President’s Report
Greetings!
I recently read through all of the newsletters going back to February 27, 1985 and want to share with you some of the thoughts and issues that have come up consistently over the past forty years and that all Boards have grappled with. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Shirley Ford noted that, ”Unlike other residential developments similar to ours, we do not have a common swimming pool or clubhouse—places where people meet, bond and exchange ideas. In the absence of such facilities, we need a Board that will find unique ways for people to communicate, express their concerns and share their expertise.”
Shirley Ford also relayed, “In order to keep costs down, we must have preventive maintenance programs, strategic budgetary planning, periodic evaluation of the way business is conducted, appropriate and adequate reserves and sustained assistance from residents.”
Alfred Puhan noted, “The three elements involved in the management of the Glen Oaks Manor Homeowners Association are as follows: Board of Directors, Casey Condominium Management and the residents of Glen Oaks Manor. All problems, complaints, and suggestions affecting the common areas of the Manor should be referred to Casey Management and not to individual Board members. It is Casey Management’s responsibility to deal with problems and complaints, inform the Board of action taken and, when necessary request approval or disapproval of actions requested.”
A special newsletter was sent in September 1995 dealing with Effluent Water Use for Irrigation. “Since 1986 GOM has grappled with the problem of sourcing sufficient water supplies so that our irrigation system might be properly utilized. In 1995 the City could issue permits for private land use of the effluent water. Total cost estimate is $93,000 dollars including city permits, engineering studies, meter, pipelines, pump house, power supplies, back-flow devices and their installation on 197 villas. The Board is pleased to make this report in securing a source of irrigation water.”
Charles Gott wrote in April 2007 the following goals. “To develop an infrastructure whereby the Board sets policy and makes decisions that enables Casey Management to successfully manage the day to day. To foster a spirit of community with special emphasis on communicating with residents in an open and professional manner. To be fiscally responsible. To maintain the infrastructure and physical appearance of GOM. To operate within the guidelines of our governing documents. Abide by our rules in the execution of duties, responsibilities and tasks so that the infrastructure, physical appearance, financial Solvency and high property value of GOM will be maintained.”
This is a tribute to the countless volunteers who have wisely served Glen Oaks Manor for these forty years. I would be remiss if I did not thank Pat Richmond for her years of service culminating in completing Phase One of our pond, working together with Bill Logan. It was not easy but her heroic efforts are deeply appreciated.
Please join us at our Board meetings held on the fourth Saturdays at 9:00 am at Faith Presbyterian Church. There will not be a July or August meeting.
Please help us protect our community’s investment in the irrigation system by advising visitors and tradespeople to avoid parking their vehicles on the grass.
Please alert your Street Captain if you will be traveling this Summer and please leave an emergency number. I would encourage you to have someone periodically check the interior of your home.
Thank you all for your patience as we have had to deal with our irrigation issues. I was convinced that our pump would never arrive, it took 3 months! Then a call from the City that we had to change our watering cycles! Then the many breaks with the new pressure!
Finally, we live in the middle of an Urban Forest. It is our responsibility as Stewards of our property to ensure that our trees survive and thrive.
Elsie R. Souza