In reviewing the 2015 balance sheet one obvious question is on snow removal. Actually, the contractor never removes snow but just push it aside. On cross ways, they manage to pile up snow on sidewalk forcing people to walk on the street. 

Concerning the cost, why did we pay $7,200 to Hector's and $4,900 to Infinitely Green for pushing snow?

On top of these expenses, we paid Infinitely Green, $7170 for cutting grass, assuming the main cost is cutting Kings Way park ground which has not been utilized much. 

When was the last time we had competitive quotes ?

Instead of thinking to raise association dues (like our government raising taxes) how much efforts have been made to cut costs ?

We paid Hector's for the start of the 2015 season.   If you recall, we had a lot of snow last winter and therefore had a higher cost.   I agree with the snow piles blocking sidewalks.  I will make sure the plow drivers are not doing that.   I will say that last year, it was tough to manage that much snow removal.  It ends up being an issue of where to push it, when you have so much.

The $4900 is for the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 season.  So that cost will pay for all snow removal until April 2016.   

Infinitely Green's invoice pays for the grass cutting of all public areas.  That includes the Kings Way Park and Princess Park.  It also cuts all easements down Lilley and Cherry Hill and along the creek area, that is our property.  

I just became president in August.  I was not part of the bidding process... and YES I will be getting new bids for the next season and I will be cutting any costs that are possible.   I own a small business myself.... so I get the importance of getting bids and getting the best value for the product.  

Our last president, Lou, I am sure did the same system and checked multiple options.  It's not necessarily his fault that prices are so high.  

At our association meeting on the 22nd.... I would love to hear ideas on how to cut costs.   Maybe we could get volunteers to help cut the grass on the easements or public areas....  Or have other suggestions.   

Melissa

Thank you, Melissa for your responses.

I can see having outside help to cut grass on Kings way Park, but on other area such as Princess Way Park, we could either solicit volunteers (take turns) or offer a part time job for older students.

We could have subdivision cleanup party and beautify our subdivision.

Mickey