3,157
That is the number of reported American deaths from the pandemic yesterday. People in the hospital was also at an all time high. We lost more people yesterday than Japan has lost since the pandemic started. Experts predict that it is going to get much worse during the next three months
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our family , neighbors and friends. We need to wear masks, clean our hands, practice social distance and stay home as much as we can. Many people including our fellow members, are under a great deal of financial and emotional stress.
We in Surfside do not want to add financial or emotional stress. Please, at this time, unless it is a safety issue, file complaints. A tree not topped, is not going to block any view. Desperate people do desperate tjings and it is important to have security lighting. It deters theft and gives the homeowner a degree of security.
We do not know what impact there will be in members paying their dues and assessments. It was good that they were not increased, but many members may still find it difficult. I have been surprised at the number of members who make payments. I was also surprised at how many members are making payments on their homes and property. The Board should be alert to the collections and have plans to cut spending as needed. I would like to see a 12 month electronic payment in place. This would help the members budget their payments and force the association to more closely follow a budget.
Please don't go to the office unless it is essential that you do so. Keep all committee meetings on line. Please, no social events. Stay safe everyone.
20 comments:
You hear that? No office visits!
George, I admire your concern for others. It is a sorry state when you have to plead with others to use what amounts to common sense, it seems to be in short supply. For example, (outside of the pandemic) if you all read the outdoors section in this weeks Chinook Observer you will find what people have been trying to tell Ms. Olds and her supporters on the Board and otherwise. It seems a group of nine members of the Oregon State University Extension team (you know, people whose avocation is caring for the environment and have studied it for years) have concluded that the topping of trees is detrimental to the life of a tree and will end in the killing of said tree(s). Does Ms. Olds and her supporters somehow have better information than the people who spend their days studying the environment? Are they somehow smarter and more highly educated in this matter than these practical academicians, who again would probably have much more knowledge of the subject? Suggest Ms. Olds and her supporters, to include past and present Board members, abandon their dis-proven theory of "topping doesn't kill trees", then publicly apologize to those they have used this ruse against. Humiliation is well deserved.
Well said 10:23 Thank you.
I hope this subject and information is discussed at the next BOT meeting. We need to clear the air on why this tree policy is being so enforced with such vengence
Months ago I suggested that the HOA take a break from Tree related enforcement, a moratorium, to take the pressure off of owners at a time of financial loss and hardship. We know that Trustees DO read and sometimes respond to the Blog and comments here. George and others have also made this plea.
But there has been no acknowledgement that members are ALL experiencing financial losses. Some may have had lay-offs, some fewer hours, some working in front-line jobs of healthcare, police, fire, grocery workers, perhaps Covid illnesses, or certainly great stress associated with their work. Most retired folks have seen investment losses, and no one really dodging these concerns
WE hear nothing of conscience from the BOT over the fraudulent claims to Covid Relief Federal grants ($20,000), and hear that they may apply for another. Somehow, the BOT sees themselves as detached from these very real challenges that members have been forced to face, and show no empathy or concern beyond playing stupid games of enforcement and making members dance to their tune. With a new Board configuration, how about showing you get it, and actually give a damn about members, beyond worrying about trees 6 inches over the limit.
Instead of investing in a future guaranteeing continuation of this useless policy by buying a chipper, approve a moratorium on this enforcement of at least a year. breaking the cycle of obsessive enforcement. This all needs to be reassessed with a more positive approach focusing on replanting, modest limits on height, and making Surfside an attractive community. Beyond nice homes, the landscape is a disaster.
Quick Tip
You don't have to top your trees if you properly maintain them.
Each owner is responsible for their property maintenance not the HOA, so owners please maintain your property
Oh thanks for input board member or tree committee member! 12:48 anonymous. Such sanctimonious remarks it’s sickening
@12:55 - There are many more who agree with 12:48. Don't let the 4 usual posters on this blog convince you they speak for the majority.
Delete in 1, 2, 3...
12:48, Please explain how you keep a tree from growing in height, without topping.
Even small amounts of topping will stunt and or kill a tree. You can come and look at my lot on G street north of Oysterville Rd. that had minimal topping. There are three dead trees within five months.
1248 & 146 - there are far more that think what the Board is doing is in their self interest only. Your comments simply serve as further proof.
All I am asking at this time is to give the members a break. I agree with Steve that a year moratorium on enforcement is a good start. Instruct the Tree Committee to research abd gather information on proper tree care in our area. Contact the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and ask them to help in a valuation of trees in Surfside and make recommendations. This can be done during the year moratorium. Get the facts and put them out there for all.
Please show the members that we care about everyone and our community.
George, So well spoken with empathy and consideration to all members that have been affected by this pandemic. There is absolutely no reason for tree or lighting complaints at this time in our troublesome lives. For those complaint filers, please go put yourselves to good use at food banks, sending well wishes to shut ins and making people feel good! It’s amazing how good it makes YOU feel to do a “pay back” at the grocery store( we do that often). It’s high time to be thoughtful and more than considerate of your fellow members. These are such heart wrenching times and please, please don’t add to members emotional and mental stress. There’s so many nice gestures you can do for others. Praying there is no sarcasm and these compliance complainers will look deep into their souls.
Spread Good Cheer: Not Fear in Surfside.❤️
@12:48...yes each member is responsible for property maintenance. So let's get rid of the fire wise program, and the chipper site and the chipper!
The chipper site is illegal in a residential area and members do not need to buy a chipper when they can hire Kyle jewell and he will also chip for you.
Yes people, please limit trips. I'm loving the empty roads and stores. And in a lot of places, if you are the only customer, you and the store personnel can have a conversation without masks. Thankfully I won't be one of the people suffering a breakdown before this is over.
Ha, should have been at the Oysterville approach today around 4pm. I would have thought summer was here with all the people. Never, have I ever, felt so invaded by people as this past year has brought. Ugh, COVID, please go away so the people can go other places!
And forget about the fact that this type of community restriction is strangely at odds with standards in 99% of N.W.commu ities, and looks terrible. It is not established what most Surfside owners prefer.Wasting their money placating this ridiculous rule , or making their own property decisions.
I must laugh that someone dumped their yard debris at the chipper. Now surfside needs to get a letter from the compliance lady. They have 30 days just like everyone else to get rid of their stuff or face fines. They are no different...This is just good karma!!
I found my litter pan and composting mixes nicely. You do it by stopping by in the evening, shovel some mulch in the back of the truck and shovel the stuff you don't want, one for one. Just remember to rake some of the mulch pile in the lot over your gift. And broken glass goes nicely in paper bags for recycling.
You must be so proud. Let me guess, Trump voter?
Actually Uncle Joe, proud union member who likes my bennies.
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