Branderwood Newsletter
March/April 2015
branderwood.org
Reminder from the Architectural
Review Committee:
ARC Positions
To begin the approval process for a
home improvement project, please
visit the Gibson & Associates
website and complete the online
portion of the ARC form and follow
the instructions.
We still have two positions open on
the Architectural Review
Committee. If you’re interested in
serving with Daryell Sexton, chair,
please contact him at
[email protected] or Meredith
Malloy at Gibson & Associates at
[email protected]
www.gibsonhoamanagement.com.
Remember, ARC approval must be
sought before starting an exterior
project.
--Instructions for completing ARC request:
www.gibsonhoamanagement.com
--click on Communication tab
--select Branderwood Change Request
--complete form and submit *make sure to
include your expected completion date
--notify G&A when your project is complete
2015 Branderwood Board
Members
Eric Fonville, President
[email protected]
Anne Currin, Vice President
[email protected]
George Guenther, Treasurer
[email protected]
*Please note:
A ‘scheduled completion date’ will
now be required when completing
an ARC change request form.
Brush and Bulk Collection
Roanoke County brush and bulk item pick up
dates for the next couple of months: 4/13, 4/27,
5/11, 5/26*, and 6/08.
Please remember to check the County’s
calendar before putting items at the curb. See
the full calendar and Solid Waste Ordinance at
www.roanokecountyva.gov.
*Trash collection will be delayed by one day
due to the Memorial Day holiday.
Upcoming Branderwood Events
Events
Spring Yard Sale
Saturday, May 2, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Pool Opening
Saturday, May 16, 9:00 AM
Summer Pool Party
Saturday, June 27, 5:00-9:00 PM
Lisa Conroy, Secretary
[email protected]
Cynthia Ulrey, Director
[email protected]
Betsy Becher, Director
[email protected]
Clive Hillyard, Director
[email protected]
Branderwood Recreation
Association
Collection Policy
Association fees are due the first of each
month. If Association fee is not paid
within 30 days of the first of the month, a
$5.00 late fee is charged to the owner. At
this point, fees are still paid to BB&T.
If Association fees are not paid within 60
days, then a 10-Day Letter is mailed to the
owner notifying them that the balance
is due in full, including late fees, within ten
days, or their account will be turned over
to the attorney for collection.
The initial costs for these legal services
are in excess of $95.00, and this amount
will be charged to the homeowner.
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Branderwood Newsletter
Minutes of the Branderwood Recreation Association Board Meeting
Thursday, March 26, 2015 – Gibson & Associates
Attending: (Directors in bold) Eric Fonville, Anne Currin, Cynthia Ulrey, George Guenther, Betsy Becher, Lisa Conroy, and
Meredith Malloy (G&A).
I.
Determine Quorum and Call to Order. Quorum was established, and Eric Fonville called to the meeting to order at 6:05
PM.
II. Owners Forum. Other than the members of the board, there were no homeowners in attendance.
III. Approval of minutes. Eric motioned that the minutes of the January meeting be accepted, and Betsy seconded. With no
discussion or changes, the minutes for the January board meeting were unanimously approved.
IV. Financial Report.
A. Per Eric, tree trimming and pruning will come from operating expenses, and the concrete step repairs will be paid
out of capital expenditures.
B. Meredith pointed out that we are $2,000 under budget year to date.
C. George asked a question about our two electric bills with one being metered and the other unmetered. Eric said
that the unmetered are the streetlights, and the metered are the pool and tennis court lights. There are five
streetlights in Branderwood.
V. Management Report – Meredith Malloy.
A.
Workers Compensation Update. As of 7/01/14, civil penalties significantly increased for ignoring the state
mandated requirement to carry this coverage. Simultaneously, Nationwide had some internal changes going on where
they were no longer going to be allowed to use a $1,000 basis for insuring officers of a board. They were going to
have to start using the standard $23,400 as a basis on their accounts. The alternative was to opt out of the
coverage. Unfortunately, they mixed their message with the change in state law. This all may be a moot point as
HB1285 has passed both the house and the senate and is on the governor’s desk for approval, which should occur by
the end of March. The bill eliminates the requirement to carry the coverage for non-compensated officers.
B. Meredith has confirmed an hourly rate of $75.00 with Frank Maddow of Tucker Automation to service the
current pool access system if the board decides not to upgrade the system at this time.
C. She contacted the association’s insurance broker concerning any liability that would be involved in offering Wi-Fi
at the pool. His response was that he did not see any problem from an insurance perspective, but the association
should see that it is password protected and that terms of use are posted on the website and in the newsletter.
D. VALAC-VA Legislative Action Committee was created to monitor and influence legislation that affects common
interest communities in Virginia. They rely on donations to support their activities and are asking for your support.
E. Amended the 2015 Grounds Contract to read: up to 25 mows; after November 1st, mowing shall be done upon
written request only and invoicing is to be done monthly for all services provided during the previous month.
F. The ARC Chair has set the date of April 28th at 6PM for the annual spring property inspection.
G. Bids from Bartlett, Valley Tree, and Apex and have been obtained for the tree pruning/removal work. This is an
agenda item.
H. Bids for cabana repairs have been obtained from Mobley, Garrett Services, and VBS. This is an agenda item.
I. Additional information for the sidewalk replacement work has been obtained from Glavas and Bratton. This is an
agenda item.
J. The grounds contractor has been notified that the board has not approved payment of his invoice for mowing and
leaf removal in December as there was no need for mowing that month. He did agree to do leaf removal during his
first mow in the spring for the contracted rate of $90.
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Branderwood Newsletter
K. Wilson Lynch has installed the LED light in the recreation area. Because the installation was delayed, they have
provided a more expensive light for the same cost.
L. Enclosed is the March Inspection Report. There are some items listed that should be addressed soon.
1. Sharp piece of wood still exposed on left railing under fort. Could cut a little hand.
2. Black liner under rocks leading from tennis fence to play area is in disrepair and should be removed.
3. Tennis court backboard is an eyesore and needs to be replaced or removed as it detracts from the
quality of the recreation area.
4. Tennis court gate does not open and needs to be realigned.
5. Bulb out in men’s room.
6. Old soap holders should be removed from both bathrooms.
7. Tennis court needs to be resurfaced as this is an amenity and should be maintained.
VI. Committee Reports – ARC.
Daryell Sexton, ARC chair, was not present. Meredith announced that April 28th will be the date for the spring
drive-through with Meredith, Eric, Anne, and Daryell.
VII. Unfinished Business. Cabana Walkway Proposals.
1. Quotes are mostly apples-to-apples and relatively close in scope.
2. Glavas is the most affordable bid at $5,530.
3. Per Meredith, Glavas does quality work. Cynthia motioned, and Eric seconded. All approved that Glavas
be contacted about doing the work. Meredith will email Glavas tonight.
VIII. New Business.
A. ARC Policy.
1. Discussion was held about adding a time frame for work requests. Eric suggested we let the homeowners
request a time frame for getting work done, and the ARC can approve or deny the request.
2. Completion date would be a scheduled date, such as a window of 60 days, 90 days, etc.
3. Online form will reflect this change.
B. Tree Pruning.
1. Tree work bids were for pruning four pear trees by the pool, pruning two crepe myrtles and two oak
trees by the playground, and pruning two pear trees in common area at the corner of Branderwood and
Summerset.
2. Discussion was held about pruning or removing four Bradford pear trees at the pool and two on the
common area at the intersection of Branderwood and Summerset.
3. All bids were similar with the exception of the removal of 6 trees by Apex due to root and/or storm
damage. Trees are approximately 18 years old with a healthy life expectancy of 25 years. Leland Cypress
trees were the suggested replacements. Apex can give us an estimate on replanting new trees now or in the
fall.
4. Discussion was held about shade at the pool that would be reduced if the trees are removed.
5. We will ask Apex for a pruning quote, and a prune/cut down quote with replacement trees.
6. Meredith will also ask the other bidders to resubmit comparable bids. We will ask for email votes from
the board with 100% approval required for action.
7. Anne will text Betsy with information once a vote is required.
C. Cabana Bathroom Proposals.
1. Scope of work includes replacing baseboards in men’s room, replacing exhaust fans in both bathrooms
with higher capacity commercial grade fans, installing cabinets on walls in both bathrooms (provided by
HOA), and removing both wall heaters and repairing walls.
2, Bids were very similar and covered scope of work.
3. Anne will purchase the two cabinets when they come on sale at Lowe’s/Home Depot. Meredith suggested
locking cabinets.
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Branderwood Newsletter
4. Anne also offered to pick up the supplies and paint both bathrooms.
5. All fans in bids are commercial grade.
6. Lisa moved to accept the VBS bid, George seconded – all approved. Meredith will contact VBS and get work
started.
D. Insurance.
1. Per Eric, the board wasn’t particularly pleased with Nationwide this past year, especially with their pricing
of workman’s comp coverage for uncompensated directors.
2. We are covered now, but this coverage is not mandatory. This covers directors when work is done by a
board member who is injured.
3. Meredith suggests we put our insurance out to bid to see what premiums are available in the marketplace.
4. Meredith will ask for bids from other companies to see what’s available.
E. Tennis Court Backboard/Tennis Court Resurfacing.
1. We all agree the backboard needs removing or replacing.
2. Meredith will get some bids on replacing with basic plywood and more durable composite material (12’ x 12’).
3. Discussion was also held about removing it altogether.
4. Issue was tabled until the next meeting when quotes will be available.
5. Our reserve fund is at $7,400 with $5,000 in the contingency fund if we want to look at resurfacing the
tennis court. Meredith will get a few quotes just to see how expensive this would be.
F. Yard Sale. Saturday, May 2, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. Newspaper ad will need to be placed.
G. Summer Pool Party. Anne volunteered to organize again similar to last year on Saturday, June 27, 5:00-9:00 PM.
H. 2015 Pool Rules. Cynthia offered to be the contact for scheduling pool parties this year. Rules remain unchanged.
The suggestion was made that the reservation form be added to the Branderwood website; Anne will email the form to
Lisa.
IX. Delinquents and Executive Session. Various accounts were discussed.
X. Date, time, and location of next meeting. Thursday, May 14, 6:00 PM at Gibson and Associates.
XI. Adjournment. Eric Fonville adjourned the meeting at 7:42 PM.
Spring is here…..For the safety of all
Thank you to Betsy Becher for
organizing this year’s Egg Hunt! The
weather was chilly, but fun was had
by all.
Branderwood residents, young bike riders and
skateboarders should remember to wear helmets
and obey traffic laws while riding on the
streets. Safety first – respect the cars on the
road!
Branderwood Pool Rules 2015
1.
All persons using the pool or pool area do so at their own risk and sole responsibility. Your Homeowners Association
assumes no responsibility for any accident or injury in connection with such use. Persons using the pool covenant
agree with the owners and management for and in consideration of the use of the pool as an added facility, to make no
claim against the Homeowners Association and management for loss of personal property. Further, such persons
agree to save harmless the Homeowners Association and management from any and all liabilities and actions of
whatsoever nature by any homeowner, tenant, or guest growing out of the use of the swimming pool or pool area.
2. Guests- All guests must be accompanied by a resident. Residents will be allowed to entertain two guests on any one
day and are subject to the rules that apply to residents.
3. Property Damage- The cost of any property damage will be charged to the responsible party. Management will not
be responsible for loss or damage of any kind.
4. Closing of Pool- The pool may be closed at any time due to weather, breakdown or other operational difficulties.
*Swimming is not permitted when there is thunder or lightning observed or within 15 minutes afterwards.*
5. Pool Hours- The pool is open Sunday–Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday & Saturday from 9:00 AM—11:00
PM. There will be security for the pool and tennis courts on a random basis.
6. Rules Concerning Children- All children under 14 years of age are to be accompanied by an adult. An adult is
defined as a person 18 years of age or older. All babies must wear a bathing suit. All diapered babies must wear swim
diapers. All children who are non-swimmers must wear a flotation device in the pool area.
7. Pool Parties-There will be a charge of $25.00 to use the pool facilities for a private party Monday-Thursday and
$50.00 for Friday-Sunday plus an additional charge of $35.00 for security deposit against damage and cleanup.
Security deposit is refunded if the pool is in reasonable condition after the party. If damage and cleanup is more than
the $35.00 security deposit, the homeowner is responsible for additional charges. Homeowners are welcome to use
the pool during pool parties. Parties will be limited to 3 hours’ duration. All parties must be approved by contacting
Cynthia Ulrey at [email protected], or 354-4432 two weeks prior to the date of the party. Fee and security
deposit (checks made payable to Branderwood HOA) must be provided to Cynthia (4432 Summerset Drive) in order
to secure your party. Residents must agree to follow our standard pool rules during the party, and there will be a
contractual agreement outlining the terms of the booking. Reservation form is available on the Branderwood website
at branderwood.org. NOTE: The Branderwood resident who books the party is expected to remain at the pool for the
duration of the party.
8. General Rulesa. No Smoking is permitted in the pool area or the tennis court area by residents or guests.
b. Running, punching, wrestling, ball playing or causing undue disturbance in or about the pool area
will not be permitted.
c. Admission will be denied to anyone with skin abrasions, colds, coughs, inflamed eyes, infection, or
anyone wearing bandages.
d. No intoxicant may be brought into the pool area. No food or drink will be consumed in the
immediate apron portions of the pool area. Trash and refuse must be placed in the receptacles
provided. No glass or other breakable objects will be allowed.
e. No cut-off shorts are to be worn into the pool.
f. No pets are allowed in the pool or pool area.
g. Wheeled vehicles will not be allowed in the pool area.
h. Swimming is permitted only when the pool is open.
i. No one shall be allowed to be in the pool alone.
j. Loss of Amenity Privileges-Members who are delinquent in dues will be denied amenity privileges.
9.
Violation of the Rules May Result in Forfeiture of Pool Privileges- Use of profane, loud, or boisterous language
will be cause to require a person to leave the pool area. Continued misbehavior or disregard of pool rules will be
grounds for denial of pool privileges.
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Branderwood Newsletter
Pet Reminders
**According to Roanoke County ordinance 5.28,
it is unlawful for dogs to run at large at any
time. If you’re walking your dog, please keep it
on a leash. If you’re letting your dog out,
please make sure it stays in your yard. This is
for your dog’s protection as well as the safety
of others.
Branderwood Pool Opening
Saturday, May 16, 9:00 AM
**As you are walking your dogs, please
remember to clean up any messes they may
leave behind. This applies to any neighbor’s
yard as well as the common areas throughout
the neighborhood. Thank you!
Happenings at the South County Library:
Monday, 4/06, 3:00-9:00 PM
Monday, 4/06-Friday 4/10
Monday, 4/13, 3:00-9:00 PM
Monday, 4/13, 4:00 PM
Up-Cycle Crafting – Have fun creating fun and edible bracelets out of
jelly beans. This event is for middle and high school students.
Spring Break Fun – Join them in the Teen Center.
Monday – Craft at 3:00
Tuesday – Lego Building Challenge all day long
Wednesday – Gaming Tournament at 2:00
Thursday – Freaky Foods at 6:00
Friday – Pizza Party at 2:00
Programs are for middle and high school aged students. For more
information about the Spring Break programs, give them a call at 7778788 or stop by the Teen Center. Registration is required for all
programs.
Up-Cycle Crafting – Use old soda boxes to make a case to store your
pencils.
Pokemon Club – Bring your cards and ds games to battle and trade
with other pokemaniacs. Grades 2-6.
*Board Meetings
Everyone is welcome to attend our quarterly board meetings. We make every effort to adhere to our scheduled
dates for these work sessions.
If you will advise Meredith at Gibson and Associates that you’re planning to attend, she can let you know if we have
last-minute date or time changes. Our volunteer board occasionally has conflicts that necessitate rescheduling of
these meetings. Meredith can be reached at [email protected].
*Our next board meeting will be held Thursday, 5/14/15, at 6PM at Gibson & Associates,
2754 Electric Road (next to Veterinarians to Cats). Everyone is welcome to attend.