At long last, we are beginning construction on the sidewalk at the front entrance this week! Dirtworks and Bobcat Services was selected to perform the work in coordination with the Shelby County Traffic Department, who will oversee and perform adjoining street work. We hope to have all work completed within a month.
Please be aware and drive with caution as you exit the neighborhood. Most of the work will be off of the street but may affect the right hand lane from Hampton Place to Brook Highland Drive.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but look forward to our new sidewalk.
In our continuing efforts to bring value to our neighborhood, the Board of Directors will be seeking proposals for management services for our Homeowners Association. Our current provider, Neighborhood Management, LLC has been serving our neighborhood since their formation in 2006. Neighborhood Management now supports a large number and type of associations across Alabama and the Southeast. Now that we are a resident-led Association, we believe it is in our best interest to solicit proposals from additional providers to ensure we are receiving the best overall value and service.
This process will take several weeks and will involve a small group of residents to assist in this task. We will interview potential providers, sharing what we expect and reviewing what they have to offer. We will request closed bids for our evaluation and comparison. We plan to complete this process before the fall so that we can plan our execution prior to the first of next year barring any potential transition plan limitations.
We have contacted other area neighborhoods and Associations to identify companies in good standing that have experience with associations similar to our neighborhood. We have identified the following companies as potential providers.
Neighborhood Management, LLC
Premier Property Management Group
Selective Management Services
Property Management, Inc.
Community Management Associates
Southern Property Group
We will keep you informed of our progress and will communicate details as appropriate.
It’s food drive time! The Boy Scouts of America Pack 538 will begin their annual food drive next weekend. On Saturday, February 3, paper bags and flyers will be distributed to mailboxes. The bags will be picked up the following Saturday, February 10.
As a reminder, if you choose to participate, please to not donate expired items as those items cannot be used and must be thrown out.
They are excited to be partnering with Brook Highland for this food drive so let’s show them some love!
Santa Claus is coming to Brook Highland! The Brook Highland HOA Christmas Party is planned and we’re so excited to celebrate this joyous season with our neighbors!
We welcome you to participate in a cookie exchange, take pictures with the REAL SANTA, do Christmas crafts, and drink hot cocoa from our hot cocoa bar.
The social committee will also have a fundraiser table set up selling mailbox bows and signing up to have your Christmas gifts wrapped.
Feel free to come and participate in just the cookie exchange or just Santa photos. Don’t forget to RSVP on the Facebook event if you plan on attending or text (601)248-0876 to RSVP if you don’t have Facebook.
If you would like to take part in the cookie exchange, please read the cookie exchange rules below and fill out the following Google form:https://gforms.app/r/CZg7qM2
Cookie Exchange Rules:
1. Bring 2 cookies for every person participating. Cookies should be homemade, if you’re able. If you are unable to make homemade cookies for any reason, bakery cookies are allowed.
2. Please send typed recipes (no photos please) to me via email at rrfoster87@gmail.com no later than 12/11 so I can let everyone know the number of participants with plenty of time. If they are from a bakery, please let me know which bakery they’re from and what they’re called. I will print recipes on cute matching cards for everyone participating.
3. The cookie exchange will begin at 5:30 so please have your cookies on the table no later than 5:25.
4. Come ready to find your new favorite cookie recipe!
Stop by, have some cocoa, talk to Santa, and meet some neighbors! We look forward to celebrating with you!
We, the Board of Directors, are eager to continue to serve you and solicit your input and support. Our primary role is the preservation of the neighborhood through the administration of the BHHA. As such we have direct oversight of the management company to ensure equitable treatment and responsiveness to your needs.
The BHHA is currently managed under contract with Neighborhood Management, LLC. Please contact them at 205-877-9480 for all official business. It is preferred that you register with BHHA through the Owner’s Portal. This portal not only ensures you will receive all official communications, but also provides access to the legal documents of the BHHA, submissions to the Architectural Review Board, and (of course) where you can pay your dues.
In our continued effort to communicate multiple ways, we will be utilizing this website (Brook Highland – Homeowners’ Association Website) as an additional means to keep you informed of BHHA and neighborhood topics. Please sign up for emails from this website to facilitate communication. This website also includes a lot of useful links, contact information and FAQs.
The BHHA also wants to represent our neighborhood regarding neighboring communities, municipalities and services. Last, but not least we want to work with you to promote the quality of life in our community. We will post occasional surveys requesting your input on issues you would like to see the HOA address. We also would like to know what committees you think we should have and if you would be willing to participate.
We look forward to working together to make Brook Highland the premier neighborhood in our area.
Grab your pumpkin and come join us for a pumpkin carving party hosted by the Brook Highland HOA Social Committee! We will have tables set up with all the pumpkin carving supplies you’ll need to bring your Jack O’ Lantern to life! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Come join your neighbors for some spooky fun!
Since this is at a residence in the neighborhood, if you can carpool or walk, you are encouraged to do so.
If you plan on joining us, please fill out the following Google form so we have an idea of attendance numbers by 10/18
Our resident meeting led with a presentation from Rick Shepherd, the Shelby County Commissioner for our County District #8. Commissioner Shepherd has served in this position for 15 years and seen the rapid development and growth of Shelby County during this time. He reported that the county now has a population of over 235,000 residents, has a budget of 160-170 million dollars and is ranked as the #1 county district in Alabama and #6 in the entire country. The county has no debt and all projects are paid without borrowing money. Roads are in good condition and maintained well. Concerns that were raised included:
Over development of Apartments in our area. He pointed out that the Apartments being built are in the City of Birmingham and Shelby County has no control over preventing that. Any proposed apartment or high-density residential developments in Shelby County (not within a city limits) have been turned down.
Trash/Recycling Services. Now handled by Waste Management who was the only company that bid and their services do not include recycling. Yard Waste services can be provided but at a higher rate. Shelby County is working on a trial recycling program with Mt. Laurel. To aid in the lost recycling for this area, Rick committed to assisting us if we wished to join in the Chelsea “Got Junk” program for once-a-month pick-up services.
Water/Sewer: Water and Sewer were originally provided by Birmingham Water Works, who included a large sewer surcharge at the time to develop the sewer system in our area. The sewer system has been sold to Alabama Water Utilities, yet our water bill still includes the large sewer fees. Shelby County has had little control over either until passage of Amendment 8 (to the AL Constitution) last year and will go into effect in 2024. Residents also discussed that Birmingham Water had stopped giving rebates for sprinkler meter readings and replaced it with a 15% reduction – yet many reported not getting the reduction unless you call them.
A resident asked if water wells are permitted in Brook Highland? – Wells may be permitted in Shelby County and there is no explicit restriction in our Covenants. Caution about drilling in Brook Highland was noted as this has been determined to be a potential sink hole area in the past.
Roads: Noted that Shelby County has been recognized as having the best roads in the State. Maintenance is well managed and easily accessible. Rick brought Clay Aderholt (Asst. Engineer) to the meeting. Rick and Clay committed to patching any hole in the subdivision from just a phone call, providing the road is a Shelby County road/street. Rick committed to a trailered speed detection/warning vehicle to be parked on Brook Highland Drive for a few days in an effort to control speeding vehicles.
Emergency Medical Services and 911. Well supported by the County Commission to provide all residents with Paramedic and emergency response.
Drainage: Shelby County is only responsible for drainage and culverts that are within the street right-of-way, and cannot enter private property without permission. The drainage areas within neighborhoods are typically on private property and the responsibility of the landowner.
Note: Brook Highland HOA does not have explicit rights to drainage easements within the neighborhood. The rights and responsibilities of the HOA regarding drainage areas in the neighborhood is under review by our Insurance provider and their attorneys.
Noise Ordinance: Shelby County does have a noise ordinance that they can enforce but urges residents to resolve issues directly with their neighbors or seek HOA assistance prior to engaging the sheriff’s department. He noted that officers must witness the violation in order to act.
Note: Brook Highland covenants include restrictions of “…dangerous, noxious, offensive, or excessively noisome activities…”.
Homeowners Association Topics included:
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
A Presentation from Rebecca Jones on the new Social Committee and organization of groups and future projects. Currently in development stage.
Ongoing survey to determine areas of interest. Block Parties, holiday decorations/events and yard sales were most popular items.
Work with existing clubs
Immediate need for Decorating Committee
Planning a Trunk or Treat for Halloween
Also need someone to manage future Food Truck schedule
SIDEWALK PROJECT.
Information was shared by Vince Amaro outlining the progress of the sidewalk and the contributions and collaboration with the Shelby County Highway Department. Currently finalizing the legal paperwork and will be finalizing the bid soon. Anticipate completion before year’s end.
LANDSCAPING CONTRACT
The BHHOA Board has contracted with The Southern Landscape Firm to replace Eddleman Landscaping and several other landscaping subcontractors. They will handle all the landscaping needs for our common areas. By combining all the necessary services under one source it will not only simplify the process, but save money on the overall landscaping budget. Southern begins October 1, 2023. Also, a spigot was installed to facilitate water availability for cleaning the entrance area. Consequently, the entrance wall has now been pressure washed.
FINANCIAL
Handouts of the Year-to-Date Financial Status as well as a draft of a five-year projected budget were available to the attendees. There was also an updated draft of the enforcement policy.
Q&A: Several questions were asked from the residents including:
Enforcement of covenants for RV’s parked in driveways: A resident made a formal complaint, at the advice of his attorney, of the Board of Directors not enforcing covenants restricting parking of RVs in driveways. The resident cited multiple instances over the past three years and demanded we enforce the covenants. Note, the HOA does enforce this, allowing 24-48 hours for loading/unloading prior to sending a violation letter.
Signs placed in front yards: What are the expectations or time limits? How does that compare to the RV parking? Suggest the HOA clarify.
When to use ARC: Is approval required if just performing maintenance or restoration? No, but submit if in doubt. Suggest the HOA clarify.
Potential future development of a park/walking trail on the HOA property at Warrington Circle: Would require engagement of residents and adjacent lot owners. Pros and Cons discussed of cost, liability, security, parking, traffic, etc. A resident asked if the HOA would accept donations toward this (money, play equipment, etc.) – The Board does not believe there is a restriction precluding donations.
Speeding on Brook Highland Drive – Call SC dispatch for increased patrol.
Pothole repair: Call SC as needed. Do not attempt to repair yourself. Note, Birmingham owns street at rear entrance, from 119 to the lake.
Is it possible to gate our neighborhood? Currently no, as the county owns the streets and we do not own property at the rear entrance. It would also require a change to our covenants, which would require a 2/3 affirmative vote of all lot owners.
A resident scheduled a visit by the HOA Board the next morning to review potential drainage issues with new sidewalk on their property, which includes an open ditch which needs cleaning out as it has potential flooding issue with large rains.
Questions were asked about Flock Cameras: How do they work? Availability for reviewing pictures? Are they effective? – We have two HOA officers with admin access and have granted access to both Shelby County and Birmingham Law Enforcement. A few examples were cited in which we have worked with law enforcement to identify cars associated with theft and threatening behavior.
The Brook Highland HOA has established a Social Committee. This group will plan and coordinate activities that are sponsored by the HOA and open to all residents. The committee would also like to serve as a collaboration point for other groups within Brook Highland. We have set up an events calendar on Brookhigland.org and will be posting more information about upcoming events and opportunities.
The committee would love to hear from you! If you are interested in participating on the committee or want to provide input on activities you’d like to support or see occur, please click here to take a short survey.
Thank you for making Brook Highland a great place to live!
There will be an open meeting of the Brook Highland Neighborhood Homeowners Association at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at The Church at Brook Hills in the Community Room (enter Door 3, go left down the main hallway to the end toward HWY 119). The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the activities of the HOA and to engage residents on any questions you may have. Rick Shepherd, our Shelby County Commissioner, will be there as well for an open discussion.
If you are interested in participating in a social committee for the Brook Highland neighborhood, or how your current club or group can collaborate with us, please join us at Beef O’Brady’s this Wednesday at 11:30 am to discuss ideas of how the Brook Highland HOA can support neighborhood functions.