Landscaping: Pruning of shrubs throughout the community was completed just as the Summer season began. Please submit a Resident Work Order for any shrubs and foliage that may need additional pruning on an individual basis. 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. Always submit an Architectural Request for approval before planting and a Maintenance Agreement may be required. Aerating and reseeding the lawns will occur sometime during the Fall when conditions are appropriate.
Front Railings: The front railing project continues to move forward. The progression of the project is dependent on weather conditions, as finances allow, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.
Grilling: The Summer season is 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 the charcoal using newspaper as a 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. Any damage to the townhome that may occur while grilling is the responsibility of the homeowner for repair.
Front Doors: During the Fall the front doors of each townhome are scheduled to be repainted. If replacing the front door has been a possible consideration this would be the opportune time to do so before repainting of front doors begins.
Clothes Dryers: The leading cause of fire from home clothes dryers is the failure to keep them and their pipe vents clean. The National Fire Protection Association suggests these home clothes dryer safety tips:
- Have dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
- Do not use dryer without a lint filter making sure the lint filter is cleaned before, or after, each load of laundry also removing lint that has collected around the drum.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states flexible or ribbed vents made of plastic or foil should not be used and are considered a fire hazard and should be replaced. During a home inspection observed flexible or ribbed vents made of plastic or foil should be noted as a potential fire hazard.
- Ensure air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and outdoor vent flap will open when dryer is in operation.
- Once a year, or more often if drying time is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry, have a professional dryer lint removal service clean out vent pipe.
- Keep dryer in good working order.
- Make sure the correct plug and outlet type is used and is connected properly.
- Follow manufacturer operating instructions and do not overload dryer.
- Ensure dryer is off when asleep or when no one is home.
As a reminder, it is the responsibility of the homeowner for maintenance and care of ventilation systems, their piping, and attachments.
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 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.
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 are 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.