Association Section
Newsletters
A quarterly newsletter for Cranberry Estates Residents - Cranberry Juice

Spring 2004

Open Meeting Action Items
We would like to thank everyone who attended the open meeting on March 1, 2004 at the Middle School. The Board explained in detail why it was necessary to institute the Annual Assessment, as directed in both the Declaration and By-Laws that were given to all homeowners prior to settlement. The Board has agreed to try again this year to have the 'Non-Refundable Capital Contribution at Resale' resolution passed. We will need to have 67% of all homeowners approve this resolution in order to pass it. If this resolution is passed, then next year's annual assessment amount will be significantly reduced. As the Board explained, on an average, 35 homes are sold in our Community each year. With a budget over $80,000.00, even with $35,000.00 in resale contributions there would still need to be an annual assessment. The Board has requested volunteers for a 'Canvassing Committee' to go around to their neighbors to collect proxies in order to have this resolution passed. Several owners volunteered at the meeting. Several owners expressed confusion over why the poll taken online was not enough to have the first resolution passed. The Association must follow the rules of the Uniform Planned Community Act which calls for a formal vote whenever the By-Laws are changed. The poll was set up to see if the Community had an interest in passing this resolution, not with the intention of using the web survey to conduct an official vote. The Uniform Planned Community Act does not permit an official vote to be conducted through a web based survey.

Two other sets of volunteers were set up at the meeting. A 'Cost Cutting Committee' is being set up to look at ways for the Association to save money. Also, several owners have indicated that they are mowing Common Area lawns that are adjacent to their property. Any owners who are willing to permanently mow the lawn adjacent to their property are being asked to contact the Board so that these areas may be taken off of our Landscaping contract. Anyone interested in signing up for the 'Canvassing Committee', the 'Cost Cutting Committee' or for mowing the Common Area surrounding their property should either send an e-mail through the website, or send a fax to the Board at (610) 834-6204 by April 15th, 2004.

House Numbers
It is important that all homes have their house numbers displayed. In the event of an emergency, an ambulance or fire truck may be delayed in their response time due to not being able to locate the correct home.

Holiday Decorating Contest
Once again, our Community looked beautiful during the holiday season!! We are happy to announce the winners of this year's contest: THE BENTZ FAMILY OF 513 NORTHRIDGE ROAD

We would like to thank the following businesses for their contributions to our winner's gift basket:

The Green Rose Hair Salon - 128 Main Street Schwenksville, PA
Clemens Family Market - Trappe, PA

Contract Negotiations — Preferred Trash Company
We have asked Management to start obtaining proposals from trash companies for 'tiered' pricing if several of our owners switch to one preferred trash company. Our hopes are to save everyone money, and also to limit the number of trucks driving through our Community. Once we receive these proposals, owners will be notified and you will be given the option of signing up with our 'Preferred' company.

Sidewalks
Even though it is getting warmer, there is still the chance of snow (last year it snowed as late as April 7, 2003!!). Please remember that you are responsible for shoveling the sidewalks in front of, on the side of and in back of your home.

No Parking

Should we get a forecast for snow, please remember that there is NO PARKING allowed on the streets. It is very important that the snow plows have complete access to all of our roads.

Rec Area Parking Lights
The Township is working on installing two street lights in the recreation area parking lots. They are hoping for a spring installation.

Pets
Please help us keep our Community beautiful. Always curb and clean up after your pets.

The Woods and Northgate — Transition
The Board has been working hard trying to have the transitions for The Woods and Northgate go smoothly. Lists have been sent to the Developer and we will be working closely with them to have all items resolved.

Neighborhood Watch
We have received an up-date from the Police Department regarding the flasher incident last fall. The investigation is still active and they have a suspect. They have not wrapped up the case as they are currently awaiting lab results regarding the suspect.

A Board member has been made aware of a break-in in the area - not within Cranberry Estates. While canvassing that neighborhood, the police found that at least two of the neighbors noticed a strange man in black clothing, carrying a black duffel bag around the house. Neither neighbor thought to call 911. The police stated that the man was very similar to other robberies which have taken place in the area. Had the neighbors called 911, several cases might have been wrapped up that day. Should you notice anything out of place around the neighborhood, especially if your neighbors are out, please take the time to notify the police immediately. You would want your neighbors to do the same for you.

Smoke Detectors
When was the last time you tested your smoke detector? Smoke detectors should be tested at least twice a year. The easiest way to remember to do this is to test them on the same day as you set your clocks to "spring Forward" and "fall behind". This year, those dates are April 4, 2004 and October 31, 2004.

Board President Relocating
Board of Directors - Cranberry Estates
Our current Cranberry Estates HOA Board President, Vince Viney, has decided to relocate his family to another community within Montgomery County. As a result of this relocation, Vince will no longer serve on the HOA Board. Vince and his family are planning to move out of the Cranberry community in the mid to late June 2004 time frame. Between now and Vince's departure, the existing Board would like to begin the process of interviewing community members who are interested in serving on the Board. The Board member that replaces Vince will serve out the balance of his new elected 2 year term which is set to expire on October 1, 2005.

If you have an interest in becoming a member of the Board please send an e-mail with your contact information to the Board through our website at "www.cranberryestates.com". Our management company, Danella Property Management, will then supply you with an application package that will be presented to the existing Board for the interview and selection process.

We want to thank Vince for the 2 years of volunteer service as he led our community with dedication and poise through an intense and often challenging transition period from a Builder to homeowner controlled HOA.

THANKS VINCE!
For providing the foundation for our community's growth.