Summer Pruning: The pruning of all community bushes and shrubs was completed prior to Summer, earlier than anticipated, due to the excessive rain that promoted late Spring growth. Some pruning of bushes and shrubs may appear to be more severe than others so they no longer rest against or attempt to climb up, on, into, or through, Homeplace townhomes, stoops, steps, railings, or downspouts. In some cases, bushes and shrubs were removed where pruning was not beneficial to promote rejuvenation and growth control as they became too large and overgrown in the area they were planted.
Masonry and Concrete: The milder Winter temperatures provided the opportunity for the few remaining front brick step and stoop replacements to resume and be completed earlier than expected on Saddlegate Court and Autumncrest Drive. When the brick masonry was completed concrete repairs and replacements were scheduled next. The excessive Spring rain interfered with the steady continuance of this. The progression of this Capital Improvement project is expected to be complete by the end of Summer and will continue to be dependent on, and primarily, as finances allow. Hearthwood Court will be addressed for brick masonry replacements and scheduled for 2017.
Exterior Wood: The exterior window and door wood maintenance began early Spring on the upper half of Hearthwood Court. The excessive Spring rain has plagued the steady continuance of this and it is expected the upper half of Hearthwood Court will be completed sometime during the Summer with cooperation from the weather.
Trees: The first phase of tree maintenance, primarily focusing on tree removal, was completed late Spring. The second phase of tree maintenance by trimming and raising the lower tree canopies is expected to be completed during the Summer.
Landscaping: Some landscaping improvements continue removing the old juniper bushes and cleaning up natural areas that have become overgrown. Both entrance flower beds were replenished for the Spring. Wooden retaining walls continue to be replaced with brick retaining walls as finances allow. As a reminder, now that warmer temperatures have returned, homeowners and residents may not put down mulch with personal plantings due to its nature for termite attraction and breeding. Personal plantings are limited to the footprint of each townhome lot. No planting of flowers, bushes, shrubs, or trees should occur in the Common Area or they will be subject for removal without notice. Always submit an Architectural Request before planting and a Maintenance Agreement may be required.
Roof Inspections: Roof inspections on the lower half of Hearthwood Court were completed in early Spring. One building remains to be addressed and evaluated, and possibly, these inspections may continue ahead of schedule to the upper half of Hearthwood Court for proactive measures should finances allow.
Grilling: The warmer seasons are the most popular for grilling; however, is the peak time for grilling fires. The National Fire Protection Association suggests these grilling safety tips:
- Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors placed well away from the home, vinyl siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from grill and in trays below grill.
- Never leave grill unattended and keep children and pets away from grill area.
- Check gas tank hose for leaks before using propane grill for first time each year.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose; a propane leak will be identified by releasing bubbles at the leak site.
- If grill has a gas leak, by smell or soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off gas tank and grill.
- If leak stops, get grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- If leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- If gas odor is smelled while cooking, immediately get away from grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
- There are many ways to get charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow starting charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
- Keep charcoal fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets.
- If starter fluid is used, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- There are also electric charcoal starters that do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When grilling is finished let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
- It is not recommended to use charcoal grills on wooden decks as they pose an increased fire hazard risk because embers have the tendency to fall out of ash pans dropping onto the wood decking below, often unnoticed; thus, grilling on the ground is suggested taking all fire safety precautions into consideration.
One simple solution to lessen potential fire hazards is to set the grill on a fire-resistant grill mat available in a range of sizes; the larger the mat, the more protection provided. Any damage to the townhome that may occur while grilling is the responsibility of the homeowner for repair.
Rear Decks: As a reminder rear decks, including the area underneath, and on the ground adjacent to the entire rear deck structure, are not to be used for outside storage. All items should be stored in the utility closet on the rear deck or, if appropriate, inside the townhome.
Sanitation: Trash and recycle containers still continue to remain in front of townhomes, on streets, and sidewalks days after sanitation pickup has been completed. Should trash and recycle containers continue to not be stored properly homeowners will be notified and subject to fines. It is expected every week to have all trash and recycle containers returned to the rear of the unit, not the side of the unit, by 7pm, the day of pickup. Trash and recycle containers are to be stored upright in an orderly fashion at the rear of the townhome with lids closed and secured at all times to prevent attraction of wild or stray animals. Where space is available, trash and recycle containers may be placed underneath rear decks.
Parking: Complaints continue to be received regarding parking. Residents should not use Visitor parking spaces on a daily basis and is prohibited. Each unit is allocated two assigned parking spaces. Residents or guests parked in assigned spaces of others, on grass, in designated illegal areas, on any of the main Homeplace streets or areas which would cause partial blocking of streets, or driveways, may be subject to towing at the expense of the vehicle owner. Overflow parking is available at the lower rear of the property if all nearby Visitor Spaces are in use.
Reminders: The Board of Directors usually meet on the fourth Tuesday every other month. All homeowners who wish to discuss a community concern at one of the scheduled Board meetings is asked to please contact the management company one week in advance to be added to the agenda. As always, please refer to the guidelines that are addressed most often regarding Homeplace at Adams Farm for non-compliance located under the Community Guidelines > General tab on the Homeplace web site.