Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find answers to the more frequently asked questions?
The web site area WELCOME contains the "Welcome to Westwood Village" booklet that was prepared by the Association to provide a condensed and convenient information source. There is a table of contents listing information about who is responsible for what, the operation of the condominium, rules & regulations, unit owner responsibilities, lease policy and useful telephone numbers. It is updated annually in December and mailed to all unit owners and residents. This booklet is not however intended to replace the Declaration or By-Laws of the Association but does replace all previously published booklets. Another good source of information is the "Completed Mortgage Questionnaire" found in the MORTGAGE section. 
2. My lender needs a form completed by the association for a mortgage loan. How do I get this done? 
Go to the MORTGAGE section of the website. The "Mortgage Questionnaire Request" explains what needs to be done. Note that the "Completed Mortgage Questionnaire" provides answers to all the commonly asked questions of lenders. 
3. My mortgage lender wants proof of insurance.
Mortgage holders ask unit owners for proof of the Association's insurance. The Association's insurance agent (not the Managing Agent) can issue a Certificate of Insurance which is proof of the Association's. Go to the Insurance section for "Certificate of Insurance Requests". 
4. I am selling my unit and was told I need a resale certificate. What do I do?
Section 47-270 of the Connecticut General Statues, as revised by Public Act 95-187, requires a unit owner to furnish to a purchaser, before conveyance, a copy of the declaration, by-laws, rules and regulations of the association, and a certificate containing information about the association. Mellin & Associates, LLC are the duly authorized Agent of the Association responsible for issuing a "resale certificate" and related documents. Go to the RESALES section of the web site for "Resale Certificated Request" instructions. 
5. I want to install a satellite antenna. What do I do?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules permit residents in communities to utilize exclusive-use areas (areas in which an owner has direct or indirect ownership interest in and exclusive use of property such as a deck) for the installation of direct broadcast satellite, television broadcast, and multipoint distribution service antennas.  Associations are allowed to enforce rules relating to the means, method, and location of installation, as long as their rules do not unreasonably delay or increase the cost of antenna installation, maintenance, or use, or preclude the receipt of an acceptable quality signal. The FCC rules do not allow residents to install antennas on common areas such as roofs, yards, exterior walls, etc.  Any antenna installation must be in compliance with manufacturer's instructions, applicable safety codes, and the association's rules. Antenna owners will be liable for any personal injury, property damage, and voiding of warranties that occur due to the antenna installation.  Please see "Installation of Antennas Rules" adopted by the Board of Directors. If you have any questions about how this process applies to you, please call the Managing Agent before installing any antenna. You must fill out the Notice of Intent to Install an Antenna and file it with the association. You are then free to carry out the installation, unless for some reason the size or location anticipated does not conform to the rules, in which case a meeting at a mutually convenient time to determine the best location for your antenna must be scheduled. 
6. All tractor trailer moving trucks must get prior approval from the Managing Agent before entering the property. Why?
The purpose of this policy is to make sure large vehicles are operated safely within the property and are not improperly parked on the roadways. Also, this is the best time to communicate some reminders.  Do not put your moving boxes in the regular refuse containers! They must be crushed, bundled and tied and placed in the Recycling Container. All residents in Connecticut are required to dispose of recyclable items separately. All recyclable items must be placed in the white containers in the lower parking lot next to the shopping center. There is easy access to this area from Mill Plain Road.  It is the resident's responsibility to arrange for the removal and disposal of carpets, furniture and retired appliances. If you have usable items, consider donating them to your favorite charity. DO NOT LEAVE THEM BY A DUMPSTER. 
7. Is Westwood Village VA (Veteran Administration) approved for loans?
The Association is not currently approved. The only item preventing an approval was the "right of first refusal" in its legal documents. The right of first refusal has expired and consequently would pass all the requirements for VA approval. 
8. What alterations am I permitted to perform to my Unit?
Unit owners/residents can not make any structural addition, alteration or improvement in or to a unit without the prior written consent thereto of the Board. The Association will provide a letter stating what approvals have been made so that the unit owner can obtain appropriate permits from the City of Danbury.  The Managing Agent keeps a log of all requests and CO (Certificate of Occupancy) issued for alterations. Contact the Managing Agent for more information. 
9. How do I report a pet violation?
In order to provide due process has been given to all pet owners who have committed rule violations, the Association has a formal Pet Notification Violation Procedure located as a separate document in the FAQ section. 
10. Where can I let my dog run loose?
The Association has a "pet run" where dogs may be off the leash. See Pet Run in the FAQ section more information about the Pet Run and its use. 
11. Can I see the Association's financial records?
The financial records of Westwood Village are available for inspection to unit owners of Westwood Village. Every unit owner is entitled to a substantive response to inquiries and financial record inspection when requested in writing. All written requests will be responded to in a timely fashion.  The Association's records are available for inspection during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). An appointment must be made in advance for a mutually convenient time.  The Managing Agent compiles all the financial information each month and presents it to all the Board members at the monthly board meeting. The Association's Treasurer reviews the financial information and reconciles the bank statements each month and reports to the Board his findings and observations.  The Association's accountant annually performs a review of the financial records and completes the necessary tax returns. The review is of the following records: (a) Financial Summary which has Accounts Receivable and Prepaid Members; (b) Current and YTD Budget Analysis; (c) General Expense Ledger for the Year; and (d) A copy of each month's "Treasurer's Reconciliation Form" and Balance Sheet which includes copies of each month's bank statements.  The annual Financial Summary, Budget Sheet and Balance Sheet are available to non-unit owners for a twenty-five ($25.00) dollar service charge. A written request with payment is required before mailing or faxing of this information. If you have any questions about the above items, please call the Managing Agent. 
12. Does the Association have a "Right of First Refusal"?
NO. The Right of First Refusal expired in April 2002. 
13. Who is the Association's attorney?
The Associations attorney is: Robin A. Kahn, Cohen & Wolf, P.C.158 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810    Phone:  203-792-2771
14. Why is there a cold draft from my townhouse fireplace?
There is a TEMCO TBF series fireplace install in all the townhouse units. There were different models with at least three different size caps. Some had double wall and others triple wall piping. The chimney chases were never insulated so the metal piping gets cold. An approved fireplace door can reduce, but not eliminate, the cold draft.  The chimney wind surround originally installed above the chimney chase cover have been removed.
15. I want to make an insurance claim because I have incurred a loss. What do I do?
Call the Managing Agent to report the loss and then your insurance agent.  Only the Association through the Managing Agent can make a claim against the Association’s insurance policy because effective July 1, 2010 the Association’s policy is the "primary carrier" for any loss.  The policy also covers betterments and improvements.  If the Association's insurance covers a loss to an individual unit, the unit owner will be "assessed" the deductible cost ($5,000) which should be cover by your insurance policy. Contact the Managing Agent with any questions. 
16. How can I join the Board?
Becoming a Board member can be a very rewarding and enlightening experience, and a good way to serve your community. Attendance at a few Board meetings is the best way to learn first hand about the activities of the Board. The Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Mill Plain Firehouse starting at 7:30 pm with the meetings ending before 9:30 pm. The Board has a set of Rules of Conduct For Board Members. There is a set agenda for each meeting. Each Board member is provided a Manager's Report prior to the meeting.
17. Can I put more than just cardboard in the cardboard recycling container located in the lower parking lot across from the shopping center?
The container is marked “CARDBOARD” but is for all paper including newspaper.  It is marked cardboard because there isn’t enough room for more verbiage.
18. Who maintains the front door?
The Association is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the front door.  Front doors styles and colors can not be changed.  The decorative surround above the townhouse door and the kick-plate maintenance is the responsibility of the Association.
19. When will the Association power wash my building?
The Association is responsible for power washing buildings but due to budgetary constraints only performs “spot” powering of the worse areas.
20. Who can help with landscaping requests and advice?
There is a Landscape Committee that makes decisions regarding landscaping requests and advice.  The Association has limited funds for landscaping projects and encourages residents to do landscaping activities around their unit (with prior approval).