Ox Bottom Manor Community Association
 

OXBM e-Newsletter
October 10, 2009

Welcome!  The Ox Bottom Manor Community Association E-Newsletter is our effort to communicate regularly with residents within this great community electronically.  We encourage you to forward this newsletter to other Ox Bottom Manor residents and encourage your neighbors to go to our website (www.oxbottommanor.com) and subscribe today.  Please forward your neighborhood news, articles, tips, etc. to hicksrob@comcast.net to be included in future newsletters!

All association correspondence should be directed to the Ox Bottom Manor Post Office Box 15456, Tallahassee, Florida  32317.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.  Telephone Number is (850)894-8899 and facsimile (850) 894-0799.
 

Board Meeting Announcement

The Ox Bottom Manor Community Association Board has scheduled a Board meeting for October 13th at 6:30PM, Summer Brooke Clubhouse, 7505 Preservation Road.  All homeowners are welcome and encouraged to attend monthly meetings!  Click Here for a Map.  For more information, please contact Marie Eddy, Association Director.
 

Neighborhood Solicitations

Neighborhood watch committees were informed by the Tallahassee Police Department about door to door solicitations selling things (meat, books, magazine, cookies, etc).  The information provided stated that if the company/individuals are legit, they should have a permit from the City of Tallahassee.  The Officers recommended saying to anyone selling anything at our doors "please wait just a moment while I call TPD to check on your permit."  Generally, if the salesperson is legit, they will immediately produce the permit and no call will be necessary.  If not and they don't have a permit, they will leave pretty quickly.  Sadly, we also learned through Officer Berentsen that “No Solicitation” signs posted in a neighborhood DO NOT give TPD any authority. The solicitor is only breaking the law if they are operating without a valid permit.
 

Vacation Crime Prevention Tips

Are you planning a trip out of town?  With many families preparing for Holiday break, chances are a vacation may be in your plans.  If so, Tallahassee Police Department has a few tips to ensure that your home is safer from criminals attempting to take advantage of your absence:

Several days before you leave:

  • Notify your local law enforcement agency about your departure and return dates, and give a name and telephone number of a neighbor or relative to notify in case of a burglary, fire or other emergency. Officers patrolling in your area will periodically check your home.

  • Notify the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange with a neighbor to pick up and hold your mail.

  • Notify your newspaper carrier to discontinue newspaper deliveries, or arrange with a neighbor to pick up and hold your papers.

  • Make arrangements to have your grass cut and watered while you are gone. Have someone check daily to remove throwaway papers and circulars from your doorway and yard.

  • If you have valuables in the house, take them to the bank for storage in your safety deposit box. Deposit extra cash in your bank account.

  • Move valuables so they can't be seen from the porch windows. Be sure you have a list of small appliances and valuables.

  • Make sure any broken window, door locks and window locks are repaired.

  • Put things away. Lawn furniture, bicycles, etc., should be put away before leaving. Items left out can easily be stolen.

  • Arrange with a neighbor or relative to watch your house. Give them a key and let them know where or how you can be reached in an emergency. Write down their telephone number so you can check with them during your trip. Give them your car description and license number.

  • Arrange inspection by a trusted neighbor if you will be gone for more than a few days, to be sure that nothing has been disturbed.

Just before you leave

  • Turn down the volume control on your telephone so it cannot be heard from outside.

  • Set an electrical timer to turn on some lights and a radio on and off during the day and evening hours. Added protection can be achieved if you have a neighbor rearrange the timer - controlled lights so that a pattern is not established in your absence.

  • Unplug all electrical appliances such as stereos, televisions sets, irons, washer and fans to prevent possible damage from electrical storms.

  • Make sure that all gas appliances are in good working order, and that pilot lights are working.

  • Turn off water to automatic washer to prevent possible damage from broken hoses.

  • Set your thermostat so that your furnace and air-conditioner will maintain a reasonable temperature while you are gone.

  • Close all windows and sliding glass doors, and be sure that all screens or storm windows are locked or fastened.

  • Close and lock your garage door.

  • Put the window shades in the normal daytime position, and make sure all main floor drapes, shades and curtains are arranged so that neighbors and police can see into your house. Do not close blinds, pull shades down or do other things that advertise that your house is empty.

  • Make sure the last person out locks the door. Then, take a walk around the house. Check the doors and windows.

  • If you leave a car or other vehicle in your driveway, make sure it is locked.

In case of a break-in, the neighbor should be instructed to not go in the house until the police have arrived and cleared the house. They should know how to reach you and your insurance agent, and should give this information to the appropriate law enforcement agency when reporting a suspected burglary.
 

Covenants and Restrictions Overview

The purpose of the covenants and restrictions is to provide a standard for the Ox Bottom Manor neighborhood. The goal of the Ox Bottom Manor Home Owners Association (HOA) and the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is to ensure the architectural integrity of the neighborhood is upheld and to ensure our neighborhood is well maintained. This is beneficial to every homeowner as it enhances the beauty of the neighborhood and provides benefits for the homeowner during resale of the home.  Click here for overview and frequently asked questions and visit our website for all covenants and restrictions.  For your ACC questions, please feel free to contact Mark Ervin, ACC Chair.
 

Quick Notes

Barking Dogs.  To file a complaint about barking dogs, please contact Tallahassee Police Department at 891-4200. TPD will follow up the complaint with Animal Services for compliance.

Boom Box – Noise Ordinance.  This offense carries a $120.00 fine and is considered a civil offense. Please remind your teens to turn down the loud music!

TalGov.com.  City web-site for reporting city repairs and maintenance such as street lights needing repair, street signs down, sidewalks or road repairs, etc. (Or call #891-4968)

Signs.  Please remove your Garage Sale, Birthday Party, or Open House signs immediately after the event. Signs are not allowed on any of the entrances or common areas.
 


If your mailbox needs repair, contact Jerry Sanders of Classic Accents at (850) 528-6335.  Click here for the latest mailbox parts list provided by Classic Accents.
Ox Bottom Manor Community Association
Post Office Box 15456, Tallahassee, Florida  32317
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