Sunland North Newsletter January 2020

Sunland North

Sunland North Owners Association

Quarterly Newsletter January 2020

Email: sunlandnorth@gmail.com
Website: https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1655, Sequim, WA 98382

The next three Sunland North Monthly Board Meetings are scheduled for January 8, February 12, and March 11, 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 135 Fairway Drive.

Welcome to all our new residents. As a reminder, please review Sunland North Homeowners Association Governing Documents (CC&R’s, By-laws, and Rules and Regulations) available on Sunland North’s website.

How Can I Know What’s Going On In Sunland North

The single best way to know what’s going on is to attend the regular Sunland North board meetings, usually held the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 2:30 to no later than 4:30 pm. This is the regular business meeting of the elected board members but is always open to observation by owners. The Board meeting includes an “Owner Comment Period” at the end for you to ask questions or raise issues. The monthly board meeting is also a chance to meet some of your neighbors, many of whom are volunteers handling various Association activities. If nothing else, you should attend the annual owners’ meeting held each September, and by law, you receive information about this meeting via USPS mail. To help hold down association costs, other meeting notices and agendas are sent electronically via email. Using postal mail would cost an additional $5,000 to $10,000 per year plus labor.

Though not required, the Sunland North Board provides multiple additional sources of electronic communication, including the Sunland North Website — which is basically your owner’s manual; a quarterly newsletter distributed via email (like this one); and periodic informal notifications, also via email. So please make sure the Association has your current email address, familiarize yourself with the Website, and come to at least a couple of the board meetings to learn more.

Please remember that Business Hours for Board Members and Committee Volunteers are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

December 2019 Board Meeting
December 2019 Board Meeting, bumped to the Sunland Golf and Country Club ballroom due to a scheduling mixup. Photo by Barbara Brooner.

Meeting gavel.

Vice-President’s Report – John Lewis (Volunteer)

As we reach the end of 2019, a major challenge for our HOA is approaching a conclusion with the restoration work of the two fire-damaged units nearing completion. Once again I want to thank all of those who provided support during the last two years; it is much appreciated. On another note, thanks to all of the residents who willingly volunteered their time with the various committees and projects. As a self-managed HOA, volunteers make a major contribution to our community.

Treasurer smiley face.

Treasurer’s Report – Susan Hamman (Volunteer)

At the close of 2019, there were 137 units in the Sunland North (Division 17) homeowners association. One building (two units) is still under developer control, but it is expected that both units will be sold in 2020. When those are sold, Division 17 will have reached its maximum growth of 139 units.

Final 2019 year-end figures are not yet available at the time of this writing, but annual Operating expenses are projected to be $307,607, which is $34,407 more than the 2019 Annual Budget. Most of the overrun was due to the legal fees incurred over the 191/201 Cascadia fire litigation.

$59,000 had been projected to go into the Reserve fund in 2019. However, due to higher than projected Operating expenses, $34,000 was moved into the Reserve fund. Of that $34,000, $9,000 is designated for the 2020 mulch project and $25,000 is placed into undesignated reserves. Reserve Funds are for specific future major maintenance requirements that are known to be required (roofs, siding, etc.).

With reconstruction nearing completion on units 191/201 Cascadia, the initial payment to the Fire Trust fund balance stands at $19,216.26.

2020 first quarter assessments were due January 1, 2020; if you have not made your payment yet, please do so as soon as possible to avoid late fee charges. Quarterly assessments are due the first day of each quarter. Payments are to be sent to Division 17, P. O. Box 1655, Sequim, WA 98382 or can be personally dropped off at the dropbox of the HOA’s accounting office, Sequim Tax Service, 127 N. Sequim Ave. Do not send your Division 17 assessment to SLOA; they are two separate entities. Sending your assessment may delay your payment, which can result in late charges to your account.

Secretary's quill

Secretary’s Report – Lawrence Charters (Volunteer)

Irrigation Project

The western and northern borders of Sunland North will be the scene of construction activity until at least March 2020. The Clallam Conservation District, and the local Sequim Prairie Tri-Irrigation Association, are encasing the agricultural irrigation ditch and burying it. The Irrigation Association has an easement that runs along the western edge of the greenbelt, along Sequim-Dungeness Way, and along the northern edge, along Woodcock Road. While neither the Conservation District nor the Irrigation Association notified or coordinated their work with Sunland North, we have been told that the land will be restored to its prior condition, except the irrigation ditch will be buried and some trees which compromise irrigation will be removed.

December Holiday Party and other photos

Several photo galleries have been added to the Sunland North website, including:

Contacting Sunland North Board and volunteers

Please contact our Board and volunteers in writing. Written messages (via letter or electronically) help them keep track of requests and clarify details. Three online forms are available for contacting the Sunland Board or volunteers:

You can also write to the general sunlandnorth@gmail.com for information but note that messages sent to the general address may still require additional detailed information.

Architectural Control Committee’s (ACC) Report – Dick Helmenstine (Volunteer)

Smoke Detectors Should Be Changed Every 10 Years

Most of us know to replace the batteries in our smoke detectors each year; but did you know you’re supposed to replace the whole unit every ten years? It’s not hard, and one owner shared their recent experience, in case it helps others:

“Our original smoke detector, a FireX model #FADC, is no longer available and has been replaced by the Kidde FireX item #21007581. I can’t predict what kind of detector other people have, when it was installed, or what features other people want in their detector, but here’s our experience: As of December 2019, the replacements for ours were available at Home Depot for $14.95 each, or a box of four for $49.97. A ‘universal smoke alarm adaptor’ was also required for each in order for the newer model to plug into the existing wiring. The adapters were available at the time but as of late December, they were sold out at Home Depot. Walmart seems to have a replacement unit that comes already packaged with the plug adapter, for about $17. Our replacement model came with a base that was slightly larger than the original, but it was simple to affix to the ceiling using the same two screws as the original.”

Also, remember that you’re supposed to replace all the detectors in your house at the same time. Once you’ve got the parts it’s not complicated, but if you don’t have a ladder tall enough or can’t talk a neighbor into helping, call the Sequim Fire Department (360-683-4242) and they will try to schedule a time in the subsequent few days to come out and do it for you (assuming they’re not called away by an emergency). They can’t do any actual electrical work, and you should already have the replacement units and any necessary adaptors on hand before you call.

Exterior maintenance

Exterior Maintenance & Inspection Report – Doug Hale (Volunteer)

Winter is officially here. Please be sure you have disconnected all outdoor hoses to prevent expensive repairs from freezing pipes. A hose connected to outdoor faucets usually will have water in the hose. If the water freezes, it will back up water inside the faucet. This water, in turn, can freeze and split pipes, resulting in floods within your home. Freezing weather isn’t good for the hose, either.

Our website, https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/ has a form to request repairs for exterior maintenance if you have any issues that require attention. The form is on the right side of the home page of our website.

Insurance Review Committee Report – Donna Carson (Volunteer)

Sunland North, Division 17, is insured through Community Association Underwriters (CAU). Community Association Underwriters of America, Inc. CAU is one of the largest insurance providers in the United States exclusively serving community associations, residential and office condominiums, cooperative apartments and homeowners associations. Several homeowners’ associations (HOA’s) besides Division 17 in the Sunland community are insured through CAU.

This is an unofficial interpretation of Division 17’s policy. It is recommended you read the official text of the policy if you have any questions or concerns. CAU provides to Division 17 what is called “all in insurance.” The simplest way to describe this policy is for you to take your unit, turn it upside down, and whatever falls out, is your responsibility to insure on your own policy. The rest, exterior siding, studs, drywall, carpeting, cabinetry, anything fixed within the unit, is insured by CAU in the event of a disaster such as a fire. Things that fall out, such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, personal possessions, furniture — those are items that you need to insure on your own under your own personal insurance policy, called an HO-6 policy or a condominium owner’s policy. This picks up coverage for your personal property, furniture, additional living expenses (in the event your unit is uninhabitable due to a covered claim), and personal liability.

The CAU policy is “guaranteed cost replacement.” However old your unit is, the insurance will pay for replacement at the current reconstruction rates.

If you make upgrades to your unit, such as new carpeting, cabinetry, flooring, etc., document those changes through photos and invoices and keep them in a safe place, such as your safe deposit box. Again, in the event of a disaster, if you can prove that you’ve upgraded your unit, those upgraded items will be covered under the policy.

Under this insurance policy, every unit within the association is covered equally. If we did not have this type of insurance, your neighbor could be underinsured for their half of the building without your knowledge. That could prove to be catastrophic for an owner if an event affects both units.

Unit owners should familiarize themselves with the Insurance Policy Overview, the CAU Certificate of Insurance, and the two-page fact sheet attached here and found on Sunland North: https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/ownerinfo/insurance/

Additionally, the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for Division 17, section 18, contains information on the responsibilities of the association and Unit owners with respect to the insurance.

The following is the two-page fact sheet provided by CAU on the website:

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Welcome to Community Association Underwriters’ insurance program. This two-page fact sheet is designed to assist you in:

  • Purchasing your own insurance
  • Filing claims
  • Ordering certificates of insurance

Key information regarding the association’s insurance policy:

  1. The common elements, limited common elements and units are covered.
  2. Improvements and betterments and upgrades made at the expense of the current or previous unit owner are covered. This would include, but is not limited to, upgraded carpeting, cabinets and originally conveyed appliances. Wall coverings, built-in bookshelves and other permanently installed fixtures are also included.
  3. The covered causes of loss include: fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, aircraft and vehicle damage, smoke, vandalism, falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, collapse, sudden and immediate water escape or overflow from plumbing or appliances, frozen pipes, and convector units.

The association’s policy includes the following deductibles:

  • $5,000 Basic
  • $5,000 Water Damage
  • $5,000 Per Unit Ice Damming

Please refer to the actual policy for additional deductibles, terms, and conditions.

4. No coverage is provided for wear and tear, deterioration, damage by insects or animals, settling or cracking of foundation, walls, basements or roofs. There is no coverage for damage caused by continuous or repeated leakage or seepage from appliances or plumbing. This includes, but is not limited to, leaking from around the shower, bathtub, toilet or sink. These events are properly classified as maintenance items.

Key information regarding unit owner’s insurance needs:

  1. You need a condominium owner’s policy, also known as an HO-6, to pick up coverage for your personal property, furniture, additional living expenses (in the event your unit is uninhabitable due to a covered claim), and personal liability.
  2. The association insurance policy carries a deductible. In the event of a claim, the association may seek to recover the deductible from unit owners involved in the claim. Your obligation to pay the deductible may be offset by your HO-6 policy, subject to your own deductible, if you add building coverage. Ask your personal insurance agent.

Claims

If you have a claim, notify your association’s management company or designated board member and your own homeowners insurance carrier. Claims that involve your personal property and furniture must be submitted to your homeowners insurance carrier.

Claim payments under this policy are made to your board of directors as insurance trustee.

Certificates of Insurance

Unit owners can request certificates of insurance by either:

  • Going to our web site at: www.cauinsure.com. Click the “Certificate of Insurance” button and follow the prompts.
  • Calling (267) 757-7110 to obtain a CAU Certificate of Insurance Request Form. Send the completed form to CAU in one of the following ways:
    • Fax the CAU Certificate of Insurance Request Form to: (267) 757-7410
    • Mail the CAU Certificate of Insurance Request Form to: Certificate Department – CAU, 2 Caufield Place, Newtown, PA 18940

Web and faxed certificate of insurance requests are processed within 24 business hours.

We appreciate your association’s business, and we are committed to providing you and your community with prompt and professional service. If we can be of further assistance, please call our customer service department at (800) 228-1930.

Note: This fact sheet is intended to provide a brief summary of insurance issues. In all cases, the declarations, terms, conditions and exclusions of the actual policy will apply.

Edition Date: 04/13 Account: 20556 Policy: CAU510009-2

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Communications and Outreach Committee Report – Kay Hatler (Volunteer)

Leah Prince completed five welcome visits this quarter. The Welcome packet is being updated and will include new board members information, new fee schedules, board meeting dates for 2020, and Volunteer Committees information.

Landscape committee

Landscape Coordinator’s Report – Gerry Hatler (Volunteer)

The Landscape Committee is comprised of two Coordinators. Eric Mahnerd handles requests from May through October and Gerry Hatler handles November through April. We thought it might be helpful to explain what the contract landscaping is responsible for versus the homeowner.

The board contracts with a professional landscaping company to take care of three major facets in the common areas. Common areas are those areas outside of privacy fences.

  • Common area lawn maintenance, mowing, fertilizing (three times/year) and weed control (three times/year). During the growing season (approximately March 1 to October 31), lawns will be mowed weekly, edging will be done every third week. During the dormant season, lawns will be mowed on an as needed basis.
  • Common area pruning twice a year, spring/summer and dormant season (winter).
  • Sprinkler system maintenance and repair. If you become aware of improper sprinkling (too much or not enough) please notify the landscape committee via the Sunland North website link.

Where homes have privacy fences, the homeowner is responsible for the landscape maintenance inside the privacy fences.

Any landscape alterations (new plantings) owners make (which require prior landscape committee approval), the owner is responsible for the maintenance of those new plantings. Landscaping change requests may be submitted using the Landscape Maintenance Request Form found on our website. You can send that request via the link on the Sunland North web site.

Care should be taken in making changes not to interfere with the ability of the contracted landscaper to carry out their responsibilities.

Bark/mulch is applied under a separate agreement and is scheduled every three years. The next scheduled bark/mulch application is in 2020.

Dormant Season pruning has begun. During this time, you may see additional pruning that you think needs to be done. If that is the case, please notify the landscape committee via the link on the Sunland North web site and we will pass it along to the landscape crew.

Some of the homeowners in the Sunland North community have indicated a preference to do their own pruning. If you want to do your own pruning please let the landscape committee know and we will add your name to the list of self-pruners. You can send that request via the link on the Sunland North web site.

Lavender – many of the homes in the Mount Baker neighborhood had lavender planted as part of the original landscaping. Many of these plants have reached maturity and have become woody or are partially dying off. Several of the homeowners in that neighborhood have requested to have the lavender removed. If you would like to have this done during the current pruning please let the landscape committee know so that we can direct the crew to take care of the removal. You can send that request via the link on the Sunland North web site.

Greenspace Report – Tom Hamman (Volunteer)

The paved path along the east side of the driving range, adjacent to Division 17’s greenspace, had become increasingly infiltrated with moss and grass growing over the path. Thanks primarily to the diligent efforts of Doug Hale, with some assistance by others, the path has been cleaned up and widened back into its original state. It was a big volunteer job; thank you, Doug!

The cottonwood at the corner of Blakely and Mt. Baker will be taken down by the county in March 2020 (the tree is on the county easement). The roots of the cottonwood have infiltrated the pavement in several areas, creating trip hazards. In addition, it creates a “blind” spot on that corner between cars and pedestrians.

2019/2020 Sunland North Board Members

  • President – Gary Fortmann
  • Vice President – John Lewis
  • Treasurer – Susan Hamman
  • Secretary – Lawrence Charters
  • Member at Large – Mike Johnson

Kay Hatler – Newsletter Editor, kay.hatler@gmail.com

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