Sunland North Newsletter April 2024
Kathy Gross, editor, information@sunlandnorth.org
Website: https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1655, Sequim, WA 98382
Business Hours: Monday – Friday; 9 AM – 3 PM
2023-2024 Sunland North Board of Directors
President: Gerry Hatler, president@sunlandnorth.org
Vice President: Mark Anderson, vicepresident@sunlandnorth.org
Treasurer: Betty Gwaltney, treasurer@sunlandnorth.org
Secretary: Lawrence Charters, secretary@sunlandnorth.org
Board Member-at-Large: Warren Husman, member-at-large@sunlandnorth.org
Announcements
Homeowners Association (HOA) Office Hours – Monday—Friday, 9 am – 3 pm
Please follow the Sunland North Ofice Hours, except in an emergency. Contact information for each Board and committee chair member is on the Sunland North Website, https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/about-us/; or use the generic “Contact Form” that is on the website, https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/contact-us/.
We don’t have paid administrative staff, and people may be away from home or otherwise occupied; anticipate at least a few days for a response.
Upcoming Sunland North Board Meetings
Homeowner Association (HOA) monthly Board business meetings are open for all owners to attend. The Board meetings always include a separate Owner Comment Period in which owners are encouraged to participate. The meetings are a good way to find out what is happening in the neighborhood and how our volunteers handle different aspects of our shared HOA life. The meetings will be held at The Gathering Place, 135 Fairway Drive.
The Sunland North Board Meeting schedule for the second quarter of 2024 is as follows:
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- Wednesday, April 10 (2:30 to 4:30 pm)
- Wednesday, May 8 (2:30 to 4:30 pm)
- Wednesday, June 12 (2:30 to 4:30 pm)
Note: Sunland Owners Association (SLOA) is a separate, overarching HOA that includes several other divisions, the pool and tennis courts, and all the individual homes in Sunland; their Board meeting schedule is separate from Sunland North Division 17.
Of Special Interest
Fawns
Spring brings with it flowers and hay fever and warmth and fawns. Fawns tend to act like children everywhere, and don’t know better than to run out into traffic or walk right into your garage. Please give the fawns, and their mothers, a wide berth when driving or walking in the area, and make sure to give them a path to escape if they enter your garage or are cornered near your home.
Walking in Natural Habitat Area
The residential area of Sunland North is surrounded by 33 acres of natural habitat. As the name implies, there is no effort made to “improve” or landscape this area. You are free to stroll through the area, looking at plants, birds, and various forms of wildlife, but do so with some caution. The ground is uneven, wildlife dig random holes, vines and grasses can trip you, and the soft ground is not very stable.
SLOA and Sunland North require all pets to be on a leash outside the home, and this includes the natural habitat area. There also may be poisonous plants, such as poison hemlock. If you see such plants, please send us a report of the location, as we are required to eradicate it. Where we have found such plants, you may see the area marked off by small flags.
Please also report any trees in the natural habitat that may seem to pose a threat to homes or property. A couple of years ago a tree fell into the RV park and caused significant damage to a trailer.
Messages and Reports from Our Volunteers
President – Gerry Hatler
From time to time the topic of preparedness for the big earthquake (the Cascadia Event) that is anticipated comes up. We have an opportunity to learn more from John Anzalotti, head of the effort in the Sunland neighborhood. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Sunland, CERT 4, is currently made up of 23 members. At present there are two volunteers from the Sunland North neighborhood that are on the CERT team.
John will be making a presentation at the Board meeting on April 10. He hopes to do a couple of things. He wants to keep residents informed of the role of the CERT and he hopes to solicit volunteers that are specifically from the Sunland North neighborhood that would coordinate with the overall CERT effort in the greater Sunland neighborhood, John refers to it as the “Sunland North Squad”.
If you plan on attending to learn more, please send me an email (president@sunlandnorth.org) so that we can make plans for how much room we’ll need for the April Board meeting.
Along those same lines, if you would like to help our community continue in the tradition of being a volunteer-run organization, please send me an email indicating your interest. Because we do not use a property management company, we are able to keep our Homeowners’ dues much lower and you would be instrumental in keeping this so into the future.
Speaking of volunteers, the Board is looking for folks who would like to volunteer for a couple of different Committee positions. We need a new chair for the Architectural Control Committee. Eric Mahnerd, who has been chair for the past couple of years, has taken on new commitments at the Sunrise Rotary and feels his focus will be there. Also, Mike Johnson, who has chaired the Exterior Maintenance Committee for the last couple of years, would like to hand off the chair responsibility but remain on the committee. Both individuals have done an excellent job as chairmen and would be available to assist in any transition that is necessary.
Treasurer – Betty Gwaltney
Happy to see spring arriving and winter cold and rain clearing out. This past winter hit Sunland North with added expenses to make repairs on various units – particularly around chimneys. Please alert the maintenance coordinator at the first sign of leaks to minimize repair costs. We have already spent 80% of our maintenance budget for the year! Offsetting the increased expenses has been our continued growth in interest income from the various CDs we have. In the first 2 months of the year, we earned $5,576 from these investments! We have a CD maturing every few months, and continue to evaluate the best options to maximize our return. I also want to express my appreciation for the timely assessment payments. At the recent SLOA meeting, they reported that there is a 10% delinquency rate, however, that is not the case for owners in Sunland North! Thank you!
Secretary — Lawrence Charters
Contact information
Both federal and state laws used to consider electronic mail, websites, and other electronic communications as something of a fad. Agencies and government-regulated entities such as homeowners’ associations (HOAs) were allowed to use electronic communications, but “official” communications were limited to paper and postal mail.
That has changed, and the federal government and the State of Washington now assume that electronic communications are the default, not a fad. Sunland North relies on electronic mail and the Sunland North website (https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com) for the vast majority of communication. Agendas, meeting minutes, emergency notifications, and newsletters are either sent out via email or posted on the association website. Given that a single mailed sheet of paper can cost $2.00 for paper, envelope, printing, labels, and postage, and take 10 minutes of volunteer labor per letter, it is too expensive, and too labor-intensive, to send out postal mail for routine correspondence.
Please make sure the Association has your current email address and update your contact information if you change your email address, drop your landline telephone, or change your mobile telephone number. The Association uses your contact information only for Association functions and for keeping you and your neighbors informed.
Sunland North Photos
Please consider submitting photos for possible use in updating the Sunland North website (and newsletter). The photos may be of the grounds, or the surrounding rural area, or volunteers working on gardening or other projects, or of wildlife wandering through or flying over the neighborhood. The photos need not be recent, but they should be photos taken by you or your family. All photos should have a caption, and the name of the photographer. Photos should be at least 1500 pixels wide.
Send photos to: information@sunlandnorth.org.
Insurance Committee – Susan Hamman
Important Insurance Announcement – Please Read Carefully
April 2024
The annual insurance renewal process with Community Association Underwriters (CAU) began in March 2024. During the March 13, 2024, Board meeting, the Board approved increased deductibles for the Division 17 CAU insurance policy. The basic deductible, water damage deductible, and per unit ice damming deductible were raised from $5,000 to $10,000. Notification was sent to all unit owners on March 14, 2024.
Division 17 expects an insurance rate increase of at least 15% and a possible maximum of 25% during this next renewal cycle (May 1, 2024 – May 1, 2025). CAU will submit the renewal package and premium estimate to Division 17 by the first week of April.
Increasing the deductibles will help offset those premium increases and are in-line with the other Sunland HOA’s comparable to Division 17. With water damage being the most common type of claim, an increase in the deductible will also help incentivize unit owners to minimize that risk in their own unit.
Unit owners are responsible for the deductible when a claim originates from their unit. The new deductibles will go into effect on May 1, 2024.
Please reach out to your personal insurance agent to discuss these changes and your own HO-6 policy. Your obligation to pay the deductible may be offset by your HO-6 policy, subject to your own deductible, if you add building coverage. Once the change is made on May 1, 2024, the new certificate of insurance will be posted on Division 17’s website: www.sunlandnorthownersassociation.com. Your mortgage company may require a new certificate of insurance specific to your address. To have a new certificate of insurance e-mailed or mailed to you, please visit www.cauinsur.com/certrequest
Finally, you need an HO-6 policy, not an HO-3 policy for your own personal policy. HO-3 policies are for single-family dwellings. Division 17 units are not single-family dwellings; they require an HO-6 policy.
For more information on Division 17 insurance, please go to sunlandnorthownersassociation.com and click on the Insurance tab. It contains a two-page insurance fact sheet for unit owners.
Architectural Control Committee – Eric Mahnerd and Mark Anderson, Co-Chairs
Hi Neighbors! Spring has sprung and the flowers are blooming and before we know it the temps will be jumping up to the 70’s!
The HOA is planning on painting six units this spring. Your Architectural Control Committee (ACC), working in conjunction with the Maintenance Committee, contacted the owners and walked them through the procedures for changing colors of their townhomes. The owners have picked out their colors and painting will commence in May or early June.
A friendly reminder that if you plan to make any changes to your unit, please go to our website and download the necessary forms. All changes must be approved by the ACC prior to commencing construction. The forms can be found at:
https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/homeowners-forms/exterior-changes-architectural-control/.
In closing, I will be stepping down from the Chairman position of the Architectural Control Committee. It is an easy job, it’s fun and you get to know your neighbors! Interested in being part of the Volunteer Team that keeps your HOA running smoothly? Call Gery Hatler and sign up today!
Enjoy the great weather… – Eric Mahnerd
Exterior Maintenance Committee – Michael Johnson
Dear Residents,
As stewards of Sunland North Homeowners Association, I believe, it is our shared responsibility to ensure the longevity and beauty of our community’s architectural landscape. I would like to emphasize the importance of upholding architectural conformity to preserve the unique character and aesthetic harmony of our neighborhood.
House Painting Schedule
Regular maintenance of exterior paint not only enhances the curb appeal of our homes but also protects them from the elements. To facilitate this, we have established a rotating house painting schedule to ensure that each residence receives timely attention. By adhering to this schedule, we not only maintain the visual cohesion of our community but also safeguard the structural integrity of our homes.
Roof and Rain Gutter Maintenance Schedule
The roof and rain gutter systems are essential components of our homes, providing protection against moisture and inclement weather. To prevent potential damage and prolong the lifespan of these vital structures, we have implemented a routine maintenance schedule. Regular inspections and maintenance tasks, such as cleaning debris from gutters and identifying signs of roof damage, will help mitigate potential issues and preserve the integrity of our properties.
Maintaining architectural conformity is paramount to preserving the aesthetic integrity and property values of our community. Our HOA guidelines outline specific architectural standards and design criteria that all residents are encouraged to follow. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that new construction, renovations, and exterior modifications maintain the cohesive character of our neighborhood, enhancing its overall appeal and desirability.
Your Role in Preservation
As valued members of our community, your cooperation and adherence to these maintenance schedules and architectural guidelines are essential. By taking proactive steps to maintain your property and uphold architectural conformity, you contribute to the collective well-being and visual harmony of our neighborhood. Together, we can ensure that our community remains a place of pride and distinction for generations to come.
It has been my personal pleasure to work with the HOA board and various committees in the last 8 years. In the spirit of rotation, I am removing myself from the Exterior Maintenance Committee. I will be available in the coming months to assist and advise my replacement regarding upcoming opportunities for improved maintenance, the yearly painting effort and roof and gutter cleaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the implementation of maintenance schedules for house painting and roof and rain gutter maintenance, underscores our commitment to preserving the beauty and integrity of our community. By upholding architectural conformity and maintaining our properties to the highest standards, we honor the legacy of our neighborhood and create a welcoming environment for all residents.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in these endeavors.
Warm regards Michael Johnson
Natural Habitat – Sarah Miller
Spring has definitely sprung in the Natural Habitat areas of Sunland North! The native plants are leafing out and the birds are courting and nesting. We will soon be seeing the first fawns of the season. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the view right outside our windows.
Just as we see the crews ramp up their work in the developed landscape areas, we are reminded that our natural habitat also needs attention and work through the seasons. In Sunland North, that work is done with volunteers. That means each one of you have the opportunity to help beautify our environment. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at sarah0458@gmail.com or 206-947-1347.
As we head into spring, we enter the busy season for the team that controls Poison Hemlock, a noxious weed that we are required by Clallam County to manage. We could use some additional volunteers for this work, and are willing to train anyone who is interested in helping.
We’ve had much success in planting and stewarding the beginnings of our little forest near the roundabout. This is thanks to the hard work and TLC provided by a myriad of volunteers. From tending the tiny bare-root seedlings for a year in pots, to digging holes and planting, watering each tree throughout the summer, weeding and mowing around the trees, and finally – being able to remove the deer fencing from around each one, it has been a labor of love for lots of our neighbors. Many thanks to you all!
Several volunteers are in the middle of a project to transplant some more trees within our natural habitat. We’ve dug several holes to the west of the RV storage lot, so keep an eye out to avoid twisting your ankle if you walk in the area. We will be moving several Douglas firs from the detention pond near Cascadia Loop to plant north of Mount Baker Drive. This will extend our sight barrier a bit to block the view of traffic on Woodcock.
Thank you to all who do so much to keep Sunland North “beautiful!”
Thank You!
It takes a great deal of time and effort to keep our HOA operational and maintained so as always, we thank all our Board members, coordinators, and committee members for their ongoing support and the volunteer time they donate to our community – we couldn’t do it without you.
