Well, it is finally here – Fall! I think most everyone would agree that it is a favorite time of the year. Certainly, the cooler days are appreciated and much anticipated. I am looking forward to enjoying the fall colors both in nature and in the colorful decorations our property owners will be putting up to welcome in the “harvest” season.

 

      This hurricane season has been an active one. We are all blessed to have missed the wrath of Gustav. Please note that we have a storm preparation policy that is followed during these times, which covers items such as the opening of the lake valve, preparation of all the amenities, readying our water system generator, and having a heavy equipment operator/contractor on stand by to help us remove damaged trees from our roadways. During these times, I cannot stress enough the necessity for all the property owners to take safety precautions for yourself, your family, your pets, and your property. Please secure all items which could become projectiles in strong wind, or which could congest culverts and ditches impeding our drainage system. Community-wide

communication will be made through our guard house entrance gate with bulletins, should phone service become inoperable. Pending electricity and cable outages, HAWL will update the website (www.hawlms.com) with necessary information.

 

     I would like to thank our security staff under the leadership of Capt. Ken Smith and Lt. Rusty Smith for their actions in helping our community during Gustav. Also, I was very proud of all our associates in the storm preparation. Please note that it is our policy to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

 

     The 2008/2009 Operating Budget is complete and can be reviewed on Page 5 of this month’s Echoes. I would like to thank the members of the Finance Committee for their guidance throughout this process. One thing that everyone knows is that expenses are on the incline. This is true with all businesses and on the home front as well. HAWL is no different. I am spending a lot of time going over expenses for our entire operation and making necessary adjustments to be in line on the budget and still be able to continue with our capital improvements across the community. Next month, I will list our capital projects for this budget year.

 

     Last month, Holcomb Fence Company completed the installation of 100’ of fencing along the back corner of the 1900 block of Hide-A-Way Lane and made repairs to existing fence top rail at a cost of $2,695.00. 

 

     Mississippi Department of Transportation has completed replacing the fencing along I-59, which includes all HAWL’s property that borders the interstate. The fence is 5’ high and consists of field fence and barb wire. This is a welcomed project as we have a lot of homes located in this area which will benefit from this improvement.

 

     As always, I thank you for your help and input. Please call me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I am here to help you.

 

                                                                                                 Bruce Devillier,

                                                                                                 General Manager