The Lake Shore Community Association Newsletter, Apr 2008
Happenings at the Lake
As many of you may have noticed, there's certainly been a lot of activity at the lake recently. You may be wondering what's going on. The association is installing a new vault and aeration system. The reason for this is to guarantee an adequate supply of oxygen to the lake and have the equipment for the lake in a more secure, airtight environment. This work will guarantee the long-term survival of the fish in the lake and minimize the possibility of algae blooms in the lake. The board intends to install additional landscaping in and around the new vault to minimize the appearance of the larger vents. If you have any questions about this project, please contact your community manager.
Motor Scooters
Please remember that motorized scooters are prohibited in Lake Shore. This is a violation of the rules and regulations and violators will be subject to the association's fine policy. If you have any questions, please contact your community manager.
Delinquencies
The association does have a policy in place for collection of delinquent assessments. This policy includes a provision to send delinquent accounts to the association's attorney for collection. In addition, the association has hired a collection agency to pursue seriously delinquent accounts. This collection agency will also contact the major credit bureaus with regard to specific delinquent accounts. The board is taking this step to remind homeowners that the Declaration requires assessments to be paid and failure to do so may affect your credit. If you are having problems paying your assessments, please contact the board or your community manager to make payment arrangements.
Volunteers
The association is looking for volunteers for the Social Committee and ACC. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to be involved in your community and requires very little time commitment on your part. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact your community manager or a board member.
ACC Request Reminder
This is just a friendly reminder that all exterior improvements to your home must have prior written approval from the ACC before this work can be done. The form to use can be found at www.msihoa.com or, if you contact your community manager, a form can be sent to you.
Please also remember that painting your home is always a costly project. It can become even more expensive if you have to repaint because you did not receive approval from the ACC before undertaking a painting project. Please submit color samples to the ACC for approval prior to beginning any painting project.
ACC Request Procedure
- Complete an ACC request form (either from the website or contact MSI for assistance).
- Please note that you must complete the form and receive written approval from the ACC prior to making any changes.
- According to the Bylaws, the ACC is allowed, at the very least, 45 days in which to meet with you concerning approval. Since this is the case, please remember to think ahead of time. There have been too many instances where homeowners are contacting the ACC or board members asking for their request to be expedited because the painters are literally there wanting to start.
Please also remember that approval comes from the association's ACC and not MSI. Please contact MSI to inquire on the status of your request.
What Is Neighborhood Watch?
As the eyes and ears of their community, citizens can help the police put a stop to problems before they become a threat to an entire neighborhood.
Neighborhood Watch is designed to educate homeowners in deterrence, delay, and detection of crime. Participants are asked to be alert, observant, caring, and willing to report suspicious activity or crimes immediately to a block captain and/or the police. Communication is key for this program to be successful.
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that:
- Encourages neighbors to look out for each other.
- Allows neighbors to get to know each other and their routines so that they will recognize any out-of-place activity.
Neighborhood Watch is not:
- A vigilante force working outside the normal procedures of the police department.
- A guarantee that crime will not occur in your neighborhood.
- A program designed for participants to undertake personal risks to deter crime.
Reminders:
- Leave your porch light on at night (a witness saw someone looking in vehicle windows, getting into unlocked vehicles, and avoiding the homes with porch lights on).
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times.
- If anything seems suspicious, please contact your block captain or Lisa Kelly.
- Always report all crime, however minimal. Police presence is determined by the crimes reported to the police.
Neighborhood Watch Block Captains
| Street | Name | Phone |
| E Baker Pl | Dave Abels | 303-368-8440 |
| E Caspian Pl | Randy Bailey | 303-337-7651 |
| E Dickenson Pl | Lisa Kelly | 303-337-1989 |
| E Harvard Pl | Brenda Hummel | 303-750-0219 |
| E LaSalle Pl | Sherman Cohen | 303-671-5147 |
| S Truckee Wy (2351 to 2507) | Elaine Schiefelbein | 303-696-9629 |
| S Truckee Wy (2509 to 2599) | Lisa Kelly | 303-337-1989 |
| S Waco Ct | Jacqueline Trice | 303-755-8604 |
| E Wesley Pl | Jacqueline Trice | 303-755-8604 |
| S Zeno St (2352 to 2428) | Keith Morse | 303-750-5763 |
| S Zeno St (2437 to 2594) | Gary Prager | 303-743-0937 |
The Lake Revisited
Please remember that walking on the ice on the lake is strictly prohibited and should not be done under any circumstance. Signs are posted at the lake as well prohibiting this practice.
If you see someone walking on the ice on the lake, please contact your block captain or Lisa Kelly immediately (as well as the police). This way we can hopefully get to the lake in time to identify the children and stop this from happening in the future.
In addition, several instances have been reported of coyotes being seen at the lake. Please watch your pets or keep them inside during the evenings. If you see a coyote, please contact Animal Control at the City of Aurora.
Financial Problems
From time to time, problems such as illness, job loss, or divorce may arise making it difficult to meet all financial obligations. If this happens and it is absolutely necessary to miss a payment or two of your homeowner assessments, you are encouraged to contact MSI to explain the situation and work out a payment plan that will get you back on track. The need for the association to involve an attorney in collection efforts (the cost of which is added to your account) will thus be avoided.
If you contact MSI with such a problem, you will be asked to sign a repayment agreement. As long as you stay on the payment plan and meet the terms agreed upon, litigation will not be involved. It will still be necessary, however, for the association to file a Notice of Lien on your property and the cost of this filing and late fees/interest will be added to your account.
The association must meet its fiduciary responsibility to all members by ensuring collection of assessments, but it is important to note that they will work with you when problems develop. The goal of any repayment plan is not only to ensure repayment at the earliest possible time, but also to recognize unusual temporary situations as they develop.
Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring
Most of us do not think much about getting our lawns ready for spring until the grass looks like it needs mowing. Then you realize there are a few small chores to make your lawn ready for the season. Let's take a look at what these may be.
First, pick up twigs and branches that have come down over the winter. Recycle these by chipping them into mulch and spreading it around your trees, shrubs, and flowers. At the same time, remove dead leaves and stems from your flower gardens. If these are free of disease and insect eggs (you did not notice any particular problems last year), cut them into small pieces and put them in your mulch bin. If they are infested, toss them into your garbage so they don't infect plants this year.
Now you can see areas where winter kill, wear, or pet stains have thinned or killed grass. Reseed these areas using the best quality seed you can find. High quality seed germinates faster and includes genetics that lead to increased stress tolerance. Keep in mind to match new seed to the variety of grass you already have. This will keep these patches from being noticeable.
To help get a quick fill-in, fertilize with products that are gentle on your seedlings. Use no-salt fertilizers to encourage growth without harming delicate seedlings. These fertilizers contain slow release nitrogen to promote growth. They also contain phosphorus, an essential nutrient for energy production, fueling young shoot growth.
Another seeding option is to use one of the new turf patch mixes which combine seed with a moisture-holding mulch. By keeping the seed moist, these products encourage quick germination and result in quicker fill-in of damaged areas.
Soon you will be mowing your lawn. Sharpen the blade on your mower to ensure clean, even cuts. This results in a great looking lawn while allowing the mown grass blades to heal quickly. Quick-healing results in less chance for disease to infect the blades of grass. Remove only one-third of the grass height at any one mowing, which allows the mower to chop cut grass blades into small pieces. Also, mulch your clippings back onto the lawn to recycle the nutrients.
The primary benefit of a fertilized lawn is a deep, green look. In achieving this, follow a fertilizer program of three to four applications per year. A side benefit of this is increased weed control. Using fertilizers containing gentle, slow release helps create a thick, healthy lawn. While no fertilizer is by itself a weed killer, fertilizing for a thick, healthy lawn lessens weeds in the lawn.
ARA Content
Foreclosure: Who to Call for Help
The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline is a 24-hour, free, bilingual service offering assistance and guidance to any individual inquiring about the foreclosure process and their rights and responsibilities. This hotline connects homeowners with trained professional housing counselors. This agency can be reached at 877-601-HOPE (4673).
The Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section, 1525 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203, 800-222-4444
The Jefferson County District Attorney, Economic Crime, 500 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401, 303-271-6931
Barking Dogs & Leashes
When you're on a stroll with your dog, he must be on a leash at all times. If you are seen walking your dog without a leash, Animal Control will be called and you may receive a Covenant violation letter.
There are several dogs in the community that are barking continuously. Please remember that barking dogs are considered a noise nuisance and homeowners whose dogs are barking may be subject to warning letters and possible fines if the violation is not cured.
The association is asking homeowners to please remember to be courteous of their neighbors and help to make Lake Shore a peaceful place to live.
Dumpster Days
There will be three large dumpsters in the parking lot by the basketball court from Monday, 19 May to Wednesday, 21 May. Since this is always an extremely popular event, the Board of Directors asks that you please not overfill the dumpsters or place items next to the dumpsters that will not fit inside. Any items not placed in the dumpsters will be hauled away at an additional expense to the HOA. If you have any questions, please contact your community manager.
Garage Sale
Well, it's that time of year again. Lake Shore is planning to have the community garage sale from Friday, 16 May to Sunday, 18 May from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To advertise the garage sale, signs will be posted and an ad will be placed in the local paper.
Pool Opening
The pool opening is scheduled for Saturday, 24 May at 11:00 AM. Front Range Recreation will again return as our contractor for pool management and lifeguarding. The Social Committee will be hosting our pool opening festivities. If you would like to help, please contact Lisa Kelly at 303-337-1989 or Brenda Hummel at 303-750-0219.
The Pool Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, would like to remind everyone who uses the pool to abide by the pool rules and respect others who are using the pool. We are confident this will be another great season at the pool!
Pool Passes
We are planning to hold pool pass pick-up days on Saturday, 10 May and Sunday, 11 May from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in front of the pool house.
The Pool Committee strongly suggests homeowners take advantage of the two pool pass pick-up days. If you are unable to pick up your passes during these times, you will need to contact MSI to make arrangements to get your passes.
Pay Your Assessments Online
MSI is pleased to announce the option to pay assessments online is available. To pay online, please visit www.msihoa.com and log on to your community's website. Once the community site has been accessed, the online payment feature is available by going to Resident Services and then clicking on Check Your Account. The first time you use the Check Your Account feature, please enter your Access Code in the appropriate field. If you would like to request an Access Code, simply click on the Send Me My Access Code link and the system will automatically generate the Access Code letter, which will be mailed to you via the US Postal Service. Once the Access Code has been successfully entered, the account information and payment options will be available. If you would like assistance with the website, please contact Laura Moss at 720-974-4186.
Laura Moss, MSI Web Support
Pool Opening Dates
The pool will be opening for the season on Saturday, 24 May and closing on Monday, 1 Sep (Labor Day). Information on how to obtain your pool pass for the season will be in an upcoming newsletter. Please note you may not have your pool pass unless you are current on your assessments. If you're not sure where you stand with regard to your assessment account, you may log in to www.msihoa.com or contact your community manager.
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