Montefino Village

March 2007 Newsletter

Apr 23, 2007

MONTEFINO VILLAGE NEWS

In order to better communicate developments in our community the Board of Directors wishes to provide a bi-monthly newsletter highlighting selected topics.

Our new Premier Community Management property manager is Jerry Ebel. Jerry brings over a dozen years of property management experience to us. Please contact Jerry by telephone at 480-242-8122 or e-mail him at jebel@premieraz.com with any questions or concerns.

Plans to repaint view fences were suspended late last fall when our painting contractor discovered damaged areas that require repair before painting can be performed. Now that our winter weather has past we will be arranging for such repairs in preparation for painting.

The extent of plant and tree damage from winter freezes will soon become apparent as our lawn service trims the damaged items in the next few weeks. We all know that the Association maintains the plants, trees and shrubs in front of our properties. What is little known is that plants, trees or shrubs in the front of a property is the lot owner?’s obligation (CC&Rs Sec. 6.1) to replace with an approved variety of plant, tree or shrub. Occasionally the Association will replace a strategic tree or shrub that is lost, but that is the exception and not the rule.

The Ocotillo water feature should soon be functioning. A new pump has been installed and our electrical contractor is awaiting a valve to complete the installation. After some delay by our previous contractor it was found that we needed to obtain a pump from a new manufacturer, and that has accounted for much of the delay in restoring the function of the water feature.

Many homes are approaching the age where it is recommended that the first repainting be performed. We typically hear painters recommend a new coat of paint within five to seven years after new construction. When you repaint or replace exterior fixtures please remember that no change in colors or fixtures may be made with prior architectural approval. Please contact Jerry Ebel for information on obtaining such approval.

Garbage and Recycle containers are a real eye sore when left out at the curb for days after garbage or recyclables pick up. The CC&Rs (Sec. 3.4) require that such containers be returned to out of sight storage on your property within 18 hours of pick up. Please help us by voluntarily complying with the rules on such containers.


Parking issues have become a concern in the community. Hopefully everyone informs their visitors to observe the signs that mark the inside (or sidewalk side) of our streets as a fire lane at which parking is prohibited. We have a contract with ATR Towing Service to remove such vehicles illegally parked vehicles.

Garages are to be used for vehicle parking. When vehicles occupy all spaces of a garage, then parking is permitted in garage driveways. This means every home has at least four parking spaces available for parking. If your household has more than four vehicles, then parking spaces are provided near the two entrances to the community. Overnight parking on streets has not been authorized in the community. Further, any type of exterior vehicle storage, or commercial vehicle overnight parking, is not permitted. (CC&Rs Sec. 3.6)

The goal of parking restrictions is not to limit your enjoyment of your property, but rather to avoid safety and appearances issues. If better voluntary compliance does not occur, the Board will need to address this issue.

Financially our association remains solid. Reserves have been maintained at a reasonable level even though we have performed many age related repairs and replacements in our community. The Board will be monitoring reserves and planning projects to achieve the goal of avoiding assessments and keeping dues increases to the small inflation-type of increases that we have thus far experienced in our community.

The clubhouse is in much better shape now that it is unavailable for unreserved use. You may contact Jerry Ebel to reserve the clubhouse for your use. The fitness room has generally been well treated by users. Please remember to turn off fans and lights and lock doors when you leave the fitness room. Leaving the equipment configured as you found it will make working out more pleasant for all users.

We need your eyes and ears to find problems and concerns. Sometimes our property manager may not be aware of something you assume would have been reported. If you see something amiss, please do not hesitate to call Jerry Ebel.

Since last year at this time we have made changes in our property management company, water feature maintenance firm, electrical contractor and lawn maintenance service company. Thank you for your patience during these transitions.

Remember that any piece of refuse or debris you pick up helps our appearance.

Note: Board meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, excluding holidays.