CLIFFS ECHO                                      Quarterly Jan, Feb, Mar. 2012

From the VP...

Greetings neighbors!

Happy 2012! We have finally arrived at that magical year of great predictions talked about by many in history. As we enjoy our warm introduction to winter here at the Cliffs, your board has continued to function in your behalf diligently. Here's some of what happened since our last news- letter.

The fall cleanup went smoothly by our landscapers as the leaves were all removed in a timely fashion. The hoses and hose reels were removed and stored away as well as the community benches. The agitators were placed and secured in the dock welts before the first lake freeze but promptly caused a problem with the electrical at the docks. We needed an electrician to intervene on two occasions to correct issues. However, since then, we've needed to purchase 2 new agitators because of damage due to a motor burn out from one being tangled up with a free floating sail bag, and our replacement in storage not working. These new agitators will be here by the time you are reading this article.

This year our Christmas lights and decorations got up in a timely fashion due to the efforts of Carolyn and Rick Sanchez. They took on the task of digging out of the shed, untangling, testing, and purchasing new lights for those not working, along with the wreaths that adorned our doorways.  It was also Carolyn's idea to wrap them around the carport entry posts which turned out well. Needless to say, the Christmas decor looked good this year. Thanks you two!

The ongoing battle with water leaks continues as the board was called upon to investigate and remediate a few, new and old. Most water issues originate from pipe damage, roof areas, shower drains, toilets and sewers. As a reminder, keep all the wall heaters in the hallways and laundry areas left on during the winter months to prevent pipes freezing and bursting. Also be aware of excessive running and leaking
from your sinks and toilets from wear and tear. Prevention is the best remedy for all of us.

A recurring issue that hasn't been taken seriously by our entire community is the disposal of trash into our dumpsters. As a reminder, there are two: one each between D & E and E & F Buildings. December was particularly bad at the E & F dumpster with large items and bags of trash being left outside it, a TV set, face down behind it, a large multi-piece desk unit left be- side it, and a large amount of old carpeting thrown inside it. Every one of these actions is a violation and an affront to the community.

Waste Management will not get out of their trucks to dispose of these items, nor will they empty the dumpster if it is strewn with refuse around it. This also threatens our contract with them which could be discontinued if they get annoyed by our actions. So how do these items go away? A few board members take responsibility. We crawl atop, reach inside, rearrange, pick up and dispose of them in both dumpsters. This isn't a pleasing chore and one I don't want to do anymore. Our only other recourse is to pay a company to come and do it and that's just a needless expense in these days of penny pinching. These dumpsters are for household trash only, not carpeting or large furniture items; those are on you to dispose of somehow.

The board realizes there are a lot of newer folks living here now who might not be aware of the rules. We also know who some of the residents are in these cases and will follow up stringently the next time. Please be courteous and neighborly to all of us.

The board did sign a snow removal contract with a new company this year, Salisbury. You may see them around if it ever snows. Feedback about them when available is welcomed.

One other item of note is that the board is removing our current association attorney and is looking for a replacement.

That basically sums it up for this edition of Our Community at Large. Everyone stay warm, healthy, loving and neighborly. This year is our year to shine brightly.

Best wishes and peace to all, Will

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