Come one - Come all !!!! Meet and greet your board members and neighbors at the next meeting. Learn all the latest news about the community you live in. Get involved in BHS-HOA.

Tentative Agenda*

1. Introduction of Board Members & Property Manager

2. Comments & Accomplishments

3. Financial Review

• Year-End Figures 2002
• First Quarter Figures - 2003
• Delinquent Accounts Review

4. Rules and Regulations - Proposed Changes

5. Open Floor for Homeowners - this discussion is limited to 5 minutes per presenter with a

maximum of 10 minutes for discussion

6. Adjournment - 9 PM

* Subject to change without notice.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR & COME JOIN US !!

What type of Neighbor are you?

The recent record-breaking snowstorm brought people out of their homes, many for the first time since cold weather took over in early December. During this time, homeowners laughed, joked, complained, and had a few drinks - - all the while helping their fellow neighbor with the all-important task of shoveling out. But does this neighbor camaraderie last?

Some of our biggest complaints received about the community are about a very small number of your neighbors. They range from people who refuse to pick up pet waste, leave trash cans out all the time, feel that it is their right to use their yards as dumping facilities and most importantly, townhome owners who feel it is perfectly fine to park all four (4) of their vehicles directly in front of their own homes.

When a homeowner has a lack of community spirit and common courtesy, the entire neighborhood suffers. How is that? After a while our wonderful neighbors who truly care about the neighborhood they live in begin to feel they are losing the battle and will either stop caring or move away. Also, people who are interested in moving into our wonderful community may decide to go elsewhere.

Your Board of Directors takes all complaints very seriously. We are tired of the trash; pet waste and parking problems just like you. We try to be aggressive towards these problems but our current "Rules & Regulations" are outdated. We can send a letter to the owner to address the problem or contact various agencies concerning conditions. Seven (7) years ago there was talk about implementing a fine structure. Needless to say, that didn't go over very well, BUT. . . times they are a changing! The Board is currently revising the "Rules & Regulations" and looking at implementing a fine structure. In the meantime, WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

If your neighbor doesn't clean up after their pet, please remind them in a gentle manner that it is our rule and Harford County law. Many people walk through our community. We would appreciate you picking up any trash on the Common Area and disposing it in the trash receptacles located at the tot-lots. And for those townhome owners, who feel it is their right to park all of their cars in front of their homes, please understand that we only have so many parking spaces.

You, as the homeowners of this community, are responsible for making this a better place to live. Your Board of Directors can only do so much. We are six (6) individuals who volunteer our time to help the community. You can sit back, do nothing, and complain about what happens in your community, or you can take charge and help keep this a thriving community. It will all depend on what type of neighbor you are.

Sue Perouty

President

CHILDREN'S SAFETY COMES FIRST

- Contributed by Sally Raphel, Board Member

What's green, red, blue, yellow and lots of fun? The new Box Hill South tot-lots. The equipment and ground cover at 3 sites: off Windy Laurel, across from Tree Frog Court, and across from Thornapple Court has been replaced with colorful Bosco quality, safety swings, slides and climbing area. As per the plan reported in an earlier Newsletter, we were able to install galvanized steel posts, stainless steel hardware, vinyl coated steel decks, and double walled rotationally molded plastic slides. There is also a new ground safety surface of engineered wood fiber. It is cleaner, safer and bouncier than wood chips.

Already being put to the test by our wee neighbors, the Board is pleased to let you know the job was completed before the snow and the total cost was $39,000. This included new safety ground cover; new 100% pre-consumer recycled plastic border panels, new benches and trash bins.

Let your Board know any fun tidbits your young ones experience on the tot-lots new structures. We will be happy to publish "Kid's Quotes" about the new play areas in the next Newsletter.

Unfortunately, the large tot-lot has not had the final grading and reseeding completed. Once the snow stopped, the rain started and the equipment needed to complete the job is very heavy. As soon as there are a few weeks where the ground is dry and hard enough for the heavy equipment to complete their job, it will be done.

BOARD MEETINGS

The Box Hill South Homeowners Association meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month for their board meetings. These meetings are held in the conference room of Trenton Property Services, Inc. at 126 S. Main Street in Bel Air, Maryland at 7:30 PM.

The Board Members all volunteer their time. Everyone gives anywhere from 3-10 hours a month. Homeowners are welcome to attend the Board meetings but must call Sallie W. Foster, Property Manager at 410-879-8333 to make sure there is enough room to accommodate everyone.

THE WINTER SNOW SEASON OF 2003

This was a season to remember. . . remember the snow and the snow and the snow. It seems that the snow began flying around Thanksgiving and never stopped until March. This also included the "Storm of the Century" which blanketed the Greater Baltimore area with snowfalls of anywhere from 26" - 36" of snow. The snow started Saturday evening, February 15th and finally stopped on Monday afternoon, February 17th. Removing all that snow from 13 private courts did take some time. The work was finally completed on Wednesday evening, February 19th. Many homeowners called and wrote 'Thank You' notes about the efficient quick removal of the snow. Others called and complained (including some board members) about the inefficiency of the removal. Please remember that the area received MORE snow than the blizzard of 1996. The removal was difficult - - to say the least. The board will be revising the services for the next snow season.

How much did this "big snowstorm" cost? Approximately $28,000. It was paid for by money that had been growing in a special CD Snow Account since the blizzard of 1996. If any of you were owners when that storm hit - a special assessment of $ 90 per home was assessed. With an eye on the future, the Board of Directors in 1996 (some of who are STILL serving on the Board today) decided on opening a special snow CD account. How did that work? Each year, a certain amount (usually $10,000) was budgeted for snow. If only $5,000 was used during the year, then the other $5,000 went directly into the CD. The money had been accruing since 1996 and the total was approximately $32,000. Therefore, it was NOT necessary for the Board to have any special snow assessment for this past snow season.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

As the spring home improvement season is upon us, it is important to remember that the Homeowner's Association Board of Directors must approve certain home improvements PRIOR to installation or construction. Such improvements include (but are not limited to) decks, storm doors, fences, exterior color changes of houses, sheds and any exterior structure, change, or improvements. In addition, many of these improvements will also require a permit from Harford County. Please call Sallie W. Foster, Property Manager, for an Architectural Request Form or apply over the web site - see below.

WEB SITE

How many of you know that Box Hill South Homeowners Association has a wonderful web site? This particular site has won many awards and has been used as a model for other Associations. Take a look and explore at www.bhshoa.com. You can also request an architectural request electronically and have it sent directly to the Board of Directors. The approve minutes of the most recent meeting are included to update everyone on the community's activities.

THOSE NASTY LATE LETTERS

The assessments for Box Hill South Homeowners Association are due monthly on the 1st of each month. Coupon books are mailed out to all homeowners yearly or when new residents move into the community. If you do not have a current coupon book, please call Trenton Property Services, and ask to speak with Teresa Haines, assistant to Sallie W. Foster, Property Manager. Teresa will make sure that an order is placed with the printing company.

If your fees are not paid 30-days after the due date, a "Reminder" letter (or letter #1) is sent. If the fees remain unpaid 60-days after the due date, an "Attorney Action" letter (or letter #2) is sent. This letter informs a homeowner that if payment is not received, the Association "could" send the account to collection. If the fees remain unpaid after 90-days of the due date, a "DEMAND" letter (or letter #3) is sent. This letter is very strongly worded and gives a homeowner 30 "more" days to pay the fees or the account will be turned over to the attorney's office for collection. If the fees remain unpaid 120-days after the due date, then the account IS TURNED OVER FOR COLLECTION.

The time period that the Association gives a homeowner to pay the monthly assessments is very gracious. Please pay your fees on time. The Association needs to pay all the monthly operating expenses for the community in a timely manner.

TRAFFIC CONTROL

Now that the nice weather has arrived, more and more children are out playing. Please drive SLOWLY on all the streets and keep your eyes open for any dangers. Children are our most precious commodity - let's all help keep them safe.

SPRING GARDENING

Finally, spring is here - - and that means that it is time for everyone to start sprucing up their gardens, planting flowers, and cutting the grass. One of the most important things for anyone visiting a community is its curb appeal. If everyone in the community strives to keep their lawns well maintained, their bushes trimmed, trees pruned, and house well maintained, it only improves the cost of the home on the market place. Please do your part - - take care of your home with pride.

TRASH

Trash day is every Monday and Thursday and recycling is every Monday. PLEASE do not put out trash any earlier than the evening prior to collection. Recycling items can be put in a blue tub basket that can be inexpensively purchased at Wal-Mart. All trash receptacles must be removed no later than the evening of trash pick-up day. All trash receptacles should be stored in the backyard of your home. Please refrain from using "white" trash bags because the birds and animals are attracted to them and they tear easily. Bulk trash is not included in your association fees. Please call Harford Sanitation direct at 410-838-5472. They will pick up most bulk items for a modest fee.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Please remember that owning a pet includes certain responsibilities. The most common animal complaint is that dog feces are not picked up by the owner. This is a serious health hazard. Dog feces, along with trash left out, can attract rats. Please be a good neighbor and pick up after your pet immediately. Harford County Animal Control Center can be reached at 410-638-3505.

POT HOLE LINE

Are you still finding potholes after the rough winter? If so, please call Harford County Department of Public Works at 410-638-3280. Please have an exact address or location to give them. They have been very helpful in trying to resolve all the repairs.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The entrance sign to the single-family homes at "The Woodlands" had been maintained for many years by a wonderful homeowner, George Toepfer. Unfortunately, George and his family recently moved from the area. If any of you have a "green thumb" and would like to volunteer your time with planting and/or maintaining this lovely flower bed - - please call Sallie W. Foster at 410-879-8333.