Cast your votes for the new HOA sign.

As indicated in the November newsletter the renderings below depict the new HOA sign options.  We are asking everyone to vote on the design they like.  You can vote by returning the newsletter with your noted selections, emailing me, or by selecting one of the sign combinations in the voting section to the right.  Please keep in mind that these are only drawings and the sign will not look exactly the same; however, we will try our best for to have them look as similar as possible.  Thanks for voting and I hope to see you all at the Holiday Party on December 3rd!

And the votes are in!

Although there are only 11 total votes the people of  Forest Park have spoken and the HOA sign renovations are the clear winner for the 2011 improvements.  Thanks to everyone who voted!  I've gotten a couple of bids on the cost to repair the signs with the goal of  replacing just the stones that were in the worst shape.  Unfortunately with the sign off of 69th street there are so many deteriorating stones that it would actually be cheaper to just rebuild the sign all together. This brings up another issue, the current signs are actually in violation of the City of Merriam's clear vision triangle rule which is a 50' x 50' setback from the street.  An aerial showing the extents of this triangle is shown below.

Currently the HOA signs have been grandfathered in but if they were to be rebuilt they would need to stay out of this clear vision triangle. So what's the next step?  I need to get more clarification from the City of Merriam to ensure that the work that will be done will not trigger the need to comply with the clear vision triangle rule.  My goal is to update the signs as much as possible all the while keeping the signs in their current location.  Hopefully I will have some updates before the end of the month.

Other notable news/events:

• As of January 2012 yard waste will no longer be picked up by waste management providers.  Composting or mulching are the only suggested methods of disposal.  Also, as of January 2012 recycling will be offer by waste management providers as a basic service!
• Merriam's fall large item pickup will be October 17th.
• Merriam will host a Halloween parade and candy scramble in the Merriam marketplace from 6:00 to 8:00 on October 26th.

Show me the money.....

I have had a few residents inquire as to how the yearly HOA dues are being utilized.  So I thought I would summarize what we've spent money on and what we plan to spend money on.

To date we've purchased new signs to advertise for the annual Forest Park HOA garage sale, supplies and printing cost associated with the directory, gift baskets for new residents, and refreshments and prizes for the annual movie night.

I did get a bid to do some tree trimming to ensure adequate clearance for emergency vehicles but upon further inquires with the City of Merriam it appears that this is something that they will do.  A city representative did drive through the neighborhood but did not identify any trees that needed to be trimmed.   However, if you feel you have a tree limb that is below the 12' clearance and is overhanging the street let me know and I'll look into getting it trimmed.

Also as discussed at our December meeting, the HOA signs are in very bad shape.  I'm trying to get bids on what it would take to repair the signs and I'm anticipating that this may take a decent chunk out of this years budget.  If anyone can refer a good masonry company it would be greatly appreciated.  Or if this is something someone in the neighborhood has experience with and would like to take on that would be even better.

Last of all we have some upcoming parties that we are planning.  Since the NFL lockout is finally over and pre-season training has begun a Chiefs Game Day Party is back in the planning stages.  Other events include a possible Block Party, Forest Park night out to a T-bones or Sporting KC game, and as always the annual Christmas party.

Stay tunned for more information/dates and I look forward to seeing everyone there!