President’s Message

In January, our new HOA Board of Directors assumed office, and it is a privilege to serve our community. Welcome to the new board members, Kelly Trumpatori, Tara Ferrell, and Tom Kremer. I want to thank the new and returning members for their willingness to volunteer on behalf of the Duncan’s Ridge Homeowners Association.

Just a reminder that homeowners can view HOA governing documents, architectural guidelines, newsletters, and general notices at https://www.duncansridgehoa.comhttps://www.duncansridgehoa.com. Homeowners can sign up to receive email notifications or subscribe to the RSS Feed on the site.

Homeowner specific information can be accessed through the CAS Portal at http://caliber.casnc.com/CaliberWeb2_CAS. You can find a link to the CAS Portal on the HOA page as well. The CAS Portal requires a login to access homeowner account information and board meeting notes. Homeowners who need a login can contact our community manager, Carol Schlim at [email protected].

As of December 31st, 2017 the HOA assets totaled $63,256.97. This includes the $29k reserve equal to one year’s expenses. In addition, as of February 13th, 90% of annual dues have been paid.

Resident Capital Improvement Committee Update

As a general update on the Resident Capital Improvement Advisory Committee, their scope encompasses the final planning and completion of the community lot improvements and replacement of the front entrance caps. The committee is conducting a survey to solicit feedback on the best plan for the community lot taking into consideration cost and the HOA majority preference. The board has approved proposals for installation of the culvert walls and entrance caps so that work is being scheduled. At a minimum, specific install dates will be shared via email and the website.

Community Reminders

Pickup Pet Waste
Neighbors are reminded to pick up after their pets when walking them through the community. Pet owners are encouraged to abide by Wake County Animal Control ordinances.

Pedestrian safety
Neighbors are asked to remember to be safe when walking through the neighborhood. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic. At night, be sure to wear reflective or light colors and carry a flashlight to be more visible.

Operation of Golf Cart and All -Terrain Vehicles
Neighbors are asked to be respectful of others property and abide by all DOT and County statues related to the operation of Golf Carts and All-Terrain Vehicles. No vehicles are permitted to be driven on Duncan’s Ridge HOA property including the community lot area.

Meet Your Furry Neighbors!

The board thought it would be fun to feature a furry neighbor in the newsletter. If you would like a furry family member to be featured in a future newsletter, please send a photo and a brief description to [email protected]!

To get us started – Meet Nadia

I was a bit fearful when first rescued in Dec 2015 by my human companions, Mike & Tara Ferrell, but through their efforts and love I have come a long way. I am more confident and enjoy walks through the neighborhood. I am also proud to have earned my Canine Good Citizen certificate and have demonstrated a talent for agility so I’ll be competing soon.

Reminder: Home Improvements May Require HOA Approval

Exterior modifications, including permanent structures such as fences, house painting, and some landscaping require approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) prior to starting work. To expedite this review process, homeowners are asked to review both the Covenants and the Architectural Guidelines at https://www.duncansridgehoa.com. The application can be downloaded from the site as well.

Homeowners must submit their application to Carol Schlim with CAS at [email protected]. The Architectural Review Committee requests that all fields be filled out, and color pictures be provided, if appropriate. Once the application is received, the ARC has up to 30 days to respond, but well-written requests are typically approved much faster.

Adopt a Road Program Clean Up: Duncan Cook Road

Jennifer Early is coordinating road clean up dates and will utilize the Community Facebook page to announce upcoming dates. Thank you to everyone who participates in the effort to keep Duncan Cook debris free.

Living in an HOA Neighborhood

“Automatic and mandatory homeowner associations are part of an overall concept of residential property ownership… Membership includes certain mandatory obligations, financial responsibilities and rules of the association.” – The Homeowners Association Manual, Peter M. Dunbar and Marc Dunbar

What is an HOA?

In North Carolina, HOAs are subject to the North Carolina Planned Community Act, as stated in Chapter 47F of the North Carolina General Statutes. HOAs also have a set of governing documents such as the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and Bylaws. These legal documents guide and control the HOA’s actions and management of the community.

Purpose of an HOA

HOAs provide several important functions for the neighborhood, including:

• Manage and maintain common areas within the neighborhood
• Set forth rules and standards to protect and enhance property values
• Develop a sense of community

HOAs charge membership dues, and Board of Directors oversees the usage of these funds to maintain common areas and add improvements to the neighborhood through capital improvement projects.

HOAs also have the responsibility on behalf of the community to administer architectural control over exterior modifications and new construction. The Bylaws, Covenants and NC Planned Community Act contain certain requirements that the HOA must follow. The Board of Directors may also create Architectural Guidelines to provide clarification and further detail regarding exterior modifications. An Architectural Review Committee, appointed by the Board, is tasked with reviewing homeowner requests for changes and approving or rejecting these requests based on the governing documents and Architectural Guidelines.

Role of the Homeowner in an HOA

Although the Board of Directors oversees the HOA, homeowners have the power to elect the Board. Modifications to governing documents also require homeowner approvals.

Homeowners are also responsible for paying dues and adhering to restrictions placed on them through the Covenants and Architectural Guidelines. Failure to comply with restrictions can lead to fines.

Governing Documents

Current and new homeowners can access HOA governing documents and architectural guidelines at https://www.duncansridgehoa.com..