Morgandale
2023 – A Year of Reflection
Dear Friends,
We
are delighted to share with you the achievements over the past year and
recognize the joyous celebrations of our community's 50th Anniversary.
This past year has been a remarkable journey down memory lane, learning about
our history and accomplishments.
The 50thAnniversary Committee worked tirelessly all year celebrating with our Residents. With the help of our contractors’ sponsorships,
banners were installed on the light poles and tokens of our appreciation were
delivered to each doorstep monthly. On
Morgandale Day, the 50th Anniversary Committee took the opportunity
to reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved as a community. From
humble beginnings to the vibrant and thriving community we are today. Our 50th Anniversary
Committee obtained recognitions and certificates from local and State
dignitaries for this special anniversary. They also created two time capsules,
that will be opened in 25 and 50 years. Please
see the full write-up in this newsletter.
Financial:
The Council is pleased that
your Association was able to meet its fiscal capital and operating financial
responsibilities in 2023, despite the large insurance increase mid-year. Important factors to the success of our year-end
financial results were careful planning, lack of snow, bidding, solid
employees, long-term contracts, warranties, sustainable products, maintaining
equipment, safe investments, sound legal advice, and a good delinquency collection
process to name a few.
Capital Projects/Expenditures:
While there were
many improvements throughout the community this year, the following were the
most significant improvements:
Street Lighting:
The installation of new light poles is a
project that the Council, Management, and the In-House Maintenance Staff have
been diligently working on for the past decade.
We are pleased to inform you that we are finally done with this
project. In addition to the new poles, any
faded poles and light fixtures were painted.
Sanitary Sewer System:
Morgandale
continues to maintain the sanitary sewer lateral, collection, and clean-out
lines throughout the community. This year, sections of the sanitary sewer
collection lines were replaced behind Christopher, Windsor, Clarella, and
Hillock Courts. As a courtesy and pro-active maintenance measure, the
sewer stacks were snaked (from the roofs) on Stockton, Jefferson, and Cross
Hill Courts. The sewer laterals were
water-jetted on Christopher Court. The Association provides
annual status reports to the Towamencin Township.
Marshall Court Upgrades:
Concrete
was replaced on the one side of Marshall Court and at the trash enclosure ramp. A retaining wall and new railings were
installed as well on this side. These improvements will ensure the safety of
those Residents and enhance the landscaping and hardscaping in this court.
Swimming Pool Upgrades:
Over the past few months,
the community has undertaken a project to upgrade the tile and coping stones
around the swimming pool. These upgrades represent a long-term investment in our
community, ensuring that our pool facilities are maintained and beautiful.
Roadway Paving Project:
Over the past year, the Association has diligently worked alongside Kipcon
Engineering to prepare for this essential paving project. The process has been
thorough and comprehensive, ensuring that we address the community's needs and
concerns while enhancing the overall quality of our infrastructure.
Kipcon conducted a detailed assessment of the current state of our roads
and walking path, taking into consideration factors such as wear and tear,
safety concerns, and concrete curbing replacements. We have developed a five-year
paving project plan, so that this project is affordable and runs efficiently
and effectively. After careful consideration and a thorough bidding
process, ‘All Out Parking Lots’ has been awarded the paving contract for the Clubhouse
Parking Lot and Walking Path in 2024. Trozzi
Construction was awarded the concrete curbing contract for the Clubhouse Parking
Lot. After 2024, the 32 courts will be
paved over a period of four years.
General Maintenance:
Landscaping:
The
tree maintenance is continual, with our In-House Maintenance Staff removing or
pruning the smaller trees and bushes throughout the year. Clarke’s Landscaping removed approximately 29 dead
or dying trees and pruned 26 trees throughout.
We were determined to plant new trees this year; however, due to the increased
insurance rates, the new tree installations were postponed until the Spring of
2024.
Clarke’s Landscaping trimmed
the shrubs throughout this Summer, and we believe they did a good job, considering
it was their first year doing this project.
The In-House Staff graded
and seeded several turf areas this past Fall and did a wonderful job.
Power Washing:
Sharp Stream
power washed the homes on the following courts this past year. Council and Management were very pleased with
the results.
Clarella Centennial
Stony Creek Cross
Hill
Jefferson Fairbourne
Hillock
Pennland, Salinus,
Windsor, Crowther, and Brunswick Courts were power washed by the In-House
Maintenance Staff.
In-House Maintenance Staff:
The
past year has been an active one for our outstanding In-House Staff: Matt Frisco,
Brad Schredl, Ben Johnson, and Aidan Wunderly (summer helper) ‘The Men’. They go all-out to serve your Association. They worked incredibly hard this past year,
tackling every project until completion.
We are so very fortunate for each of these individuals, their devotion,
good work ethics, and varying personalities.
Please take the time to thank them when you see them out on property.
Committees and Social Events:
Volunteering
and giving back have a positive impact and help build connections and strengthen
the community. Below is a list of Committees and volunteers that we are so very
thankful for:
50thAnniversary Committee
Marianne
Natali, Chairperson
Chris Carty
Joan Cossman
Diane McLauren
Toria Morin
Caren Rosch
Adult Pool Party
Caren Rosch, Chairperson
Nancy Brown
Ray Davis
Ron Gani
Cathie Leahy
Diane McLauren
Toria Morin
American Red
Cross Blood Drive
Barb Jensen,
Chairperson
Diana
Ward
Best Home
Committee
Diana Ward,
Chairperson
Carol Antrim
Darlene Ayres
Gary Cassel
Barb Coughlin
Sharon Finan
Tony Sergio
Communications
Committee
Tim Cooney
Holiday Party Committee
Ray Davis
Cathie Leahy
Librarians
Jane Kane
Dan Pillie
Morgandale Day Committee
Marianne Natali, Chairperson
Nancy Brown
Ray Davis
Carol & Abigail DiJoseph
Cathie Leahy
Caren Rosch
Pet Committee
Jill Meehan,
Chairperson
Marianne Natali
Kirsten Trimble
Cindy Watson
For the
Doggie Swim
Marianne Natali
Caren Rosch
Gary Cassel
Ron Gani
Cat Team
Marianne Natali,
Chairperson
Amie Balandovich
Cheryl Berry
Gloria Krempecke
Mary Watkins
Pool Committee
Jane Kane
Cathie Leahy
Recording Secretary
Joan Cossman
Recycling/Environmental Committee
Gary
Cassel, Chairperson
Mary Ann Brennan
Christine
Carty
Esther
Miller
Marianne Natali
Site Committee
Tim Cooney
Ken Hill
Yard Sale Committee
Barb Jensen
Diana Ward
Cathie Leahy
We would also like to congratulate Caren
Rosch for winning this year’s ‘Bob Farra
Making a Difference’ award.
Administrative Updates:
Resolution Number 32 ~ Homeowner Submittals:
The
Association passed Resolution Number 32, which was an amendment
to Resolution Number 27 and Section C of the Rules and Regulations. Effective March 2, 2023, all Homeowners are
required to submit inspections per Resolution Number 32:
1.
Clothes Dryers and Clothes Dryer Venting
2.
Fireplaces, Wood Burning Stoves, and Furnaces (Gas
Heater) and the chimneys/flues associated with appliances
3.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
4.
Washing Machine Hoses
5.
Hot Water Heaters
6.
Toilet Water Supply Lines
Resolution Number 33 ~ Capital Contribution Increase:
The Capital Contribution
(one-time fee for new buyers) increased from $1,250 to $1,500, effective
January 1, 2024. A new Resolution was sent
to the Homeowners in November of 2023.
Contract
Renewals:
The
Association renewed contracts with IM Pools (lifeguards), Sharp Stream
Powerwashing, Berardelli Pools, and the Recording Secretary.
2023 Survey:
Management is thrilled that the Association received 130
responses on the 2023 Survey. Of course, there is always some negative
feedback, but your Association had mostly positive comments from its members.
Awards
and Certifications:
FHA Recertification:
The
Association was granted a three-year FHA certification this year. FHA-approved condominiums are regarded as
stable communities, because they have been reviewed and confirmed by the
Federal Housing Administration to have normal owner to rental ratios, operate
on a budget with solid reserves, and have low delinquencies. FHA communities
increase the pool of potential buyers and helps home values. This is attractive
to potential homebuyers, no matter the source of mortgage financing they plan
to use.
Gold
Star Award:
We are thrilled that Morgandale was awarded the CAI’s Gold Star award
this year. Morgandale has been a Gold
Star community for 25 years. The Gold Star Community program recognizes
those communities that work hard to develop and maintain standards, encourage
community participation, maintain fiscal stability, and positively impact the
quality of life for Residents. This program is an excellent way to evaluate
policies and procedures and assures that their community operates within basic
industry standards.
Conclusion:
As we bid farewell to an
extraordinary year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of
you. Looking forward, we are excited
about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for our community. The
50th Anniversary has not only been a time of reflection but also a launchpad
for new endeavors and collaborations that will further enhance the richness of
our community life.
We
wish all our Residents and your families the best in the holiday season and
health, peace, and prosperity in the New Year.
The Council of Morgandale Condominium
Tim Cooney, President
Don Lyons,
Vice President
Diana Ward, Secretary
Marianne
Natali, 2nd Vice President
Gary Cassel, Treasurer
