HLA NEWS
Mail delivery hits a snafu
1/4/2021
Hi all - like many of you, we have heard there have been issues with mail delivery the past few days. Today we were able to get some updates from both the post office and town hall. Here is what we know:
Mail is currently on hold and not being delivered to the mailboxes at the entrance to the association. This decision was made by the postmaster after the postal carrier was put in an unsafe situation when someone exiting the association blew past the stop signs and almost hit them last Wednesday. All mail is being held at the Marlow Post Office and can be picked up there during their open hours (Mon. to Fri. 7:45AM-1:15PM, 2:30PM-4:15PM and Sat 8:00AM-11:30AM
The town administrator is working with the bridge contractor to move the mailboxes to a temporary location where mail deliveries can resume in a safe way. The board has been advocating for the mailboxes to be moved within the association but they can only be moved to a public road (postal regulation) and the contractor deemed the options we proposed to be not viable. Based on what we learned this afternoon, it looks like the mailboxes will be temporarily moved to the town hall parking lot OR out onto route 123 by the library - the town administrator is working with the town selectmen to get a consensus on this decision. Once that consensus is gained, the contractor will move them ASAP and mail service will resume.
We know this is a frustrating situation - the board has been working on this issue for 11 months and unfortunately the combination of a local driver not obeying the stop signs and the post office not being clear about where they will allow mailboxes has forced some changes at the last minute. We apologize for the inconvenience and will update everyone both here and on our website when we get an update.
Hi all - like many of you, we have heard there have been issues with mail delivery the past few days. Today we were able to get some updates from both the post office and town hall. Here is what we know:
Mail is currently on hold and not being delivered to the mailboxes at the entrance to the association. This decision was made by the postmaster after the postal carrier was put in an unsafe situation when someone exiting the association blew past the stop signs and almost hit them last Wednesday. All mail is being held at the Marlow Post Office and can be picked up there during their open hours (Mon. to Fri. 7:45AM-1:15PM, 2:30PM-4:15PM and Sat 8:00AM-11:30AM
The town administrator is working with the bridge contractor to move the mailboxes to a temporary location where mail deliveries can resume in a safe way. The board has been advocating for the mailboxes to be moved within the association but they can only be moved to a public road (postal regulation) and the contractor deemed the options we proposed to be not viable. Based on what we learned this afternoon, it looks like the mailboxes will be temporarily moved to the town hall parking lot OR out onto route 123 by the library - the town administrator is working with the town selectmen to get a consensus on this decision. Once that consensus is gained, the contractor will move them ASAP and mail service will resume.
We know this is a frustrating situation - the board has been working on this issue for 11 months and unfortunately the combination of a local driver not obeying the stop signs and the post office not being clear about where they will allow mailboxes has forced some changes at the last minute. We apologize for the inconvenience and will update everyone both here and on our website when we get an update.
Culvert replacement project to begin
December 24, 2020
As you may have guessed from the signs that have gone up, the culvert replacement project on the town-owned portion of Kings Highway just before our development is about to begin!
Please note that heeding the stop signs is going to be even more important now, because there will be people working there most days, even if there's a little weather.
The crew will first be building a temporary bridge to the side of the existing road so we can travel back and forth. This will be a one-way/one-lane bridge, so please practice being polite and cooperative! It's expected to be 14 feet wide to allow for wider loads.
Then they'll replace the culverts with a prefabricated bridge.
The mailboxes will be relocated, when required, to the entrance of Kennedy Brook Drive.
Everyone should be receiving a letter in the mail about this. The project is due to start December 28. Happy holidays to everyone and - here's to an illness-free and weight-limit free New Year!
As you may have guessed from the signs that have gone up, the culvert replacement project on the town-owned portion of Kings Highway just before our development is about to begin!
Please note that heeding the stop signs is going to be even more important now, because there will be people working there most days, even if there's a little weather.
The crew will first be building a temporary bridge to the side of the existing road so we can travel back and forth. This will be a one-way/one-lane bridge, so please practice being polite and cooperative! It's expected to be 14 feet wide to allow for wider loads.
Then they'll replace the culverts with a prefabricated bridge.
The mailboxes will be relocated, when required, to the entrance of Kennedy Brook Drive.
Everyone should be receiving a letter in the mail about this. The project is due to start December 28. Happy holidays to everyone and - here's to an illness-free and weight-limit free New Year!
The fire station in Stoddard is hosting a Food Pantry from 9a to 12p every Saturday. Each person will receive a care package of food.
If you do not have the means to travel and pick up please contact the board and we will make arrangements to have it delivered to you.
If you do not have the means to travel and pick up please contact the board and we will make arrangements to have it delivered to you.
A local veteran is in need of help. Here is the GoFundMe for Jon Hicks . The GoFundMe has a link to the Sentinel article about him.
Culvert replacement update
9/17/2020 - As many of you know, the state has ordered the replacement of the culverts at the mailboxes, and there has been a 10-ton weight limit there for some time (excluding fuel). According to the town manager, the replacement project has been approved for expedited permitting, and the town is currently waiting for a permit to work in the water after October 1. So, this is progress! We'll continue to share updates as we get them from the town.
Fiber Internet Updates
11/2/2020 - The latest updates on the website indicate the northern section of King's Highway, Rice Brook, Red Coat, and Scenic could be added to the plan. Check www.stoddardnh.net for details.
Broadband internet update:
In order to get the monthly payment to be reasonable for the association, we need real estate as collateral. Even then, we're looking at needing approximately 150 subscribers to cover the monthly payment on a loan. So currently, we are exploring other avenues. The latest update from Fibercast indicates Scenic Dr and Red Coat, as well as King's highway until it hits North Hidden Lake are likely to be covered. There is work right now to extend the CARES act through 2021, which will open the window to apply for additional funds, which could solve the construction problem.
Prior updates:
As you have seen, the construction for the FiberCast fiber internet project has started. The updates for our area and the details of their fiber installation are on www.stoddardnh.net .
Some FAQ answers for you:
Q: Is all of the HLA in-scope?
A: Not yet, but we are working on it. There is a substantial investment needed to have infrastructure relocated, or new poles installed in order to service all of the HLA neighborhood. The construction cost is $215K. We are working with FiberCast on options to handle this, and paperwork so that we can obtain funding / loan from a bank. The most likely scenario is the association pays part or all of the cost with a loan, and FiberCast customers pay a small $5 - $10 fee per bill that goes directly towards the loan until it is paid off.
Q: Why is Nelson included in the plan if the grant was for Stoddard?
A: FiberCast won multiple bids. One bid is for "Stoddard" between Rt 9 and 10 along 123, and a separate bid they were awarded takes them down to Munsonville.
Q: When can I sign up?
A: Now - the pre-order form is available on the website referenced above.
Q: Who should I ask about HLA specific internet questions?
A: For now, please direct your questions to president@hiddenlakeassociation.com - I do not pretend to have all the answers, but FiberCast has asked if we have a way to filter some of the inquiries, it will free up some of their staff that are working 7 days a week to get this project done before year end. Therefore, please send them in email; if I don't know the answer, I'll try to get it the next time I speak with the lead engineer and post answers for everyone.
11/2/2020 - The latest updates on the website indicate the northern section of King's Highway, Rice Brook, Red Coat, and Scenic could be added to the plan. Check www.stoddardnh.net for details.
Broadband internet update:
In order to get the monthly payment to be reasonable for the association, we need real estate as collateral. Even then, we're looking at needing approximately 150 subscribers to cover the monthly payment on a loan. So currently, we are exploring other avenues. The latest update from Fibercast indicates Scenic Dr and Red Coat, as well as King's highway until it hits North Hidden Lake are likely to be covered. There is work right now to extend the CARES act through 2021, which will open the window to apply for additional funds, which could solve the construction problem.
Prior updates:
As you have seen, the construction for the FiberCast fiber internet project has started. The updates for our area and the details of their fiber installation are on www.stoddardnh.net .
Some FAQ answers for you:
Q: Is all of the HLA in-scope?
A: Not yet, but we are working on it. There is a substantial investment needed to have infrastructure relocated, or new poles installed in order to service all of the HLA neighborhood. The construction cost is $215K. We are working with FiberCast on options to handle this, and paperwork so that we can obtain funding / loan from a bank. The most likely scenario is the association pays part or all of the cost with a loan, and FiberCast customers pay a small $5 - $10 fee per bill that goes directly towards the loan until it is paid off.
Q: Why is Nelson included in the plan if the grant was for Stoddard?
A: FiberCast won multiple bids. One bid is for "Stoddard" between Rt 9 and 10 along 123, and a separate bid they were awarded takes them down to Munsonville.
Q: When can I sign up?
A: Now - the pre-order form is available on the website referenced above.
Q: Who should I ask about HLA specific internet questions?
A: For now, please direct your questions to president@hiddenlakeassociation.com - I do not pretend to have all the answers, but FiberCast has asked if we have a way to filter some of the inquiries, it will free up some of their staff that are working 7 days a week to get this project done before year end. Therefore, please send them in email; if I don't know the answer, I'll try to get it the next time I speak with the lead engineer and post answers for everyone.
BUDGET MEETING MOVED TO RAIN DATE, SUNDAY AUGUST 30
The HLA Budget meeting will be on August 30, 2020 at 9AM.
It will be outdoors by the waterfront because of COVID-19.
Proposed Budget and meeting agenda attached below.
Website updates: Corrected some missing minutes and fixed links to minutes. 2020 General meeting and board minutes should be accessible now.
High speed fiber internet may be coming to town!
Check out www.stoddardnh.net for more information and to sign up on the email list.
The HLA Budget meeting will be on August 30, 2020 at 9AM.
It will be outdoors by the waterfront because of COVID-19.
Proposed Budget and meeting agenda attached below.
Website updates: Corrected some missing minutes and fixed links to minutes. 2020 General meeting and board minutes should be accessible now.
High speed fiber internet may be coming to town!
Check out www.stoddardnh.net for more information and to sign up on the email list.
| hla_budget_fy22_-_proposed.pdf |
| august_2020_meeting_agenda.docx |
Pool and Pool House Update:
Hello residents,
The board has made a decision to keep the bathrooms and pool house closed, due to COVID-19. We apologize for this inconvenience, but the decision is a result of the following:
We will continue to receive guidance from the Governor, CDC and department of health, and plan to update this guidance as soon as it changes. We do hope to have a pool season for the summer.
Note that we may have some cost savings by delaying the pool opening; these funds will be invested in improving the pool area / pool infrastructure.
Hello residents,
The board has made a decision to keep the bathrooms and pool house closed, due to COVID-19. We apologize for this inconvenience, but the decision is a result of the following:
- The NH Department of Health provided guidance on bathrooms and pool operation during COVID, suggesting closure.
- Additional cost associated with paying staff to constantly wipe down and clean surfaces, door knobs, faucets etc.
- Liability to the association
We will continue to receive guidance from the Governor, CDC and department of health, and plan to update this guidance as soon as it changes. We do hope to have a pool season for the summer.
Note that we may have some cost savings by delaying the pool opening; these funds will be invested in improving the pool area / pool infrastructure.
HLA COVID-19 response
3/30/2020:
The HLA Board would like to share information with the community
If you need assistance with food:
thecommunitykitchen.org / 603-352-3200
NH Food bank
Reach out to the board for information on neighbor to neighbor assistance
If you need assistance with mortgage payment, investigate if your mortgage servicer is providing COVID-19 relief or forbearance. Many mortgage servicers are providing this option effective immediately.
Detailed information: www.fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Assistance-Information.aspx
NH Governor Emergency Orders
If you are quarantined and need supplies delivered, the Town of Stoddard Fire Department will deliver for you:
www.stoddardnh.org/home/news/letter-residents-selectmen
Link to NH unemployment office and guidelines:
wfc.nhes.nh.gov
If you are looking to donate to COVID-19 relief:
www.muw.org/covid-19-relief-fund
For other updates:
HLA Facebook page
The Keene Sentinel Facebook Page
NH Public Radio
The HLA Board would like to share information with the community
If you need assistance with food:
thecommunitykitchen.org / 603-352-3200
NH Food bank
Reach out to the board for information on neighbor to neighbor assistance
If you need assistance with mortgage payment, investigate if your mortgage servicer is providing COVID-19 relief or forbearance. Many mortgage servicers are providing this option effective immediately.
Detailed information: www.fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Assistance-Information.aspx
NH Governor Emergency Orders
If you are quarantined and need supplies delivered, the Town of Stoddard Fire Department will deliver for you:
www.stoddardnh.org/home/news/letter-residents-selectmen
Link to NH unemployment office and guidelines:
wfc.nhes.nh.gov
If you are looking to donate to COVID-19 relief:
www.muw.org/covid-19-relief-fund
For other updates:
HLA Facebook page
The Keene Sentinel Facebook Page
NH Public Radio
Board to meet online
The board of director's next meeting will be held June 14, 2020, via Skype.
New road weight limit
2/12/20
Attention contractors and people having work done at their homes:
King’s Highway is being posted with a 10-ton weight limit. This is at the state’s direction, because the culverts on the town-owned portion of the road (at the mailboxes) have deteriorated. No plan has been finalized for work there yet but the town has asked for expedited planning and review to resolve this issue.
The signs are not yet up, and we have reason to believe the posting won’t be enforced until they are, but plan ahead if you expect to move equipment in or out in the near future. Fuel trucks are being excluded from the weight restrictions at this time.
If there is an emergency or other reason to move equipment that weighs more than 10 tons, contact the Stoddard Town Office at 603-446-3326, extension 100, or David Vaillancourt.
More information will be posted in this space and on our Facebook page as it becomes available.
Read the town notice here.
Attention contractors and people having work done at their homes:
King’s Highway is being posted with a 10-ton weight limit. This is at the state’s direction, because the culverts on the town-owned portion of the road (at the mailboxes) have deteriorated. No plan has been finalized for work there yet but the town has asked for expedited planning and review to resolve this issue.
The signs are not yet up, and we have reason to believe the posting won’t be enforced until they are, but plan ahead if you expect to move equipment in or out in the near future. Fuel trucks are being excluded from the weight restrictions at this time.
If there is an emergency or other reason to move equipment that weighs more than 10 tons, contact the Stoddard Town Office at 603-446-3326, extension 100, or David Vaillancourt.
More information will be posted in this space and on our Facebook page as it becomes available.
Read the town notice here.
12-13-2019: Road conditions everywhere are very slick, please use caution.
No board meeting for December.
The intersection of Kings Highway, Kennedy Brook is now a 3-way stop. This is enforced by the town, and it is a school bus stop 4 times a day. Please pay close attention and abide by these new signs!
Website updates:
"Volunteer" Section moved under Events
"Potential Buyers" section added to provide guidance to potential owners / Real Estate agents
No board meeting for December.
The intersection of Kings Highway, Kennedy Brook is now a 3-way stop. This is enforced by the town, and it is a school bus stop 4 times a day. Please pay close attention and abide by these new signs!
Website updates:
"Volunteer" Section moved under Events
"Potential Buyers" section added to provide guidance to potential owners / Real Estate agents
Docks out!
Sadly, it's that time again. Veteran members of our dock removal crew will be at the waterfront Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. till around noon, taking out the docks for the winter. Volunteers are needed to help with the project and to learn how its done for future years! It's always fun to see if anyone will fall in, and to get to know your neighbors while helping the whole community by doing this necessary work.
Coffee and breakfast buns will be provided! |
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Annual Budget Meeting was Saturday August 31 |
Campfire farewell
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Thank you to all members who attended and voted during the 2019 Budget meeting. The budget was approved (attached below). The new bylaws were approved (attached here under the About section) As a result of the new budget, the assessment has been raised to $600 per lot. A big THANK YOU to Dian Mathews, who has been the secretary for Hidden Lake Association for 8 years! A reminder that if you'd like to try your hand at designing the association's new logo, please send a submission to a board member. |
Come to the waterfront at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 to wish Dian Mathews a fond farewell! Dian was Hidden Lake Association's secretary for 8 years, providing continuity across a number of different boards, is the chair of the town planning board, and
is the District 3 director of the NH Federation of Garden Clubs. It is our loss that she and William are moving out of town but we will wish them well with a fire and a toast (or two!) BYOB, the grill will be available. |
| fy_2021_budget.pdf |
HLA logo contest is under way!
Do you or does someone you know have artist talent and a wish to have a lasting impact on the Hidden Lake Association? Enter our logo contest! Create a piece of art that reflects how you feel about the HLA and submit it before our annual membership meeting on August 31. Members will vote on their favorites at the meeting!
Send your entry to secretary@hiddenlakeassociation.com, mail it to P.O. Box 224, Stoddard, NH 03464. Include your name, your association property address, and any info you'd like to share about how you created the logo.
The person who creates the HLA's new logo will win a prize, and the logo will appear on future merch, signs, and letterhead.
Send your entry to secretary@hiddenlakeassociation.com, mail it to P.O. Box 224, Stoddard, NH 03464. Include your name, your association property address, and any info you'd like to share about how you created the logo.
The person who creates the HLA's new logo will win a prize, and the logo will appear on future merch, signs, and letterhead.
Docks in!
It's almost time to put the boats in the water! Your help is always appreciated. All are welcome to participate. Can't wait to see everyone!
Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. |
Upcoming meetings
The next Hidden Lake Association board meeting will be at Rossi Hall on the second Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
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Fiscal year 2020 budget
This budget runs from May 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. It was approved by a membership vote in August, 2018.
Annual budget meeting
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The next meeting of the membership will be the annual budget meeting on August 25, 9am @ Rossi Hall. Keep an eye here for the agenda, and read up on the budget proposal (above).
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HIDDEN LAKE ASSOCIATION BUDGET MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2018 ROSSI HALL AGENDA FLAG SALUTE 1. Acceptance of minutes from June 30, 2018 Membership meeting. 2. Selection of three person Minute Acceptance committee for this meeting’s minutes 3. TREASURER’S REPORT – Jacky Hastings a. Current Account Balances b. Budget presentation for FY2020 and vote 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Recreation Report – Mikki Falcone b. Waterfront Report – Mike Gallagher c. Road Report – Donna Moxley Vote: Will the membership approve a three-year grading contract with fixed costs? Explanation: Any HLA contract lasting more than a year must be approved by the membership. The board recommends approving the three-year contract. d. Bylaws Report – Vote on Amended Bylaws deferred to next summer 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Keyless entry project 6. NEW BUSINESS a. June 2019 Board Elections: Positions open are President, Secretary and a 3-year term Director position. Nominations will be taken from the floor. |
June 2018 Election Results:
Vice President: Lee Simpson
Treasurer: Jacky Hastings
Director: Mike Gallagher
Congrats to all of you!
Thank you very much to our exiting Vice President, Bill Osterhout, who put in long hours covering both the VP and treasurer position in the last few months.
Vice President: Lee Simpson
Treasurer: Jacky Hastings
Director: Mike Gallagher
Congrats to all of you!
Thank you very much to our exiting Vice President, Bill Osterhout, who put in long hours covering both the VP and treasurer position in the last few months.
Important information request:
We need to update our database with member information, especially email addresses.
This will enable us reduce postage and stationery cost, and allow us to bill for assessments via email.
Please visit the Contact page and update your information.
Thank you!
We need to update our database with member information, especially email addresses.
This will enable us reduce postage and stationery cost, and allow us to bill for assessments via email.
Please visit the Contact page and update your information.
Thank you!
HLA AMENITIES
Click to learn more ...
Boat slips and dock space, kayak and canoe storage, private boat ramp
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Pool house with bathrooms and showers, in-ground swimming pool, playground & private clubhouse
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Click to see all upcoming events!
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H L AA special community...
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