2nd Quarter 2012 Newsletter

CARLSBAD TO IMPROVE TRASH SERVICE

Beginning in June, the City of Carlsbad Waste Management will require and provide 3 new wheeled-carts for trash, recycling and green waste. New trash trucks will have mechanical arms that lift, tip and empty the carts placed curbside for collection.

Residents will have the choice of 35 gallon, 64 gallon or 96 gallon carts for trash, recycling and green waste. Residents can choose to have carts that are all the same size, or mix and match sizes. The dimensions are as follows:

35-gallon cart= 35”H x 19”W x 23.75”D,
64-gallon cart= 41.5”H x 24”W x 27”D
96-gallon cart= 45”H x 26”W x 27”D

You will automatically get the THREE LARGEST 96 gallon cans delivered to your home unless you specify otherwise. Please consider the space you have to store 3 huge cans, as HOA rules specify they must be stored out of site except when they are put out on trash day. Three 96-gallon cans will take up significant space in your garages.

Larger cans are also expected to cost more. The proposed monthly rate for the 64 or 96 gallon trash carts is $19.90. The proposed monthly rate for a 35 gallon trash cart is $18.02 per month. Residents can choose any size of recycling and green waste carts to go with their trash cart.

Carts will be delivered during the month of June. Residents will be notified when to expect their carts to be delivered.

Please visit http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/environmental/trash/Pages/SolidWaste.aspx for more information.

Place your cans in the street no earlier than the night before and put them out of sight in your back yard or garage on the same day as trash gets picked up.  Non compliance will result in a warning and then a fine from the HOA.

POOL NEWS
The pool temperature was turned up to 80º in March and will stay on year round now! Please observe the following pool rules. You MUST have a pool key to enter the pool area. The pool is for townhome residents and their guests only. All guests and/or children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a resident with a key at all times.

NEW COMMUNITY DOG PARK
It has been brought to our attention that the old, overgrown tot lot on the corner of Gladstone could be cleaned up, fenced in and converted to a great dog park for residents. We expect this to be started over the spring/summer. If you have any questions please contact management.

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE:
We are looking for several individuals interested in starting a community hospitality committee. This committee would be in charge of sending cards to welcome new owners, recognizing neighborhood events, birthdays, new babies and other newsworthy events. Please contact Meredyth Potter if you are interested in helping out and getting involved: meredyth.potter@gmail.com


COMMUNITY CRAIGS LIST:
We want to start a Tamarack Point Community “Craigs List” on our blog. Please email trishwilkinson@att.net or TamPointHOA@gmail.com if you have a job to offer, are having a garage sale or have something for sale. This is a test. If there is enough interest we will continue this on a regular basis.

CONSIDERING ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES?
Remember to request and submit architechtural change request forms when making any exterior alterations to your units. Request and submit these to HOA Management for the Board of Directors to review and approve.

PARKING REMINDERS
Overnight or regular guests must obtain and display a parking permit for parking in any guest spot longer than a few hours. Parking permits were provided to all homeowners but if you do not have one on hand please request one from Management. Without a parking permit, your guests’ vehicles risk being towed. Additionally please note that disabled cars are not allowed to be stored in the driveways of the unit and working on cars in the driveway is not permitted.

VANDALISM COSTS ALL OF US
There have been some recent issues with underage, non residents in the pool area at night. They have caused hundreds of dollars in damages recently that YOU as a homeowner have to pay for through your monthy dues. If you notice any misconduct, please call the Carlsbad Police non-emergency number 760- 931-2197 and report it.  An officer will be sent out to investigate.

TERMITE TREATMENTS:
Spot treatments have been done in some buildings. Please allow termite inspectors to schedule/treat if necessary. Refusal to allow access to the inspectors will result in homeowners being held responsible for termite damage.

CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATES:
If you have not already given Gail your email address or any updated contact information for yourself or your tenants, please do so by email to: tahomeascn@aol.com

Happy Spring!
from your Board Members
and: THOMPSON & ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085 
(760) 295-3723
tahomeascn@aol.com

December Newsletter

SEWER LINES TIPS
Please take care when disposing of greasy food scraps this holiday season, or you may risk expensive and messy sewer pipe backups. Our association is fiscally responsible for our private streets and our sewer systems. Taking care of our drains might help to mitigate costly repairs. One of our association’s streets incurred a recent sewer repair cost which has already cost our association $20,000 and counting.

Soap, detergents and bleach only temporarily cut the grease. Fat, oil and grease eventually attach to the walls of sewer pipes. Build up of grease in sewer pipes is the number one cause of sewage spills.

This holiday season, remember to dispose of fat, oil and grease properly.

• Scrape uneaten food and sauces into the trash before washing the dishes or placing them in the dishwasher.
• Wipe cooking pan residue with a paper towel before washing and throw the towel in the trash.
• Mix small amounts of fat, oil and grease with absorbent waste such as kitty litter, coffee grounds or paper towels before discarding.
• Dispose of fat, oil and grease into a plastic container.
• Dispose of used cooking oil responsibly and free at a household hazardous waste facility. Call Waste Management at 760-929-9400 for information.

If roots inside your pipes are a problem try Root Kill. Root killer granules will not harm trees and shrubs. It kills only the roots inside the pipe.

LANDSCAPE REPORT
We have had complaints from the Landscaper about damage to newly planted lawns from dogs. Please be considerate about where your dog goes. Especially if you notice it has been seeded or sodded. Please be neighborly and help not to incur costly landscape repairs that are paid for by all of us via our homeowners association.

INSPECTIONS FOR TERMITES/GAS LINES
We may on occasion need access to your homes when setting up termite or gas line inspections. Please understand that they will try to accommodate your schedule, but if you do not allow inspectors to inspect for termites you become legally liable for any damages to the attached structures.

NEW NEWSLETTER SCHEDULE
In order to be kinder to the environment and save money on postage, beginning next year the Board has opted to only send newsletters quarterly unless there is something urgent to communicate.  Look for more details in January.

MEETING SCHEDULE
The Board will not be meeting in December. Happy Holidays everyone!

THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085   PHONE: (760) 295-3723

November Newsletter

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Please fill out the enclosed resident information form and return to Management as soon as possible.
Having updated information for you and/or your tenants will help us reach you more quickly in case of an emergency. We are considering moving to some electronic communications whenever possible, which means we will need your email addresses as well. Even if you think we may have the latest information for you please submit this form anyway. Make sure you are getting the key information you need from us by filling out and returning this form promptly. Thank you! Don’t worry we will continue to maintain your privacy as we always have.

DO YOU HAVE TERMITES?
Most people do not how to identify a termite. Termites can easily be confused with ants. As a matter of fact, they have even been referred to as “white ants.” However, this is not accurate. Though, termites do have several things in common with ants, such as their highly socialized colonies, they are actually genetically related to cockroaches. This may help you identify termites from ants.

Termites are generally white, almost a translucent. As a matter of fact, you can see the food in their stomach. However, there is a winged class of termite which is darker. Ants are various colors. Ants can be black, dark red, or brown.

The shape of termites is also different compared to an ant. Termites have six stubby legs. Ants also have six legs, but ants legs are longer in comparison to the termites. Ants have a narrow waist as compared to a termite’s waist.

Some termites and ants have wings. A termite with wings has four wings. The wings on a termite measure twice as long as the body. The wings on the termite are all generally equal size and shape. The back two wings on an ant are smaller than the front two. A winged termite is a darker color.

Some indications you may have a termite infestation:

• A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
• Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces.
• Discarded wings from swarmers.

Try spot treating the termites if you see them. Spot treatment products can be found at Home Depot or other home improvement stores. As always, let Management know if you notice a significant infestation.

ABOUT YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT...
When statements/newsletters come out late (as this one did, sorry) please remember that statements are a courtesy. Your HOA fees are due whether you get a bill or not. Thank You!

OUR NEXT MEETING IS: DECEMBER 15th, at 6:00 AT CALAVERA HILLS.THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085
PHONE: (760) 295-3723

October Newsletter (Paint colors listed by street)

ANNUAL MEETING/PIZZA PARTY!
Pizza and wine must have worked. While we didn’t get a quorum, we had a better attendance at our annual meeting than ever before. A huge thank you to everyone who came. The Board enjoyed hearing from you!

STREET SWEEPING STARTING SOON
We will be starting street sweeping soon.  On the day of the sweeping, any cars left on the street will be towed.  You will be notified in sufficient time to be able move the cars.  Look for notices on the mailbox.

VANDALISM 
The irrigation clock at the pool has been vandalized for the third time now. Please report suspicious activity to the Police!

STUCCO DAMAGE.
Please take some time to remove all the vines from your homes - they are damaging the stucco.

NEED PAIN TOUCH UPS? Paint color by address is listed below.
Paint Vendor: Dunn-Edwards    1970 Hacienda Dr., Vista CA 92081 Phone: (760) 945-1199 
Front Door Colors:  Spiced Berry, Evening Garnet, Deepest Sea, Black, Swill Coffee & Shaker Grey
Trim and Garage Doors: Swiss Coffee - DEW341

REGENT ROAD:
2699-2693 Walrus
2691-2681 Apache Tan
2679-2673 Shaggy Bark
2671-2661 Whole Wheat
2659-2649 Apache Tan
2645-2637 Hickory
2633-2625 Shaggy Bark
2621-2613 Hickory
2611-2601 Walrus
2599-2589 Apache Tan
2587-2577 Whole Wheat

 GLADSTONE COURT
4489-4479 Hickory
4469-4459 Apache Tan
4477-4471 Walrus

LAMBETH COURT
4541-4549 Hickory
4553-4563 Apache Tan
4565-4573 Whole Wheat
4575-4583 Walrus
4662-4554 Hickory
4550-4544 Shaggy Bark

ESSEX COURT
4543-4551 Shaggy Bark
4555-4561 Apache Tan
4569-4579 Whole Wheat
4581-4589 Walrus
4593-4599 Hickory
4598-4592 Shaggy Bark
4588-4582 Apache Tan
4558-4552 Hickory

COVENTRY ROAD
2677-2683 Apache Tan
2687-2697 Whole Wheat

Walrus-DE6368   Shaggy Bark-DEC771   Whole Wheat-DE6124   Hickory-DEC341   Apache Tan-DEC746

Our Secession Committee needs your help! It seems that almost everyone is interested in seceding from the Master Association and now we need your signature on the petition. Savings to you the homeowner, could be about half of the current $90 assessment among other benefits.  If you have not already done so, please call Bev Drake at (760) 720-3398. You may get a knock on your as Bev and other neighbors canvass the neighborhood asking for your help. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Thompson and Associates will be on vacation 9/27 to 10/18
ONLY EMERGENCY CALLS CAN BE ANSWERED DURING THIS TIME.
We apologize for any inconvenience. THANK YOU!

OUR NEXT MEETING IS: OCTOBER 25th at 6:00 AT CALAVERA HILLS.
THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085
PHONE: (760) 295-3723

September Newsletter

Are you coming to the PIZZA PARTY?

Our annual meeting is Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m.. We may be a little desperate to meet our neighbors, so your awesome board members are throwing a pizza party and some of us are even planning to bring wine and beer. Come and join the PARTY at the pool.  In these hard economic times who can afford to turn down a free dinner?  Please RSVP by calling Management so we can get an idea of how much pizza to buy.

Also please consider filling a board position.  There are two positions available. Come campaign for yourself at the Annual Party and notify Management if you are interested in running. We need YOU.

More Dog Troubles. SERIOUSLY? Fines will be issued.

So many complaints have been lodged lately about dogs off leash, doing their business in common areas and not being cleaned up after, barking and even attacking other dogs and kids that we have to do something. Please be a considerate neighbor and dog owner. Keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them.  Or... Get a cat. Fines start at $50.00 for violations. Meow. Hello, is this thing on?

DRIVEWAY CLEANUP
This month the walk-through will pay particular attention to your driveways. If your driveway needs cleaning, please follow the directions in Seasonal Suggestions. If your driveway is identified as needing to be cleaned for you. You will be billed for up to $100 for this service in October.

TAMARACK POINT BLOG
Check our blog for vendor phone numbers if you need work done around your home.
Our blog is now optimized for viewing on your smart phone!
http://tampointhoa.blogspot.com/

OUR NEXT MEETING IS: SEPTEMBER 17th, at 5:00 AT THE POOL.

THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085
PHONE: (760) 295-3723
HOA MEETING DATE CHANGES WILL BE POSTED IN THE POOL AREA

August Newsletter

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A PIZZA PARTY!!
Our annual meeting will be early this year - Sept. 17.  We are throwing a pizza party. Some of the Board members are also planning to bring wine and beer. Join the PARTY at the pool September 17th at 5:00 p.m.

Also please consider filling a board position.  There will be two available. We have fun. Come campaign for yourself at the Annual Party and notify management if you are interested in running. We need YOU.

Please RSVP by calling Management so we can get an idea of how much food to buy.

SECCESSION FROM THE MASTER ASSOCIATION
If you haven’t had time to respond to the succession letter that went out last month or if you have questions about the costs and benefits, please call please call Bev Drake at (760) 720-3398. Savings to you the homeowner, could be about half of the current $90.00 assessment, among other benefits. 

Bev is organizing a committee that would be interested in canvassing the neighborhood for more responses. Bev will also explain the pros and cons in detail at the Annual Meeting. Yet another reason to be there! Thank you Bev.


DOGS. NOISE AND DAMAGE
 We are still getting complaints about dog messes and barking. Please be a considerate neighbor and pet owner. Keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them when they are in the common areas.

HOUSE NUMBERS
Please don’t change the numbers on the front of your house for anything other than numbers that look the same as the ones that are there now.
 
HAVE An EXTRA PARKING SPACE? NEED A PARKING SPACE?
If you have an assigned parking space that you are not currently using, or need a parking space for your extra car, please call Management and let them know. We are trying to organize Trading Spaces, parking-style.

OUR NEXT MEETING IS: AUGUST 16th, at 5:45 AT THE POOL.

THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085
PHONE: (760) 295-3723
HOA MEETING DATE CHANGES WILL BE POSTED IN THE POOL AREA

July Newsletter

SECESSION FROM THE MASTER ASSOCIATION
There has been increasing discussion within our townhome community about the possibility of seceding from the Master Association. The Board of Directors has agreed to support this project, contingent upon agreement from at least 80% of the homeowners. This project would take time and money, and involve some legal issues and cost.

As the structures and landscaping of the townhomes age, the cost of maintenance and replacement increases. Many of us are looking at ways to get more for our dollar and, at the same time, have control over where and how our money is spent. Currently, we have very little say over the $90 monthly fee we pay to the Master Association. This amounts to $13,950 per month from townhome owners.

Secession would include annexation of all the slopes surrounding the townhomes and accepting the financial impact of maintaining or replacing appurtenant fencing and irrigation changes, as well as relinquishing the right to use amenities such as the tennis court and RV lot. It may be possible to negotiate the use of those items.

Costs would include legal work, irrigation changes and some administrative costs. An estimate of these costs will be provided after determination of homeowner interest. Savings to you the homeowner could be about half of the current $90.00 assessment.

Look for the questionnaire and respond with your interest by returning it with your next payment, faxing a message, or sending an email to tahomeascn@aol.com no later than July 15.

ANNUAL MEETING
Our annual meeting will be early this year - Sept. 17. Think about filling a board position. There are two available. Please notify management if you are interested.

TAMARACK POINT BLOG
Check our blog for vendor phone numbers if you need work done around your home.

Our blog is now optimized for viewing on your smartphone!
http://tampointhoa.blogspot.com/

Have a happy & Safe 4th of July EVERYONE!