A&M Report for January - February Newsletter

The report was delayed by things beyond my control. So I've posted it here for anyone who has not yet received it, or wants to view it. . 

Here's a reflection on the vagaries of winter. Yes, it has been chilly outside, with snow. However, the begonia seems to be thriving with the morning sun. 

v    Architecture & Maintenance

Happy New Year! A Few Winter Reminders for Our Residents    As I write this, it is about 15F outside:

1.   Read the Winter Maintenance Tips which were included with the last newsletter.

2.   Cooperate with our snow removal and plowing service. If you want your patio cleared, etc. the information is contained in the Winter Maintenance Tips.

3.   A resident commented that the hall heaters were off. This is normal. The association turned these off several decades ago. Please don’t tamper with the heaters. The halls are sufficiently warm without the heaters.

4.  Use the snow melt stored in the large container in the garage. Use it on entrance walks and driveways, don’t use it on grass or walking paths . This is provided by the association for use by residents. 

5.   Use care when walking in the snow or on any paths, walks or the streets.  Don’t let your pets out in the cold weather and unattended. This is both a rules violation and is dangerous for them.

6. Observe the 20MPH posted speed limit and reduce speed under ice or snow conditions or if there are pedestrians present, or if our snow removal contractor is on the property and doing his job, for you.

7.  Never walk or play on frozen ponds, the streams or near the banks of the lakes or on the frozen lakes. This is dangerous. Children should never play in these areas. We request the cooperation of parents to keep the children safe!

Projects and Maintenance 2013   We’re currently planning the projects which will occur during warmer weather. There will be letters for certain projects, notices posted and additional newsletter articles. Please cooperate with any posted notices. If you plan to travel or be away, please advise management in writing or via email well in advance. We’ll do our best to advise you of projects and maintenance. In 2012 we had several vehicles towed to a location elsewhere on the property because residents didn’t respond to notices. We have your best interests in mind and want to provide a safe work space and avoid personal property damage. Unfortunately, the association sometimes needs to do work on short notice. Here are a few of the planned projects:

1.   Roofs.  We’ll be inspecting some attics when spring arrives, so we can do any necessary interior work in preparation for the roofer. It’s probable that 6 roofs will be done in 2013 and owners of the units will be notified by mail and the addresses will also be in future newsletters. Vehicles can’t be on driveways while roofing.

2. Driveways. We’ll be repairing and replacing additional driveways this year.  This will be based upon continuation of the annual surveys and selection of the worst driveways.

3. Exterior and Hallway Painting. This year, we’ll be switching to a 6-year program. The buildings to be painted will be listed in future newsletters and notices will be posted.

4. Drainage and Grading. We’ll be continuing drainage improvements at buildings which get new roofs.  We’ll also continue work behind buildings to improve areas which are in deep shade, or which have slope toward patios, etc.

5. Waterfall #2 Patio-Deck. This year, we’ll continue the work on the replacement of the patio in this area, which is between Thames and Lakecliffe.  See the May-June 2012 Newsletter for a project description.

Owner Architectural and Maintenance Variance Requests  Owners are reminded to notify management before any remodeling work, and provide a description in writing of their intentions.  There are rules and regulations governing certain modifications, and all City of Wheaton codes must be complied with. Any electrical in common elements is to meet association requirements. Only after obtaining written permission can owners proceed with certain types of projects. Here are a few examples:

1.  B-Unit Dormer Windows. Owners of B units which receive new roofs in 2013 will also receive a new dormer window, installed at cost and charged to the owner. All B-Unit owners are reminded please DO NOT replace your dormer window if you have an old roof. The new windows are flanged and as part of the installation we are replacing framing where necessary and providing new exterior components. This is intended to provide a leak free installation lasting decades.  This may not be achieved working around existing windows.

2.  Windows, Patios and Garage Doors. Before replacing any windows, sliding doors or garage overhead doors, contact management and fill out a form.  These must adhere to association rules.

3. Satellite Dish Antennas. Satellite dish antennas (SDA) are permitted but owners must obtain letter of approval from management and the installation must conform to the current rules.  As buildings are being roofed we are requesting that owners re-locate their antennas to the roofs, in accordance with the current rules and regulations (R&R) of the association. Our R&R govern the use of common elements, and our SDA requirements are in accordance with the “OTARD Rule” (27 CFR section 1.4000).     

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 Notes:

1. The above was prepared and submitted on January 21, 2013. 
2. I've begun to work on the article for the April-May newsletter.