It is that time of the year where we are going to be closing our fiscal year and start with the new fiscal year. This post is to provide you with information to help you in paying your upcoming Berkheimer bill, paying any arrears that you may owe through Creditech and to notify you of changes. We're outlining the information below to make it easier for you to navigate/understand.

1. Changes - Effective 05/01/2022
   1. Late Dues: For the 05/01/2022 fiscal year and upon the recommendation of our lawyer, PMLE will now consider any dues owed after 90 days as delinquent. After 90 days owed, all members will be turned over to Creditech for collection, and possibly legal, action.
      1. This helps us to manage litigation a lot easier, as we often find ourselves litigating dues for arrears but struggle with current year dues.
   2. The above change does not affect members who opt into the quarterly payment plan and remain current.
      
2. Dues - 05/01/2022 through 04/30/2023
   1. The dues are NOT increasing for the 05/01/22 fiscal year. There are a few reasons for this, but the most relevant one is that we are tackling the amount of arrears owed to the community. We feel that, in good conscience, we cannot discuss raising dues until we get that under control. Especially, because it's unfair that we charge members in good standing to cover the costs of members who don't even try.
3. Creditech - Dues prior to 05/01/22
   1. If you are a  member owing outstanding dues, please be advised that PMLE has opted to follow a legal recourse. While legally it costs the community upfront, those legal fees are added to the member's total bill.
   2. We implore you to reach out to Creditech, via 866-300-1721 to get your account current. We, as in the Board of Directors, reached out to the members owing smaller balances via letter during the 05/01/21-04/30/22 year to let them know they had amounts due to the community as well as our intention to collect via legal action. A small percentage opted to resolve the matter with PMLE. However, going forward, we will no longer be doing this.
   3. If you have a bad address listed with PMLE, and you are not receiving your Creditech or Berkheimer invoices, we want you to know that it's up to you to contact us with your new address/information. It is not our job to find you or your new address.
4. Berkheimer Bills.
   1. Berkheimer bills are expected to be mailed on, or around 05/02/2022. There may be a 1 week delay due to the 90 day late change, but we will certainly update everyone via the website once we have confirmation that the bills go out.
   2. PMLE 5,6,7 will still offer the following options:
      1. Annual Payment in Full
      2. Quarterly Payment plan (4 equal payments across the fiscal year)
         1. Please read the disclaimer that goes with accepting the Quarterly Payment Plan.
         2. Please keep your "Payment Coupons" so that you are aware of the dates the monies are owed as Berkheimer will NOT be sending you reminders.
   3. How to pay?
      1. Mobile App: Get it HERE (directly from Berkheimer website, or found on Google Play and Apple App Store).
      2. Online: Berkheimer's Site (There is a fee for paying online. The cheaper fee is attached to ACH payments)
         1. Please ensure that you are paying under the section labeled "Per Capita Tax, Occupation Tax, Real Estate Tax & Utility Bill Payments (HAB-MISC)"
      3. Phone: 866-225-8451 (There is a fee charged by Berkheimer)
      4. Mail to: HAB-MISC, PO Box 21450, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-1450

Finally, please see the attached bills so that you are familiar with them and know what to expect. As always, we encourage you to reach out to the board if you don't receive your bill within the next 2-3 weeks.

Dues information below:

Annual Dues Payment:
Please be reminded that your annual dues payment is considered severely late and is accruing penalty fees. Please remit your payment in full to Berkheimer at your earliest convenience to ensure no further penalty applies.

Quarterly Dues Payment:
Please remit your quarterly installment to Berkheimer by March 10th, 2022. If payment is not received by this date, your account will accrue penalty fees. This is your final payment for the 2021/2022 dues year.

New dues statements do not go out until mid-May.

Berkheimer Payment/Contact:
By Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002

By Phone:
(610) 588-5765

By Email

Pay Online (Under "Per Capita Tax, Real Estate Tax & Utility Bill Payments (HAB-MISC))

1. Complaints/Suggestions: The board, since as far back as 2010 or further, has always stated that if there are any suggestions, complaints or problems that arise, the board is to be notified via writing or the topic to be brought up at meetings. In the last 3-5 years, the board has done a lot of work in "modernizing" this process, whereas, members can alert the board via email, phone/voicemail, through the website and still via writing and/or the board meetings.
   1. To get information to the board, no matter what it is, whether it be a complaint, observation, grievance or suggestion, please follow the proper channels. Those are:
      1. Website contact form
      2. Email
      3. Phone
      4. In writing sent to PMLE's address
   2. Facebook explanation. Both Facebook pages, PMLE 5,6,7 & PMLE 5,6,7 - Yeah I Wanna Know, are NOT owned, nor operated by the PMLE Board. They are community pages, started by community members, for community members. They are NOT an official extension of board information, therefore, it's a place where members of the community can reach out to each other and ask for recommendations on services/vendors. They can sell or barter items, offer services or even ask for help. They can share social events that they think others may be interested in, etc.
      1. The Board DOES as a matter of convenience, post the links to the website for news, quarterly newsletters, meeting reminders and major updates when we remember to. We'd prefer not to have to post anything on Facebook, but we find that members seem to only be programmed to use Facebook as some sort of "news" agency, when in truth, it's not. It's social media with the focus on "social".
2. Mailbox Area: The board was alerted to the fact that our contractor’s machine used for clearing our mailbox area was down. He did shovel a small path for our members and our mail carrier. He’s working to get the machine up and running, or bring in another machine that can fit within the path between the 2 rows of mailboxes so that we don’t run into this issue again. His goal was to get that area cleaned up yesterday, if possible, with wider paths. He did state that he’d address it as soon as he had the machine available, but will work to keep a path shoveled in the interim.
3. Winter (General): As much as the board, or anyone would love to tell you that our roads will always be perfect, they won't. Six years ago, through winter, the same complaints and gripes existed then, that do today. There's always going to be disgruntled people for one reason or another. Human nature is that we’ll focus on the negative, never the positive. That being said, there are some things that need to be understood by all members of the community:
   1. The Contractor: He/She is not "called" in. The contract was written in a way that he's responsible to ensure our roads are passable, as best as he can during any event, so that emergency services and inbound/outbound traffic can navigate through the community. Once the event is over it's expected that he'll clean up, widen the roads, and treat the hills/curves/intersections accordingly. The contract is built in such a fashion to be autonomous, whereas, the contract is paid, if the contractor is performing his/her duties.
   2. Snow & Ice Committee: While we'd love to tell you that this has active participation, the bottom line is that it doesn't. Active participation is something going to the wayside in this community (this will be discussed in more detail below). That said, please know that there is no Snow & Ice Committee, at least with active participants.
   3. Expectations: If anyone is expecting to see no snow or ice on our backwoods roads, then expectations are being set too high. This is reality. Reality is that we don't have the PennDOT, NJDOT, NYDOT budget. We don't even have the Township budget, quite frankly. The goal is to have passable roads if caution and a speed prudent to the conditions are being used.
   4. Patience is a virtue: I know that most understand this statement, so quite frankly, have some patience. The contractor has been instructed that the snow route is a priority, as well as hills and curves. During any event, while ongoing, the contractor simply doesn’t have the manpower to ensure your road is completely devoid of snow or ice. The fact is that we have so many trees blocking out the sun, many roads don’t see sunlight to be able to warm up or melt. We have to learn to adapt. Therefore, please have some patience and drive a speed prudent to the road conditions.
   5. Complaints/Observations/Suggestion: Please DO alert the board to areas that may be trouble. The board members also have jobs and families and may not be aware of problem areas. However, please refrain from excessive complaints in the midst of a storm and when/if you do make a complaint, please do so through the proper channels, which also means that it will be addressed faster. If you post a complaint on Facebook, it may not be addressed, as board members do not go on Facebook or use Facebook to view/address complaints, therefore, it will most likely be missed.
4. Participation: This topic requires its own discussion. Participation in this small community is rather low. It's been on the decline for, at least, a decade. Participation at meetings is poor, where maybe 10 people show up, at most, at any given meeting. Reading the quarterly newsletters, being engaged, looking for opportunities to be a part of the solution, not the problem are things that seem to go by the wayside around here. In fact, some of the most vocal people are the least likely to be involved, but they sure are quick with criticism, sarcasm and finger pointing.
   1. Community Volunteers: The community always needs people to help out. Things like cleaning up garbage on the roadsides. Weeding/Raking out culvert/drainage ditches. Clearing trees/brush along the roads. Weeding/Mowing the mailbox area and the lake area. See, these things are always needed, and typically, the same small group of people actually handle them.
   2. Board Members: If you are unhappy with the way things are currently handled, we are happy to welcome additional, or new board members. As a board member you can be an agent of change. Something that the members don't realize is that the board, within the last 4 years, has cut a lot of costs to keep our dues from being raised. Prior to the last 3-4 years, the dues were being raised, on average, every 2 years. Whether it was a $5.00 or $10.00 increase is insignificant. What most people don't realize is that the dues were being raised to cover the costs of the one's not paying. While it was touted as inflation raises, the truth of the matter is that not every single neighbor pays his/her dues/share. In fact, I'd bet you'd be surprised to find out that some of the complainers are ultimately not paying members. It’s the nature of the beast. So, we’re on the subject of board participation, let's talk about what happens when we get none or board members get tired of having to deal with the constant drama.
      1. Board Members Resign: This should be a given, considering you know that new board members are not popping up. If board members resign, then who runs the HOA? Who ensures that your roads are being plowed? Who can you gripe to so that you can get your road fixed, plowed, sanded, salted, etc.? Where does that leave the members who are expecting someone else to handle it?
      2. HOA Management Company: The board has explored this as a possibility. The problem is that we're not "profitable". For an HoA Management company to take us on, we need to be able to pay the company what they feel managing us is worth. That means we either raise dues and then turn it over, or we manage ourselves, like it's been done for the last 20+ years.
      3. The above are just some of the problems that this HOA is facing with a lack of volunteers. There are people within this community who have served on this board (on and off) for the last 15-20+ years. Why did they do it? They loved their little slice of the Poconos. They took pride in the community to keep it running and keep it running without $1100.00 per year dues. That’s the same reason that we have 3 of out 6 board members held over for another year. In some cases, some of these board members have been in a Board seat for 5 years. They need their lives back, their privacy and their sanity. They need a break. Don’t they deserve that much?
         1. Board Positions needed and expectations:
            1. President: Handles or oversees the day to day within the community. As of today, the job of the President is to oversee PMLE's debt. This includes court presence for the judgment(s), negotiating the debt on behalf of the community, etc. His/her job also entails running of the Quarterly Meetings. Other duties may include, answering complaints/grievances, dealing with vendors, resale certificates, etc.
            2. Vice-President: The Vice-President handles all of the same duties as the President, in the President's absence. However, while the President is active his/her duties may include answering complaints/grievances, dealing with vendors, resale certificates, etc.
            3. Secretary: The Secretary's job is to attend all meetings and record notes/minutes from the meeting(s). This also entails letter writing to members, vendors, etc. May include other duties as prescribed by the President.
            4. Treasurer: This position is the most important position. The Treasurer is in charge of all community funds, including payout(s), deposits, balancing the books, taxes, creating our budget plan, checking PMLE's mail, etc. May also include other duties as prescribed by the President if needed.
            5. Member At Large: These positions typically handle any duties prescribed by the President. It mostly consists of resale certificates, answering communications (such as complaints, grievances, realtor inquiries) (written or phone), dealing with vendors, etc.
            6. Entire Board: In this day and age, the entire board has been trained/equipped to be able to handle anyone else's position in a time of need, sickness, emergency, etc. The only exception is the Treasurer duties, which remain with that board member to ensure accountability. However, the board can be structured to handle tasks as they all agree upon, ensuring that no one board member is expected to handle more than any other.
            7. For PMLE to function, per our by-laws, PMLE will require no less than 5 Board Members at any given time, up to a total of 15 Board Members. Board positions are for 3 year terms and requires a 1-year break in service before being re-elected to a board seat.
            8. Board Requirements:
               1. Computer/Software Usage. Most of the tasks we do are done on PC's and/or Mac's. This would require some familiarity with MS products such as Excel and Word, as well as PDF documents, Quickbooks, Email, etc.
               2. Must be a deeded member, meaning on the deed of the home/property.
               3. Must be at least 21 years of age and a member in good standing.
               4. Willing to donate time for Quarterly Meetings as well as time to handle PMLE tasks. Typically, it involves about 10 hours per month and meetings are held exclusively on Saturday's.

If any of us moved here with the hopes of getting NY/NJ quality roads, sidewalks and street lights, while paying cheap PA taxes, then I have to inform you that you did it wrong. Most members of this community moved into it because the taxes were cheap, the dues weren’t burdensome and it is quiet/peaceful.

Finally, the board asks that you all gain a perspective and learn some patience. The board exists because they are adamant about preserving PMLE's little slice of the Pocono's. They understand that this isn't a NY or NJ suburban neighborhood where we're installing sidewalks and streetlights. Each and every board member has their own social life, families, events and activities. They volunteer to be members because they want to do their part within this community. Therefore, respect them, their lives, their time, their privacy, etc. They don't do this because they are paid well, let alone even getting paid at all.

Our contractor asked us to put the word out about the road conditions. Many of the secondary and tertiary roads are very slick. Temperatures are below freezing and what the salt is melting is just refreezing on the roads. He is going to continue treating the roads, hoping that the weather does warm up throughout the day. Please bear in mind that tomorrow we're supposed to see a high of 18 degrees, which will bring about another round of possible ice on the roads. Please use the utmost caution while traversing PMLE's roads.

As we're all aware, winter can be pretty harsh in the Pocono area, or, it can blow by without many incidents. That being said, we got our first little bit of snow in the form of a "dusting" the other day, therefore, it's the perfect time to put out some reminders to our members.

1. Electric can go out and remain out for days. If you have, or use, a generator, please ensure you have fuel on hand.
   
   1. Heating. If you don't have a generator please ensure you have a means to alternatively heat your homes and keep a supply of that fuel on hand.
      
   2. Your food/water supply should be able to maintain you and your family members for a couple of days, at the least.
      
2. Snow removal for your personal property is your concern. Further, when snow shoveling, plowing or snow blowing your properties, please do not push that snow back onto the roads, especially if the roads have already been plowed/treated.
   
   1. We do not place recommendations on who you should use for snow removal. However, our contractor is not for hire for any community members. This is part of our contract. There used to be members of this community that would plow for a fee, however, we're unsure if any are still doing that work. We advise reaching out on the community Facebook pages to see if anyone still does this.
      
3. Your trash cans, are not the plow contractor's responsibility to worry about. If your cans remain at the road level, you run the risk of those cans being damaged, lost or buried and are at your expense.
   
4. Speed Limit is 20 MPH. Please keep your speed in mind, especially during snow/ice events. We have 1 plow contractor who services the entire community, which is around 13+ miles of road surfaces.
   
   1. We do have children who walk home in the winter months and the shoulder is rather limited when plowed snow takes up that real estate. PLEASE, PLEASE keep this mind.
      
5. If, for some reason, you cannot make it up any of the hills, you can park your vehicles at the Mailbox area. Ensure that your vehicle is parked out of the way of the plow contractor and let the board know that the vehicle is there (via email or website).
   
6. Downed trees and limbs. If they are in front of your home, coming off of your property, they are your problem to deal with. Many neighbors are willing to help, if you reach out and ask.
   
7. During any major storm event or power outage, please reach out to your neighbors and check on them. If you need help, for any reason, please reach out to your neighbors.
   
8. Ensure that your gutters are cleaned out so that you don't get any ice build up damaging your roof.
   

Finally, we hope that every single member of PMLE 5,6,7 remains safe through this winter.

Dues information below:

Annual Dues Payment:
Please be reminded that your annual dues payment is considered late and is accruing penalty fees. Please remit your payment in full to Berkheimer at your earliest convenience to ensure no further penalty applies.

Quarterly Dues Payment:
Please remit your quarterly installment to Berkheimer by December 10th, 2021. If payment is not received by this date, then your account will automatically start accruing penalty fees. Your next payment due date is on March 10th, 2022.

Berkheimer Payment/Contact:
By Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002

By Phone:
(610) 599-3142

By Email

Pay Online (Under "Per Capita Tax, Real Estate Tax & Utility Bill Payments (HAB-MISC))

Good evening PMLE 5,6,7. Please be advised that we have a tree company coming in to take down some troublesome trees at the end of September. Particularly, September 27th and September 28th (weather permitting). We've identified 10 trees that are immediate threats to the power lines and our roads. Therefore, we ask that you be vigilant and careful on these days so that our contractor and their employees remain safe.
Further, we'd like to remind every single home and lot owner that trees are your responsibility to remove, not the HoA's. If you have trees overhanging our roads, with the potential to damage our roads, damage vehicles in transit on our roads, or endanger the lives of pedestrians walking our roads, we encourage you to take measures to ensure that doesn't happen. The upkeep of your property is your responsibility. With that being said, not all trees require a professional tree service and there are many people in here who burn wood through the winter, who'd likely lend a hand for the wood.
Last but not least, there are a few volunteers who will be out on our roads to cut back brush, limb trees, etc. To make life easier on the plow contractor as well as the safety of PMLE traffic, we'll be pushing back trees and brush approximately 2-3 feet on either side of the road. We have to allow our plow contractor enough room to keep our roads wide enough for oncoming traffic (both ingress and egress). We are unsure the type of winter we'll get here in the Poconos, but as we all know, a chance at 30+ inches of snow isn't out of the realm of possibility. Please ensure the safety of our volunteers by driving safely, following the community speed limit and staying alert.

Many members of this community have had the opportunity to meet Eddie in one way or another. Whether it be for his community volunteer efforts, willingness to help out a neighbor in need or even likable personality. We remember the effort Eddie gave to this small community, neighbors and coaching kids soccer. Therefore, as a "community event" announcement, we are hoping that this post can help Becky and the Gratcofsky family generate a little additional exposure. We ask that if you have the ability to donate, or the time to attend the fundraising event in Eddie's honor, please do so. The scholarship fund is for a great cause in honor of a great man.

Event Details: Coach Eddie Gratcofsky Memorial Scholarship Fund
Where: SideStreet Bar & Grill
Address: 124 Dingmans Court, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Date/Time: Saturday, September 25th, 2021 at 2:00 PM EST.

For tickets to the event, or just donating to the cause, please go to: Scholarship Fund

Good morning PMLE members. With the coming winter, PMLE needs to ensure that there is enough of an easement for snow removal, as well as keeping the roads wide enough for oncoming traffic. Therefore, we are making this announcement to all home and lot owners within this community, providing some reminders. Our roads and the easement need to remain clear of overhanging trees (canopy), thick brush and bushes. Therefore, we ask that all home and lot owners adhere to the following:

1. Remove all thick brush, bushes and weeds growing at the roads edges in front of their lots/homes, including growing in the culvert/drainage areas. This allows us to maintain proper drainage during melting and the plow contractor to keep the roads wide enough for oncoming traffic, keeping roads plowed edge to edge.
2. Remove any trees that are growing in culverts/drainage areas in front of their lots/homes as well as remove or limb any trees that overhang our roadways. We cannot have them impeding water drainage and we cannot have these limbs or bent trees hanging down into our roadways.
3. We are asking all lot/homeowners to have this work completed by October 1st.
4. Please take the time to follow the above guidelines, especially if you have trees that you don't particularly want removed, as we cannot ensure that they will remain if the brush and tree committee has to do the work. Often times it's a lot easier to remove the tree through the easement needed, then try and prune it.

Concurrently, we will have volunteers from the brush and tree committee out cutting trees and brush to ensure that our roads and the easements can be used accordingly during winter storm events. With this comes a few additional reminders:

1. If a lot/homeowner has not completed the above tasks by the time that the committee works toward that area, the committee will limb, cut and weed the brush/trees, depositing the materials back onto the lot/homeowners property for the owner to remove/discard.
2. Sections of road where the volunteers are working will be blocked off with vehicles and/or cones, where applicable. If you come upon a section that is blocked off with vehicle(s) and/or cones, please use an alternate route.
   1. If a section has to be blocked off in front of your home and includes your driveway, please be advised that the volunteers will work as fast as possible to ensure that you can enter/leave your property, however, this may require some patience on your part.
   2. The blocking of road sections will only occur in places where alternate routes are available through the community. If alternate routes are not available, the volunteers will be blocking off an entire lane, forcing the road into a single lane use. There may be times, that volunteers have to stop traffic or direct traffic, briefly, while taking down trees to ensure that your vehicle is not damaged and the volunteers remain safe. Please have patience.
   3. Please do not try and push through the blockades, it is unsafe for you and the volunteers, whether you are walking, jogging, walking your pets, or driving.
3. The work effort will continue on for quite a few weeks, whereas, the work is mostly completed on weekends, with a few exceptions. Therefore, it is paramount that you follow PMLE's posted speed limit of 20 MPH to ensure all remain safe (especially as we'll have some neighborhood kids out there helping).
4. Remember our volunteers are out there lending a hand on their time to get this community prepared for winter. Please do not stop them to offer suggestions, criticism, badger them, etc.

During the time that the brush and tree committee will be working, we also have a professional tree company coming in to remove some trees that were deemed unsafe for the committee to remove. Some of these trees are large trees overhanging our roads that if they fell, could cause damage to the roadways. Others are trees that may potentially take down power lines during a snow, ice or wind event. So, please see the following notice.

1. On September 27th and 28th, Drop Zone tree service will be in the community to remove the troublesome trees, weather permitting. You may see them on your road or in front of your homes. Please follow the speed limits to ensure that they remain safe.
   

Last, but not least, the PMLE 5,6,7 Board of Directors would like to thank the few volunteers that have opted to donate their time to this community. Without our volunteers, community costs would be significantly higher, which in turn, means that dues would be significantly higher as well. Therefore, please accept our appreciation in helping to keep the dues low for all of us and our personal thank you as well for the effort you put in.

Good morning PMLE. Below are some reminders and storm updates.

1. School is in session. Please be reminded of the following.
   
   1. The path from the parking lot to Log and Twig Road is meant as a walking path only for our community children. It is NOT meant for you to use as a driving path or shortcut.
      
   2. The roads are not meant as a parking spot for your vehicles while you wait for your children to get off the bus. If we have to call for vehicles to be towed, whether you are in the vehicle or not, it'll be at your expense. We have a parking lot, please use it to wait for your children. Our roads are not wide enough to handle the congestion that is being caused.
      
   3. Kids are walking home from the bus stop, please be mindful of this and use caution on our roads. As a reminder the speed limit is 20 MPH.
      
   4. Please use caution when pulling in or out of the parking lot. Our kids are the first priority, not your tardiness or want to get somewhere.
2. PMLE 5,6,7 Property. Please be reminded of the following:
   
   1. Community property is NOT for dumping any refuse, construction debris, tires, or give away items.
      
   2. If you are selling or giving away items, then please post them on the social media pages, asking for interest, rather than putting a box at the bus stop or on any other community property.
      
3. Property Maintenance. Homeowners and lot owners should be:
   
   1. Removing trees that overhang our community roads, creating a danger to vehicles, community property and/or people/pets walking our roads.
      
      1. If the community has to pay to remove them, the cost may be billed directly to the home/lot owners.
         
   2. Removing brush and tall weeds from in front of their property to ensure a decent line of sight.
      
   3. Cleaning leaves, small trees and debris from culverts/drainage areas in front of their homes to ensure proper flow of water.
      
4. Storm Update(s).
   
   1. Please be advised that there is a tree down on Rockledge Drive. The tree has fallen across the road onto wires. We do not believe it is on the power lines, but rather the cable/phone lines. However, to be safe, Met-Ed has been notified.
      
   2. If you see any trees on wires within the community, please contact Met-Ed immediately to ensure these are removed safely.
      
   3. There is flooding all around us and a flood warning in effect until 9 PM EST. If you are leaving the community, please be safe.
      

Dues information below:

Annual Dues Payment:
Please be reminded that your annual dues payment is considered late and is accruing penalty fees. Please remit your payment in full to Berkheimer at your earliest convenience to ensure no further penalty applies.

Quarterly Dues Payment:
Please remit your quarterly installment to Berkheimer by September 10th, 2021. If payment is not received by September this date, then your account will start to accrue late fees. Your next payment due date is by December 10th, 2021.

Berkheimer Payment/Contact:
By Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002

By Phone:
(610) 588-5765

By Email

Pay Online (Under "Per Capita Tax, Real Estate Tax & Utility Bill Payments (HAB-MISC))

Good morning PMLE 5,6,7 members. Can you believe that it's almost July? Can you believe that our September meeting is only a few months off? We can't, either! However, PMLE 5,6,7 Community Association has persevered through a nationwide and worldwide pandemic, whereas many things were closed down and fellow neighbors lost their jobs. We survived a new POTUS and a change in policies. We're surviving higher costs of goods, including fuel, building supplies and even food. We survived a pretty brutal winter, where snowfall amounts exceeded 3 feet. Not only did we survive, or are we surviving these, but we also survived necessary changes to how we do business as an entity. So, I ask you, what can't the PMLE 5,6,7 Community Association survive?

All jokes aside, it is nearing July and this our time of year where we ask if any community members are willing to step up and donate their time to keep this community running, whether through being a board member or a committee member. To help you make a decision, we'll outline some necessary requirements, as well as the time you may need to donate below.

• Board Member:
  • Must be computer savvy. A lot of PMLE's functions are done on a computer, through various websites and programs, such as MS Excel, MS Word, PDF, GMail, etc.
  • Should be willing to commit to handling tasks on a rotational basis, lend a hand where needed/required, etc.
  • Should be willing to commit to 1-3 hours per week or less, and quarterly BOD meetings.
    
  • Must be able to be bonded.
  • Must be a deeded member in good standing.
• Committee Member:
  • Tasks vary by committee, but may include manual labor, such as tree and brush trimming, weed whacking/mowing the bus stop area or lake area, etc. However, other tasks may include letter writing, organizational skills, etc.
  • Should be willing to commit to about 1 hour, bi-weekly, on average, or less.
  • Should be willing to call, as well as meet, contractors.
  • Must be a deeded member in good standing.

If looking to be put on the vote ballot for September, please send the Board of Directors an email providing your full name, lot number, address, phone number and any relevant data that deems you qualified. Please ensure that you send this to us no later than August 13th, 2021.

If looking to join a committee, please send us an email with your full name, lot number, address, phone number and the committee you are interested in.

Click HERE to email us!

Good evening all PMLE 5,6,7 Residents! This communication is to keep the residents of PMLE 5,6,7 in the loop regards to roadwork, as well as make the membership aware of a budget revision and meeting reschedule.

Budget Revision:
For 2021, we had originally set the roadwork budget at $55,000, with the intention of trying to tackle a few more secondary and tertiary roads. However, necessity has forced us to reassess and review previous years costs involving maintenance, pothole repair (whether volunteers with cold patch or a professional company), traffic volume and best possible use of community monies. Therefore, we increased the 2021/2022 roadwork budget to $70,000. Attached to this post is the revised and most current budget based on the above mentioned changes. That leads us into roadwork for 2021.

2021 Roadwork Plan:
For 2021 we've decided to resurface the entire 2 miles of Mountain Top Drive, from Hillside Drive to Port Drive. However, this is a 2 phased approach that will take place through the next couple of weeks, or months (depending on scheduling/weather). We have taken this approach due to the historical costs of the previous 6 years, which were band aids, at best, as the road has been degrading/deteriorating rapidly over the last couple of years. Part of this is due to the amount of traffic seen on this road, which we cannot control, as this road services part of Section 6 residents and all of Section 7 residents. It is, ultimately, the most used road in this community with the highest amount of traffic. The way the phases will work are listed below:

1. Phase 1 will consist of pothole repair on Mountain Top Drive by an outside contractor. This will include all 2 miles. The contractor will try to ensure traffic isn't greatly impeded, as much as possible.
2. Phase 2 will consist of the entire 2 miles being resurfaced (Hillside Drive to Port Drive).

Once we have the schedule set and in place, we will certainly make another announcement to let the community know, so that each of you can plan your traveling accordingly.

June 26, 2021 Board Meeting:
The board, in it's majority, will be unable to attend the June 26th Board Meeting. Therefore, at this time, we're tentatively rescheduling that meeting for July 24th, 2021. Historically, attendance for summer meetings has been low, but for the 26th meeting, we have too many board members who will not be in attendance due to personal obligations. However, with COVID restrictions being lifted in many areas, we expected that this would happen. So, if we are running into a similar issue for July, we're going to see if we can host a remote meeting, whereas, any questions from the board can be submit prior to the meeting via email. Please note, that we will certainly keep the community apprised of the situation as we progress through the summer.

Finally, we'd like to thank those who have been patient and understanding in relation to roadwork. We sincerely appreciate it. For all others, it shouldn't need to be reminded that PMLE 5,6,7 Community Association has quite a few miles of road to maintain and some of those roadways are older than a lot of the people living here. The board needs to carefully weigh our budget (money on hand), upcoming bills, traffic on road surfaces, etc. It's not a fickle decision that can be made on a whim.

Your 2021/2022 Dues payments are fast approaching. See information below:

Annual Dues Payment:
Please be reminded that your annual dues payment is due by June 10th, 2021. Remit your payment in full to Berkheimer by the date noted to ensure no penalty applies.

Quarterly Dues Payment:
Please remit your quarterly installment to Berkheimer by June 10th, 2021. If payment is not received by this date, then your account balance (entirety), will be considered on the Annual plan and will incur any/all associated penalty fees. For reference, your next quarterly payment is due on September 1st, 2021.

Berkheimer Payment/Contact:
By Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002

By Phone:
(610) 588-5765

By Email:

Pay Online (Under "Per Capita Tax, Real Estate Tax & Utility Bill Payments (HAB-MISC)). Note: Online payments do take a fee. Those fee's are Berkheimer's for taking/processing electronic payments and have nothing to do with the HoA. Please review the different fee's associated with the ACH or Credit Card payment to make the best decision for you.

Good evening PMLE 5,6,7 members. By now, many of you have started to receive your annual dues statement(s). While we strive to ensure that our member list is updated and accurate, sometimes we just miss something, or someone. For the 2020/2021 year and the 2021/2022 year, PMLE had a lot of home and property turnovers. We've tried really hard to ensure that we caught all of these, but we are human and it'd be improbable if we guaranteed that we didn't make a mistake. That being said, if you were expecting a dues statement and didn't receive it, please reach out to Berkheimer to inquire the status of your statement(s). If Berkheimer is of no help, please reach out to us to help get the problem resolved.

The only thing we ask is that you understand, if we don't get back to you immediately, this is a busy time of year for us, not just in relation to annual dues billing, but also the housing/property market has seen an influx of sales in our community (roughly a 10-15% increase in sales).

Contact Berkheimer via:

1. Phone: (610) 599-3143
2. Mail:
   HAB-MISC
   PO Box 21450
   Lehigh Valley, PA 18002

To contact the board, please do so via the below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

1. Website
2. Phone
3. Email
4. In writing: 138 Loftus Lane, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

Good morning PMLE. With another weather event on the horizon, we're providing this information to all residents for clarity. We want to ensure that your issues, concerns and complaints are dealt with in a timely fashion, while at the same time not giving any credence to trouble makers, pot stirrers or antagonists.

First and foremost, please be advised, that Facebook, has been and will be ignored. It's not an official outlet for the Board. Anyone who posts on there, posts as a community resident, with his/her own opinions and ideas (the very nature of Facebook) and not in an official capacity, unless the heading states "Official PMLE Business" and is from a Board member or Committee chairperson.

Second, let's remember that respect is earned, not given. I'm sure we all understand this statement. So, when we make our posts, where you think your gaining the Board's attention, and they are filled with malcontent, negativity and the like, the responses you receive will most likely follow the same course of action. In fact, I can assure you that you'll start receiving more cynicism and sarcasm, or just be ignored altogether. Keep your snark to the Pike County Road page, or better yet, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. Let's be honest, immediately after winter, I can assure you, Facebook will be buzzing with complaints about potholes and road conditions. This is the ebb and flow of this community. If people can't complain about one thing, they certainly find another to gripe about.

Further, I believe it's time that the entire community understands that the methodology for maintaining our roads during a weather event hasn't changed. Years ago, it used to be that roads were cleared "enough" for emergency vehicles to traverse through the community. With final "clean up" being completed after the event is over. The standing rule was/is to plow, as needed, all main thoroughfares within the community and treat ALL hills, curves and trouble spots (such as ice buildup, etc), as well as the parking lot, then move to do the same for all secondary and tertiary roads. The only change to this directive, is that the roads must be opened, not only for emergency access, but for incoming/outgoing local traffic, such as deliveries, family members, etc. That's it, these are the only changes made.

With all of that said, let's talk about some areas of the community. Ledgeway Drive (the main drag) is considered a main thoroughfare, as well as Sugar Maple Drive, Port Drive, Mountain Top Drive, White Pine Drive, Loftus Lane, Oak Ridge Drive, Janets Way, Rockledge Road and the School Bus stop. All other roads, albeit, side streets, dead ends, mailbox area and cul-de-sacs are considered secondary and tertiary roads/areas.

Now, let's talk about weather in the Poconos. Some of you have lived here for, at least 5+ years, others are relatively new. So, let's level set expectations, and be real. If you are looking for roads maintained like NJDOT, you moved to the wrong area. Their budget is bigger than ours, end of story. Power outages, occur and can happen frequently or for extended periods of time in this area. Be prepared for this, as PMLE isn't FEMA. However, many of us, if made aware, are willing to get together and lend a hand if needed. Whether it's getting fuel to you, heaters, food, etc. Understand that snowfall amounts tend to be greater than surrounding areas due to our elevation. I'm sure there are others, but this is a good base.

Finally, please remember these simple reminders during all adverse weather events:

1. DO NOT park on our roads or our shoulders. Going forward, the vehicle will be towed at your expense. The only exception to this is in the Parking Lot. If you cannot make it back to your home, please use the parking lot, but park out of the way and off to the side for plowing to continue. Should you wake up one morning and your car is gone, we use Wrenches. Any and all fees have nothing to do with us.
2. REMOVE your garbage cans from the side of the road. Our contractor will not to protect your cans. If they are damaged, or lost, that will be the homeowners responsibility.
3. DO NOT plow, shovel or snow blow your snow from your property onto our roads, especially if the contractor has already plowed. We've received some complaints from neighbors about their neighbors doing exactly this.
4. DO NOT ask the contractor to plow your driveway. Our contract explicitly states that he works for the Board to maintain PMLE roads, not for your individual/personal plowing/snow removal needs.
5. DO NOT stop the contractor from performing his/her duties, PERIOD. The contractor isn't here for your advice, suggestions, complaints or nonsense.
6. PREPARE. As with any event, we could suffer power outages, large snowfall/ice amounts. Have enough food/water on hand for at least 3-7 days. Have a means for alternative heating and/or a generator, if you can.
7. DRIVE with caution, keep your speed to 20 MPH or lower, as posted. Have good quality tires for the winter on your vehicle.
8. CONTACT US correctly. If you have any complaints, in relation to Snow/Ice removal, contact the board through the proper mediums (outlined below):
   1. Through the website (contact form): Contact Us
   2. Via phone: Call Us
   3. Via email: Email Us
9. IF you require snow removal services, Robert (Rob) Miller, a local PMLE resident, offers these services. He can be found on Facebook or via phone 570-618-5225. Contact him directly for his fees and availability.
   

Please be reminded that the quarterly dues payment, for those that opted in, is due on March 1st, 2021. This payment goes directly to Berkheimer. If you have any issues, please reach out to the board directly via email or phone.

Berkheimer Phone: (610) 599-3143
Berkheimer Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002
Berkheimer Online Payment: Click Here (Found under Hab-Misc)

To all residents who used the Quarterly Payment option for this year's maintenance dues. First, we're glad it may have been helpful to you. Due to an unforeseen processing scenario in the implementation of this with Berkheimer, you may have received a bill indicating there was a penalty associated with the amount due, and that the amount due was the full year total, less the first payment you made. If you are paying electronically, please check again after 9:00 A.M. tomorrow 9/3/2020. The corrected amounts should now be reflected and you can make the appropriate payment. Accept our apologies for any inconveniences caused and know we've been in constant contact with Berkheimer to make sure it is fixed now, as well as the future, and that there is no reflection or "permanent" notice of being late on your accounts.