Ahwatukee Happenings

Ahwatukee Happenings
A newsletter from the Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM), Inc.
December 2010
President’s Message
Board of Directors
Greetings,
As you may know, each year in April ABM holds its annual
homeowner membership meeting and election for three new directors. Subsequently, I was appointed President by the Board of Directors to serve you for the
2010-2011 year. As President, I believe broad communication and good relations are key components of a productive and successful community. In that regard and on behalf of ABM, I work with our Councilman, Mr. Sal DiCiccio, on a
regular basis. Sal supports the ABM and our functions in numerous ways. He
and his assistant, Ms. Hayden Maynard, are always available to answer questions, attend meetings, assist, and provide direction. Sal has assisted the ABM
with overcoming City delays for event permits saving our Association money
and time, and includes advertising events produced by our Community Swim &
Tennis Center as a service to ABM. Sal also provides email updates to our community (email [email protected] to subscribe) on legislative activities. Thanks to him and his staff for their tireless efforts.
Your current Board of Directors is a diverse and dynamic group and is involved in serving the greater community also. Don Zella was recently appointed
by Mayor Gordon to serve on the City of Phoenix Block Watch Committee;
Christopher Gentis and I serve on the Ahwatukee-Foothills Village Planning
Committee and “Adopt A Street”; Dan Smith concurrently serves on the Board
of Directors and other committees at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center and
Vernon Hancock is involved with youth sports coaching, to name a few extra
activities. Collectively, we have Ahwatukee’s best interest at heart and all of our
efforts are volunteer based.
As is evident throughout Ahwatukee, your Board of Directors has improved
our community park appearance and amenities, sponsored more community
events unique to Ahwatukee, improved drainage channels and implemented proactive water reduction plans and beautified 48th Street and 51st Street by recently
repairing and repainting walls. We are very proud of our accomplishments on
behalf of our community. I encourage you to visit and use our facilities. I also
encourage you to become involved in your homeowner association. Should you
have questions or interest in Board or annual meetings, policies or anything
“Ahwatukee," please contact me at [email protected] or our office at (480) 8933502.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season,
Rob Robinson, President
ABM Board of Directors
(480) 893-3502
Rob Robinson, President
Karl Kjellstrom, Vice President
Dan Smith, Secretary
Karin Gray, Treasurer
Directors:
Christopher Gentis
Donald Zella
Richard McKenna
Vern Hancock
Katrina Shawver
Check Out Our Website!
Keep in touch with what is
going on throughout the year.
Residents can browse through
the announcements, check the
calendar of events, RSVP to
certain events, make online
payments, download forms,
and much more.
Visit www.ahwatukeehoa.com
4700 East Warner Road
Fax (480) 893-6634
www.ahwatukeehoa.com
Communications Committee
The ABM has established a new Communications Committee to focus on overall communication
with homeowners and the community. Look for more information in our newsletters and an expanded Internet presence as we totally redesign our web site in 2011. As a committee, we will
promote the Ahwatukee Board of Management as a community of choice for current and future
homeowners and confirm that we are an important resource to the community. We are proud of
our hard working staff and will periodically highlight some of the 'behind the scenes' work that
takes place on a regular basis. Communication works both ways - we want you to know about us,
and we want to hear from you. The committee is open to any homeowner so feel free to join us or
just e-mail your thoughts and ideas to [email protected]. Visit us online at
www.ahwatukeehoa.com.
BULK TRASH
The Ahwatukee area has been split into
two zones for bulk trash pick up. Please
check with the City of Phoenix (602) 2627251 to find out which zone you are in so
that your trash is not placed out sooner than
one week prior. As a reminder, items may
not be placed on the sidewalk or street.
Early placement may result in the need to
remove the items until the appropriate date.
View the collection schedule at
http://phoenix.gov/residents/garbage.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Roof Rats
R.V. Storage
40th Street and Keresan
Did you know that the Ahwatukee Board of Management
has its own RV Storage Facility? There are over 200
spaces in the park for Board of Management homeowners/
residents. The lot sizes range from 17ft. to 64ft. in length.
We offer 6 month and 12 month lease options, and offer a
discount to those who pay in advance with a 12 month
lease. Check our web site at www.ahwatukeehoa.com for
current rates.
The RV Storage Facility is located at 40th Street and Keresan. Our south lot has a dumping station at no additional
charge. Please contact Anne Marie Hancock at 480-8933502 ext. 4 if you have any questions about the Ahwatukee Board of Management RV Storage Facility.
Have you seen roof rats in your neighborhood? ABM is providing roof rat bait stations while supplies last. Each bait station is $5 dollars and includes bait (while supplies last). To view roof rat
information, including placement of the bait stations and steps to take for prevention of roof rats,
visit our website at www.ahwatukehoa.com (Links/Websites, Roof Rat Info).
2
A Message from your General Manager
In the next few months, the Arizona State Legislature will begin to address a new round of
bills that will have an impact on homeowner associations. Many of these bills are very
specific in nature; e.g. clotheslines, ham radios, etc. Over the last several years the Community Associations Institute (C.A.I.) has presented to the Legislature, a bill which would make it easier
for associations to amend their own documents. Most associations require 66 2/3% - 75% of all lots to
amend the documents. In ABM’s case, with over 5,100 homes this is a monumental problem. The CAI
proposes the Legislature pass a bill that would require 66 2/3% of those who vote on an amendment. This
would allow associations a more realistic possibility for passing new amendments or removing outdated
provisions. This will allow local control of specific issues rather than the broad brush approach currently
used by the Legislature. We will post new bills regarding HOA’s with links to the State Legislature on
our website if you care to comment on them.
Sincerely,
Robert Blakesley
Featured Staff Member
Mark Henning
When the Ahwatukee Board of Management hired Mark Henning 10 years ago for the maintenance
staff, they knew they were getting a great employee, but they couldn’t have known they were getting a very versatile employee. On any given day Mark can be found maintaining the community
pool, welding or fabricating a part for a piece of equipment, planting shrubs, framing or painting a
wall, maintaining the website or managing the finances and accounting for the ABM.
The Chicago transplant and ASU grad has lived in Ahwatukee since 1979, when “the Warner-Elliot
loop stopped at Equestrian and Warner and Ray were just tractor crossings.” With wife Paula, also
an ABM employee, they raised two daughters here. According to ABM General Manager Robert
Blakesley, “there’s no one who knows Ahwatukee better or has a deeper commitment to keeping
our neighborhoods and our community assets in top order.”
Mark’s outside interests include Pet Therapy volunteer work through Hospice of the Valley and
enjoying Arizona’s great outdoors.
Mark’s advice to homeowners: “read the newsletter, check out the website and talk to us.” The
newsletter and website have information about architectural reviews (yes, you need to get approval
for your paint color before you paint the outside of your house) and a host of other information to
keep our neighborhoods appealing, he said.
7
Recreational Amenities of the Ahwatukee Board of Management












Did You Know We Offer….
RENT OUR FACILITY!
Child enrichment classes for ages 2-5
Tumbling for pre-school and grade
school
Swim school for children
Private swim lessons for all ages
Adult Swim Technique Program
Adult Triathlon Swim Program
Adult Masters Swim Program
Adult and children’s tennis lessons
Private tennis lessons
Open Swim
Summer Recreational Swim Team
Golf, Swim & Tennis camps for ages
6-14
A great place with beautiful scenic views
to have a
 Family Reunion
 Birthday Party
 Reception
 Banquet
 Meeting
 Company Picnic
Rental of the Park, Community Center
and/or Pool is available to the general
public for those special occasions. Please
call 480-893-3431 for additional
information.
Plus!
We are a satellite facility for
South Mountain Community College
Pilates
Ballroom Dancing
Zumba
Line Dancing
To enroll in one of the above classes, call
SMCC at (602) 243-8393.
...And for your Pooch!
Dog Obedience Training with
Desert Dog Obedience Ahwatukee
480-785-0036
Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday 9am-1pm
Sponsored by
The Ahwatukee Community Center
A fresh array of fruits and vegetables,
homemade salsas and breads, and lots
of arts and crafts.
To apply to become a vendor, call
Dee Logan at (623) 848-1234
This January look for our 2011 brochure in your mailbox!
Preferred Membership Rate for Homeowners
Bringing the Community Together!
Watch for these Upcoming Special Events!
January
Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course
February
Summer Recreational Swim Team Informational Meeting
March
7th Annual Chili Cook-off
5th Annual Ahwatukee Dog Show
Spring Break Golf, Swim & Tennis Camp
Spring Swim Lessons
May
Summer Recreational Swim Team Begins
June
Summer Swim Lessons Begin
Summer Golf, Swim & Tennis Camps Begin
July
3rd Annual Star Spangled Bike Parade
September
4th Annual Tukee Fest “Rockin’ in the Park”
October
10th Annual Haunted House & Hayride
Fall Break Golf, Swim & Tennis Camp
November
8th Annual Car & Motorcycle Show & Turkey Stomp
Don’t Miss Out! Check our website for updates and more details
www.ahwatukeehoa.com
PLEASE SUPPORT AND THANK OUR 2010 SPONSORS!
ACE Hardware and Rental – 48th Street & Warner (480) 496 – 0058
Ahwatukee Foothills Newspaper (480) 898 – 7900
Ahwatukee Golf Properties (480) 893 – 1161
Arizona Exterminating (602) 275 – 8555
Bella Vista Dental Care (480) 598 – 5900
Desert Landscaping Professionals (602) 390-1267
Scott Roofing Company (480) 835 – ROOF
Select Painting
(480) 785 – 0580
Tree Pros
(602) 216 – 0400
Making a Change?
The Architectural Review Committee’s (ARC) responsibility is to assure that any construction,
alteration or refurbishing of your property meets the community standards as adopted by the
ABM Board of Directors. The goal is to maintain, and even increase, the present value of our
homes. This includes items such as painting the exterior of your house, installing a fence or gate,
extending your driveway, or adding a room addition. Here are some answers to some frequently
asked questions regarding this process.
1. What kinds of changes need to be approved? All changes to the exterior of the house need to
be reviewed for approval prior to commencement. It may be something simple that can be reviewed and approved by the office staff or it may need to go to the Architectural Review Committee for their review.
2. Do I need to submit for approval to add or remove plants or trees? No, however proposed
hardscape (driveway extension, courtyard wall, retaining wall, etc.) done to the yard needs to be
approved prior to installation.
3. What do I need to submit to the Architectural Review Committee? An application can be obtained in our office or on-line at www.ahwatukeehoa.com. Select “Architectural Guidelines/
Forms” in the ABM pull down menu. There you will find the paint application and the general
application along with the Architectural Guidelines. The Guidelines will state what other supporting information you will need for the project you want to do. (Tip: You should supply information so that the Committee can get a clear picture of what it is you desire. This will eliminate
delay in the review process.) A sample application with supporting documents can also be found
on our website.
4. Do I have to have professionally drawn plans? No. However, if the project requires a City of
Phoenix permit, you will need the necessary plans drawn to submit to the City. These do not
have to be done professionally, but you do need to make sure that all pertinent information is included in your plans.
5. Do I need to get a permit from the City of Phoenix before submitting to the ARC? No. The
best thing to do is to get approval from the Architectural Review Committee before obtaining
your City of Phoenix permit (if applicable). There is no cost in having the Committee review
your plans. Upon approval from the Committee, a copy of the City of Phoenix permit needs to
be submitted to ABM prior to starting your project.
6. I want to paint my house the same color it is right now. Do I have to apply for approval?
Yes. Please make sure you include samples of the colors, including the brand and color name of
the paint. Paint color is fashion and with fashion, colors go in and out of style. Colors that were
popular 30 years ago may not be in style today.
7. How long does the approval process take? The Committee generally meets twice per month.
Submittal deadlines are 10 days prior to the meeting date. No verbal approvals are given to
ensure accuracy.
3
It’s a Great Day at the ARC!
Have you stopped by the building on Cheyenne
Drive located just off of 51st street? If not, you
might be missing the great events and activities at
the Ahwatukee Recreation Center.
On November 8th, ARC members worked to package 136 care boxes sent to U.S servicemen and
servicewomen stationed overseas during the holiday season. Each box included all-American
snacks such as beef jerky and cookies as well as a
Santa hat and a Christmas sock hand crafted by the
ARC’s own Saguaro Strippers. However, the
charity of the ARC does not stop there. New
socks and shoes will be collected during their winter social, the Jingle Bell Jam, on December 5th.
The shoes and socks will be donated to the Kyrene
Family Resource Center.
The ARC will continue to serve as a hub of activity. On December 16th at 7:30 PM the Ahwatukee
Foothills Band will fill their Main Hall with the
joyous sounds of the holiday season. The Ahwatukee Community is welcome to attend this free
concert.
Keep watching the Ahwatukee Recreation Center’s
newsletter and its marquee for information on
events coming this spring. The ARC will be hosting “Three Men and a Tenor.” This is the same
fabulous group as seen on PBS and will be at the
ARC for one night only on February 20, 2011.
Also this spring, the ARC will be celebrating
Christmas in March with the incredible play
“Christmas Belles” written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. This play will open
during the last week of March.
The ARC is currently accepting registration for
2011 social memberships. The Ahwatukee Recreation Center is a 55+ active adult community
located at 5001 East Cheyenne Drive.
Call (480) 893-2549 or log onto
www.ARCAZ.net for more information
on the exciting activities and events
MAINTENANCE ISSUES
If you notice graffiti, a tree that needs
trimming or another maintenance issue in
the common area, call the ABM office or
email us at [email protected].
Please realize that some issues need to be
prioritized due to staff size and budget.
We make every effort to respond as
quickly as possible. Your maintenance
staff takes a great deal of pride in what
they do as evidenced by your community
park. Paul and Tim each have 20+ years
of service and John is learning on the fast
track. Mark keeps our pool crystal clear
and Mike has our facility clean with very
high use. As our community ages so
does the work load increase for the maintenance crew. Irrigation systems require
more frequent maintenance, trees become
larger in number and size, and facilities
need constant attention. This year we
replaced one of our large turf mowers,
after it gave us 17 years of service. The
crew also cares for our equipment, an
important asset of the community. We
appreciate their abilities and commitment
to our community.
www.ahwatukeehoa.com
480-893-3502
6
Sound Management Helps HOA Navigate Current Economy
In spite of a tough economy, high foreclosure rates and stretched budgets all around, the Ahwatukee Homeowner
Association is weathering the storm relatively well. As a board of directors entrusted to guide the HOA for the
greater good, we’re taking a number of steps to keep operating costs in check and lot assessments as low as possible.
With Arizona in the top three U.S. states for foreclosures, many homeowner associations are in severe financial
trouble. Builders are abandoning developments, job losses are resulting in non-payment of assessments and owners are walking away from “underwater” mortgages. Many HOAs have been forced to discontinue services or assess special (additional) assessments to cover the shortfall of those not paying their share.
The Ahwatukee HOA isn’t immune from some of these challenges. Since our community developer turned the
Association over to the membership in April 1988 (but it was incorporated in 1972), the organization has struggled with poorly written documents, 54 different sets of covenants, poorly engineered concrete drainage systems,
inadequate facilities for a community our size, and an absence of reserve funds. Still, lot assessments remain at a
remarkably low rate – only about $12 per month – after 40 years!
We’ve managed to keep assessments in check through strong management and careful planning. For example,
water rates have climbed an average of 10 percent annually for the past four years. With a maximum assessment
increase of 5 percent, we could not sustain these increases. However, six years ago we began a turf reduction plan
for our turf drainage channels. By reducing turf to the center of channels only while preserving walking areas and
aesthetic appearances, and by converting the uppers sides to granite and drought-resistant shrubs, we’ve greatly
reduced our water usage.
We’ve avoided long-term debt. We have no long-term liabilities and own our own facilities and equipment. Historically, the HOA’s Boards of Directors have been careful stewards of your assessments and practice sound business judgment. We work with independent financial experts to ensure we save appropriately for future repair and
replacement of capital assets.
We have a multi-talented and experienced staff that helps us avoid the need for outside contractors, collection
agencies, welders, pool service, irrigation installation and repairs and more. The average tenure of our staff is 15
years, which lends itself to an efficient, dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
Our assessment delinquency ratio has historically been one-half of one percent. We expect that to climb to about
1 percent by the end of this year, still a remarkably low rate. We appreciate homeowners meeting their obligations to their association during very personally difficult times. We’ve worked with dozens of residents for payment plans and diligently sought collection of all accounts receivable.
Finally, ABM is audited annually by a CPA firm. As a property owner, you are entitled to obtain a copy of its audited financial statement and budget each year. We do not distribute them en-mass as we only receive a few requests each year. You may contact our office for a copy should you desire.
The ABM Budget for 2011 in available for review on our
website, www.ahwatukeehoa.com.
8