August 2015 Newsletter of Edgewood Townehouse Association, Eugene, Oregon

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

August 2015

Next Regular Board Meeting: September 8, 2015, 6.30pm

Next HOA Quarter Meeting: Tuesday October 27, 2015, 7 PM

(Notices of any special board meetings are posted in the Clubhouse 3 days before date of meeting per ByLaws)

By-The-Brook Book Group: Wednesday September 9, 2PM

Tuesday Afternoon Teatime:No Meeting in September

Contents:
Message from the HOA Board
Revised Rules, Guidelines, Information
Board Business Meeting Minutes August 11, 2015

Reports

Website
Treasurer
Announcements
Facilities Report
Monthly Banking Activities (Omitted)

Editor: Vera Entwistle

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD August 2015
To Preserve, Restore, and Maintain
It is interesting to ponder the spectrum of laws, regulations, policies, and rules that give structure to the relationships between people. Laws guide our conduct and organize our relationships. Laws also authorize enforcement of the laws by a controlling body. Compliance with the laws, when followed, assures general obedience by the members and sustains order and peace.
An example of laws that most of us ascribe to are federal laws, state laws, county laws, municipal laws, and of course, our Association’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR), followed by our By-Laws, and last our Association rules.

One of the three goals the Board identified this Fiscal Year to address was the review, reassessment, and/or revision the Association rules that govern our relationships and peaceful enjoyment of our community. Whereas our CCR are the most durable, legally binding rules that govern us, requiring a super-majority of our membership to change or amend, our Association rules are changeable and revisable through resolution, or a simple vote, by a majority of the Board of Directors.

Each month, for the past four months, the Board has been systematically reviewing all of our Association rules. We sought to pursue this review and reassessment because over the life time of our Association societal, cultural, and technology changes occurred, making some rules either: 1) no longer applicable, requiring revision or complete discard; or 2) new rules to manage the changes and challenges of current affairs.

As we move through the process, the Board is keenly aware of its fiducial responsibilities in the governance of our Association. Our goal is to be respectful, reasonable, and diligent to this task, while serving the best interests of all homeowners. We will be posting these revised Association rules on our website www.edgewoodhoa.org and including them in a new forthcoming welcome packet and homeowner guide. As you will see, the Board has organized its work into three groupings: Rules, Guidelines, and Information.

Below are the first five of eleven reviewed, reassessed, and revised Association Rules, Guidelines, and Information.

1. Assessment Due Date and Penalty Fee Schedule Resolution (Revised August 11, 2015)

Home Owner Dues (HODs) are due on the (first) day of the month. If HODs are not received by the first day of the following month, the HODs will be declared delinquent, and a penalty fee of 7% or $20 will be assessed for that month and each additional month of delinquent amount due.

Homeowners with extenuating circumstances may petition the Board for a waiver of the penalty fee.

2. Common Grounds Rule (Revised August 11, 2015)

The association is responsible for all grounds maintenance: trees, shrubs, lawns, hardscapes, and softscapes in all common areas. Plants growing in the patio area of each unit are the responsibility of the homeowner.

3. Rules for Roadway and Walkway Areas (Revised August 11, 2015)

The speed limit on Westbrook Way and on all driveways is 15 miles per hour. Rollerblading, scootering, skating, and skateboarding are prohibited on common property. Walkways are for pedestrian use only. Riding bicycles on walkways is prohibited. Bicycles must be "walked" on walkways.

4. Porch and Deck Guidelines (Revised August 11, 2015)

Edgewood Townehouses are set in a private park, which is reserved for the exclusive use and enjoyment of owners, their families, and guests.

1. Front door entryways and/or balconies are common property, please decorate accordingly.
2. Owners may not alter the front door entryway and/or balcony surfaces using tile, glued carpet, or paint.
3. Owners may fly only the American flag.

If you have any question about the suitability of an item you are considering placing at your front door entryway and/or balcony, please contact the Director of Facilities

5. Master Insurance Policy Information
Edgewood Townehouse Association

Disclaimer Statement: The information contained herein is specific to the Edgewood Townehouse Association (ETA). Each event of property damage is unique. It is highly recommended that you speak with your insurance agent for specifics regarding your personal circumstances and homeowner insurance needs. ETA’s insurance Master Policy is provided by State Farm Insurance.

ASSOCIATION COVERAGE – WHAT IS INCLUDED?

The Edgewood Townehouse Association’s policy is categorized as Condo Insurance.

The policy is known as the primary or Master Policy.

The Master Policy covers replacement and restoration of all structural elements and building systems in the event of any sudden and accidental direct physical loss (natural, accidental human act, or deliberate human act) event.

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS – WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Roofs, rafters, siding, interior and exterior framework, foundations, drywall, stairs, handrails, flooring, attached floor covers, decks, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, windows, doors, cabinets, counters, built-in appliances, stove, oven, range, refrigerator, washer, and dryer.

BUILDING SYSTEMS – WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Plumbing systems: water supply lines, hot water heaters, waste disposal lines, ventilation lines, natural gas lines.

Electrical systems: all utility panels, breakers, conductors, switches, receptacles, hardwired fixtures, hardwired appliances, early warning systems, alarms, and security controls.

The Master Policy’s coverage extends to all buildings including clubhouse, pool and detached garages.

The Master Policy covers replacement costs of existing features – like-for-like quality replacement.

MEDICAL COVERAGE – WHAT IS INCLUDED?

The Master Policy only covers personal injury that occurs on common ground areas.

The Master Policy only covers visitors and guests.

ASSOCIATION MASTER POLICY EXCLUSIONS

All personal property and possessions are excluded from the Master Policy; and personal injury to residents is excluded from the master policy.

Clothes, shoes, jewelry, artwork, computers, furniture, rugs, prescriptions, medicines, food products, small appliances, family photo, camping equipment are excluded from the Master Policy.

ETA homeowners and all of their household members are excluded from medical coverage under the Master Policy.

Relocation expenses for motels, hotels, rental units, and vehicle rentals are excluded from the Master Policy.

Day-to-day living expenses are excluded from the Master Policy.

DEDUCTIBLES

In all cases of sudden accidental events, ETA pays the $10,000 deductible.

In cases where the homeowner’s negligence is the cause of damage, ETA pays the $10,000 deductible.

If a homeowner is found negligent after a sudden or accidental event of damage, or commits a deliberate act of damage, ETA’s Insurance Provider will seek payment for damages directly from the party responsible for the damage.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Each homeowner should have their own Unit Owner Condo Policy insurance policy for their own townhouse structure.

Each homeowner should have their own personal Unit Owner Condo Policy property and liability insurance.

Each homeowner should have a townhouse or condo insurance policy to protect themselves from legal and/or financial losses in the event that they are the source of a sudden and accidental event that damages another homeowner’s property or the Association’s property.

Each homeowner should have their own Unit Owner townhouse or condo insurance that offers them temporary shelter costs, clothes replacement costs, and day-to-day living expenses in the event of a loss of their townhouse due to a sudden or accidental event.

thank you all for your support in the management of our Edgewood Townehouse Association

Robert Bruce Trafton, President, Edgewood Townehouse Association ( )

EDGEWOOD TOWNHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BUSINESS MEETING
Preserve – Restore – Maintain
August 11, 2015

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were: Bruce Trafton, Jolene Baron, Michele Coney, Brian Entwistle, Linda Johnson, Michael Maulding, Don Pasquali, Jennifer Smith, and JoAnn Wilson. Also present was Frank Gaddini, ETA Director of Operations and Facilities.

Approval of Minutes: The Board approved and accepted the minutes of July 14, 2015.

Standing Reports:

Facility Report: Written report submitted

Treasurers Report: Written report submitted

Website Coordinator: Written report submitted

Clubhouse Coordinator: Written report submitted

Swimming Pool – Written report submitted

Welcome Coordinator: Report pending

Hospitality Coordinator: Written report submitted

Old Business:

ADA Review for Clubhouse Accessibility: Update pending

Rule Review: The Board reviewed and finalized the following: Porch and Deck Guidelines, Common Grounds Policy, Roadway and Walkway Area Rules, ETA Insurance Information, and Assessment Due Date and Penalty Fee Schedule. They will be published in the next FYI and posted on the ETA website. The Grievance Committee Procedure will be considered at the next business meeting.

Continuing Discussion of Home Businesses in the Association: Per attorney review, there is no restrictive language in the recorded CC&Rs regarding home businesses.

Update on Gate at Westbrook Way and Brookside Drive: ETA Director of Operations and Facilities met with the contractor about the needed repair work. It will be completed in the next several weeks. In the meantime, the gates will be left open.

Invasive Vegetation Update: ETA Director of Operations and Facilities provided information on the current highly limited use of Round-Up on ETA’s uncultivated areas which are scattered around our site. The Board agreed that a homeowner-suggested alternative to Round-Up that is less environmentally impactful should be tried and its effectiveness evaluated.

New Business:

Waiver: 148 Brae Burn request to remove the existing air conditioner, covering the exterior “hole” with T1-11 siding, was approved. Exterior repair is the responsibility of the Association; interior repair is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Continuing Education Topic: Postponed until the next business meeting

Review of Certificate of Deposit: The Board agreed to put the funds in the Money Market until January when interest rates are anticipated to rise.

Announcements:

The next Board of Directors Business Meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at 6:30 PM in the Clubhouse.

The next Quarterly Open-Forum Meeting: Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 7:00 PM in the Clubhouse.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM

ETA Secretary,
JoAnn Wilson

Third Quarterly Meeting
Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The open-forum meeting convened at 7:05 PM and President Bruce Trafton greeted the 22 homeowners in attendance. After a quick overview of the Association’s current activities and goals, Mr. Trafton invited the homeowners to offer comments or ask any questions they might have.

A homeowner read a letter of concern about the operation of home businesses in the ETA community. The letter pointed out that most homeowners purchased their home here as their primary residence and have an expectation of peaceful enjoyment of their premises as a residential community. Mr. Trafton responded that the Board is currently reviewing the matter of home businesses. Next, two homeowners expressed concerns regarding long-term parking, guest parking, skateboarding, and enforcement of pool rules.

A homeowner read a poem by the well-known Oregon poet William Stafford to emphasize her point about the importance of working in the community on the matter of herbicide and pesticide use on the grounds. One homeowner asked what products are used on the lawns and the answer was very little fertilizer, but seasonal moss control products are used.

Another homeowner encouraged the use of more volunteers to perform simple grounds work, and expressed appreciation for the current use of volunteers. A homeowner commented that we need to begin plans to focus on roof repairs considering the current age of the roofs, also noting that, in general, all maintenance is being well managed.

Last, an owner inquired why heat pump units must be placed in patio areas and not in the front of townhomes. The response was to ensure a park-like vista. not an industrial vista.

After all comments, concerns, and questions were exhausted, Mr. Trafton adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM and refreshments were served.

ETA Secretary,
JoAnn Wilson ( )

Treasurer’s Report
July was again a very busy month for payments of the prior month's completed capital improvements as was as our routine spring and summer expenses. This pattern should continue for two - three more months. By autumn many of the summer time expenses are reduced and most of this year's capital improvements will have been completed. With reduced monthly overall expenditures we are than able to replenish our capital improvements funds in anticipation of next year's cycle of capital improvements and major maintenance. Members questions are always welcome.

Michele Coney, ETA Treasurer

Announcement re Teatime
Please note there will be no meeting in September

Edgewood Townehouse Association Website, July 2015
Toni Horodysky ( )
Our website, www.edgewoodhoa.org, had 68 visitors who looked at 126 pages during the period July 12 to August 9, 2015.

Pool Report

At this date 61 home owners have signed the “Pool Rules” agreement and 636 people have signed-in to use the pool.

Angie Call, Pool Coordinator ( )

Welcoming Committee Report

Eric Bever and Jill Seale arrived from Cape Canaveral about a year ago, when Jill was hired by the State Department of Environmental Quality and Eric took a job at the University.

After living in Indiana and New York before their time in Florida, they seem to be very happy here in Oregon, and particularly in the “park like setting,” of Edgewood Townhouses. They were busy painting the kitchen and bath when I stopped by. With hot weather arriving again next week they are very happy to have their ductless heat and air system. The floor plan suits Franklin and Peanut (the family dogs) just fine. They love their patio view downstairs when Jill and Eric are at work.

Alison McNair

OUR NEIGHBORS #3 – PROFESSIONAL ARTIST ALISON McNAIR

I would love to call myself a third generation Oregonian, my mother and her mother Flora, were both born in Ashland, and my great grandmother came west in the late 1800’s from Wisconsin to settle on the Rogue River, but I was born in Marin County, California, just a few miles across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

I have never aspired to any profession other than the visual arts, and began my mural painting career at age 4 when I drew with crayons and pasted magazine pictures on all of my bedroom walls. Bless my mother, she acquired butcher paper and covered the walls for me so that I could continue “my studies.”

During my career as an artist I have painted many murals, including one reaching 22’ high and 100’ long, (created while mentoring students from three high schools) standing on scaffolding 18’ above the ground. It was one of two public commissions that were on the recent mural tour in Springfield.

I studied visual arts at the University of Oregon and had my first one-person show in the Jacobs Gallery at the Hult Center in 1986. I understand that bringing the creative process to people of all ages and circumstances whether they are hospital patients, homeless families, prison inmates or classroom children is a personal calling for me. I believe in the power of art to integrate multiple intelligences, heal physical and physiological traumas, build communities and mend broken hearts.
I am artist in residence for one of three U of O early childhood lab schools. For the past twelve years I have worked to integrate art into early childhood curriculum and train student staff to do the same.

I have lived at Edgewood for the past year and a half with my partner Jamie, and our two cats Jamocha and Denzel.

Previously featured neighbors were Poet: Ralph Salisbury and Musician: Larry Kenton. If you know of someone to feature please send their name to ( )

July 2015 Facilities and Operations Report
Frank L. Gaddini

July of 2015 was an extraordinarily busy month in the management of the facilities. During the month we recorded one-hundred-seventeen (117) discreet maintenance jobs. Since the beginning of the year and through June 30th, we have completed 687 maintenance and major restoration jobs. During the month we saw temperatures regularly climb in the high 90s and even top over 100 degrees.

The lion’s share of our work focused on grounds projects. We excavated failing irrigation lines along the North Bank upgrading and installing approximately 120 feet of new irrigation line and approximately twenty-six (26) new high efficiency sprinklers.   Our newly rebuilt irrigation zone uses thirty-five percent (35%) less water. In fact, all of the irrigation zones we upgrade achieve the same measure of water conservation. This season, with the specter of draught and the need to conserve water, we continue with our plan to upgrade approximately 400 more feet of irrigation line and sprinklers.

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

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