We've had a busy year and accomplished a lot. We focused on
high visibility projects to enhance property values and maximize the return on
our HOA $$. All projects were completed on time and under budget.
I. Accomplishments
Landscape Upgrade
We allocated up to $20K from surplus reserves to upgrade
landscaping throughout Mendocino, formed an ad hoc committee (Anita, Pat, Phil,
Slav), and had several walkthroughs to refine our priorities. We focused on
replacing damaged grass and replacing dead/old/overgrown/scraggly/missing shrubs
with drought resistant plants. We documented our decisions with pics to ensure
the most equitable use of resources. Our goal was to encourage a transition
from the dated sculpted look to a more natural soft one. The improvements
concentrated on two main areas for maximum visual effect:
1) homeowners' front yards,
2) the PP entrance corridor as a focal point.
We also removed overgrown shrubs that were blocking access
to fuse/utility boxes on the side of the houses.
Architectural Review
Architectural standards were never enforced before, but
with Mendocino aging, signs of deferred maintenance are everywhere: faded/damaged
stucco, rusty metal, missing/broken decorative pieces...
It's important to reverse the trend to preserve and
enhance our home values.
The new Architectural Committee (AC) drafted Architectural
Guidelines, inclusive of Minimum Architectural Standards, which were then added to the
Rules and Regulations.
The AC did several weekend walkthroughs to inspect all homes
for compliance with the minimum standards, documenting the results with pics
and spreadsheet ratings. The scores were
mailed to all homeowners, followed by specific violation notices with
reasonable timeframes to address them.
The AC will now inspect the homes for compliance every 3
months and follow up with the homeowners as needed.
Grass Retention and Replacement Plan
Grass damaged by cottontails and gophers has been an ongoing
problem. Replacing the damaged grass without solving the cottontail problem
will simply bankrupt the HOA as cottontails are territorial and often return to
the same spot for fresh food. We researched several options and adopted a plan
to retain and replace the grass within our budget (click here).
Higher Returns on the Reserves
We opened a brokerage account at Fidelity and purchased 4 brokered
FDIC insured CDs with 6-month laddered maturities with the highest interest. A
brokerage account allows us to buy the highest-yielding CDs nationwide.
Delinquencies
We started the year with record delinquencies. It is grossly
unfair that some homeowners do not pay their share while enjoying the benefits
paid for by others. We stepped up collection efforts and sued 2 homeowners who
each owed us over $3,000 in small claims court. We obtained a default judgment
against one homeowner which we turned over to a collection law firm; the second
homeowner has made a full payment. Our delinquencies are down to a few late
payments.
Efficiency and Transparency
The 3-member board was able to accomplish these tasks with
only 5 board meetings. We made full use of delegating tasks to individuals and
committees. We also started Mendocino
Buzz (https://mendocinohoa.blogspot.com/) to keep homeowners informed of what's
going on.
Our efforts to improve Mendocino have encouraged a record
number of homeowners to repaint their houses.
II. Challenges
Failing Irrigation
Our irrigation is past the end of its useful life. We had
several broken valves that caused significant water loss. The problem is
exacerbated by homeowners not always noticing or reporting a leak, resulting in
several days of water runoff that greatly increased our water bill.
Overgrown Trees
The developer planted inappropriate trees in the parkways
that have grown too large, lifting sidewalks and threatening homeowner
utilities and foundations. The HOA has to continue selective removal to avoid
liability. Replacement is often difficult because a new tree cannot be planted
in the same spot: (a) it's too expensive to remove the remaining roots, and (b)
even small tree roots can damage the pipes.
Landscaping on the Corner of Via
Cantebria and Garden View Rd.
Parkways along roads belong to the city but are the
responsibility of the properties bordering them. Mendocino takes care of the
parkways it is responsible for but the parkways in question are the
responsibility of the non-HOA homes. We have a plan to get the non-HOA homes to
do their part.
Slav
