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Welcome Letter 

TIMBERS on the Yough!

We are pleased to welcome you to our community and as a  member in TIMBERS on the Youghiogheny Property Owners Association (TOYPOA). The TIMBERS is one of Garrett County’s best kept secrets.  We are a small private community tucked in the mountains, minutes away from all the recreational opportunities of Garrett County.  We are three miles from downtown Oakland, fifteen minutes from Deep Creek Lake, and close to numerous parks and wilderness areas. In Garrett County there is skiing,  snowmobiling, hunting, and numerous other outdoor sports in the winter and  in summer, there is boating, swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, and other sports too numerous to mention. As to the community itself, our owners have bought property in the TIMBERS for a wide array of reasons.  We are made up of full-time residences, recreational properties, and lots for future retirement homes.  But regardless of why the lot was purchased, we are all here to take advantage of the beauty, and serenity of the TIMBERS community. Our POA (Property Owners Association) is meant to be an asset to the community, not a hindrance.  We exist to protect and maintain our investment and well being.  Our charter is to maintain the roadways, entrance, gate, and the pavilion area.  The majority of the TOYPOA dues are used to plow snow, cut grass, and repair the roadways.  We are also responsible for maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the TIMBERS.  Our covenants give us the guidance to ensure our rules and standards are followed.  Our covenants are neither too restrictive nor overbearing.  They are in place to simply spell out minimum requirements to ensure the community is developed and maintained in a common manner.  They were developed to protect your investment. The TOYPOA Board, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected on an annual basis and are all volunteers.  We are on the Board because we want to be active in our community.  We enjoy making the TIMBERS a good place to live and play.  Please help us do our job by being an active member of our association.

Philosophy of Life in the TIMBERS
The TIMBERS on the Youghiogheny Property Owners Association (TOYPOA) is committed to family, environment, and community.  The most important qualities of our outstanding community is that we respect the privacy, rights and needs of each other as well as retain the quiet, peaceful living environment found in our country setting.  Our Covenants were established with rules and regulations that support the community as a whole, while maintaining regard for each individual property owner’s rights.  Some of the most commonly referenced rules are highlighted herein.  A copy of the TIMBERS on the Youghiogheny Covenants is available here on the web site under the covenants tab.
Ownership Responsibilities
TOYPOA is a caring and supportive organization that encourages residential growth within the context of respect for the environment and the community as a whole.  TOYPOA strives to be professional yet amenable to the needs and concerns of property owners.  We invite you to become an active member of this Association.
Assessments

  • An annual assessment  per lot is due every March

    • Assessments are due March 1 and will be considered delinquent and assessed a late fee and subject to monthly interest if not received within 15 days after the due date.

    • Voting rights and rights to the use of the Common Areas may be revoked for any period in which any assessment remains unpaid.

    • Any property in arrears may have a lien placed on their property.

    • To date, no additional costs have been passed on to the property owner, however, special assessments or charges for capital improvements may also be incurred.
    • Membership

    • Every owner of a Lot shall be a member of the Association.

    • Voting rights consists of one vote per Lot, for each Lot owned.
      Board of Directors

    • The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Board of three (3) directors, who need not be members of the Association.

    • Directors shall be elected at the annual July meeting, and shall serve for a term of one (1) year.
      Officers

    • Elected annually by the Board, each shall hold office for one (1) year.

    •  President, who shall at all times be a Member of the Board of Directors.

    •  Secretary.

    • Treasurer.

    •  Special Appointments as required, such as Architecture Committee, Roads Committee, etc.
    • Volunteerism
      We take pride in our community and we encourage all property owners to become involved.  Various community-wide efforts are organized throughout the year, such as spring clean-up, various committees, and so on.  Completing these tasks through volunteer efforts, allows us to maintain the annual assessment at a reasonable rate.  If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact the TOYPOA president.
    • Meetings

    • An annual membership meeting is held every July.

    • Typically, there are three meetings per year:  April, July, and October.

    • Special membership meetings may be called as needed.

    • Written proxies may be filed with the Secretary.  Proxies delivered by any source other than the Secretary are invalid.
      Guidelines and Regulations
      The TIMBERS is a residential community governed by Covenants which were created to address the needs of both the community and each individual property owner.  TOYPOA encourages neighbors to respect and value each other and the environment around us.
    • Restrictions

    • The TIMBERS is for single family residential and non-commercial recreational purposes only.

    • The TOYPOA Board must approve any and all construction or property modifications PRIOR to commencement. The Board has appointed an Architectural Chair to assist facilitating prompt review and response for any Architectural request.

    •   This includes, but is not limited to, excavation, fencing, retaining walls, exterior paint color, hot tub, driveway, signage, tree removal, gazebo, greenhouse, or structure of any kind.

    •   All structures must be maintained in harmony with existing structures as to not conflict with the aesthetic values in the TIMBERS.

    • Buildings must have a 25 foot clearance from any street or property line.

    • Only domestic household pets are allowed.

    • No structure other than a dwelling house and no mobile home, travel trailer, etc. shall be used at any time as a residence, either temporarily or permanently.

    • All vehicles must be licensed.

    • Commercial advertisement signage, excluding real estate signage, is prohibited.
      Owner’s Responsibilities

    • The owner of each Lot shall keep the Lot, and the buildings and other improvements thereon, in good order and repair, and free of debris.

    • Lawns shall be seeded and mowed; shrubbery trimmed; and painted exterior surfaces maintained appropriately.

    • Removal of downed trees and limbs are the responsibility of the property owner.
    • Miscellaneous

    • The posted maximum speed limit is 20 mph, although a speed limit of 10 mph is recommended to keep down the dust.

    • The gate combination is changed every November 1st.  Universal door openers can be purchased and programmed to open the gate.

    • Garrett County mandates all property owners prominently display their house numbers.  Standard green number signs may be purchased locally.
    • Conservation Easement

    • A conservation easement exists upon all land within 100 feet of the river’s edge or to the outside edge of the 100 year flood plain, whichever is further from the river.

    • Although the easement is owned by the Lot owner, it may not be altered in any manner.

    • Owners may cut vegetation not exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
      Road Maintenance

    • The Association maintains the roadways, entrance, gate, and the pavilion area.  The majority of the POA dues is used to pay for snow removal, grass cutting, and road maintenance.
      Utilities

    • The TIMBERS does not have a public water or sewer system.  There are many local septic system and well drilling contractors available in the Yellow Pages.

    • As a general reference, due to the climate of the area, propane gas or fuel oil is more efficient than an electric heat pump.  Keep in mind, anything over a 200 gallon fuel tank must be placed away from the residence.

    • The availability of Cable TV is limited, based on your location within our community.  Contact the local cable company for clarification.

    • Satellite TV and Internet are available.  Check the Yellow Pages for providers.
    • Community Park & Common Area

    • The Association offers a 7+ acre riverside community park providing fishing, a picnic area, and a  covered pavilion and a small pond.

    • The Common Areas are for the use, benefit and enjoyment of each Owner and their guests.

    • Park use is for daylight hours only.  Use of the park for extended hours is to be scheduled with the Board

    • Quiet hours are to be observed 10pm – 7am

    • All fires are to be kept in fire pits

    • All fires, including embers, are to be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

    • Any burning ban or restriction in effect by Local or State agencies must be adhered to (includes fire pits).

    • The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.

    • The use of alcohol by minors is strictly prohibited.

    • Destruction of TOYPOA Property is prohibited and subject to prosecution.

    • This is a trash free park. Please take trash with you when you leave..

    • Utility right of ways are not common areas.  They are private property belonging to the Lot owner.
    • ATV Regulations

    • All members driving their ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and snow mobiles on the Association’s common areas (includes all roads) must have a permit sticker in clear view. If you have not yet submitted a request for a permit please call any board member or the treasurer. You will be required to complete a permit form, pay a one-time $10 fee for each permit, and pick up your permit sticker.

    • Anyone stopped while riding without a permit will be considered to be trespassing.

    • Property owner’s guests may ride ATVs without permits as long as they are accompanied by the property owner

    • Riders, under the age of 18, must wear a helmet at all times.

    • ATVs are not permitted on someone’s private property.

    • Gas and electric easements are private property.

    • 20 mph speed limit must be observed at all times.

    • No reckless or destructive driving on public roadways.

    • No two wheel off road motorcycles are permitted on TIMBERS roadways.

    • ATVs must have a spark arrestor and a working muffler.

    • ATVs must have working headlight on at all times when riding for visibility reasons.

    • ATV owners are liable for all damages caused by ATVs.

    • Members are liable and responsible for their guest’s behavior.

    • Riders violating any of these rules will have their permit revoked.
    • Hunting Regulations

    • Maryland hunting regulations apply and must be observed at all times.

    • During season Property Owners are permitted to hunt with proper licensing on their own property.

    • Hunting on another property is allowed only with written permission from said property owner and you are accompanied by the owner of that property. Properties adjoining the TIMBERS are private property,  You may not enter or hunt on that property without written consent from the owner.

      • Always be alert and aware of nearby homes and roads.  It is unlawful to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied structure or camp without permission of the owner/occupant.
      • Emergency Services
        Emergency Services are available by dialing 911.  Garrett County Memorial Hospital is located   in Oakland (15 minutes away), is an acute-care hospital with a wide array of services and referrals. Local police and fire are stationed in nearby Oakland.  Garrett County Sheriff’s office is located in Oakland, and the Maryland State Police barracks can be found off Route 219 in McHenry. The Southern Garrett Rescue Squad is stationed in Mt. Lake Park, just 15 minutes away. Below is the protocol to use should you experience an emergency and cannot access the community roads due to snow or ice. Emergency Response vehicles accessing the community – All fire engines equip themselves with chains when going out on a call to snow covered roads. All emergency vehicles (ambulances) are 4WD. In really bad icing/blizzard conditions the County Fire & Rescue will turn to the Department of Natural Resources Winter Rescue Team who has snowmobiles and the like to get the medical attention to the resident ASAP. The protocol is to call 911 which will connect a resident to the County Fire & Rescue, it is recommended to inform the 911 dispatcher of unique road/driveway conditions thus allowing the dispatcher to engage the DNR WRT as soon as possible. If there’s a fire at the residence the County would still rely on DNR to assist pulling hoses to the residence as might be the case with your particular driveway.