Home | At a Glance | What's Happening | Board and Contacts | Area Links | Classifieds | Get Involved!
September 2009 Newsletter
Hi Everyone:
We hope you had a nice summer!! We wanted to send along a few updates, some new, some repeats.
NEW UPDATES: Within the next few weeks posts and chains will be installed by the pool parking lot. The lot will be closed at 10PM and reopened at 9AM. We had to do this in order to prevent cars from coming and going all hours of the night. Cars have been coming in, for brief periods, at 2-3AM. These cars are NOT from Covington Lake. Some have been from the Dunes and other communities. The police are investigating possible drug problems. We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we have to do all we can to keep your community safe.
There are young folks that seem to think that they can drive ATVs and mopeds through the bushes on the side and back of the pool. This has caused damage to the landscaping and other property. We had planned to plant "prickly" bushes to try and prevent this, however, after looking at the ongoing maintenance costs and material costs, we have been discussing installing a fence. In the long run, it is a smarter financial decision. We'll keep you updated.
The Board has received numerous suggestions concerning building a picnic shelter by the pool. They suggested that we provide picnic tables and bbqs. This is a great idea and we are looking into the costs, however we have to be certain that we continue to keep our cash reserve up to an acceptable amount.
There seems to be confusion concerning the mail box paint color. I received the color codes from a homeowner, but I guess it was wrong. We're sorry for the mix up. The correct codes for the QUART of Sherwin Williams paint is: Bone White Latex
BAC COLORANT
W1 WHITE 27 1
B1 BLACK 3
N1 RAW UMBER 11
Y3 DEEP GOLD 5
Since sending out the letters requesting mail boxes and posts be painted or repaired, if required, for the most part has been received positively. Many folks have already painted, and many have asked that the Board take care of it. Thank you to all who have done their part, it is most appreciated!!
"OLD" BUSINESS: We have one more meeting with our attorney to complete the covenant changes. When everything is ready, we'll let everyone know the voting procedures. Don't forget, there MUST be a 2/3rd majority to make any changes.
Most of the vacant lots have been cleared of debris, however, we still have a few to go. Hopefully we'll get this done, weather permitting, within the next week. Speaking of dumping debris, it seems as if we still have a few folks that have little respect for other people's property. As an example, the very next day, after cleaning up and cutting a lot, someone dumped a large pile of grass clippings, an old trash can, and dead bushes. We're in this together, please be a good neighbor, or someone may call the police for trespassing and littering.
Within 10 days, weather permitting, the work on the islands will begin. The water meter will be ordered next week. Unfortunately, many of us have seen cars driving over or parking on the islands. (There was even one report of a truck with a boat in tow parked on your islands!?) After the islands are complete, due to the type of plantings, possible damage to vehicles and tires may occur if this continues.
Premier Management and the Board have received numerous calls concerning commercial trucks, trailers, and boats parked in driveways, lots, and streets for extended periods of time. We see nothing wrong with these vehicles parked for a few days in order to clean etc, however, due to the number of phone calls the Board must take action. Per the covenants, these vehicles can't have a permanent home on your driveway etc. Please adhere to the rules.
Don't forget September 12 for the "Reunion" picnic. It looks like there will be a great turn out. Be part of the fun and meet new friends!!!!
I want to let you know it's been a privilege serving on your Board as President for the past 2 years. I've been on the Board for a total of 4 years.
For those who have served on any HOA Board, you know it's a thankless job, which is why I want to thank those that have expressed support and encouragement for the Board. Everyone on the Board knows that we can't be all things to all people, and we also know there are folks that, no matter what we do, we won't be right. To those folks I would like to suggest that you run for the 2 board openings this January. You may have some good suggestions, why not pitch in and put some of these ideas to work.
I would also like to thank the many homeowners that do the right thing and adhere to the covenants. You have made Covington Lake a great place to live. I hope that the folks who continually ignore the rules will someday realize that by not doing the right thing, it hurts EVERYONE in Covington Lake.
During my time on the Board I have listened to every comment, positive or negative. The Board and I have taken our job seriously, and have welcomed ALL input. We hope you have noticed the many improvements we have worked hard to attain: The arrears are down 65%, no dues increase in 2 years, paid cash for the front entrance and all other work completed through out the community, improved the looks of Covington Lake by having all lots cleaned up, installed new lighting at the front, had Horry County mandate your community, for safety sake, a fireworks free zone, terminated agreement with the previous management firm and hired Premier at a cost savings of $3,000 per year, streamlined the ARC approval procedure, worked with committees to update the covenants, spent many hours meeting with countless Horry County personnel in getting the islands ready to improve etc.
Finally, I want to thank the members of the Board and the folks who have volunteered for various committees. I have appreciated everything you have done. My hope is that we get more volunteers to continue the work of improving your community.
Steve Cutshaw and I will NOT run again. We both have gladly given 4 years, now it's someone else's time to step up to the plate and keep the improvements going.
Thanks again everyone
Bill
Steve
Skip
Erika
Brenden