SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE NRCA PRESIDENT:

Dear North Ranch Residents:

A common problem in planned communities is the "squeaky wheel" syndrome, whereas a special interest group that is able to regularly attend board meetings controls the direction of the community. The "silent majority" usually working people, cannot attend meetings because of busy schedules and children.

As evident with the results of the recent N. Pool Security Survey, the internet is giving a voice to the "silent majority" in our community. This helps the BOD make better informed decisions.

With the advances in technology, the "squeaky wheel" minority has less influence and less ability to pressure planned community BODs, here in North Ranch as well as other communities.

The NRCA is interested in the opinions and concerns of ALL the residents, not just those who have a lot of time on their hands and can attend meetings. Not just those with the loudest voice at the meeting.

The NRCA will continue to conduct surveys and develop methods to better involve as many residents as possible in policy making. Thank you residents who work hard to make our community a great place to live.

President Harry Resnick

7/12/08

OIL SPILL ON BANDIT PL

Despite the national oil supply problem, the NR board has not authorized oil drilling in Ironwood 1. It is just spilled cooking oil.

A resident up and moved earlier this week and borrowed a neighbor's garbage can to dispose of trash. The resident put a container with several gallons of cooking oil in the neighbor's garbage can.

The container spilled all over the street when the garbage truck picked up trash.

Residents are reminded to please dispose of oils and other similar substances properly.

Infrared Camera similar to those installed at pools, and increase security measures is giving residents some peace of mind.

N. POOL ISSUE SHOWS MANY HOMEOWNERS PUT SECURITY AHEAD OF CONVENIENCE

"I have noticed less problems with our teenage population, since the New Board has instituted more stringent restrictions."

"I am happy that the pool situation appears to be in the favor of keeping things the way they are. From where I sit as a parent of a teen, I think all parents need to think of all the bad stuff that could occur while their kids are not being watched.

"I would be very sad if a real tragedy occurred as a result of teens going crazy. A pool is nothing to be crazy around, that is for sure."

These are a sample of the many comments which flooded the online Round Up from residents as a result of the n. pool survey. 

The latest results are 41 to 29 in favor of keeping the n. pool closed at 9pm, until the area is secure.

The number of comments from security conscious residents, while not necessarily unexpected, demonstrates that the opinions of residents attended the recent board meetings represents a minority opinion on this issue.

The survey was initiated after a group of purported nighttime n. pool users showed up at the June 24th board meeting, loudly demanding the NRCA keep the north pool open until 11:00 PM. (currently closing at 9:00 PM), because they "pay their dues."

The results of the online survey indicate a higher percentage of residents are willing to sacrifice some convenience for improved security.

At the June 24th meeting, President Harry Resnick asked the residents attending the meeting if any of them would be willing to help security by sitting at the n. pool after dark.

Nobody from the group that attended the board meeting has come forward to help watch the pools at night. At this juncture only the security committee members (Tony Congi and Mark C.) and the manager are patrolling the pool areas and common areas at night, along with the guards.

Since the June 24th meeting, only one resident from the group that demanded the north pool stay open until 11:00 has been noted swimming after 6:00 PM (according to security records and video history). Overall n. pool usage at night has been very light.

Since the board meeting there have been 3 incidents of illicit activity at the north pool. 2 incidents were stymied by security. The 1 that was not was due to the the pool staying open after 9pm by mistake.

There have been no reports of illicit activity at the south pool (big pool) in a year, while the n. pool remains an "aquatic lover's lane," although problems have decreased since security was increased.

INCREASED SECURITY MAKING NORTH RANCH SAFER

Security measures implemented by the board  are making North Ranch  a safer place to live. Cameras at the common area and amenities have helped the NRCA take a bite out of crime.

Compared to last year bad behavior is way down at both pools. The closing  of the north pool after dark at 9:00 PM has given those living near it some relief.

Residents, the mgmt. company, and volunteers from the Security Committee have contributed to at least 8 arrests in the last year for dope, vandalism, and property damage. For the first time ever vandals are paying restitution to the NRCA.

Attn. Criminals and Hooligans: North Ranch is Watching You!

· An angry resident shakes the n. pool gate violently

· A group of youths throwing furniture in the pool

· A young couple engaging in illicit activity at the n. pool.

What do these three incidents have in common? They were all captured on video, leading to  action.

Some NR residents are fighting crime and bad behavior with video from their own private surveillance systems. Video of dope smokers, reprobates and vandals are examples of what homeowners are regularly turning in to the Security Committee.

Under the direction of the Committee, dozens of residents now make up the North Ranch Anti-Crime Watch. Very few of them have the time to attend board meetings so they contribute by assisting security whenever and wherever they can. Thank you volunteers for making North Ranch a safer community!

Residents who wish to join the Anti-Crime Watch are asked to contact mgmt. at 624-4404.

6/28/08

NEW FLAGPOLE INSTALLED JUST IN TIME

A beautiful telescopic flagpole was erected at the south pool yesterday, just in time for the 4th of July holiday!

Handyman Extraordinaire The Amazin' Jaime Orozco labored for over 3 hours with assistant handyman Fidel yesterday morning to remove the old concrete.

The Amazin' Jaime became famous around the community a few months ago after successfully installing a faucet for a hose attachment near the basketball court; a feat considered by many to be impossible.

The old flagpole made of plumbing pipe and discards from the junk pile was installed many years ago by a well-meaning, and resourceful volunteer. Flags became quickly torn on the sharp edges of the old flagpole's hardware. The old flags looked like they had gone through a battle after only a couple of months.

The new flagpole has removable hardware which fits easily on the telescopic sections of the pole. The new flags are of the highest quality and a state flag flies just below Old Glory.

On Independence Day at 9:00 AM the Flagpole will be christened as the John YoungJohn Memorial Flagpole, named after long-time NR resident and war hero, the late Mr. John YoungJohn.

Thanks to all the volunteers and homeowner who helped research the equipment. Happy Independence Day!

RAUCOUS BOARD MEETING

For the first time in years hollering could be heard at a NR board meeting. A small group of residents attempted to force the BOD to change the north pool hours, even though security measures have not yet been fully implemented.

 The small group demanded the pool stay open until 11:00 PM. Board member Congi tried to explain that the pool is closed at 9:00 PM for safety reasons, and that once the area was secure the pool hours may be changed .

The group at the meeting argued that the pool should close when they want it to because they “pay their dues.” Results from an online survey indicated that the loud group represented but one point of view and that an equal number of residents, or more, are willing to put safety first for a variety of reasons. The board voted 3-2 to keep the hours as is until the area is secure.

5/23/08

SLUM PROPERTIES CLEANED BY ASSOC AT OWNER'S EXPENSE

A crackdown is under way against "slumlords" and those who abandon their property, allowing lots to fall into disrepair. Several "eyesores" are being cleaned by the association. The cost of cleaning is then charged to the lot. The lot pictured above was cleaned by a landscaper at a cost of $115.00

With the rising number of foreclosures in AZ residents are asked to be vigilant in watching for crime at vacant properties.

Under the CC&R's the NRCA may repair or clean lots that are full of weeds, need paint or other repairs.

LIGHTING RESTORED AT ENTRANCES

The long abandoned lighting at both entrances has been restored. 

Energy efficient bulbs in waterproof fixtures have been installed to replace the homemade ones that were quickly destroyed by vandals, rain and varmints.

The palms are once again lit up....classy!

5/1/08

PUBLIC BULLETIN BOARD: ASSOCIATION NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTICES OR ADVERTISEMENTS

Recently a resident protesting the board has had their protest notices removed from the bulletin board at the big pool on a regular basis. Presumably the protest notices are being removed by a resident with a different point of view. The protest notices have not been removed by board members, management or authorized personnel.

Similarly advertisements for services and other items are placed on the board and routinely removed by the "public."

Association personnel and/or board members will not remove any items from the bulletin board unless it contains profanity, obscenity, or express views of racism or hatred toward ethnic or religious groups.

While freedom of speech is guaranteed by the US Constitution, the NRCA does not "guaranty" a public bulletin board. The NRCA provides the bulleting board as a courtesy to the residents of North Ranch.

It is not the responsibility of the NRCA to protect the items posted on the board.

BYLAWS MODIFIED AT SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

A flaw in the bylaws which could have left the NRCA without the required two check signers to pay bills was corrected at a special meeting of the board on 4/28/08. Now the sectretary and vice president can sign checks if the president and/or treasurer are absent, unable or unwilling to act.

Treasurer Bill Schirmer leaves for the summer and board president Harry Resnick is planning a trip abroad soon. The association could have been without a proper check signer if the bylaws were not changed. The bylaws were also renamed a the North Ranch Community Association Bylaws for simplicity.

As soon as the association attorney completes a cursory review to ensure compliance with state statutes, they will be returned and signed by the directors and posted here.

AHOME CONTRACT EXTENDED 60 DAYS

The management contract for AHOME, set to expire in early May was extended for 60 days to continue services. AHOME will prepare a new annual contract proposal with input from the NRCA.

4/25/08

MORE KILLER BEES REMOVED

About 5000 bees were removed from an irrigation control box on the southeast corner of Pepperwood Loop and Cactus Canyon Pass. The bees were reported to the board president by residents. Northwest Exterminating wiped out the killer bees with poison gas.

MANAGER STICKERS OWN VEHICLE

The North Ranch Manager forgot to pull his own vehicle off the street last night. A neon green violation sticker was affixed to the rear side window and a violation letter was delivered to the manager by himself and will become part of the lot record.

The North Ranch Rules are there to provide an attractive and safe environment for all residents of North Ranch. Since the use of parking stickers was put in place 9 months ago overnight parking on the streets has almost completely stopped.

The Rules Committee is always looking for volunteers. Contact Tony Congi or call the manager at 624-4404 to get involved!

4/24/08

LIGHTING INSTALLATION BEGINS AT PALMS

New lighting is being installed at the front entrances by Thornydale. Residents can expect to see the area lit up by the end of the month!

FRONT WALLS PAINTED BY ARMAND MILLETTE

Super-Volunteer Armand Millette completed painting the front side of the walls and planters at the Thornydale entrance. On Friday Santa Rita landscaping will begin cutting back overgrown brush behind the big wall on the south side in preparation for continued painting by Armand.

Lights are expected to be installed by May 1st. The Bermuda grass will be aerated and watering will continue. With the new lights, paint, blooming plants and green grass the entrances are expected to look better than they have for years by mid-summer. Thank you everybody who got involved!

4/11/08

4/8/08

RUSTED STEEL EDGING REPLACED. NEW ROCKS PUT IN

Steel edging, rusted for years is being replaced at the big pool. New rocks are also being installed in the same location.

DIRTY BIRD FOULS TENNIS COURTS. TENNIS PLAYERS CRY FOWL

A large horned owl that has taken over a hawk's nest near the big pool has been dropping waste all over the tennis courts. Tennis players were advised to look before they touch or sit anywhere near the light posts, where the bird does his dirty work.

The courts were cleaned by the janitors last weekend. Some tennis players felt aggrieved by the action of the NRCA to clean the courts on a Sunday - the so-called "prime time" for tennis.

The NRCA will endeavor to select a more suitable time at the next opportunity to clear the disease carrying filth from the courts.

A rapid return of the hawks to their next may solve the problem if the carpet bagging owls are evicted.

4/4/08

SUPER-VOLUNTEER MILLETTE PAINTS WALLS BY HIMSELF

Board member and jack-of-all-trades Armand Millette has been busy around the association. Today he can be seen painting the stucco walls at the Thornydale entrance as part of the beatification program.

Millette is one of a handful of volunteers who are working like crazy to restore North Ranch's beauty and charm. Thank you Armand and all the volunteers!

4/3/08

TIRED POOL/SPA FILTER SAND TO BE REPLACED

The sand in the pool and spa filters will be replaced by efficient zeolite based sand next week. The big pool jacuzzi has been very sudsy of late. Changing the sand should help reduce the problem of sudsy water.

After the sand is changed residents should expect the pools to be cloudy for about 10 days until the zeolite base is stabilized throughout the system.

04/01/08

ENTRANCE WALLS POWER WASHED IN PREPARATION OF PAINTING

The walls at Cactus Canyon and Thornydale were cleaned by the expert team of BURNS Power Washing today.

Super-Volunteer Armand Millett will begin painting the walls on Friday 4/4/08. Great job!

TREE NOW SAFER FOR HAWKS AND RESIDENTS

A couple of years ago the NRCA contracted with a landscaper to brace a large limb which was hanging dangerously over the big pool. The landscaper braced the limb but did the job wrong. They attached a wire from the heavy problem limb to a higher limb, where a nest of hawks is located. This lousy job did nothing to brace the large limb and in fact made the situation worse by putting the hawks in as much danger as the unsuspecting bathers below.

Today the NRCA corrected this problem by removing the dangerous lower limb. Bathers may now swim without worry. The hawks are also safer as their limb is no longer in danger of being snapped off due to contractor error.

The hawks are probably Ferruginous Hawks. Ferruginous Hawks have a wingspan of 53-60 inches and are common to the area. Homeowners are also reporting that owls are using the nest as well.

KILLER BEES VACATE TREE. LEAVE WAXY RESIDUE

About 50,000 killer bees rested in a tree on Cactus Canyon yesterday morning while in transit to a more permanent home. A homeowner notified management about the swarm at 9:00 AM on 3/26/08.

The manager located the killer bees and took photographs of the insects. The bees did not show any aggression towards the manager. The killer bees vacated the tree shortly thereafter leaving a waxy residue (pictured above).

If any residents see the swarm in the common areas of NR again please do not approach them. Call 624-4404. Note: The NRCA is not responsible for bees in private residences.

3/26/08

NRCA MOVES AHEAD ON SEVERAL FRONTS

At the March 24th meeting, the North Ranch Board of Directors approved several contracts and agreements designed to immediately address several pressing community needs. All projects listed below are expected to be completed within 60 days.

36 LIGHT FIXTURES TO BE INSTALLED AT ENTRANCES

AV Specialists will return ground accent lighting to the entrances at Thornydale and Shannon. All the palm trees and a few other trees will be accentuated using new heavy duty light fixtures and low wattage, energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. The previous home made fixtures are all broken and were installed out of code. The walls at the entrances will also be power washed and painted.

In addition to beatifying the area, this project is intended to showcase North Ranch as a great place to live and help increase property values by improving curb appeal. AV Specialists successfully installed high quality lighting at the big pool in 2007.

RUSTED POOL FENCING TO BE REPAIRED, PAINTED.

Blue Coyote Painting was selected through a competitive bidding process to repair all the rusted metal fencing around the pools and repaint them.  Blue Coyote has done extensive painting on NR homes and is known for high quality and exceptional customer service. April 21st is the tentative service date.

STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT RENEWED

Sonoran Sweeping will once again handle street sweeping duties in NR in 2008. The street sweeping truck will be here TODAY 3/26/08 and again in November. If work is needed during the summer they will be called in again.

SWATH TO BE CUT AROUND BASKETBALL COURT

The often flooded basketball court will have a 4' to 5' swatch graded around the perimeter. The swatch will be graded at an angle which should make the area easier to clean and help keep sand off the court after light rains. This job will be done by Santa Rita Landscaping. The pool and rec committee will also be putting up new nets.

SMALL POOL CAMERA UPGRADE

Cameras at the small pool will be upgraded to a system which will permit security to access the system via the internet. This will be done in April. Since cameras have been installed there has been no vandalism at the pool areas.

PALM TREE FERTILIZATION

33 hungry palm-date trees will be fertilized with a "deep-root" fertilization method. The fertilizer is a special compost mixture of beneficial minerals and microorganisms. The palms have been fertilized periodically in years past but those efforts failed because there was inadequate or no irrigation to the palms.

Rather than wasting money again the association is working with the landscape maintenance company to repair and install proper irrigation at the palm-date trees.

BROWN LAW GROUP CONTRACT EXTENDED

The NRCA extended two contracts with the Brown Law Group. One contract is for collecting delinquent assessments. Unless the NRCA meddles with collection accounts there is no charge to the NRCA for BLG's collection efforts. The delinquent homeowner pays all legal fees. The other contract is $50.00 per month for routine legal advice via email.

3/10/08

3/9/08

NEW STOP SIGNS AT WESTERN FORK TRL, DOUBLE DIAMOND

Faded stop signs that were almost white were replaced by new reflective signs. The signs were installed by board member and volunteer Armand Millette. Thank you Armand!

ASSOCIATION TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL TRASH DUMPERS

Several residents will receive notices this month concerning illegal dumping of tree trimmings and other debris in the common areas. The CC&Rs and North Ranch Rules prohibit trash from being tossed over walls into the common area. Fines for such actions are $25 per incident, per day.

Some homeowners upon learning of planned or requested common area debris removal projects are seemingly trying to take advantage of the NRCA by "piling on" their own debris.

For example: A homeowner requested the association pick up common area debris from a dead tree behind their property. In the process it was discovered that the resident added clippings from their yard to the pile - hoping the NRCA would take away their trash too. Fortunately the homeowner ended up removing their own debris from the common area. The common area debris from the dead tree was removed by the association. 

Homeowners are responsible for removing their own yard and tree debris. Illegal dumping will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If anyone is aware of illegal dumping of debris in the common area please contact management at 624-4404. Thank you.

NO CHEAP FIX FOR TENNIS COURT CRACKS

The association is interested in repairing the cracks on the tennis courts. The cracks were repaired a couple of years ago but returned quickly. That is the nature of asphalt courts - they all have cracks.

Crack sealing and resurfacing the asphalt courts could run over 10k. A long term solution might be converting to durable artificial grass courts. The artificial grass courts are becoming popular and are easy to maintain. With proper maintenance they can last practically forever. Worn areas can be easily patched for a fraction of the cost of crack sealing asphalt.

The cost of artificial grass is about 30k per court. The association simply does not have 30k which can be allocated to the tennis courts now. As more facilities switch to artificial grass courts the price of materials and installation will go down as more manufacturers and suppliers enter the market.

Homeowners with ideas or solutions on the tennis court crack problem should contact Pools and Recreation Chair Mike Holly. Thank you for your patience while North Ranch searches for the most cost effective way to handle this problem.

RAT POISON IN COMMON AREAS DISCOURAGED

The use of rat poison in the common area is discouraged by the association. The poison can be ingested by household pets and other animals. Recently a trap containing rat poison was removed from the common area behind a home in Catalina I.

If anyone is aware of other residents placing rat poison on North Ranch community property please call management as soon as possible at 624-4404. Thank you.

2/24/08

FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Landscaping Proposals accepted: Two proposals to cut the hedges and clean out the entrances at Shannon and also Thornydale were accepted by the BOD. Santa Rita Landscaping will begin working immediately to clean out long neglected overgrowth. The area will also be prepped for possible lighting improvements.

Mgmt. Company Contract Modification: AHOME's contract was modified by the BOD to more accurately cover management costs. The modification is more equitable for the association and the mgmt. company. The changes may also help the association determine how to better utilize management services in the future and submit more accurate requests.

Benches to Be Repaired: Common area benches will be repaired by Director Armand Millette. The BOD allocated up to $300.00 for materials. All labor will be volunteered by Armand Millette. Armand has also volunteered to paint the walls near the entrances as soon as landscaping and lighting work is completed.

Change in Presentation of Agenda: The association agreed to change how the agenda is presented for board meetings. All proposals and motions will be placed in new business. Previously many motions were made during committee reports. Management will also present all proposals, change orders and contracts in the monthly package to board members to coincide with new business. These changes should help meetings run more efficiently and should help better inform homeowners who attend.

2/21/08

NR YOUTHS PAINT WALLS BETTER THAN CONTRACTOR

Two North Ranch high school students painted 10 sections of new wall in Mesquite 1.

A contractor with a paint sprayer was originally hired to do the job but was promptly discharged after it was discovered that the contractor was much more interested in smoking cigarettes than doing a good job painting. The unmotivated contractor will not be paid for his lack of effort.

The North Ranch youths are students at Mt. View HS and Ironwood Ridge HS. They worked with rollers and were able to cover the large area in a very short period. They did an excellent job.

2/20/08

NEW BLOWER FOR TENNIS COURT. B-BALL COURT TO GET ATTENTION

A new high horsepower gas blower was purchased to help keep the tennis courts clean. The new blower replaced the old one. The old blower's motor seized this week.

A broken water valve near the basketball court will be repaired this week. As soon as it is repaired the court will be hose off with the water broom. Until the monsoons come again the dust will be be regularly blown off the basketball court. New nets will go up as soon as the area is cleaned.

2/16/08

BOD MEMBER RESIGNS

Ben Hilger is unable to continue on the BOD due to his busy work schedule.

Ben did an excellent job on the BOD and brought an infusion of energy and fresh ideas. He will be missed. Thank you Ben for your contributions to the the community!

2/12/08

BOD, COMMITTEES USE EMAIL/INTERNET FREQUENTLY TO CONDUCT AFFAIRS

Dispelling a myth that the association is run by octogenarians who don't know how the use computers, much of the community including the BOD uses the internet to conduct daily business affairs.

85 year old BOD President Harry Resnick may be the most computer savvy member of the board. Resnick is on the community website daily and conducts much of his business online. He spends a good deal of time reading international news online. Even Treasurer Bill Schirmer, a man who says he "likes paper" sends all of his association related communiqués via email.

Dropping technology prices are making it easier for seniors on fixed incomes to afford technology. Computers have also become much easier to use.

Younger, more technologically savvy residents have also gotten involved in the community in recent month. Ben Hilger 36, and Mike Holly 42 may be the youngest residents to ever serve on the BOD.

Almost all ARC Improvement Requests are submitted through the website. According to the manager AHOME receives very little mail from residents but a lot of email. Committees also conduct a lot of work online. Vendor proposals and estimates are emailed to committee members in advance, which helps prepare the volunteers for meetings.

The number of residents requesting the printed Round Up is also decreasing on a monthly basis.

2/7/08