Dear Saddlebrook Homeowners,

 

This email is to make you aware of a few items of interest in your HOA community as well as ask for help with some of the activities.

 

You should have already received the newsletter that was circulated door to door over the past few weeks to make you aware of the new WEB site created for our community.  The site name is www.richardson-saddlebrook.com.  Your Board of Directors feel that we need a good means of communicating information throughout or HOA.  The website along with an email distribution list will be the primary means to share community information.  Be sure to let us know if your email address changes.  You can contact the Board by sending an email to BOD@richardson-saddlebrook.com.  You will still receive official mailings from the management company via US mail. 

 

The Board has held several meeting so far this year and welcomes residents to attend future meetings.  The schedule is posted on the WEB site.  We ask that you let us know in advance if you plan to attend so we will be sure to let you know the location and be able to contact you if plans change. 

 

The Board has agreed that it plans to focus on three items this year. 

  1. Communication within the community
  2. Landscaping and community appeal
  3. Community activities

 

With the development of the WEB site and the planned use of the email distribution list we feel that we are starting to meet the needs of the first item. 

 

The second item pertains to the look and feel of our community.  In case you didn’t notice we recently had the metal on the stone ornaments at the Breckenridge Road entrance sanded and repainted.  We are also considering making an investment to improve the look of the entry from Sharp Road.  We would like to know if anyone would like to participate in the project by reviewing plans, bids, and making suggestions.  Please send us a note if you are interested in participating. 

 

We really need your input for the third item.  In years past, there have been events such as a 4th of July parade and party, a fall festival, an Easter egg hunt, and a National night out party.  Each event had good participation but the brunt of coordination fell upon a few people.  We need more volunteers to help bring our community together. We would like to know if you have an interest in there being one or two community events each year and if you would be willing to help out. If so, please send a note to the Board to let us know if you are interested in coordinating or assisting with such events.  Note that National Night Out is scheduled for October 7th this year. 

 

Finally, we wanted to give you an update on the common area “the pond”.  You may recall that a few months back there were some signs posted at the pond that incorrectly represented the Boards intent.  The signs were quickly removed and recently a smaller, sign was posted stating that the area is for Saddlebrook residents only, and that only catch and release fishing is allowed. 

 

The reason for the sign is that there have been several occasions where people from outside the community visit the area.  There have been times people have been seen in inter-tubes floating on the pond, and we have even observed a group of outside people using large throw nets to catch the fish and turtles.  The sign is necessary to ensure this area remains recognized as a place reserved for Saddlebrook residents only.  Some rational behind this decision is as follows: 

  • The fountain costs the HOA lots of money to maintain and operate.  A fishhook could snag and pierce an electrical wire or damage the unit. 
  • The fish in the pond help balance the ecosystem including eating the mosquito larva, and the catfish keep the pond and creeks clean. 
  • Snakes are also part of the habitat and keep the rodent population in control.  Without snakes we would be overrun with rats.  Since Indigenous snakes can be found almost anywhere there is no need to post a sign. 
  • Everyone should be aware that poisonous and non-poisonous can be anywhere and we should be aware of that and ensure our children are also aware and cautions. 

 

In closing, we are asking for your comments, suggestions, and feedback on things the Board and management company can do to help make our community meet the standard we all would expect. 

 

Sincerely,

The Saddlebrook HOA Board