Wynthorpe News Wynthorpe Maintenance Corporation April 2007
Updates
Reserve Account
The WMC Board has opened a money market account to maintain a separate account for Wynthorpe reserve funds.This money is meant to be available for occasional large item expenses (i.e. pond dredging, etc.) or unexpected, costly emergencies.This money will not be used toward annual budget expenses.New Castle County encourages homeowner associations to have a reserve equal to or in excess of the operational budget for one year.We currently have $25,000 in the reserve account and plan to do an additional transfer as assessment payments are received for 2007.Any budget surpluses that may occur at the end of each year will be applied to the reserve account in accordance with the by-laws of Wynthorpe.
Pond Maintenance
WMC has renewed a former contract with Envirotech for the purpose of pond maintenance.WMC found that for liability and hazard reasons, it must retain a contractor that is licensed to handle the chemicals used in the ponds. The addition of this pond maintenance service will cause an increase in the cost of pond maintenance; however, WMC hopes to lessen the cost increase as it seeks a less costly landscaping and snow plowing contract(s) at the end of the summer. Board member Phil Allen and his wife, Lorna, previously oversaw the pond maintenance. The community is greatly appreciative of the time that they faithfully served in this duty.
ASSESSMENTS All assessment payments are now past due.If you have yet to pay your assessments, do so immediately in order to avoid costly fines and potential legal expenses.Each homeowner depends on his/her neighbors to do their part to help maintain our community.To date, there are over 40 homes that have yet to pay their assessments.The addresses of those that have not paid by the publication time of the next Wynthorpe News in June will be posted in the newsletter.
DEED RESTRICTIONS
WMC has been working to increase enforcement of the Declaration of Restrictions for Wynthorpe.Many homeowners have been concerned that deed restrictions are not being followed.Letters have been sent to homeowners that were noted to be in violation of deed restrictions.The board is seeking to implement specific enforcement procedures, including fines and legal action, for those who refuse compliance with the Declaration of Restrictions. More information will beforthcoming. Please remember that everyhomeowner of Wynthorpe is legally bound and obligated to abide by the Declaration of Restrictions.The purpose of the deed restrictions is to help maintain the appearance and value of your home and those of your neighbors. The most common deed restriction violations were trash can receptacles that were not properly stored, hidden from view, and basketball goals that remain on lots in excess of 48 hours.These are easily remedied violations that when corrected will give a more attractive and professional look to our community.
Another common deed restriction violation was regarding statues.Many homeowners have stated that they would like to have this restriction changed.The board has drafted an amendment to the deed restriction, which would allow statues, but a 2/3-majority vote of the community is needed to enact the change. The Board will be conducting a door-to-door vote on this and other measures in the near future.See information following for more details.
Please make sure your lot is in compliance with the deed restrictions.Copies of the Declaration of Restrictions are available online a twww.wynthorpe.org.If you notice a home in violation of deed restrictions, you are encouraged to notify the board.If you notice a home in violation of county code, you may notify the county at 395-5555.
IMPORTANT DOOR-TO-DOOR VOTE
WMC will be proposing various deed restriction and by-law amendments/addendums based on homeowner requests.As stated, any change or addition requires a 2/3-majority vote of the community for approval.In the past, voter response has been very poor.Therefore, the WMC board and volunteers from the community will be conducting a door-to-door vote in hopes of increasing voter response.The specific date will be announced at the community meeting on Thursday, April 26th.Important proposals such as increased shed sizes, allowing statues, deed restriction enforcement policy, and specific stipulations for contract approvals by the WMC board will be presented.If you would like to see change in one or more of these areas, then help make it happen and join as a volunteer for this important vote.Contact the WMC board via email (WMCBoard@wynthorpe.org) or standard mail (address below) today.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Door-to-Door-Vote – Information given above.Contact the board if you would be willing to help in this area. Landscaping Committee – WMC Vice-President Stacy Woods is overseeing the landscaping for our community signs.If you would be willing to help her with design ideas, retrieving contract estimates, or working with state officials to get the landscaping plans approved for state funding, contact her via email (WMCBoard@wynthorpe.org). Board Member – The board currently has one less member than it did last year, if you would like to be involved in the maintenance of the community (contract agreements, assessments, homeowner concerns, etc.), the board would love to hear from you.
MEETING REMINDER
A Wynthorpe Community meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26th.The meeting will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. These are scheduled 2007 Wynthorpe Community Meeting dates: THURSDAY, APRIL 26TH THURSDAY, JULY 26TH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25TH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6TH ***Please note that the starting time for ALL meetings has changed to 7:30 p.m.*** All Meetings will be held @ 7:30 PM at Victory Christian Fellowship Church
on Route 40 (Across from WalMart), New Castle, DE 19720.