General News

It’s been a big year for Tulip Gardens. Here’s a summary of activities for your review.

1. In September, 97,000 square feet of blacktop were replaced. Due to extensive deterioration, patchwork repairs were no longer cost effective. Belgian block curbs were repaired, water drains rebuilt and fitted with grates.

 

2. In early spring, the ash borer invaded Tulip Gardens’ ash trees. After consulting with a BrightView arborist, nine ash trees in the center courtyard were identified for treatment. On July 3, the arborist treated nine trees by injecting insecticide into the tree trunks. This must be repeated every two years for 10 years.The treatment is 85% effective. The remaining ash trees will be removed.

 

3. The replacement of shingles on chimney chases, around furnace vents on the roof and upper side walls beneath the eves continues. The most needed areas are being replaced first. This is not repair work, it’s the removal of original 30-year-old shingles and replacing them with top-quality red cedar shingles noted for their superior wear ability.

 

4. Irrigation system repairs continue to be made to conserve water while ensuring proper watering of grass and plants.

 

5. Because of higher water bills, an inspection of buildings 5, 7, 9, and 11were conducted. Repairs were made to constantly leaking toilets.

 

6. The Little Falls Fire Department requires fire door keys be placed in a locked box on the wall next to the fire doors. Fire Department officials have the master key to open the boxes.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Board of Directors

Jenise Anderson, Bob Bukowski, Rob Burton, Maurice Johnson, Mike Jouard, Anita Rust, Minnette Zweben

 

Any time you have questions or issues, use the TulipGardensoflittlefalls.com contact form to immediately contact all seven board members and Hampton Management.

Blacktop paving of the entire complex is complete. In addition, water drains were repaired and new grates were installed, Belgian block curbing was replaced/repaired and new line striping and parking space numbers were painted in green to blend with the landscape.

The paving project won’t be complete until the new blacktop has set-up, cured and sealed. Sealing the blacktop will be done next summer when temperatures are about 80 degrees.

Our Tulip Gardens reserve pays for this project. There is no assessment.

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Board of Directors has elected Bob Bukowski to lead financial planning for Tulip Gardens.

Bob has been a senior tax analyst for the past year and has 24 years of experience as an accountant. He has served on the Board for several years and is experienced with all facets of finance. We are happy to have Bob in this important position.

 

Paul Kusik, Treasurer, has sold his unit and is moving away. We wish Paul and Steph many happy years in their new house. Paul has done a splendid job managing financial planning and compliance issues for the past several years.

Robert Burton has joined the Board of Directors. Robert is a hands-on businessman experienced with electric, water and paving maintenance issues.   We welcome his expertise, enthusiasm and willingness to serve on the Board.

1.  A traffic stripe has been painted on the entrance roadway for increased safety. There have been collisions and many near misses at the entrance. Drivers unfamiliar with the entry will now have clearer traffic guidelines which we hope will increase safety.

2.  New sewage pump installed. Cost $6,000.

3.  Four thousand plus perennial plants and pachysandra have been  planted.

4.  Irrigation system repairs made because of wear and tree roots and soil shifting.

5. The replacement of shingles on chimney chases continues.  On some buildings, additional work is needed on upper furnace chimneys and the walls behind and in front of the chimneys. Shingles in these areas wear out first because of greater exposure to the elements.

6.  Trees removed because of ice storm damage  in early spring.  $10,000.

7. Cedar dumpster surrounds installed. Bollards installed to prevent the dumpsters from breaking the cedar walls.

8.  Mail boxes cleaned and repainted. Total cost about $60.

9.  Unassigned parking spaces near tennis courts painted with building and unit numbers to deter unauthorized parking. 

10.  A telephone alert system can now be used to immediately contact all residents about important matters and emergencies. Memos will still be mailed or distributed as needed.

11. You can phone Hampton Management with questions/ issues at: 973.790.1200. If you want to communicate with all board members and Hampton, go onto the Tulip Gardens website and write a note

12. News will continue to be posted on the TulipGardensoflittlefalls.com web site.