December 1998
Our goals for selecting replacement roofs were straightforward. Not only did we seek durability and serviceability, but we hoped to see the property values of our homes appreciate, and the appearance of the community to flourish. Most people agree that both goals have been reached, and judging from climbing real estate prices at Villa Monterey, it would be fair to say that we have recouped our investment.
Our roofs are lightweight concrete tile. The trade name of the tile is Premium Duralite. The lightweight tiles are designed to resemble the wood shake rustic appearance look of the old roof. The tiles are called "golden cedar shake" and have an alternating smooth and rough surface. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, this feature also does the best job in hiding any "deflection" or waviness in the appearance of the underlying roof surface. The roofs have the highest rating for fire safety and are ranked "Class A" for fire protection. We installed lots of tile. In fact, there are about 2.7 million square feet of tile on our roofs. The tiles are about half- an-inch in Thickness. And although the tiles are not fragile, they do break when a person-- typically an adult--walks on the tile, so walking on the roofs should be avoided.
The tile manufacturer from whom we bought our tile--The Manier Tile Company- received an important industry tribute for the appearance of our roofing project. Manier has been a leading American maker of tile roofs for decades. They said that the rustic setting in Villa Monterey brought out the best in the appearance of their tile product.
An issue that caught your Board's attention in the spring was the behavior of "kids" about the pool. The young people were apparently so out of hand that it was decided to employ two girls as pool and clubhouse monitors. One or the other was to be available from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. As well as acting as monitors, the girls concerned were charged with developing pool-area programs for all ages. They were to begin June 15th and to be paid $2.20 an hour, then the minimum wage.
More than once the possibility of hiring a resident manager was discussed, as the pool and clubhouse continued to pose challenges to the Board. For instance, individuals were discovered using the pool after hours - presumably they climbed the fence.
And young people, who had access afternoons and evenings to the clubhouse, were reported as contributing to its deterioration: soiled carpet, cigarette burns, and the like. However, rather than employing a resident manager, access to the clubhouse was curtailed and two individuals volunteered to chain and padlock the pool gate evenings and then remove these restraints mornings. As well, there was recurring talk of instituting a fine system for violations of the CC & Rs.
A matter of some concern to the Board in 1976 was finding an area where young people could engage in organized games. The pool greenbelt offered the largest unrestricted space but complaints from residents finally led the Board at the end of the year to forbid organized ball playing in this space. Other matters of concern led to the increase of common area fees by one dollar-to commence January 1, 1977. As well, letters of concern went out to a couple who were letting their two dogs run unrestricted through the area most nights, all night. And a letter to an individual calling his attention to the CC & Rs forbidding the selling of beer on his premises.
All 184 folding garage doors are now in place. And its time to think of some simple maintenance. Every four to six months, residents should lubricate the moving components of their overhead door track. Please don't use a petroleum-based spray or lubricant. Rather use a silicone spray. The latter is readily available and easy to use. Takes only minutes.
In the event of a power failure, the instructions indicate how to open and close your garage door. a) For Manual operation, pull down red emergency release knob. b) To reconnect - pull emergency release knob away from door entry.
Weststar, at the direction of your Board, is planning in the next six weeks to renovate the front footages of 23 units. Those residents concerned (they've been notified) do not need to be home at this time. Those who are will see the landscapers removing the existing shrubs and replanting with attractive vegetation that requires relatively little maintenance as well only modest watering. Of course, the area will be properly fertilized, the existing sprinkler system reworked with the new vegetation in mind, and ivy planted in bare areas. The project is only the latest example of your Board's efforts to contain landscape costs and yet enhance property values. Our hats are off to the Landscape Committee headed by Hugh Souder with a real assist from Audrey Lee.
Canine Cleaners has opened in the Vons plaza, next to Stylistic Hair Designs. Its owner has groomed animals for the past six years and is at this location from 8 to 5 p.m. Other hours by appointment. Call 503-6727. She prefers that you make an appointment but she does welcome walk-ins. And she is willing to pick-up and deliver locally. Her prices, she says, are competitive.
© Copyright 1999 Villa Monterey HOA
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