We obviously have a great group of people living in this neighborhood who seem to be on the same page. Email and post comments are checked daily and we're glad that our blog has attracted so much attention and feedback. We're on our way to addressing problems and figuring out how to fix them.
One emailer asked about the possibilty of having a neighborhood Q&A meeting with Jim Seldon. We think this is a great idea, and I emailed Jim today to see if he's interested. If/when I get a reply, I'll let everyone know and we'll go from there.
I also asked Jim if we can disregard the rules and just take the HOA over now. In this market, it's no secret that it's going to take years for this place to fill up. I'm not sure if there's anything preventing us from taking it over in a legal sense, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. Again, I'll let everyone know if/when I hear from him. If he says no or doesn't reply, I suppose we could get a petition going.
And lastly, one of our neighbors is getting me a copy of the CC&Rs (thanks to all who responded!). My next project will be to get those online so everyone has quick access to them.
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8 comments:
I agree we should schedule a meeting with Mr.Selden. I have a few issues to circulate as well:
1.) The fence is also broken down in phase #2 by lot #131†.
2.) We have a corner street light that is out most of the time in front of said, broken fence.(I have e-mailed Jim about this for months)
3.) The fly's in summertime! I know lot #131† aren't the only ones dealing with thousands of these critters daily once it gets warm out. We have started working towards a solution that ultimately will take all our efforts. More information to follow as we get some contact information.
Lastly thanks, to whomever developed this very professional site!
I agree that a meeting with Jim is an important starting point. Whether we have control of the HOA now or not, WE WILL eventually have control. Therefore, it is important that we are aware of decisons being made on our behalf now, with the understanding that these decisions will directly affect our ability to run the asscoiation in the future.
I am surprised by the fact that several owners did not receive copies of the CC&Rs prior to closing (owners) or by the builders (renters). My mortgage company required that they have a copy for review prior to providing the loan to begin with. Also, most real estate agents add as part of the contigency to any offer that CC&Rs be reviewed and approved.
Questions that need to be addressed:
1) What if any changes have been made to the original CC&Rs?
2) Which owners were given exceptions to the CC&Rs to allow trailers, motorhomes, and boats to be stored on their property and in view?
3) Which owners were given or obtained approval for architectual changes to their house or other structures?
4) How can we be sure that all residents are given and are aware of CC&Rs that pertain to our community (regardless of owners vs. renters)?
5) What if anything is being done to actively manage our HOA? Clearly some residents are unaware of CC&Rs or perhaps assume that CC&Rs are not being enforced and therefore do not attempt to obtain approval of changes etc...
6) What are the future plans for Grand Firs? Is there any truth to the rumors that a new builder is in discussions to begin construction of "entry" level homes in phases II or III.
7) What portion of our community are we responsible for with regards to our homeowners dues? How are dues being collected? If we are responsible for paying any portion at this point, shouldn't we be getting an annual financial statement to verify costs, expenditures, and future needs?
8) As a community can we not utilize our own HOA to help enforce fly control, odor control, and maintain health standards?
9) What can be done to maintain empty lots or backyards with vacant homes? Not only have they become an eyesore, but the lack of weed control ends up making yard maintenance more difficult for everyone else.
Unfortunately, these are only a few of the questions that probably need to be addressed.
Lee Zarella (Lot 22)
Nice work Lee, I look forward to meeting you as you are part of our solution going forward.
Lot #131 - Rob
I'm looking forward to meeting both Rob and Lee, as well as Kurt. I believe that a majority of us are feeling the same way about many issues. Tim and I both feel it's important to get things rolling now and taken care of before they get too out of control. I feel as if now that we are all in our homes, we're no longer important to Jim Seldon. I've called the gate company myself and was told I wasn't supposed to call them. All calls were to be directed to Jim. It would be nice if he would respond and let us all know that things are being taken care of. Speaking of the gate, if the realtor hours are 12-6, why is the gate open ALL of the time. I know it's not to let all of the contractors in. Please let us know if anyone gets a response from Jim and I will do the same.
Tim & Paige
Lot #90
I agree about the gate, and also think it should only be open when the realtors are working. The contractors know the code to get in if they need to. I know that it's still easy for non-residents to gain access (by simply following another car in) but what's the point of having a gate if it's never closed?
Here is the response from the Graham Fire Departement sent to Jim Selden.
From: Judd, Tony
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 9:48 AM
To: 'jimse@johnlscott.com'
Subject: Grand Firs
My name is Tony Judd and I am the Operations Chief for Graham Fire & Rescue which services the Grand Firs development off of 86th Avenue East.
The Fire Chief and I have been in conversations with Jim Ehnborn of the homeowners association about their concerns of access to the development. Initially, the homeowners wanted to block off the south entrance with barricades or a chain due to some vandalism issues. We discussed various options and we went out to look at the gates to see what accommodations could be made to help them out.
In looking at the gates, we found that the opticom sensor, small light receiver that the fire department uses to open the gate, on the north gate is damage and may not be operational. We could not test this as the gate was already open. This needs to be repaired as soon as possible so as not to delay response of the fire department.
We also looked at the south gate. It is wired for the opticom sensor, but it is not installed. We also tried the key override and it was not functioning. If these could be corrected on the south gate, then there is no reason not to keep that gate closed all the time to prevent people from entering through the south gate. At some point, once houses start being constructed in the south section, these will need to be operational.
Jim asked that I send you a report on what we found. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. We are certainly willing to assist the homeowners with their security issues.
Thank you for your time.
No one ever discussed blocking or chaining the south gates.. we wanted to block the access to Phase 3 from the north gates, so people can't follow us in at night and drive straight to the back.
Did we have an officers election or is Jim Ehnborn just trying to be helpful? I did not know that we were a true home owners association yet.
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