Homeowners’ association seeks greater reimbursement from township

Little sympathy for residents’ complaint that snow removal costs are high

By: Courtney Gross
   For Governors Lane residents, a road’s sharp turn or steep slope can be an expensive proposition.
   Several Governors Lane residents attended the Princeton Township Committee meeting Monday in the hope of receiving a greater reimbursement from the township for essential services paid for by the homeowners’ association — specifically snow removal.
   John Kwasnik, an attorney representing Governors Lane residents, said the state-mandated payment for services like snow plowing does not equitably cover the cost of the service in difficult-to-maneuver areas, such as hairpin or sharp turns.
   Although the township is obligated to reimburse homeowners’ associations for essential services undertaken by private contractors in the community, township officials seemed ambivalent about the residents’ request.
   "I do believe the roads are not unduly difficult to plow," said Edwin Schmierer, the township’s attorney. "I think a lot of these problems candidly are Governors Lane’s problems, not ours."
   Currently, Mr. Kwasnik said, Governors Lane residents are paying 10 times the amount the township has reimbursed them for snow plowing. Mr. Kwasnik estimated the association’s annual township reimbursement for snow plowing is $2,200.
   Since the state Condominium Services Act was passed in 1989, municipalities have been responsible for reimbursing homeowners’ associations for services provided by the municipality such as lighting and snow removal, and in some towns, trash pickup. Although associations hire private contractors — who often charge more — the local government is obligated to cover only what the service would cost the municipality.
   Township Engineer Robert Kiser said the most difficult roads to plow are cul-de-sacs. And, he told the committee, Governors Lane does not have the most difficult roads for snow removal in the township.
   Mayor Phyllis Marchand agreed.
   "I feel confident the township has met its obligation," Ms. Marchand said.
   The association’s attorney also raised the issue of interest on past reimbursements that were not paid immediately, which was also not met enthusiastically by township officials.
   Mr. Schmierer said the township would not be legally obligated to pay interest, nor would it have to increase payments based on the difficulty of the roads being plowed.
   Since the meeting, Mr. Kwasnik said, he has sent a request in writing to the township to renegotiate the snow-removal contract with Governors Lane. He added the association would like to increase its reimbursement by 10 or 15 percent.
   Mr. Kwasnik pointed to the higher cost when services, such as snow plowing, are privately contracted, in contrast to the cost incurred by a municipality to carry out the same service. He also said the association does not expect to litigate the matter.