86th Avenue Blog Author Wanted

Wayne, who writes and distributes the wonderful 86th Avenue Newsletter, is interested in creating an 86th Avenue Blog. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the time to maintain it, nor do Jen or I.

Is anyone in Grand Firs interested in creating a blog for 86th Avenue? It might be a nice task for a retired person or a high school student (possible community service project?). If you are interested, please email grandfirs@hotmail.com and I can put you in touch with Wayne.

Quick HOA/CCR Update

The HOA board is currently working with JC Higgins to write up a Good Neighbor Policy, which clarifies some of the CCRs. The policy will also include a fine schedule (should that become an issue). After the policy has been distributed and the neighbors have had a chance to become familiar with it, then the CCRs will be able to be enforced.

Don and Lindsey from JC Higgins have been working very hard with the board to get us up and running. We're on our way! Thank you for your patience :)

Letter From a Neighbor

The following is a letter written to the blog by Grand Firs resident Lisa Collier:

Dear Neighbors;

By now we should have all received our mail-in ballots regarding the changing of the Covenants, Codes and Restrictions to exclude phase three from being required to install a sprinkler system on their lots. I know that some of you may not care to hear my opinions regarding this neighborhood, but that has never stopped me from doing so in the past...so here goes again.

I personally feel that voting to give phase three the right to not install the sprinkler system will only harm this community. I understand that the builder needs to make money, but I feel he can pass on this fairly small cost to the buyer if he chooses. We have already seen how difficult it is to maintain lawns that already have sprinkler systems. Our lots are just too large to not require one in the front lawn. It will be a constant headache for the ACC to keep up with violations regarding unkempt property and the sprinkler will make it easier for homeowners to maintain a nice lawn thus improving the look of our neighborhood.

For this change to pass only two votes from us are required (**see correction below**). If you also feel, as I do, that this would not be for our good, please spread the word to other neighbors and encourage them to vote and to vote no.

Thanks so much,
Lisa Collier

Note: Lisa emailed the following paragraph to clear up some confusion...

Clarification:

Oops..I made a mistake (not the first and sure it won't be the last). All the votes are needed, but only 16 yes votes (not 2) will pass the changes to the CCRs. Two of our neighbors may have already voted yes so if you feel this is important to stop these changes from going through do you think we need to put something on the mailboxes so others can be more informed? I know not everyone reads this blog. Suggestions? I hope everyone feels the need to vote no for the betterment of our neighborhood.

Thanks again,
Lisa

For Sale...Gently Used Turkish Area Rugs

Hi neighbors! Im trying to get rid of a couple Turkish rugs that no longer go with my new home furnishings. They are in EXCELLENT condition, and were both handmade in Turkey ten years ago while I was stationed there. I wish I could use them, but like I said, they no longer go with the new furniture we bought when we moved into Grand Firs. Here is a couple good pictures of the rugs...the larger one is roughly 8x11 feet...and the smaller rug is roughly 7x9 feet in size. If you are interested in seeing them, just contact me, Jennifer, through the community e-mail at www.grandfirs@hotmail.com. Im selling the large rug for 150.00 and the smaller rug for 100.00. These rugs are priced to sell and the quality is just unbelievable!

Jennifer, Lot 41

National Night Out

In the spirit of National Night Out (http://www.natw.org/nno) please join us for a neighborhood potluck in Grand Central Park on Tuesday, August 3 (6pm). We'll start small since it's our first year, but in future years we might try to plan bigger events.

We're in need of main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Please bring your own beverages. I will provide plates, napkins and utensils.

Please leave a comment with your food item as well as how many in your family will be in attendance, or email Mandy at grandfirs@hotmail.com

Vehicle break-In on 228th Street

Just a heads up...we got an e-mail from a neighbor living on 228th street advising us that his vehicle was broken into last night. The car was parked in his driveway, and whoever commited this crime made off with quite a few of his personal belongings. Unfortunately, crimes like these do happen often, and even though we all reside in a gated community...we are not impervious to incidents like these. Safest thing to do would be to keep vigilant, not only of your own home, but of your surrounding neighbors...as often as you can. And remember to keep all your doors locked in your cars, and your homes.

Trees and Grass on 228th

Finally heard through Mark that Renaissance said it's okay to hook hoses up to their vacant houses, so if anyone has a few minutes to help water the dead trees and dead grass, that would be nice. (Of course, this should really be done by Renaissance.) It's probably too late for the trees. The grass might green up if it gets lots of water.

Dying Trees and Grass

Neighbors, as some have probably noticed, the new planting strips and trees on 228th are thirsty and in severe need of water. Jim brought this to my attention a couple of days ago. I emailed Melinda from Renaissance Homes asking for permission to hook hoses up to the vacant homes, allowing us to water the trees and grass. I have not received a reply.

I wonder if a few volunteers along 228th could "adopt" a planting strip/tree. Some of the trees may be too far gone but it's worth a shot to save them. They need deep soakings every couple of days in this heat. It would be a shame to lose them.

I am taking care of the planting strip and tree next door to my home on 229th. The grass is looking a little brown but the tree is doing well.

Found Keys

A neighbor found a set of keys (they appear to be mailbox keys). If you're missing a set, please send an email to grandfirs@hotmail.com with a brief description. If they match, I can put you in touch with the neighbor who found them!

HOA Board Meeting Notes - June 17

Grand Firs Board of Directors Meeting: June 17, 2010 (via conference call)

Present: Mark Jones, Don, Tyler Sang, Mandy Johnson

(Experienced technical difficulties with conference call. Some were unable to dial in.)

Tyler received tax info from Ken, will forward to Don (who is with JC Higgins).

Tyler reviewed JC Higgins’ contract, asked Don for a couple of clauses to be written in. Per CC&Rs, if we hire a property management company, there must be a termination clause allowing us to terminate in 30 days (in order for the contract to be valid, this provision must be written in). Don will add this clause to the contract. Also per CC&Rs, we need a clause that states the HOA will not be held liable for actions done by the property manager. Don will check on this but thinks it will be okay.

Tyler asked Don if she could see a budget/expenses from a similar-sized development for comparison. Don said he can arrange that.

Hope to approve and sign a contract ASAP. Don will have budget and info to Tyler tomorrow. Possible meeting next Monday or Tuesday.

Discussed a couple of landscape bids that we can't afford.

Gate: Higgins doesn’t provide gate services. Most gated developments will have a homeowner volunteer to take care of the programming. There is a man in Orting who programs gates for a cost. For now, Mandy will continue to manage the programming (for Phases 1 and 2) on a volunteer basis. Did not discuss who would program Phase 3.

Mark mentioned that bills will start coming in, so it’s important to get signed with Higgins soon so we can begin collecting dues. Mark will put an introductory letter together, letting neighbors know that dues are coming. Board would like to see the letter prior to it being sent. Don has an example letter which he will send to Mark.

Mandy will provide Mark with the master gate list (which contains names and addresses) for mailing purposes.

Meeting adjourned.