to Hugo parks leash laws in certain city parks, presumably including Arbre and Val Jean Parks.  The Council has asked for Parks Commission recommendations.  Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions at the Parks Commission meeting, and upcoming City council meetings.  

This article from Hugo’s newspaper, written by Aaron Rupar:

“At its September 17 meeting, the Hugo City Council agreed to send a proposed amendment to the city's dog ordinance back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further review, with the matter to come back before the council on October 15.

The proposed amendment would require dogs on certain city parks to be either leashed or under the voice control of their owner, and would prohibit dogs from running free.

However, during a public hearing at the meeting, some residents said that they felt the city should allow dogs to run free in parks as long as nobody else is around.

All of the council members seemed to agree that the ordinance should be more flexible than the proposed amendment, and so they moved to send the issue back to the Parks Commission for further revision.

Since the public hearing wasn't closed, residents will be given another opportunity to react to possible amendments to the dog ordinance at the Oct. 15 council meeting.

Council Member Mike Granger wasn't in attendance at the Sept. 17 meeting.”

Sump Pump & Drainage Problems - Update

Traci Tapani has finished compiling the responses from the Sump Pump & Drainage Survey.  The results of the survey were eye opening.  The scope of the issue issue is widespread, and it appears to affect the majority of Single Family Village properties to some extent. The City of Hugo has been provided the survey’s results and a map outlining the affected areas.  

Hugo’s Mayor Fran Miron proposed a neighborhood meeting to discuss the issue after more study is completed.  An announcement will be made when that meeting is scheduled.