Mountain Gate HomeOwners Association
HOA
volume one | number one | OCTOBER 2011
Working to improve the quality of life for all of our members
Welcome
Welcome to the first issue of HOA Update, the newsletter of the Mountain Gate Homeowners Association. Our goal is to keep you updated on important information and improvements regarding the quality of life as well as the safety and security of our members. We are humbled to represent our neighbors and wish to maintain an open line of communication with each and every one.
HOT TOPIC
HOA Improvements Some of the higher-profile projects the Association has completed ... • New pool furniture for all three pools • Slurry sealcoat applied to all streets • Tire spikes installed on exit gates • Magnetic locks installed on all gates • High-efficiency variable-speed pumps on all pools to reduce cost of operation • Increased height of fence at pools • Picnic table at Tot-Lot • Added security measures to pool heaters to prevent unauthorized temperature changes • Rebuilt flagpole • Replaced cracked pool slab at the pool on Terraza • Replaced and upgraded rope lighting at main entry to LED
CC&Rs and Rules are available at westhoa.com
Doing More
Meeting at 2pm, why not 6pm? “Why are Board meetings in the afternoon, not in the evening when I could actually attend?” We understand some members’ frustration and can only answer with the fact that we have tried it both ways. The problem is that many cannot attend in the evenings. We found that either way, attendance remained about the same. If you find it difficult to attend a meeting and have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the Board directly at hoamountaingate@gmail.com or management at 760.269.4143 or manager@westhoa.com.
Financial Highlights • Paid back $50,000 loan from reserves • Paid $67,000 for utility reimbursements from previous years • We continue to increase our operating and reserve fund balances (see below) • Mountain Gate still has among the lowest HOA fees in the valley 2008 Operating Fund Balance
($67,352)
Reserve Funds
$201,807
Revenue Less Than Expenses
($88,452)
Revenue More Than Expenses
2009
Increased efforts to collect past due assessments Increased courtesy and hearing notices for violations of the governing documents Increased patrols by Maxwell Security Increased landscape maintenance
2010
2011
$2,927
$116,554
$170,634
$272,370
$315,753
$433,445
$49,140
$100,923
$150,000 +/-
deficit
DEFICIT
Contact the Board with any questions or concerns: hoamountaingate@gmail.com Please contact the Board with any questions or concerns: hoamountaingate@gmail.com
Mountain Gate HomeOwners Association
Meet Your Board
West Association Management | 760.269.4143 | manager@westhoa.com | westhoa.com
Discount Tree Trimming
• MG resident since 2004 • Business management major at San Diego City College • Retired from retail management after 40+ years serving nationally recognized retailers
Tree trimming is available to all homeowners by the Association’s landscape maintenance company at the following special rates: • Small trees - $35.00 • Medium trees - $65.00 • Large trees - $95.00 • Extra Large trees - $125.00 • Palm trees - $25.00 Homeowners will be given a specific quote for the work requested before scheduling the project. Please contact manager@westhoa.com for more information.
Greg Gunkel
Remember to check the center of your monthly statement
Ross Osuna PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
• Plant manager at a local prototype automotive facility • CERT certified • FCC radio operator technician certified • Volunteer for PSFD, PSNIC and PS Youth League
Scott A. McPherson TREASURER
• Owner – Provisual Graphic Design, Palm Springs • Volunteer for The Wildlands Conservancy, Katherine Finchy PTA, Palms Springs Art Museum and PSBHC • MG resident since 2005
Dan Kolasa DIRECTOR
• MG resident for 7.5 years • Retired and enjoying renovating, gardening and traveling • Former director of new construction, renovation, and maintenance at a resort on the coast
John Pavelak Declarant
• President, Century Vintage Homes • Builder of Mountain Gate Do you have a topic you would like to see covered in a future issue of Update? Tell us today at: hoamountaingate@gmail.com
for important information about upcoming board meetings, gate-access codes, special announcements and more.
Smart Scalping Guide The dusty process of “scalping” has long been known for the massive amount of dirt, pollen and tiny bits of grass that is kicked up in the air. This dust can be a serious health risk for people with breathing related problems. It also worsens the already significant dust problem. The Coachella Valley is in danger of violating Environmental Protection Agency standards. This guide outlines the eco-friendly way to scalp. It can be viewed online at: cvag.org.
Neighborhood Watch
Bulletin Board
An alert neighborhood is an safer one. Keep your eyes and ears open for any suspicious activity around the gates, pools, houses and streets. Talk with and get to know those who live around you – exchange phone numbers. Your neighbors are among the most important crime-fighting tools you have. Be diligent, but do not put yourself in harm’s way. To report suspicious activity, call: Maxwell Security: 760.770.8249, or the Palm Springs Police Department: 760.327.1441.
We have installed a new bulletin board near the Mountain Gate pool. To have something communityrelated added to the bulletin board contact manager@westhoa.com.
Sign-up for automatic payments (ACH) to pay your monthly assessment. The easy way to pay and avoid late fees too. Contact manager@westhoa.com for more information.
Contact the Board with any questions or concerns: hoamountaingate@gmail.com Please contact the Board with any questions or concerns: hoamountaingate@gmail.com