Villa Marbella Homeowners Association

November 1999 Issue

Feb 06, 2000

Villa Marbella Condos Quarterly NEWSLETTER
3140 and 3142 Midway Drive, November 1999
San Diego, California 92110


Termite Fumigation Approved. The HOA Board approved eradication of termites in the buildings by fumigation. Tentative dates for the fumigation are July 17-19, 2000.
A good deal of discussion for and against fumigation has taken place during the year. One company, Castle Exterminators, came to a Board meeting to explain the fumigation process and answer questions. Another company, X-Termite, spoke in favor of local treatment with d-limonene. The Board evaluated five exterminator company proposals. Besides Castle and X-Termite, other companies were Terminex, Western Exterminators, and McWay Exterminators. Tentatively, the Board has selected Terminex, whose bid was about $30,000 for the job.
Recognizing that fumigation unfortunately involves costs and inconveniences to many people, the HOA has sent out preliminary information about fumigation on two occasions. Absentee owners should give notice to their renters and prospective renters, noting that everyone must be out of the buildings for 3 days and 2 nights. As is common practice, and in accordance with state law, the HOA will not reimburse anyone for the costs associated with the vacancy, losses, or damages.

Some important points about fumigation:
(1) All living things, including people, pets, and plants, must be out of the buildings for 3 days and 2 nights.
(2) No parking will be allowed on site during that time.
(3) Security guard will be on site the whole time.

Monthly Dues To Go Up. The HOA Board approved an increase in the monthly HOA assessments, also known as fees or dues, from $137 to $143 per month as of January 1st. The Board made the increase to try to balance the budget, facing growing expenses, especially water & sewer which now costs about $36,000 a year.

Annual HOA Meeting in April. Arrangements are starting to be made for the Annual HOA meeting in April, and people who would like to be on the Board of Directors should let the Manager know. Last year's Annual Meeting was in nearby Sizzler Restaurant.

Monthly HOA Meetings are in the condos, and everyone's invited. Coming up: December 16th, January 20th, and February 17th, all at 7pm in B-205.

Cats Should Not Be Fed In Common Areas! Residents who feed cats in common areas such as the parking lot violate the HOA's CC&Rs, and are subject to fines. Only one cat is allowed in each condo, and it must be indoors most of the time. Feeding cats outdoors, including stray cats, is prohibited.

Fire Hazards Acute During Holidays. Along with the delight and joy they bring, Christmas trees bring problems in Villa Marbella. Of primary concern is fire. If you buy a tree, get as small a tree as you can, and keep water in its mounting basin. Avoid candles and flames, especially near the tree. When the needles get crisp, the fire danger is much worse. Think SAFETY!
Also, Test Your Smoke Detectors!
Dispose of the tree promptly and properly. Disposal of trees in the dumpsters is not authorized, unless you break the tree up and put the pieces in sealed bags.

Speaking of fire hazards, please check this list of the top causes of fire in homes against items in your condo: (1) cooking equipment, (2) heating equipment, (3) incendiary or suspicious causes, (4) other equipment, (5) electrical distribution system, (6) appliance, tool or air conditioning, (7) smoking materials (e.g., cigarettes), (8) child playing with fire, (9) open flame or torch.

No Smoking In Hallways, Lobbies, or Elevators. Please make sure you & your guests do not smoke in those common areas. Not only is smoking in public areas inside buildings against state law, but it violates HOA Rules, it damages the carpets, and it is offensive to many residents.

No Speeding, Please! The HOA Board is considering a suggestion to impose a speed limit in the parking lot. Some drivers speed in the parking lot, endangering children, adults, and vehicles. Residents are asked to limit their speed to 3 mph in the driveways. Guests should also be told to drive slowly and carefully.

20 Years Ago - November 1979: Villa Marbella originally was apartments, and the 1st apartment ad appeared on Jan 13, 1980.

15 Years Ago - November 1984: Monthly dues raised to $86.72. Bank balance: $5.9K. 2 BR condo prices: mid $70K.
10 Years Ago - November 1989: Lawsuit against the developer was settled for $140K which was deposited on Dec 31, 1989, at which point the HOA had $179K in the bank. Monthly dues: $105 per month. Bank balance in Nov: $29K. 2BR condos: mid $70K range.

5 Years Ago - November 1994: Aesthetic improvements in the lobbies continued with installation of vinyl wallcoverings. Fees for extra parking were moved up so that people would now be paying one month in advance. 2BR condo prices continued a decline from peaking at mid $90K in Nov 1992. Selling prices in November 1994 ranged from $70K to $75K. Dues: $120 per month. Bank balance was $101K.

1 Year Ago - November 1998: Albert Leggs was President; Little & Sons were managers. Interior painting was discussed extensively by the Board. Dan Divine was appointed Treasurer in December, replacing Jim Redfield. Preliminary fumigation information was sent with the November billings. Dues: $131 per month. Bank balance: $130K. 2BR condo prices continued rising, up to $80K-$85K.

November 1, 1999: Bank balance: $130K 2 BR condo prices: $85K-$95K, typically. Rental prices are around $900/mo..

SUBMIT ITEMS FOR NEWSLETTER TO HOA SECRETARY, 224-3095.
OTHER NUMBERS: HOA PRESIDENT: ALBERT LEGGS, 589-0980. MANAGEMENT: LITTLE & SONS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, (HELEN & DAN LITTLE), (619) 298-9973. Little & Sons office is at 2878 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 120, San Diego CA 92108; e-mail is "dglittle@littleandsons.com"