Greetings neighbors,
We wanted to let you know the results of the recent ballot. Details of these results will be posted on our website soon.
1. The 2013 proposed budget was approved. The dues will be set at $330 which is the same as 2012. Dues will be due by February 28, 2013. Notices will be sent out soon so that everyone has plenty of notice.
2. Jerry Blake was voted for another 3 year term on the Board of Directors. NO other names were submitted for nomination. Congratulations and Thank You to Jerry!
3. Question 3 was overwhelmingly passed. This vote was about revoking the voting rights of homeowners in “bad financial standing” until they meet their responsibility in full. This proves that the homeowners want such a rule to be in place officially. The board has realized such a rule needs to be put though as an amendment to the covenants. We are consulting with our attorney to make sure this change is implemented correctly and in accordance with the Millbrook Association bylaws . Once we have this information, the board plans to distribute this amendment to all.
We would like to thank Mr. Mark Shwartz for bringing this technicality to our attention. This information has brought us closer to achieving our goal. If you have not read this letter, we strongly encourage you to read it and consider Mr. Shwartz’s point of view.
Upon further researching the topic of adding amendments, the board also discovered that we have even more options for the collection of dues that we were not aware of. For example, the bylaws allows the association to charge interest as high of a percentage rate as the state law will allow on outstanding dues, along with direct attorney fees for any processing. Perhaps this could improve our future collection rate, reduce the burden on the majority that pays their dues consistently and on time. If it were not for Mr Shwartz’s letter, we may not have realized we had such options.
In our implementing changes based on the popular vote, in fairness to all, we also feel it will be important to define what “bad financial standing” means and we intend to have this documented in the amendment. In sumary, it will be a homeowner who has not payed their dues, or got on an automated payment plan, within a specified timeframe, or have defaulted on their agreed payment plan. We see these folks as having essentionally ignored their responsibility and placed the financial burden on all the rest of us who have paid. All the board asks is that homeowners communicate with the billing company to work out a sensible payment plan if unable to make the entire payment on time. Dues are relatively low in comparison to the value it brings to each of our homes. We understand that there can be financial challenges at times in our lives, and we believe it is important to assist, so we have provided significant flexibility in payment plan options to help accomodate where needed.
We would also like to reiterate, that those who have made efforts to be on a payment plan are not listed on our webiste, and only those who have neglected to take responsibility for paying ther dues, and are in “bad financial standing” are posted at http://www.millbrookonline.net/delinquent-accounts/ If your name is on this list and is listed in error, please contact the board immediately. Once proof of the change has been verified, the website will be changed accordingly.
In conclusion, I would like to remind every homeowner that the board members are volunteers, who live in our neighborhood and pay the same dues as everyone else. We donate our time to better our neighborhood, and create a community that is safe, appealing, and that we can all take pride in. If anyone is displeased with the way the association is run, they are strongly encouraged to run for a position on the board, or contribute thier time to help improve Millbrook. If anyone has complaints, please come to us with solutions and we will be more than happy to work with you. There is a great deal of time, effort, and work that takes place which most do not see, by both board and committee members, who are not financially compensated for their generous contribution of time, skill, and expertise. We hope that our efforts to make this community a better place to live is appreciated by all, and we encourage even more residents to participate in making Millbrook the very best it can be.
I wish you the very best and Happy Holidays!
Mark DiNino
President
Millbrook Homeowners Association
