Fontana Estates Community Homeowner’s Association, Inc.

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Hello Homeowners,  

Board members for an HOA understand that there is a chain of command in conducting business for the Fontana Estates Community Homeowners Association. So too should homeowners who sign on to living in any community especially a gated community. These rules, policies or whatever you want to call them are in the governing documents. All residents and elected Board members are required to follow these documents.  None of us wrote them they came with the purchase of the home. They stipulate that Fontana Estates CHOA is a corporation, and meetings are structured for business to be conducted in an orderly manner. The Board members run the Association. But it is the Board members that make the motions and vote on the business that needs to take place in order to properly run this corporation. They have also taken courses and attended conventions to learn about the responsibilities of being a Board member. They understand the local and state laws and mandates that govern what we can and can’t do. If you want to know something, go to the source, your Board.

It is the responsibility of owners to attend meetings, give input and follow up with Board members. Information has always been provided transparently at these meetings, in newsletters and on the official HOA website. If owners choose not to participate that is their choice.

As of August 20, 2026, the final results of the Official Board of Directors survey was tabulated by Survey Money. It is a survey software platform, and it tabulates all the data without anyone touching the data. The results are attached in color graph form with a few key questions explained here.

• 50 homeowners responded the survey and 29 owners did not.  

A few specific questions and homeowner answers are highlighted here but all of the data is also attached.

• Question #8: Would you accept flashing signs on Bellezza Drive that flashes the speed a vehicle is traveling?

Answer: 58% of owners responded yes. That is the only method of speed safety measures that owners approved of in this survey. All other safety methods were rejected. However, does that really mean that all drivers will obey the speed limit of 25 mph?

• Questions #14: Do you want the 3 speed bumps on Bellezza Drive removed?

Answer: 78% said yes and 22% said no.

•  Question #2- 60% of owners do not want to spend money on a traffic safety study. This question was written because the Board had already investigated and received a bid for a traffic study to be completed for just  the entry and exit gate areas in the front of the community. The reason being numerous reports of vehicles rushing from the call box through the exit gate when its open and almost hitting cars as they exit.  This is a safety issue. The study price tag was $5500. Over many months the Board  investigated numerous options and decided that the study was too expensive when it was clear what the safety issues were.

Community updates:

1.Since the installation of the speed bumps on Bellezza Drive the speeding issue has been curtailed. The  present resolution to this safety issue has been a success. None of the 7 Board members who voted for the installation of the speed bumps said they liked them but felt it was the best choice at the time to deal with such a safety concern.

2. Some people walking the community had a petition, titled “Fontana Estates Homeowners Association.”  This title  was very misleading since owners have reported that they thought that it was written by the HOA Board.  Although the Board approved a motion to conduct a survey at the meeting on July 27, 2026, owners were misled into believing this petition was that Board survey. It was not and owners are now reporting that they would not have signed it since it was presented under false pretenses.

FYI: only the elected Board can use the HOA’s name to represent the Association. Years ago, the Board won that battle legally at mediation when an owner set up a Facebook page using the Fontana Estates Homeowners Association name. The legal decision was that the Facebook page had to be taken down and the HOA name could only be used legally by the elected Board representing the HOA. One result of that ruling is that the official HOA website bears the HOA name.

Also, years ago that Facebook page had rules, but they were not followed. Just so all homeowners are aware that all of the HOA attorneys have strongly stated to never have a Facebook page since it turns into a nasty forum for negative people. It also needs 24-hour oversight and that creates legal censorship issues and court battles. The Board has followed these legal recommendations.

3. Verbal feedback from some owners who did sign the petition have stated that signatures were obtained under false pretense. The reason being they were told the petition was only to remove the 3 speed bumps on Bellezza Drive. Unfortunately, this is False, since the petition stated that signers wanted a 90-day trial period utilizing radar speed feedback signs and strategic stop signs. Since this was not mentioned along with the very expensive price tag owners are now stating they want their names removed from that petition. 

4.The answer to question #2 on the survey where 60% of owners responded that they do not want to spend money on a traffic safety study was clear. Some owners who signed the petition, on the other hand, have stated that the traffic study was not discussed nor the price tag. Once again owners are complaining that they were misled and obtaining signatures under false pretense plus they want their names removed from the petition.

5. Finally, most owners put their phone numbers on that petition. Were you told that it could mean that you agreed to be called or texted by others? Were you told your number was confidential? Well FYI, this information is now available in numerous locations.

Know your Board of Directors:
President Dr. Telka diFate- many volunteers have helped save the community over $10,000/yr. and for the last 8 years that’s over $80,000. The Board would like to thank all those people. Some of them include but not limited to: Joe Rybaczyk who was one of these homeowners who has been a very active volunteer for over 8 years and contributed greatly in helping to keep HOA fees down. 

John Vecchitto not only has been a volunteer handy man, but he also created and oversees the website; does all the data entry and troubleshooting for the call box; oversees the camera system; gates; solar streetlights; zoom meetings; dog station and much more. Please thank these people when you see them.

Vice President Bev Hamilton: One of the greatest responsibilities of serving on the Board of the HOA is to ensure that every decision is guided by fairness, consistency and in the best interest of the community-not by personal relationships or individual preferences.

It is important to remember that as elected Board members it is our duty to represent all homeowners equally.  Decisions should never be influenced by whether those affected are our friends or acquaintances.  The standard we apply to one situation should be applied to every other situation.  

We cannot correct what was perceived as a mistake by making definite one.  If we base the removal of the speed bumps on the opinions of 18 out of 79 homes, then we are not being inclusive of the entire community and will be doing exactly what we were accused of doing in the first place.  

We were reminded at the last Board meeting that our responsibility is to act in the best interest of the homeowners, not just those who are vocal or the first to respond.  Ensuring that every homeowner has an equal opportunity to participate in the decision currently is the most transparent approach.  This helps to protect and repair the integrity of the Board’s decision and shows our commitment to treating all homeowners equally.  With this in mind we will be allowing every homeowner the opportunity to vote on this issue as requested by those who attended the meeting. 

Please remember that safety of the community on common areas, which include the roads, is the responsibility of the HOA and it is our fiduciary duty to ensure that we honor it. 

Director Frank Matthews: The Fontana Estates HOA  Board meeting held July 27, 2026, was very informative.  The President conducted the meeting and read off several issues the Board has addressed and accomplished recently. The primary focus of the meeting was the recently installed speed bumps.   Several homeowners voiced their displeasure and wanted them removed.  They also didn't like the locations of the bumps. There were few recommendations to deter speeding. The final decision was for a survey to be sent to all homeowners for removal or not to remove the speed bumps.  The results of the survey would determine the Board's action. The Board also recommended owners submit options to mitigate the safety concerns because of speeding in the neighborhood. One recommendation was to put in a flashing speed sign to get the driver's attention. The Board plans to take action to resolve the speed bump issues as soon as possible.

Treasurer George Kriss: I always assist with meeting many vendors on a regular basis along with the HOA president. We review the financials monthly and I have been instrumental in working to solve issues. I have a strong background since I was the treasurer for the steel workers union in Maryland for many years. I have spent many hours over the years finding the best rates for CD’s and interest earning accounts for the Fontana Estates Reserve Funds Account. 

Secretary Cathy March I am an original homeowner, and live here with my husband, Curtis. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and minor in Business. I  retired from the federal government after 38 years of employment in accounting, budget, and finance where I directed, justified, and executed the President’s Budget. I know what it is like to work in a corporate setting. 

Director Thanh Ngo- I am an original homeowner and have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and worked at NASA for 20 years. 

Director Mike Mokrian nominated by the board and accepted to be a Board of Director.

Example of Responsibilities of owners and residents: 

• Please abide by policies and not leave bulk trash out like these photos demonstrate for more than 2 days before pick-up. This is an example of why letters have been sent for violations. Photos  show when trash is left out for a week or more. Glady Lopez has been the manager for years and owners should respond to her letters concerning violations. That is her paid job.

• You can always speak to any of the Board members that live here full-time. They are owners just like all of you. They pay the same amount in HOA fees as everyone. If they don’t know the answer immediately to your questions, they will research it and find out.  You may not like the answer, you may disagree, but that’s fine. It’s fine that you voice your opinion to the Board, but you can still be friendly towards them. What’s not fine is yelling, cursing, or threatening the Board members just because you don’t agree with them.

Board members are volunteers and work diligently to maintain this community but being disrespected is not acceptable. And if you think a management company can do a better job, talk to a Board member. These companies can barely do the few things they get hired to do.

Please do not fall into the rumor mill mindset. It is not productive nor accurate. Any other form of social media, post cards, letters, etc. that has Fontana Estates information posted is not part of the official Fontana Estates Board distribution source and should not be considered reliable or accurate.