SUMMER 2010 | ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT, INC. – AN ASSOCIA MEMBER COMPANY
Shoreline
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LAKERIDGE SHORES ASSOCIATION
Saga
THE
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O F T H E L A K E R I D G E SWA N S
ecause of the recent dissension among property owners and differing opinions of what was to be done regarding the pair of swans and their cygnets (babies), the board thought it was important to make all residents aware of what has actually taken place. Last year Lakeridge Shores received a gift of a pair of swans from a Reno widow who was downsizing her ranch after her husband died. The board welcomed these beautiful birds unanimously with open arms. The swans became part of our community as they made the lake their home. Last winter, when the Lake began to freeze over, the maintenance crew and some community homeowners pitched in to install a water aerator to keep a small area of the lake form freezing so the swans would be safe from predators and still have an area in which to swim. The board also helped augment the swan’s food supply in order to keep them healthy. In the spring the swans mated and built a nest in the reeds near the marina. Ludwig, the male swan, being protective of the female, became very territorial and aggressive toward anyone coming near the area where their nest was located. Both people and dogs walking in the common area near the marina were confronted by him and, in some case, were bitten and bruised by Ludwig. Additionally, Ludwig, was being tormented by kids and some adult residents as he guarded the female and the nest. It became a three-ring circus for the marina neighborhood. The atmosphere became disruptive and fearful that someone was going to get seriously hurt. The management company posted signs warning residents of the swans nesting area and roped off the posted area. Finally three cygnets were born and the swan family became mobile, being seen in multiple locations all around the lake. As summer temperatures began to rise many residents began boating on the lake. This brought on new problems as Ludwig, protecting the
young brood, continued his aggressive behavior, attacking many of the boaters without provocation. A senior couple that has been boating on the lake for many years was attacked and complained they wouldn’t use the lake as long as Ludwig was there. Another family, a father with his daughter was also attacked and he threatened to sue the Association if his child was hurt. We also had complaints of people chasing the swans and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward them. It appears there was aggressive behavior by both the swans and residents. It’s unfair to put all the blame on the swans when they were being provoked. The board has been in a difficult position, caught between two factions of homeowners - those who cherish the majestic beauty of the swans swimming in our lake and the other who want to use the lake and beaches without fear of being harassed by the male swan. Additionally, there was concern about the liability facing the association if there was a serious injury caused by the swan. At our last board meeting a motion was made and passed to form a committee to help resolve the problems dealing with the swans. Needless to say, many people on both sides of the issue have weighed in circulating emails and phone calls arguing their positions. There was a sense of urgency in addressing the issue due to potential liability/ punitive damages, and insurance problems, as well as, protecting the swans from harassment. Therefore, a committee appointed by the board was set to meet the following week after the board meeting. Before the meeting could be held, a member of the board, who felt strongly about potential liability, researched options. On his own, he made the decision to place the swan family with a government agency who relocated the swans to a Lemmon Valley animal rescue ranch. The timeline of events, as explained above, is meant to be an unbiased transcript of what has taken place regarding the Lakeridge swan family. Many people are not happy that the problem involving the swans was not resolved with a consensus of the board and residents. Others are just relieved to see the swan issue resolved. No doubt, the issue will continue to be discussed. The board would have preferred to have had more input into the process of resolving this problem, in order to achieve an end acceptable to the whole community. While no one is totally happy with the result, we have to remember we are a wonderful community. Lake Stanley is one of our great assets and something for our entire community to enjoy. We have been, we are and will continue to be a great place to live! Sincerely,
Your Lakeridge Board of Directors
SUMMER 2010
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SHORELINE NEWSLETTER
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Lakeridge Shores Board of Directors
Lakeridge Shores C O M M I T T E E S
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE Russell Ernst – Chair Members: Pat Coward, Mary Dunn Howden, Michael Parsons, George Ritter, and Kosta Arger.
Pat Coward – President Rick Schwarze – Vice President Carolyn Bernard – Secretary Marianne DeLuca – Treasurer
Kosta Arger – Director Geoff Cecchi – Director Russell Ernst – Director
boardmeetings
LAKE COMMITTEE Geoff Cecchi – Chair Members: George Ritter, Michael Parsons, Marianne DeLuca, Don Bernard Sr., Rick Schwarze, and Malcom Bacchus.
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE Ed Houston – Chair Members: Rick Schwarze, Don Bernard Sr., Hugh Johnson, Pat Coward, Marianne DeLuca, and Michael Parsons.
GARDEN COMMITTEE Marianne DeLuca – Chair Members: Alison Parsons and Peggy Langsner.
SECURITY COMMITTEE Rick Schwarze – Chair Members: Dave Zundel and Carl Staub. _________________________ If you would like to serve on a committee, please contact the association office at 775-626-7333 or by email at lsaservice@amiusa.net.
Board meetings are held at the offices of ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT INC. 955 Tyrone Rd. Ste. 1 | Reno, NV 89502
on the last Wednesday of every month. Meeting agendas are available at the guard shack, or on-line at www.amiusa.net, at least 10 days before the meeting.
PHONE NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY LAW ENFORCEMENT Reno Police: 911 Non-emergency: 334-2121 Sheriff: 328-3001 Non-emergency: 785-4629 ANIMAL CONTROL Dispatch: 322-3647 Office: 353-8900 GUARD SHACK NV Phone: 826-8903 Fax: 826-8093
FIRE Reno Fire: 911 Non-emergency: 328-3650 Sierra Fire Protection District: 849-1108 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Washoe County Administration: 328-3266 Assessor’s Office: 328-2200 UTILITIES Power (electric & gas): 834-444 TMWA (water): 834-8080 Waste Management (trash): 329-8822
SUMMER 2010
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SHORELINE NEWSLETTER
architectural committee R E M
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I N D E R S
»meetings The Architectural Committee meets on the second-to-the-last Wednesday of the month at 4 pm. In order for your plans to be processed for the meeting, they must be submitted on or before the Friday prior to the meeting along with the completed application form and any related fee.
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL FLOW CHART Decision to Start Project MINOR PROJECTS
Building Permit Required? MAJOR PROJECTS
NO
/
YES
Call AMI: Architectural Committee for Preliminary Advice
Inquire with City for Building Permits
Submit Plans / Application to AMI for Architectural Committee Review
Apply with City for Building Permit if necessary
Review by Architectural Committee
Approval / Review from City
Letter of Decision from Architectural Committee
Submit Plans / Application to AMI for Architectural Committee Review
Letter of Decision from Architectural Committee
Start Project
Call AMI at Completion of Project
Final Review by Architectural Committee
Refund of Deposit
PLEASE DON’T FORGET that all exterior changes must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Architectural Committee prior to beginning any work. ___________________________ ARCHITECTURAL
Fees & Deposits:
FEES: New Residences Exterior Remodel Landscape Remodel Decking Remodel Retaining Wall Remodel Color Change Minor Landscape Change DEPOSITS: New Residences Exterior Remodels
$400 $200 $100 $100 $100 $50 $50
$2000 500
STREET USAGE FEES: New Residents $100/Month Exterior Remodels $50/Month ___________________________
LAKERIDGE SHORES WEBSITE
www.amiusa.net Architectural guideline and applications for submittal can be obtained on the associations website, along with lots of other useful forms and information.
SUMMER 2010
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Lake Stanley Lake Committee Report
I
n preparation for the 2010 lake season, the Board of Directors elected to re-bid the lake maintenance contract with the goal of developing an all-inclusive turn-key arrangement to achieve a holistic approach toward lake maintenance and improved budgetary planning. Three contractors were selected to bid on the contract. References were obtained from all bidders and thoroughly screened.
Clean Lakes provided the most cost effective bid and their references were excellent. Clean Lakes, Inc. have been providing aquatic ecosystem restoration and maintenance services to governmental and private sector clients worldwide since the mid 1970’s and actively involved in the control of invasive plant species in the Western U.S. since the early 1980’s. We look forward to working with their organization to provide the highest possible water quality and clarity for our lake and ponds. Clean Lakes personnel applied treatment to Lake Stanley on June 18 and June 30, 2010 to control aquatic weeds and algae, which has led to a significant improvement. Lake patrons and shoreline residents may have noticed floating pondweed immediately following the lake treatments. This is temporary as dying pondweed will continue to deteriorate and submerge to the bottom of the lake. Clean Lakes will continue to monitor and treat the lake and ponds throughout the summer-fall season.
The maintenance services provided by Clean Lakes are designed to provide more immediate remedies to improve lake and pond
quality, and thus allow timely aesthetic enjoyment and aquatic recreation. Additionally, your lake committee will be looking at potential proactive measures (such as bottom laid aeration) aimed at stabilizing lake and pond quality for the long-term. Please feel free to contact me or lake committee members with any questions or concerns. Geoff Cecchi LAKE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
LAKERIDGE SHORES HOMEOWNERS 2ND ANNUAL
FIESTA THEME SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010 5:30 P.M. AT THE MARINA Float any type of vessel for one lap around the lake, or come as an observer! Fiesta attire and vessel decorations encouraged. Bring your own seating and beverages. If your last name starts with a letter between A – R please bring a fiesta potluck appetizers or dish to share, and for those with last names between S to Z please bring a dessert.
RSVP by August 3rd: Geoff Cecchi Lake Committee Chairman | GVSLC@aol.com Got tables we can use? Please let us know when you RSVP.
SUMMER 2010
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SHORELINE NEWSLETTER
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Recipe Corner
By Kosta M. Arger
Salmon Cakes INGREDIENTS: 1/2 side, boned, skinned salmon (approx. 2 lbs.), put through a meat grinder 2 eggs, whisked or beaten 1 pkg Panko bread crumbs 2 T rice flour 1 cup finely chopped or minced red bell pepper 1/2 cup olive oil 1 T minced garlic 1 cup minced onion, sautéed in olive oil 1 cup finely chopped Italian parsley 12 tsp paprika 1 stick of butter salt & pepper to taste
PROCEDURE: Cook onion, paprika, and garlic in olive oil until softened, not brown. Remove and place in large mixing bowl. Cook red bell pepper until softened and place in bowl. In food grinder, grind salmon. Put in bowl and mix in three well-beaten eggs. Add rice flour, bread crumbs and salt & pepper; mix thoroughly. Let stand in refrigerator for 1–2 hours. Clarify 1 stick of butter. In saute pan, add 1 T olive oil and enough clarified butter to cover pan bottom. Form salmon cakes into desired size and cook over medium heat until well browned and cooked through. Serve with fresh salsa or white sauce…..Enjoy!!!
Suspicious Activity
W
e need your help to keep an eye out within the Shores for suspicious activity. So if you see anything unusual, please gather as much information as you can and call the guard house at 826-8903 as soon as possible. We will ask you to fill out and return a complaint form so that we have a more complete record of the incident.
HOLIDAYS & PARTIES Please call and advise Security at 826-8903 of any pending parties. We would like to be organized with passes pre-made and directions for the guests, so everything goes smoothly.
ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT INC. 5955 TYRONE RD., STE. 1 RENO, NV 89502
New Landscape Maintenance Contractor By Marianne DeLuca
A
s an ongoing effort, the Lakeridge Shores Finance Committee and Board of Directors regularly review budget line items, including contract services, to assure our membership that the Association is obtaining for them the highest quality services at the least cost available. As part of that effort, a close examination of landscape maintenance costs was performed early this year and a decision was made to obtain contract proposals from private contractors. A detailed scope of work was prepared and delivered to potential landscape maintenance contractors. Licenses, customer references, and insurance certificates were carefully reviewed. Sealed bids were obtained as required by Nevada statutes and delivered to the Board at their April meeting. At that time, the Board decided to contract with The Groundskeeper. Started in Tucson in 1976, The Groundskeeper has offices in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Texas. They we were recently named one of the “Top 20 Great Companies” by Landscape Management Magazine. The Groundskeeper serves many prestigious communities such as Somersett master-planned golf community in Reno and the Summerlin Master Community Association in Las Vegas. Considering the costs savings generated from the reduction in Lakeridge Shores’ on-site staff, supplies, waste removal, equipment depreciation and replacement costs, and related property and liability insurance premiums, the estimated annual savings for the Association is in excess of $20,000.
Tree Pruning
T
he main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber. Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them, and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site. Pruning for safety involves limbs that are broken or unstable. Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure. Pruning for aesthetics involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower production. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning.
NEW TMWA WATERING TIME Even addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Odd addresses: Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday The best watering time is between 3–9 am. This is the optimum time with the most benefit to your lawn and plants. Do not water between noon to 6 pm. Okay watering time is between 7 pm–3 am. Consider altering times when conditions are very windy or the temperatures are very high. Please use sufficient cycle lengths (5 to 7 minutes), but don’t waste water by letting it run down the street.
GUIDE TO LAWN CARE When’s the best time?
____________________________________ MOWING = as soon as lawn needs it, when grass reaches 3 to 4 inches. ____________________________________ FERTILIZING = Mid-May and then lightly on a monthly basis. ____________________________________ CRABGRASS CONTROL = First application around April 1, 2nd application in mid-May. ____________________________________ SEEDING = Before mid-April. Aerating Around September 1 and a second time around April 1 on heavily compacted or clay soils. ____________________________________ DETHATCHING = Around September 1 and again around April 1. ____________________________________