Hunter’s Ridge currently consists of five private neighborhoods that include over 800 single-family homes. While another 407 homes are currently under development, the existing Development Order allows for another 4,000 single-family, multi-family and/or age restricted products within the 5,040 acre master planned community, including a 2,200 acre never-to-be-built-upon nature preserve park.
Southern States Management Group, Inc. (SSMG) was retained to provide community management services to the Hunter’s Ridge Homeowners Association of East Florida, Inc. in 2010 and aligned our services with the specific needs of the Homeowners Association while complimenting the requirements, scope and pace of the Master Developer, including:
· Master Developer vs. HOA Coordination – Leveraging our experience and clear understanding of the differing needs, responsibilities and objectives of both the Master Developer and the Association, SSMG continually executes management solutions that compliments both perspectives.
· Common Area Maintenance – In cooperation with HRHOA leadership, SSMG tailored a nonselective and equitable enforcement process that addresses non-compliance issues through regular (biweekly) communitywide site inspections, time dated documentation and correspondence to association members. This initiative represented the HRHOA’s first foray into CC&R enforcement with a formalized process. Particular challenges overcome during the implementation of this process included obtaining consensus among board members in formalizing the process, obtaining sufficient volunteers to serve on an Enforcement Committee, educating owners about the reason for such a process, and responding to initial disputes by owners.
· CC&R Enforcement – In cooperation with HRHOA leadership, SSMG tailored a nonselective and equitable enforcement process that addresses non-compliance issues through regular (biweekly) communitywide site inspections, time dated documentation and correspondence to association members. This initiative represented the HRHOA’s first foray into CC&R enforcement with a formalized process. Particular challenges overcome during the implementation of this process included obtaining consensus among board members in formalizing the process, obtaining sufficient volunteers to serve on an Enforcement Committee, educating owners about the reason for such a process, and responding to initial disputes by owners.
· Procurement – Upon initial award of the contract to provide community management services to the HRHOA, SSMG began a comprehensive review of all service contracts and scopes of service. Within a short period of time, SSMG was able to identify monthly cost savings of several hundred dollars that were achieved through renegotiated service contracts, elimination of redundant services, and unclaimed rebates. Additionally, major service contracts were rebid and awarded pursuant to the criteria set forth in the respective Request for Proposals. Of material importance in this undertaking is the fact that the RFP process afforded the opportunity to revisit the underlying goals and objectives of the HRHOA with respect to the long-term vision of the community. While the newly selected vendors and associated contracts may not have resulted in cost savings, they did result in services being provided that are more aligned with the goals, objectives, and long-term vision of the HRHOA.
· Allocation and Recovery of Costs – The geographic boundaries of the HRHOA span significant portion of both Volusia and Flagler Counties. Given the significant amount of development yet to occur and the absence of assessment paying units (specifically within Flagler County), the HRHOA faced a challenge in generating cash flow sufficient to maintain the association owned infrastructure under the then-current uniform assessment amounts without creating inequities. As a temporary solution, SSMG worked with the HRHOA in identifying levels of service and costs associated with such services that specifically benefit single groups of owners. The result of this analysis yielded quarterly cost share amounts that were billed to owners of bulk land identified for future development. Currently, SSMG is working with the HRHOA on evaluating the feasibility and implications of introducing a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) or Community Development District (CDD) as a cost recovery mechanism in lieu of quarterly invoices being sent directly by the HRHOA.
· Architectural Review Committee (ARC) – SSMG, the Declarant and active members of the Architectural Review Committee carefully review submittals for all new home construction and routine modifications to any existing residences within the community. Our scope of responsibilities for ARC services routinely includes: receipt and preparation of all submittals for committee review, attendance and clerical services for the ARC during its standing monthly meetings, minutes and permanent recording of all committee action, follow-up written communication to each property owner following their submittal, routine site inspections during “construction” and a final inspection with photo documentation at the end of each property modification. Additionally, we assist with the on-going maintenance and storage of all individual property ARC files.
Your community can benefit from the vast experience the Southern States Management Team provides. Contact our leadership team today or fill out a “Request for Proposal” online.
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