747 EAST BETHANY HOME ROAD HOMEOWNER'S MEETING

SEPTEMBER 1978

 

 

1. Jim Ehmann discussed landscape maintenance. Included were sprinklers, eucalyptus trees and rear patios.

 

2. Phoenix policemen gave an excellent talk on locks and preventative break-in measures. The track record of our complex is not good in regard to the installation of anti-theft devices. It is my opinion that once everyone does what they can that the repetitive thefts here will end. Most of our break-ins have been through forced entry via a kicked in front door that splinters the door at the lock or the door jam. Reinforcing these two points will help preclude this type of entry. The rear door should have a dead bolt lock that requires a key to unlock the door. Breaking the window doesn't help. Some device installed that will not allow the sliding door to be pushed upward and lifted out of the track also helps. Do read the included booklets.

3. The new Board of Directors until January 1, 1978:

            President                                  Mr. Paul Phillips

4. 

Vice-President                           Mr. Tom Lysaght

            Treasurer                                   Mr. Bill Fletcher

            Communications                        Ms. Donna Moore

            Members                                   Mr. Dave Cronin                        

                                                            Mr. Bruce Johannes

                                                            Mr. Don Bauer              

            Secretary                                  Ms. Becky Johannes

 

4. Committees:

A.      Ceilings/roofs - Bruce Johannes

List is updated and hopefully as current as possible. Com­petitive estimates for plaster and painting will be under way shortly.

B.      Insurance - Donna Moore

      Review/update information and competitive bids underway.

C.      Paint and trim - Walt Headley

South units should be finished by this publication. Home doors will be painted when it is practical to leave front doors open.

D.      Pool - wrought iron - Tom Lysaght Work completed.

 

5. C.C. & R. revisions and recommendations:

         A. C.C. & R. 's need overall revision.

         B. Specific revision inclusions discussed:

1.Fireplaces

a. That fireplace additions meet all existing city codes/ordinance.

b. That a building permit be issued for the work, and that thorough inspections be made.

c. That the fireplace addition meet any additional

specifications as set forth by the homeowner's association.

d. That the maximum effort be made to ensure that add-on fireplaces be as safe as possible with regard to fire hazard due to the adjoining and attached nature of the units in this complex.

Standards of construction shall include:

a.        A chimney which is completely of masonry construc­tion and not a pipe chimney with wood frame/stucco surrounding it.

b.        A firebox which is of masonry/fire brick construc­tion.

  c.  so called zero-clearance metal units designed as add-ons shall be deemed unacceptable, due to, but not limited to the fact that such units usually are framed in with wood. Such units have very definite heat range limitations which can be exceeded by the person trying to heat the house with the fireplace or by using such extreme heat fuels as coal. We must take the position of concern regarding fire potential and its impact on adjoining units.

2. The addition of trellises, arbors and the like should be undertaken in such   as way as to be:

a. Consistent with the exterior design of the complex.

b. Structurally sound. They should be strong enough and of adequate design to resist the extreme winds experienced in this area.

c. Of such a design and location that they do not preclude access to the main buildings, garages and/or carports in terms of maintenance to the main structures. -or-

d.       Such arbors/trellises should be of modular con­struction which permits them to be dismantled in sections, with reasonable ease, so that they can be removed for access to the buildings for normal maintenance and for maintenance/painting of the modules themselves.

3. Eucalyptus trees - In January, February and March of 1978, the Board of  Directors in cooperation with our landscaper made an assessment of the trees in our complex and arrived at the following conclusions:

 a. The eucalyptus trees that were planted by the contractor at the time of construction are of the variety which is too large for virtually every space in which they were planted.

b.       They contribute a very high quantity of litter in terms of leaves and bark.

c.       They reach a size wherein they represent a severe hazard with regard to the trees breaking up. Since they are in such close proximity to the buildings, they represent an eminent hazard to roofs, windows, walls, cars and people.

d.       Their root structures are such that they are al­ready cracking and lifting sidewalks, the black­top driveways, fence walls, building walls, etc.

Therefore, the Board of Directors adopted a plan projected to take approximately three years to complete which includes the following considerations:

a. All the long leaf eucalyptus trees in the complex should be removed over the next three years in con­junction with a planned program of replanting.

b.       The landscaper and the Board of Directors shall agree to an order of removal of these trees so as to minimize the loss of vegetation in the complex.

c.        Those trees which represent the highest probability of damage to the complex will be removed first

d.        Owners will be encouraged to remove those eucalyp­tus trees which are in their "yards" and inside their walls. In this regard, when such a tree represents an eminent hazard, the Board of Direc­tors shall request in writing that the owner see to the tree's removal.

e.        Bottle trees and Aleppo pines shall be planted to replace those trees removed. The bottle and Aleppo trees represent highly desirable characteristics such as limited (35' range) height, high density in terms of noise suppression, and evergreen color. In addition, both of these trees grow very well here and are of very low litter volume.

f.          An effort will be made to remove these trees utilizing our own residents. The landscaper has agreed to haul away the cuttings at no additional charge to the assoc­iation.

 

     6. Updates

A. Paul Phillips - After conversation with Jack Cairo, Phase III, fence repair has started.

B. Jim Ehmann – The landscaping is suffering and needs to be emphasized. Jim said the grounds would be trimmed to our review require­ments by October 7. As the contract is now written, Jim has responsibility for water sprinklers. This is where an excessive amount of time is being spent. It is my opinion that the plumbing valve fixing vs. landscaping function should be separated (if cost effective). As of this moment, we are getting 30 hours a month landscaping with the remaining time going to the sprinkler upkeep.

             C. Railroad ties need oiling.

             D. Entry door to pool needs relocation.

             E. Exterior patching needs spray painting and paint matching.

             F. The directors need your help. Ideas and participation.

             G. Until every unit has theft prevention devices installed, we are all going to suffer.

 H. The sale price of our units in the complex area has risen approximately $500 per month during the last four months. If this trend is to continue, it is imperative that the grounds are kept in good repair. This all does cost money. It is the board’s job to see that we get our dollars worth. It is your responsibility to help the board and participate when you can.

              I. Sprinkler system overhaul

             J. Door Maintenance

             K. Pool

             L. Fence sealing