Jim Ehnborn requested that we notify Grand Firs residents of three car prowls that took place last night. I have no further details but if anyone knows anything, please feel free to comment.
A handful of car prowls occurred last summer as well.
We live in a rural gated community, but please don't let this give you a false sense of security. Remember to keep your vehicle locked at all times, and don't leave valuables inside. Even a blanket or sweatshirt laying on the seat could cause a thief to wonder what might be hiding underneath. Also, keep in mind that your garage door opener (if left in your car) could give these creeps access to your home.
If you see ANYTHING suspicious, call 911 right away. If you're a victim of crime or want to report a crime not in progress, please file a police report by calling the non-emergency number (253-798-4721). It's important to get these incidents on file.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Golden Email
Jim sent an email which I posted yesterday, but it was ridiculously long and I didn't like the amount of space it took on the blog. So I'll paraphrase...
He said that we're not getting the run-around from him, and that none of us who leave comments on the blog are the HOA (did we ever claim to be?). He said that he's been told by "several" homeowners that they don't agree with issues on the blog (if they feel this way that's fine, but where are they and why won't they voice their opinion?). He states that we don't clearly understand or appreciate what it costs to maintain a community and this is why we have to wait until 2015 to take the HOA over. He more or less stated that those of us who have raised issues or concerns on the blog are a police squad. He finished up by writing a paragraph stating that we're all adults and if he feels that we're not acting like adults, he will refuse to work with us.
I ran into a few people last night who read the email, and they agree that it was defensive and condescending. I've always been cordial when writing to him. We have many talented, intelligent, educated, and experienced people residing in this community and it's insulting that he feels the need to reduce us to a bunch of idiots.
He said that we're not getting the run-around from him, and that none of us who leave comments on the blog are the HOA (did we ever claim to be?). He said that he's been told by "several" homeowners that they don't agree with issues on the blog (if they feel this way that's fine, but where are they and why won't they voice their opinion?). He states that we don't clearly understand or appreciate what it costs to maintain a community and this is why we have to wait until 2015 to take the HOA over. He more or less stated that those of us who have raised issues or concerns on the blog are a police squad. He finished up by writing a paragraph stating that we're all adults and if he feels that we're not acting like adults, he will refuse to work with us.
I ran into a few people last night who read the email, and they agree that it was defensive and condescending. I've always been cordial when writing to him. We have many talented, intelligent, educated, and experienced people residing in this community and it's insulting that he feels the need to reduce us to a bunch of idiots.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22 Meeting
The meeting organized by Jim Ehnborn was held tonight, and approximately 35 homeowners showed up. We spent a little over two hours discussing everything from gate issues to builders' trash on empty lots. A couple of homeowners volunteered to take on tasks such as contacting OSHA and Pierce County regarding some of our concerns. The meeting was a nice way to talk face-to-face and see that we're all on the same page when it comes to getting things done in our community. Thanks to Jim and Louise for organizing it.
For those who asked me to post this, the managing broker for John L Scott Canyon Road is Stephanie Stephens. Her email address is stephanis@johnlscott.com . Who knows if she'll do anything but I suppose it doesn't hurt to email or call.
Great seeing so many people at the meeting tonight. It's nice to see we all have the same concerns, and that we can work together to address them.
For those who asked me to post this, the managing broker for John L Scott Canyon Road is Stephanie Stephens. Her email address is stephanis@johnlscott.com . Who knows if she'll do anything but I suppose it doesn't hurt to email or call.
Great seeing so many people at the meeting tonight. It's nice to see we all have the same concerns, and that we can work together to address them.
Stinky Mink and Flies
Warm weather is returning, and so are the flies. I hate to think of the mink smell that will soon be gracing our neighborhood. So today, I did some homework and gave the health department a call (I think a few neighbors already have). Here's what you can expect if you call...
First, I called the general health department line, but the phone tree is a mess and hung up on me twice. I ended up calling 253-798-6440, which is the rodents/garbage/illegal dumping line. From the first menu, I pressed "2" for garbage/illegal dumping. At the second menu, I pressed "1" for junk vehicles and accumulation of garbage on private property (from the options, it best suited the nature of my complaint, I guess). This led me to a series of prompts where I left short recordings with my information.
They don't process anonymous complaints, so be prepared to leave your name, address and phone number.
They will ask for the specific address of the property, which is 23212 86th Ave E, Graham 98338. They will ask for the property owner's name, which is Dale Pederson/United Farms Inc (sorry to put your info on here Dale, but if you'd clean up your disgusting stinky farm, we wouldn't be having to do this). It will ask for the parcel number, which is 2009409975.
It took less than 5 minutes. I hate to pester the health department but if they receive numerous complaints, perhaps they'll realize the seriousness of the issue and take care of it. Several of us complained last year and we heard the health department told them to clean up, but who knows if the farm is complying?
And just for the heck of it, here's a small amount of info on the mink farm, aka United Farms Inc: http://www.manta.com/company/mm2ft8j
-M
First, I called the general health department line, but the phone tree is a mess and hung up on me twice. I ended up calling 253-798-6440, which is the rodents/garbage/illegal dumping line. From the first menu, I pressed "2" for garbage/illegal dumping. At the second menu, I pressed "1" for junk vehicles and accumulation of garbage on private property (from the options, it best suited the nature of my complaint, I guess). This led me to a series of prompts where I left short recordings with my information.
They don't process anonymous complaints, so be prepared to leave your name, address and phone number.
They will ask for the specific address of the property, which is 23212 86th Ave E, Graham 98338. They will ask for the property owner's name, which is Dale Pederson/United Farms Inc (sorry to put your info on here Dale, but if you'd clean up your disgusting stinky farm, we wouldn't be having to do this). It will ask for the parcel number, which is 2009409975.
It took less than 5 minutes. I hate to pester the health department but if they receive numerous complaints, perhaps they'll realize the seriousness of the issue and take care of it. Several of us complained last year and we heard the health department told them to clean up, but who knows if the farm is complying?
And just for the heck of it, here's a small amount of info on the mink farm, aka United Farms Inc: http://www.manta.com/company/mm2ft8j
-M
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Found Blue Backpack
Is your child missing a backpack? We received the following email from Heidi today:
Can you let everyone know that I found a Navy Blue Adidas Backpack left where the kids catch the bus in the mornings. I looked in it to see if there was a name but there was nothing in it and I didn't want to just leave it there so I brought it home with me. Just let me know if you get anyone who says it is theirs.
Can you let everyone know that I found a Navy Blue Adidas Backpack left where the kids catch the bus in the mornings. I looked in it to see if there was a name but there was nothing in it and I didn't want to just leave it there so I brought it home with me. Just let me know if you get anyone who says it is theirs.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Email Update
I received an email from Jim Selden.. Jen and I had asked if he could attend a Q&A meeting if we set one up, but he has prior commitmets. So Jen and I decided to scrap our meeting, because we figured there was no point. The blog seems to be serving its purpose of communication, so we didn't think it was necessary to get everyone together to just go over the same stuff we've all talked about on here. Anyway, back to Jim's email.. this is what he said regarding a possible HOA takeover:
"I am not the developer of the site and as such cannot provide any consent to the HOA being transferred to the homeowners. Although the CC&R's dictate the procedure for this transfer, I don't believe it is to occur until July, 2015. That is because the developer is often required to make decisions to which the covenants provide authority to act immediately rather than having to send notice and schedule a meeting with all owners. This can be important in providing answers to builders during their construction process. Since new homes will begin construction in Division 3 within the next 60-75 days, plus there are remaining lots in Division 2, it is unlikely that the Declarant would want to permit the transfer until his responsibilities have been completed."
"I am not the developer of the site and as such cannot provide any consent to the HOA being transferred to the homeowners. Although the CC&R's dictate the procedure for this transfer, I don't believe it is to occur until July, 2015. That is because the developer is often required to make decisions to which the covenants provide authority to act immediately rather than having to send notice and schedule a meeting with all owners. This can be important in providing answers to builders during their construction process. Since new homes will begin construction in Division 3 within the next 60-75 days, plus there are remaining lots in Division 2, it is unlikely that the Declarant would want to permit the transfer until his responsibilities have been completed."
Backflow Irrigation Testing - Group Discount
People are beginning to receive letters from Rainier View stating they need to have backflow irrigation tests performed on their sprinkler systems. We have a family friend who does these tests as a side job (he did ours), and he said it's okay for me to put his contact info on the blog:
Brad Dupleich (253-854-0714)
It gets better.. if we can get at least 5 homeowners on board, he will give everyone a discount since he'd only have to make one trip. Washington state law says the test has to be done every year, so if you're due, give Brad a call!
-Mandy
Brad Dupleich (253-854-0714)
It gets better.. if we can get at least 5 homeowners on board, he will give everyone a discount since he'd only have to make one trip. Washington state law says the test has to be done every year, so if you're due, give Brad a call!
-Mandy
Easter Fun
We held our first annual Easter egg hunt in the park yesterday. The rain stopped for a while, just long enough for the kids to hide the eggs. We had around 15 kids show up, and each went home with a big basket of goodies. Thanks to all the parents who took time to bring eggs, and HUGE thanks to Nancy for arranging to have the Easter Bunny make an appearance! The kids were so surprised. 
According to our poll on the sidebar, it seems Saturday afternoons are the best time for most people to get together. We'll get a date on the calendar for a day May and have a neighborhood BBQ in the park. Stay tuned for details, and start thinking about what you'd like to bring!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Where Is He?
Well I still haven't heard back from Jim Selden. Has anyone had any recent contact with him? I sent a couple emails asking if he'd be interested in attending a neighborhood Q&A session but have not received a reply. So I'm guessing he's not interested.
In the meantime, we can just continue to take care of the things that we do have control over (trash, dog/cat messes, fence boards, responsible parking, safe driving, yard maitenance, etc). Thanks again to those who have already put in some work to improve the fence and parks! Everything looks great :)
In the meantime, we can just continue to take care of the things that we do have control over (trash, dog/cat messes, fence boards, responsible parking, safe driving, yard maitenance, etc). Thanks again to those who have already put in some work to improve the fence and parks! Everything looks great :)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Spring Is Here
Spring is finally here! Since the weather is beginning to improve, several people have been outside working on yard projects. Now is a great time to kill the moss, thatch, aerate, overseed and fertilze. Our lawns took a real beating with all the snow this year (especially on the north sides of our houses) but the grass will definitely improve with a little TLC!
If you don't have a green thumb and need some guidance, just ask someone! Feel free to post on here if you have a question or need some help. Conversely, if you are able to offer guidance, tools or even a little manual labor to a neighbor who needs it, please leave your name on here. If we all work together, we'll definitely have one of the nicest looking neighborhoods in the area!
If you don't have a green thumb and need some guidance, just ask someone! Feel free to post on here if you have a question or need some help. Conversely, if you are able to offer guidance, tools or even a little manual labor to a neighbor who needs it, please leave your name on here. If we all work together, we'll definitely have one of the nicest looking neighborhoods in the area!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday Easter Egg Hunt in Grand Central Park
Alright folks, come join in on the fun! This Sunday we will be having a community Easter Egg hunt for any children in the neighborhood wanting to participate. Parents of all children participating, bring 40 or more plastic eggs(40 per each child participating in hunt) filled with goodies to the main park on 229th ave at 12:30 pm. We will all get to work hiding and stashing! At 1:00pm...the fun begins!Each child participating should come with an empty basket for collecting. Great time to meet and greet neighbors as well.Hope to see you there...HAPPY EASTER!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
'Fessing Up
People have asked who created this blog (which we expected) and we're ready to show our faces! It's Jennifer on 230th and Mandy on 229th. We wanted to stay anonymous at first because we worried that our blog might unintentionally offend people. However, we've received so much great feedback that we decided it's time to 'fess up :)
Still have not heard back from Jim regarding a meeting. Has anyone else had any contact with him?
Huge thanks to the great neighbors who fixed fence boards, provided trash cans and liners, etc. If you've done something to help the neighborhood, let us know by posting it! We'd love to be able to thank you and give you proper credit.
Still have not heard back from Jim regarding a meeting. Has anyone else had any contact with him?
Huge thanks to the great neighbors who fixed fence boards, provided trash cans and liners, etc. If you've done something to help the neighborhood, let us know by posting it! We'd love to be able to thank you and give you proper credit.
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