RAY HINTZ INC

5/30/08 the job was quoted. Our president called on my (Treasurer) behalf and stated my concern that they should really lay a fabric down first as thistles are extremely hardy and strong. A return call from Dawn assured us that nothing will grow up through the stone. 6/20/08 The de-installation of the old trail surface went great. This was immediately followed by the crushed limestone installation. Which appeared to be nice at a glance. The surface was groomed nicely with a rake. A walk around the trail seemed okay except for our thought that the surface should have been rolled or compressed, as our feet sunk in 1 to 2 inches, as we walked. 7/6/08 The association members noticed that thistles were beginning to pop up through the surface, which was not yet compacted (Less than 3 weeks have passed). It should be clearly noted here: There were NO thistles along the trail that were dropping their seeds as they were still in bloom. Within the next 5 days it became quite clear that weeds were growing right up through the surface. We also received the invoice dated 7/1/08. We asked Dawn to meet us on site to discuss the appearance of the trail, with regards to the growth (We took pictures). She would not personally meet us to perform a walk through. 7/14/08 The association sent our first concern letter to Hintz, which resulted in their response: "the trail surface was installed to industry standards and the balance was due." We asked one more time for a review of the trail surface, as the growth through it was very liberal. Some thistles had 1/4" taproots and we were very frustrated, with their company's lack of concern. 8/18/08 We received a 'notice of intent to file claim for lien' against the association. Hintz maintained that the weeds which we see growing were seeds that had blown onto the trail surface and had germinated. After consulting with our attorney, we regretfully chose the less expensive option - to pay the balance which we included in a certified envelope, with a very appropriate letter to their company stating we would share our negative experience, with the entire association and suggest that they not use Hintz services. At our year-end meeting we spoke to the association, who agreed that we should report this experience, which is what we are doing.