Numerous Complaints Received

The Board, recently has received numerous complaints, via face to face, personal/private messages and the board inbox. So, to tackle all of these accurately, without discussion, based on the By-laws and Restrictive Covenants that you have received and which are readily available on our website, this message goes to all members of the community.

1. Fireworks/Noise Ordinance - By-law #35, states, "During the quiet hours of 10 PM and 7 AM Monday through Friday and 11 PM to 8 AM weekends and holidays all residents, guests and contractors shall minimize the noise level and shall refrain from the use of, but not limited to, power equipment, construction equipment and loud audio equipment." This includes fireworks.
   1. There has been some back and forth discussion in relation to fireworks, where most people are not truly aware of the laws and rules that govern them. We suggest that all members review and familiarize themselves with PA's rules on fireworks: PA Fireworks
   2. Highlights to note:
      1. It is against the law to discharge fireworks from or within a motor vehicle or building
      2. It is against the law to discharge fireworks toward a motor vehicle or building.
      3. It is against the law to discharge within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
      4. It is against the law to discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
      5. These rules may be in addition to your local municipality rules or local ordinances, including fire hazard conditions, etc.
   3. Considerations.
      1. Members of our community fall under the ADA and may be sensitive to noise.
      2. There are some members of this community who have pets that respond negatively to fireworks/loud noise as well.
      3. Please be as respectful to your neighbors as you'd expect, or want them to be to you. Common courtesy goes a long way.
2. Dogs/Pets - By-law #25, states, "Dogs shall be kept under control at all times." This means that your dog(s) shall be leashed with a proper, sturdy leash and collar, and restrained appropriately for the safety of others and their pets, as well as yourself and your pet.
3. Harassing Board members or Volunteers - By-law #34, states, "Interfering with or harassing PMLE Board members, volunteers or members while working or acting on behalf of the Association shall be a violation."
   1. Recently, Board members and volunteers have been harassed by other members of this community. This is not tolerable. People who devote their time to the community to lend a hand, shouldn't have to be harassed by any individual, whatsoever. This includes contractors, members, volunteers and/or board members.
4. Recreational Vehicles (ATV, UTV, Go-Carts, etc.) - By-law #3, states, "Powered mini-bikes, go-carts, snowmobiles or similar vehicles are prohibited." This includes ATV's, UTV's, etc. There is no discussion or debate on the topic.
   1. First and foremost, this rule was enacted in relation to safety concerns of PMLE's members as well as the general liability of the HoA. The safety of all of our members and their guests, our member's pets/family/property, as well as PMLE's property were the paramount reasons for this rule being enacted. It is non-negotiable.
   2. In addition, the HoA adheres to all State, County and Township rules relating to these vehicles. We suggest that you familiarize yourselves with PA's rules in relation to ATV's. For your convenience, the list can be found here: PA DCNR ATV Rules
   3. If you have any concerns, witness poor behavior or see people not following the rules in relation to ATV's/UTV's please contact the state police as well as the Board to file a complaint. Per PA's DCNR rules, the state police have every right to fine/handle these complaints.
   4. Please understand that the Board, has not provided ANYONE the right to be on our roads with ATV's, UTV's, Quads, Snow-Mobile's, Go-Cart's, Mini-Bike's, etc.
5. Speed Limit - By-law #4, states, "Unless weather conditions or posted speed limits dictate otherwise, the maximum limit in the community is 20 MPH."
   1. The safety and well-being of our members must be considered in relation to speed. From 5 AM through the evening hours, many people are going above the posted limit, which is uncalled for. This is not a racetrack, nor is going 30 MPH going to really make a drastic difference in your time to get home. As you are aware, there is an abundance of wildlife in this area, as well as community members who walk with their family/pets, children riding bicycles, etc.
6. Right of way - By-law #6, states, "Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right of way. During darkness, only those bicycles equipped with lights (front and rear) may be operated."
   

We, as a community, are supposed to behave like adults. While we can understand blowing off some steam, we cannot understand the general lack of consideration shown to other members. There is no need to create drama, carry on like petulant children, become malicious or, quite frankly, disrupt the lives of our neighbors.

For the neighbors who have been directly targeted or have had to deal with the nonsense of others, please accept our apology for this. However, we strongly advise that you stay vigilant, contact the police if you feel it necessary, keeping any video footage you have and handle these situations according to the law, rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Please understand that the by-laws were written in a way that this community doesn't have a fine structure, an enforcement agency and limited aspects to handle many of these situations. Therefore, it is suggested that you contact the state police.

In other board related news, it is with regret that our Vice President, Kim Walker, due to personal reasons, has tendered her resignation, effective immediately. We want to thank Kim for the time that she spent serving her community and wish her luck in her future endeavors. Please be reminded that the Board is always encouraging people to volunteer their time. Our annual vote is held in September and we are asking that anyone who may be slightly interested, please reach out to ask about expectations, how much time is warranted, etc.

On a final note, a huge thank you is in order for the volunteers who have gone to great lengths to keep this HoA moving forward, which also helps keep our dues low, such as keeping clean our bus stop area, weed whacking/mowing the bus stop area, cleaning our roadways of litter/debris, etc. We want you to know that we appreciate your efforts and your willingness to help. There are members who would rather remain anonymous, but we'd like to extend a personal thank you to Joe, Bill, Rich, Barbara, Greg, Mindy and many others. Without your efforts, we'd truly be unable to keep our dues costs low.