The Villager
Vol. XXXXI No. 1 1
Village Park Community Association
NOVEMBER 2010
Visit our Website: www.vpca.net
VILLAGE PARK OFFICE
4552 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 786-8722
Fax: (949) 786-8072
www.vpca.net
Sheila Robbins, CCAM®
General Manager
Email: [email protected]
Peggy Paradise, CCAM®
Assistant Manager
Email: [email protected]
Board of Directors
President, Chris Graham
V. P., Ed O’Rourke
Treasurer, Bob Meyers
Secretary, Carol Tipper
Lesley Sattin, Member
Samantha Y Haug, Member
Committees
Architectural Control:
Michael Schafer
Facilities: Jim Grady
Greenbelt: Jean Anne Turner
Finance: Chris Graham
INFORMATION
Insurance
(949) 752-6335
Animal Control (949) 724-7092
Irvine Police (949) 724-7200 or
Emergency only dial 911
Report running water or
excessive overspray to the
office or after hours
emergency #
After Hours Emergency Only
Irrigation
(714) 720-6199
Patrol & Facilities: Contact Nordic
re: VPCA EMERGENCIES on
weekends (800) 883-3880
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INSIDE
Bits from the Board – page 2
Board Summary – page 3
Summary of ACC– pages 3- 4
Summary Greenbelt – pages 4-5
Summary Facilities – page 5
Calendar – page 6
From the desk of Sheila Robbins, General Manager
Tree Trimming – The annual tree trimming is scheduled for the
first week in November (weather and schedule permitting). A
reminder that trees are not radically trimmed or removed just
because they drop leaves, pine needles, and sap or you think
they make too much shade in your yard.
Emergency during Weekends – Please note that emergency
phone numbers for weekends relate to something urgent like if a
swimming pool is overflowing, a sprinkler has a big gusher or a
tree falls. You can always call Total Landscaping at 714-7206199 for landscape issues or Nordic Patrol Service at 1-800883-3880 (24 hours) – they can then contact the appropriate
service for you. These numbers are listed every month in the
newsletter in the column to the left.
The 2011 Budget Will be Mailed Before December 1, 2010 –
This mailing includes Reserve Study Summary with plans for the
future regarding all of the facilities, and how much each
homeowner is paying monthly for each line item. Be sure to
note whether you need to pay a different amount for monthly
assessment starting January 1, 2011. ACH will automatically
change to a corrected amount in January.
The Budget Mailing also has disclosures that you should be
aware of including Insurance Information Page, Assessment and
Collection Policy, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and
Architectural Procedures. It is worth your time to read it and keep
it in a file for the coming year.
Going Paperless – Many of our homeowners have already
signed up on the web site and use the site for the monthly
newsletter, committee schedules, contacting the office, etc. The
goal is to eventually save a lot of VPCA money currently spent on
copying and postage while giving homeowners the option of
looking up their account on the web site, paying on line, receiving
broadcast announcements, notices, etc. This is “in the works”
and requires the permission of owners to use their email
addresses so please watch for further information as it
progresses. Those who choose not to utilize this option will
continue to receive items in standard mail as always.
Web Site Reminder – www.vpca.net IS THE
ONLY OFFICIAL VPCA WEB SITE. Click on Resident Login
(left side menu), Login with middle 5 digits on your monthly
statement plus last name (Example: 00012robbins) then enter
password V300. Navigate with menu buttons on the left any
time you want to change screens.
Vendor List and
Information Handbook are in Documents from left side of
menu. Agendas are listed with Board/Committee section.
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BITS FROM THE BOARD
Should more claims come in within a specified time
period for the same storm, the deductible is refigured
and an adjustment made to those parties who have
already been assessed a deductible amount.
INSURANCE
The Board of Directors and the Ad Hoc Insurance
Committee conducted a series of meetings over the
past few months in performing due diligence of the
Associations master insurance policy. The due
diligence process included the use of an impartial
independent insurance consultant in reviewing bids
and costs from other carriers as well as State Farm.
After careful deliberation and extensive review of the
information and advice, it was decided to continue
coverage with State Farm Insurance.
Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have
insurance that will help if you need it!
SERVE ON THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS FOR VPCA
Whether you have served before or never
before, this two year term is an authentic
opportunity to contribute to your community
and serve your fellow homeowners.
However, the Ad Hoc Insurance Committee will remain
active and continue to review options in respect to
procedures and protocols of the distribution of
insurance payments and deductibles in connection
with damage claims arising from an earthquake.
It’s already time to think about the VPCA election
the first week of April. Three board positions will
be vacant as two individuals will have served their
two-year commitment and there is a Member at
Large vacancy. If you are interested in running or
just curious about what board membership
entails, please call the office at 949-786-8722.
Candidacy Form is on the web site and will be
offered as last page for the December newsletter.
As a Planned Unit Development homeowner, it is
important for you to provide your own extra
insurance for the structure to cover the gap
between the Association policy and actual dollar
damages. The average person has found that an
additional $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 additional
insurance is necessary.
Insurance is an important part of the business of VPCA
(and your monthly assessment) so it is helpful if you
understand how it works and who is responsible.
Remember, insurance policies do NOT cover items
that wear out with age. They only cover those items
that can be verified as being damaged by wind, water,
earthquake and fire.
CIVIC AFFAIRS
* Vista Verde School Site: Target dates for the
proposed development continue to slip. The
required Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for
the project is now expected to be available for
public review in November. Also, the Parkside
HOA is expected to vote the end of November on
annexing the property. (It is in VPCA’s best
interest that this vote succeeds.)
Please contact the State Farm representative Ray
Vermeulen at 949-752-6335 if you need VPCA
specifics, but you may find this general information
helpful:
What does State Farm Insurance cover for Village
Park? The Association policy covers fire damage with
a $3,000 all peril deductible, and $5,000 deductible for
water damage. Remember – there is no coverage for
carpets, other floor coverings or wall paper. If you
have a water leak from your own washer for example, it
is not covered by VPCA insurance.
* University Community Park: The roofing for the
two shade structures is expected to finally be
installed in November.
* Landscape Agreement: VPCA has just signed an
amendment to our landscape maintenance
agreement with the city (we maintain about 2
acres of land owned by the city). The amendment
will increase the amount we can be reimbursed to
$18,578 annually.
How the Deductible Works: The deductibles are per
occurrence. That is, all claims that are made as a
result of the same storm (for example) are covered
under the same deductible. If five people have water
damage, each will have a $1,000.00 ($5,000.00 total)
deductible.
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BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
SUMMARY ARCHITECTURAL
MEETING OCTOBER 5, 2010
Present: Michael Schafer – Chairperson, Lesley Sattin – Board Liaison,
Paul Ciranna, Gil Kveen, Goli Khatibloo, and Maurine Rakhshani –
Members. Sheila Robbins – General Manager. Absent: Rob Armstrong –
Member.
Approved the minutes of September 7, 2010 unanimous with
those not attending the September meeting abstaining.
PAINT
9 Aspen Tree – Detached – Oxford - Clay roof –
Already replaced damaged garage door and gate
– painted same as existing but submitting form
for file. Approved.
79 Willow Tree – Detached – Cornell –
Composition roof – paint new colors of Limestone,
Shaggy Barked, Rice Bowl and Shaker Gray. Will
add gutters painted to match background color.
Approved.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
Upon due notice given and received, the members of the Board of Directors
for the Village Park Community Association met in a General Session
Meeting at 7:00 P.M. at the Village Park Clubhouse, 4552 Michelson Drive,
Irvine, California. Present: Chris Graham – President, Ed O’Rourke – Vice
President, Bob Meyers – Treasurer, Carol Tipper – Secretary, Lesley Sattin –
and Samantha Younghans-Haug – Members. Sheila Robbins – General
Manager. Absent: None
Approved August 26, 2010 General Session
Minutes.
Approved Financial Statement for the month
ending August 31, 2010 subject to year-end audit.
Approved To receive and file the September 7,
2010 Architectural Committee minutes as
presented.
Approved To receive and file the September 14,
2010 Greenbelt Committee Walk Minutes as
presented.
All of the above approved unanimously with
Samantha Younghans-Haug abstaining regarding
the August 26, 2010 minutes since she was not
present for the meeting.
Approved To proceed as collection policy dictates
and as approved in Executive Meeting by account
number only: 00403-1 and 00458-1. Approved:
Unanimous.
Approved To continue coverage with State Farm
Insurance as the policy is now. Approved:
Unanimous.
Approved To accept Kondaur’s offer to pay for a
Quitclaim on 2 Cypress Tree Lane with the
condition that VPCA is not responsible for any
taxes. Approved: Unanimous.
Approved The Board reviewed a proposal for
labor and supplies from Pacific Paradise Pool
Service for replacement of sand media in the large
pool filters. Approved: Unanimous.
Approved To approve up to One Thousand Five
Hundred Dollars ($1,500) from Meeting Expense
Operating Account for the Volunteer Recognition
Dinner in 2011. Approved: Unanimous.
Next Board Meeting
October 28, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Homeowners are always welcome!
FENCE
77 Acacia Tree – Replace existing black wrought
iron gate with new - same as existing. Approved
with conditions that gate and wrought iron
fencing shall match existing – with black color
paint.
29 Willow Tree – Replace wooden fence back
yard – See 27 & 25 Willow adjacent fence
information. Approved.
27 Willow Tree – Back fence with slumpstone 3
feet high and existing wrought iron for upper 3
feet. Use existing wrought iron gate. Side fence
adjacent to 25 Willow – existing wood fence to be
replaced with slumpstone fence. Side wooden
fence adjacent to 29 Willow to be replaced with
redwood 1” X 4” lapped wooden fence.
Approved.
25 Willow Tree – Existing wood fence will be torn
down and rebuilt with slumpstone fence per fence
specifications. Approved.
29 Willow Tree – Existing wood fence to be
replaced with new wooden redwood fence 1” X 4”
lapped. Approved.
ROOFING
4472 Elm Tree – University Model – Composition.
Roof gable to be repaired with existing Certainteed
Celotex Presidential Brand in Autumn Blend
color. Approved.
69 Acacia Tree – Princeton Model – Flat Roof –
repairs same as existing in appearance.
Approved.
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•Rejoiced in penalty free water bills through
August and noted a few areas needing
adjustments to irrigation system
GENERAL ALTERATIONS
22 Aspen Tree – Detached – West Point –
Clay Tile roof – replace all existing windows &
doors with “Tuscany” White Vinyl Milgard – No
grids. All sizes same as existing. Approved.
53 Acacia Tree – Stanford – Clay roof –
replace deteriorated wood beams on patio
cover. Paint Birchwood – same as existing.
Approved.
•Reviewed remaining 2010 budget allotment for plant
replacement and determined how best to allocate
SUMMARY OF THE GREENBELT
COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
Next Architectural Committee Meeting
7:00 P.M. November 2, 2010
Present:
Jean Anne Turner – Chairperson, Carol Lamphier –
Secretary, Carol Tipper – Board Liaison, Richard Dirricq, Amira
Mansour, Joyce Tachner, Bill Wright, Sona Simsarian, and Frank
McGill – Members; Jose Ordaz – Total Landscape Owner, Sheila
Robbins- General Manager and several homeowners. Guest: Master
Gardener, Teena Spindler.
HOUSE OF THE MONTH
17622 BIRCH TREE LANE
CONGRATULATIONS!
•Ms. Spindler is a member of Master Gardeners of
Orange County, a University of California Cooperative
Extension. Their function is to educate citizens about
the benefits of landscaping with California Friendly (i.e.
drought tolerant) plant material.
•A Power Point presentation pointed out the
geographical location of Southern California giving us a
Mediterranean climate with an average of 12” of annual
rainfall.
•Sources of water for Southern California were
identified and the fact that there is ever greater
demand on this finite resource.
•Ms. Spindler gave instruction on factors that must be
considered in each planting microclimate within a large
association such as ours. These included:
sun
exposure at various times of day, soil texture and
drainage, and the presence of shade trees.
•She stressed the importance of selecting plants for
each hydro-zone with the same water needs.
•Potential pitfalls in establishing
California Friendly
plants was discussed. They need to be watered
regularly for the first year to get established…but not
over watered. After a season or two, when established,
they need very little water in the summer, except for
newly planted trees.
•Specific details on how to properly plant California
Friendly plants was given: the hole must be no deeper
than the root ball but two times the diameter of the root
ball and the root ball must extend slightly above the
existing soil. A berm must be created at the existing
soil grade and mulch must not touch the stem of the
plant.
• Such plants need no pruning at all the first year and
grasses should only be trimmed one time per year.
SUMMARY OF THE GREENBELT
COMMITTEE WALK
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
Present: Jean Anne Turner - Chairperson, Carol Lamphier – Secretary,
Carol Tipper – Board Liaison, Frank McGill – Member. Jose Ordaz –
Total Landscaping and Sheila Robbins – VPCA General Manager.
Absent: Richard Dirricq, Amira Mansour, Joyce Tachner, Bill Wright,
Sona Simsarian – Members.
•Visited multiple sites to inspect trees for the Fall
trim list
•Discussed potential removal and replacement of
several healthy, leaning trees
•Reviewed plans to remove several trees to be
sure decisions are in compliance with VPCA’sTree
Policy
•Inspected an area where homeowner has
removed and replaced common area landscape
without permission
• Noted several areas in need of weeding
• Noted the difficulty of permanently eradicating
fescue grasses from shrub beds, berms and
islands
•Inspected a cul-de-sac due to a homeowner’s
request for cleaning more often than every other
week (which is the same as the street sweeper
schedule) and determined that this is not feasible
•Inspected two walkways in need of planting and
selected drought-tolerant plant material
• Reviewed and recommended acceptance of
proposals for two drainage improvements affecting
Royce area
YARD OF THE MONTH
17 REDWOOD TREE LANE
CONGRATULATIONS!
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SUMMARY OF GREENBELT MEETING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
SUMMARY OF FACILITIES
COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 2, 2010
Present:
Jean Anne Turner – Chairperson, Carol Lamphier –
Secretary, Carol Tipper – Board Liaison, Frank McGill, Sona Simsarian,
and Bill Wright – Members. Jose Ordaz – Total Landscaping.
Present: Jim Grady – Chairperson, Bob Meyers – Board Liaison,
Samantha Younghans-Haug, Joyce Tachner and Gordon Nylen –
Members.
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1) Recommendation to BoD for 4 short non-corroding metal
railings* painted bronze similar to existing pool fencing:
1 railing in the center** of the existing set of steps to Main
Spa from upper deck level of the Main Pool Area and 1
railing in the center** of each of the existing 3 sets of
steps to Small Pool restroom facilities from the pool deck
level. Each railing will be at a height (approx.2 feet)
appropriate for adults & with 2 support pillars well
anchored in cemented coring holes. Centered so as to
avoid/minimize interfering with lawn & ground
maintenance.
2) The Board & Greenbelt Committee have surveyed
residents on Green Tree Lane regarding the Green Tree
Park gazebo, pavers & steps and use of Reserves without
having conclusive recommendations or decisions at this time
despite the 7-15-10 presentation by Stivers and Kern.
Minutes of August and September meetings
and walks were approved.
Ms. Turner provided a landscape budget
update. As of August 31,2010, there was a
positive variance of $8,632.
Committee heard from the board liaison
regarding tree policy, particularly, leaning
Pines. Tree removal and pruning policies were
discussed.
Tree removal list is complete and the trim list is
in process.
Board liaison will ascertain the board’s decision
on the tree trim contract.
Board liaison reported that during a discussion
with an IRWD representative, the manager
learned that the state mandate for a 20%
reduction in water usage applies to each water
district, not each individual user. IRWD has
chosen, at this time, to motivate water
conservation by means of penalties for overuse,
rather that rationing.
Vertical mowing is complete.
There have been no water penalties thus far in
2010.
In case of an irrigation after-hours emergency,
Mr. Ordaz has provided a back-up plan if he is
unavailable.
The committee reviewed a proposal to remove
and replace the Green Tree Park trellis.
Painting provisions were unclear, and a
member would like options as to materials and
price. Proposal tabled till next meeting.
Board liaison reported that the board expects
the committee to present the board with a plan
for Green Tree Park. The board has moved to
remove the trellis in the future, but has not
decided whether to replace it.
Copies of the city landscape contract were
provided by Mr. McGill.
Current annual
reimbursement to VPCA is $18,578.
The committee will review a 2007 letter from
Mike Henry regarding the use of native plants in
our landscape. It will be discussed at the
December meeting.
3) Exterior lighting at Main Facility has been repaired
adequately presently. Consideration of solar panels to
generate energy here is recommended be deferred until
solar technology become more practical for VPCA.
4) Scheduled presentation at the 8-11-10 Special Committee
meeting by Jim Kindrich of Western Magnesite Co. regarding
its estimate to seal & recoat VPCA’s pool decks with work
guaranteed for 2 years.
5) Committee members agreed to jointly & severally share
inspections of VPCA’s 8 children play areas (aka Tot Lots)
as follows: Aspen Tree > G. Nylen , Green Tree > S. Haug ,
Willow Tree> J. Tachner, Acacia Tree/Coral Tree> B.
Meyers, Cypress Tree >J. Grady, Banyon Tree> J. Tachner
Almond Tree>.J. Tachner Small Pool> J. Grady
6) The Committee decided not to recommend installation of
an outdoor sink near the BBQs at this time.
7) At its 10-4-10 meeting, the Committee expects to start
consideration of work needed in VPCA facilities during 20102011.
8) The Committee decided a detailed report of expenses for
the recent clubhouse renovation from Sheila Robbins wasn’t
needed now.
9) Committee members agreed they would investigate
various alternatives (incl. Clear Fence & Gordon’s Gel), to
discontinue the corrosive effects & unsightliness of bird poop
on the eastside stretch of fencing around the Small Pool
without recurring labor time & expense.
The Committee reviewed the 11-6-09 Reserve Analysis
Report and discussed 2010 Remaining Work to be done.
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WATER SMART TIPS from the Greenbelt Committee
DATES TO REMEMBER
As Irvine Ranch Water District water allocations are
going down and the water rates are going up, VPCA is
intensifying efforts to use our water wisely. It is a real
balancing act to use enough water to keep our
greenbelts green and healthy while avoiding expensive
penalties for excessive water use. Here are some
strategies that can help VPCA and homeowners save
water
and
money.
NOVEMBER 2010
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VPCA A California Master Gardener came to VPCA
last month and taught us about California native and
California friendly plants. We are always trying to
update our plant palette to require less water, but not
sacrifice the beauty of our greenbelts.
Homeowners Look carefully at your IRWD bill and
check your water usage. Is your usage less than your
allotment? Is your usage less than last year? When
we have information we are more likely to take action.
WATER AEROBICS
Tuesday – ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL
COMMITTEE – 7:00 P.M .
Thursday – Trash Collection
Tuesday – GREENBELT WALK – 8:30 A.M.
Tuesday – Street Sweeping
Thursday – Office Open - Veteran’s Day
Friday – Trash Collection (Holiday Thursday)
Thursday – Trash Collection
Thursday – BOARD MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday – Street Sweeping
Thursday – Office Closed – Thanksgiving
Friday - Office Closed - Thanksgiving
Friday – Trash Collection (Holiday Thursday)
DECEMBER 2010
The VPCA Aquatics Program is for all association
members who want an exercise program that is
intense but low impact on the bones and joints. It
is under the auspices of the Arthritis Foundation of
Orange County. Program leader, Joyce Tachner,
is a certified aquatics instructor through the
Foundation.
The program takes place most
Tuesdays and every Thursday (except formal
holidays) at the small (east) pool, 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
We meet on a third day each week that will float
between Monday, Wednesday and an occasional
Friday. The pool temperature is maintained at 83
degrees for a joint-friendly yet invigorating
workout. We meet year-round so long as air
temperature is above 56 and it is not stormy. The
Aquatics Program for this month will meet on the
following dates:
November 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23 and
30.
It will be a shorter month due to the
Thanksgiving holiday.
For further information
regarding the Aquatics Program, contact Joyce
Tachner, 949-786-7767 or email Joyce at
[email protected], subject: aquatics program.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
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Thursday – GREENBELT MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Thursday – Trash Collection
Monday - – FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday – ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL
COMMITTEE – 7:00 P.M.
Thursday – Trash Collection
Tuesday – Street Sweeping
Tuesday – GREENBELT WALK 8:30 A.M.
Thursday – BOARD MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
(scheduled early due to holiday)
Thursday – Trash Collection
Friday Office Closed
Tuesday – Street Sweeping
Thursday – Trash Collection
Thursday – Trash Collection
If a holiday falls on a week day, the trash pick
up is one day later that week. Call 714-5587761 Waste Management with questions.
BE SURE TO MOVE YOUR CARS 2ND AND 4TH
TUESDAYS SO STREETS CAN BE SWEPT.
BULLETIN BOARD
Hooker Entertainment Cabinet for Sale.
Warm brown (cognac). Excellent condition.
74x46 1/2 X 25 3/4 $500
Call 949-786-9617
When you call the VPCA office to leave a message,
please be sure to clearly state your name, address and
how to contact you so we can be of help. Thank you!
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