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Security Update
Two more burglaries have been reported to police in the front section of our neighborhood. After the last one on Fri, May 11, we have a description of the suspect vehicle. We urge all neighbors to be on the lookout for a white, 4 door, Lexus LS400, early 90's model year, with chrome rims and dark tinted windows. If you see this vehicle in our neighborhood, please call 911 immediately and report a suspicious vehicle. If you have any information about the suspect vehicle, please contact Prince Georges County Police.
One resident has installed a camera security system on his home. Manny Nadal of MJK Design Construction is available to install the same security system for any resident. Our community was blessed by Mr. Nadal's surveillance system as well as his heroic effort to report the burglary in progress to police last Fri. Police warned him not to approach the suspects. He spoke with the officer who responded and has offered to share his surveillance video to the police.
Please arm your security system if you have one. Residents with security systems that include a soundbreak at their back entrance have reported attempted burglaries, but the criminals are not likely to proceed with their plans when the alarm sounds before they enter. At a recent security seminar, Prince Georges police recommended that resident's consider adding an outdoor speaker to their alarm system to help alert neighbors if their alarm sounds.
On Apr 20, a burglary was reported on Snowden Pond, again in the front of the community. The thieves typically steal electronics and jewelry when they are able to breach the property. In both of the most recent attacks, they entered through the rear by breaking through the glass door.
Another attempted breakin in our community was reported to police on Feb 2, 2012. The burglar tried to open a window in the rear of the home, but fled when the homeowner approached. The incident was reported to police.
Residents of Snowden Pond are encouraged to consider having a surveillance system installed. A local resident and contractor, Manny Nadal of MJK Design Construction, has experience with this type of installation. His contact info is listed below with other Outstanding Service Providers.
Outstanding Service Providers
Consider these companies for home service projects. They have delivered great service to long-time residents over the years.
| Imaginative Landscape
443-865-8707 |
Glass Doctor
301-937-1929 |
MJK Design Construction
240-876-9221 |
| Superior Fireplace
410-535-0704 |
Columbia Roofing
410-379-6100 |
Beilers Structures
301-421-9693 |
| Premium Painting
301-604-7370 |
Custom Cuts
301-218-9377 |
Puttn-On-The-Pressure
301-317-4170 |
Report from Oct 2011 Community Meeting
We hosted representatives from BG&E at our meeting on Tue, Oct 18. Mike Garzon explained how power is distributed into our neighborhood from a generating plant, through a master station and distribution substations to transformers, and then to each home in the neighborhood.
Our neighborhood is supplied by the Montpelier substation, which serves approximately 976 customers. Thirty-five percent of the transmission lines are overhead and 65% are underground. Tree trimming for the overhead lines is prescribed by state regulations, so that only tree branches that are within 6 feet of the side of a power pole and 15 feet above the pole are trimmed.
BG&E had performed an inspection of the power grid for our community prior to the meeting. Mike explained that a portion of the circuit supplying our community will be rerouted to minimize tree exposure. He was confident that our community will see significant improvement in the future.
The Board of Directors also presented the 2012 proposed budget prepared by Coamanco. Discussion focused on the purpose of the various funds, and the ways that our HOA can minimize expenses while still providing the necessary services. The primary expenses for Snowden Pond are for grounds maintenance and property management. Comanco and Custom Cuts will be receiving a moderate increase over last year. The Board expects to spend around $12,000 upgrading the playground at Snowden Pond Park, and is considering various approaches for saving money on Social Committee expenses.
The budget notice that was sent out in Sep showed a fee increase to $32. At the meeting discussion focused on limiting the monthly fee increase to $30. The Board will review the proposed budget with Comanco.
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