Manager's Report for February 6, 2007

Manager's Report

February 6, 2007

Today we have 954 spaces full with 789 owners and 165 renters, We are about the same as last year at this time when we had 943 spaces full, 916 owners and 147 renters.

I would like to welcome a new employee, Bob Burgi. Bob has been working as a volunteer for the phone company for several weeks. As most of you know, Carol Mowery will be retiring soon. Bob will be taking her place.

We have major electrical problems in the Library building. In their last inspection report the Facilities committee pointed out several problems which have all come true. The wiring in the Library building is faulty. Part of the problem is age and part of the problem is construction. We've been having work done over there which is not yet complete. We do have power in most of the outlets now and the lights work.

The annual meeting notices were delivered along with the election information and ballots on Thursday, January 18th to all residents in the park. Those absent will received their information by mail. The ballot box resides in the lobby during business hours to accommodate voters. The ballot box will remain there until Election Day, February 19 when it will be in the Small Card room for Election Day. The ballot box will be available in the lobby again until the start of the Annual Meeting, February 20th at 1:00pm. Any questions concerning election process or procedures may be directed to John Falk (2804).

Our landscape department is in the process of putting in new flower beds by the horseshoe pits. These beds will feature perennial low water plants. The area is very bare looking with the big pine trees missing. No decision has been made as to what kind of trees to plant on the north and south sides of this area.

The street light between spaces 39 and 78 had to be removed because of a major water leak in December. Finally last week, we met with SRP who will do a drawing to replace the light. We will then have to dig a 4’ by 4’ hole in front of the transformer, trench 3’ deep to the location of the replacement light and put in a j-box. Before they will come put up the light, they will send inspectors to make certain that we have done the installation of conduit, etc correctly. They promised the drawing in two weeks.

This brings up another topic of concern. I don't think the lighting in the park is sufficient. Too many people walk or ride bikes in the dark and I worry about their safety. The new light we are putting in will be 16,000 lumens. The lights we have now are 9500 lumens which is the lowest rating. We've decided, with the homeowners’ help, to move the light to the east a few feet to illuminate the intersection. With the brighter light we should get more coverage. The drawing is supposed to show the area of illumination for the light. This made me think that we should look into upgrading some other strategically located lights to 16,000 lumens. I will be talking to SRP about feasibility and costs on this.

The people in the Craft Shop discovered that one corner of their carpet was wet. Maintenance determined water was leaking from the end shower in the women’s restroom. They have dried out the water and caulked the shower. The water in the craft shop seems to be drying up.

We have a beautiful new cabinet in the Navajo Room thanks to Ken Crites for building it and to Mel Olson for installing the countertop and to all the other volunteers who spent their time to make this project a reality. This cabinet sports great cupboards with pull out drawers for storage. Maintenance moved the outlets up above the counter so residents can use it for parties, crafts, etc. The north side of the cabinet has a place to store those 8’ foot tables some folks use in there. They can easily be put away after they are used.

The Navajo Room is a showcase for a featured artist in the park. Barbara Dalton is continuing her Art in the Park Project by featuring an artist on the south wall of the Navajo Room. The featured artist for this period is Wanda Alsup. Be sure you stop by and see the new improvements and the artwork.

Last week when the health inspector was here checking the pool chemicals, she mentioned that the gates to the pool area aren't always closed. I am asking all of you to close the gate when you walk through. The gates are not designed to be slammed. If they are allowed to swing slowly closed, the lock will catch and the gate will stay shut. If you see the gates open, please close them.

Most of you have seen the reminder on Channel 7 about the speed limit and the excessive speeds here in the park. We must be more careful to drive 10 mph. We have many people walking, riding bikes or driving golf carts. We need to be careful so no one is injured. Jim Breen and I will be out on the golf cart again with the radar gun, so watch your speed. I have also ordered a radar sign on a small trailer that will read out the speed on a car. This way we can move the sign around, but more importantly, we can all be aware of just how fast we are going. I don't think anyone speeds on purpose. We all have places to go and people to see and are not really thinking about the speed limit. Let’s be careful so everyone can get to his/her destination safely.

Vehicles coming in the gates have the right of way. Drivers must stop at the stop sign at the north side of the east gate. If there is a car coming in the gate, stop and wait for them. Also, drivers need to be aware that people are walking in the street and watch out for them. It would ruin your day if you hit someone. Coming in the south gate, there is a stop sign. Please stop and check if there is someone walking before you come in. Park Patrol will be reminding everyone as they come in the gate to drive 10 mph. If you see a contractor or delivery truck going to fast, please report it at the office. We will call the company and complain.

Parking vehicles on common area over night is against the rules. If you do not have a permit to park north of the shuffleboard courts, you will get a ticket. I know that some people have been parking there for longer than the 5 days allowed. A couple of these vehicles are owned by residents building an Arizona room. This is perfectly acceptable, however, I ask them to only park there as few days as possible. Please do not take advantage of my good nature.
It is not against the rules to park in common areas during the day, but I ask you to be considerate and not take up a place all day. Please walk or bicycle to the recreation center if you can. We do have residents that cannot get around well. As I already mentioned, it is against the rules to park in common areas overnight without a permit or to park overnight on the streets. Several cars were ticketed last week and more last night. After three tickets for parking without a permit, the vehicle will be towed at owner’s expense. I wish it wasn't necessary to take such a strong stand, and maybe, now that I have pointed out the problems, residents and guests will be more aware and considerate about parking. I hope so. Let’s make a coordinated community effort to slow down and park legally. Thank you.