Dumpster Overfill?

Can someone shed some light on what happened here? Was the dumpster overfilled, or did Waste Management miss a few things? This went down behind "R" building.

Apparently the dumpster area was full of trash and the dumpster had been pushed into the road way. Waste Management was called but the dumpster was just pushed back into its enclosure with all the trash still in there. I theorize that a homeowner pushed the dumpster back to avoid an accident but we're not sure. Can someone give some info?
Photo Courtesy of Aaron.

BATTER UP!

This one comes courtesy of Miss Behaven:

What is wrong with people in the world!! On Sunday night a car near the M building on the Williams side was being attempted to have their catilatic converter stolen. If not for the great watch of a resident in building L, who came out with a bat and confronted the guys trying to steal. And this was at around midnight! Our neighbor was unable to get any more info other than a silver older model Hyundai with no license plate, which now has a broken glass(our resident hit them as they were driving away!)Please be on the lookout and thank you to our great neighbor for stopping these scums of the earth from vandalizing our hard earned personal property!

Finally some vengeance, I'm trying to get a better description of the vehicle so that we can post up a similar picture here so that residents will know what to look out for.

Joe, not to bug but any news on the cameras? In the meantime can you relay any of this information to our security guard?

More Break-Ins...What do we do?

blueprint said...

My friend's car got broken into last night! It happened between 9:00 - 11:00 pm. She was parked on Wellington Street. A police report was filed immediately but this is frustrating, especially since I heard this has happened a few times on Wellington. What can we do about this? Even if we install more lighting and security cameras in Monterey Villas, I don't think it will cover Wellington and Williams Street. The new parking regulation will be effective soon and most of us will end up having to park outside our complex if we're not doing that already. I'm sure I'm not the only one concerned about this. I would love to hear your opinion and suggestions. Thank you.

Safety Committee What's going on with the cameras? I know they won't solve all the problems but they should help immensely. I understand the reason for the new parking rules and I know there will be a lot more cars parked along the streets but what about having...say 1 camera pointed down Wellington and one down Williams? Just a thought. Joe any updates?

ABRA CADABRA!!!!

Don't you find it a little ironic that within a week of stirring the pot about those hideous golf carts they're now gone. If I would have known that's all it took I would have started this blog the day I moved in.

I'm starting to think that residents aren't the only ones reading the blog. With things finally starting to get done I would say that "The Converters" or "Beacon Property" are actually taking the time to read what people are saying. They probably didn't like the fact that I suggested the carts be towed being that they were parked in a handicap stall.

I'm anxious to see what happens at our monthly meeting next Wed. because I've been talking to quite a bit of residents who are completely fed up with the constant lies we've received from both "The Converters" and "Beacon Property." It's time to take some action homeowners, we will win this fight.

Brighter is Better

In a collective effort this week the Architectural, Landscape, and Safety Committees met with our light vendor to do a night walk of our community. They were hoping to address our current lighting situation, and in a lot of places the lack of lighting. The committees  were able to point out non-functioning light while also suggesting where new lighting should be installed. 

The update I got didn't specifically point out where the new lights would be installed but it did say that the parking areas where the main focus and if we could have the parking stalls better lit if should drop the number of break-ins we encounter. Wait, there was a specific location in the update, the unit letters on the front of the buildings would be lit up. That would help when we have visitors stopping by, plus it would just look good.

Other lighting concerns discussed were replacing the broken light poles and fixing the electrical work which was the cause of most of our light issues.  Thank you to the committee members who take their personal time to make this a better place.

***NEW PARKING POLICY***

AS I POSTED IN MY MARCH MEETING RECAP, THE BOARD IS PROPOSING A NEW PARKING POLICY...AT THAT MEETING CHARITY SAID THAT SHE WOULD SEND OUT THE POLICY WITH THE NEWSLETTER. WELL IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND NO NEWSLETTER, I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN THE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE SO HERE IT IS FOR YOU.

PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR CONCERNS POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE, E-MAIL CHARITY, OR COME TO THE NEXT MEETING APRIL 16TH @ 7PM. THIS WILL BE A RATHER LONG POST BECAUSE THE CC&R CHANGES ARE INCLUDED. I'LL HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN POINTS.

Re: Association Parking Policy

Dear Homeowner:

As we all know, parking is limited and of great concern to many of our residents. With this in mind, the Board of Directors is proposing the following policy in an effort to address parking in the community. In accordance with Civil Code 1357.130, the Board of Directors shall provide written notice of a proposed rule change at least 30 days before making the rule change which must be made at a board meeting.

The reason for the rule change is to allow members who live and pay association dues to have equal access to the common area and reduce the amount of stored vehicles on site. If you have any questions or comments regarding this proposed policy, please submit them in writing to the board, e-mail management or come to the upcoming board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 P.M. in the clubhouse.

Please review the proposed rules in their entirety and we expect these rules to be in effect by April 19, 2008.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

Monterey Villas HOA

P.S. Applications will be processed on site on April 19, 2008 & April 26, 2008 from 11:00am to 1:30pm near the club house. Upon approval of the application, parking permits may then be picked up.

Monterey Villas

Parking Rules and Regulations

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation, the Board of Directors has established policies to curb abuses of the rules and to safeguard the proper use of the parking lot and spaces for the benefit of Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation unit owners. These policies are provided here and can be amended at any time; any changes to the policies will be disseminated to the unit owners.

All unit owners shall observe and abide by all Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation (Association) policies, as well as municipal parking and traffic law and regulations. Failure to observe and abide by these policies, laws, and regulations may result in vehicles being removed from the parking lot by an independent contractor at the unit owner’s risk and expense, for which the Association accepts no responsibility or liability.

I. General

A. The parking lot within Monterey Villas is for the exclusive use of Monterey Villas unit owners, visitors, and for those having business with the Association.

B. No open parking spaces are assigned (the only assigned spaces are the privately owned and covered carports).

C. Additional parking permits will be issued by the Rules and Regulations Committee on a case by case basis.

D. Fines may be imposed and parking privileges may be revoked as a result of consistent and/or repetitive infractions of the rules and covenants.

E. A unit owner who is a landlord may transfer the parking permit to the unit owner's tenant, and the tenant shall observe and abide by these policies.

II. Restricted Uses

A. Vehicles may park in any unrestricted uncovered space.

B. Restricted areas include but are not limited to: fire lanes, pedestrian access areas (striped areas), in front of trash bin enclosures and fire hydrant zones.

C. Vehicles must be in working condition. Vehicles in open spaces may not remain in one spot for more than 96 hours unless a written request is submitted in advance to the Board of Directors.

D. Only ordinary light maintenance on vehicles may be performed in the parking lot. (Such as cleaning interior or removing trash, changing a flat tire.)

E. Vehicles may never be driven or placed on curbs or grassy-garden areas.

F. Each unit owner (with two vehicles) who is current on dues and has no violations will be allowed to apply for a valid parking permit, only one parking permit per unit will be issued after the application has been reviewed, and the vehicle for which the permit will be used must have current registration. A valid parking permit is defined as one issued by the Monterey Villas rules and regulations committee to the individual unit owner, and one that contains a permit number that has not been voided.

(1) Parking permits will be issued only to unit owners who are current in condominium fees, late fees, and other financial obligations to the Association.

G. A unit owner who transfers a parking permit to a tenant must retrieve the permit from the tenant upon termination of the rent or lease.

H. Vehicles must display a valid parking permit when on the premises.

I. The parking permit must be displayed in the designated location, hanging from the rear view mirror or fixed to the top left driver’s side corner of the rear window. (Convertibles should display the permit in the top left driver’s side corner of the windshield or of course hanging from the rear view mirror as a hanging permit will be issued.

J. You may park your motorcycle, without a permit, in any of the marked motorcycle spaces. You may not park your motorcycle in any other parking lot space unless a motorcycle area has not been designated.

K. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of rule, regulation, or policy, upon receipt in writing from the Sheriff of Orange County, the Police Department of Santa Ana, the Fire Chief of Orange County, or their respective designees attesting that:

(a) a unit owner or tenant is an employee of that official's agency,

(b) a government vehicle has been assigned to the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant,

(c) such vehicle is to be operated exclusively by the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant in the execution of official duties, and

(d) such duties are in the furtherance of public safety, the Board of Directors may issue a parking permit for that vehicle upon approval of the aesthetics committee if the vehicle is not in violation of the association’s CC&R’s or Rules and regulations.

(2) A parking permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be affixed to vehicle in the above prescribed manner. The parking permit is transferable. If the Board of Directors finds that the parking permit has been illegally duplicated and affixed to multiple vehicles, the Board of Directors shall revoke the parking permit and cause the number to be voided. The Board of Directors shall not issue another parking permit for that unit owner or any other government vehicle assigned to the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant during the remainder of period during which the original parking permit would have been valid.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), in the event that the government vehicle to which the parking permit was issued is temporarily or permanently replaced during the period for which a parking permit is valid, the parking permit may be transferred after the official provides notice to the Board of Directors.

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to compel the Board of Directors to issue a parking permit. The decision to issue or revoke a parking permit is reserved exclusively to the Board of Directors and/or the Rules & Regulations Committee..

III. Enforcement

A. Failure to follow parking policies. Failure to abide by any Monterey Villas parking policies, rules and regulations may result in towing and/or the revocation of parking permits or privileges.

B. Counterfeit parking permits. Any duplication or facsimile of the original parking permit will be considered counterfeit, and the vehicle will be subject to towing and additional penalties. The parking permit will be confiscated and the number voided when the permit holder is found counterfeiting a parking permit. Revocation of the one allotted parking permit per unit means that the unit owner must pay $250.00 to get a new valid parking permit. In addition, the permit holder will lose the right to park in the Monterey Villas parking lot for 30 days, incrementing in 30-day periods per incident (e.g., 30 days for the first incident, 60 days for the second, and so forth).

C. Financial delinquency. If a unit owner is more than ninety (90) days delinquent in meeting financial obligations to the Association, regardless of the amount, the Board of Directors shall provide the unit owner with notice and grant the unit owner an opportunity to be heard. The unit owner may respond by appearing in person before the Board of Directors at such time and place as provided in the notice or replying in writing by the date as provided in the notice. Failure to respond shall constitute waiver of all privileges, and the Board, shall revoke the parking permit and void the permit number, and the vehicle shall be subject to towing. A new valid parking permit may be issued if, at the time such permit is issued, the amount necessary to bring the account current has been paid and recorded on the books of the management company. Revocation of the parking permit shall result in the unit owner paying $250.00 to get a new valid parking permit.

D. Towing. Towing of the vehicle will be carried out by an independent contractor. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability for the actions of the independent contractor.

IV. Voiding and Replacement of Permits

A. A parking permit can be exchanged without charge for a new parking permit if it becomes damaged.

B. Parking Permit numbers are voided when—

(1) The unit owner sells the unit.

(2) A parking permit is exchanged.

(3) A new parking permit is issued.

(4) The unit owner is 90 or more than ninety (90) days delinquent as described in III.C.

(5) A parking permit holder is found to have counterfeited a parking permit.

C. The replacement cost for a permit is $100, regardless of reason. (Free if damaged)

D. The Board of Directors will consider appeals upon submission of a written request.

More Action Needs To Be Taken!

This is a direct comment from user "Blueprint", it is a prime example why action needs to taken immediately. I know there are other stories out there, please bring them to the association meeting tomorrow night @7pm. THE BOARD, MADE OF CONVERTERS ISN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING FOR US....LET US RESIDENTS SHOW OUR STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

I am having a problem with the parking spot next to mine -- no one owns this parking space because the unit it belongs to is still vacant. However, one of our neighbors regularly use this spot for visitors/outsiders who doesn't have respect for property. I had an encounter with a group of teenagers once because I caught them drinking beer and leaning on my car around 11:00 p.m. at night. The next day, I saw that my car's been keyed badly. After that, my car's been dented twice. Until this day, I still see different cars park in that spot but it seems like the visitors were from that one neighbor only.

My suggestion is to give each household 2 detachable parking permits. One that has our parking spot number, and the other one for guest parking.

This serves 2 purposes: First, we can avoid outsiders from parking in covered stalls that are non-owned. Second, the detachable parking permit that has a printed parking spot number can be our identification with the towing company should someone else use our space.

I want to emphasize the word "detachable" because my sister and I take turns in using our parking space. Certain days I park in our designated parking spot, and some days she is scheduled to use it instead.

More Committee updates!

Yesterday the Safety and Landscape Committee's did a walk through to pin-point certain light poles that need replacement or repair, the contractor checked and found different light sources (yellow or white) and wattage. He recommended that we standardize the wattage and select a white light which will illuminate more surface area. Once these repairs and changes are made, another walk through will take place in the evening to better survey the lighting situation. I will inform you of such date.

They also met the with the converter; below is a list a suggestions that were discussed, Charity will be here Friday the 14Th, to post the agenda for the next HOA meeting.

• The converter suggested and will supply the HOA I.D. cards, the HOA will issue (2) I.D. cards to each homeowner/tenant currently living here. The proposed I.D. is to question and provide proof when asked if individual resides here at M.V. during use of the pool/jacuzzi, fitness room, and facilities. They believe this should reduce non-resident use of our facilities.
• Lighting contractor given O.K. by Charity to install timer on the T.V. and lights in the fitness room
• Lighting contractor given O.K. by Charity to install light sensor in the both laundry rooms
• To investigate installation of a flood light illuminating the tennis courts (when not in use) by lighting contractor, end corner by laundry room
• Painting to be done by the converter soon (no specific date given)
• Contractor hired to replace mulch with river rock, unable to deliver rock selection, increased cost by 12k to complete job per rock selection (NOT ACCEPTABLE). Alternate solution to select another type of rock to without increase to original quote/price submitted. Get completion date once selection is finalized
• Parking tags are ready, Charity indicated that Adam recommended that all homeowners be present to complete agreement form stating the rules and conditions along with the year, make, model, and type of vehicle, etc.

Is Someone Parking in Your Spot?

Lately I've seen residents posting signs in their carports stating "This parking stall belongs to..." it appears to be happening a lot now that spaces are becoming more sparse. Thanks to footballrules we have been given instructions on what needs to be done in the event this happens to you. Here are his instructions, "If someone you do not know is in your spot, you can call Pepe's Towing 714.541.0707 (signs are posted at each entrance) & when you provide proof that the spot is yours, you can have them towed immediately." I don't carry my deed around with me either but I believe that this is the only "official" document that has our parking stall information on it. I think it would be a wise decision for the board to obtain the license plates, owner information, and parking stall assignments for the entire complex and submit it to the tow company, thus eliminating any confusion.

No Parking!

Parking is becoming more and more of a problem as the new homeowners arrive. The free spaces have gone from abundant to extinct. Just a few months ago I was able to drive home and pick a nice spot close to my condo. Now I race home from work just so that I can try to secure a spot so that the Mrs. doesn't have to worry about parking out on the dreaded Wellington or Williams. I don't think anyone wants to park out there. I feel like when you do, your vehicle screams out to car thiefs "Break in here!"

At last months meeting the association described a proposed parking plan that could open up some spaces. Here is an overview of the plan.

• Any vehicle parked in a free stall would be required to have a MV parking permit or would be subject to tow.
  
• Each MV unit will receive only 1 parking permit, this means that if you have two vehicles the one not parked in your carport would be required to display a parking permit.
• Valid Vehicle Registration would be required for all vehicles parked on the premises or would be subject to tow; thus eliminating those non operational vehicles from being stored in free parking stalls. Although I do not know if this rule will apply to vehicles parked in carports.
• The use of the parking permit would be solely up to the homeowner. For instance, the homeowner could lend the permit to a guest or a neighbor.
  

I can't agree more with the proposed parking plan, Kudos to the board on this one.