Monday, March 19, 2012

Maintenance Reminders for Owners

A homeowner at the Retreat recently experienced an unfortunate flood in their unit.  The flooding was caused by the failure of the fill sensor on their washing machine causing the water to continue running and thereby overflowing.  If this happens, the water must be turned off at the wall.  Turning off the power on the washer does not stop the water flow. 

 

As a reminder, it is a good idea check the water lines to your washing machine, fridge, dish washers and hot water heaters.  All the wearable parts on the toilets including the seals and flapper valves should be checked as well.     

 

Some additional items that should checked annually are listed below:

            Dryer vents-Cleaning dryer vents is very important to prevent fire hazards caused from lint buildup. 

            Smoke Detectors-Remember to change your batteries at least once a year.

            Carbon Monoxide Detectors-If you don’t have these you should look into getting one in your unit.  If you do, change the batteries at least once a year.

           

 

Respectfully,

 

Jennifer Webb

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

  349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
    Charleston, SC 29412    

      843-795-8484 x329

     CMGCharleston.com

 

 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Eat Dessert First at the Clubhouse March 30th!

 

Life is Short

Eat Dessert First!

Calories and Conversation

At the clubhouse

Friday, March 30th

6:30pm till?

 

Please bring a dessert to taste

and your choice of beverage

 

 

Questions? Call Cheryl Curren 406-0610

Karen Fowler 297-8013

 

 

 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Clubhouse Wireless Internet

Wireless internet has been installed at the Clubhouse.  This is a public WiFi access for Retreat residents only while at the pool/clubhouse during the normal hours of operation.  Residents are not to use this hotspot as a replacement for personal Internet inside their units. It is important to understand that from time to time there could be service interruptions for various reasons.  Therefore, do not rely solely on this connection for internet access.  If at any time you experience trouble with the internet please contact Community Management Group at 795-8484.  If it during normal business hours we will contact Comcast that day.  If it is after normal business hours we will contact Comcast on the following business day. 

 

When residents are using the Internet they agree:

    To maintain computer and network security

    To avoid viewing indecent or pornographic material

    To abide by copyright laws

    To abstain from hacking, spamming, distributing viruses, invasion of privacy, or other illegal activities

    To avoid excessively large downloads or video streaming that slows the internet connection for other users

 

The Retreat HOA reserves the right to withdraw internet access at any time. 

 

This is a password protected wireless internet connection.  Please contact Community Management Group for the access code. 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Jennifer Webb

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

  349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
    Charleston, SC 29412    

      843-795-8484 x329

     CMGCharleston.com

 

 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Pressure Washing

The pressure washing is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 23rd.  The schedule is subject to change depending on the weather.  The pressure washing will begin at the 1100 building and they will work their way down to building 100.  Notices will be posted and emailed.  Please remember to clear items from patios, porches, balconies, etc. to avoid damage from overspray.  The porches will not be included in the pressure washing.  However, owners can contact Superior View to set up appointments to have porches cleaned for a reduced cost while the company is on site performing the regular cleaning of the buildings.  Payments will be made directly to Superior View. 

 

·         Please notify Superior View Inc. 843-224-9854 the day prior to your building being cleaned if you would like your screen porch and balcony cleaned.  We will ladder up to balcony to ensure proper cleaning.    The cost per unit is as follows:  1st Floor -- $20.00,   2nd Floor --  $25.00,     3rd Floor -- $30.00

 

PLEASE NOTE:

The cleaning solution used does contain a bleach product.  Everything is rinsed very thoroughly once cleaned. However, residents & guests need to be very aware of dripping areas & avoid when possible.

 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Jennifer Webb

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

  349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
    Charleston, SC 29412    

      843-795-8484 x329

     CMGCharleston.com

 

 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Happy Hour at the Retreat Clubhouse, Friday-February 14th

Happy Hour (or two or three)

Friday February 24th

At the clubhouse

6:00p.m.

Bring a snack to share

B.Y.O. Happy Juice

 

 

 

 

Submitted by the Retreat Social Committee

Janitorial

Unfortunately, Leon is having some health issues that have prevented him from working last week and this week.  Community Management Group will have the maintenance department do some minimal cleaning (i.e. doggie stations, clubhouse, etc.) this week.  Leon should be back on Monday.  If there are any concerns that need to be addressed prior to next week, please email jseabrook@cmgcharleston.com with the details.

 

Respectfully,

 

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

  349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
    Charleston, SC 29412    

      843-795-8484 x329

     CMGCharleston.com

 

 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Annual Meeting Updates

There was a good turnout for the Annual Meeting.  There were 3 seats up for election and three nominees.   Your new Board consists of Danielle Clark, Josh Williams, Charlie Wilson, Phyllis Moseley and Corinne Geyer.  Some of the topics brought up in the discussion portion are listed below. 

 

Q: What is the maximum recommended contribution for the Reserve Fund? 

A: The Reserve Study uses two methods of calculating the forecast.  The Retreat adopted the Cash Flow method.  The Reserve Study will be updated in the next year or two.

 

Q: In the event of a catastrophe is the deductible going to come out of the Reserve Fund and if so is it adequate. 

A: One approach is to assess only the affected unit owners.  Another approach would be for the HOA to cover the deductible. 

 

Q: Why can’t the Board make this decision ahead of time so owners can be prepared? 

A: Most owners have an HO-6 policy which includes special assessment insurance.  If you don’t have it, contact your agent.  Reference was made to the insurance letter that was distributed at the meeting and prepared by HUB International Southeast Limited, the Association’s insurance agency.  (NOTE: The letter can be downloaded from the website at www.cmgcharleston.com/retreat_riverland.htm)

 

Q: Does every homeowner understand the risk?

A: The owners were reminded that the Board has provided a letter from the insurance agent for the last several years so owners have been made aware of what’s covered under the HOA policy and what they should have covered under their individual HO-6 policy. 

 

Statement: Some owners are of the opinion that the entire community should share the expense, not just the affected units.  Several owners agreed that they would support the HOA sharing the cost as a whole.

 

Statement: The maximum that each unit could be assessed is $5,000.  2%  (deductible) of $5,500,000 (building’s insurance coverage) is about $110,000 which divided by 24  (number of units in the building) is roughly $4,500 per unit. 

 

Q: Can pressure washing be postponed until after pollen season? 

A: There is a substantial cost savings to do pressure washing in February or March and waiting doesn’t seem to make a difference.    

 

Q: Who is responsible for cleaning the dryer vents and how do you know which vent belongs to which unit? 

A: Homeowners are responsible for their dryer vents.  To find out which one belongs to your unit you can turn the dryer on and go outside to see which flap is moving.  The dryer vents can be cleaned from the inside out by using a low pressure blower.  There are many companies that provide this service as well.  The dryer vents should be cleaned out annually to avoid any buildup and potential fire hazard. 

 

Q: What is the current percentage of renters? 

A: 18%

 

Respectfully,

 

Jennifer Seabrook

Community Manager
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Association Management Specialist (AMS)

Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC)

  349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
    Charleston, SC 29412    

      843-795-8484 x329

     CMGCharleston.com