Over the past few months the front entrance area of Vermont Villas has been cleaned up to look new again. All of the signs on the gates and monuments have been replaced, the monuments have been patched and painted, and new or freshly painted letters and numbers have been affixed to the monuments. We ask for everyone's cooperation in keeping the area clean and tidy.
A new water-saving toilet has been installed in the women's room near the pool. It only uses 1.28 gallons per flush, is ADA compliant and matches the one recently installed at the men's room (see video below). The HOA was able to procure a $50 rebate for each of these toilets, $100 total, to help defray costs.
The
Escondido Fire Department recently paid us a visit to inspect and test
the fire hydrants in our complex. We are pleased to report that all four
of our hydrants passed inspection and are working properly. The Fire
Department will be testing the hydrants annually.
Last month Vermont Villas registered with Escondido Police Department's 'Trespass Arrest Authorization' program. This allows any resident who calls to report suspected trespassing on our grounds to remain anonymous and not be required to sign any forms. Crime is not a big issue at Vermont Villas, but we should all remain vigilant to keep problems to a minimum. If you suspect someone is trespassing on our grounds, please report the incident to Escondido Police at 760-839-4722 and tell the operator our complex is a member of their 'Trespass Arrest Authorization' program. Thanks!
Termite fumigation was recently performed on the last of our buildings
needing this work. That completes a three year project where all 22 of
our buildings, plus the clubhouse building near the pool, were tented
and fumigated. Thanks to all residents for your cooperation while the
work was done at your condo.
The phone entry system at our pedestrian and east drive-in gates was recently removed after
determining it wasn't being used by most residents. Cancelling the two phone
lines this service required will save the HOA $70 - $80 per month. You can still open the
gates by entering the gate code, but please only give out the gate code
to trusted friends or family, delivery or service personnel, etc. Thanks for your cooperation.
Last week the original 1980 toilet from the men's room near the pool was replaced with a new more water-efficient model. The old toilet used 3.5 gallons per flush, the new one uses only 1.28 gallons. The HOA saved money on this new toilet by claiming a $50 rebate. Some of these older 3.5 gallon toilets may still be in use inside individual condos - if you have one you are highly encouraged to replace it. Saving water means saving $$ for everyone -- part of your monthly HOA fee covers the cost of water at Vermont Villas. Here's a video that shows the old and new toilets in action:
The mailboxes have been crying for attention for some time. The appeal
for help was finally heard. They were recently given a good cleaning,
had a few loose screws tightened, new USPS stickers were applied, and
new labels designating unit numbers were put on all the boxes with sun
exposure.
On Monday, January 23, the city of Escondido trimmed the Eucalyptus trees that were extending over the Vermont Villas complex along our southeast border. The crew doing the work braved the rain and wind to accomplish the task on schedule and without incident. Thanks to all Vermont Villas residents for your cooperation.
All of the copper pipes carrying hot water out of our 22 hot water heaters (there's one hot water heater per building) have just been insulated - none were insulated before now. This will help in our ongoing efforts to conserve water and energy. All work was performed by volunteer owners and the total materials cost was just over $100, less than $5 per building. Here's a video that describes the work:
We've started to replace the wood siding on the fronts and backs of our most tired-looking buildings. The original siding is old and weather-beaten and it's time for a makeover. After careful study, the Board has decided to use a fiber-cement product, HardiePanel Siding, from the JamesHardie company. This product, simulated to look like wood, will be almost maintenance-free and provide long-term durability by withstanding the forces of nature (sun, moisture, termites, etc.). The 600 building (near the mailboxes) has been completely re-done in past few weeks and the reviews so far have been glowing! The 700 building will be the next to be transformed, with the work most likely to occur in March 2012 after the threat of rain has diminished. Click here for more information on the HardiePanel product.
