December 2001

WATER HEATER WOES

Like old dogs, water heaters are easily taken for granted. That is unless they fail. And since many water heaters here in Villa Monterey are not close to drains, when a water heater springs a leak, the consequences can be disastrous. Stained carpets, waterlogged wall (yours and your neighbors), soaked furniture, and frenzied midnight clean up work are all too commonplace.

Routine inspection is the key; water heaters have life-span warranties, like five to eight years. Check your installation date regularly, and don't push your luck. Unfortunately, when a tank ruptures, it gives no warning and water gushes out. Keep a garden hose accessible and ready for emergency tank draining. Cold water shut-off valves at the water heater site may not stop the leaking entirely because water may "cross-over" from the cold to the hot water lines and continually refill the tank.

Make sure all faucets are open to allow air to enter and maximize the rate of drainage. Otherwise, draining the tank may take hours--versus minutes. Replacing an aging water heater before leakage symptoms appear is probably the best policy.

ALWAYS NEEDED

If you have Christmas decorations that you no longer need, your clubhouse would welcome them. Please call Frank Toto, 278-5050, or John Marsh, 492-9591.

A LEGAL OPINION: LANDSCAPE

Regarding your several recent owner inquiries or proposals for modifications to landscape, fences, or other improvements on the lots or the common area, an owner cannot modify improvements or landscape their lots or place plantings in the common area which are not on the Association's approved plantings list, without seeking approval from the Association prior to the installation. Such actions require Association approval under the Association's CC&Rs Article V, which provides:

No building, fence, wall or other structure or landscaping shall be commenced, erected, or maintained upon the Properties, nor shall any exterior addition to or change or alteration therein or change in the exterior appearance thereof or change in landscaping be made untilthe plans and specifications showing the nature,kind, shape, height, materials, color, and location of the same shall have been submitted to and approved in writing as to harmony of external design and location in relation to surrounding structures and topography by the Board of Directors, or by an architectural committee composed of three (3) or more representatives appointed by the Board of Directors.

COYOTES

Recently, there have been numerous coyote sightings in the Villa Monterey area. Please be aware of your surroundings when out walking with or without your pets. Below are some facts to familiarize yourself with the coyote.

The coyote is the most relentlessly-persecuted of all North American carnivores. This intelligent and adaptable wild canine has expanded his range to every state in the Continental U.S. and much of Canada, despite continuous extermination campaigns.

COYOTE TRIVIA

Coyotes are in the canine family and related to wolves and domestic dogs. Their scientific name is Canis Iatrans, which means "barking dog."

They are carnivores, meaning they are meat eaters. They are also opportunistic feeders and their diets can consist of a considerable amount of vegetable matter such as seeds, berries, fruits and grasses. In Nevada, they are classified as "unprotected," meaning they are not protected by the state law or regulation. They maybe harvested at any time by hunting or trapping.

Coyotes that live in the desert are small with adults weighing about 20 pounds, versus 40 to 45 pounds elsewhere. Their fur is shorter and thinner as this enables them to dissipate heat. They are lighter colored than coyotes elsewhere and this allows them to absorb less heat and to blend into the desert landscape.

They are real track stars as they can lope at 25 to 30 miles per hour and can sprint to 40 miles per hour. They can travel well over 100 miles in a single night.

Coyotes mate for life and have family territories. Pups sometimes stay with their parents for more than a year. After leaving their parents, coyotes may travel several hundred miles to find a territory of their own. Communication helps coyotes to maintain their social structure. The most distinctive of their calls is barking and yelping followed by a long howl that is followed by short, sharp yaps. This broadcasts their location to other members of their group.

Decorate the clubhouse for the holidays

The HOA Directors Invite you And your children to help Decorate the clubhouse for the holidays on December 8th Between 2 and 4 p.m. Santa and Refreshments.

ROOF TILES

An inspection of the roof tiles was recently completed. Please remember the absolute necessity of staying off of the roofs. The tiles will break if a heavy load is placed on them and replacement tiles are very expensive.

NEXT MEETING

The next monthly Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at 5275 Rimpark Lane (clubhouse).

PROPERTY MANAGER