April Newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

As I write this, March is preparing to go out like a lion, with a forecast for a Spring snowstorm, capping off our worst winter in years. But there is hope; the Phillies’ opener is tomorrow.

Notwithstanding the over-budget snowplowing costs, our budget remains in surplus with four months left in this fiscal year.

Spring clean-up is underway by our landscaping contractor, which will include mulching of the common areas. We will not be mulching the individual flower beds again this year to save money (about $11,000), but we will have a bulk delivery of mulch delivered to those residents who want to do their own—details elsewhere
in this issue.

The Management Company and Budget Committee have been hard at work on preparing the budget for the fiscal year 2011 to 2012 which will determine next year’s condo fees. The process requires a balancing of two forces—on the one hand we need to increase the budget for snow removal and property repairs. (we are an aging community), while on the other, we recognize the tight financial condition of some of our members, and the reality of the weak property market.

Our annual meeting will take place in the barn on April 12. This meeting is more significant than most, as we will be electing three new Board members to replace long-serving members who are retiring. Three applicants have already qualified to be on the ballot, with the possibility of additional candidates who can be
nominated from the floor at the meeting. You should already have received your notice of the meeting and info on the present candidates. It is important that we have a quorum to make the results legal. Quorum can be obtained by actual attendance at the meeting or by submitting proxies.

A proxy nominates another member to act as their agent to cast your vote at the meeting or to vote for you using his (or her) own discretion. If you are submitting a proxy, you may also leave the vote lines blank, in the event there are nominations from the floor.

Owing to the significance of this election, I and the other incumbent Board members are actively soliciting your proxies, if you will not be attending the meeting. If you think we have been doing a good job on your behalf, that is a way you can show your appreciation.

Best regards,

Ed Ryan
President