F.Y.I. The Newsletter of Edgewood Townehouse Association
PO Box 5424, Eugene, OR 97405March 15, 2008
Important Dates:
Next Board Meeting: Tues, April 8, 7 PM
General Membership Meeting: Tues, April 22, 7:30 pm
Hospitality Activities:
Game Night: Sun. March 16, 7 pm
Monthly Potluck: Sun, April 6, 5 pm
By-the-Brook Book Group: Wed, April 9, 2 pm
Saturday Morning Social: April 12, 10:30 am
Contents:
Board Messages
Association News
Board Minutes March 1 & 11
Monthly Expense Report [omitted]
2007 Financial Summary [omitted]
Manager's Report
Committee Reports: Grounds; Property Management; Brae Burn Creek
FEMA Smoke Alarm infoEditor: Gloria Gehrman
A message from your Board of Directors:
Hello Neighbors,
Daylight savings time is here. The calendar and the weather are encouraging us to look forward to a variety of projects inside and outside our homes.Be sure to read the Grounds Committee's report on what's coming up with our new groundskeepers. Thanks for our volunteers' persistence in the beautification of our entire property.
Daylight Savings Time is also a good time to test your smoke detectors. For current information about ionization, photoelectric, and dual sensor alarms, see the FEMA brochure inside.
We are all probably looking around for what our next home project will be. A reminder that anything altering the exteriors of our townhouses needs to be cleared with the Architecture/Building Committee. Please make your request in writing in a timely fashion before having any work scheduled/started. Since we still do not have a chairperson for our Architecture/Building Committee, this can be addressed to the Board through the Clubhouse mail slot or via email to our President, Nick Musgrave.
Spring also means dreaming of the azure blue of our swimming pool. Nancy Callaghan needs a person/persons to co-chair both the Pool and the Clubhouse committees with her.
If you are interested in any of these committee assignments, please contact our Nominating Committee Chair, Clara Nistler.
Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for April. With the Board and committees working through some complicated issues affecting all of us, we encourage everyone to mark their calendars for April 22, 7:30 pm.
Association NewsInsurance issues:
If you're a condo owner you're a homeowner so you need a homeowner's insurance policy. However, you need to make sure your policy is well-integrated with the insurance carried by your condo association.Condo association's insurance: In general, the condo association's policy will cover the building's structure, up to the primer coats of paint on the wall, ceilings, and the bare wooden floors. Individual condo owner's insurance: You must insure anything from there. Therefore, you should have a comprehensive replacement policy that covers not only your personal belongings but also your woodwork, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and wall coverings.
Game Night:
The first monthly ETA Game Night will be held on Sunday March 16, 7 PM, in our Clubhouse.
Anyone for a game of Ping Pong? Scrabble? Pinochle? Bring your favorite card or board game for a fun evening with your neighbors.
Also mark your calendars: Potluck, 1st Sunday, 5 PM; Games, 3rd Sunday, 7 PM. For more information on these events, call organizer Toni Horodysky.From the Grounds Committee:
Squirrel Nutkin
Our grounds are home to a number of healthy, cute squirrel families. Our arborists suggest that we watch and admire them but do not feed them. Feeding produces over population and scarcity of food. Squirrels then start girdling the trees in search of food -- this kills the trees. The same thing happens if you feed the squirrels and then move or go on vacation and their food supply is interrupted. Thanks for abiding by the arborists' suggestion.Spring Patio Cleanup
Do you have several bags of yard debris that need to be hauled off? For a flat fee of $25, Sanipac will pick up bagged yard debris on a Tuesday or Thursday. Call 736-3600 for pickup and further information. (Thanks, Bev Bearisto, for sharing this information.)Schedule change
TruGreen now will be tending our landscapery on Monday and Tuesday.To Drain--or Not:
With the changes made over the years to our patios, it has been discovered that some drains have been buried, or otherwise become nonfunctional. There are also some patios that do not appear to have drains. If you have an excessive amount of water pooling on your patio, moss growth, or similar patio problems, please contact Wayne for suggestions.Changes to Community Resources Directory:
[omitted]
EDGEWOOD TOWNEHOUSE ASSOCIATION
Special Meeting of the Board of Directors
March 1, 2008The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by President Nick Musgrave. This special meeting of the ETA Board of Directors was called by the President as authorized by Section 2, Article VII, ByLaws of the Edgewood Townehouse Association. Written notice of this special meeting was timely provided each board member as required. A notice was posted on the Association bulletin board in the clubhouse to notify the membership as required.
Those in attendance were Board Members Nick Musgrave, Bev Behrman, Russ Fryburg, Larry Hilliard, Barbara Kensler and Gwen Acker. Others present were: Michael Landes (having recused himself as a Board Member for this issue), Nancy Callaghan, Clara Nistler, Linda Johnson, Emma Williams, Alma Mastrogiovanni, Dixie Mauer-Clemons, and Toni Horodysky.
The sole purpose of this meeting was limited to responding to the written request of the homeowners of [ ], Nancy Callaghan and Michael Landes, dated November 12, 2007. The subject of the request is: Failed exterior siding and resulting mold growth inside of wall at [ ]. The wall in question is a shared wall between their kitchen and their neighbor's patio. The fourth paragraph of the letter states: "Please give us written response to this request for a meeting to discuss these issues. We look forward to working out an agreement that is fair to both ETA and to us as homeowners." A written response was provided the homeowners on February 13, 2008. This special meeting was scheduled at that time.
Copies of the homeowners request have been provided to all board members.
The chair recognized the homeowners at [ ]. They explained the sequence of events that they believe need to occur in the solution of this problem. They are: (1) Tear out phase, i.e. to remove siding and all layers between the T-1 11 siding to and including sheetrock on the interior of their home. This will include siding, sound walls and insulation as well as sheetrock. (2) Mold removal in a manner to be determined by what is found after Number 1 has been completed. (3) Replacement of elements in Number 1 as well as Tyvek wrap, which is now a building requirement.
Homeowners are offering to pay to replace the sheetrock, texture it and paint it, although they do not believe they have responsibility for any of the problem.
After homeowners present were given the opportunity to have two minutes each to discuss their views on the issue, the motion was made by Bev Behrman and seconded by Russ Fryburg as follows: The Board accepts for ETA the responsibility to replace damaged T-1 11 siding and to determine further extent of responsibility after the insurance agents for ETA and for the homeowners have been contacted and the issue has been vetted. The motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 2 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gwen Acker
Secretary
EDGEWOOD TOWNEHOUSE ASSOCIATION
Meeting of the Board of Directors
March 11, 2008The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Nick Musgrave. Those present included Board Members Nick Musgrave, Bev Behrman, Doug Cone, Russ Fryburg, Michael Landes, Larry Hilliard, Barbara Kensler, Gloria Gehrman and Gwen Acker. Also in attendance were Maryls Jefferies, Dixie Mauer-Clemons, Toni Horodysky, Helen Liguori and Nancy Callaghan.
Manager's Report: Wayne Baker presented and answered questions about the Manager's Report (copy attached). Wayne yielded the floor to Marlys Jefferies to make her request regarding the unfinished exterior work on her unit.
Minutes of Previous Board Meetings: The minutes of the February 12, 2008 meeting were approved as previously printed in the FYI. The minutes of the Special Meeting of March 1, 2008 were read and approved as read.
Committee Reports: Copies of reports received from the Grounds Committee and Brae Burn Creek Committee are attached.
Treasurer's Report: No report was presented. It will appear in the March FYI. Notification was made that the Treasurer's Assistant, Barbara Greenley is in the hospital. Bev Behrman will send her flowers.
Old Business: After Michael Landes again recused himself, the matter of repair of the moisture damage at 185 Westbrook Way was addressed. Larry Hilliard made the following motion: The Edgewood Townehouse Association (ETA) agrees to pay for, at a minimum the replacement of the exterior wall between units [ ] and [ ] in response to documentation provided by the owners of [ ], dated 2/25/2008. The exterior wall is defined as the area between the primer coats of the interior wall (but not including the interior paint) and the exterior paint on the T-1 11 siding (to include the exterior paint). Any additional financial responsibility assumed by the ETA, if any will be determined only after a cause for the problem has been determined (to include the role played by a garden planter in the patio of unit [ ]) and after consultation with appropriate legal counsel. Bev Behrman seconded the motion and the motion was carried. Russ Fryburg and Doug Cone will act as liaisons for the Board, reporting to the Board, during the completion of the work.
Barbara Kensler reported on the Sub-Committee on the Management Company. Arrangements have been made to interview two companies. Jennings Management Company of Eugene will be interviewed at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008. Community Management, Inc. will be interviewed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. Board members are invited to come and listen at these meetings, but not to participate in the interviews.
Toni Horodysky reported that a representative for Smith & Crakes Insurance Co. toured ETA property and will submit a proposal for insuring the property.
New Business: Bev Behrman brought up the issue of checking smoke detectors. This is done by most HOA as a fire in one unit can easily cause damage and injury in other units. Bev Behrman made the motion that Wayne Baker personally check smoke detectors in each unit, after notification to the resident. Checking to begin in June 2008 and continue until completed. The motion was seconded and carried.
Bev Behrman asked about spraying for sugar ants around the exterior of buildings. Sugar ants infestation on the interior of units is the responsibility of homeowners but difficult to control unless the exterior is sprayed. Information was given that if a group of homeowners choose to have their units sprayed that it will be less expensive than if it is done individually. Homeowners interested should contact Bev.
Larry Hilliard moved that at the beginning of each meeting home-owners in attendance be given the opportunity to address the Board regarding issues of concern, with each homeowner limited to three minutes. Russ Fryburg seconded the motion and the motion was carried. This practice will begin at the April meeting.
If a matter is to appear on the agenda, President Nick Musgrave needs a letter so stating a week prior to the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gwen Acker, Secretary
EDGEWOOD TOWNEHOUSES FACILITY MANAGER REPORT
March 11, 2008I Updates & Progress
A. Repair and replacement of Sump pump underway, Completed Feb.l4th.
B. Action requested repairs to [ ], chimney, and patio walls; Mrs. Jefferies will make presentation pleading her case tonight.
C. Patch repair to hole in walkway in front of #8WW, at water meter. (Mike Fleming)
D. Creek Area, Berry and other ground foliage pruning and poisoning continue.
E. Solar Pool Heater, Dixie Mauer-Clemons has a minor breakdown in communication, and will have more information after return from California.
II. On Going
1. Pressure washing walks Westbrook Way finishing #27 - #67WW.
2. Many calls for building repairs need Chairperson to assist, and authorize repairs as interpreted by The ETA Board.
3. Re-treatment of Moss Killer to roofs underway, by Stars and Stripes 7 not completely covered, wash down incomplete.
4. Owner ALERT! Several patio drains are covered and blocked. Owners, please to check, and take the proper steps to clear and repair as needed.
5. "Prevent Maintenance Programs" suggestions.
a) Roof and vent inspection this year and every 3-5 years thereafter.
b) Driveway, and parking areas inspection and patch as needed.
c) Patch and repair walkways and sidewalks project, repair a few monthly.
d) Summer painting and T1-11 repair and replacement (committee).
e) Quarterly roof cleaning @ #136,140,148,152,170,186,190,19SBB &
#2,11,11,35,67,71,87,117,136,139,159,161,173,WW.
Some Work request answered or task Highlights in February, and Early March.
Monthly cleaning of the Club house and exterior as needed (detail list forth coming).
Moss treatment on walkways, where needed
Inspected Dry rot possible problems - Clubhouse, repair hand rail N. end, #70, 80,124,190 &198 BB, #173 WW.
Gutter damage and replacement @ #20 BB. Leak @ 143WW, repair in process.
Patio Drainage problems, #109,133&141WW.
Weekly cleaning of Clubhouse restrooms.
New crack to front porch @133WW
Day and evening walks to check general condition of Buildings and Grounds.
Mailbox damage repair and response as needed.
Ground water problem, #140&160 WW, Working with Cemetery to resolve constant flow.
Work requests, February to date written and phone 42.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wayne Baker-ETA Facility Manager
MARCH GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT
The main intent of the Grounds Committee these past few months has been to improve the overall look of the entire ETA property. We have focused on creating solid working relationships with our new contractors as well as facilitating communications with Wayne Baker & the Board Members. We appreciate Gloria Gehrman's Board liaison position since this has streamlined our line of contact. We also salute Wayne for his tireless efforts & ability to step in & work with our contractors & ETA members.
- TruGreen/Landscaping: The TruGreen crew has focused on clearing out areas of unwanted debris & vegetation. The majority of this work has centered on the Brae Burn creek side. The crew is learning the ins & outs of our 12 acre property. They have been very responsive to our requests for clearing driveway/parking areas & overall landscape maintenance.
- Irrigation: Jarle Stenersen of TruGreen, Wayne Baker, Joan Fulton & Susan Smith met on February 28th to discuss irrigation & drainage issues, landscape plantings & the overall aesthetics of the property. Jarle Stenersen & Wayne are working on testing the irrigation & performing necessary repairs.
- Crane Fly & Moss Treatment: The moss & crane fly treatment will commence in the next few weeks. The initial cost is $252 & has been approved. Residents will notice the moss turning black. The lawn will be reseeded & new growth will be noticeable by late spring. There will be additional costs associated with grass seed, etc & these will be budgeted for.
- Bark Mulch: Jarle Stenersen will be providing the ETA with a bid for bark mulch. It is highly recommended that we do bark mulch to control weeds & also to protect & return nutrients to the soil. Prior to the application of the bark mulch TruGreen will apply a non emergent weed spray. It is non toxic & water/animal neutral.
- Vegetation from the Creek/Removal: TruGreen has agreed to pick up the pruning & vegetation piles from the work Wayne is performing in the Creek area. Wayne had several piles that were picked up in February. The cost was $185. This was approved by the Board.
- Clear View/Arborists: The arborists (Dave & Deanne DeVore) have already started the rhodie/azalea & tree prunings & will continue throughout the spring.
- Homeowner Requests for Work: Joan Fulton is providing Clear View with a list of homeowner requests for pruning, tree removal, etc. We are asking that Clear View present an estimate for the work to be performed prior to approving.
- Homeowner Requests for Plantings: Requests for plants will need to be addressed after irrigation has been tested & necessary repairs are made. The budget will need to be reviewed for available funds to meet homeowners requests
Respectfully Submitted,
Joan Fulton, Grounds Committee Co-Chair
Property Management Subcommittee - March 11, 2008
The Property Management subcommittee of the ETA Board; (Bev Behrman, Doug Cone, Barbara Kensler, Michael Landes, Helen Ligouri, Clara Nistler, and Toni Horodysky), are investigating Property Management companies. They are learning which ones have specific expertise in Home Owner Association management, rather than just rental management; what services are provided; which ones are able to service us in Eugene; and how much they all cost.
Once all information has been gathered, and thoroughly evaluated, the conclusions will be presented to the Board with a recommendation regarding which company the subcommittee thinks might be able to provide the best expertise and services to us.
With Board approval, that company will give a presentation to all homeowners. At that time homeowners will be able to ask questions. At another time, there will be an opportunity for all homeowners to vote on whether they think we should contract with that management company.
Respectfully submitted,
Toni Horodysky
Brae Burn Creek Project Committee Report, March 11, 2008During winter storm events, a small slump area developed on the north side of the channel between the clubhouse and the lower bridge. The project and construction managers agree that planting willows along the edge of the stream bed would be a good first step to stabilize that section. This will be done in about a month when planting is completed at the south end of the bridge.
Grant money in the amount of [ ] is pending submission of two more reports.The current BBCP account balance is [ ]
Camilla Pratt
Chair, BBCP Committee
[Phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and street addresses have been removed for privacy reasons.]
Smoke Alarms: What You Need to Know
Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal-so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home. [And your neighbors' homes.-Ed.]What Types of Smoke Alarms Are Available?
There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.
Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.
FEMA publication FA-250F / May 2007
Smoke Alarms: What You Need to Know
Okay, Where Do I Put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the
early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms inside and outside sleeping areas.Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Where Would I Get Smoke Alarms?
Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in
your community, call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install?
If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements.For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed.
For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions because there are differences between the various brands.
If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?
If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:1) Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
2) in standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
3) In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced both every 8-10 years.
What if the Alarm Goes Off While I'm Cooking?
Then it's doing its job, Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a "hush" button that silences nuisance alarms.How Long will my Smoke Alarm Last?
Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard-wired." This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.
The U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.
- Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
- Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
- Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.
Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency phone number if you need help or have questions about fire safety in your home.
Additional Resources
For more information on smoke alarms, please visit the
USFA Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/ citizens/For more information or copies of this publication, please contact:
FEMA Department of Homeland Security / US. Fire Administration
16825 South Seton Avenue / Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727
800-561-3356 / wwwusfa.dhs.gov