Archive for the ‘General’ Category

19 Feb

Parking: Accommodations for snow

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

I am writing to encourage all neighbors and friends to park their vehicles in ways that will improve safety and decrease the chance for damage to cars. This post is the sum of the many suggestions given by neighbors and the frustrations they have felt, especially in light of the latest snow and the reduced passageway.  The situation was especially noticeable today (2/19/14)

Parking directly across from cars on the opposite side of the road produces many threats to safety and property. Because our roads are narrower than typical city roads, the open path is dramatically reduced when cars park across from each other. The snow has exacerbated this situation. This narrow path is difficult to navigate for other cars and especially for large emergency vehicles. Backing cars out of drive ways can be nearly impossible and creates many blinds spots. Vehicle damage has already occured because of this situation. Please park vehicles in driveways as much as possible and never park opposite another car when on the street. Either park on the same side as the other vehicles near your home or a good distance down the road . Also, remind your guests to do the same. During parties, please ask guests to park further down the road or on adjoining roads.

Following these guidelines will improve safety, decrease the potential for damage, and generally facilitate the flow of traffic in and out of the neighborhood. I appreciate your help in this area.

Thanks,

Steve Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

12 Feb

Storm Prep / Meeting Results

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to thank everyone who attended the Board of Directors’ meeting tonight to discuss the proposed budget and bylaws.  The board agreed to recommend both items for approval by the Association members at the March 12th meeting.  Please stay tuned for more information on how to vote in the coming weeks.  We will also be discussing the formation of new Rules and Regulations at that meeting.

I’d also like to ask all homeowners with fire hydrants in front of their homes to please remove all snow from around the hydrants and leave an open path to the street, especially after this next storm.  The residual snow height is accumulating and can easily impede the fire department, wasting critical time where every minute counts.  I’d also ask all other homeowners to help in this effort.  Our homes, and more importantly, lives can be put at risk if this is neglected.  Please follow the recommended clearances in the attached picture.

Thank you,
Steven Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.
Hydrant clearing

10 Feb

Feb 12 Hidden Valley BOD Meeting: Documents Uploaded

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

All the information for the February BOD meeting on Wednesday has now been uploaded to the website.  This includes the agenda, financial reports, budget, and bylaws and they can be found under their respective tabs. We will be discussing and recommending the 2014 budget.  Please note that it has been updated due to the increased 2013 actual spending on lawn care and landscaping.  We will also be discussing and recommending a final draft of the Association’s bylaws.  Both these items will require a vote by Association members in March.

Lastly,  the board will discuss new business including new rules and regulations creation and initiating foreclosure. Your input for the new rules and regulations is vital.  Please forward all comments and concerns and stay up to date with all information at http://www.hiddenvalleymeriden.org

Thank you,
Steven Tommell
President
Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

7 Feb

Final Draft of Bylaws: Posted for Review

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

At the Feb 12 Board meeting, the final draft of the new bylaws, posted under documents, will be presented and discussed.  The board and board meeting attendees have been discussing this crucial document for several months, the passage of which is important to the successful operation of the board.  The bylaws will then be subject to a vote of the Association members at the March 12 meeting.  The bylaws will require a majority to vote in favor of approval.  Please review the bylaws and submit any comments and questions.

Stay up to date by following the website at http://www.hiddenvalleymeriden.org  All updates and documents will be posted there.

Thank you for your cooperation and attention to these important matters.

Steven Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

5 Feb

Hidden Valley Mailboxes Not Locked (25-40)

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

The third mailbox that contains boxes 25-40 was inadvertently left open by the postman.  The two main doors have now been latched, but as a whole the mailbox is not locked so the mail inside would not be considered secure.  If this is a concern, I recommend you retrieve your mail as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Steve Tommell
President
Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

29 Jan

2014 Proposed Budget Posted: Expected Assessment Increase to $176

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

The Board has finalized a proposed budget for the 2014 fiscal year beginning April 1st.  This budget is based on the estimated operating costs of the Association and a detailed reserve study.  The new assessment based on these costs is $176 per quarter per house, or a 10% increase.  The Board strove to control costs to limit this increase while still preparing for improvements needed in the future.  Please review the posted presentation explaining the budget and reserve study creation on the financial page.  This budget will be presented at the February 12 Board meeting at Platt High School at 7pm.  It will then be subject to an Association vote at the March 12 Board meeting requiring a majority to reject it.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact the Board at hidden.valley.meriden@gmail.com and stay up to date with all information at http://www.hiddenvalleymeriden.org

Thank you,
Steven Tommell
President
Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

15 Jan

Expected Fee increase for 2014 budget: Explanation/Discussion at Feb 12 Board Meeting

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

The board will be putting forth its recommended budget at the Feb 12 Board meeting at Platt High School at 7 pm.  The budget and reserve study will be released prior to that meeting.  There is expected to be a fee increase; the magnitude of which will be explained and discussed.  This budget will then be subject to a vote by the Association members at the March 12 meeting.  The budget and its required Association dues will be considered approved unless there is a majority who vote to reject it.  Please plan on attending to remain informed on the budget and operations of the Board of Directors.  Please also feel free to contact the Board at any time with any questions or concerns.

Also at the Feb 12 Board meeting, the final draft of the new bylaws will be presented and discussed.  The board and board meeting attendees have been discussing this crucial document for several months, the passage of which is important to the successful operation of the board.  The bylaws will then be subject to a vote of the Association members at the March 12 meeting.  The bylaws will require a majority to vote in favor of approval.  Once again, your attendance is needed and encouraged.

Please stay up to date by following the website at http://www.hiddenvalleymeriden.org  All updates and important documents will be posted there.

Thank you for your cooperation and attention to these important matters.

Steven Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

8 Jan

Board of Directors Election Results

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to thank the 21 households that participated in tonight’s election.  Bob Magyar, Sue Waterbury, Mick Parikh, and Angelo Brigante, Jr. were all elected.  Mick has volunteered to take the one year term, allowing the others to take the two year terms.  They will be a critical part of forming this year’s budget, finalizing the new bylaws, and establishing new rules and regulations.  Please continue to remain involved in the Association so that your voice is heard.

Thank you,
Steven Tommell
President
Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

7 Jan

Last Call for Early Votes: January 8th Board of Director’s election: Proxy and Bio’s

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,

The time to submit your votes before the Board of Directors’ meeting tomorrow night is coming to a close.  Please send the board your vote by 5pm tomorrow by replying and filling out the form at the end of your email.  Your input is necessary for the Association to operate successfully.  Those you elect will be directly involved in the bylaws and rules creation and the upcoming budget and possible fee increases.  For those who have already submitted your votes, please do not send a duplicate vote.

We appreciate your support and attention.

Thanks,
Steven Tommell

President

Hidden Valley Association, Inc.

2 Jan

Voting for January 8th Board of Director’s election: Proxy and Bio’s: Check Email to Vote Early!

Posted by hiddenvalleymeriden in General.

Dear Neighbors,
The Association will be hosting the annual election on January 8th, 2014 to fill four director’s positions.  The election will take place on January 8th, 7pm at Platt High School (weather permitting).  The bios and pictures of the announced candidates, Angelo, Mick, Sue and Bob are on the new election page.  Other neighbors may announce their candidacy at any time up to the meeting as a write-in candidate.  Three of the directors’ positions are for full two year terms and one is for the remaining year of director’s term that was filled via special election.  Bob specifically will be running for his director’s position (seat 3) and if elected will serve an additional two years.  Any other candidates will be competing for the remaining open directors’ seats and a random straw pull will be used to assign who will receive directors’ seats 1 or 2 with a two year term and who will receive director’s seat 5 with a 1 year term
Households may vote in person at the meeting or submit a proxy.  Proxies may be submitted electronically from the email address registered with the Association.  Simply reply to your email and mark your household’s vote in the proxy from before January 8th, 2014, at 5pm.  Households may also print the  proxy form and give it to a neighbor or director to be presented at the January 8th meeting.
Please take the time to vote and have your voice heard.
Thank you,
Steven Tommell
President – Hidden Valley Association, Inc.
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