Thursday, February 24, 2011

South Gate

I noticed that one arm on the south gate isn't working. It might be weather-related. Chris will take a look tomorrow and get it fixed as soon as possible.

I also saw that someone has been joyriding in the grass along 86th and near the south entrance (both inside and outside the gate). If you notice anyone doing this, please call 911 with a vehicle description. It's unlikely that the cops will respond, but it's still good to get it on record. Thanks!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Mountain News

Wayne Cooke, creator of the wonderful newsletter "86th Avenue Community News" sent me an email telling me about a new blog put together by a local gentleman named Bruce Smith. It's got all kinds of information about community events, workshops, stories about residents, etc. Wayne even helps contribute to the blog (which is great, since he's "retired" from the 86th Ave newsletter). Check it out when you have some time. I'll also post a link on the sidebar.

http://themountainnewswa.wordpress.com

Letter From Our VP

Good afternoon neighbors,

I wanted to take a second to remind everyone that the CCRs are in full enforcement. The Association did grant a generous grace period after sending the Good Neighbor Policy letter out months ago. Because we were just starting to legally run our HOA and enforce the rules we offered a 60-day period to comply with the CCRs we all signed. A few homes then received a formal letter about specific violations they are liable for. Another reminder has recently been issued to a few homes that still had violations warning of the fines and/or liens that would be issued if not resolved by a certain date. Although most have addressed the issues, some still have not.

Many homeowners have recently inquired about why these few violations remain and what the Association is doing about them? We've had to follow our Association's process and timelines. The timelines are now at the fine and lien stage. This week we started distributing the fines and liens.

I hope this answers your questions about the violations and serves as a reminder to any violators to complete any actions you were asked to take.

Thanks,
Rob Ihrig
Grand Firs HOA Vice-President

Friday, February 18, 2011

Feb 19 Work Party Cancelled

Juan and Jen fixed the big toy a few days ago. Thank you! The damaged table is probably beyond repair. So there's no need for a work party. Thank you to those who planned to attend! We received emails from several people who were volunteering time, tools, even electricity :)

Let's all try to work together to make sure the damage to our parks comes to an end. I've spoken with a few other parents and we think that a little more adult presence at the park is a good place to start.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Work Party - Feb 19

***UPDATE: WORK PARTY CANCELLED***

There will be a work party on Saturday, Feb 19 (thanks Michelle for noticing my typo) at 10am to make repairs at the Phase 1 park. It looks like the lumber is in good shape and can be re-used. We just need some man-power to get things in working order. Bring your tools! (If you can make it, please leave a comment or email me.)

I met with Mark and Rob last night and we discussed the latest park vandalism. Within the past few weeks, there has been extensive damage to the big toy and a table. Volunteers have repaired these items several times already but kids keep destroying them. Therefore, the HOA may be forced to remove these items permanently if the vandalism doesn't stop. This will be the last time we repair items in the park.

If you know who is responsible, talk to someone on the HOA board. And parents, please understand that if your children are caught causing damage, you will be held financially responsible for the repairs.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Nuisance Barking...

We got an e-mail from a frustrated neighbor yesterday, asking us to post something about barking dogs. Dogs bark...thats just what they do, right? But please, be courteous to your neighbors by being aware of how much noise your animals make during the day. If you leave your pets outside all day...ask your neighbors what they hear while you are away. I find that open dialogue about any problem is the quickest way to solve it!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Good Neighbor Policy Reminders

Based on some emails and phone calls I've received from neighbors recently, I figured I would post a few friendly reminders :)

Per the Grand Firs Good Neighbor Policy:

Basketball hoops must be stored out of view when not in use—they may not be left on the sidewalk or next to the street.

Seasonal decorations shall be placed no more than thirty (30) days prior to the Holiday and shall be removed no later than thirty (30) days after the Holiday.

Garbage and recycle containers are to be stored in the garage or out of view from the street.

Members will be financially responsible for any damage done to the common areas by household members, tenants, guests and pets.


If you don't have a copy of the Good Neighbor Policy that was mailed out last fall, please email lindsey@jc-higgins.com and request one.