What's On Your Front Porch?

Now that the days are somewhat cooler, I have resumed my daily walks in the Gardens. Not only is it good exercise, it lets me check the condition of our complex. 

When I see common area problems I report them to Kathryn Shaffer ( kaherriott@yahoo.com ), head of our common area maintenance and landscaping committee. So should you.

However what I saw last week is not a common area problem - it's yours. 

When is the last time you opened your front door and checked out how the front of your unit looks? I saw door hangers, campaign literature from the last primary, and PACKAGES LEFT OVER A WEEK.

I pulled down the door hangers and campaign literature, and put the old Yellow Book bags in the trash. I rang doorbells where there were packages on the front porch. 

The hangers and "door stuffers " are a cosmetic problem that can lead to a bigger problems. It makes it look like you have left home for a while, inviting a thief to target your unit to break into. The same with newspapers piled up on the drive. If you are going to leave your unit for a few days, ask a neighbor to check your front door and porch for material left there. Of course, cancel your newspaper delivery while you are away.

I don't have a solution for the packages on the front porch. I think that most of us know when to expect a delivery for something we ordered. But sometimes it gets delivered to the wrong unit and they will put it on your porch. Also sometimes friends and family send us stuff we didn't expect.

So, OPEN your front door every few days and see what's there. It's cheaper than an alarm company!

The Gardens Board Meeting 10-11-10

Our next board meeting will be next Monday, October 11, 2010 at 6:00 pm at Prudential Realty Center on East Brainerd Road (same place as last time).

 

All members are invited to attend.

 

AGENDA FOR BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010 AT PRUDENTIAL REALTY CENTER

1.     Members have 3 minutes to address board before meeting.
2.     Meeting to be called to order by Norm Miller
3.     Minutes of 9/13/2010 minutes to be approved by board.
4.     Landscape/Common Areas Committee Report
Landscape Report to be given by Kathryn
5.     Architectural Committee Report
Architectural Report to be given by Jack Wallace
6.     Insurance Asset Committee Report
Insurance Report to be given by Kenny Burnett
7.     Treasurer Report
(a)  Financials/Profit Loss Statements/Bank Statements/Accounts Receivable/Aging Reports, Balance Sheet, etc.
Report to be given by Norm and Debbie
8.     Finance/Accounting Committee Report
(a) Status report of attorney collections/other collections. Discuss delinquencies and Attorney collections
(b) Gene Bevil/Mike Reed bankruptcy update which affects 9 units
(c) Response from Buddy Presley/Gateway Title re:  555 and 731 units?
(d) Status report of Unit Sales Pending/Contracts
9.     Old Business:
(a)  One more look at Rules and Regs
(b)  Discuss Christmas Decorations – Proposed Language for Seasonal Decorations as submitted by Architectural Committee is listed below:

1.Residents are encouraged to celebrate holidays by decorating their homes.  The following guidelines are recommended to assure a festive atmosphere which is harmonious throughout the neighborhood.
2. Seasonal decorations (lights, yard art, etc.) shall not be installed more than 30 days prior to the event and shall be removed within 14 days after the event.
3. At no time can any decoration be mounted on the roof of a unit.  This includes Santa Clause, reindeer, sleigh, etc.  Seasonal decorations also should not be in the way of mowers or anyone maintaining common area.
4. Decorations may be placed in the mulch area or in the common area immediately in front of the unit.  If placed in the common area, when removed, the area must be left in its original condition.  No extension cords should be placed across the sidewalk or in the common area.
5. Residents are encouraged to add lights on the bushes in front of their homes.  Lights may be all white or multicolored.  They may also be added to porches, front area, posts and around doors, but NOT on the roof.  Also these must be attached with removable attachments.  Nothing may be nailed or screwed to any part of the exterior.
6. No commercial type decorations such as inflatable Santas, etc or large colored solid type figures will be allowed.
7. However, figures (such as reindeer, etc) made of wire and outlined in white lights will be acceptable.
8. Spotlights to accent decorations may be used provided they are white or clear (no colors) 9. The HOA board will make provisions to decorate the light posts in the greenway areas, postal unit, front fence and entrance sign.

10.     New Business:
(a)  Discuss any changes to newsletter which will go out 10/15
(b)  Discuss ordering of coupon books for unit owners for 2011 (Richard Silvan’s e-mail)
11.     Business on Hold for February 2011
(a) Termite/Pest Control (to be put in 2011 budget?)