Sunland North Newsletter January 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
We want to remind all new and current residents that the Sunland North (Division 17) Homeowners Association (HOA) Office Hours should be adhered to by all of us, except in the event of 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/.
Keep in mind that 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 also 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 first quarter of 2024 is as follows:
- Wednesday, January 10 (2:30 to 4:30 pm)
- Wednesday, February 14 (2:30 to 4:30 pm)
- Wednesday, March 13 (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
Wreaths Across America
Eric Mahnerd organized volunteers from Sunland North to participate in laying wreaths for our veterans The volunteers went to the Sequim View Cemetery on Thursday, December 14th and identified and marked the graves of veterans. On Saturday, December 16th there was a ceremony attended by ~100 folks from the community. A vocal group from the high school and a local Boy Scout troop participated in the ceremony. After the ceremony, the people attending took some wreaths and laid them at the graves that had been marked on Thursday.
If you are interested in the organization involved in this event, their website is: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Mike Johnson took the drone image below for this event:
Clallam County Emergency Preparedness
Clallam County is starting a new initiative – “Prepare In A Year” – This program is designed to help households become personally prepared for any emergency.
There are 12 projects within this initiative to be completed in 2024 – hopefully! Each project was created to be easy to do, inexpensive and should only take about an hour to complete. You must register to receive each topic over the next 12 months. The more of us who participate in this project, the better we will all be prepared to address whatever happens that causes a disruption in our lives – fire, earthquake, or weather.
More information can be found on this important effort to help all individuals in the county be prepared for ANY emergency via this county website:
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/1759/Prepare-in-a-Year
Sunland North Neighbors Celebrate the Holiday Season
Sunland North neighbors again celebrated the holiday season in style! December 7th saw the annual upscale buffet dinner and socializing at a reserved (and non-smoking) ballroom location at the Seven Cedars Hotel, a tradition among owners for over ten years now. The hotel provided a complimentary shuttle bus service between Sunland North and the function. A big thank you to volunteers Ilse Long and Valerie Fratus for heading up this effort for multiple years! Both ladies are “retiring;” we’re hoping for new volunteers to take over planning for 2024. And throughout the neighborhood, bright and varied holiday decorations cheered our moods and added to a shared holiday spirit.
A sampling of photos for both is available thanks to our neighborhood contributor, Barbara Brooner:
2023 Holiday Party – Sunland North
Sunland North Holiday Lights 2023
Volunteers Needed to Organize Next Year’s Holiday Party
The holiday party this year was another success with good food and plenty of holiday spirit at the 7 Cedars Casino! The party was held in the smoke-free hotel conference room, so there was no need to pass through a smoky area.
Since Ilse and Valerie have decided they will no longer take the lead on organizing this event and Alan has also decided to relinquish his duties as treasurer, we are hoping volunteers will come forward to organize the for 2024. It would be unfortunate to have this tradition become a memory. Ilse and Valerie have put together a “how to” document as a guidepost for new volunteers. Ilse also has a bag of supplies that she will pass along for the next holiday party. The organizers of this year’s party will be happy to guide the new volunteers through the details of putting this event together. Please contact Valerie Fratus or Ilse Long, at information@sunlandnorth.org if you would like to help with this effort.
Messages and Reports from Our Volunteers
President – Gerry Hatler
Let me begin by wishing you all Happy Holidays and hopes for a fabulous New Year!
Again, this year many new homeowners have moved into Sunland North. Sunland North was incorporated in 1999 and 2024 begins the twelfth year of the HOA being managed by its homeowners. Sunland North would not operate as efficiently as it does without the many talented volunteers that we have. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your willingness to keep our association the vital organization that it is.
If you have any questions about living in our community, check out our website, www.sunlandnorthownersassociation.com. There is much good information there as well as past newsletters that can provide perspective on happenings around our neighborhood. If you need additional information, you can contact one of your Board members, their contact information is also on the Sunland North website.
As I have reported previously, the Board has been working with a law firm that specializes in Homeowner Association law to review our governing documents. That review is near completion. The changes to the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) will need to be approved by a vote of the homeowners in order to finalize them. We will be posting the modified CC&R’s to our website in the near future to give you the opportunity to see the changes and to ask questions. If you have any questions, you can send them to me at president@sunlandnorth.com and they will be addressed by the Board.
Vice President – Mark Anderson
This year 2023, as always started with a plan – part of which was (for me) to be an active member of the Sunland North (SLN) community – I just did not realize that would lead me to being a part of our HOA Board! So, in preparation for this quarterly report, I read some of the Newsletters that are linked to our Web Page https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/newsletters/ and received some insight as to how hard our community works (and plays) together – very inspiring! And in the short time I have been involved here with our Board, I have gained a tremendous amount of respect and confidence in the owners of our community and in regards to their maintaining the integrity of SLN. As you read further into this Quarterly Newsletter, you will start to see the insights the Board has utilized this year (as in the past) and that has made our quality of life much better as we work through all the administration, maintenance, repairs, and improvements throughout Sunland North. Happy to be a part of your team!
And blessings for a happy and healthy 2024 full of peace and joy!
Treasurer – Betty Gwaltney
During this year, I have interacted with several local HOA Treasurers discussing how they determine annual assessments, status of reserves, approval processes for expense payment, etc. As a result, I have come to appreciate even more the past leadership and current owner’s support for a strong financial position. I can say without hesitation Sunland North HOA is one of the most organized and sound HOA’s in Sequim! While we still have room to grow our reserves in anticipation of major capital expenses in the future (roof replacements, etc.), Sunland North at least has reserves to build on! Thanks to all of our owners for keeping Sunland North a Great place to live! We continue to evaluate how we can maximize our investments and grow the reserve accounts – let the money work for US! To that end, over the last couple of years and with the Board’s support, we have moved 75% of $$ in reserves accounts from Money Market accounts with an average interest yield of 0.05% to CD’s with an average interest yield of 4.3% resulting in interest income for 2023 of ~ $18,000! Yes, we have to pay taxes on that (30%), but we still come out ahead.
2024 Assessment: We did have a modest increase (~$5/month) and you should have received your invoice by now. The 2024 Assessment is $4190 annually, or $1048/ Quarter. Remember that assessments are due Jan 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct 1 and we do not send out quarterly invoices. If you have questions, please contact me at treasurer@sunlandnorth.org. Here’s to looking forward to a great 2024!
Secretary — Lawrence Charters
All owners should remember to keep their contact information current with Sunland North. We are required by state law (and our insurance) to keep contact information for all owners, and changes to phone numbers and email addresses should be sent to the Secretary, secretary@sunlandnorth.org, as soon as possible. We use, in particular, email addresses to inform owners of Board meetings, changes in the local neighborhood (such as the covering of the irrigation ditches and construction of the Sequim Dungeness Way – Woodcock Road roundabout), and other items of interest. During the pandemic, we used video conferencing software to hold meetings.
We rarely send items via postal mail due to costs. Sending simple postcards to all owners costs roughly $300 for stamps, cards, and labels for a single mailing.
Please note that we value your privacy, and do not use your information for anything other than Sunland North business.
Insurance Committee – Susan Hamman
The HOA insurance policy with Community Association Underwriters or CAU was renewed on May 1st for the year 2023 – 2024 in the amount of $95,641. This was a 5% increase over the previous year’s policy of $90,413. With changes in the insurance industry and disasters around the globe that continue to multiply, the premium is expected to rise significantly for the 2024 – 2025 policy. Other HOA’s in the Sunland community have seen premiums rise as much as 30%; however, most of them are much older structures than those found in Division 17.
For new owners in Division 17, in addition to your coverage under the master HOA insurance policy, you need an HO-6 policy (referred to as a condominium owner’s policy), 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.
The association insurance policy carries a deductible. In the event of a claim, the unit owners involved in the claim are responsible for the deductible. 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 for advice.
Division 17 had one insurance claim in 2023, which was covered by the master CAU policy.
Architectural Control Committee – Eric Mahnerd and Mark Anderson, Co-Chairs
Hi Neighbors, I’m happy to report that we had a very uneventful year. All but one request was approved in 2023. We have streamlined the process and most requests are handled very quickly. As a reminder, if you would like to make any exterior changes to your unit, you need the approval of our committee to proceed. The requirements and forms for making changes can be found on our website. And, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me.
Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year!
Exterior Maintenance Committee – Michael Johnson
139 homeowners in the Division 17 neighborhood rely on the Exterior Maintenance Coordinator. Many homeowners volunteer to assist the Exterior Maintenance Coordinator in performing various repair activities as well as periodic maintenance inspections.
Are you familiar with the governing documents for the HOA? Do you know how to notify the HOA Exterior Maintenance Coordinator of a problem? The links below are great resources regarding these questions:
https://sunlandnorthownersassociation.com/governing-documents/
Every year the Exterior Maintenance Coordinator hears from owners and/or their realtors when they are in the process of selling their homes.
The following is how the Exterior Maintenance Coordinator will reply to those last-minute (non-routine) requests:
Within Division 17 Homeowners Association exterior maintenance is monitored and managed by a Board-appointed Coordinator. Any homeowner aware of a maintenance issue with his Unit shall report the problem to the Coordinator before attempting repairs.
Selling your home may require a third party to inspect the overall condition of the property. Those inspections occasionally uncover unknown issues that, when brought to the attention of the Coordinator, will result in the scheduling of those items for repair.
Subsequent inspections and notifications are a welcome adjunct to our process for preserving the beauty and value of our homes.
House Painting 2024
Lopez Painting’s bid was approved. Twelve (12) homes are scheduled to be painted. Have you contacted the Architectural Control Coordinator to give him and your ‘roof’ neighbor choices for color changes if any?
| 150 Mt Baker Dr. 160 Mt Baker Dr. 201 Mt Baker Dr. 211 Mt Baker Dr. 250 Blakely Blvd. 260 Blakely Blvd. |
270 Blakely Blvd. 280 Blakely Blvd. 290 Blakely Blvd. 300 Blakely Blvd. 310 Blakely Blvd. 320 Blakely Blvd. |
Roof and Gutter Cleaning 2024
The Gutter cleaning bid by NW Gutter Pros was approved for 2024. The following homes/buildings are scheduled to have roofs treated and gutters cleaned:
| 210 Cascadia Loop 220 Cascadia Loop 081 Mt Baker Dr. 091 Mt Baker Dr. 080 Mt Baker Dr. 090 Mt Baker Dr. 121 Mt Baker Dr. 131 Mt Baker Dr. 141 Mt Baker Dr. 151 Mt Baker Dr. 181 Mt Baker Dr. 191 Mt Baker Dr. 201 Mt Baker Dr. 211 Mt Baker Dr. 221 Mt Baker Dr. |
231 Mt Baker Dr 250 Mt Baker Dr. 260 Mt Baker Dr. 261 Mt Baker Dr. 271 Mt Baker Dr. 280 Mt Baker Dr. 281 Mt Baker Dr. 290 Mt Baker Dr. 291 Mt Baker Dr. 301 Mt Baker Dr. 311 Mt Baker Dr. 321 Mt Baker Dr. 331 Mt Baker Dr. 341 Mt Baker Dr. 351 Mt Baker Dr. |
Developed Landscaping Committee – Tom Steffen
January is the beginning of a new calendar year, but dark and wet days continue. Writers of various genres refer to these days as “fallow time.” You can do your own research concerning what exactly our manicured lawns and plantings are up to during these mysterious days.
Our landscape crew is still pruning and picking up leaves; we continue to receive very positive comments about how good our HOA looks. In a month or two, we will see new mulch being applied to our planting beds. Annual repairs to irrigation lines, replacing sprinkler heads, and fertilizing will begin again in early spring.
Here are a few reminders:
- Check that you have securely covered all hose bibs with insulated caps;
- Report incidents of unusual water that is running or standing near your building or in common areas;
- Try to reduce traffic on your lawn when temperatures are low and the ground is soaked;
- Remember that planting bushes and bulbs in common areas is not allowed.
Please communicate all your landscaping issues via our website. Here are the steps:
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- Enter “Sunlandnorthownersassociation.com.”
- Scroll on the right side of the page (dark blue) to “Forms.”
- Under “Forms,” select “Landscape Maintenance Request.”
- Complete the online form and click “Send.”
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This allows us to track all requests and function with more efficiency. If you have concerns or requests concerning landscaping, do not contact my personal email or cell phone. I will do whatever I can to address your concerns.
Here’s to a great new year!
Natural Habitat – Sarah Miller
Natural Habitat Through The Seasons
Here we are wrapping up another year of activity in the natural habitat areas of Sunland North Division 17. This year saw us making progress as reflected in the removal of the deer fencing around most of the young trees which will mature into our sight and sound barrier near the roundabout. These trees have finally reached the point where a bit of herbivory (aka ‘deer-munching’) won’t stunt their growth too much. The TLC that volunteers have given to our young trees has resulted in a healthy mini-forest that we will enjoy for many years to come. A few of the recently planted Leyland Cypress will continue to need supplemental water for a couple more years, but most of the trees will get along fine through our dry summers with their healthy root systems.
Each winter we recruit volunteers to remove any wind-blown deadfall branches and haul them away to Cascade Bark. This is a bit of a ‘closed loop’ recycling project since many of us also go to Cascade Bark when it is time to spread mulch! And it helps decrease the fire risk by removing branches that contribute to fuel. Please watch for requests for volunteers to help with this effort, and thank you to those of you who have assisted with this in the past.
We will be relocating some native plants that have established themselves in one of our detention ponds. These Douglas firs will be replanted along Woodcock Road, behind the Mount Baker neighbors.
Believe it or not, spring will be here before we know it. Aren’t you always surprised when the first flowers of the season show up? What native plants blossom the earliest? I believe it is the Osoberry, formerly known as Indian Plum. Look for the delicate flowers of this shrub along forest paths in late winter. Their cheerful white blossoms look to me like twinkling lights against the dark green of our winter woods.
Another plant that is not so welcome in the spring and summer is the noxious plant poison hemlock. We are required by Clallam County to control and prevent the spread of this plant. We need additional volunteers to help with this effort, and training will be provided.
Our natural areas provide great habitat for birds, deer, and other wildlife. I’ve seen two new visitors this year alone – a Wild Turkey and an Opossum. Seeing new wild creatures is always a thrill, and an indication that we are being good stewards of the land. All of our stewardship activities are accomplished by volunteers.
We have seasonal opportunities, but one activity that goes on all year round is roadside trash pickup along Woodcock Road and along Sequim-Dungeness Way.
I offer my sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who have worked hard to steward the natural areas over the last year! Your efforts do much to make Sunland North a great place to live, both because of the healthy habitat, and the spirit of community.
Please contact me if you have an interest in helping with any of these activities, and watch for alerts in the newsletters or via emails that solicit volunteers to help protect and enhance our natural habitat
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.
