The Villages at Timber Oak Danbury and Bethel, CT

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1 The Villages at Timber Oak Danbury and Bethel, CT November 20, 2018 Dear Association Members: Please review the information below that the Board and REI Management hope you will find helpful. Thanks for your time in reading this letter and for your cooperation where required. Completed projects: Community Updates Various concrete repairs throughout the community have been completed. The driveway divider walls at 3-42 Tucker Street walls were replaced. The walls Lawrence Avenue are in process and should be completed by the last week of November, weather permitting. The remaining 75 driveway retaining walls will be scheduled to be replaced over the next few years. All planting replacements have been installed. Trees and plantings on the hill in the rear of Penny Lane have been installed. The Board also closed out negotiations with the neighbor who removed the trees without association knowledge and permission. Upcoming projects the Board has either authorized: Various asphalt repairs, throughout the community, are tentatively scheduled to begin on November 15 th with a completion date of November 23rd weather permitting. A cover for the fountain has been ordered. This will help keep rain water out and prevent heaving and cracking of the concrete basin. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 1

2 Future Board Meeting Dates The annual Owners Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 3 rd, 2018 at 6:00 PM. An official notice, including location, agenda and 2019 proposed budget will be sent in the very near future. The Board Meeting schedule for 2019 will be released in the near future. Board of Directors Elections As a reminder the ballots that were mailed to all owners on November 6 th must be returned by November 23 rd, Only envelopes postmarked before 11/24 will be accepted. The ballots will be counted on November 28 th at 6:00 PM in the clubhouse. REI will notify all homeowners of the results on November 29 th, 2018 via an blast. The results will also be reported at the Owners Meeting on December 3 rd, Other Important Dates to Remember Thursday, December 6 th Timber Oak Ladies Book Club annual holiday dinner Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule Thanksgiving Thursday pick-up on normal day Wednesday Christmas Day Tuesday pick-up on normal day Wednesday As a reminder - trash and recycling receptacles need to be brought inside the night of trash pickup, typically on Wednesdays. If your trash or The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 2

3 recycling is missed on the day of pickup by the trash vendor, please contact Kelly Montesi immediately and she will contact the trash vendor. Christmas Tree Pickup Schedule The Board of Directors has arranged for Christmas trees to be removed on Wednesday, January 9 th and Wednesday January 23 rd, Please place your tree (all decorations, garland, tinsel, etc. must be removed) at the curb no earlier than the evening of the Tuesday prior to pick up. Red Foxes There have been reports of red fox sightings throughout the community and the Board of Directors requested we share the following information from the Connecticut DEP. See the attached document. Please note there have been no sightings and or reports of fox dens being within the community. If you do see a den within the community or aggressive behavior towards humans and or pets, please report this to Kelly Montesi/REI as soon as possible. Important Reminders Pursuant to the Maintenance Standards, all homeowners must winterize their outside spigots, to ensure that the water pipe will not freeze and burst. All you need to do is turn the water off inside the Unit, then turn the outside spigot on to allow the water to drain out. Also, pursuant to the Maintenance Standards, if you are leaving your home for any amount of time in the winter, your heat must remain at a minimum of 55 degrees. This will help to ensure that water pipes in your unit do not freeze and burst. All Fall seasonal decorations are to be removed no later than seven days after Thanksgiving. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 3

4 December Holiday Decoration Reminders Please review the December Holiday Decorations Rules and Regulations below. Please note - inspections will be performed throughout the holiday season to ensure all decorations are within compliance. Section 12.2 December Holiday Decorations: Decorations Allowed: 1) Mini multi colored white and blue lights and ornaments will be allowed on trees and bushes surrounding your unit. No more than five holiday decorations may be placed in the mulch area. Where two-unit owners share a common tree or bush, both owners must agree to have lights and decorations. 2) Icicle and snowflake lights, etc. may be hung over garage doors and entrance ways. 3) Green roping can frame garage door(s) and may have mini multi colored, white or blue lights attached. 4) Holiday pathway lights are allowed, however, if they are damaged by vendors during snow removal clean-up, owner(s) will not be compensated. 5) Back decks may be decorated with lights and decorations. 6) Green wreaths with red ribbons no larger than 24 in circumference will be allowed on pillar(s). Where two-unit owners share a common pillar(s), both unit owners must agree to hang wreaths. Decorations not allowed: 1) No decorations or lights can be hung or attached to any roof or roof line, outside walls or windows. 2) No electrical wires can cross any sidewalk, driveway or any area that would constitute a tripping hazard. 3) No electrical wires can be hung or placed over trees or bushes. 4) No inflatable decorations are allowed on any walkway or common area. 5) No external flashing lights or audio music is permitted. 6) No items that are hard to remove such as garland, tinsel or streamers, etc. should be hung from trees or shrubs which could result in damage. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 4

5 General: 1) December holiday lights and decorations may be put up on or after November 15th but cannot be lighted prior to the Friday after Thanksgiving and must be unlit on or before January 10 th. All outside decorations must be taken down and removed no later than January 20th. 2) Please be considerate of your neighbor if you share an entryway, as all residents may not wish to celebrate holidays in the same way. Please do not infringe on their space. 3) Lights and decorations must not block walkways or the adjoining neighbor s entryway. 4) All homeowners are responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur due to the placement of lights and decorations. 5) Unit owners who place lights and decorations in the approved areas must also agree that they will return all common elements, e.g. trees, bushes and pillars to their original condition. If a common element is damaged, the owner is responsible for its repair, and/or replacement. 6) Holiday lights and decorations may not damage or disrupt the sprinkler system(s) or prohibit irrigation or landscaping and snow vendors from performing their contractual obligations. No lights can be hung or placed outside for general holidays. All property issues that need attention should be promptly reported to Kelly Montesi at REI. Kelly is here each day from approximately 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Kelly s contact information is kmontesi@rei-pm.net or (203) REI has an emergency number for off hours which is (203) Please press 0 for the operator and you will be assisted with your call. Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Kelly with any questions or concerns you may have. Sincerely, Arthur C. Stueck II President (203) astueck@rei-pm.net The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 5

6 Timber Oak Association Monthly Board Meeting Open Session - Agenda Call to order Home Owners Forum - see the newsletter for sign up to speak instructions Approval of the minutes from the previous Board Meeting Fine Hearings Officer Reports Committee Reports Management Report New Business Old Business Adjournment The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 6

7 Connecticut DEP Information on Red Foxes The red fox is widespread and abundant in Connecticut. The population that exists today is made up of hybrids, a result of interbreeding between native red foxes and the European red fox, which was introduced into the eastern coastal areas of the United States in the mid-18th century. The native red fox was a boreal species that historically occurred in the northern regions of North America and at higher elevations (montane areas) in western areas. Foxes are members of the dog family, Canidae, just like domestic dogs and coyotes. Range Red foxes occur over most of North America from Baffin Island, Canada, and Alaska to the southern United States, except for coastal western Canada, Oregon, and California, the Great Plains, the southwestern desert and the extreme southeastern United States. Description The red fox is best identified by its reddish coat, black legs and ears, and long, whitetipped, bushy tail. It has an elongated muzzle, pointed ears, and a white underside. Other color phases are uncommon but include silver, black, and a cross, always with a white-tipped tail and dark feet. The tail is proportionally longer than the tail of a coyote and, when the fox is running, it is held horizontally behind the animal. Red foxes weigh between 7 and 15 pounds, averaging 10 to 11 pounds, and measure between 39 and 43 inches long, including the tail. Males are slightly heavier and generally larger than females. The gray fox, which also is found in Connecticut, is often confused with the red fox because of the rusty red fur on its ears, ruffs, and neck. Although somewhat similar in size, the gray fox has a gray coat, with a whitish belly, throat, and chest, and a shorter muzzle and ears. It also lacks the white-tip on the tail exhibited by the red fox. Habitat and Diet Red foxes prefer to inhabit a mixture of forest and open fields. They use the transition zone or "edge" between these habitats as hunting areas. Suburban and urban areas are commonly inhabited. The red fox is an omnivore, meaning that it eats both plant and animal foods. Food items include small rodents, squirrels, woodchucks, rabbits, birds and eggs, amphibians, and reptiles. Foxes also will eat vegetation, fruits, nuts, insects, carrion, and garbage. Red foxes may partially bury, or cache, excess food, cover it with soil, grass, leaves, or snow, and mark it with urine. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 7

8 Life History The breeding season is from January through March. After a gestation period of 51 to 53 days, females give birth to a litter averaging 4 or 5 pups. Red foxes may dig their own burrows, but they usually improve an abandoned woodchuck burrow. It also is common for foxes to den in the crawl space under decks and sheds. Most foxes have more than 1 den and will readily move their young if disturbed. The pups stay in the den until they are about 4 to 5 weeks of age, after which they emerge and begin to play outside the den entrance. Both adults care for the young by bringing food and guarding the den site. The pups are weaned at about 12 weeks and join the adults on hunting forays, learning to catch food on their own. The young disperse from the family unit in fall and will usually breed during their first winter. [Red fox tracks] Interesting Facts Red foxes tend to be solitary, usually hunting alone. They can be active at any time of day but appear to hunt most often during dawn and dusk. It is not unusual to observe foxes during daytime. They remain active all year and do not hibernate. The normal home range for a fox is about 2 to 4 square miles in Connecticut, but it may vary depending on the abundance of food. Foxes are quite vocal, exhibiting various barks, howls, and whines. The sounds vary from a short, sharp "yap" or bark, followed by a "yap, yap," to a combination of screeches, yells, and long howls. A common report to the DEP Wildlife Division involves the sounds made by red foxes (e.g., a raspy, single syllable scream or bark, repeated regularly every 3-10 seconds). Foxes are important predators of prolific prey species like mice, rats, and rabbits. Adult foxes have few predators, although coyotes likely will not tolerate foxes within their territories. Several studies have found that red foxes only occur in the gaps between the larger territories of coyotes. The relatively recent expansion of coyotes throughout Connecticut may have displaced red foxes from much of their prime habitat. Foxes can carry the organisms that are responsible for several contagious diseases, such as mange, distemper, and rabies. Sarcoptic mange is sometimes deadly to foxes and coyotes. It is caused by a microscopic mite that lives in the skin. Animals with mange lose hair and weight; their skin becomes cracked and encrusted with heavy scabs. Infected foxes usually die from the affliction within 2 to 4 months. Humans can contract the mite from infested coyotes, foxes, and dogs, but the disease is less intense, consisting of a mild form of dermatitis. Raccoon rabies is the most common strain of rabies found in Connecticut. Raccoons are the primary carrier, but foxes also can be infected. Foxes are the primary carrier of different strains of rabies that occur in other regions of North America. Most red foxes die from rabies too quickly to spread the disease to other animals or humans. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 8

9 Nevertheless, animals that appear sick or are acting abnormally should be avoided. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of rabies or other neurological diseases in mammals: unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, unusually bold behavior, and disorientation. The local animal control officer or police should be contacted if assistance is needed with a potentially rabid animal. If you are unable to contact local authorities, call the DEP at Living with Foxes Foxes commonly live in close association with human residences and communities where they can find plenty of food, water, and cover. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Foxes can become accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Problems associated with foxes include depredation on domestic animals, perceptions of danger to humans (healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans), and their potential to carry disease organisms. The mere presence of a fox should not be perceived as a problem and foxes need not be feared. However, those who are uncomfortable with the presence of foxes can take certain actions to reduce the chance of problems: Do not allow pets to run free! Keep cats indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs on a leash and under close supervision at all times. NEVER feed foxes! DO NOT put out food for any mammals. Feed pets indoors. Clean up fruit dropped from trees and bird seed below feeders. Secure garbage in animal proof containers and store in a garage or shed. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause foxes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior over time. Close off crawl spaces under decks and sheds. Foxes will use these areas for resting and raising young. Protect livestock. Foxes will prey on small livestock, such as ducks, chickens, rabbits, and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Livestock can be protected with secure pens, coops, or fencing. Make sure the enclosures prevent entry from above and below as foxes will dig or squeeze under poorly maintained fences and may climb over small fences. Most predation occurs at night, so it is particularly important to provide protection at that time. Some electric fence designs can provide good protection. Use frightening techniques. Human presence often is a deterrent to foxes. Foxes that travel into residential yards can be harassed or scared with loud noises, bright lights, or spraying water from a hose. Disturbing a den site physically or with unnatural odors (e.g., moth balls) during spring may prompt foxes to move to another den which may be farther away. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 9

10 Trapping and Hunting Foxes are classified as furbearer species, and thus Connecticut has established regulated hunting and trapping seasons. Hunting and trapping can be used to regulate fox populations while providing recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women. Nationally, millions of dollars are generated every year from fox pelt harvests. The silky, dense fur of the red fox is more valued than the fur of the gray fox, which is coarse and thin. Live-trapping and relocating foxes is not recommended because the state's fox population and fox "problems" are widespread and relocated foxes can cause problems in new locations. Removing problem foxes through trapping or hunting is only recommended during designated seasons or in situations where individual foxes show a pattern of preying on livestock. The Villages at Timber Oak Newsletter November 2018 Page 10