F.Y.I. The Newsletter of Edgewood Townehouse Association
PO Box 5424, Eugene, OR 97405

February 14, 2009

Important Dates:

Next Regular Board Meeting: Tues, March 10, 7 pm
(Notices of any special board meetings are posted in the Clubhouse 3 days before date of meeting per Bylaws)

Hospitality Activities:

Saturday Morning Social: March 14, 10:30 am
By-the-Brook Book Group: Wed, March 11, 2 pm
Next Potluck: Sun, May 3, 5 pm

Contents:

Board News
Board Minutes: Jan. 27, Feb. 10
Reports: Grounds; Building; Manager
Work Order form [omitted]
Banking Activity [omitted]

FYI Info:
Editor: Gloria Gehrman


Association News

Revised Assessment passes:

As you will have seen in the minutes of the special election, delivered to you after the January 27 meeting, the vote on the revised assessment passed. Come March 1, your monthly payment to Edgewood Townehouse Association will be $240, continuing on through 2009.

The Board thanks the entire community for their support of efforts to maintain our commonly-owned property for the benefit of our mutual property values, the wonderful park-like atmosphere that drew us here, and the sense of the whole of our community.

Delinquent Assessments:
In the last issue of the FYI, a change in the handling of overdue monthly assessments was printed, to take effect March 1, 2009. This restates that monthly assessments are due the first of each month. If a homeowner becomes delinquent, a fee will be charged per month and additional measures may be imposed. Any waivers require prior Board approval. Most of us pay our obligation on time, so this won’t apply to us. However, if you have any questions about implementation, please call President Nick Musgrave.

Email and roster changes:
The roster appearing in the January FYI had several email changes from the last published list. These changes may not be updated on the distributed emails that have been sent out in the last month. Please check these names if you need to piggyback on any of those recent emails:
[omitted]
Please update your ETA roster with this current Board information:

ETA Board of Directors

Gwen Acker
Eaton Conant
Nick Musgrave
Toni Horodysky
Susan Klein
Doug Cone
Jon Joseph
Russ Fryburg
Bruce Trafton


EDGEWOOD TOWNEHOUSE ASSOCIATION
General Membership Meeting
January 27, 2009

At 7:40 p.m. the General Meeting was called to order by President Nick Musgrave. New Board members were noted and/or introduced. Nick will be President, Bruce Trafton will be vice-president and Eaton Conant will be a Board Member. Bev Behrman has resigned from the Board, leaving one vacancy which hopefully will be filled by the time of the next Board meeting on February 10, 2009.

Manager's Report: Frank Bocci advised that he and his crew have now completed the work on 70 Brae Burn. Smaller repairs and homeowner requests will be taken up in the coming weeks.

Minutes of the October 28, 2008 General Meeting: Upon motion of Russ Fryburg and second by Colin Call, these minutes were approved as previously published in the FYI.

Treasurer's Report: Doug Cone advised that careful scrutiny is being made of all bills presented for payment. The year end report will be published in the FYI.

Committee Reports:
Grounds Committee:
Bruce Trafton reported on the progress which is being made to make our grounds more environmentally friendly and to decrease the use of water. He reported that he, Nick and Toni Horodysky will be going through all work orders and prioritizing them for attention by Frank and his crew. Bruce asks that, except in emergencies, all calls regarding our grounds be referred to him. He does not mind telephone calls. Questions regarding buildings should be directed to Toni Horodysky, by work-order, e-mail or telephone.

Buildings Committee: Toni Horodysky thanked members for their vote on the Monthly Assessment and described the siding replacement and painting which will occur the summer of 2009. She advised that there will be no driveway repair this year.

Pool and Clubhouse Committees: Nancy Callaghan reported that use of the clubhouse is going smoothly. The pool will be addressed at the appropriate time. She mentioned the poor condition of much of the pool furniture.

Neighborhood Watch Committee: Ellen Ching reported that she is in the process of producing a new master list of vehicles. Residents are reminded that when a new vehicle is purchased that information and license number should be reported to the Neighborhood Watch member in their area. This is especially important when vehicles appear on our grounds which do not belong.

Telephone Committee: Helen Liguori noted the members of her committee which includes Lee Benton-Williams, Pat Musgrave, Barbara Kensler, Steve and Jane Walsh, Alma Mastrogiovanni and Joann Hale.

Hospitality Committee: Toni Horodysky mentioned that we have a new resident in ( ) WW, Larry Kenton, who is presently in Los Angeles working on music for the Academy Awards.

Unfinished Business:
Toni Horodysky explained what is on our website, which she has developed and maintains. The website address is www.edgewoodhoa.org

New Business:
Helen Liguori requested that there be made a snow procedure, to be published seasonally, just as swimming pool procedures are published. She has given to Gwen Acker a letter from Eugene Public Works which details our responsibility for snow removal. This will be discussed further at a Board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Gwen Acker
Secretary


EDGEWOOD TOWNEHOUSE ASSOCIATION
Meeting of the Board of Directors
February 10, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Nick Musgrave. Those present included Board Members Nick Musgrave, Russ Fryburg, Jon Joseph, Gwen Acker, Eaton Conant, Bruce Trafton, Toni Horodysky and Doug Cone. Gloria Gehrman, Camilla Pratt and Frank Bocci were also in attendance.

Jon Joseph moved and Russ Fryburg seconded the appointment of Susan Klein as a new Board member. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Resident Forum: There were no requests to be heard by residents.

Minutes of January 13, 2009 Board Meeting: There being no objections, and upon motion of Jon Joseph and second by Russ Fryburg, the minutes were approved as previously published in the FYI.

Treasurer's Report: Doug Cone noted that all but two residents have paid the $500 special assessment. Several residents are behind on the Monthly Assessment. Jon Joseph moved and Toni Horodysky seconded the motion that when a resident falls 45 days past due on the assessment, a lien will be filed on their property. The motion carried. Frank Bocci will prepare the paperwork. A copy is attached.

Manager's Report: Frank Bocci advised that we will be under budget on the Grounds and Buildings budget and over budget on Wages. This is because Frank and his crew have been doing work in the Grounds and Building areas. Frank will be checking into the needs for painting and replacement of siding in courtyard areas of each unit. This will be done during the last two weeks of March. Work orders are mostly current.

Committee Reports:
Grounds:
Bruce Trafton had previously provided members with a written report. A copy is attached.

Building: Toni Horodysky provided a written report. A copy is attached. Toni discussed the need to refurbish some front doors. Bruce Trafton moves and Russ Fryburg seconds the motion that when front doors are refurbished, they will be painted rather than varnished. The motion carried. There are already painted doors in the community and paint will last longer.

Hospitality Committee: Toni Horodysky spoke about the first Sunday potlucks. Those who have attended have enjoyed them and other residents are urged to join the fun.

Web Site: Toni Horodysky reported that all FYI's for 2008 are now on the site as well as CC&R's, Rules and Bylaws of the community.

Unfinished Business:
Nick Musgrave provided copies of Oregon Senate Bill 543 presently pending. The Bill contains a requirement that within 90 days of the end of fiscal year all residents be provided with a copy of the annual financial statement; further, that within 180 days that this document be reviewed by an independent certified public accountant. This Bill will be reviewed and further information provided to homeowners.

Nick Musgrave discussed budget requirements regarding funds collected during the 2009 budget year. It was agreed that funds not spent in specific budget areas for Capital Outlay this year must be carried over for use next year in that same budget area, rather than using the funds for another project, i.e. unused funds for bridges cannot be used for upgrades to clubhouse, or other projects.

New Business:
Work being done on the weekends was discussed. No work will be done except in emergencies and then no machinery causing noise will be used.

Our non-profit status is being researched; are we non-profit or not for profit for tax purposes?

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The Board then moved into Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,

Gwen Acker, Secretary


Grounds Committee Report, February 2009
Bruce Trafton, Chair

Dear Board Members,
Since our last report these actions have taken place:

  • Clearview has started their pruning and shaping of azaleas and rhodies from 185 up and around 163. They have also cut out some dead limbs and shaped shrubs. Our direction is to work down from Brookside Dr. towards Willamette St. on both the BB and WW sides.
  • Matt Denberg, from the City of Eugene Urban Forestry Dept [Land use inspector], was on property January 22, 2009. He promised us 45 minutes at the onset but stayed for an hour and a half. He reported that our woodlot looked very good, outlined the city's ordinances and made suggestions regarding several trees to be cut in the future. He also made suggestions for planting mid level nursery stock along the creek, i.e, Red Twig Willows and Vine Maple
  • The grounds committee decided to spruce-up the place a bit with a fresh layer of bark mulch. This process is in progress now. We are using Rexius.
  • This is an especially GOOD year for moss in lawns. We called Jim McKay from Rexius for a bid on moss control and over seeding [grass seed spread where needed]. We could do it, but in our judgment they have the equipment and product. Cost is $38.00 per hour plus travel time and product. We will get together with Jim this week.
  • We are in the process of gathering a number of bids for full landscape companies during February and March. These bids will be put before the Board.

FUTURE:

  • We still plan on using 3-4 year old steer manure-leaf mix sometime in April on selected shrub and plant beds.
  • Jim McKay and Rexius will handle the moss control at a period when the over seeding will germinate soon after the moss kill.
  • Matt Denberg [City Urban Forestry], will be back in early May.
  • Rexius will do their yearly check on our backflow devices [irrigation] in March-April. This is a state law.
  • EWEB's, Jeff Peterson will be here in early July to do an audit on our entire sprinkler system and let us know of their findings. We will make the necessary repairs and adjustments. They will return and check. [free]
  • A final note, Kelly, in the City of Eugene's Permit and Information Center, says E.T.A. does own the S.W. corner of Willamette St. and Brae Burn Dr. I plan a face to face with this department next week.
  • A note of thanks to the entire crew. A Special congratulations to Trevor, Chuck Bowmans' son, who has recently been accepted to the School of Engineering at Oregon State University.

Again, I want to thank you all as we move ahead in these uncertain times.



Building Committee Report, February 2009
Toni Horodysky, Chair

In response to a noise complaint contacted the homeowner at 137 WW asking him to have their heat pump serviced and, if necessary, to have a surround built similar to that at 139 WW (at homeowner expense).

Spoke with real estate listing agent for 70 BB regarding results of the home inspection. was Transmitted information to Frank re clogged gutters and moss on the roof. Explained to agent that ETA is not responsible for bathroom exhaust venting into the attic.

Gave permission for contractor at 175 WW to replace 3/4 inch water line with 1 inch line as now required by code.

Called EWEB on behalf of homeowner at 155 WW to report broken glass in water meter. EWEB replaced the meter that day.

Discussed continuing minor roof leak with homeowner at 124 BB and problem with exterior light switch at 136 BB.



MANAGER'S REPORT -- January 13, 2009-February 10, 2009

Unit 70 repairs to the patio foundation have now been completed, a french drain installed, new framing and siding installed, the pathway lighting restored, the siding and trim painted, the walls faced off. The french drain works very well, and we extracted a root system almost 35 feet from the downspout drainage system to allow the drains to work properly again. The downspout drains are problematic -- a lot of them are under pavement and buildings, and this particular location appears to be the exit point for all the patio downspouts north of unit 70. Adding to the problem is the fact that the drainage piping is thin wall pipe, making it susceptible to damage. Once cracked or broken, roots follow the water and grow unabated in the system. We used heavier schedule 40 as far back as we could to hopefully avoid this problem. However, at every point of excavation, tree roots had moved and broken the irrigation and drainage piping. Some roots were five inches in diameter. Finally, adding to the problem is the fact that about a foot down, the soil is entirely clay, explaining a lot of the surface roots around the property. The clay is, in my opinion, simply so suffocating that roots cannot grow in it. Due to its fine nature and water retention properties, roots can't breathe in it, and therefore go to the more hospitable topsoil.

Unit 124 has had the upper level deck rails replaced to match the theme of the Association, and the trim has now been painted to match. The interior door has been reattached. The south-facing roof ridge air vent at unit 124 has had drip flashing installed to prevent rainwater from coming down the shingles and traveling inside the ceiling.

Unit 2 drainage has been cleared. Again, a lot of root growth appears to have been the cause of gutters and downspouts backing up and overflowing.

Unit 2, 8, 16, 32 and 54 outdoor lighting has been restored. An underground broken wire was causing the system to short out. None of the underground wire appears to be buried 18" deep, as now required.

Units 5 and 9 have had new handrails installed, finished and painted to their entryways.

Vents at unit 167 have been sealed, and hopefully that will solve the leaking roof issue.

The clubhouse has been thoroughly cleaned, including the stove, the microwave, and the refrigerator, and behind the refrigerator. The Clubhouse windows have been cleaned, the interior woodwork cleaned and treated, and the inside high dusted. It is now on a monthly schedule for cleaning.

A word of caution -- last year, we had a cougar at Highlands, and I know the big cats are around because of other sightings in the area. With an abundance of "cat" food, including turkeys and a lot of deer in the area, it doesn't hurt to be aware of your surroundings, especially if traveling along the creek paths at night.

Roof and gutters have now been cleaned and treated for moss at units 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 residences and garages, units 118, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 148, 152, 190, 198 garages, and units 161, 163, 167, 169 and 171 residences and garages. That leaves about 22 residences yet to be done.

Although there are still a few gum trees hanging onto various amounts of leaves, for the most part, the leaf collection is through for the season. Most of the flowerbeds and ivy have had the leaves blown out from them to try to clean up the grounds, and the leaf piles collected and removed.

About 50 yards of bark has been placed along the Clubhouse area and around some residences on the Westbrook side. Those efforts will continue for the remainder of the Westbrook residences for weed and moss control, which should be helpful in keeping landscape costs down for weeding.

I now have a list of gutter and downspout work for units 1, 2, 9, 11, 27, 43, 54,117, 136, 143, 147, 150, 159, 161, 163, 167, 171, 179, 181, 190, 198. If your name is not on the list, and you have a gutter/downspout issue, please let either Toni Horodysky or me know. We'll be starting repairs within the next couple of weeks, and it's much more efficient time and cost wise if we can address all similar issues at one time while we are set up for this specific task as opposed to doing it ad hoc.

The last week of March, first week of April, 2009, we will be inspecting all units for dryrot and related work issues so we can prioritize and organize completion of the repairs in anticipation of being more organized, thorough and efficient in addressing the issues in a more orderly fashion.

Frank E. Bocci, Jr.

[Phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and street addresses have been removed for privacy reasons.]