THIS MONTH:
by Barry Smith
Spring is almost upon us and as we look forward to the millennium, we find the community off to a bright start financially. On a most positive and unexpected note, the monthly water bills for the beginning of the year have been unusually low, due in part to water conservation and awareness by homeowners as well as timely landscape repairs by our new landscape company. These lower water bills are indeed good news... thanks to those residents who are helping in the ongoing water conservation project!
The courthomes currently have cash on hand of $466,201, with $69,598 in the checking account and the balance in the Smith Barney account. While approximately $6,000 has been spent for awning replacement, the account is most stable from a cash flow standpoint. In connection with the common area account, there is $148,675 in assets with $103, 913 in the checking account and $44,762 in the Smith Barney account. Following are balance sheet figures for these accounts as of February 28, 1999:
PSMRA (COURTHOMES)
Assets
$466,201
Liabilities & Equity
Equity
Total Liabilities & Equity $466,201
PSMRA (COMMON AREA)
Assets
$148,675
Liabilities & Equity
Total Current Liabilities 0.00
Equity
Total Equity $148,675
Total Liabilities & Equity $148,675
by Mary Jane Labut
In lieu of a full blown management report, I would like to bring a couple of items to the attention of the membership. First, most of you know that I can be contacted at City Property Management Company at 496-4444 (extension 111) with any association-related problem, maintenance issue, or question. I am willing and able to listen to any concerns and offer help in whatever way I can to continue to provide a good quality of life in your community at the Pointe South Mountain.
Some residents may have spoken to my assistant, Robin (extension 133). Please feel free to ask for her if I am not available or for items such as sprinkler problems, maintenance issues, requests for pool keys or association documents. After hours, it is important that everyone realize that City Property Management Company has a 24-hour a day on call manager who may be reached by calling the regular number (496-4444) and following the given instructions to leave a message in the emergency mailbox. The manager on call will receive a page and will return your call. Please note that this is the only way to receive emergency assistance outside of normal business hours. Most importantly, please understand that an emergency call includes but is not limited to issues such as broken water lines, roof leaks, vandalism, and electrical outages. Issues of a non-emergency nature can be dealt with the next business day. In fact, residents may send me an e-mail at mlabut@cityproperty.com and I will receive it the next business day.
Another issue I would like to bring to the attention of homeowners is that of appropriate insurance coverage. It is important that homeowners review and understand their insurance coverages through either the association insurance policy and/or their own homeowner's insurance policy. If you are uncertain as to what is covered, please contact your insurance agent or you may contact the association's insurance agent, Ed Frautchsi, at 951-0763.
by Sally Huff
Homeowners, do you have a unique and special modification you would like to make to the exterior of your home? Make certain that an ACC application has been submitted and approved before purchasing costly supplies and equipment or before signing a contract with a builder or landscaper. Unfortunately, hardly a month passes that the ACC does not receive an "after the fact" application for a project that has been completed without securing prior ACC approval. Sadly, in some cases, this expensive project has now become a deed restriction.
The responsibility assigned to the ACC is to make sure that homeowner plans meet the basic requirements of the CC&Rs as well as the other guidelines which have been set up over the years. (Most of these guidelines have been published in previous newsletters.) If the plan does not meet specifications, it will be returned to the homeowner with an explanation followed by a phone call from a member of the ACC to request additional details or suggestions as to how to modify the plans. The more details included in the initial application, the more likely the application is to make it through the first round. If a homeowner does not get prior approval before building a fence, wall, trellis, pool, etc., it may entail additional expense in removing and replacing a feature that does not meet the community standards.
The ACC meets the first Monday of each month, so we suggest that applications be submitted no later than the 28th of the previous month. All members of the ACC are volunteers with full schedules and busy occupations. Occasionally, meeting dates will vary when working around a holiday or hectic work schedules among ACC members.
We are pleased to announce that in addition to our present members (Sally Huff, Bob Collins and Kathy McBay), the ACC has recently added two new members... Paolo Sanza and Greg Stanley, both of whom have backgrounds in architecture and have lived in the community for several years. Greg Stanley has recently performed contract work with the Boulders and The Phoenician while Paolo is involved in collaborative work with Will Bruder.
by Greg Block
Start getting those pruning shears ready! By about the middle of March, you may start pruning all frost damaged plants back to the green wood. After the pruning back the frost damaged plants, an application of a slow release fertilizer should follow to stimulate the new growth. If a granular fertilizer is applied, make sure to soak it down to the roots with the garden hose, or apply the fertilizer just before a rain.
SPRING TREE PRUNING
Make certain that the tools you will be using are sharp. Clean cuts protect the trees from excess scarring. Cut just outside the branch collar to allow the branch to protect itself from disease and insects.
If you are pruning young trees, leave the low branches on. This will help the trunk to increase in diameter, develop inner branches and protect the tree from sunburn.
Prune to eliminate branches with poor growth or location to open the canopy and allow wind flow through. Do not prune the lateral branches from the trunk as this will only expose the inner bark to sunburn.
Regardless of how much the temptation, never prune to top the tree. This only produces weakly new growth that disturbs the balance of the tree and increases the risk of disease and insect infestation.
We have been enjoying mild winter weather this year, and with it the nice green lawn you have overseeded onto the summer turf grass. It will soon be time, however, to transition from winter rye to summer turf. It is important to manage the conversion properly, especially if you have installed Bermuda sod which is overseeded with rye.
Around March 1st set the mowing height of the mower at _ to _ inch. Most of the Bermudas begin to revive in full sun areas at about this time. The rye will still be lush and green, but for the sake of the underlying summer turf, it is vital that the mowing height be lowered as noted above. It is important that a good watering schedule be maintained. Deep water about every 4... 6 days from March 1st through the end of April. As the daytime temperatures climb into the mid 90's, increase watering frequency to every third day. Make sure not to water during the night to prevent fungal diseases. Don't forget to fertilize the turf monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Established lawns respond well to the Par-ex lines of high nitrogen slow release blends, which feed for 3 months. Make sure that you "water in" the fertilizer.
The warmer temperatures and higher humidity will attract pests into your garden. Some of these are:
After pruning off all of the frost damaged branches of the tender tropical and non-tropical plants and trees, a balanced fertilizer providing a slow release of nutrients should be applied. Some examples are: Grotec 18-5-10 and Slo-release 20-5-5.
Citrus trees need feeding several times per year as follows:
The acidification (apply First Step Soil Acidifier at _ pound per inch diameter trunk) and feeding program (with Best Citrus and Avocado food 13-6-6 using 1 pound per foot of ree height) are essential for a healthy tree and abundant harvest. Remember to deep water following acidification and fertilizing.
To control the weeds in your garden throughout the year, now is the time to apply a pre-
emergent herbicide such as Barricade to control nutgrass and spurge, and
Princip/Roundup to control the weeds in the granite areas.
Check the entire irrigation system to ensure that the watering schedule is programmed
correctly for the increase in temperatures and to clean, repair and replace all drip system
emitters and water sprinklers.
Don't forget to feed the flowers in the flower pots and planters with a balanced
fertilizer such as 14-13-14 Flower Power to promote plentiful blossoms.
If you have any gardening questions or need gardening and lawn care service, please
contact Greg at Greg's Lawn Service at 820-0008 (office) or on the mobile telephone at
(602) 399-7795.
Being new to the community, I attended the February 9th Board meeting as a spectator rather than a participant. It would seem we've moved in at a very interesting (hopefully unusual) time in the history of this community!
I do not wish to comment on the parking problem because I haven't enough background or information to have an informed opinion. However, having served on several boards in the past (civic association, religious organization and a small not-for-profit corporation), I do have an appreciation for the work of boards in general. I have never met the PSMRA Board members but I was most uncomfortable witnessing them under attack at this meeting. Trying to comply with the needs of all community factions is trying at best and I certainly do not envy their dilemma with this particularly difficult problem.
Bottom line is this: Volunteers who are willing to serve as our elected board members should be accorded respect and consideration for their positions. The community parking problem will eventually be worked out to everyone's satisfaction and I suggest that homeowners might as well accomplish this through cooperation and courtesy.
Very truly yours,
Joan A. Brown
A New Homeowner
Dear Joan:
A warm welcome to the Pointe community! I have forwarded your letter to the Board members as well as the Property Manager. A homeowner vote of confidence and support for Board members, committee members and their work on behalf of the community is like a rainy day in Arizona... they just don't come along that often!
Historically, the majority of homeowners who appear at regular Board meetings are present to discuss a particular issue of concern. In the case of the February 9th meeting, the discussion, highly emotional at times, was the parking policy. Unfortunately, the many homeowners who support the Board and the current policy were not present at the meeting, assuming the policy as dictated by the CC&Rs would be in force and, logically, saw no reason to attend the meeting.
The Editor would like to point out that support for the parking policy has by no means vanished, based on phone calls, letters received and numerous discussions with "the man on the street." The following are a few excerpts from one of the letters of support:
"We're sure you don't get many letters or calls thanking you for doing what can be a difficult job but fasten your seat belts because you are now holding one! We want to give you our applause, thanks, and support for the revised parking policy that was recently implemented. The restricted on-street parking rules in our CC&Rs were a big reason we purchased a home in the Pointe, and we're glad to see our community finally taking steps toward enforcing these provisions. We firmly believe this long-awaited move will have a tremendously positive impact on the beauty, safety, and resale values of our homes in the Pointe."
"It's certain some people will be unhappy with the new policy as it will require them to finally clean out their stuffed garages and sell or store the excess "collector" cars they no longer drive."
"In the weeks and months ahead, please don't shy away from enforcement or make additional delays or changes to these current provisions. Again, thank you for taking action to address this long-standing problem in our community, and rest assured that enforcement of these rules will be welcomed and supported by the vast majority of Pointe homeowners."
Homeowners, strict enforcement of the parking policy is on hold while a group of volunteers, working with an attorney, investigate making the policy more palatable for all areas. However, there are many homeowners anxiously waiting for the end of the hiatus in order to see all vehicles off the streets and housed in garages, where they belong.
Yes, the sun will come up tomorrow and, yes, Joan, the parking policy still exists!
The Editor
Dear Editor:
Everyone realizes a parking problem has existed within the Pointe South Mountain residential area for quite some time. However, it is very apparent that the new parking policy effective 2/1/99 is not totally reasonable. It is adequate for single residents and those that are not living in the 410 models.
When the resort properties were developed, Gosnell provided ample parking for the single family homes and the 400 models. Single family homes have their two car garages and driveways and extra parking spots were provided in nearly each drive for the 400 models. But, by the time the 410 models were built, the power of money surely overruled common sense by constructing buildings on nearly every available square foot, with no regard to parking for residents. Now with the newly adopted policy, which must have been written by and for single individuals, it is only possible to park one vehicle. Not many options exist. In today's age, each family owns two cars. Few of the 410 models have drives that allow cars to park one behind another. In our drive, there are none (9) carport parking spaces for nine (9) condos. There are no additional spaces for the parking of any additional autos. Therefore, just observing one drive, nine extra vehicles must obtain a parking slot somewhere else within the community. Now, this is taking into consideration that each condo has more than one resident. If a person lives alone, this is wonderful. For a working couple, it presents a real problem. I guess my thought would be that a parking policy is needed, but there needs to be an alternative for these residents. The new policy doesn't provide for that.
Secondly, the portion of the rules that speaks of parties and large gatherings is unreasonable. How many of us plan a party in time to write the Management Company two weeks in advance, to seek permission? Then, if permission is not granted, you simply must cancel your plans. This is NUTS. We live here by choice, not to be dictated to as to when we may invite friends to visit. Also highlighting the sentence, "If you do not receive confirmation, you do not have permission," just adds insult to injury.
Lastly, to end. Our management fees just recently increased…with various factors listed as major contributors. My thought would be, if the letters concerning the parking RULES had not been sent Certified Mail to each and every resident….precious funds would have been conserved. I hate to think that we throw funds away so frivolously. If people do not speak up, this will continue to be perceived as acceptable.
Brenda Hemmingsen
8838-1 South 51st Street
Dear Brenda:
For several reasons, including those in this letter, the punitive actions of the parking policy have been put on hold. But, once again, we reiterate that the parking policy is set forth in detail in the CC&Rs. A homeowner receives a copy of the CC&Rs when the home is purchased and signs a document stating that the CC&Rs have been read. We elect to live in a deed-restricted community and we elect to follow those CC&Rs when we purchase our homes. Why else would we live here? Admittedly, parking is a problem and has always been. However, many of us want to live in a community where on-street parking is prohibited. We knew this when we moved here and we knew we could live within the rules.
Board members have been advised by at least two attorneys that we must enforce the parking policy as written. In fact, the Board is negligent if it does not enforce. A group of homeowners are currently researching possible changes to the CC&Rs regarding parking, but if they are not successful, you can be assured that the Board will soon begin enforcement.
As to the certified mail issue you raise, the Board elected to send the letters certified for several reasons, none of which were "frivolous." You can trust that the Board of Directors weighs each expenditure and, in fact, each decision, very carefully. Increases are never popular and Board members pay assessments just as do all homeowners. However, in order to maintain and improve the quality of life in our community, and to provide the standards to which we all aspire, increases are sometimes necessary.
We appreciate your letter, and thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns. If every homeowner were as conscientious, Board members would have an easier job.
Ardath Eitzman
President, PSMRA Board of Directors
EDITOR'S NOTE: When the City of Phoenix approved site plan #P81106, Phase 4, they designated 1.5 parking spaces per unit, in conflict with our CC&Rs. We know that the 410 units have one carport or one enclosed garage, therefore, quick mathematics tells us that the remaining .5 parking space per unit, by necessity, is "somewhere else." The only City stipulation is that fire lanes or emergency vehicle access areas cannot be part of this equation. In the midst of the 1995 construction process, concerned Board members and homeowners, seeing the handwriting on the wall, contacted the City with a request for a construction stop order until the parking problem could be resolved and, hopefully, PSMRA could recover some of the required parking spaces. The City of Phoenix refused the stop order, stating that the parking designation was approved at the time of site plan approval.
Comments, questions and a lengthy discussion regarding the parking policy took place at the February 9, 1999 Board meeting. Copies of the approved minutes of this meeting as well as all other Board meetings are available for review. Homeowners are asked to contact Robin at City Property Management (496-4444 extension 133) with their requests.
Spa and Fitness on South Mountain
Phantom Horse Spa and Fitness is in the process of a $700,000 renovation with outstanding new changes that will make our facility the ultimate in a health and fitness membership choice. From now until May 31, 1999, residents can join at our corporate rates and 50% off initiation. For former members, we would like to invite you back at no cost and simply resume your monthly dues at our current rates. Come in and check us out! You'll like what you see! For more information, please call Missy Corr at 431-6484.
During the week of May 1999, the Phantom Horse Spa & Salon will officially reopen! There is so much more to the Spa & Salon than the structure and the ambiance. The NEW Spa & Salon will have a fresh feel... a feel that welcomes resort guests, members, and local residents to the AZ experience. What is the AZ experience? It is the personal touch combined with Southwestern hospitality and services. Having already established the reputation for service, it is the continued goal of the Spa & Salon to exceed all expectations, leaving the client in awe.
The Phantom Horse Spa & Salon has expanded their menu to include body therapy as well as facials and waxing services. Many of these services include techniques and ingredients used by Native Americans and indigenous tribes. Some of the specialty services to be offered… Sedona Mud Therapy, Desert Botanical Aroma Wraps (created by Aveda exclusively for Phantom Horse Spa & Salon), and a natural grain exfoliate using maze and oats. The Spa staff has also come across a unique cloth made from the fibers of the century cactus which is used to exfoliate and stimulate the skin.
With more than five therapy rooms, a facial room, wet room, two pedicure stations, a make-up station and two hair stations, no detail has been overlooked and guarantees to take away every worldly care. Rest assured that when you step into the Spa & Salon at Phantom Horse, you are putting yourself in the very best hands to be found in the Southwest.
…..that April 21st is National Secretaries Day (and the entire week is National Secretaries Week)?
…..that this is the time of year when snakes are most active and begin to explore? Any resident having a serious encounter with a snake on or near their property can call the AZ Herpetological Association at 894-1625 and they will remove the troublesome serpent.
….that the total number of e-mails sent last year surpassed the number of mail pieces handled by the U.S. Postal Service?
"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people."
"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."
"I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgements in the future."
"The future will be better tomorrow."
"We're going to have the best-educated American people in the world."
"For NASA, space is still a high priority."
"I am not part of the problem. I am a Republican."
"Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it."
"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls."
"We are ready for any unforeseen events that may or may not occur."
"It isn't pollution that is harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."
"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix."