Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation

Buckingham Greene Meeting Minutes

March 25, 2009

 Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order.

 Guest speakers included:

Corporal Amy Kevis:  Community officer for the Brandywine Hundred District.  Corporal Kevis, who has 17 years experience as the Community Services Liaison with the New Castle County Police, works with Paul Zoppi, Bob Weiner and Bryon Short for any police related activity that may impact the neighborhood.  The crime rate is up in general due to the economic situation, although Brandywine Hundred is very low compared to New Castle County and the State in totality.  Furthermore, Corporal Kevis praised Buckingham Greene for having very low crime rate in large part due to the vigilance of our residents.  Some key points Corporal Kevis mentioned to help keep you and your home safe:

• Do not leave your garage doors open.
• Lock the inner door to your home whether your garage door is open or closed.
• Leave front and back lights on as a deterrent - install motion sensors to save electricity.
• Use timers for your lights inside - have lights on at all times as a deterrent.
• Keep blinds/curtains closed.
• Lock windows and doors.
• Do not leave purses, laptops, or bags in your car - whether in the garage or not. 

Crimes occur in broad daylight - be vigilant at all times.

Corporal Kevis can be reached via phone (302) 395-8059 or email at akevis@ncc.org with questions.  In addition, any suspicious activity should be reported to the non-emergency police number at 573-2800.  Always use 911 for true emergencies. 

Bob Weiner - County Councilman:  Bob filled us in on his many projects within the local community such as preservation of open spaces, parklands, pathways, and anti-graffiti brigade to name a few.  Due to budget cuts, the Bob stressed the need for volunteers to help maintain open areas.  A handout with important phone numbers for New Castle County and the state was given out.  Bob appreciates all input on any issue - he has specifically requested input on the currently proposed property tax increase.  Please go to www.bobweiner.com for more information or to volunteer.  You can also contact Bob by calling Lou Hinkle, his aide, at (302) 395-8362.

Bryon Short, 7^th District Representative:  Bryon is also the chair of the Economic Development Banking and Assurance Committee - a bipartisan committee he helped to create to address small business obstacles.   Bryon opened the floor to questions after his opening remarks.  Please contact Bryon for any questions or concerns at 577-5313, or email at bryon.short@state.de.us.  Bryon's aide is Blaine Breeding.

Bryon, Bob Weiner, and Corporal Kevis work closely together on many community issues.  If you contact any of them, they will see that the appropriate people are notified to help you with your problem.

2009 Annual Assessment:  The proposed 2009 annual assessment of $ 130 was discussed, voted upon, and unanimously approved by those in attendance.  Payments are to be dropped off to Alan Herring at 113 Scotts Way - checks made payable to the "Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation".  Please help the Board by paying promptly and dropping your check off at Alan's ASAP.  It will save the community time and money if the Board does not have to provide invoices for everyone in the neighborhood.  Late fees will apply to all payments received after the May 15^th due date.  Thanks in advance for your prompt attention to the assessment.

Arden Litigation:  At this point, we do not have any new information regarding the status of the case.  Please feel free to contact any member of the BOD if you have specific questions regarding the current status.

Other Community Happenings/News:

• Spring Egg Hunt - April 5^th at the playground. Please contact Blair Nowland at 475-3574 if you would like to participate with the number of children you will be bringing.
• Please secure your trashcan lids on pick up days - bungee cords are very effective. When the trash blows in the neighborhood, there are certain areas that it always gets deposited. Again, a little common sense can go a long way in resolving this problem. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
• As always, PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS.
• We are planning to organize a Spring Cleaning day within the development to pick up trash, some minor playground maintenance, landscaping, etc. Any and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. More information will follow soon regarding a specific date (currently thinking about the last weekend in April). If everyone can donate a small amount of time, it will be much easier for those who do most of the volunteer work in the community.
• Happy belated 89^th birthday to Eric Christensen!
• We will be planning our annual Independence Day Parade in late June /early July - more to follow.
• Please remember to observe the speed limit within the development (25mph) - also PLEASE stop at the stop signs. We have many small children playing within the neighborhood every day.
• Thanks to everyone who has volunteered in any capacity. Our community is always looking for more people to get involved. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors, as well. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
• Email addresses wanted: If you are not on our email distribution list, please send your email address to Paul Zoppi at pzoppi109@cs.com. We love communicating via email as it saves time and paper. It's a great way to stay connected to the community.

Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors:
Paul Zoppi, President 529-7760
Rich McCann, Vice President 529-7554
Tom Tryon, Vice President 475-5034
Alan Herring, Treasurer 475-7976
Shelli McGrory, Secretary 475-6331Thank you,

October 23, 2008

Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order.

Officer Kevis, from the New Castle County Police department, spoke to the residents in attendance regarding a variety of issues. Corporal Kevis acts as a community liaison between local communities and the police department. She began by reminding all of us that most crimes, in residential areas in particular, are crimes of opportunity. Keep your car doors locked when parked in your driveway, close your garage doors, lock your windows at home, and keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary. And most importantly, if you are a victim of or witness to a crime, however small or insignificant it may seem, you must report it to the police (the County non-emergency number is 573-2800; 911 should always be used for true emergencies). The police will use this information to possibly solve related crimes, or even increase their patrols within our development. The bottom line is we owe it to each other to keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious activity. And remember, all tips to the police can be reported anonymously.

Next, Bryon Short (our District Representative) addressed our residents and answered questions. He mentioned that we would be eligible to receive a free barrel of salt/sand from the state for the winter months. The residents in attendance agreed that the barrel will be placed near the front of the development (perhaps hidden behind the community sign), and that we would all utilize the salt/sand as needed during the winter months. Bryon also gave an update on the air traffic noise over northern Delaware. If you are interested in being added to an email list to be informed of future meetings on the issue, contact Bryon directly (email him at electbryonshort@aol.com). He also provided signs that will be posted near the front of the development to remind residents to please not speed within the development (we continue to have issues with residents driving too fast and not observing stop signs). Please drive safely within Buckingham Greene, especially given all the young children we have playing in the development every day.

Bob Weiner (County Councilman) spoke to residents regarding a variety of issues. First and foremost, the County is having significant issues with the budget. Bob emphasized the need for local government to be lean and continue to look for ways to reduce expenses. The County has a need to hire more police officers, and will be faced with some difficult decisions over the next year or two. He also stressed that Stoltz continues to attempt to push through their shopping center project on Concord Pike. He continues to look for community support in getting this project stopped. You can visit his website at www.bobweiner.com for more information. He is always looking for volunteers to help with his graffiti brigade and crime watch programs, as well.

The meeting ended with a review of the 2008 budget/expenses. The BOD is also looking for referrals for snow plowing for the upcoming winter season. If you have someone to recommend, please contact Paul Zoppi or Alan Herring directly. In addition, there is a large dead tree in the back cul-de-sac that needs to come down. If anyone has referrals for tree removal, please contact the Board.

Volunteers: Thanks to everyone who has volunteered in some capacity. Especially Alan Herring as Treasurer, Lani and Jay Gibson (Landscape Committee), Rita McCann and Blair Nowland (Social Committee), Robert Agarwal (Architectural Review Committee) and Shelli McGrory as Secretary. As always, we are looking for residents to get involved within the development. Whether it’s helping with the Social Committee, the Landscape Committee, or any other aspect of Buckingham Greene, please contact a member of the Board of Directors. We aren’t asking for a lot of time, and it’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors.

Remember, we have our annual Halloween parade scheduled for Sunday, October 26th, at 3pm. We will meet at the playground and then march around the development. Everyone is encouraged to participate, including adults. Also, we are planning on having our annual Holiday Adults Only Social either the first or second weekend of December. If you haven’t yet responded and are interested in participating, please contact Paul ASAP so we can finalize the numbers. It is always a great time, so please come.

Email addresses wanted: If you are not on our email distribution list, please send your email address to Paul Zoppi at pzoppi109@cs.com. We love communicating via email as it saves time and paper. It’s a great way to stay connected to the community.

Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors:
Paul Zoppi, President 529-7760
Rich McCann, Vice President 529-7554
Tom Tryon, Vice President 475-5034
Alan Herring, Treasurer 475-7976
Shelli McGrory, Secretary 475-6331

March 26, 2008

Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order

2008 Assessment: First on the agenda was a review of the proposed 2008 annual assessment. At the conclusion of a discussion period, the originally proposed assessment amount was determined to be inadequate. A revised amount of $170 was proposed and unanimously approved by the residents in attendance. There has been some discussion within the community since the meeting, and the Board would like to clarify the reasons for the increase again, for those who could not be in attendance. The slight increase was needed due to some maintenance issues we are having with our stormwater management facilities. Based on the most recent evaluation reports received from New Castle County, both stormwater basins were in need of immediate remediation. The community is responsible for ensuring the stormwater facilities are maintained in order to retain eligibility in the County's Amnesty Program (which would cover any major repairs should any be needed in the future). The County performs an annual physical inspection of each basin. In order to effectively address the maintenance issues identified in the most recent County inspection, the BOD contracted with EnviroTech – an organization that maintains and services stormwater facilities, as well as completes the required inspection logs for the County. EnviroTech performed the needed repairs, which have subsequently been approved by the County upon a re-inspection. In an effort to reduce costs associated with contracting with EnviroTech, the Maintenance Corporation has opted to have them do quarterly, as opposed to, monthly inspections. Patrick McGrory volunteered to perform the monthly inspections. It is these repair and maintenance costs, as well as anticipated increases in grass cutting fees, that resulted in the need to increase the annual assessment to $170 per household. Payments are to be made to Alan Herring at 113 Scotts Way - made payable to the "Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation". Please help the Board by paying promptly.

Guest speakers included: Bryon Short, 7th district representative. Bryon opened the floor to questions immediately. Some inquiries made by homeowners included concerns regarding the low flying helicopters, a desire to have a posted sign for our community along Veale Road, and the repair of pot holes at the intersection of Buckingham and Veale Roads. Bryon assured all that he would look into these issues and email Paul Zoppi with information as soon as it was available.

Next, New Castle Councilman Bob Weiner spoke to the residents. Bob discussed his many goals for the community in general – preservation of open spaces, parklands, pathways, and anti-graffiti brigade to name a few. Please visit www.bobweiner.com for more information or to volunteer.

Update on the Arden Litigation: The Maintenance Corporation sent a letter from the residents of Buckingham Greene to Chancellor Noble (the judge hearing the case) last summer. At this point, we have not heard any new decisions regarding the outstanding litigation.

Volunteers: Thanks to everyone who has volunteered in some capacity. Especially Alan Herring as Treasurer, Lani and Jay Gibson (Landscape Committee), Rita McCann and Blair Nowland (Social Committee), and Shelli McGrory as Secretary.

As always, we are looking for residents to get involved within the development. Whether it’s helping with the Social Committee, the Landscape Committee, or any other aspect of Buckingham Greene, please contact a member of the Board of Directors. We aren’t asking for a lot of time, and it’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors.

Announcements and Reminders: Verizon Fios is now available on Scotts Way to any residents who may be interested.

Remember, as a courtesy to all of our neighbors, please be sure to clean up after your pets.

With the warmer weather fast approaching, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE drive safely within the community. Be sure to observe the speed limit and all posted stop signs. We have many young children playing in our streets every day. It’s just not worth picking up a few seconds by speeding through the development and/or not observing stop signs. Thank you for your cooperation!

Email addresses wanted: If you are not on our email distribution list, please send your email address to Paul Zoppi at pzoppi109@cs.com. We love communicating via email as it saves time and paper. It’s a great way to stay connected to the community.

Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors:
Paul Zoppi, President 529-7760
Rich McCann, Vice President 529-7554
Tom Tryon, Vice President 475-5034
Alan Herring, Treasurer 475-7976
Shelli McGrory, Secretary 475-6331

March 27, 2007

* Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order.

* Guest speakers included:
- Lynn Linscott and Susan Gleich from the Brandywine School district, who spoke about the upcoming Operating Referendum to be voted on Tuesday, April 24th. The ballot consists of two items: 1) operations and strategic plan and 2) maintenance, safety and high school auditorium upgrades. This referendum would create an average tax increase of $251 in year one and an additional $22 in year two, bringing the total average homeowner increase to $273. There is relief for seniors and disabled persons. For information call the County Assessment Division at 395-5520.

- Jorge Pizarro, from the New Castle Count Office of Community Governing, presented statistics on Buckingham Greene code violations and criminal activity reported during the 2006 calendar year. There has been one code violation reported since January 2006, and fifteen 911 calls during the same time period. With the new budget proposed by County Executive Christopher Coons, this office could potentially be eliminated. You can call Mr. Coons’ office at 395-5101 to voice your concerns over the elimination of this office. The Office of Community Governing has been instrumental over the years in assisting our community with numerous issues, and the Buckingham Greene Board of Directors is asking all residents to contact Christopher Coons (email: chriscoons@nccde.org) and/or Councilman Bob Weiner (email: bob@bobweiner.com) expressing your concerns. Thank you!

- Jim Bowers (R) and Bryon Short (D), both campaigning for the 7th district seat recently vacated by Wayne Smith, each spoke briefly on their personal experience and views. Both will be in the neighborhood in the next few weeks to speak with residents and answer questions.

* The originally proposed 2007 annual assessment amount of $100 per lot was determined to be inadequate, due to some potentially dangerous dead trees in the community that must be removed. A revised assessment of $135 per household was voted on and unanimously approved by those in attendance. While the $135 is more than was originally anticipated, it is still very much in line with previous years assessment amounts. Checks should be made payable to “Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation” and delivered to Alan Herring at 113 Scotts Way. Invoices will be circulated throughout the community shortly. Please do pay your assessment promptly. Thank you.

* Arden Litigation: Ever since the case went to trial in the spring of 2004, the judge hearing the case (Chancellor Noble) has asked that the experts representing the builder and Arden work together on a mutually agreeable plan to help divert water runoff into the Arden woods. The expert for Arden is recommending that water be redirected to the large retention pond in our community, and that the existing pond be enlarged to accommodate the increased water flow. In order to make the pond large enough, the Arden expert is suggesting that half of the playground be removed to allow for the pond to be expanded. Paul Zoppi is recommending that the community send a letter to Chancellor Noble asking him not to consider such an alternative. We do not want our streets excavated, nor do we want to lose our playground. Once the letter is drafted, it will be circulated throughout the community for signatures. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

* As always, we are looking for residents to get involved within the development. Whether it’s helping with the Social Committee, the Landscape Committee, or any other aspect of Buckingham Greene, please contact a member of the Board of Directors. We aren’t asking for a lot of time, and it’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors.

* The Spring Egg Hunt is March 31st at the playground. Contact Blair Nowland 475-3574.

* The landscape committee is looking for help. Contact Lani Gibson 529-7476.

* Welcome to all our new neighbors including Igor Yaroshenko and Irina Romanova at 21 Weilers Bend, Sherman Tribbett and Wendy Ash at 61 Weilers Bend, Ella Edwards and Yvonne & Brian Matthews at 26 Weilers Bend, Debra and James Smith at 16 Weilers Bend, and Daniel Shufler at 63 Weilers Bend. Please be sure to say hello to our newest neighbors if you’re out and about in the development. Welcome to all!

* Congratulations to Vicki McCann (daughter of Rich and Rita) on her upcoming wedding on May 12th.

* Remember, as a courtesy to all of our neighbors, please be sure to clean up after your pets.

* With the warmer weather fast approaching, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE drive safely within the community. Be sure to observe the speed limit and all posted stop signs. We have many young children playing in our streets every day. It’s just not worth picking up a few seconds by speeding through the development and/or not observing stop signs. Thank you for your cooperation!

* Email addresses wanted: If you are not on our email distribution list, please send your email address to Paul Zoppi at pzoppi109@cs.com. We love communicating via email as it saves time and paper. It’s a great way to stay connected to the community.

Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors:
Paul Zoppi, President 529-7760
Rich McCann, Vice President 529-7554
Tom Tryon, Vice President 475-5034
Alan Herring, Treasurer 475-7976
Shelli McGrory, Secretary 475-6331