Emerald Hills Homeowners Association
May 28, 2007 | Message from the Board

Dear Neighbors,

The Message from the Board is an update designed to keep you informed about what is happening around our neighborhood. Below you will find some information that may be of interest to you.

Staunton News Leader billed us but did not run our Ad

Our yard sale ad was placed in both the Staunton News Leader and News Virginian. The News Virginian did run the ad, but the Staunton News Leader did not. The Staunton News Leader pulled our ad the day before without notifying us because they said we did not pay last year’s bill. Yet, we have a cancelled check showing that we did. The Staunton News Leader was just plain wrong! Also, they billed us for this year’s ad that they didn’t run. I contacted the Staunton News Leader and expressed my dissatisfaction. They have apologized for the mistake. If you have further questions regarding our ad, I would encourage you to contact Stephanie at the News Leader Ad department and express your dissatisfaction. Their number is (540) 885-7281.

Grass and Weed Complaints

Recently, a renter occuping a house in our neighborhood had allowed the yard to become overgrown with weeds and grass in excess of 15 inches in height. After numerous attempts to contact the residents, the EHHOA board had no choice but to file a complaint with the Community Development Department located at the Government Center. The landlord, who was unaware that his tenants had neglected the property, has rectified the situation.

Please be aware that grass and weeds in excess of fifteen inches in height on residential property is in violation of county code. Presently, the Community Development Department handles Grass and Weed complaints in three steps:

  1. Send first notice of violation (if no response in 10 days)
  2. Send second notice of violation (if no response in 10 days)
  3. Send final notice of violation (if no response in 10 days then the Board of Supervisors may approve to have the property mowed and charge the residents an administrative fee of $100)

Fortunately, we were able to locate the landlord and he took immediate action regarding the situation.

Augusta County Sheriff

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for the general public safety of all residents in Augusta County. The Sheriff’s Department can help you with issues dealing with illegal fireworks, unlicensed mini-bikes and go-carts driving up and down our streets, speeding traffic, and other illegal behavior. Please do not hesitate to call the Sheriff’s Department at (540) 245-5333.

Augusta County Animal Control

Several complaints have been made about loose dogs roaming our community. The Augusta County Animal Control Department is responsible for issues related to wild or domestic animals that may be an annoyance or danger to our community. Please do not hesitate to call the animal control officer at (540) 245-5333 if you see a loose dog or a wild animal that is acting strangely. Last year we had reports of rabid animals in the area. Finally, please be courteous and clean up after your dogs when walking them.

Political signs

As the political season approaches, please be reminded that no political signs are allowed in yards. The covenants state that, “No sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any of said lots except one sign of not more than five (5) square feet advertising the property for sale or rent, or signs used by the builder to advertise the property during construction.

Again, thank you very much for your time, patience, and most importantly your support. I look forward to working with many of you over the next year.

Sincerely,
 

Kurt Michael , President

Emerald Hills Homeowners Association
kmichael1@juno.com