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THIS ISSUE:
by Mary Jane Labut
Happy holidays everyone! I would like to fill this management report with some simple reminders and information:
Trash may not be put out until sundown the day before trash pickup days (Tuesdays and Fridays). Please remember that all trash must be bagged. Plant trimmings and cuttings may be bundled, bagged, neatly piled or tied and can be put out with the regular garbage.
We continue to have problems with the disposal of landscape trimmings. Trimmings of any type are not to be left in the common areas or thrown into the wash areas behind homes. It is the responsibility of each resident to dispose of landscape debris in the proper manner.
The winter lawns look great! In most cases, the lawns have had sufficient time to fill in and should now require only minimal watering. Please set your irrigation system timers appropriately and also check periodically for potential leaks or malfunctions.
Courthome owners: please take time to look at your exterior doors and balcony. If you believe maintenance is required in these areas, please call the management office at (480) 496-4444 and ask for Robin at extension 133.
Thanks to everyone who has called in an irrigation problem. If you ever note a significant amount of water running down the street or a sprinkler head that is shooting water into the air, please notify the management office immediately. Your continued help is appreciated.
by (name witheld by request)
Homeowners in the Siesta/Hazel area have monitored the steady progress of the re-landscaping project. They are pleased to report that, in line with water conservation measures, plants requiring less water, along with new water sources, have been placed in the common areas. Thanks go to the Board of Directors, our Property Manager, and the homeowners for seeing this lengthy project through to completion.
Those who frequent the community pools are taking note of the new and updated pool furniture. Along with some newly purchased furniture, old chairs and lounges have been re-strapped, giving them a nearly new look. Again, thanks to the Board and the Property Manager.
While the Board has yet to see concrete plans, the 48th Street realignment issue should be a major concern to all homeowners who live both on and off-site. The impact of this realignment will vary, dependent upon where your property is located. However, it is imperative that the community, as a whole, follow the progress of this project closely, attend meetings, ask questions, solicit answers, encourage feedback, and review all pertinent information and plans. The Board of Directors has indicated a need for a group of volunteers to assist in this tracking process. Any homeowners wishing to become involved in this effort should contact Mary Jane Labut, Property Manager, at (480) 496-4444 (Ext. 111).
Lastly, the subject of water re-metering in the single family homes has been discussed at length in the newsletter and at Board meetings. This project, which would allow single family homeowners to assume their own water bills, will be discussed at the upcoming annual meeting on December 14th. In the meantime, if any homeowners are interested in devoting volunteer time to this ongoing project, please contact our Property Manager.
by Barry Smith
The Pointe Community is approaching the end of the century. We have been on our own since 1992, and managing the financials for the Association has not been an easy task since our separation from the developer. Unfinished landscape projects, lawsuits, increased water usage and rising prices, fountains, tree trimming, pools, gas and propane to heat the pools, management company expenses, general repairs, and cable TV (we pay less than 60% of the normal public rate) all exceed $1 million dollars a year. The Board has been able to control expenses to some degree, but water expense is, unfortunately, getting ahead of us. The cost of water and usage has continued to increase and increase. In 1999, the cost of water increased 3%, and, in January, we are told it will increase another 5%. Does it bother you as much as it does your treasurer to see water running down the street because a neighbor apparently does not care or a renter does not watch the irrigation timing as he has been told water is included in the rent? Call the management company (as I do) to report these situations. It’s your money (and mine)!
In 1999, we budgeted $385,000 for water expense. The actual expense through the end of October was $398,000. In the year 2000, the budget has been raised to $495,000. There are a number of other items that will increase in the year 2000 and, as a result, the Board regrets to inform homeowners that at the last meeting, the Board of Directors had no choice but to vote an increase in the monthly assessments by $10 per month. We believe we may have gotten by on an increase of $5 a month, but with the age of the pools and lack of street maintenance performed, it is clear we must have more reserve funds for the common areas.
The courthomes will continue to pay $50 a month per unit in the year 2000. The courthomes have accumulated almost $500,000 in reserves and are currently collecting more money each month than is spent.
In line with our fiduciary responsibility, the Board has requested that a professional formal reserve study be conducted to tell us what the reserves should be for an association of our size.
by (name witheld by request)
On Wednesday evening, December 1st, Board members Hal Rives and Nancy Sorensen met at the offices of City Property Management, along with the Election Committee, comprised of volunteer homeowners. Out of 837 potential ballots, the counting process showed a return of just 189 homeowner ballots (a 22% return).
We congratulate our newly elected Board members, Blanche Prokes and Travis Lench, and urge all homeowners to attend the December 14th annual meeting to meet the new members in person. The annual meeting also provides homeowners the opportunity to ask questions, air concerns, meet new neighbors, and consider involvement in community projects. All homeowners should plan to attend this function and let the Board of Directors know their positions on current issues. Put this important date on the calendar now!
by (name witheld by request)
No one will dispute that our community security is enhanced by lights at night-lights in common areas, mailbox islands, roadway islands, and pool lights. A review of the nightly Pointe patrol logs reveals a recurring problem: pool lights are being unscrewed by residents who wish to swim in privacy. While these are certainly not violations, the Board and the management company requests that residents restore the lighting upon leaving the pool areas. This is particularly crucial in the courthome areas which have experienced vandalism during the past year. In one instance, a homeowner in the 8600 South 51st Street area had his vehicle broken into twice within a short period of time. Night light helps deter these incidents.
Lastly, in reviewing the Pointe patrol log dated September 15, 1999 (approximate time 1:05 a.m.), the following entry was made by the patrolling officer: "S-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-nake in the middle of the road. Don’t know what kind and asked it 2X to get off the road. Finally, got it off the road with a long stick. Warned snake to stay off the road………." As is always the case, the long arm of the law had the final word.
by Barry Smith
The local newspapers, discussions at Board meetings, and this newsletter, have all been reporting the recent proposal by the Pointe Hilton Resort to change the roadways as they pass through the Resort. This will change the traffic flow in and around our community. The Pointe has proposed building a "cut through" road to connect Pointe Parkway East to 48th Street just north of Rustler’s Rooste. In exchange for building the road, the Pointe intends to ask the City of Phoenix to allow them to close Pointe Parkway East just south of this new road.
Various groups of residents have approached the Board with concerns about the project. Their questions ranged from concerns about the increase in the amount of traffic if Pointe Parkway East is returned to four lanes, can the public easement on 48th Street be lifted, and what will be the final configuration of the roadway? Representatives of the Board of Directors and others from the community have appeared before the Village Planning Committee to request answers to these questions. After two meetings and a separate meeting with the City, a subcommittee was formed by the Village Planning Committee to review the proposal and to make recommendations to the design. Your Board, after agreeing to recommendations at the last meeting, met with the subcommittee and the City to develop the following recommendations:
Our special thanks to Blanche Prokes, Chair of the subcommittee, for her efforts in developing this proposal. The next step is to meet with the owners of the Pointe Hilton Resort to further discuss the construction plan. As always, we will keep homeowners informed of future developments.
by (name witheld by request)
The Board of Directors met in open session on September 14, 1999 at the Pointe Hilton Resort and the following is a summary of that meeting.
President Ardath Eitzman called the homeowner open discussion session to order at 6:30 p.m. Issues raised by homeowners were: (1) clarification of number of Board seats; (2) explanation of change in the breakdown of common area and courthome common area expenses using an established formula; (3) explanation of number of votes allowed courthomes vs. single family, and (4) status of the proposed cut through road. Hal Rives gave overview and led discussion on the difficulties involved in amending the governing documents
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the August 24, 1999 open session meeting were approved as submitted
MANAGEMENT REPORT
COURTHOME RE-ROOFING - Property Manager reported on a building needing re-roofing, submitted two proposals, and recommended going with American Coatings due to the long and successful association with this contractor. Hal Rives stated roofing survey is being conducted to get status, type, and condition of all courthome roofs. Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve bid from American Coatings for roof at 8650 North 51st Street.
HAZEL/SIESTA LANDSCAPING - Valley View Landscaping to come up with solutions and plant choices and will submit plan for ACC review and approval.
TREE TRIMMING - Phase 4 has been completed and Phase 5 to be determined.
RENTER INFORMATION SHEETS - Form resent and 60-70% of the sheets have been returned to the Property Manager.
MOBILE MINI - In reference to a recent dangerous situation involving one of these units, Property Manager reports City ordinance dictates a three (3) day limit. Board expressed great concern with liability issue and asked Property Manager to discuss mobile mini unit issue with the attorney.
TRACT M - Property Manager reported builder has paid back taxes, deeds for each homeowner have been re-recorded, and it was reported this tract may actually be an abandoned easement. Board agreed question should go to attorney for final clarification and Property Manager to bring figures for maintaining this tract to the next meeting.
ASPHALT WORK - Issue of long-standing pothole on 47th Street was discussed. Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve $350.00 for repairs to this portion of the street.
POOL FURNITURE/SIGNAGE - Property Manager presented for discussion three proposals by Sundrella for four new chairs, re-strapping of existing chairs/lounges and replacement of table tops at Siesta, Euclid and Vantage Pointe pools. Motion was made, seconded and passed with all in favor to approve proposal from Sundrella for approximately $3200 for necessary replacement, re-strapping and table top replacement for three (3) pools. Board discussion took place regarding uniform signage at all pools and Julie Tierney was designated as Board liaison to assist with signage project. Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve $800.00 for replacement of signs at all four pools.
PERIMETER WALLS - Board discussion took place regarding touch up, painting, and responsibility of these walls. Painting will cost approximately $4500 - $5,000 and it was recommended that this issue be tabled pending research of past situations as well as an interpretation by the attorney. Motion was made, seconded and passed with all in favor to allocate up to $200 in order to get perimeter wall responsibility interpretation from the attorney.
BOARD TERMS
Discussion took place in connection with current Board terms.
OLD BUSINESS
OPEN BOARD POSITION - Hal Rives nominated Nancy Sorensen to serve on the Board for the duration of the current open spot (3 months). Nomination was seconded and passed by unanimous vote.
COURTHOME CARPORT ISSUE - Property Manager expressed disappointment with responses from contractors and spoke with Valley View Landscaping regarding a possible contract. Board ultimately agreed to go with the sweeping company on a trial basis for 90 days with the Property Manager monitoring.
UPCOMING ELECTION
Deadlines for submitting candidacy/bios and mailing out ballots were established and Hal Rives offered to serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee. Meet the Candidates night will be held on November 2nd and newly-elected members will take office at the annual meeting on December 14, 1999.
RESERVE STUDY
Board discussion and Board motion took place to approve up to $5,000 for a reserve study. Motion was approved with all in favor. The advantages of a study were pointed out: helps prioritize, takes burden off the Board as well as removing any appearance of impropriety.
PARKING
Hal Rives reported, based on survey results, there are not enough votes to ask for an extension or ample community concern to change the CC&Rs. Recommendations were made to modify strict visitor parking language, find a way to ease situation in the court-homes, and resolve all issues before the annual meeting.
The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 9.35 p.m.
GOODBYE & HELLO TO BOARD MEMBERS
As many homeowners may already be aware, our Board president, Ardath Eitzman, has moved out of the community and her letter of resignation has been submitted. Ardath has well served her community since she was elected in November, 1995 and reelected in November, 1998. She has served as Board president since that time. Prior to serving on the Board, Ardath applied her keen publishing skills in helping with the production of the newsletter. The entire Board and homeowners owe Ardath a tremendous debt of gratitude for her dedication and hard work, particularly focusing on the parking policy and legal issues. We wish her well in her new home.
The Board of Directors has announced that Julie Tierney is retiring from the Board at the end of her term in December. Julie joined the Board by filling an empty position back in 1997 and is currently the Secretary of the Board. She has chosen not to run for reelection due to the fact she is away from Phoenix for much of the year and unavailable for all Board meetings. Julie felt it would be in the best interests of the Board and the community to fill this slot with an individual whose schedule keeps them in the Valley. However, Julie is actively working on several projects and promises to continue her involvement in the coming year.
Nancy Sorensen, new to our community this year and already involved in the parking and water issues, has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ardath Eitzman’s resignation. Nancy moved to the Pointe from Detroit, Michigan where she served as Chief Prosecutor for the City of Detroit for five years and as Magistrate for the state of Michigan for ten years. No stranger to our community as her mother also owns property in the Pointe, Nancy welcomes the opportunity to serve the beautiful community she has called her vacation spot for the past four years. She can be frequently found at the Hazel/Siesta pool and looks forward to meeting homeowners and listening to their concerns.
REMINDER NOTICE TO RETURNING SNOWBIRDS & HOMEOWNERS
Please remember that trash is to be put out after sundown the night before pick up days or early the morning of pick up days. Habitual violators will be fined. The Pointe South Mountain Residential Association CC&Rs specifically prohibit garage, estate, or yard sales in our community.
On Tuesday evening, November 2, the PSMRA held their annual "Meet the Candidates Night" at the Pointe South Mountain Resort. Hal Rives, as chairman of the Nominating Committee, moderated the informal question and answer session. Around 40 Association members attended and had the opportunity to meet the three individuals running for the two open board positions.
Unfortunately, one of the candidates (John Casey) withdrew after the ballots were printed and mailed. The other three candidates, Travis Lench, Blanche Prokes and Jane Karkosky were eager to meet with residents, answer all their questions and explain why they were interested in serving on the Board.
Hal Rives gave an overview of the vote handling and counting process to those assembled and asked for volunteers to assist with the counting. He also mentioned that the entire process would be well documented and open to inspection by any member.
Those who missed meeting the candidates will have an opportunity to meet the two newly elected members at the annual meeting on December 14.
by Gregory Block
Now that cool weather is upon us, it’s time to think…..Thanksgiving…..Christmas, and the most common plants to show up around the holidays….poinsettias.
Here are a few tips to help keep your plants flourishing over the holidays and perhaps even longer:
WINTER FROST PROTECTION
Some of the frost sensitive plants/trees such as jacarandas, ficus, citrus, bougainvillea, hibiscus, and natal plum will need frost protection during the colder winter months. This can be accomplished several ways:
WINTER IRRIGATION
Don’t forget to decrease the frequency but not the length of the irrigation during the colder winter months.
WINTER PRUNING
Wait until December/January to schedule any large pruning jobs. By that time the sap has gone down to the root system. However, dead portions of ground covers such as myoporum, natal plum, green carpet and rosemary, can be pruned away even in the winter months.
WINTER ROSES
Roses do quite well in the winter months. November/December are the blooming months for roses in the desert. Don’t forget to feed the rose shrubs with rose food, bone meal or a complete fertilizer to keep them blooming throughout the winter. Put off any serious rose bush pruning until January.
WINTER FLOWERING ANNUALS
Your winter annuals will need some fertilizer during the cooler months. FlowerPower or a slow-releasing long lasting flower food will keep your beautiful plants blossoming. Don’t forget to irrigate the flower beds after each fertilizer application so that the fertilizer can be activated and can reach the roots.
WINTER WEED CONTROL
To control the spring and summer weeds, now is the time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide.
Should you have any landscaping questions or need help with landscape maintenance, please call Greg at Greg’s Lawn Service at (480) 820 0008 (office) or on his mobile telephone at (602) 399-7795.
RENTERS' PROJECT: STATUS REPORT
by Julie Tierney
The management company has been working on a project related to residential rental property within the Association. The goal of the project is to make certain owners are in compliance with the CC&R's that require all rental units to have a lease of at least six (6) months.
Two separate mailings requesting information have been sent to owners who use an "offsite" address for receipt of mail. These owners may be using their house here at the Pointe as a second residence, have a relative living in the residence, are renting the property to tenants, or live here but simply prefer to get their mail at a post office box instead of in the cluster boxes. However, until these owners communicate with the management company, we cannot know which is the case.
Over 210 of those with offsite addresses have responded to these inquiries and, of these, 100 of the homes were rental property (which represents 12% of the total in the association). We believe that all these rentals are in compliance with the CC&R's relative to their leases. There are still another 100 or so owners who have not answered the letters and we will be trying once again to get their feedback.
As a result of this information gathering process, the management company has been able to obtain emergency contact numbers for owners who do not live full-time here at the Pointe. This has been most helpful and we encourage owners to let Mary Jane at City Property know how to contact them in case of an emergency. As a direct result of this process, we also now know the names of the tenants and have placed their names on mailing labels for newsletters and other important mailings that are sent to both owners and residents.
In summary, there have been multiple benefits to this project and we will continue to try to keep our records current. The help of all homeowners will be appreciated in this effort.
A man’s silver watch was found at the Vantage Pointe Pool on or about October 13th. Call the Property Manager at (480) 496-4444 X 111, describe the watch, and it can be yours once again.
Did you know that you can enjoy a wonderful water workout, meet your neighbors, improve your health, and have fun, all without leaving your own neighborhood? Join the "South Mountain Splashers" 8:30 am - 9:30 am, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at our own heated Siesta Pool for aqua aerobics. Counteract the effects of inactivity, reduce stress and have fun, all at the same time. Classes are taught by a certified water aerobics instructor who is an R.N. as well as a Pointe resident. Please call Toni Ristich for further details at (480) 753-5266.
Would you like to get to know your neighbors better, learn how to care for your lovely landscaped yards and gardens, or take better care of your houseplants? You can….simply by joining the Desert Pointe Garden Club. If you won’t know the first thing about any of the above, then this is a great chance to learn. There are no prerequisites for joining the garden club. The club meets October through May on the first Monday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. They have a business meeting, social time, and a regular program with a featured speaker. For more information, please call Linda Chumney at (480) 496-4563 or Fran Harkey at (480) 893-1379.
by Julie Tierney
We hope that all owners received their board election ballots in the mail.
There was a concern expressed about important association mail not being forwarded to residents. This is the process the management company uses:
All envelopes from City Property are marked "Return Service Requested."
If the owner has moved and their mail is being forwarded to their new address, the post office will mark the new address on the envelope and return it to the sender (it is not forwarded). City Property then changes the address on the envelope to the new address, records the new address in the homeowner file and resends the letter immediately.
If the owner is away and their mail is being forwarded temporarily, the post office does not forward the letter, but returns it to the sender with a notation that mail is being forwarded temporarily. City Property then marks out the "Return Service Requested" notation on the envelope and immediately resends the letter to the same permanent address. The post office will then forward the letter to the temporary address. In the case of our newsletter, The Residential Review, this mailing is processed by the bulk mail division of the U.S. Postal Service. While bulk mail saves the association a great deal of money (approximately .40 cents per piece), there are no forwarding or return services.
The official mail process is utilized to assist the management company in keeping their files up to date with address changes. It works! And, hopefully, everyone will receive their mail in a timely manner.
by (name witheld by request)
The Board, the Property Manager and many homeowners agree that as we move into the next century, an Association web site is essential for our growing and changing community. Some volunteer effort has already been devoted to this project by Tom Chiara, who has posted a preliminary web site to help generate ideas and community participation (http://members.home.net/tchiara/). The Board hopes to use a professional webmaster to carry the design and development of the site to completion. The future Pointe web site will be continually updated with relevant community news, events, resources and information. When it debuts, homeowners will find it at http://www.thepointe.org, and we feel certain it will become many Pointe residents’ Homepage and a live link to the community.
In addition, honorable mention for volunteer effort goes to Travis Lench who has developed a site map for the future site. This document has been circulated and formal proposals have been solicited from three web developers. When the new Board of Directors returns to the table in January, 2000, this issue will be on the agenda. Follow the progress of the web site development by attending Board meetings, reviewing future newsletters, and checking updates at the preliminary site (address above). Homeowners will also find a link to the new site when it is unveiled. The Board and the web site team are counting on homeowner feedback.
….that our community has a drive up U.S. Postal mailbox for posting of outgoing mail? The mailbox is located on 48th Street, just south of the Winston/48th intersection (in the small patio homes cul de sac).
…that the small blue and red flags sighted throughout the community are not marking gopher holes? This innovative water watch system has been devised by Board member, Hal Rives, to alert our landscapers of specific irrigation problems and sprinkler heads that may need replacement. The Board of Directors is seeking the formation of a Water Watch Committee and is soliciting volunteers from all areas of the community. Any homeowners wishing to be part of this committee and/or receive a supply of water flags, are asked to contact the Property Manager at (480) 496-4444 (Ext. 111).
…that City Property Management and the Board of Directors requires that every homeowner (on-site or off-site) file an emergency contact and telephone number with the Property Manager? Recently, a serious water problem was discovered inside a residence and the Property Manager was unable to reach the off-site homeowner as this information
was not in the file. Consequently, there was serious damage to the interior of the home. Please make certain that the Property Manager has all pertinent information on your property in the event of an emergency.
….that a consumer alert has been issued for specific GE dishwashers (similar to those found in the 410 condos)? The following information has been submitted by a homeowner: the problem appears to be in the energy saver switch which can overheat and melt if the locking handle is kept locked. Further information on this recall, along with model and serial numbers can be accessed at the web site: http://www.geappliancerecall.com. If you do not have access to a computer, contact the Property Manager for assistance at (480) 496-4444 (Ext. 111).
….that Curbside Disposal & Recycling reports that the volume of trash picked up in our community is 10% higher than the national average (per diem, per home). Mike Mamaghani, owner, states that 70 - 75% of trash left at the curb is recyclable
Dear Board of Directors:
Thank you for taking the time to respond to the questions in my last letter that were raised by the homeowners in the community.
It was erroneously reported in the July/August issue of the Association newsletter that I am the Pointe representative on the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee. The fact remains that I was appointed to the committee by Mayor Rimsza to represent District 6 homeowners. As such, only the east section (east of 48th Street) falls under the committee’s jurisdiction. The west section of the Pointe falls under the South Mountain Village Planning Committee.
In order to assist the Board of Directors and the community in my capacity on the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee, I have to be aware what issues the Board is working on. Publishing some of them in the newsletter would help. It is also important to understand that in some cases these issues can be formally placed on our committee’s agenda upon written request from the Board/community.
In addition to the 48th Street realignment issue everybody is familiar with, the only other two issues of interest to the PSMRA homeowners are:
ADOT has no plans at this time to erect noise abatement walls behind the Trammell Crow apartments. ADOT’s future plans include only walls behind Grace Inn and between Warner and Ray Roads.
I believe that a noise abatement wall would be beneficial to all homeowners who live on the 7th and 8th hole of the golf course (along the east side of 51st Street). I have raised this issue with the subcommittee chair. However, it would be a good idea for the Board to send a letter to Fred Garcia of ADOT and formally request that a noise abatement wall be erected behind the Trammell Crow apartments.
Thank you for your response and the hard work on behalf of the Pointe South Mountain community.
Sincerely,
Blanche Prokes
9430 South 51st Street
Dear Editor:
RE: TERMITE ALERT
I live in the 4900 block of East Paseo Way and have just found termite tunnels in my garage. I now know more about these pesky insects than I EVER wanted to know. First of all, I am told that the nest can be anywhere within an acre of my house. That means your house is also at risk. Secondly, I learned that the termite inspection performed when I purchased my house was faulty. Apparently, they have done many inspections in this area. Get out your closing papers and look on the back side of the termite report under CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO INFESTATION. On my report, it said "no" to "Wood to Earth Contact." As so many of our homes do, I have 2 X 4’s between the cement slabs in my sidewalk. This wood has contact with the house. It required that the inspector answer "yes" to that question. Also, many houses in this development have stucco that goes all the way to the ground without benefit of concrete block at the ground level. This would have required the inspector to answer "yes" to "Faulty Grades; Wood siding or stucco at or below grade." Again, on my inspection sheet it is answered with a "no." Both of these conditions are considered termite risks.
I will be having my entire house treated soon and that means that the critters will be searching elsewhere for their food. I urge all of you to have someone re-inspect your home now (it’s free!) and to check your termite inspection report and compare it to your actual house conditions. If it has been less than a year since you purchased your home and you find discrepancies, you have the best chance of having the problem rectified by the company that actually inspected your home when you bought it. If there are no discrepancies, I would urge you to "renew" your termite protection. (The original inspecting company usually always sends a card after a year.)
You should also be aware that if you have either of the above conditions and do not have (or get) termites while you are living in the house and you decide to sell your home, you and the next termite inspector are required to disclose the conditions to the buyer. Just think, would you have bought your home if you had known the risk?
Sincerely,
Jean Somers