Wiltshire at Oxford Homeowners Association

May 2005 Newsletter

Message from the Board

In an effort to keep homeowners up to date on issues within the community the Executive Board has decided to publish a quarterly newsletter—this being the first installment for 2005. 

 At the homeowners meeting on Monday April 4, 2005 three board members were elected. They are as follows:

Scott Kellogg – President and Treasurer

Lynley Thinnes – Vice President

Angela Miller - Secretary

At the annual meeting, the homeowners were reminded of the website.  Our web site administrator is Brian Carrozza.  We welcome all of the homeowners to visit the site.  The site currently contains copies of the association documents and links to local establishments. Please let us know your thoughts on how we can serve you best and improve our site.  Our thanks to Brian for his hard work on the website over the last several years.

We are looking for volunteers for a number of committees.  One will be to assist with the distribution of the newsletter in order to allow it to happen more frequently and save costs.  We are also looking for volunteers for the Architectural committee (1 open spot), Advisory Committee, landscape committee and others that could review the covenants, contracts and insurance.  If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, a representative for your street, or any part of it, please contact:  CCR at 610-363-1322 or send an email through the website.

The board is also entertaining whether there is enough interest to have the covenants changed.  To amend the Declaration (pg 42, 9.03 Amendment) the Board or 10% of the community may initiate the request for the amendment.  To actually make the change it requires 67% of community vote.  To amend the Bylaws it also requires 67% of the community vote.  Several items already mentioned at the board meeting for consideration are fencing and increasing number of board members from 3 to 5.  The board would like some volunteers to head up this initiative.

Homeowners need to be aware that PECO will be in the area trimming trees which interfere with electrical lines beginning in June.  No additional action is need on the part of the homeowners.

We hope you find the newsletter informative.

                Scott Kellogg

                HOA President and Treasurer

Message from the Web

Our little development is maturing into a very attractive place to live!  Before you know it all of the construction equipment will be gone and the only noise you will hear will be the laughter of children and the roaring of the occasional lawn mower.

With better communications, Wiltshire at Oxford can become an even better place to raise our families.  Check the online documents on the Association page.  Have a question about one of the rules?  Send an email.  Want to ask a question?  Post a question to the Bulletin Board.  Looking for a neighborhood restaurant?  Check the Links page.  Want to pitch in?  Check the Committees page and volunteer.  The web site can help us communicate if we give it a chance.  Visit your community on the web at: www.ccil.org/~wiltshire.  The board is looking into options for making the website more accessible and easier to find.

Architecture Committee Update

Anita Sumner has agreed to remain in her position as the ARC Chairman.  Additionally we would like to thank the other volunteer members who have also agreed to remain on another year on the ARC committee:  Lisa Kellogg, Sara Sims, and Anthony Chaffier.  There is an open spot on the ARC committee.  Anyone interested in being on the ARC committee, please contact CCR or send an email through the website.

We would like to remind you that the community Declaration and Rules & Regulations contain specific requirements that need to be met before proceeding with exterior projects.  Before beginning any projects an Architectural Approval Request Form must first be submitted to the ARC and approval obtained.  A copy of the form can be obtained on the website.

The main purpose of architectural submissions is to ensure that the changes are in compliance with the document requirements, enhance property values, maintain the aesthetic appeal of the community, and promote harmony among homeowners.

Recent approvals/clarifications:

·         Copies of the Rules and Regulations (Revised August 2003) are available on the website. 

·         Please note the following as we head into the summer months:
The board has recently adopted the following wording be added to the Rules and Regulations III, under C. Housing Structures under item #8:

o        Above Ground Pools
No inflatable or temporary pools are permitted.  However, kiddie pools, which are defined as a toy pool that is filled, emptied and stored in the rear of the house or not visible from the street, on a daily basis are permitted.

·         A concerned homeowner asked about trampolines.  The board has determined that trampolines are considered to be portable games or sporting devices and are permitted provided they are erected in the back of the house.

Friendly Reminders

·         Please do not store trash cans in the front part of your property.  They must be out of sight.  While the board did consider enclosures, it was decided that no amendments would be made at this time.

·         Do not allow your pets to run free.  Pick up after your pets whether it is on your property or elsewhere. 

·         Motorized scooters and go carts should not be run in the development.  It is illegal to operate motorized scooters and go carts unless you are licensed driver.  Please do not use people’s driveways to turn around.

·         Please be respectful of your neighbors when doing activities that generate loud noise.

·         Please take care of weeds which grow in your sidewalk.

·         The Township is not responsible for the removal of cinders from the roadway.  They ask that residents sweep them from their property but do not sweep them into the storm drains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.    What is happening with the entrances on the west side of Wickersham Rd.?

A.    The Board, at our expense, is considering less expensive options.  Possible options for signage on Phase 2 are being reviewed by the board.  If interested in the landscape committee, please contact CCR.

Q.    What’s happening with the construction house?

A.    The construction house the lot is still owned by the builder and is currently up for sale as is.  Once the lot is sold, the new owner can renovate the existing house up to building codes to use as a residence, or sub divide the lot and build two houses, or just build one.  The lot is part of the association and therefore the new home/s would have to be consistent with the Wiltshire architecture.  The home/s would also have to abide by the Wiltshire documents just like the rest of the community.  Until the lot is sold the builder intends to continue to use as a construction office.  The board will continue to monitor the situation.

Q.    What can be done about the sidewalks which are deteriorating?

A.    According to the Rules and Regulations 3a: 

Sidewalks and driveways are the responsibility of the homeowners, whose responsibility it is to keep them clear of debris and snow in a timely fashion, but not to exceed 48 hours.  Homeowner is responsible for replacement or repair of cracked, broken, or hazardous sidewalks, in accordance with the Second Amendment to the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions and Easements, (section 9.01), whereas if the owner fails to maintain or repair the sidewalk, the association can schedule the required maintenance and bill the homeowner.

In Phase 1, the sidewalks have already been dedicated.  Repairs were made at the time of dedication as required by the township inspection.    At the present time the Board has reviewed the situation and there are no options the Board can actively address.  It is now the individual homeowner’s responsibility for repairs to their sidewalks and the association for the repairs to the common area sidewalks.  At the Annual Meeting a number of people signed up to look into possible ways of taking individual or group action.   The board will be happy to assist the group; however volunteers will be needed to head the group.  Come to the next board meeting if interested in heading this group. 

In Phase 2, the sidewalks have not been dedicated.  They should be repaired prior to dedication, as required by the township inspection  A sample letter to send to the East Nottingham Board of Supervisors in regards to the sidewalks is included on the 4^th page of this newsletter.  You can use it to send to the township.  A copy is also on the website.  We encourage you to send your letters.

Q.    What is being done about the chain link fence in the drain basin?

A.    The chain link fence, which is actually called a super silt fence.  This fence as well as the black silt fence is required by the township as part of the development plans and building process.  At this time the basin is not in its final state and the fences cannot be removed. They will be removed when the basin is completed.  We have talked to Wilkinson Builders about repairing them.  This issue is being addressed and we do not have a final resolution.

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