Useful Info..

Tips to Help Keep HOA Fees Down…

  • Take a few moments to remove leaves and debris that accumulate along the curb in the parking spaces in front of your home.
  • Package your trash in strong bags or, better yet, in a trash can with a lid no earlier than 6 p.m. Thursdays. Do not put unbagged or loose trash in cans. This will help prevent trash from getting loose in the community.
  • Become a volunteer on the Board. We currently have a variety of opportunities for those interested. Your efforts as a volunteer may be able to help save the HOA money which can help keep HOA fees from increasing. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Board via email: cradlerockmewshoa@gmail.com.

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

If you are planning to sell your home, please remember that you are responsible for providing the purchaser with an official copy of the complete set of legal documents for the Cradlerock Mews Homeowners Association. This is called a “resale package”.

This “resale package” can be purchased from the CMHOA by contacting the board via email at cradlerockmewshoa@gmail.com. Please be sure to pay outstanding dues before requesting a resale package. Click on “Contact Us” in our website to access our direct email link. Along with your address and phone number, please provide us with the following information when requesting a resale package.

Current Home Owner Name(s)

Realtor Name, Contact Name and Number

If known at the time of your request:

Title Company Name, Contact Name and Number

Scheduled Settlement Date

Buyer(s) Name

Note: the title company will confirm the buyer(s) name and settlement date.

We will check for any HOA dues in arrears as well as any outstanding exterior guideline violations before issuing you a resale package. The current charge is $35.00, payable to Cradlerock Mews Homeowners Association due COD. Your canceled check is your receipt.

Planning to do Any Exterior Home Alterations?

Most exterior alterations require prior approval. Please refer to the Owen Brown Covenants Guidelines and the Owen Brown Exterior Applications. These items can be located on our Links Page.

Landscaping Update

DL&LS Landscaping will be in the neighborhood taking care of the common areas. For specifics on the services provided by DL&LS, see Community Information.

Meeting Announcements

The Board of Directors of Cradlerock Mews Homeowners Association is calling a series of meetings of the Membership for the purpose of voting on a proposed Special Assessment to help us recover financially from the expensive snow season just past.

(Members with unpaid assessments are not eligible to vote. Voting eligibility will be restored if the Treasurer receives payment in full of any past-due amount before the vote is held. Payment may be made in person at the meeting.)

The first meeting will be held at 7:00 pm, May 3, 2010, in the Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD, (410) 381-0202.

If a quorum (60% of the Members) is not present at the first meeting either in person or by proxy, the meeting will be adjourned without taking a vote, and the second meeting will be held at 7:00 pm, May 4, 2010, at the same location.

If a quorum (30% of the Members) is not present at the second meeting either in person or by proxy, the meeting will be adjourned without taking a vote, and the third meeting will be held at 7:00 pm, May 5, 2010, at the same location. The quorum requirement for the third meeting will be 15% of the members.

When a quorum has been obtained at any of these meetings, the vote will be taken and subsequent meetings will be cancelled.

Cancellation notice: Members may learn whether the second or third meetings will take place by calling the CMHOA phone number (443-718-9262) on the day when the meeting is scheduled.


Meeting Minutes

  • Meetings minutes can be obtained through a direct request to the Board.
  • Please email us at cradlerockmewshoa@gmail.com to receive copies of the minutes.

HOA Governing Documents

These documents are provided solely for the convenience of our residents as a casual reference. Although we make every effort to make sure these are the latest copies of the documents, they do NOT constitute official copies of these documents. In addition, these documents do NOT the comprise a full set of CMHOA documents and should NOT be used to provide documents legally required for real estate closings or other transactions. For the full and OFFICIAL set of CMHOA documents, please contact CMHOA.

Howard County Trash Guidelines

Curbside Collection

Once a week curbside collection of 4 items of trash is provided to residents. Property owners are charged a yearly $175 per house “Refuse Collection Charge” (on your tax bill) for this service.

What And How Much Will Be Collected:

Household trash which can be packaged to fit the size, weight, and quantity restrictions below is accepted:

  • Four (4) items on each collection day. This includes up to four cans, bags, or bundles.
  • Each can, bag, or bundle must not exceed forty (40) pounds.
  • Bundles must be less than 4 feet in length, less than 18″ in diameter and less than 40 pounds.
  • Put several small bags in one 30 gallon trash can (or a large trash bag) and it’s only considered 1 item.

Prohibited Items:

  • Liquids such as wet paint and motor oil (they can leak from the collection truck and cause a mess).
  • Hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials.
  • Bulk items (such as large appliances, carpets, mattresses, or large pieces of furniture).
  • Yard waste in an area that is provided with yard waste collection service from April through the third week in January.
  • Car parts – tires, wheels or batteries.

When Will Collections Be Made In The Cradlerock Mews Neighborhood:

Trash collection in the Cradlerock Mews neighborhood occurs on Friday. Trash must be placed out after 6 p.m. Thursday, or before 6 a.m. on Friday.

Recycling collection in the Cradlerock Mews neighborhood occurs on Wednesday. Recyclables must be placed out after 6 p.m. Tuesday, or before 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Collections are made between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pick up time may vary week-to-week. Contractors will not return to collect trash set out after the truck has serviced the area. Collections missed due to road closings will normally be made up the next day if possible.

Where To Place Trash And Recyclables For Collection:

Residents of townhome communities with common head-in parking areas are required to “group” trash containers and recycling containers in designated areas accessible to the collectors such as at the curb end of grass islands or at the end of parking areas. Do not block mailboxes or fire hydrants. Cradlerock Mews homeowners who are unsure of the proper location to place trash and recyclables should contact the Board.

What Containers To Use:

Residents may use either reusable or disposable refuse containers provided they meet the following criteria:

  • Reuseable containers must be…
  • Made of metal or tough plastic and equipped with handles and watertight fitting lids.
  • Maximum 30 gallon capacity. If container is larger than 30 gallons, each bag inside is counted as 1 item.
  • Kept clean and sanitary.
  • Large wheeled “toter-type” cans are not acceptable.

Note: Reuseable containers may be required in townhome communities or in areas where previous sanitation problems or rodent infestations have been identified.

Disposable trash bags must be…

  • Heavy gauge plastic which can be picked up and carried without tearing.
  • Securely tied at the top to prevent spillage.

Note: Clean up in common collection areas should be shared by all. The clean up of trash that is spilled and/or spread by animals or wind, is the responsibility of the resident.

Useful Links:

http://www.co.ho.md.us/DPW/Trash_collection.htm

http://www.co.ho.md.us/DPW/recycling.htm

Inclement Weather:

During inclement weather, every effort will be made to continue to provide for scheduled collections. If collections are canceled due to snow, ice, or other severe weather, pick up will be made the next day, if possible, or when road conditions permit. Call 410.313.6444 for cancellation and makeup information.

Holidays:

Trash collections are not made on the following six (6) holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

If your regular trash collection day falls on one of the holidays listed above, collections will be made on the following day, except when a holiday falls on Saturday, collections will be made the following Monday.

Tips To Cut Your Trash In Half:

  • Recycle unlimited quantities of acceptable household generated recyclables on your recycling day each week. Remember: You can put your mixed paper, plastic bottles, metal cans, cardboard and glass bottles and jars “All Together Now” in a recycling bin or see-through bag; yard waste still needs to be kept separate. Call for a RECYCLING brochure to get started!
  • Compact and consolidate your weekly trash into 4 bags or trash cans (remember, the 40 pound limit per item).
  • Grasscycle by leaving your grass clippings on your lawn. This process helps fertilize your lawn.
  • Compost grass, leaves and other yard waste to make a high grade soil.

Drop-Off Location

You can drop-off your trash at our Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Center:

2350 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, MD 21104
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm.

Questions, Problems, Compliments or Need More Information:

410.313.6444 Trash & Recycling Action Hotline
(Open weekdays 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Useful Links:

Howard County Recycling Flyer
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/DPW/Trash_collection.htm
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/DPW/recycling.htm
http://www.co.ho.md.us/DPW/Alpha_Ridge_Landfill.htm

Parking Considerations

The community has a limited number of parking spots to accommodate homeowners and their guests. Be kind to your neighbors and do not use unreserved parking spaces for vehicle storage. All parked vehicles in unreserved spots should have current license plates and registration tags.

Also, encourage your guests to park in the unreserved spaces around the center island in each parking lot. This will keep parking spaces near the houses free for homeowners.

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Common Property Care

Although the back of your original fence line or plot is common ground property, please help maintain this area by keeping it raked and litter free. The accumulation of pine needles and leaves is a fire hazard.

By helping to maintain the common property, you can help keep the HOA fees from increasing.

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Semi Annual Billing Period

Currently, homeowners are billed twice a year for HOA fees. The schedule is as follows:

For the billing period of January 1 – June 30, bills are mailed by December 15

For the billing period of July 1 – December 31, bills are mailed by June 15

Please pay the full amount by the due date listed on your bill. Partial payments will not be accepted.

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Annual Homeowners Meeting

Each year, the HOA holds its Annual Meeting around the end of October. This meeting is open to all homeowners and everyone is encouraged to attend. During the Annual Meeting, HOA Board member elections occur as well as a discussion of various topics impacting the community. This is also a great opportunity to meet other members of our community!

The exact date of this meeting and an agenda of topics to be discussed will be posted during the month of October.

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Service Contracts Summary

Landscaping

Provider: D.L. & L.S. Landscaping
Contract expires: 12/31/2009

Mow all common ground lawn areas as needed to a height of 3“ – 4”, for a total of 20 to 22 mowing’s per year. In conjunction with mowing, structures will be trimmed around and walks and roadways will be cleared of clippings and small debris and trash on turf areas will be removed and disposed of. Mowing equipment will mow no closer than 4 feet from sides of houses.

Edge common concrete walks and curbs in contact with lawn areas that are mowed and homeowner walks and curbs but no leads. Resulting dirt and debris will be removed after each edging. Edging will be performed at every other mowing visit throughout the season.

Lawn Fertilization: Apply slow release nutrient fertilizer for Fall fertilization to common ground lawn areas. One time in the fall of 2008 and 2009.

Prune shrubs on common grounds two times, once in spring and once in the fall. Resulting debris will be removed and disposed of.

Prune trees along streets and parking lots up 15’ above parking lots and streets, to keep off of cars and traffic. This does not include homeowner trees. One time in the fall per year.

Areate and over-seed all accessible lawn areas to improve turf stand with a mixture of approximately 10% Kentucky Bluegrass and 90% Improved Tall Fescue variety by weight at a rate of 100 lbs. per acre. One over-seeding in the fall with emphasis on bare areas per year.

Herbicide* will be applied to all common ground sidewalk and curb areas to control weed growth. Four herbicide applications per year.

Remove leaves from parking lots, roadways, and curbs. Leaves from common ground turf areas will be copped up and blown toward woods (This does not include homeowner leaves). One time in fall. Customer may request additional leaf removals for an additional cost of $825.00 per time.

Martin’s Tree Service will be on site to perform tree service on Second Morning Ct and Quiet Hours this Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11.

Snow Removal

Provider: SCS Industries, Inc.
Contract Expires: April 15, 2009

Snow accumulations of 2 or more inches will be cleared and chemically treated from driveways, parking spaces, dock areas, fire lanes.

All sidewalks and walk ways around mail box stations will be cleared and chemically treated after a 1-inch snow accumulation.

Icy conditions will be chemically treated.

Snow removal and chemical deicer will not occur where there is a parked vehicle. These services will be provided between and around parked cars except vehicles parked in an adjacent space. Should any cleanup need to take place when cars are moved after services have been performed, they will be done at an hourly rate at a minimum 2 hour fee.

No snow will be dumped on any assigned reserved parking spaces or any parking space facing townhouses. Every effort will be made not to dump snow on any other parking spaces.

November 15, 2008 through April 15, 2009 fee schedule

Plowing

2-3.9 inches snowfall $435.00

4-7.9 inches snowfall 585.00

8-11.9 inches snowfall 806.00

12+ inches or above 435.00 + $115.00/hr

Sidewalk Shoveling/Blowing

1-3.9 inches snowfall $319.50

4-7.9 inches snowfall 550.00

8-11.9 inches snowfall 825.00

12+ inches or above 319.50 + $55.00/hr

Chemical De-Ice:

Salt (per application) $352.00

Sidewalk De-Icer (app) 175.00

Additional clean up requested at rates listed above (2 hour minimum fee)

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Howard County Animal Control Laws

  • Pet owners must continuously maintain a rabies vaccination for their pets which are 4 months of age or older.
  • All dog and cat owners must purchase Howard County annual licenses for their pets. Each pet shall wear the license tag issued attached to a collar or harness. Pets properly tattooed, micro chipped or ear tagged are exempt from the requirement of wearing the license tag.
  • A domesticated animal must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person capable of immediate and effective restraint when not on the owner’s property.
  • Owners are responsible for removing and properly disposing pet defecation to prevent annoying odors, disease and rodents.
  • Owner’s are responsible for preventing their dog from disturbing trash placed for disposal, barking to the extent that it disturbs neighbors, and properly maintain fencing.
  • A female domesticated animal in heat must be confined indoors or in a properly ventilated building or other secured outdoor enclosure.

For more information, please refer to Section 17.300 of the Howard County Code or contact Animal Control (410.313.2780).

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Rental Properties, Boarders, and Shared Living

Property owners are responsible for compliance of their property with the Owen Brown Covenants.

Howard County requires the licensing of any rental unit and an inspection of the premises. All known rental units are reported to the County. Call 410-313-2455.

A residence may not be subdivided, partitioned, have additional kitchens or efficiencies, or separate and exclusive entrances. All occupants must have equal and unrestricted use of the common household areas.

Vehicle parking is a prime concern, especially in multi-family, high-density areas. Howard County requires approximately two spaces per unit and residents with vehicles exceeding allotted spaces should use overflow areas.

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Pesticides Round Up Notice*

Common Name: Glyphosate (Round Up)

Statement of Practical Treatment: If in the eyes, immediately flush with plenty of water. Get medical attention if the irritation persists. This product is considered to be relatively nontoxic to dogs and other domestic animals; however, ingestion of this product or large amounts of freshly sprayed vegetation may result in temporary gastrointestinal irritation. If such symptoms are observed, provide the animal with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Call a veterinarian if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.

Precautionary Statement: Causes eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes or clothing.

Post Application Information: Keep people and pets off treated areas until spray solution has dried to prevent transfer of this product onto desirable vegetation.

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