Drainage update

On Friday, July 14, engineers, accompanied by our property management's maintenance specialist, visited the sites at which SMA is experiencing drainage issues when there is heavy or frequent rainfall. We hope to have a report from the engineer very soon that will outline the cause of these issues and what improvements could be made. This is a priority issue for the board and we will keep you updated on our progress. We want to address the drainage problems as quickly as we can, but not at the expense of an inadequate solution.

Missing Cat!

UPDATE 7/14/17 -- Krissy is home! She was spotted by neighbors and Jo was able to bring her back home where she belongs! 

Jo Timberlake, 153 Sloane Place, is missing her cat, Krissy, who got out early this morning. Krissy is a white and gray cat, with some brown. She is an indoor cat, and is unfamiliar with the neighborhood.
Thank you!

News for July 2017

Dues payment grace period

Some homeowners have expressed concern that the dues letter didn’t indicate that the 30 days grace period for dues payment was still in effect. The board wants to assure you that it is! We regret that the letter was not clear and will endeavor to include that information in future letters. Please know that dues should be paid by July 1. However, there will be no late charge unless dues are paid after July 31.

Addressing drainage problems

There are some areas of Stratford Manor that are experiencing drainage issues when there is heavy or frequent rainfall. A survey of those areas has been done and an engineer will be on the property very soon to determine the cause of these issues and what improvements could be made. The board has struggled with this issue for many months and is very pleased that our property management is able to help us finally make some real progress. Updates will be posted on our website as soon as they are available and will be included in the monthly newsletter. 

New street lights on Kenilworth

Three new street lights are in the process of being installed on Kenilworth Drive. Electrical wiring has been put in and one pole is already in place and working. The other two poles are on backorder and will be installed as soon as they are available.

Pet waste bag stations

Three pet waste bag stations will be installed in common areas soon. If you’re out with your pooch and are in need of a bag to pick up after him or her, we hope you’ll avail yourself of one of these stations. We want to make it easy to keep Stratford Manor’s common areas clean and enjoyable for all residents. Once the stations are installed, you can help us maintain them by alerting the board if a station needs refilling by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.

Shrub removal

Some of the new shrubs planted along Kenilworth Drive have failed to thrive. They will be removed very soon, but we will not replace them until this fall, after the heat of summer has passed. They will be replaced with something a bit hardier.

Architectural inspections

A few homeowners received 2nd notice letters regarding required repairs and maintenance that were sent in error. Board members performed the initial inspections and follow up was done by the property management company. Moving forward, property management will perform all inspections, avoiding any confusion. If you received a 2nd notice that you believe is in error, please contact the board at stratfordnn@gmail.com.

New: Architectural Modification Request form

Please remember that all owners must get approval prior to making any exterior structural, color, or other decorative change in appearance. If you are planning to do any work on the exterior of your home, you must complete an Architectural Modification Request form. The form will be available soon on our website, or you may request a copy be mailed or delivered to you by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.

Prettiest Yard Contest

We’re on the lookout for the next winner in the Prettiest Yard Contest! Each quarter, one hard-working homeowner will win a $25 gift card for Anderson’s. You can nominate a yard by emailing the board at stratfordnn@gmail.com. Our next winner will be announced in September.

Board elections in October

Three board seats will be up for election at our Annual Meeting in October. If you would like to know more about serving on the board, please contact Betty Snyder, chair of the Nominating Committee, 757-599-3163 or betty@snydertax.hrcoxmail.com. The nomination form is available for download on the “Board Members” page of our website or by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.

Switching to email newsletters

Stratford Manor wants to save trees and save money! Beginning in 2018, we plan to switch from printed newsletters to email. If you need to continue receiving the newsletter in print, please email Ann Turner, stratfordnn@gmail.com.

Property Management FAQs

Why did the board decide to hire a property manager?

As a self-managed association, SMA’s board had to be a working board – every member had to be hands-on, putting in the significant time and energy required to do the work of the association - everything from managing landscaping, invoicing and collecting dues, inspecting every home for architectural compliance, to responding to resident concerns.  Having a volunteer board providing management had become increasingly challenging. In some cases, the board was not able to provide a prompt or effective response homeowner concerns. We were also acutely aware that none of us has the knowledge or experience to effectively manage a property like SMA. We take our responsibility to our neighbors very seriously and want to make sure we are providing the very best management possible. Our homes are significant investments for all of us and, if we do not manage the association well, our property values could decline.

Does the SMA Board have the power to engage a property management company?

The SMA board has the power to engage the services of a professional management agency without the vote of the association members. The members elect us to manage the business of the association and the board is empowered by Article VII, Section 1 (e) of the By-Laws to “Employ a manager, independent contractor, or such other employees as they deem necessary, and to prescribe their duties.”

Why did the board not notify us in advance of this change?

The board had discussed the possibility of professional property management in our regular open meetings over several months. Board members asked residents to help with the work required to manage Stratford Manor, but none were able or willing. We had a difficult time just getting enough people to fill the nine board seats. With the resignation of the treasurer, the matter became extremely urgent and we decided to move forward. We regret that the timing of our decision did not allow for a general announcement.

What will the property manager do for us?

Included in the work of the property manager is: responding to resident questions and complaints; managing the landscaping service; providing architectural compliance inspections, notifications and following up on violations; invoicing and collecting dues; and managing the maintenance of and improvements to the common property. The SMA board is still in control, but will have the professional expertise of our property management company to help us make the best decisions we can for SMA. We also have a dedicated property manager to make sure that work is done promptly and professionally.

How much does property management cost?

The cost of property management is $12,384 per year. This breaks down to $8 per month per townhome unit.

Will dues go up?

The cost of professional management will require a small increase in the association dues. The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, Article IV, Section 3(b), empowers the board to increase the annual assessment not more than 10% each year without a vote of the association membership. At the June 1 board meeting, the board voted to raise association dues for 2018 from $650 to $715 annually, an increase of $65.

Did you consider any other companies before choosing Advanced Association Management?

We met with and received proposals from three local property management companies. We felt that Advanced Association Management Group was the best fit for our association. It’s a small, “boutique” firm that works closely with the board and tailors their service to our needs.

Whom do I contact if I need to report a problem or have a complaint?

Contact Advanced Association Management Group, 873-0111 or robin@aamg-va.com

How do I contact a board member if I have concerns about property management?

You can contact the members of the board by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com. Please do call or email us if you have questions or concerns.

News for June 2017

Stratford Manor keeps getting better!

Effective June 1, 2017, Advanced Association Management Group, Inc. (AAMG) became Stratford Manor Association’s new management company. The SMA board members are very confident that AAMG will provide excellent management of our community. AAMG is a locally-owned small business and the owner, Ms. Robin Stortz, has worked very closely with the SMA board and will continue to do so as we move forward. Our property manager is Ms. Carmen Nunez. Resident concerns and questions can be directed to her: 757-873-0111 or carmen@aamg-va.com. Under the guidance of the SMA board, Ms. Nunez and AAMG staff will perform the day-to-day management of the community. Having a volunteer board providing management has become increasingly challenging. In some cases, we have not been able to provide a prompt or effective response homeowner concerns. AAMG will address and resolve issues in a timely manner. Having property management professionals who are knowledgeable of the best practices and laws that apply to homeowner associations will be of great benefit to our community. Ms. Nunez and the SMA board are working together to make sure that Stratford Manor continues to be a wonderful place to live.

New street lights on Kenilworth 
Stratford Manor is having three new streetlights installed on Kenilworth by Dominion Power.  This enhancement will not only continue to beautify our townhomes, but will afford an additional security measure to our residents. 

Yard clean up reminder 
When you are cleaning up your yards, please be sure to properly dispose of the leaves, clippings, etc., and not place them in the common areas.  Year Round Landscaping is not responsible for cleaning up debris from private property.  The landscaping is looking so pretty and we all want to do our part to continue making Stratford Manor a beautiful community in which to live. 

Trash day reminder 
As a reminder, trash receptacles must be curbside for collection no earlier than 6:00 p.m. on Monday for collection on Tuesday and removed from the street by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  This is a Newport News Ordinance and a Stratford Manor rule.  Thanks for doing your part! 

Winner of the Prettiest Yard Contest 
Drum roll please... The winner of SMA's prettiest yard contest goes to Lorraine Winall (120 Kenilworth). Ms. Winall will be receiving a $25 gift card to Anderson’s Garden and Gift Shop.  If you have not seen how pretty her yard is with all the cute landscaping and beautiful blooming flowers, please walk by and take a look!  Be sure to give her a “pat on the back” for a job well done!  CONGRATULATIONS! Don’t forget, there will be other chances for YOU to win a gift card to Anderson’s, so keep up the great work that has been accomplished.  Next time, YOUR yard just might be the prettiest yard around. 

Thank you, Laura! 
A special “thank you” goes to, Laura Fields, who has been the Treasurer for SMA’s Board for numerous years.  She has been dedicated her job as Treasurer and has been very knowledgeable and extremely  helpful in all community matters.  All of her  efforts, dedication, and hard work will be missed, but we wish her well in her new job. 

As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a family” 
That is so true for homeowners associations, too.  Many residents take it for granted when their community grass is cut, parking lots of cleaned of debris, assessments collected, association meetings are properly held, and the association business gets done. Many residents don’t understand what it takes to make this all happen.  What it usually takes are great neighbors, who take it upon themselves to unselfishly run for and then actively participate on the association’s board of directors and serve as officers and committee chair.  To do this properly takes a whole lot of time from these volunteers and they don’t get paid. Yes, they don’t get paid – zip, nada, nothing.  These folks have full time jobs, too! Boards always hear what is wrong, but seldom hear when things are going right. “Things going right” just does not happen by default. It takes lots of time and effort by these unpaid folks for things to go right. So, let them know how well you think of them whenever you can. Praise for a job well done can sometimes make up for the lack of pay and long hours. By throwing an acknowledgement of thanks their way now and then, you just might be able to obtain and retain good directors and officers for the sake of the well-run future of your community.