HOA Question Snow-removal budget?

Since last year was so mild (1-2 plowable snowfalls?)...was there any surplus?

 

What benefit do the folks on VDOT streets get for this proposed increase in dues?

 

OK, thanks for the info.

 

Well, that's disapointing. I am not really concerned about the bike paths being cleared since I wouldn't be able to make it to them in the first place. As for the Nature Center or any other HOA building or parking lot I don't see the need.

I wouldn't mind the increase as much if they would also plow the VDOT streets as well. I have seen a plow on our street once this winter and when they came the screwed it up. (Put sand down before the plowed)

 

What really S***ksis that those on HOA streets will pay much higher dues for nice clean streets, but once we leave our neighborhood we have to deal with the same lousy conditions on the VDOT roads as everyone else...so in essence we are paying for the ability to get around in our section...that said, thanks to Ted and his crew...you did an amazing job on Frame Square!

 

The management staff works at the Nature Center and we do need to get there and park...in the 5+ years I've worked at the HOA, today is the first day we have been closed due to weather. We only close when Loudoun County gov't closes. As for the Community Center, it is heavily used, and in many cases rental fees are collected which go into the HOA coffers.

 

The dozens and dozens of residents that rent and use the Community Center and the scores of residents who regularly walk our paths would disagree with you.

 

OK, let me try to rephrase this, I know the management staff works at the Nature Center, but I believe the VDOT road owners already pay for the snow removal there. Correct? Now, if you break down the fees(increases) for each of the locations snow removal and pass that onto the VDOT owners then the amount should be easier to accept. Also, isn't the Nature Center offices for Van Metre as well?

The Community Center having a clean parking lot is great, but if the resident who booked it can't make it there to use it because he lives on a VDOT street it does him no good either, which is why I wondered if the could help out on the VDOT streets as well. (Now, I am pretty sure someone will come out with a liability isssue if the contractor creates a pothole or damages a car which will make this arguement a moot point)

As for the bike paths, if I can't make it out of my neighborhood due to the snow, then having a cleared bike path does me no good. My family uses the paths all the time, but with snow covering my section we can't reach them. I would rather the crews help clearing the some of the sections which are on VDOT first and then the paths. (See above for moot point)

One more question, if someone falls and breaks their leg on the path because of ice is the HOA liable. (Just like a homeowner who doesn't clear the sidewalk? If so, then I understand the clearing of the paths and this point is moot as well.

 

The HOA owns and maintains several common areas that need snow removal. These casts are shared by every homeowner here in Broadlands. They include the nature center parking lot (this is not cleaned by VDOT), the community center parking lot, the common sidewalks (that are not owned by any homeowner) and a small % of the pathways that were installed instead of sidewalks. Most of the pathways through the community are not touched by any plowing that would be way too expensive.
While it may seem reasonable to not plow the community center parking lot immediately as people may not be able to reach it - it is a source of revenue for the HOA and not cleaning this much snow would make it unusable for several weeks or make a future clean up much more expensive (since we all know the longer it sits the harder it is to clean up).

While I understand you do not want to see any increase in dues (no one ever does) the price of everything in this area is increasing. Still the current board was able to decrease spending or maintain the same level of spending in over 50% of the approved 2010 budget. Our costs are one of the lowest in the area and something most board members prode themselves on. Having to absorb the costs of this snow removal is something that everyone no matter what community is going to feel. Those on HOA streets in their HOA budgets and everyone in their state taxes.

Staci

 

I like the lock box idea as well.

 

There are no Van Metre offices housed in the Nature Center.

 

just wondering... do we pay a flat-fee contract per year for snow removal or some other structure?

 

We pay by the hour per person and based on what equipment is used.

Staci

 

They did break a stop sign and almost got into a fight with a homeowner

I was happy with their job as always, however.

 

I doubt the costs end with the snow removal. With some of the snow melting, I am already noticing several areas of grass in the medians that have been torn up by the snow removal equipment. While a lot of the noticeable ripped up grass is on VDOT streets (e.g. Claiborne), I'm sure it will be up to the HOA to fix the damage.

 

YA the more the snow melts the worst the damage gets. It looks like some of the sprinklers are damaged as well.

 

you would think the private companies that we contract that damage stuff would be responsible to fix things.... not sure about VDOT though