STEPPINGSTONE

November-December 2006

 

Message from the Editor:

The New Year is here, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in 2007 in those things you would like to achieve, and that you may have good health and much happiness.  Have a great one!!

Nataliee Ross, Editor and David Page

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW BOARD:

 

Speedy Watson                   President

Marilyn Helgeson                Vice President

Richard Jark                          Treasurer

Jason Mitchell                      Secretary

Mory Bonakdar                    Member-At-Large

 

And, a very special “thank you” to the many who helped during the entire election process - registration, election counters, distributors of flyers, setup, food…and to Don Evan Appleby, Inspector of Election, for his excellent organization, thoroughness, and oversight to insure compliance with the new State law for homeowner association elections.  A fantastic job, Don, thank you so much!!

 

FIRST MONTHLY POT LUCK DINNER

Meet your neighbors…Meet your Board…and CHOMP DOWN!!!

 

DATE:                    Sunday of the week Board meeting are held (January 14, February 18, etc.)

TIME:                     5:30 P.M.

PLACE: CLUBHOUSE

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY:

 

Reminder:  Guests May Only Be Admitted by Their Hosts.  Do Not Allow Strangers to Enter Upon Your Exit.

 

Guard Service:  A second guard was authorized to begin December 4.  The Board will further assess this need at the end of January.

Important Telephone Numbers List

Police, Fire, Medical:  Call 9-1-1

 

Security (Shield)                                                                   (562) 283-1100

On-Site Manager (Nataliee Ross)                                      (562) 494-4814

Police – Non Emergency (East Substation)                     (562) 570-5880

Fire – Non Emergency                                                         (562) 570-2500

City Tow Service                                                                  1-(800) 327-0945

Auto Club of Southern California                                     1-(800) 800-4222

Yellow Cab                                                                            1-(877) 935-5692

 

News and Notes – Stoneybrook Board of Directors

November 15, December 4, December 20, 2006, and January 2, 2007

 

URGENT REQUEST FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Earthquake Insurance Committee:  The Board is actively seeking persons with interest in and/or experience in business insurance and particularly, “Earthquake Insurance” for Stoneybrook.  Please leave a note at the Office – we will contact you promptly.  Thank you.

 

As reported in the previous newsletter:  The Board was advised that the Association’s earthquake policy expires October 21, 2006.  It is not being renewed at this time due to the annual premium increasing 14.3% ($63,000 to $72,000) while the coverage for our buildings will be decreased 87.5% (from $20,000,000 to $2,500,000).  This drastic reduction in coverage is due specifically to the financial effects and depletion of the insurance industry’s pooled reserves, as a result of the devastation wrought by Katrina.  The proposed insurance limit for the common interest segments of our 471 condominiums is reduced from approximately $42,500 per unit to $5,300 per unit.  The Board is aggressively researching possible solutions to this difficult problem.

 

City of Long Beach, Department of Planning and Building:  The City of Long Beach is divided into five planning areas with a Community Planner assigned to each geographic area.  Mark Hungerford, Zoning & Development Services, is our representative and was present at the November 15 meeting.  He explained that the Planner’s prime purpose is to update citizens on new developments that require planning permits and neighborhood issues as a way of keeping citizens involved in the planning process.  This service will be valuable to SBVOA as we plan future projects.  We have already availed ourselves of Mark’s services.

 

Report from Proserv Plumbing:  We are advised the major reason for problems with vertical pipes and water backing into units is due to improper use.  When the lines are cleaned out, items like ear swabs, rags, baby wipes, grout, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, hair balls and other such items cause the clog.  PLEASE DISPOSE OF SUCH ITEMS IN THE TRASH – NO ONE WANTS WATER DAMAGE TO THEIR UNIT.  THANK YOU.

 

Fire Marshall and Fire Department Inspections;  Overall, no major violations.  Recommendations being implement.

 

Advertising:  Advertising guidelines are still under consideration, but please continue to turn in your ads to Nataliee.

 

Maintenance & Repair Projects Approved:  Replace time clocks with motion detectors on building roofs for all exterior lighting ($4,400); Motion detector for Clubhouse ($160); Repair storm drain near the Tennis Court ($3,925) and storm drain outlet alongside Colorado Street; Increase deck coating contract from $14,533 to $21,800 (+$7,267) for four (4) additional decks to be recoated; Demolition hammer ($1,000).

 

Entry Gate Project: 

·         Approved purchase of 900 combination VGO (Vehicle Gate Opener) and 1500 pedestrian FOBS ($35,000).

·         Issuance Policy:

A. Free-of-Charge:  One (1) Pedestrian gate FOB per Unit, and One (1) VGO for each parking space per Unit.

B. Additional Openers:  Additional Pedestrian FOBS and VGOS are available and will be charged for at the established rates, $6.00 and $28.64 (SBV cost), respectively.

·         Approved concrete work for Colorado driveway and pedestrian entries:  436, 500, & 552; and, concrete pad at 436 lobby/entrance (landscape construction $48,305); (general engineering $34,854); (concrete textures $25,417); (paving $25,600)

 

Proposal for Concrete Trash Areas:  Referred to Architectural Committee for review and recommendation.

 

UPCOMING STONEYBROOK PROJECTS AND RESERVE STUDY UPDATE

 

I. Stoneybrook Master Design:  Stoneybrook Villas is a 471 unit condominium complex of seven, three-story residential buildings and one main Clubhouse building located on 13 acres in southeast Long Beach.  The very name, “Stoneybrook” evokes an image of a woodland stream environment.  The mature landscape and many streams within the property are its “signature” and the most important design of the complex. 

 

Stoneybrook has been called an “Oasis”, and the “Gem” of east Long Beach.  In order to keep Stoneybrook on a consistent and uniform design track over the coming years, the Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Architectural Committee, would like to pre-plan a Master Design Concept for the interior and exterior design elements and color schemes that can easily be implemented as the need arises.  The areas to be coordinated include:

·         Building Exteriors – Stucco and Woodwork - Landscape Features

·         Elevator Lobbies

·         Hallways                                                                                                              

 

II. Reserves:  Integral to the Master Design and the upkeep and appearance of Stoneybrook is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to insure that the necessary steps are taken…”for the purpose of enhancing and protecting its value, desirability and attractiveness and the quality of life therein” (CC&R’s Recitals, p.1, B).  Further, that”…the Association shall have the duty to…(a) maintain, repair, restore, replace and make necessary improvements to the Common Area so that the same are at all times in a first-class condition and good state of repair…”(CC&R’s, Article VI, p. 16, Repair and Maintenance, Section 1).

 

To fulfill this charge requires a sizeable funding source; thus, each month a significant percentage of our month assessment is transferred to the Reserve account then allocated to the many expense categories therein.  This past year the Board initiated the necessary steps to begin what will become a several year series of projects that will maintain our 36-year old property in first-class condition.  The first of these is the fence project.

 

Such an undertaking requires a well designed, thorough, and clearly stated plan.  This is the Stoneybrook Villas Owners Association Reserve Study.  The Finance Committee and Board have been reviewing the latest study (dated July 17, 2006) for the purpose of updating it to fully reflect our current and projected needs.  This process included an extensive walk-through of the property by the Committee and Board members.  On December 20, the Board approved Reserve Studies, Inc. (RSI) to perform the study ($1,580).

 

On January 2, at the Special Meeting of the Board, the following items were approved and forwarded to RSI to incorporate in the Study to bring it to current status.  With this new data, RSI will prepare the updated study (projection).  Also included in the study will be the recommended amount of the monthly contribution to the Reserve account for inclusion in the 2007/2008 budget currently being prepared.

 

Assets to Add to the Reserve Study

Common Area Hallway Windows

Concrete Block Wall Leaning – South Driveway

Locker Room Tile Flooring

Lobby Remodel – Drywall, Tile Wainscot, Lighting

Fencing Building 7 (576) West

 

Assets to Modify in the Existing Reserve Study

Waterproofing

Wood Railings (To be Funded in Operating Budget)

Waterproofing Concrete Block Walls 5’ High

Geotechnical Engineering Review of South Driveway Leaning Wall

Emergency Lighting

Lighting “Yard” (landscape)

Signage

 

 

Assets in Existing Reserve Study that were Replaced in 2006-2007

 

Concrete Flatwork Colorado Gate + 3 Entries

Water Heaters in Buildings 7W (576) and 4 (564)

Elevator Door Hardware and Guide Rollers (8 Elevators)

Access Controls

Wrought Iron Install – Galvanized Fencing Phase I

 

Homeowners Insurance – Can You Afford This Expense

 

As your water heater and dishwashers get old they will have the tendency to either rupture or leak.

 

During this last year there were old water heaters that ruptured and the water flowed into the Unit and in some cases Unit’s below.  There were also old dishwashers that leaked and the water flowed into the Unit(s) below causing damage and in some cases creating mold.  Owners whose water heater ruptures or whose dishwasher leaks are liable for the damage and mold clean up for the Unit below.  This damage and mold clean up has been very expensive and has cost owners from $6,500 to $9,500.  Can you afford this expense?

 

Be Proactive.  If you have an old water heater or dishwasher replace it with a newer energy efficient appliance. 

 

Stoneybrook has insurance that covers the buildings and common areas, not the Owner’s personal property.  Your personal property, e.g., furniture, clothing, equipment (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters), anything hung on the walls or from the ceilings are the Owner’s full responsibility.  Liability claims for activities within the Unit are also the Owner’s responsibility.  Can you afford not to have your own personal insurance.

 

The Board strongly encourages all Owners to secure Homeowners’ Insurance from their personal insurance company to provide protection in the event of a loss

 

COMMUNITY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 

The talk of Long Beach is the movie Freedom Writers, based on a group of students’ experiences at our neighborhood Wilson High School.  Our own Morrie Stalk was involved and lived much of the inside story.

 

Morrie sold Broadway National Paint in Bixby Knolls in 1988.  With his new-found free time, he became a volunteer coach for Wilson’s girls’ basketball team.  One night at a Boosters Club meeting in 1994, he met the new teacher, Erin Gruwell.  When he figured out that she was all about promoting tolerance, he was hooked as he had his own personal reasons for being an advocate of tolerance.

 

They didn’t show his picture, but Morrie was there lending his support when the students went to the Museum of Tolerance where they met with Steven Spielberg at a screening of Schindler’s List, and when they had dinner with a group of Holocaust survivors.  When John Tu wanted a “Basketball for Tolerance” fundraiser at the Pyramid at CSULB, Morrie stepped in as an organizer.

 

If you only know Morrie as the man who leaves Stoneybrook every morning on his daily jog, know that his story is bigger and very interesting.  You can e-mail him at morrielb@gmail.com.

 

Thank you Marilyn Helgeson for submitting Morrie’s story.

 

STONEYBROOK CALENDAR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2007

 

January                                                                                

13            Clubhouse Reserved                                           17            Board of Directors Meeting

14           First Monthly Potluck Dinner                         20            Patio Wash Day

16            Architectural Committee                                     27/28       Clubhouse Reserved

 

February

4              Super Bowl – watch with your friends             18           February Potluck Dinner

at the Clubhouse

12            Finance Committee                                              21            Board of Directors Meeting

17            Patio Wash Day

 

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