POOL UPDATE
Neighbors,
As you all know, we are currently dealing with the COVID-19 virus and all of the complications that arise from it. The Governor’s most recent order states that public pools can be opened as of May 14th, if all guidelines are met. HOA Boards are tasked with reviewing and complying with the guidelines contained in the governor’s order and the Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines.
The HOA Board, working with Carter Realty Management and our attorneys have been diligent in making sure that we are educated on these guidelines and the implications that could surround opening the pool at this time. After speaking to our insurance company and seeking legal advice, we have come to the decision that opening the pool at this time is not feasible. There are 2 major factors that are keeping us from opening at this time. The first is that we do not have the staff to ensure that all social distancing and sanitizing is taking place. The second and larger issue is that there would be no protection against claims arising from someone that did contract the virus. This is not an easy decision to make and the Board appreciates everyone's understanding. We are just 2 members who are entrusted to make the best decision for all 343 houses in Grove Park. The Board has a financial responsibility to the community and all of its members. The Board, in good faith, cannot place undue risk on the association or the members of the Board even if the decision is unpopular. It is important to remember that we are still in a declared Public Health State of emergency.
There have been some inquiries made about having everyone sign a waiver. Unfortunately, waivers don’t offer the protection we need. While the existence of a waiver can be a deterrent to a lawsuit, two issues still remain. The first issue is that a waiver will not stop a lawsuit. It would be a difficult case to win but it would still fall to the Board and individual members to pay to defend themselves in court, which could ultimately require an assessment against every homeowner for legal fees. The second issue is that the majority of states have held that pre-injury waivers signed by parents violate public policy and are unenforceable.
The good news is that this decision is temporary and may change as new information is provided. The current Department of Health guidelines are to be updated on June 12th. Hopefully at that time the restrictions will loosen up and we will be able to open the pool for the rest of the summer. There may be changes made as to how many people can be at the pool, the number of guests you may bring and even how long you will be able to swim. It is also possible that the pool furniture would be stored and residents would be required to bring their own pool chairs.
The Board has discussed a possible concession on next year's dues but that is still very much up in the air at this point. We still have a large community to run and are still needing to keep the pool maintained and ready to open. We have several other expenses such as landscaping, electric bill, water bill, telephone line, postage fees, legal fees, and we also pay a property management company. We invite anyone with any financial questions to contact Ben Carter at 770-924-9009 or ben.carter@carter-realty.com. You are welcome to attend our annual open forum meeting that will take place in October. At that meeting we review the expenditures from the previous year and review the budget for the coming year.
As always, the Board is looking for new members. If you are interested in becoming a Board member please email groveparkacworthhoa@gmail.com.
Thank You
Grove Park HOA
Carter Realty Management
Comments, click below:
As you all know, we are currently dealing with the COVID-19 virus and all of the complications that arise from it. The Governor’s most recent order states that public pools can be opened as of May 14th, if all guidelines are met. HOA Boards are tasked with reviewing and complying with the guidelines contained in the governor’s order and the Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines.
The HOA Board, working with Carter Realty Management and our attorneys have been diligent in making sure that we are educated on these guidelines and the implications that could surround opening the pool at this time. After speaking to our insurance company and seeking legal advice, we have come to the decision that opening the pool at this time is not feasible. There are 2 major factors that are keeping us from opening at this time. The first is that we do not have the staff to ensure that all social distancing and sanitizing is taking place. The second and larger issue is that there would be no protection against claims arising from someone that did contract the virus. This is not an easy decision to make and the Board appreciates everyone's understanding. We are just 2 members who are entrusted to make the best decision for all 343 houses in Grove Park. The Board has a financial responsibility to the community and all of its members. The Board, in good faith, cannot place undue risk on the association or the members of the Board even if the decision is unpopular. It is important to remember that we are still in a declared Public Health State of emergency.
There have been some inquiries made about having everyone sign a waiver. Unfortunately, waivers don’t offer the protection we need. While the existence of a waiver can be a deterrent to a lawsuit, two issues still remain. The first issue is that a waiver will not stop a lawsuit. It would be a difficult case to win but it would still fall to the Board and individual members to pay to defend themselves in court, which could ultimately require an assessment against every homeowner for legal fees. The second issue is that the majority of states have held that pre-injury waivers signed by parents violate public policy and are unenforceable.
The good news is that this decision is temporary and may change as new information is provided. The current Department of Health guidelines are to be updated on June 12th. Hopefully at that time the restrictions will loosen up and we will be able to open the pool for the rest of the summer. There may be changes made as to how many people can be at the pool, the number of guests you may bring and even how long you will be able to swim. It is also possible that the pool furniture would be stored and residents would be required to bring their own pool chairs.
The Board has discussed a possible concession on next year's dues but that is still very much up in the air at this point. We still have a large community to run and are still needing to keep the pool maintained and ready to open. We have several other expenses such as landscaping, electric bill, water bill, telephone line, postage fees, legal fees, and we also pay a property management company. We invite anyone with any financial questions to contact Ben Carter at 770-924-9009 or ben.carter@carter-realty.com. You are welcome to attend our annual open forum meeting that will take place in October. At that meeting we review the expenditures from the previous year and review the budget for the coming year.
As always, the Board is looking for new members. If you are interested in becoming a Board member please email groveparkacworthhoa@gmail.com.
Thank You
Grove Park HOA
Carter Realty Management
Comments, click below:
The HOA Board would like to remind the community of some frequent violations.
- Garbage cans need to be stored away from street view and need to be removed within 24 hours of trash pick up. Placing garbage cans in driveways will result in a violation and ultimately result in fines.
- Parking on the streets is prohibited by the HOA covenants. It is also a city violation to be parking on the streets between the hours posted. This applies to every street in the neighborhood.
Thank you for your help in addressing these matters, and as always feel free to reach out to the HOA Board.
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Grove Park of Acworth
Grove Park Road Acworth, Ga 30101 |
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