Aug. 26, 2007 - Change in Management Companies - What to Expect
Last week in the mail were notices from the Board of Directors stating that WSPS will be the new management company for the Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA effective September 1, 2007. A Vantage Properties has begun receiving calls and e-mails from homeowners with questions about this change, record transfer, and payment history.
- Payment history - After the close of business on August 31, 2007, A Vantage Properties will print out statements showing current balances for each property within the community. These statements will show all payments received as of the close of business on the 31st, any credits, and any balances due. WSPS will also receive payment arrangement information as well as information on those accounts that are in collections with the attorney.
- Transfer of Records - A Vantage Properties has been supplying WSPS with community information for the last several weeks. This will assist them until they receive the entire records for the community the first week of September. They will not only be receiving all of the paper records that A Vantage Properties has, they will also receive copies of all the electronic records that A Vantage Properties has. These records include property files, e-mails, bills, etc. A Vantage Properties has attempted to keep all records that we've received for the last two years in electronic format to make it easier for an owner to request files per the Records Retention and Inspection Policy. Records that A Vantage Proprties does not have include those meetings and workshops that were held by the Board of Directors which A Vantage Properties were not notified or present for.
- Paylease Payments - Effective September, 1, 2007, A Vantage Properties will instruct Paylease to no longer accept HOA payments for The Townhomes at Red Hawk. According to the letter from WSPS, if an owner would like to set up EFT's between WSPS and their bank account, they must contact WSPS for the required paperwork.
- Payment Delivery - It appears from the letter forwarded by WSPS that all payments must be forwarded to their mailing address and not the seperate address for The Townhomes at Red Hawk. Please ensure that all payments are mailed in time to reach WSPS as you won't be able to run to the UPS Store at 6pm on the 10th to ensure your payment is received and credited as of the 10th.
A Vantage Properties has enjoyed working with the Townhomes at Red Hawk over the last 3 years. We will be available to the homeowners if there are any questions during this switch as we want to make it as easy for you, the homeowner, as possible.
Please remember, that A Vantage Properties is available for any of your single family property management and leasing needs if you decide that you would like to lease your property within the Townhomes at Red Hawk.
Thank you - Wendy Frenzel, President - A Vantage Properties
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Red Hawk, Management, Payments, Records
|
Aug. 26, 2007 - August 2007 Castle Rock Town Talk
Castle Rock's Augsut edition of Town Talk is out and can be found online.
Some of the Features include:
- Whistling reduced at 4 of 7 railroad crossings within Castle Rock
- Ridge Road work
- Town of Castle Rock's budget is becoming tighter
- September 22, 2007 is the household chemical roundup
- Around Town happenings and Notices
Take some time to read more about your town, Castle Rock
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Castle Rock, Town Talk, Community Events, Railroad
|
Jul. 16, 2007 - July 2007 Landscaping Update
Thank you to the residents and owners that called or e-mailed saying that they noticed that the grass in areas of the community was looking like it was stressing with the heat!
Even though some stress is normal during the very hot and low moisture times of the year (dependant on shade and time of day the sun hits an area), with the input from the community, some bad valves and bad irrigation line wires were found. DCMR has been able to repair these items and are adding additional water to those areas within the community that need it to help green it up. Brown grass does not mean dead grass - it just depends on the root system and the root system in the community, where it has not been destroyed by animals, is still very much alive and strong.
Did you know...
- that for the 17 acres of The Townhomes at Red Hawk is served by a total of 9 irrigation clocks?
- there are no more than 129 zones within the community?
- there are usually 5 to 6 single family homes within per acre in Castle Rock with at least 4 zones per home including drip lines for shrubs and trees?
- that each zone within the Townhomes at Red Hawk community covers a lot of area so when one zone goes down, a large area will appear stressed?
- the ET clocks showed areas of weakness within the irrigation system? Prior to the ET clocks, additional water was added to zones to accomodate those areas that needed more water causing over watering in other areas. The ET clock system does not allow for over watering to compensate. The Board of Directors has authorized some sprinkler head changes to allow for better coverage in some areas where weaknesses were found in the system. More may be found and corrected as cost effectively as possible over the coming year or two.
Again, thank you to those residents and owners that helped notify A Vantage Properties there were concerns in areas of the irrigation system! Please keep up the good work!
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Irrigation System, Watering, Zones, Valves
|
Jul. 16, 2007 - July 2007 Castle Rock Town Talk
Hot out of the Mailbox is Castle Rock's Town Talk for July 2007! Many great items can be found in this month's edition.
- Castle Rock is named by Family Circle Magazine as one of the top 10 towns for Families!
- Water Conservation Rebate Program - a little more about ET controllers
- Gathering Place / Green Space and mini amphitheater coming to 2nd Street in Castle Rock
- Want to know what's in the meeting packets for the Town Council? It can now be found online at www.CRgov.com
- Douglas County Fair and Rodeo runs July 28, 2007 through August 12, 2007 - come join the fun!
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Castle Rock, Town Talk, Community Events, Fair, Top Towns
|
Jun. 20, 2007 - Castle Rock Town Talk June 2007
Castle Rock's June edition of Town Talk is out and can be found online.
Some of the Features include:
- West Nile virus and Mosquitos
- Temporary Signs are not allowed: i.e. Open House, Garage Sale
- Council Road show in northwest Castle Rock
- Police Department expansion
- Fourth of July celebration
- Around town happenings and notices
Take some time to read more about your town, Castle Rock
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Castle Rock, Town Talk, Community Events, Mosquitos, Signs
|
May. 30, 2007 - Castle Rock Town Talk May 2007
Each month, with the water bills, the Town of Castle Rock sends the Town Talk. This insert updates Castle Rock residents on happenings around town, in the parks, town government, transportation, and more. Because the HOA dues for The Townhomes at Red Hawk pay for the water and sewer bills, the members of the community do not receive this monthly mailing. A Vantage Properties is going to begin placing links to the Town Talk as we receive them for the water bills on the blog for Townhomes at Red Hawk.
Read these monthly to make sure you don't miss out on great Castle Rock Community Activities.
May 2007 Town Talk
April 2007 Town Talk
February 2007 Town Talk
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Castle Rock, Town Talk, Community Events
|
May. 30, 2007 - Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup
It's that time of the year where the garage and home are cleaned. Sometimes you find items that you know you shouldn't throw in the trash as they are hazardous but what should you do with them? On Saturday, August 11, 2007 and Saturday, September 22, 2007 Douglas County will be holding roundups from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to collect the below items from Douglas County Residents. Make sure you bring a driver's license or utility bill showing your Douglas County resident status.
- Paint
- House, garden, and pool chemicals
- Automotive fluids
- Fuels
- Propane tanks between 1 and 20 lbs
- Vehicle and household batteries
- Mercury
- Passenger vehicle and pickup truck tires removed from the rim.
For a copy of the flier, click here.
For additional information you may call the Roundup Hotline at 303-846-6249 or visit them online.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Chemical Roundup, Douglas County, Paint, Hazardous Waste
|
May. 24, 2007 - Grill Safety
As warmer weather approaches, more and more people turn to grilling outside. To protect the community, yourself, and common areas of The Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA please read through the following Grill Safety items.
- No unattended grills. It’s amazing how well individuals can react to a fire or damage to the building / fencing if they’re there to monitor the fire. Conversely, it’s amazing how out of control an unmonitored fire can become.
- Proper Disposal of Ashes: We’ve all likely gotten in a hurry (impatient) and pitched the briquettes and ashes before they were entirely cool. What a fire hazard! Place the ashes in an empty metal container until they cool would reduce the risk of a smoldering fire developing.
- Keep the Grill Clean: A clean grill is far less likely to flare up than a greasy grill. Regular cleanings can reduce the chance of a flare-up fire.
- Keep It Clear of Flammables: Keep the grill from the fences, the building, and / or any lawn furniture or other items in the yard would further reduce the fire hazard of a grill. A Vantage Properties has seen fences "melt" and sides of buildings "smolder" in townhome communities where grills were placed too close to flammables.
- Fire Pits: Owners within the community have previously requested approval of fire pits within the community which have been denied by the Arc Committee and the Board of Directors. Fire pits do not allow for fires to be easily extenguished through closing off of the access to oxygen. Also, ashes float easily from these pits which could start a fire within the community. This ban was established as the health and safety benefits of doing so are substantial.
Many communities have banned charcoal grills. Even though The Towhomes at Red Hawk HOA has not banned charcola grills as of this writing, it is highly suggested that you do not utilize them within the community. This helps to keep risks down of ashes floating away and starting a fire.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Red Hawk, Grill, Safety, Fire Pits, Ashes, Fences
|
Apr. 26, 2007 - New Board of Director Member
Welcome Amanda Lesher to the Board of Directors for The Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA. The Board appointed her to fulfill the term vacated by Bob Sorok. Thank you Mandi for volunteering! The Board and A Vantage Properties are looking forward to working with you.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Mandi Lesher, Board Of Directors
|
Apr. 26, 2007 - Street Sweeping Time
May 8th & 9th have been scheduled for the annual street sweeping within The Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA. On these days, please ensure that vehicles are off site or are parked within your garage to ensure that the sweepers can do the best job possible.
Thank you!
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Street Sweeping
|
Apr. 26, 2007 - Community Garage Sale Time
It's Community Garage Sale time again at The Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA. Mark May 4, 5, and 6 on your calendar for the Spring Sale. There is no need to preregister - just open your garage door and you are ready to go. The dates are being advertised within the Castle Rock paper and sister papers. Signs will be put up directing individuals to your community.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Garage Sale
|
Apr. 26, 2007 - April 24 Snow Removal
Below is an e-mail that Jeff has been forwarding out to those individuals inquiring about snow removal on the sidewalks within the Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA. We wanted to ensure that all of those that were interested had access.
I have been discussing snow removal with the Board, and the consensus was to let Nature handle it. The Board has been under growing pressure to limit Association spending in an attempt to limit the need for future assessment increases. Consequently and after reviewing the weather forecast, the decision was made to let Mother Nature handle the snow removal.
While we may have received a foot of snow over the last 24 hours, today’s forecast is for clear weather in the 50’s, 60’s tomorrow, and climbing into the 70’s and 80’s yet this week. While the snow we’ve received may be inconvenient, it will melt very quickly. To elaborate on this further:
- The snow is wet and heavy requiring hand-shoveling
- Hand-shoveling is very expensive and time-consuming
- Nature will likely melt the snow as quickly as hand-shoveling
- The community just experienced a rise in monthly dues
- Using community monies to shovel what nature will resolve in about the same time would be wasteful
- The Board and A Vantage Properties are interested in minimizing the necessity to raise dues in the future
While we anticipated receiving responses from unhappy owners who wanted to see someone shoveling, the Board is looking to minimize expenses where Nature will resolve the issue as fast as many men shoveling. I appreciate your input, and hope you understand the Board’s decision.
Have a wonderful week - Jeff
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Snow Removal, Hand Shovel, Costs, Snow Melt
|
Mar. 16, 2007 - Board Meeting Workshop Scheduled
On Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 5 p.m. the Board of Directors for the Townhomes at Red Hawk will be holding a special meeting/ workshop. This meeting will be held at the Village Inn located in Castle Rock on Wilcox.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Board Of Directors, Meeting
|
Mar. 1, 2007 - New Board of Director Members
At the 2007 Annual Homeowner meeting for the Townhomes at Red Hawk, the following homeowners were elected to the Board of Directors: Ralph Cole, Chris Gould, and Eugene Plummer. These new Board Members were elected to a 2 year term and join Mary Carter and Bob Sorok on the Board of Directors. This Board of Directors has a lot of information to go through so please be patient with them.
Thank you to all of the homeowners present at the meeting that volunteered to run for the Board of Directors. For 3 positions there were 8 candidates!
Also, a big thank you to the outgoing Board Members - Chuck Micale and Bill Garza.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Board Directors, Election
|
Feb. 16, 2007 - Annual Meeting for 2007 scheduled
Official notices have been mailed out as required by the governing documents and the policies and procedures of The Townhomes At Red Hawk HOA for the annual meeting. To see the items that were mailed out to the homeowner of record at the address of record, click here. This meeting will be held February 28, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the DERA (Douglas Elbert REALTOR Association) offices located at 840 Kinner Street in Castle Rock, next to Santiagos.
Please ensure that you read the information about meeting procedures on the community web site prior to the meeting.
Those that are current on their dues will be allowed to vote or have their proxy voted on.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Annual Meeting, Budget, Townhomes At Red Hawk
|
Feb. 6, 2007 - Special Board Meeting
The Board will be holding a special meeting as quorum was not present at the last scheduled meeting to go over the budget. The budget will be forwarded with the official notice of the annual meeting. The special meeting will be held at the Castle Rock Village Inn at 7:30 on Thursday, February 8, 2007. No other items will be on the agenda.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Special Board Meeting, Budget
|
Feb. 2, 2007 - Insurance Coverage when Mother Nature Strikes
Since the snow began falling on December 20th, 2006, there have been some owners who have experienced some water leaks. So, it’s because the building is defective, damaged, or built incorrectly. Right?
Not so fast. Let’s take another look at this. Let’s change the time of year from winter to summer, and let’s use the example of a tornado. What comes along with the winds of a tornado? Generally you’ll have lots of rain and hail. So, if a tornado rips off the roof of your home and the rain enters your home, was the building defective? Was the home built incorrectly? Where the wrong materials used to build the home?
Except in very rare occasions, the answers to the last 3 questions is, “no.” The storm ripped the roof off, therefore allowing the rain to enter the home. The roof wasn’t defective, built incorrectly, or built using the wrong materials. Simply put, Nature ruled supreme and destroyed the roof, therefore allowing water to enter the home. Would the Association be responsible for the water damage caused by the rain entering the home after the tornado? No! It would be an act of Nature, and you, as the home owner, should have adequate home owners insurance to cover this loss. This is very different than renters or condo insurance.
Now, if you experience water leaks resulting from the snow, the cold, and the corresponding ice damming, is the Association responsible for the water that may enter your home? Again, Nature has dumped the snow, dropped the temperatures, and built the ice dams. {Please read our blog on ice damming published February 2,2007} Nature is damaging the roof and allowing the water to enter these homes. So, who has responsibility for the damage?
The repairs to the damaged roof would be the Association’s responsibility. However, just as with the tornado, the subsequent water damage inside the home was not caused by a building defect nor negligence of the HOA, but was caused by the damage caused to the roof by Mother Nature, herself.
A great question for you to ask yourself is, “Have you had an insurance coverage update lately?” If not, you may have inadequate coverage, particularly if your insurance agent is unaware of the appropriate coverage for your situation. When you speak to your agent, make certain he / she understands what coverage you need to protect your investments.
Stay Warm - Jeff Frenzel - HOA Manager
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Ice Dams, Snow, Roofs, Insurance Coverage
|
Feb. 2, 2007 - More on Ice Damming
Since the snow began falling on December 20th, 2006, A Vantage Properties, the HOA Management company for The Townhomes at Red Hawk has received a limited number of owner concerns involving water leaks into their homes. While it is difficult to inspect roofs while it is as cold and snowy as it has been, the Association is proceeding with inspecting the roofs of these owners to establish whether there is indeed an issue with the “shell” of the home, or if there is something else to blame.
This morning I was speaking to Academy Roofing who will be inspecting the roofs of these homes with "concerns". Almost without fail the leading cause of roof concerns as observed by Academy Roofing is the result of 1 issue: ice damming!
I asked for a description of ice damming from Academy Roofing and how it occurs. The first thing I was told was that many people have a difficult time understanding what ice damming is and what causes it. The simplest explanation they provided me began with a water bottle. Imagine taking a full bottle of water and leaving it in the freezer over night. What happens? The water freezes, balloons the bottle, and often times will either rupture the bottle or force the cap off. This is similar to what happens with ice damming.
Since the snows began in December, our community has been “in the freezer.” We’ve had a few days where it’s warmed up, but, ultimately, we’ve had several weeks of the deep freeze, which is very unusual for Colorado. People that have lived in Colorado all their life has stated they've never seen this before in their 30+ years. During the day the roofs warm up and snow begins to melt. This runoff hits the edge of the roof, cools, and freezes. Each day this process continues, and each day the ice dams grow. What’s interesting is that much of the fresh run off each day works its way “under” the ice at the edge of the roof, and as it freezes it has no place to go. Consequently, the fresh ice “forces” the existing ice dam up and, additionally, forces water underneath the shingles and roofing materials.
Academy Roofing has seen the damage caused by the sheer force of the ice driving water up and under the shingles. From what they’ve seen, these roofs have failed to keep the water out, not because of a lack of design or failure to construct the roof correctly, but from the force that nature is creating. Academy Roofing further advised they have seen ice dams as thick as 18-24 inches in depth, and the ice dams are continuing to grow as the cold snap Colorado has experienced for the last 5 weeks continues.
So, how cold and snowy has it been? Based off of the National Weather Service website, here’s what we’re looking at:
December – 2006 January - 2007
Actual Average Departure Actual Average Departure
Snowfall: 59.4” 8.7” +50.7” 15.9” 7.7” +8.2”
Average Temperature: 51.7 F 50.2 F +1.5 F 20.8 F 29.2 F -8.4 F
What we see from this information is that for the 2-month period for December 2006 and January 2007, the Denver area accumulated 75.3” of snow, 58.9” more than average for these months. At the same time, we see the average temperature during January 2007 is 8.4 degrees colder than average, and staying below freezing. Consequently, Nature has been unusually cold and snowy, leading to conditions not seen in Colorado for a very long time, indeed.
What can be done to prevent ice damming? Better yet, what should the Association do to help the community? If money were unlimited, each building could be fitted with heating cables at the edges of the roofs, in the gutters, and in the downspouts. However, the community does not have the financial ability to pay for these huge capital improvements. And why should the Association pay for these improvements? After all, building and outfitting of homes for a winter such as we’ve experienced so far this year that only comes once in 25, 50, or even 100 years isn’t reasonable, practical, or a prudent use of HOA funds.
If you haven’t already done so, please read, “City ready for a thaw as icy public lays it on thick,” page 5B of the Denver Post on Thursday, February 1, 2007. This story describes Denver’s issue with clearing the streets, the financial burden they’re under, and how unrealistic it is for the city to buy enough snow plows and employ enough workers to clear the snow to satisfy the public. Their cost for a snow season that comes once in 25, 50, or 100 years is too much to justify the cost to their constituents. Similarly, the cost to fit each home in the Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA is too much. Sometimes we just have to take what nature throws at us and just find a way to cope with the consequences of nature.
- Stay Warm - Jeff Frenzel
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Ice Dams, Cold Weather, Roof, Costs
|
Jan. 30, 2007 - Garage Doors
Walking through the community, I’ve wondered why so many people leave their garage doors open. You may ask, “so what does it matter if the garage doors are left open?”
Here are some ideas to consider before leaving the garage door open unattended:
- Aesthetics: Plain and simple, an open garage door is an unsightly addition to the neighborhood. While your neighbor may be proud of his collection of boxes, beer bottles, and risqué posters, not everyone else share his sentiments. I’m certain you’ve heard the expression, “less is more.” Seeing less of what others store in their garages is really more appealing.
- Comfort: Is it warmer in your garage than it is outside? If your garage door is closed, yes it is. Leaving the garage door open exposes a large section of interior wall, an entry door, and your water heater exposed to the cold. Close the garage door and you help insulate your home, your cars, and your water heater (that’s probably already working overtime just trying to keep your water hot).
- Safety: Do you lock the door between your home and the garage? If not, you’ve just eliminated a formable deterrent blocking someone from entering your home. Close that garage door and protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your possessions.
- Theft: Now, what if you do have something nice in your garage? An open garage door is an open invitation for the five-finger-discount. Why pay for what is easily and readily accessible for free at the nearest open garage? After all, you didn’t like those antiques that your grandmother left you? Did you? Close the door and reduce the risk that your valuables walk off with someone else.
So, whether it’s aesthetics, comfort, safety, or to reduce the risk of theft, a closed door protects you, your family, and your belongings while improving the community’s appearance. Please protect yourself, improve the community’s appeal, and give that law enforcement officer a break.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Garage Doors, Safety, Water Pipes, Aesthetics
|
Jan. 26, 2007 - Castle Rock April 2007 Happenings
Want to know what the businesses of Castle Rock have to offer? Visit the Front Range Showcase at the Douglas County Event Center the weekend of April 13th and 14th.
Check back later for more April Happenings.
|
Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Castle Rock, Showcase
|
|
Looking for information about the Townhomes at Red Hawk HOA, the community, Castle Rock Colorado, or Douglas County - you have found the right place for your Information!
Links
• Home
• View my profile
• Archives
• Email Me
• Blog Manager
|
RSS Blog Feed