Date last modified: 10/3/07

The Wellington Trace Board of Directors remains dedicated to continuing efforts aimed at ensuring the appearance of our community, hire efficient and economical contractors and ensure an adequate reserve fund for our aging infrastructure. All of these themes were identified in the recently conducted Reserve Study that, among other things, pointed out the need to improve specific areas in our development in order to maintain the values of our homes and the safety we’ve all come to expect. Despite the increase in HOA dues, Wellington Trace enjoys the lowest homeowner’s association fees in our area.

The first issue to receive an increase in funding is the snowplowing budget and contract. Currently the Board of Directors is attempting to find the correct formula and contractor who can provide the level of snowplowing service our community deserves. Additional funds have been set aside this year to prevent budget shortages and to augment services if needed. Snowplowing remains an important issue for all residents as the common area sidewalks require shoveling to minimize personal injury and mitigate legal liability claims.

The second project in the works for this spring will be the repainting of all parking lines in the town home and community center parking lots. More information will be sent out specifying when parking areas will be painted and instructions for parking vehicles. When the scheduled painting day arrives, we ask for your cooperation in removing all vehicles as those parking lots that still contain vehicles will not be painted.

The third project residents will see next spring will be security lighting of the large playground located along Tennison Drive. Local law enforcement has recommended lighting this play area thus discouraging vandalism and the loitering after dark. There has been some damage and incidents in the playground during this past year which is a threat to the peace and safety of our neighborhood. The current rules for using the playgrounds will remain in effect and enforced as this lighting is not meant to allow anyone to play on the grounds after dusk. The Board is working with the lighting contractor to provide adequate security lighting while dispersing the amount of light to reduce any conflict with bordering homes.

The remaining funds will go to the budget reserve fund ensuring appropriate monies will be available for future repairs and capital improvements. As our buildings, pool, common areas and community as a whole age, repairs will be necessary requiring a steady contribution to the reserve account. The Board is evaluating all repair projects to keep our community safe and presentable for all residents.

To ensure funding for the projects and to maintain the community, the Wellington Trace Board of Directors unanimously agreed to increase the 2008 homeowner’s association fees at the September meeting. Beginning January 2008 single family homes will see an increase of approximately $45.00 per year and townhomes $68.00 per year. This year’s increase will help our community accomplish the four primary tasks listed above. The Board of Directors will continue to address reserve shortages as identified by the Reserve Study.

If you have questions concerning your homeowner’s fees or how they are dispersed, you are encouraged to attend the Homeowners Association Board meetings held at the clubhouse on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm.