Tiny Estates PA- Owner Updates

11/13/24 community meeting notes:

- new lot construction is set to begin with a township and contractor meeting next week. We will send everyone a note about moving cars from the front lot to the overflow up top. This will last for about 4 weeks while construction takes place. The package box will remain in the same location during this time and the entrance will remain the same as well. New lots should be done Q1 of 25 and will be done by SA Way (who has been on site for water leaks recently). New lots will be wide enough if an 11 ft 6 home is desired (but that prevents a deck) and must still be 400 sq feeet or less PMRVs. Anyone with interest in a lot should contact Abby or Brandi.

- signage for the Amazon/ package drop box will be reviewed once the laundry shell becomes a mail room in the new lot position. It will be the first unit next to the gate and we can increase signage as needed when it is in its ultimate location.

- please do not feed the stray cats

- all suggestions on trees to look at for removal or arborists to interview for services must be in by Friday the 15th. Next week we will finalize who we are using and a date. Trees noted are the one next to the Mozart and the one next to the current laundry shell location (with a hive on it). Marsha asked that the tree on the bank by Gloribee get checked, Ellen asked the same by Moondancer. Brooke was going to mention a fallen branch with a hive by her home to Brandi. The other hive for removal is on a large tree out front being addressed during construction. Heartland expressed 2 odd branches behind their home on a tree

- We will go around and check water lines to ensure everyone is plugged in and hasn't tripped, any items noted to be addressed before the cold hits will be sent to each homeowner. Please reach out to us PRE cold with any questions on winterizing.

- if you are plugging Christmas lights in please remember they need to be plugged into your home (not the pedestal) to prevent tripping. Remember the heated hoses kick on when it gets cold and we want to prevent tripping. Also, please be mindful of turning lights off when not in use, as not to bother neighbors. 

- we discussed trash and increasing dumpster size or frequency with new lots. trash bags by maintenance area will be looked into (likely leaves from cleanup to be removed for offsite disposal)

- week of 16th of December we will plan a holiday community get together. Suggestions welcome- cookie baking, paint night, bowling, etc. We hope to take the golf cart around to pick up those with less mobility to ensure everyone gets to mingle and meet neighbors!

10/13/24 community meeting notes:

- We discussed the ability for an owner to have a golf cart IF they don't have a vehicle. We want to prevent people from having lots of bikes, motorcycles, carts, etc. all in their single parking spot. If someone doesn't have a vehicle and wants a golf cart to get around (for grocery pickup, package pickup, etc), they may do so and park it in their parking spot. .

- We discussed all of the new folks joining the community (feel free to reach out for homes and names as we don't want to post that on a public site)

- The dog park that currently exists was brought up and it was discussed that a new dog park should be feasible when the new lots are complete and a front fence goes in. The area would be put on the hillside to replace the existing wet area under the tree on the existing side. 

- Current spending/ budget for the ponds was discussed to be about $2600 at the beginning of the season for chemicals to go in monthly. If someone has a recommendation for something else (vendor, system, etc.) please let us know! This is usually handled around February so that come April chemicals can start. We also pay Schwarz ponds for pond aerator maintenance and the fountain install/ maintenance. Abby got wadders to get in and clear out these items more often as currently it is only done every 6 or so months which could attribute to the shutoffs from build up. 

- Maintenance / landscaping suggestions have not been received for staff or service providers. If you have suggestions please let us know. We discussed providers like Thomlinson Bomberger or the equivalent but feel that we always get different people out and they don't give exact timeframes for work. This makes it hard for homeowners as there are varying desires throughout the site. It was agreed that someone on site to help Nathan would be ideal. Doug has been discussing this as a possibility.

- Per a suggestion, Abby will get a small mower and cordless weed whacker that could be used if people want to lend to one another. This would not be considered equipment Tiny Estates has/ a liability tiny estates takes on. Abby can lend it to whomever wants to use it as a private offering. 

- We will be getting a small snow blower for the section in front of skyline and escape that the plow cannot reach. It was agreed that snow is hard to predict and the plow services will vary in visit frequency based on the type of snow and fall rates. The goal would be to salt prior to a snow and then plow prior to the day starting so those who need to leave for work can. We will send updates during snowfalls to keep people updated on the situation and information we have from the plow service. 

9/10/24 community meeting notes:

- We will alert homeowners if there are people expected to be doing repairs on site. If we haven’t and you see someone you are uncertain of- please let us know!

- Abby forgot to mention at the meeting- should you see a renter trying to check in, please do not open the lockbox or gate for them. Tell them to call Abby or Brandi or check their booking platform for the guidebook link that has all of the info. We have had several instances where people got thorough the gate but didn’t have keys and or that a homeowner opened the lockbox for them but it was the wrong set of keys and wrong home.

- Privacy notes-

o Pictures/ walking through without permission is still not allowed. 

o Trash should be left in the dumpsters, do not go through other people’s items. Please understand you may see concerned community members breaking down or sorting trash when others do not properly recycle or follow the rules.  Cindy still plans to add a recycling sign in the coming weeks. If you did not get the recycling parameters, let us know and Brandi or Abby will provide them to you. For those young/ able- please move trash to back in order to leave the front for those who are shorter or less agile. 

o Feedback going forward should be sent (or provided verbally) to Brandi or Abby. Should we get requests for it, we can also visit each home or directly contact everyone. For the time being- as you think of topics for the next meetings or have concerns, please bring them to Abby or Brandi for discussion and to be added to the next meeting’s agenda.

o Abby’s pay should not be something being discussed- it is frustrating to hear it was brought up by more than a handful of people and even directly to staff. 

- Landscaping/ cleanup:

o We are working on a cleanup plan for removing the brush and pallets by the maintenance area. A hedge trimmer is being purchased for cutting down the thick weeds at the property perimeter.

o We will be providing a plan regarding landscaping frequency, areas that will be sprayed vs. weed whacked and budget spent on trees, ponds, etc.

- A pot of additional funds raised by community members for emergency concern situations was discussed. Tiny Estates budgets for an arborist to come every 6 months. Tree removal in between those visits is permitted should a homeowner wish to have it done themselves at their expense. Having tiny estates pay for it was discussed but it would result in lot rent increases due to added cost and frequency of owner requests. There were mixed opinions on if that was better than a group fund per situation. 

o Should anyone have suggestions on alternative arborist- please provide them to Abby/ Brandi and we will meet them to determine who will be used for the next tree removal visit

- In the coming weeks they will be testing the electrical to determine if the above ground wire is still needed. If it is then it will be buried. If not it will be removed.

- We are aware of the water that lays by Atomic/ Adventurer homes- we do not believe it is a leak but will keep an eye on it

- The front lots are set to be issued their permits at the upcoming zoning meeting. We can then schedule the grading and utility work and will provide everyone an update at that time. The goal is not to close the entrance in anyway so the only change would be overflow up top during that time. Plans may change- we will keep everyone updated.

- Should you want to see a layout of the front lots- email Brandi and she can send it to you as it isn’t possible to attach here.

- Vendors visiting homeowners should be told to bill the homeowner directly. We want to ensure that payments between homeowners and tiny estates are not confused or lumped together. 

- We will be following up with fire and emt to ensure they still have the proper map and entry info for the gate. Should you desire to know that access plan, please speak to Brandi

- Abby double checked- we are in mount joy township

- As we near snow season we will provide metrics on when plowing will occur (at a certain accumulation amount or time frequency)

- ICC Meetings for new small residential unit code nationwide: October 2nd at 3pm eastern. Should you wish to join, or attend a specific breakout workgroup- notify Abby and she can provide zoom info!

- Google calendar invite being sent for the next meeting on Sunday the 13th at 2pm

Meeting notes 8/6/2024

- We are watching the spray and changing concentrations as needed to continue to fix the green scum

- A fountain was installed in the big pond to help with flow and one was just obtained for install in the back pond

- Please remember not to drive around the security gate (even on a bike or motorcycle)

- Please pick up after your pets (in front of/ around your homes and around the park). If you notice someone not doing so- community member or not- shoot abby or brandi a note so it can be addressed. Weed whacking is a big pain when you are hit with poop! 

- Jaime and JL landscaping team were over yesterday and will be back tomorrow to keep on top of weed whacking. They will determine how many hours are needed and how often to keep up as we did not get the second maintenance person we expected to help nate so the extra assistance will be used until we do.

- New lots should be ready to start soon, we will let everyone know when we have a plan/ schedule for that (gate moving, entrance adjustments, parking, etc).

- We will check the big pond outflow for clogs (especially with coming rain)

- We are aware of the leak behind Val/ in front of developer and plan to take a look when the new lots are put in, to prevent another shut off, unless it gets worse quickly

- We will look at the clasp at the dog park to tighten in

- Cindy will find the sticker needed for recycling notice of the 4 items permitted. They can be found here:

https://www.goodsdisposalservice.com/recycling

Remember you cannot put the items in a plastic bag and boxes need broken down.

- We will turn off sunset interior lights and mention doing so to the hobbit home.

Thanks all! We will see you on the 10th of September (instead of 3rd incase people take an extended weekend) at 6pm.

Meeting notes-7/9/24

Mail is being distributed daily

Front lots will be starting soon

Pond will be sprayed and new aerators will be put in

There is a card in the office to sign for Jim

A new gentleman named Rick will be starting to help mostly evenings and weekends

The next meeting will be August 6th at 6pm

 Meeting notes-6/11/24

Welcome to Curt and Allen (Atomic and Mini Mint homes)

Speed limit sign fixed out front

Grading at new lots out front going on this week

Trees removed and shell tree to be addressed this week

Mail- 50% picked up over the last 10 days- make sure to get your booklet from your mailbox

Reminder to collapse cardboard in the recycling bin

Pond aerators-Schwarz ponds will be coming out Thursday to check them and test the algae

New internet guy starting for system maintenance

Groffs is a good tankless water heater option that several tenants have recommended. 

A new plant is needed at the wire on the road and will be addressed.

We will look into the blue chairs that used to be around

Dog trash will be emptied weekly

Those noticing water heater issues should try turning back water pressure as it likely cannot heat faster enough due to the increased pressure since leak repairs

Next meeting: July 9th at 6

Tiny Estatese community meeting 5/5/24

Old Business:

Results from poll 24 people filled it out

Should we allow people to walk through the community if they are not bothering anyone?

9 yes

15 no

Should we allow people to walk their dog through the community if they are nto bothering anyone?

7 yes

17 no

Should we allow people to fish in the ponds if they follow set rules?

14 yes

10 no

It was decided that we will limit fishing to residents only 

How often should we weedwhack?

7 once a week

12 every other week

5 one time per month

Are there areas we should not mow or weed whack?

13 no

near cars, close to the ponds, close to homes

When shoudl we hold community meetings?

Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening had the most votes

What ideas do you have for community activities?

These were all one offs-so we will use these to plan future events.

We will send out an email regarding powerwashing when we know a date and cost.

General comments:

Please deter from making negative comments about specific homes during the meeting.  Send a email to Abby and Brandi if you have concers about a specific home.

Please send text messages when the water or power will be out.

There is a mirror fund-if you would like to contribute to that-please see Arwen or Julie.

New business:

-Additional no trespassing signs provided by Cindy will be put up we will also add no swimming signs and no fishing signs.

-If you see the green tubes from the trees laying on the ground-please let them lay so a ranger can take care of the tree.  If you see one in a random place-you can put it at the Wildflower and Matt will take care of it.

-Speeding continues to be an issue.  Please remember that the speed limit inside the community is 10MPH.  We have tons of people walking and now we also have baby geese.  We are open to suggestion on how to handle violations.

-Brandi will reach out to check on next propane delivery-we are automatically on a 60 day fill cycle.

-Please do not bug Jim or Nate while they are working.  If you have a questions or concern-please bring it to Abby or Brandi.

Our next meeting will be June 11th at 6PM at the community building.

Tiny Estates community meeting 4/16/24 notes:

Old Business:

Arborist-we have reached out to a few-one will be on site in the next week

Trash/recycling-same schedule as before-they come early in the AM Wednesdays

Mail-Abby or Brandi take care of the mail if it continues to be a problem with mail missing-we will have the post office hold it and we will pick it up.

Jim-no update for his retirement date

Wifi-no changes other than Comcast was doing some county wide changes and we had to reconfigure some routers.

New Business:

1-Speed bumps-would not be feasible for our community and would hinder snow removal

2-home exteriors-we will work with Jim and Nate to set up a date to power wash the exterior or homes for a nominal fee.  If you want your home powerwashed-please make sure Brandi knows.

3-Impervious-each home is allotted the lenght of their home by 4 ft out.  We have a list of current impervious-if you want to know how much you have used/have left-contact Brandi

4-Walking/fishing without permission-we will send out a poll to see what the general concensus is with allowing people to walk through the community and not do harm and or fish is and revisit to make a final decision.

5-Buring-burning has stopped but people are still permitted to have camp fires/rings.  They must be 10ft away from any structure.

6-Dumpster doors-please check both doors-hopefully with changes to the pickup schedule-overflowing will not be an issue

7-Planting flowers-prior to planting you need to submit a plan to Abby for review.  Raised flower beds not on your deck count as impervious.  Reminder  to not plant food items near your home

8-wet areas-two wet areas were pointed out-in front of Virgo and near the wifi shed-we will further investigate these areas for any leaks

9-Weed whacking-we will include this in the poll questions

10-Mirror-Julie and Arwen said they would purchase a new larger mirror

Next meeting is May 5th and 2:00pm

Tiny Estates Community Meeting 3/3/24 Notes:

Old Business:

1/2/3. Road entrance markers, mirror and lighting- items were obtained but not installed due to plowing being a concern (it will peel them off of the asphalt). We will have all requested items installed within the next two weeks- asphalt reflectors, solar light posts at between pond T and entrance, mirror on entry tree.

4. The speed limit is 10 mph, please remember this and obey the speed limit. We will send reminders to Airbnb guests regarding this as well.

5. Safe weed control- we have not obtained any suggestions for a different spray so if you have suggestions please let us know before we begin spraying this season. We currently use Ortho and it has a 2 hour drying time- we will send a notice before spraying for those who want to keep pets inside.

6. We've contacted Monster tree service about branch clean up-we are still waiting on a date

7. Trees in tubes- these stay in tubes for 5 years. Anything that does not survive gets replanted so please do not remove fallen tubes, they are monitored by the riparian rangers.

8. The package drop will be moved to the laundry shell when the new lots are approved. That will then be the first lot next to the entry gate so it can be accessed by shipping services and tenants easily. We still do not have DEP approval for those lots 

9. Parking ID clings require you to wet the front side and put facing out (from inside the car) so we can see the lot number on the back window. If the location needs adjusted or you feel using tape is helpful you are welcome to! The goal is simply to know which cars are tenants and to which home they belong. We want to prevent random unknown cars.

10. Please pick up after your pets! Violations will incur fines and ultimately require pet removal for non-compliance.

New Business:

1. How to improve wifi quality- we've spent over 20k in the last year repairing wifi lines and systems. There are antennas in the 3 sections of the park so if a homeowner would like a device that speaks to that antenna for direct signal to their home we can have the cost quoted by the IT service. Store bought boosters (like TP link devices) cause interference on the system and make everyone's experience worse so please do not use them. 

2. We do not have plans to re-pave but will add gravel back to what was dug up. 

3. We use a pond service to test and provide treatment for the ponds. If we notice excessive algae they can test and treat with additional sprays. The back pond can get stagnant if we do not have steady rain but steady rain can also cause chemicals to flow out and not stay to treat the water as needed. We will do our best to stay on top of this.

4. The dog park approvals are part of the lots application we are waiting on DEP approval for. 

5. Greenhouse- more clarity is needed on the purpose of this, wire around the beds would prevent bunnies. Adding ground cover would be considered impervious coverage which we do not have at this time.

6. TE yard sale- this idea gives me pause as we would be inviting people into the community which we are constantly being told is a concern. 

The property will be having leak repair done 2/19/24 starting at 8am. The goal is for only lots 1-12 to be affected but we cannot ensure that will be the case the whole time as they are doing a "Jameson" to determine the exact leak location and may determine more is needed. Please reach out to Brandi at 717-715-0030 with questions. 

Each home gets 1 car parking spot within the gate. Additional cars within the gate, or in the wrong parking spot, will be towed at the owner's expense. 

Tiny Estates Community Meeting 2/8 Notes:

1.  Water

There are no known leaks on the property. We were notified by the township that the property usage is higher than expected and based on usage at times like 3am, we are working to isolate why. The meter coming into the property and halfway through the park both read the same and are higher pressure than we’ve seen in previous years. That being said, some tenants are noticing lower than usual pressure and we have purchased gauges and usage meters to determine pressure at individual sites as well as usage to better isolate why. Suggestions on finding the cause are welcome!

2.  Trash

We will request an increased frequency on both the trash and the recycling

3.  Propane

Seth Energy will be coming every 60 days to fill tanks. We will notify everyone when they are planned to be on site and if that frequency has any planned changes. Their policy is to always fill anything less than 70% full to 85% (they do not fill tanks to 100% as they must leave space in the tank) so those who have varying use do not have to be concerned!

4.  Trees

We have worked with both Arborist and Monster Tree Service in the past for tree assessment and removal. We will speak to them about coming back out for another assessment and then branch pruning. Tenants will receive a notice of when that would be upon scheduling.

5.  Road Visibility Issues

Requested items were sticky reflectors for the road to facilitate a safer walkway at night, a mirror on the tree by Virgo and 2 snow plow stakes at the entrance for seeing the drive at night. We will order and install- feedback upon install is welcome (please provide it to us directly)

6.  Mail

A request for a larger package dropbox was noted but reasoning was known so we tabled the discussion. Mail is sorted every 1-2 days and lost mail is not something we can control as the delivery we receive is what we sort. Those desiring more consistent access/ delivery/ volume of mail are advised to get a PO box they can access at their convenience.

7.  Pesticides

We sprayed with Ortho last year on the weeds in the rocks and it has a 2 hour dry time. We will advise again this season on the days and times that will take place. If you have a different spray suggestion we are happy to consider it- please let us know.

8.  Winterizing

Those with questions are advised to contact Abby or Brandi. We surveyed each home prior to the cold season and let homeowners know if we had a concern with their setup. Winterizing, hoses, septic piping above the ground, etc. is the responsibility of the homeowner after the home’s setup.

9.  Communication

We are establishing a website tab for 24/7 access to updates. Tenants can go to that tab to see the latest information (similar to what was on the weekly emails) for a more timely reference. If you have a question not addressed there then let us know but please check there first. If someone brings something up to you, check the page for answers or let us know the answer is not found there!

www.tiny-estates.com/owner-resources-pa

Slack will be added to this site for community conversations in one place as well!

10.  Laundry

The laundry space cannot be hooked up until DEP approves the new lots out front and the electrical permit is approved for the install of the laundry/ mail shell as well as the entry gate. Upon approval and lot completion the unit can move out front to be placed next to the new entry gate location for package drop off, mail and laundry!

11.  Visitors

Brandi will be doing a basic “car pass” and providing them in the mail slots for people to use. You are welcome to make copies if you have multiple cars that share your spot or park in the overflow. Note that cars without tags or cars with a tag in the wrong lot parking space will start to be towed for safety and in order to ensure the rules are followed.

12.  Dog Poop

Should you notice anyone creating an ongoing poop issue we ask that you send proof of who is doing it (you can remain anonymous) so we can issue pet agreement violations as needed. We recommend you speak up and ask the person to address the concern first.

13.  Progressive

Those who have progressive must either be NOAH certified homes or policies previously instated (before their policy which now requires NOAH certifications). If you do not renew your old policy for a non-NOAH home, you will likely have to switch to American Modern or another provider which can be slightly higher in cost. We are working with the insurance broker to determine next steps for several tenants that expressed questions.

Upcoming Meetings: 1st Sunday of each month at 2pm (we will try this for a few months and see how it goes). 3/3/24 at 2pm
 

Slack Channel- coming soon!