Winterchase HOA of Acworth May 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to a busy year here at Winterchase!
We are almost done raising dues. Volunteers took over the flowerbeds at our entrance signs. What a wonderful look our own neighbors provide with lower cost to the neighborhood! Thank you volunteers!
We installed a section of fence along Hwy 92 under the GA Power area. Would some volunteers be willing to apply stain? Last weekend Summit Fence removed the last of the chain link fencing around the pool and installed the final metal fence surrounding the pool. Summit Fence did a great job on both projects! Come see it this weekend at the annual meeting. This will bring the pool into full compliance with Cobb County. There were other improvements like additional wood fencing and smoother working gates.
The neighborhood expressed their support when we had our meetings a few years ago. We have followed through on slowly raising dues and replacing outdated amenities. The annual dues should cover the costs. Hopefully, you’ve come to expect us to listen to your opinion on priorities around the neighborhood. Our reserve account for upgrades and general maintenance is enough to cover the cost depending on the needs of the community. 2024 dues will be $400 per year. After 2024, we hope to keep dues at $400 per annum.
GA Power cut the area under their power lines. A volunteer has been weed eating some of the area closest to the pool to help with foot traffic. Hopefully we can thank volunteers at the annual meeting.
The bulletin boards at the pool and front of the neighborhood have been replaced with industrial grade signs similar to those found at national parks. The look and the colors match our Winterchase green.
It is within the Covenants to raise funds by an assessment. Management companies do this all the time. We prefer not to use this method as it effectively raises dues considerably in one year. While it takes time to make improvements, most can afford the path we as a community have chosen. So far, we have not needed to resort to the way other communities have used who are managed instead of self-managed. This means that your opinions, support and involvement are invaluable to our community.
We changed landscapers. Dogwood got out of the landscaping business. Dogwood handed our account to a landscaper which did not meet our needs. Lawn n Order of Georgia will begin in June. Lawn n Order gives a 10% discount to Winterchase homeowners. Email [email protected] or call 404.428.8940
Annual dues increased to $390 this year, with a due date of July 1st. The delay in processing dues was caused by Truist transfer of formerly BB&T accounts. It took our Treasurer more time to process the payments because of technical errors and issues caused by the transfer of BB&T accounts into the national bank of Truist. Truist mobile customers experienced online banking issues this year as well. Winterchase was not the only entity affected. We did not want to penalize you. Having local control allows us this flexibility. Feel free to pay normally or take advantage of the extra time this year. No late fees will be applied until after July. The BOD expects to hold at $400 for the foreseeable future, which might be over a decade again (depending on inflation). Remember to use your coupon sent out late mid-April to receive credit for payments. Payments should be received before July 1st and will be late after August 1st. Those who read our quarterly minutes already were made aware. If you do not receive our email blasts (about 6 per year), then please email the Board at [email protected].
General upkeep can continue in other areas if you want. The President is willing to work with anyone to make changes such as improving the playground or other projects. The Board has also supported the book club and other projects brought up by the community. The rubberized mulch held up well and didn’t move during the heavy rains. Volunteers allow us to use general funds instead of dipping into our reserve account for general upkeep projects like this. Is there something on your radar; let us know.
Last year 5 homes changed ownership. One more rental property changed to home ownership. Our goal of reducing rentals to below 10% remains a strong commitment with the Board of Directors (BOD).
ACC continues to monitor and enforce our HOA contract. Our website WinterchaseHOA.com has several sets of colors to make it easier for members to know which colors are approved. We are also working on ACC violation and general guidelines. At closing, we had one home remove a second shed that was not approved. We enjoy showing off all the homes deserving Yard of the Month!
Annual Meeting will be the 20th of May, which is Saturday at 10 a.m. Acworth Police representative will be our special guest this year to answer questions you may have.
Please slow down around the kids and walkers!!! Thank you
Annual Election – Melissa, our new ACC Cochair (replacing an outgoing board member), and Mark, our Secretary are up for reelection next year. If you would like to replace one of them in an election, then we need to hear from you before March of next year. We invite anyone considering being a board member to contact the BOD and be a part of our meetings as rotation remains our preferred method of keeping the Board responsive and active. All homeowners in good standing are welcome! We have enjoyed an active 5-member board for many years now.
Pool opening – Memorial Day or May 20th, awaiting inspection. Will update new bulletin board accordingly.
Always email/mail the BOD when using community parking at the pool for longer than day use. A registered vehicle is easy for us to contact the owner to move without hiring a tow truck to move your vehicle.
Trash Cans – Out of sight or on the side after Wednesday pick-up.
Dogs/pets – A good way to gain an enemy is for your pet to poop in their yard; please be kind.
Police – Report any unusual activity in your area to Acworth Police department (770) 974-1232.
Email the entire BOD at [email protected]
President: Greg Thompson 770-855-9424 BOD: Deborah Rogers (Chair) William Godfrey (Treasurer)
Mark Perdue (Secretary) Connie Keller (ACC Cochair) Melissa Jones (ACC Cochair)
Website for minutes and more at WinterchaseHOA.com