Some tips from our neighbors:
Anytime we see marking made on any of our dumpsters or cardboard waste containers, we need to spray paint over them. These are ways that some "groups" mark their "territories". If they are not spray painted over, they believe that the areas surrounding the containers belong to them. Illegal activities soon follow.
The Seattle Times no longer solicits subscriptions to their newspaper by going door to door. Some young people in our area have been going door to door posing as delivery people for the newspaper, checking the Kent Easthill neighborhoods for future possible thefts.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Nice neighbors
We have been in contact with our neighbors to the west. A breach in the fence which borders our two properties was being used as a cut through. We had it closed, resolving a safety issue for both parties involved (and they paid the invoice).
During
As a result of this conversation, the Board member began discussion with various contractors to provide advice as to what alternatives were available, and the corresponding cost estimates of each. Nine different contractors came to the property over a period of several months. A few advised tying into an existing drainage system between two buildings and another advised the laying down of a whole new piping line across the entire parking lot. These cost estimates were exceedingly high. The remaining bids designated a long French Drain system along the parking area at the northeast corner of the property. From there, the newly laid piping would tie into a large round drainage hole with a catch basin. This was determined to be the most effective, least expensive way of fixing the flooding problem, and returning this area to its prior usable state. The contractors who submitted these types of bids were investigated further, one was chosen, and the work was begun in July of 2004.
Before
In February of 2004 a member of the Board began an investigation as to what options were available to fix the northeast parking lot drainage problem. The Board member began by discussing the issue with Mr. Chris Vanhoof, Drainage Facilities Inspector for the City of Kent, who advised the Board member that this was a private property issue, and thus the city had no interest in the matter, and that furthermore, even if we could tie into the city street drainage system (and we could not), it would cost a fortune to do so.
New law
In May, the City of Kent updated and passed a curfew law concerning juveniles. Here are some excerpts from those proceedings:
Friday, May 13, 2005 at 7:39 PM
9.09.010 Purpose:
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Protect juveniles and other citizens, residents and visitors of the city from the dangers of crimes which occur on sidewalks, streets, and public places during the late night and early morning hours;
B. Decrease the amount of criminal activity engaged in by juveniles;
C. Promote and enhance parental control over juveniles;
D. Adopt and implement policies relating to juveniles that would minimize impacts on juveniles engaging in and traveling to or from a lawful activity or event; and
E. Preserve the public safety and to reduce acts of violence by or against juveniles that are occurring in Kent at rates beyond the capacity of the police to assure public safety without the aid of a juvenile curfew.
Curfew hours mean 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily.
Juvenile means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
Public place means any street, alley, highway, parking lot, sidewalk, park, playground or place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment, or other lawful purpose. Public place shall include, but not be limited to any public facility or any establishment such as a store, shop, restaurant, tavern, bowling alley, cafe, theater, drug store, golf course, pool room, shopping center, and any other place open to the general public and devoted to business, amusement or entertainment of the general public or other lawful purpose, whether publicly or privately owned or operated. It shall also include the front or immediate area of the above, including, but not limited to, roads, sidewalks, alleyways, parking lots, parks or other similar areas open to the general public.
Friday, May 13, 2005 at 7:39 PM
9.09.010 Purpose:
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Protect juveniles and other citizens, residents and visitors of the city from the dangers of crimes which occur on sidewalks, streets, and public places during the late night and early morning hours;
B. Decrease the amount of criminal activity engaged in by juveniles;
C. Promote and enhance parental control over juveniles;
D. Adopt and implement policies relating to juveniles that would minimize impacts on juveniles engaging in and traveling to or from a lawful activity or event; and
E. Preserve the public safety and to reduce acts of violence by or against juveniles that are occurring in Kent at rates beyond the capacity of the police to assure public safety without the aid of a juvenile curfew.
Curfew hours mean 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily.
Juvenile means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
Public place means any street, alley, highway, parking lot, sidewalk, park, playground or place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment, or other lawful purpose. Public place shall include, but not be limited to any public facility or any establishment such as a store, shop, restaurant, tavern, bowling alley, cafe, theater, drug store, golf course, pool room, shopping center, and any other place open to the general public and devoted to business, amusement or entertainment of the general public or other lawful purpose, whether publicly or privately owned or operated. It shall also include the front or immediate area of the above, including, but not limited to, roads, sidewalks, alleyways, parking lots, parks or other similar areas open to the general public.
Northern exposure
In April, our new management company sent a letter on our behalf to our neighbors to the north, asking them to repair their fence which borders our two properties.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Roofing Project
For many years, the Kenthill Homeowners Association Board investigated the installation of new roofs on all our buildings. In early 2003, the board asked for and received several bids to do the work. Contractors came out to the property to view all our buildings. They investigated, researched, and reported back to the board their findings. They also provided many materials and literature that explain the various types of options available to the association to address the problems with our roofing project. We have 15 buildings throughout our complex and they rated each one as to priority (some of our roofs being in much poorer condition as opposed to others). One of the contractors was concerned enough to state that they felt that six buildings should be dealt with immediately.
The board selected one of the contractors and the roofing project began, with buildings C and M receiving new roofs in mid 2003. Roofs on buildings E and K were installed in 2004. The 2005 Homeowners Association Board has made a commitment to continue the project of installing two roofs every year until the project is completed.
The board selected one of the contractors and the roofing project began, with buildings C and M receiving new roofs in mid 2003. Roofs on buildings E and K were installed in 2004. The 2005 Homeowners Association Board has made a commitment to continue the project of installing two roofs every year until the project is completed.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
from the City of Kent
On March 9th, 2005 The City of Kent wrote a formal letter to Kenthill Townhomes (via our Property Management company). Here are the contents of that letter:
Dear Property manager:
On March 8, 2005 the City of Kent Public Works Operations staff inspected your drainage facility and found that it currently meets maintenance standards.
Please remind employees/tenants/homeowners that only rain water is allowed to enter the storm drain. Allowing the discharge or in any way releasing or contributing to pollution in any storm or surface water run-off which enters the storm and surface water facilities within the city is a violation of Kent City Code 7.05.140. A violation of this Code can carry up to a $500 penalty for each day the violation occurs. Only wash vehicles or discharge cleaning water (mop buckets, floor cleaners, etc.) if you can ensure that the waste water is being discharged to the sanitary sewer.
As you know, proper maintenance of drainage facilities protects our lakes, rivers and streams. We thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Public Works Operations Department at (253) 856-5644.
Sincerely,
Chris VanHoof
Drainage Facilities Inspector
Dear Property manager:
On March 8, 2005 the City of Kent Public Works Operations staff inspected your drainage facility and found that it currently meets maintenance standards.
Please remind employees/tenants/homeowners that only rain water is allowed to enter the storm drain. Allowing the discharge or in any way releasing or contributing to pollution in any storm or surface water run-off which enters the storm and surface water facilities within the city is a violation of Kent City Code 7.05.140. A violation of this Code can carry up to a $500 penalty for each day the violation occurs. Only wash vehicles or discharge cleaning water (mop buckets, floor cleaners, etc.) if you can ensure that the waste water is being discharged to the sanitary sewer.
As you know, proper maintenance of drainage facilities protects our lakes, rivers and streams. We thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Public Works Operations Department at (253) 856-5644.
Sincerely,
Chris VanHoof
Drainage Facilities Inspector
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Building Reps.
We have fifteen buildings here at Kenthill Townhomes Condominiums. In past years, each building had a volunteer who acted as a contact person for that building. Building Reps, as they have been called, were expected to attend as many monthly Homeowners Meetings as they could so as to have one person in each building who knew what was going on throughout our complex, and who would be able to answer questions from residents and tenants.
Attendance at Homeowners Meetings is still encouraged, and attendance either by person of proxy at the Annual Homeowners Meetings is certainly critical, but we now have many more means of communicating. With the advent of the internet, we now have had as many as three different websites available to homeowners. In addition to this, monthly meeting minutes are mailed out quarterly [that is the rule (sometimes broken, like it was in 2004)].
Some residents of Kenthill Townhomes do not have computers and some are unable to atttend meetings. For these reasons, Building Representatives are still necessary. Also, the Building Reps are usually the ones who set up and maintain a watering schedule for their building that keeps the plants and shrubs healthy during the hot summer months.
However, some misunderstandings as to what the duties of Building Reps are still remain. This was especially apparent during the recent power outage last winter. Some residents (both homeowners and tenants) began calling their Building Reps, complaining that their power was out, and wanting to know when they could expect it to be restored. These and other problems should be directed to the appropriate authorities.
Attendance at Homeowners Meetings is still encouraged, and attendance either by person of proxy at the Annual Homeowners Meetings is certainly critical, but we now have many more means of communicating. With the advent of the internet, we now have had as many as three different websites available to homeowners. In addition to this, monthly meeting minutes are mailed out quarterly [that is the rule (sometimes broken, like it was in 2004)].
Some residents of Kenthill Townhomes do not have computers and some are unable to atttend meetings. For these reasons, Building Representatives are still necessary. Also, the Building Reps are usually the ones who set up and maintain a watering schedule for their building that keeps the plants and shrubs healthy during the hot summer months.
However, some misunderstandings as to what the duties of Building Reps are still remain. This was especially apparent during the recent power outage last winter. Some residents (both homeowners and tenants) began calling their Building Reps, complaining that their power was out, and wanting to know when they could expect it to be restored. These and other problems should be directed to the appropriate authorities.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
An excerpt from another website
This is a history of the Kenthill Townhomes monthly meeting minutes (Note: The meeting minutes for any monthly meeting are approved (or approved with any corrections, typos, etc.) at the following month’s meeting.)
According to a Proboards website, it was said that anyone could get a copy of the association’s financial statements.
In 2004, the annual budget for photocopying was $950, and for postage it was $925.
In 2005, the annual budget for photocopying is $985, and for postage it is $843.
So we usually receive the monthly meeting minutes in sets of three, every quarter. (Sometimes newsletters are included in the envelope). In 2003, we received the minutes for January, February, and March, in an envelope with a letter announcing the Annual meeting. Sometime in the summer of 2003, we received the monthly meeting minutes for May and June. No meeting minutes would have been sent out for the month of April. The meeting minutes for the Annual meetings are approved for the previous year by all the homeowners at the following year’s Annual meeting.
Sometime in the late summer of 2003, we received the meeting minutes for July, August, and September. On December 29, 2003, we received a letter from Philips Real Estate. It says, “Enclosed please find an updated revised copy of the House Rules for Kenthill Townhomes. The Board is urging everyone to read and understand these rules as there will be strict enforcement of them as we move into the New Year. Also enclosed is the Winter Newsletter from the Board of Directors and copies of the last two months minutes from the 2003 Board Meetings.” End quote.
These two months minutes would have been for October and November. There were no meeting minutes for December of 2003 as there was no meeting in December.
In 2004, a letter was sent out announcing the Annual meeting to be held on April 13, 2005, including the meeting minutes for January and February. At the 2004 Annual meeting the homeowners were to approve the meeting minutes for the 2003 Annual meeting. But those meeting minutes were not available. (The meeting minutes for the April 13th, 2004 meeting say, “The minutes for the 2003 Annual Meeting were not available for reading.”)
There were problems with the printing of the House Rules Books. They were sent back to the printer for corrections. The meeting minutes were to have been sent out with them. Instead of sending the minutes out for May and June, none were sent out.
The printing problems with the House Rules books continued to happen. The House Rules books were to be sent out with the monthly meeting minutes. The September 14th, 2004 meeting minutes say, “Problems were discovered with the latest edition of the House Rules Book. Reprinting with corrections is scheduled.”
The September 2004 Winter Newsletter was sent out, and again, Phillips Real Estate again failed to send out the monthly meeting minutes.
Finally, in late December or early January, Phillips sent out the copies of the monthly meeting minutes. Copies of the August 10th, August 29th, September 14th, October 12th, October 30th, November 9th, and November 16th, 2004 monthly meeting minutes were sent out. (There was no meeting minutes for December 2004, as there was no meeting). For reasons unknown, Phillips Real Estate did not send out the meeting minutes for May, June, and July.
As was said above, the meeting minutes for any monthly meeting are approved (or approved with any corrections, typos, etc.) at the following month’s meeting. The only exception to this rule is the meeting minutes for the Annual meeting. The Annual meeting minutes for the prior year are approved by the homeowners at the following year’s Annual meeting. No meeting minutes are supposed to be distributed until they are approved.
During the January 11th, 2005 meeting, the meeting minutes for the November 9th and the November 16th 2004 meetings were officially approved. (Actually, these two meeting minutes were pre-approved by e-mail correspondence during December, in order for them to be included in the large mailing made by Phillips Real Estate, and to meet the requirement that meeting minutes be approved before being sent out). During the February 8th, 2005 meeting, the meeting minutes for the January meeting were approved. The March 8th 2005 meeting was cancelled.
On March 31st, 2005 the annual meeting was held. The meeting minutes for the February 2005 meeting were not approved. This was because the meeting minutes for the 2004 Annual meeting were distributed to the homeowners at the meeting. The homeowners read the minutes. A motion was made, it was seconded, and a voice count approved those minutes. The minutes for the March 31st, 2005 were written down. They will be typed up, but they will not be distributed until they are approved in the same manner, at the 2006 Annual Meeting.
On April 25th, 2005, the meeting minutes for the February 8th, 2005 meeting were read and approved. Following the pattern above, monthly meeting minutes are sent out every quarter. The meeting minutes for January 11th, February 8th, and March 8th (the meeting minutes for the March 8, 2005 meeting are only a reference that says the meeting was cancelled) meeting minutes should be sent out soon (although Suhrco has told us they are very busy with the transition). To repeat, the meeting minutes for the 2005 Annual meeting will not be available until after next year when they will be approved by the homeowners at the 2006 Annual meeting.
According to a Proboards website, it was said that anyone could get a copy of the association’s financial statements.
In 2004, the annual budget for photocopying was $950, and for postage it was $925.
In 2005, the annual budget for photocopying is $985, and for postage it is $843.
So we usually receive the monthly meeting minutes in sets of three, every quarter. (Sometimes newsletters are included in the envelope). In 2003, we received the minutes for January, February, and March, in an envelope with a letter announcing the Annual meeting. Sometime in the summer of 2003, we received the monthly meeting minutes for May and June. No meeting minutes would have been sent out for the month of April. The meeting minutes for the Annual meetings are approved for the previous year by all the homeowners at the following year’s Annual meeting.
Sometime in the late summer of 2003, we received the meeting minutes for July, August, and September. On December 29, 2003, we received a letter from Philips Real Estate. It says, “Enclosed please find an updated revised copy of the House Rules for Kenthill Townhomes. The Board is urging everyone to read and understand these rules as there will be strict enforcement of them as we move into the New Year. Also enclosed is the Winter Newsletter from the Board of Directors and copies of the last two months minutes from the 2003 Board Meetings.” End quote.
These two months minutes would have been for October and November. There were no meeting minutes for December of 2003 as there was no meeting in December.
In 2004, a letter was sent out announcing the Annual meeting to be held on April 13, 2005, including the meeting minutes for January and February. At the 2004 Annual meeting the homeowners were to approve the meeting minutes for the 2003 Annual meeting. But those meeting minutes were not available. (The meeting minutes for the April 13th, 2004 meeting say, “The minutes for the 2003 Annual Meeting were not available for reading.”)
There were problems with the printing of the House Rules Books. They were sent back to the printer for corrections. The meeting minutes were to have been sent out with them. Instead of sending the minutes out for May and June, none were sent out.
The printing problems with the House Rules books continued to happen. The House Rules books were to be sent out with the monthly meeting minutes. The September 14th, 2004 meeting minutes say, “Problems were discovered with the latest edition of the House Rules Book. Reprinting with corrections is scheduled.”
The September 2004 Winter Newsletter was sent out, and again, Phillips Real Estate again failed to send out the monthly meeting minutes.
Finally, in late December or early January, Phillips sent out the copies of the monthly meeting minutes. Copies of the August 10th, August 29th, September 14th, October 12th, October 30th, November 9th, and November 16th, 2004 monthly meeting minutes were sent out. (There was no meeting minutes for December 2004, as there was no meeting). For reasons unknown, Phillips Real Estate did not send out the meeting minutes for May, June, and July.
As was said above, the meeting minutes for any monthly meeting are approved (or approved with any corrections, typos, etc.) at the following month’s meeting. The only exception to this rule is the meeting minutes for the Annual meeting. The Annual meeting minutes for the prior year are approved by the homeowners at the following year’s Annual meeting. No meeting minutes are supposed to be distributed until they are approved.
During the January 11th, 2005 meeting, the meeting minutes for the November 9th and the November 16th 2004 meetings were officially approved. (Actually, these two meeting minutes were pre-approved by e-mail correspondence during December, in order for them to be included in the large mailing made by Phillips Real Estate, and to meet the requirement that meeting minutes be approved before being sent out). During the February 8th, 2005 meeting, the meeting minutes for the January meeting were approved. The March 8th 2005 meeting was cancelled.
On March 31st, 2005 the annual meeting was held. The meeting minutes for the February 2005 meeting were not approved. This was because the meeting minutes for the 2004 Annual meeting were distributed to the homeowners at the meeting. The homeowners read the minutes. A motion was made, it was seconded, and a voice count approved those minutes. The minutes for the March 31st, 2005 were written down. They will be typed up, but they will not be distributed until they are approved in the same manner, at the 2006 Annual Meeting.
On April 25th, 2005, the meeting minutes for the February 8th, 2005 meeting were read and approved. Following the pattern above, monthly meeting minutes are sent out every quarter. The meeting minutes for January 11th, February 8th, and March 8th (the meeting minutes for the March 8, 2005 meeting are only a reference that says the meeting was cancelled) meeting minutes should be sent out soon (although Suhrco has told us they are very busy with the transition). To repeat, the meeting minutes for the 2005 Annual meeting will not be available until after next year when they will be approved by the homeowners at the 2006 Annual meeting.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
New condominium
This is news that may be already known to some. The City of Kent was contacted in order to find out more information about the new development which is happening near the northwest corner of our property. The land that is being developed is adjacent to our property (which we share with Easthill Apartments). A billboard mounted right in front of the plat of land (which is located just next to the Dairy Queen restaurant on 104th Ave S.E.) posted some statistics. One question was whether or not the new property owner would be planning on building a fence that might separate our property from his. According to the postings, the new access for this new development will be on 104th Ave. S.E. But the postings were dated 2002 and 2003. The information obtained from the City of Kent said that this will be a 16-unit townhouse development. The access to this new development will indeed be off of 104th Ave SE. It will access from the same driveway that serves the Daily Queen. The City does not have a code requirement for fencing between the two properties. Further investigation was done by the City of Kent Planner and the phone number of the builder was discovered. After our property manager was instructed to contact him regarding our concerns, it was confirmed that he does plan on building a fence which will separate the two properties.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
A shelved idea
Many ideas are presented to the Board over the years for their consideration. An idea was presented in early 2004 to the Board concerning the removing of moss which has accumulated in certain shaded areas of our condominium complex. A request for bids to be obtained was made.
The bids received were very high in price. One estimate was received from a contractor read, "Powerwash moss off parking lots and and sidewalks. Clean up and disposal of all debris. Labor and Materials: $4800.00 + tax."
The Board had no idea that such a project could cost so much, and declined to pursue the matter.
The bids received were very high in price. One estimate was received from a contractor read, "Powerwash moss off parking lots and and sidewalks. Clean up and disposal of all debris. Labor and Materials: $4800.00 + tax."
The Board had no idea that such a project could cost so much, and declined to pursue the matter.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Block Watch
Found on the City of Kent website:
"Block Watch is a neighborhood based crime prevention program. It is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in residential areas. The Kent Police promote the program and assist any community residents who want to start a Block Watch in their neighborhood.
Why start a Block Watch?To build a sense of community, connect with your neighbors, and prevent crime. Block Watch is a neighbors-helping-neighbors program which takes very little time, and no money. It has been shown that neighborhoods with an active Block Watch program can reduce incidents of residential burglary by 64%.
Program Basics.
Get to know your neighbors. At least one time per year have a neighborhood get together. Plan an event such as a Potluck Picnic, or an Ice Cream Social. Involve the children. Food seems to attract lots of people.
Operation ID. Mark at least three items in your home with your driver's license number. Mark items which are likely to be stolen, such as stereos, computers, televisions or microwaves. The marking should be permanent and include the indication of "WA" for Washington, and "DL" for driver's license, e.g. WA/SMITHJP544LN/DL.
Physical Security of the home. Block Watch members will be given information on home security and can improve the security of their homes as they see fit and can afford.
"Block Watch is a neighborhood based crime prevention program. It is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in residential areas. The Kent Police promote the program and assist any community residents who want to start a Block Watch in their neighborhood.
Why start a Block Watch?To build a sense of community, connect with your neighbors, and prevent crime. Block Watch is a neighbors-helping-neighbors program which takes very little time, and no money. It has been shown that neighborhoods with an active Block Watch program can reduce incidents of residential burglary by 64%.
Program Basics.
Get to know your neighbors. At least one time per year have a neighborhood get together. Plan an event such as a Potluck Picnic, or an Ice Cream Social. Involve the children. Food seems to attract lots of people.
Operation ID. Mark at least three items in your home with your driver's license number. Mark items which are likely to be stolen, such as stereos, computers, televisions or microwaves. The marking should be permanent and include the indication of "WA" for Washington, and "DL" for driver's license, e.g. WA/SMITHJP544LN/DL.
Physical Security of the home. Block Watch members will be given information on home security and can improve the security of their homes as they see fit and can afford.