Thank you for attending the AGM

The Board would like to thank everyone who attended the AGM last week.

We always welcome feedback from you to ensure we are making the right decisions to ensure our property is maintained according to the Bylaws and has a uniform look and function.

Follow Up - Spring Walk Around

Board members will be completing a follow up spring walk around later this week to identify areas of concern.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management or leave your comments on the Blog if you have any concerns.

Comments Welcome

Please feel free to leave comments on the Blog. It is checked regularly and a way for the Board to keep in contact with you. Do you have any suggestions for the our community?

The blog has received several spam comments in the past. In order to eliminate this problem I have enabled comment word verification. Therefore, when anyone leaves a comment on the blog they will be required to complete a word verification step. This prevents automated systems from adding comments to the blog, since it takes a human being to read the word and pass this step.

Kitchen Safety Tips

To ensure your home stays safe from food-borne bacteria, here are some basic illness-preventing steps to follow:

Keep meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from other groceries - in the cart, bag and refrigerator.

Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds before preparing or eating food.

Clean cutting boards, dishes, bowls and utensils before, between and after preparing each food.

Vigorously rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, using a clean veggie scrubber.

Always use a clean plate for cooked foods - never a plate that was used in preparation.

Use fridge and oven thermometers to ensure foods are properly chilled and adequately cooked.

Complex Update

Board members completed a spring walk around on April 28. Several areas of concern were identified and are being handled.

Replacement of back outside lights in Phase 2 has been completed.

Spring clean-up garbage bins - May 15 to May 27, 2011.

Unit water damage repairs are in progress.

Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 27, 7 pm, at Winston Heights Community Hall.

No dumping signs will be place in the alley behind Phase 2.

Phase 1 back decks to be stained in the near future.

Phase 1 still has outstanding Bylaws. Please send in your completed form if you have not already done so,

Siding repairs to be completed in the near future.

Siding & Window Cleaning

Between Monday May 16 and Friday May 20 Caution Window Cleaning Inc. will be power washing the vinyl siding and all exterior windows at our complex.

Please close all windows, remove windows screens and remove unnecessary items from your deck / porch.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns.

Garbage Bins - May 15 to May 27, 2011

Two large garbage bins are being provided to help facilitate your spring cleaning – May 15 to May 27, 2011. The bins are located on the cement pad in the alley between Merrill Drive and in the parking area between 32nd and 33rd Street.

Please place your items inside the bin. No large items (furniture, appliances).

Please think of the environment before throwing out items. What you consider garbage may be useful to someone else.

There are many centres that are looking for used furniture such as the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Clothing and light household items can be donated to thrift shops.

Household chemicals (antifreeze, automotive batteries, glues, nail polish and remover, propane tanks, fertilizer, ant, rodent or weed killer, bleach, cleaning solvents, etc. can be dropped off at Household Chemical Drop-Off locations (selected fire stations or landfill site). Our closest fire department is Fire Station # 4 at 1991 – 18th Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Electronics (computers, laptops, monitors, TV, printers, keyboards, etc) can be dropped off at the city electronic recycling depots. Our closest electronic recycling depot is Staples on 32nd Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Plastics, glass, paper, metal and cardboard should be recycled. Our Blue Bins are collected on Thursday.

These are all extra steps for us but a better solution for a healthy environment.

Spring Cleanup Tips

With the arrival of spring comes the annual spring cleaning. Nothing can make you feel better in your living space than having it freshly cleaned.

Here are some tips to conquer cleanup projects.

* Wash the blinds - Metal blinds can be removed from the window and taken outside for washing. Use a scouring brush with a mild cleaner and some water to loosen dirt. Hang the blinds on a slanted surface and hose down with the garden hose to clean off the dirt.

* Clean the windows - Use water and dish soap and a sponge to wipe the inside and outside of windows. A rubber-tipped squeegee can be used to remove the excess moisture and provide a nice sheen on the window. It's less wasteful than using a handful of paper towels.

* Switch fan directions - Ceiling fans set to spin in a clockwise rotation draw air upward and then redistribute the warm air that collects at the ceiling. Clockwise is the ideal direction for the winter, but when spring arrives, it's time to hit the switch to change the blades to spin counterclockwise. Be sure to thoroughly dust the fan blades first, or you could end up with dust bunnies blowing around the room.

* Replace surface protectors - The small, adhesive pads that are placed on chair legs and furniture to protect against wood floor scratches need to be changed periodically. That's because dirt can accumulate under the pads and eventually damage the floor.

* Switch the linens - Change out comforters and darker shaded fabrics for lightweight items that bring a fresh, clean feeling that's perfect for spring.

* Clean the refrigerator - Remove old food and discard and take out other items and place in a cooler. Use a baking soda and water solution to scrub stains and sanitize the shelves and walls of the refrigerator.

* Clean the carpets - Rent a carpet shampooer and thoroughly clean the carpeting. Open the windows and let the crisp spring air help dry the damp carpeting afterwards.

* Clean the filters, ducts and vents - Spring might be synonymous with warmer temperatures, but for allergy sufferers spring can be a difficult time of year. When spring cleaning, don't forget to thoroughly clean filters, ducts and vents to help decrease exposure to airborne allergens.

Clear the basement of potentially harmful supplies - basements are often used to store paints, paint thinners, oils, solvents and other potentially toxic supplies. If any of these toxic supplies are old, consult the Recycling Centre to determine how best to discard such items. For those you want to keep, be sure the lids are tight and not leaking potentially harmful chemicals into the air.

Garden clean up

Now that spring has finally arrived it is time to clean up the flower gardens. Please clean out the leaves, dead growth, debris and garbage from your garden area.
It is vital that you clean up all the dead growth as this can harbor diseases and insects that may affect the new, green growth emerging from plants.

Cleaning of exterior windows and siding

The Board is looking into having exterior windows cleaned as well having the siding on all townhouses power washed this spring. More information to follow in the near future.

Garbage Bins

The Board will be providing two large garbage bins in late May for spring clean up. Dates will be specified when confirmed.

2011 - Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 27, 2011 at Winston Heights Community Centre from 7 to 9 pm. It is important for all owners to attend this meeting. Ultimate Property Management will be sending out notices in the near future.

Spring Walk Around

Board members and Zoltan (Ultimate Property Management) will be doing a spring walk around in the near future (hopefully on Thurs. April 28). Assessing the complex for items in need of repair. The results of the walk around will allow the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have questions or concerns.

BBBBUUUURRRR!

Everyone is assigned an electrical outlet to plug their car in when the temperature drops. Please make sure you are plugging your car into the right outlet. If you are unsure which outlet is yours or your outlet is not working please contact Ultimate Property Management.
Thank you and bundle up!

Garbage Collection

Just a reminder -
Please put garbage in black bins and leave bin in appropriate location. The city will not pick up garbage bags left in the alley.

What's Happening in Our Community

The Board would like to welcome a new board member. Maya Sehic-Kambeitz joined the board in January.

Work continues on the roof replacements, additional townhouses were chosen to be replaced this winter. All will be replaced in the next 5 years as per the guidelines of the Reserve Study. The roofs chosen were based on the "need to do basis" (condition of the roof as per the Roof Study).

New back outside lights and address numbers were installed on all Phase 1 townhouses in January.

Fire Safety - Checklist

With the New Year just around the corner, it’s important to ensure that safety habits are not being neglected. Here’s an essential fire safety checklist:

Because smoke rises, be sure you have smoke detectors on or near the ceilings of every level in your home (but not too close to cooking areas), outside bedroom areas and in any other rooms where someone might fall asleep (ex. TV room).

Test your alarms regularly and replace batteries every six months (ex. first day of summer, winter) or annually if using long-life batteries.

Check and record expiry dates of fire extinguishers, alarms, batteries and replace them as indicated.

Have a family meeting to review the locations and use of fire extinguishers, identify what needs to be done in an emergency and determine a safe place to meet outside.

Remind everyone that if a fire is out of control, alert everyone to get out and call 911 immediately.

Extension cords

Please keep all extension cords from hanging across or laying on the sidewalk. They can cause electrical shock if caught in snow removal equipment and hanging cords can catch around the necks of walkers who don’t see them in the dark.

Phase 1 - New back lights & unit numbers

New outside lights and house numbers will be installed at the back of each unit in Phase 1 within the next couple weeks. Please keep posted for further information.

Black Bin Garbage Collection

Our black bins have arrived. The bins were delivered to the front of your home which is a city policy when delivering the bins for address vertification.

As per my conversation with the city today (311) - The bins are to be placed in the same area where you previously left your garbage (behind your home). Please do not leave the bins near the poles (as previously requested by the board) as this could cause congestion in this area.

The Board will review black bin placement at our next meeting on December 8, 2010 as we are aware that the bins pose a problem to many homeowners with hills behind their homes.

Thanks for you patience.

New Roofs starting the week of Nov. 15, 2010 (weather permitting)

Our roofs are in need of replacement and all will be replaced in the next 5 years as per the guidelines of the Reserve Study. The Board has chosen to replace the roofs on 6 additional building this year with the remaining roofs being replaced in the future years. The roofs chosen were based on the "need to do basis" (condition of the roof as per the Roof Study). The roofs on 4 buildings were replaced early this year.

If you live in one of the selected buildings you should receive a notice from the roofing company outlining the project.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns.

Black Cart Garbage Collection

The City has begun rolling out Black Cart Garbage Collection to households across Calgary. Expected delivery date - Winston Heights/Mountview November 15 - 28, 2010.

The City of Calgary has provided the following information on their web site.

Black Cart Garbage Collection uses trucks with mechanical arms to collect garbage from wheeled carts. Homes that currently have garbage collected by hand will receive a black cart. Residents will put their regular household garbage in the cart instead of in a trash bag or can. Black carts will improve garbage collection in a number of ways:
The carts keep garbage from getting scattered by animals or wind, and keeps neighbourhoods cleaner. Garbage stays in and pests stay out.
Black Cart Garbage Collection is more efficient, because it is collected using one-person trucks instead of two person crews.
The carts are safer for residents and collectors, because they reduce heavy lifting and contact with sharp objects.
There is no extra fee for Black Cart Garbage Collection, and additional bags will still be collected. The City encourages home owners to reduce and recycle as much material as possible. However, garbage that does not fit in the cart can be put in bags or cans and set next to it.

What's the Plan for your Old Garbage Can?

If you have garbage cans, you may want to keep them for times when you can't lift all your trash in your black cart. Or, here are some other options:

Reuse it!
Garbage cans make great storage for things like sports equipment, tools, or extra soil for your garden. If you have a great idea on how to reuse your garbage can, share it on our facebook page .

Recycle your old garbage cans for free!
Unwanted metal and plastic garbage cans will be accepted for recycling free of charge until Dec. 31, 2010* in east Calgary, and again when black carts are delivered to the northwest and southwest this spring.

Take your old cans to the Throw 'n' Go facilities at either the Shepard Landfill (68 St. and 114 Ave. SE) or the East Calgary Landfill (68 St. and 17 Ave. SE). Please note: All metal parts and wheels must be removed from plastic cans before they can be brought to the Throw 'n' Go.

Throw your can away!
If you can't reuse or recycle your can, you can put it out for garbage collection. Do not try to put the can in your blue or black cart. Instead, clearly mark the can FOR DISPOSAL and leave it out for garbage collection.

*There will be no charge for dropping off garbage cans at Throw 'n' Go locations unless you are bringing other materials for disposal at the same time.

Suggestions for Winter Preparations

1) Furnace Inspection

•Call a professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
•Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
•Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
•Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready

•Call a professional to inspect your fireplace.

3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows

•Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
•Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
•Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.

4) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

•Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
•Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
•Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
•Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

5) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

•Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
•Drain all garden hoses.
•Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
•If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

Fall Walk-around

A fall walk-around to inspect our buildings, landscape, and any work done over the summer was conducted on October 17, 2010. The results of the walk around allows the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

Work continues on the retaining wall. Unforunately, more work was needed than was originally thought due to the continued heavy rains.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the retaining wall.

October 20, 2010
Work continues on the retaining wall. The contractor has assured the Board that the work will be completed soon. Thank you for your co-operation during this time.

Sidewalk Replacement

Work has began on replacing some of the sidewalks in our community.

The Board has approve replacement of some sidewalks in both Phases. The sidewalks chosen were based on a "need to do basis" for safety reasons. Sidewalk replacements are expected expenses as outlined in the reserve study.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have questions or concerns.

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

Work will start early next week (July 27 or 28) on repairing the damaged section of the Phase 2 retaining wall. Other areas behind the wall will be re-graded in order to prevent failure of the wall.

The contractor has requested that all vehicles be removed from the parking area on Thursday July 29 for the re-grading.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concern.

Stolen Items

It has been brought to the Board's attention that some homeowners have experienced thief from their privacy area (bedding plants, bbq tank, etc.).

The Board would like to recommend that people keep an eye out for any suspicious activities and call the authorities if necessary.

Blog Spam Comments

The blog has received several spam comments in the past few days (up to 4 a day). In order to eliminate this problem I have enabled comment word verification. Therefore, when anyone leaves a comment on the blog they will be required to complete a word verification step.

What this does - prevents automated systems from adding comments to the blog, since it takes a human being to read the word and pass this step. We have received several comments that looked like an advertisement or a random link to an unrelated site which is comment spam. A lot of this is done automatically by software which can't pass the word verification, so by enabling the word verification option this should prevent many such unwanted comments.

Please continue to leave your comments on the Blog. It is checked regularly and a way for the Board to keep in touch with everyone.

Location Of Bins - Recycling Update

I talked to Condo Recycling Solutions today (Wed. July 14) and they would like to have the bins left at the curb in front of your unit not on the front porch.

They are aware that our notices stated the bins were to be left on the front porch and will collect the bins from both places in the next few weeks.

Reminder to dog owners

Our bylaws state you must take your animal off the property to do it's business, if your dog happens to do it's business on the property while going for walks is extremely important you collect the poo immediately and dispose of it.

If any of the lawn around your unit is damaged from your animal is it mandatory you purchase grass seed and apply it to the areas according to the directions on the package. This will keep the exterior of your unit looking nice and will also please your neighbors. Please do not let your animal do it’s business on your neighbour’s lawn or in common areas. Not all owners have dogs and they should not have to be exposed to it on the property.

Thank you for understanding and compliance!

Recycling - Update

Condo Recycling will drop off one bin per unit during the week of July 5th. Where ever they leave your bin (i.e. front sidewalk or back alley) is where they will pick it up. Please put your recycling out between 7 pm and 7 am for pick up every Thursday beginning July 15. All recycling must be contained within the bin and please be mindful of the wind. You may need to place a heavier object (i.e. rock) on top of papers so that they do not blow away.

Household recycling

Household recycling will be coming to our community in the near future.

This was voted on at the Annual General Meeting and passed for both phases. Recycling will be collected weekly. Bins will be provided and may be kept on your back deck. Initial fees will be absorbed by the Condo Association. Future fees will be included in next year's budget.

More information will be provided when available.

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

The Board is aware there has been slippage of soil from the retaining wall in Phase 2 and is looking at options to fix the problem. An engineer has done a visual site review and does not believe an immediate concern is present. However, he as has advised that vehicles do not park in this area. No parking signs have been posted in areas where the ground may be unstable.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for attending the AGM

The Board would like to thank everyone who attended the AGM last week.

We always welcome feedback from you to ensure we are making the right decisions to ensure our property is maintained according to the Bylaws and has a uniform look and function.

All Board members volunteered to serve another year on the Board. There were no additional volunteers or nominations.

A summer newsletter will be coming out shortly outlining what's happening in our community.

Reminder - Annual General Meeting Monday June 21 at 7 pm

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 21, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Winston Heights Community Centre on 520 - 27th Ave. NE

It is important for owners to attend this meeting. If you can not attend, then we ask that you sign your proxy and give it to a neighbour, a board member or fax it to Ultimate Property Management so that your voice can be heard. It is also necessary in order to establish a quorum.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions.

Spring Clean Up

Two large garbage bins are being provided to help facilitate your spring cleaning – May 20 to May 31, 2010. The bins are located on the cement pad in the alley between Merrill Drive and in the parking area between 32nd and 33rd Street.

Please place your items inside the bin. No large items (furniture, appliances).

Please think of the environment before throwing out items. What you consider garbage may be useful to someone else. There are many centres that are looking for used furniture such as the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Clothing and light household items can be donated to thrift shops such as Value Village.

Household chemicals (antifreeze, automotive batteries, glues, nail polish and remover, propane tanks, fertilizer, ant, rodent or week killer, bleach, cleaning solvents, etc. can be dropped off at Household Chemical Drop-Off locations (selected fire stations or landfill site). Our closest fire department is Fire Station # 4 at 1991 – 18th Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Electronics (computers, laptops, monitors, TV, printers, keyboards, etc) can be dropped off at the city electronic recycling depots. Our closest electronic recycling depot is Staples on 32nd Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Plastics, glass, paper, metal and cardboard can be dropped off at any of the city recycling depots. Our neighborhood recycling depot is in Renfrew 16 Ave. and Russet Rd. N.E. (Renfrew Athletic Park). Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

These are all extra steps for us but a better solution for a healthy environment.

What's happening in your community

New roofs

Our roofs are in need of replacement and all will be replaced in the next 5 years as per the guidelines of the Reserve Study. The Board has chosen to replace the roofs on 4 building this year with the remaining roofs being replaced in the future years. The roofs chosen were based on the "need to do basis" (condition of the roof as per the Roof Study). A mail out from the roofing company will be placed in your mail box within the few days detailing the roofing project.

Gutter, vents (upper level) and downspouts

The Board has hired a contractor to clean the gutters and vents on all units. The contractor has also been hired to replace 18 downspouts which were identified in need of replacement during the Spring Walk Around.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if your have any concerns.

Spring Walk Around

The Spring Walk Around took place on Wed. May 12. The Board identified areas in need of attention and will be seeking resolution.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Monday June 21 - 7 pm

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 21, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Winston Heights Community Centre on 520 - 27th Ave. NE

A package will be send to all owners in the near future with the agenda, proxy and financial documents, etc.

It is important for owners to attend this meeting. If you absolutely can not attend this meeting, then we ask that you sign the proxy and give it to a neighbour, board member or fax it to Ultimate Property Management so that your voice can be heard. It is also necessary in order to establish a quorum.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions.

Exterior Items - Specifications

Specifications for exterior items were recently delivered to each unit.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if your have any questions or concerns.

Garbage Bins

The Board will be providing 2 large garbage bins in May for a spring clean up. Dates will be specified when confirmed, as well, as a list of acceptable items.

Spring Walk Around

Board members and Dee (Ultimate Property Management) will be doing a spring walk around in the near future. Assessing the complex for items in need of repair. The results of the walk around will allow the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have questions or concerns.

Please turn off your outside front exterior light during the day

New front exterior light fixtures should be installed within the next week on each townhouse.

Please ensure that you turn off your front exterior light during the day so that your new light fixture can be safely installed.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management or post a note on the blog if you have any questions.

Front House Numbers

Installation of front house numbers will commence this coming week (Jan. 18).

Front house lights will be installed in the near future. A specific date will be posted when available.

Street Parking

Please be respectful of your neighbor when parking on the street. It is a public street but we all like to park in front of our homes.

We have had lots of snow so far this winter and with the warm conditions everyone is getting stuck in the snow. Some people have shovelled the street area in front of their home for their use so that they are not getting stuck in the snow. Please be courteous and do not park your vehicle in these areas.

Condo Insurance 101

Insurance is often a very misunderstood product and this is even more often the case when it comes to condominium insurance. Some people think that the condominium corporation carries insurance so there is no need for the unit holder to carry any, or they carry only enough insurance for their contents. Your own policy can help with your unit improvements, some assessments, and liability. Make sure you have enough coverage for these things.

Under a normal condominium corporation policy, improvements to your unit are not covered. What this means is that if the unit was built with carpet and lino, and laminent counter tops, but you have done renovations and now have hardwood, ceramic tile, and marble counter tops, the condo corporations policy will only pay for the original construction and your insurance will step in for the improvements. This is not normally an issue at claim time because the insurance companies communicate and figure out who pays what behind the scenes. However, if you don’t have adequate insurance to cover your improvements this could end up costing you out of your own pocket.

The most common problem is seen when it comes to basements. Basements were not originally finished in your unit – so if you finished your basement it could be your insurance company’s responsibility to repair in the event of a loss.

Not only does your policy come into play with improvements, it also covers things that your by-laws state are your responsibility such as windows and doors, assessments for the condo corps insurance deductible, short falls in condo corp insurance, and liability for damage to other units as a result of your negligence, etc.

The bottom line is that your condo corporation carries insurance and its policy coupled with your own unit insurance is your best protection. If you don’t have insurance you have left your self exposed to a loss that could cost you dearly. Condo insurance is the least expensive type of home insurance, so it is well worth your time and money to get it. The best advice is to contact your insurance provider to discuss your policy.
Roger Stevenson

Please turn off your outside front light during the day

New front outside light fixtures, house numbers and mailboxes will be installed on each townhouse within the next couple of weeks.

Please ensure that you turn off your front outside light during the day so that your new light fixture can be installed. We will try to notify you when a more specific date is available.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management or post a note on the blog if you have any questions.

Please note - the contractor has stated he will start the work this week. (Jan 5/10)


Jan 12, 2010

All the mailboxes have been replaced.

Please note - there will be a delay in installation of the new front lights and house numbers due to unforeseen circumstances with the contractor. A post will be placed on the blog when a new date is organized. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Seasons Greeting

The Board would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
All the best in the new year.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

New this year – you have two options to recycle your real Christmas tree this year.
Weekend Pick up: Twice in January, Waste & Recycling Services will pick up Christmas trees from Calgary households that currently receive City residential garbage collection.

Have your tree out by 7 a.m. on one of the following Saturdays:
•Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010
•Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010
Place your tree where you normally put your garbage out for pick up. It will be picked up no later than Monday.

Drop-off: The City will also have eight temporary drop-off depots for trees:
•Fire Hall #15 – 6328 35th Ave. N.W.
•Fire Hall #22 – 7199 Temple Dr. N.E.
•Bottomlands Park – St. Georges Drive and Seventh Avenue N.E.
•South Calgary Community Association – 3130 16th St. SW.
•Parks Compound – 10312 Sacramento Dr. S.W.
•Spyhill Landfill – 69th Street and 112th Avenue N.W.
•East Calgary Landfill – 17th Avenue and 68th Street S.E.
•Shepard Landfill – 114th Avenue and 68th Street S.E.
Landfill hours and information found here.
The drop-off depots will be open: Dec. 26, 2009 – Jan. 18, 2010.

The trees collected by the program are chipped into mulch, put into windrows where the internal temperature reaches a point that will remove pests like gypsy moth larvae. The mulch is used in green spaces around Calgary and available at no extra charge to residents.
Keeping trees out of the landfills helps extend the life of landfills, reduces greenhouse gas and produces a useful resource. The annual Christmas tree recycling program is just one of many ways that Calgarians can reduce, reuse and recycle to help The City achieve its goal of diverting 80 per cent of its waste by the year 2020.

Bylaws - Past Due

If you have not already done so please submit your signed Bylaws form as soon as possible.

We must get the required number of forms by December 31, 2009 or start the process over again (which would be a waste of time and money). There needs to be 75% approval of the bylaws for them to pass.

Board members will be going door to door to get your completed forms.

Extension Cords

Please try to keep extension cords off the sidewalks. They create a tripping hazard for people using the sidewalks. They could also get caught in snow removal equipment and cause serious electrical shock. If you must use an extension cord during the cold weather, please take safety precautions and do not leave the cord for extended periods.

Snow removal

The snow removal contractors have been requested to place the sidewalk snow onto the lawns rather than on the street (for ease of those parking on the street). We have been assured that they will try to do this; however, there are some areas where there is a hill immediately next to the sidewalk which makes it difficult and so some snow will be going on the street.

Snow removal will be within 24 hours of the end of the snowfall or once within 24 hours during a continuous snowfall. We have a large property to maintain; please have patience during heavy snowfalls.

Please post your comments on the blog or contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any concerns.

New contact person - Ultimate Property Management

The Board would like to welcome Dee Jonasson as our contact person for Ultimate Property Management.

Furnaces

Effective January 1, 2010 the Alberta government will allow only installation of high efficiency furnaces.

Reminder - Signed Bylaws Due ASAP

Please mail, fax or drop off your signed form as soon as possible.

We are still missing signed Bylaws. There needs to be a 75% approval of the Bylaws for them to pass.

Please post your comments on the blog if you have issues with approving the Bylaws. We would like to know the reasons why were are not receiving signed forms, either of approval or non-approval.

Storage of items on or under decks and patios

Ultimate Property Management has notified the Board of Directors that some owners have submitted complaints following recent notices regarding removal of disallowed items stored on or under decks and patio areas.

A letter has been delivered to each unit outlining allowable items (as per the current bylaws).

The Board wishes to remind owners that, when they purchased their unit, they agreed to abide by the Mountview Parc bylaws, which are in place, in part, to maintain a consistent and clean look throughout the complex.

Garbage Pick-up

The Board has been made aware that the City has neglected to pick up some of the garbage in Phase 1 (between 32 & 33 Ave. and 5 & 6th St.).
The City was contacted regarding this issue and the garbage was collected.
Please contact the City at 311 if you have a problem with garbage collection.

Ultimate Property Management - contact person

Carole O'Neill is no longer with Ultimate Property Management. We will let you know as soon as we have a new contact name for our complex. Until that time, our interim contact is Judy Walker (judy.walker@ultimateproperty.ca or 403-287-3056).

Did you know?

ATCO Gas provides FREE annual furnace and natural gas appliance checks.

ATCO Gas Customer Assistance Centre - Calgary 403-245-7888

Bylaw Special Resolution—signed forms due ASAP!

Our bylaws are outdated and do not incorporate changes that have been made to the Condominium Act. Your Board has worked with Ultimate to update the bylaws. The majority of the changes are pursuant to the Alberta Condominium Act and can not be changed. A letter outlining what can and cannot be changed will be mailed to you in the near future. The bylaws are necessary for both owners and the Board of Directors in order that your property may be maintained and values kept. There needs to be 75% owner approval for them to pass.

Please mail, fax or drop off your signed form as soon as possible. Please contact Ultimate with any questions.

Special Assessment Due!

Special assessments for Phase 1 were due in August. If you have not already done so, please remit your payment to Ultimate Property ASAP.

Landscaping Contract Renewal

It’s time to sign a new landscaping contract for 2009/2010. If you have comments about the current landscape service, please post them on the blog by October 15th. Your comments will be taken into consideration when choosing a landscaping company and negotiating the new contract.

Fall Walk Around

A fall walk-around to inspect our buildings, landscape, and any work done over the summer was conducted on September 30th. The results of the walk around allows the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

New Blogger

A new member of the condo board will be taking over the blog. Please check back soon as new posts will be made frequently to keep you in the loop on what the board is up to.

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

Summer Holidays

The board is on Summer Holidays and will be posting to the blog again in the fall! Any questions or concerns you may have can be directed to Ultimate Property Management.

Thank you for attending the AGM!

Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM last night and welcome to the new members of the board. We feel the AGM went really well, we always welcome feedback from you to ensure we are making the right decisions to ensure our property is maintained according to the Bylaws and has a uniform look and funtion. Once all the new members are brought on board in the next few weeks I will add a post introducing them as your new representatives!

Thanks again for coming out!

Phase One Deck Construction Project - Starting Today, June 11!

Letters were distributed last night to owners who will be receiving a new deck this summer which means the construction of new decks in Phase One will be complete by the end of Summer 2009! We do apologize for sending out the letters with such short notice we were waiting for the vendor to determine when they would start construction. The demolition of the decks will happen quickly over the next 2-3 weeks so please keep your eye out and remove all items from your deck when Hammerdown is getting close to your unit. Thank you!

Our Lawn Can Breathe!!

As you probably noticed our lawn has been aerated and cut. Now it is our turn as owners to water the lawns so they become green and lush. I am sure you can agree the feeling of soft green grass between our toes has been a LONG time coming and watering your lawn is necessary if you want a healthy lawn. Click here to view the City of Calgary's tips on how to gain and maintain a Healthy Yard.

If there are areas on your lawn that are in need of some help please purchase some grass seed and use it to fill in the brown spots. Click here to find out why you may have dead grass patches on your lawn and how to fix them.

Whats going on around the city this summer?

Have you noticed all the potholes on city streets???

To help the City Roads department locate and make repairs quickly, you can submit an online 3-1-1 service request to report potholes found on Roadways or Backlanes/Alley. Click here for more information.

Ever wonder what plans the City of Calgary has for the future and how they will impact you...click here to find out!

Do you want to give back to your community get out doors and volunteer in a fun and festive event?

The City of Calgary's Canada Day Committee is looking volunteersto participate in the Canada Day celebrations at Prince's Island Park and at Olympic Plaza on July 1, 2009. Click here to go to the City of Calgary website to register.

Did you know Calgary has Award-Winning Day Camps and won the 2009 Calgary's Child Parents Choice Award for best programs for school-aged children in Calgary! Click here to read register and read about full day activities including sports, games, crafts and more that your children can enjoy this summer!

Click here for a full listing of Calgary Events this summer, fall and winter.

Like Golf? Check out the deal the City of Calgary has for you...click here

Reminder to all dog and cat owners

This message is for all you dog and cat owners out there, we know you love your furry little friends but we have to make sure we take care of them and their favorite spots on the grass! If any of the lawn around your unit is damaged from your animal is it mandatory you purchase grass seed and apply it to the areas according to the directions on the package. This will keep the exterior of your unit looking nice and will also please your neighbors. Thank you for understanding and compliance!

Updates from the board...

Thanks to Conscientious Owners!

Many thanks to owners that have gone above and beyond during the past few months. The first is a Phase II owner, whose quick thinking and diligence prevented a pipe break from turning into a flood. The second is also a Phase II owner, who spent some time cleaning up garbage from our common property. We truly appreciate your efforts! Let us know if you or someone you know has committed a friendly neighbourhood act and we will recognize the effort in the next newsletter and on the blog!

Garbage and Abandoned Items

We trust that you have received the letter mailed out on April 27,2009 regarding a crack-down on garbage and abandoned items. If you didn’t, please contact Carole at Ultimate Property Management for a copy. Because of a number issues of non-compliance with both City and condominium bylaws, effective immediately:

• Unapproved items found on common property (including directly beside a unit or privacy area) will be considered abandoned and removed immediately without notice

• Owners and residents who store unapproved items on privacy areas will be granted 15 days notice to remove the items. If items are not removed by the deadline, they will be removed by the Corporation.

• There will be no compensation for items that are removed in accordance with our condominium bylaws, City bylaws and/or this notice.

• Where substantive evidence ties the unapproved item(s) to a particular unit, the unit’s owner will be billed for the costs of removal, as per our current bylaws (Section62.b.xiv).

• Units which do not adhere to the City of Calgary Garbage Collection Bylaws will be reported to the City of Calgary Bylaw Authority. If you see someone abandoning an item on common property or garbage collection site, please be community-minded and approach them directly to remind them of the relevant bylaw infraction. In addition, we encourage residents to contact the City of Calgary to report City bylaw infractions. In the case of a Condominium bylaw infraction, we invite residents to submit substantive (e.g.photo) evidence that ties the item(s) to a particular unit, owner or resident to Ultimate Property Management for further action.

Updates & Reminders

Bylaw Special Resolution— signed approval forms due ASAP!

Our bylaws are outdated and do not incorporate changes that have been made to the Condominium Act. Therefore, your Board has worked with Ultimate to update them. A copy was sent out for your approval in early April. 75% of owners must approve these for them to be passed. Please fax or mail your signed approval to Ultimate ASAP. As usual, please contact Ultimate with any questions.

Phase 1 Special Assessment— due August 1, 2009

The special assessment for Phase I is due August 1, 2009. Those wishing to make monthly payments prior to August 1st may do so by post-dated cheques (automatic debit is not possible). Please send post-dated cheques (or cheques with full payment) to Ultimate along with a note stating the intent of the cheques, and your full name, address and phone number.

Specifications for Exterior Items

It has come to our attention that the specifications for some of our exterior items (e.g., doors) have become outdated. Your Board is in the process of setting specifications for windows, doors, screens, storage sheds (upon approval of new bylaws), mailboxes, lights, address numbers etc. Please feel free to make suggestions on the blog by creating a post to this update. Stay tuned for more info!

Window Cleaning

Your Board is organizing to have our hard-to-reach windows cleaned this Spring. The cost of this can be covered within the budget for Phase II. Phase I owners will have the option of paying separately by unit. Please stay tuned for more information.

Compost Bins

Please be reminded that, as per previous notices, all compost bins will be removed from the property after the Spring walk-around (by June 1, 2009). If you wish to give your bin to a friend or family member please do so before then. If you received Board approval to place a composting bin on common property and can provide Ultimate with written confirmation of that approval you will be reimbursed for the cost of the bin ($25.00).

Compost Bin Removal - Reminder

June is fast approaching and we wanted to remind everyone any composting bins on the property as of June 1 will be removed. The board has decided not to allow the large compost bins due to the large volume of units on the property. If you own a bin and have a copy of past condo board approval to have it on the property along with the receipt of payment for the bin the current board is prepared to reimburse you the $25.00 cost of the bin. If you would like to give your bin to family or a friend please make sure it is removed by June 1.

Thank you

Is Spring here yet????

When oh when will it stop snowing! It has been a long long winter and I am sure we can ALL agree we are getting stir crazy spending so much time in-doors and all we ask it that the snows melts and we can get out into our flower beds and dig in the dirt and plant our flowers!

It has been many many months we have been couped up listening to our neighbors do there thing next door. Since we all share walls it is important we are conscious of what we do and the noise levels that come from our unit. The board wants to thank everyone for being a good neighbour. The board is making final edits to the updated set of bylaws and they will soon be distributed for your review and approval. We hope the slight changes we have made will satisfy the way we all like to live in MountviewParc.

Thanks again for being a good neighbour! We all live under an extensive set of bylaws and it is hard to remeber all of them, if you witness a bylaw infraction taking place please take a friendly approach to remind your neighbor of the bylaw.

Thank you,

Do you have mice in your house???

Ultimate received numerous calls about mice in units. Mice are on the move this time of year and we suggest you call...

Cal Rid (403- 233-0646)
Exterminators for mice in units.
Problems that are out of normal control and where traps are not working.
Cal Rid to service units at Resident Tenants and Resident Owners Expense only.

OR

Click here for some tips on how to keep mice out of your home.

Ultimate and the board are in discussion about this problem. If there is a problem with the exterior of your unit and you think that is how the mice are getting in please let Carole at Ultimate know. It is also VERY important you keep your garbage bags in a sealed bin as outlined in the bylaws to keep rodents away.

Thank you,

What else is the Board up to these days?

The bylaws for our condo property are outdated and the Board is in the process of reviewing and updating the document to reflect the current state of the complex. Once a final draft is produced a copy will be sent to all owners and a 75% majority in favour of the new bylaws will be needed to pass them as the new legal bylaws for the condo. Please stay tuned!

Doggy do do...

As the snow melts around the neighbourhood we have noticed an abundance of dog poo on the lawns. Not all owners have dogs and they should not have to be exposed to it on the property. The bylaws state you must take your animal off the property to do it's business, if your dog happens to do it's business on the property while going for walks is extremely important you collect the poo immediately and dispose of it. If we continue to notice poo left on the lawns owners will be notified individually of the bylaw infraction and the necessary action will be taken. Thank you to all the dog owners for your cooperation and understanding.

Time to take down those Christmas decorations!

February 28 is the deadline to remove Christmas decorations. We noticed a few units still have garland and lights on the exterior of the unit and they must be removed as soon as possible. Decorations that are still up on March 1st will be removed and the unit owner will be responsible for the cost.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Address numbers on back of unit

You can go ahead and hang your unit number on the back of your unit at your own cost if you wish. The standard numbers you must use are black 5". Please send Ultimate an email or phone call letting them know you plan to add the numbers.

Update from January 19 Board Meeting

The board met last night and discussed the following topics. Please read the information below carefully as it applies to all owners at Mountview Parc.

#1. Composting Bins - The board received several inquires about composting bins. Some owners believe we should allow composting bins and some feel they are to large and clutter the property. The board had a lengthy discussion about composting bins, we all agree that composting is a valuable environmentally friendly way to dispose of garbage and do not want to discourage "green" behavior but since we are a condominium community and share common property composting bins are not appropriate. Therefore the board voted and decided not to allow composting bins to be placed on common property as of January 20. All composting bins will be removed from common property by June 1, 2009 (if you wish to give your bin to a friend or family member please do so by June).

What if I own a composting bin?

If you received board approval to place a composting bin on common property and can provide Ultimate with written confirmation of that approval you will be reimbursed for the cost of the bin ($25.00).

How can I compost indoors?

Click here to learn more about Vermicomposting!

#2. Phase One Special Assessment - Watch your mail boxes for a letter providing additional information about the Phase One Special Assessment due August 1, 2009. We have collected feedback for owners requesting more information about the assessment, if you still have outstanding questions or comments once you review the letter please contact Ultimate. To highlight one point, you may send post dated cheques to make monthly payments prior to August 1. Please send post dated cheques to Ultimate Property Management or pay the full amount anytime up until August 1 (automatic debts can not be set up)along a note notifying Ultimate what the cheques are intended for including your full name, address and phone number.

#3. Bylaw Review - The Mountview Parc bylaws are outdated and the board has partnered with Ultimate to update them according to the Condominium Property Act. Over the next few months the board will works as a team to determine how the bylaws will read. Once we have a complete set all owners will receive a copy and will have a chance to vote. The board requires a 75% approval vote from the owners for the new bylaws to pass and be registered. Stay tuned!

#4. Neighbor Disputes - We have all chosen to live in a townhouse community and with that decision comes wall sharing. Unfortunately neighbors can have opposing daily schedules and therefore noise can become an issue. The Condo Board and Ultimate Property are not professional arbitrators or mediators and must not become involved in minor neighbor disputes between owners.

Who do I contact if I have an issue with my neighbor?

If you have an issue with your neighbor and feel they are breaking a city bylaw please contact the City of Calgary Bylaw Services. If no infraction of a city bylaw is being committed please contact The Community Mediation Calgary Society(CMCS). The CMCS employs trained professionals equipped with the education and tools to help neighbors come to an agreement.

#5. Garbage Reminder - Once again we have a garbage offenders putting garbage out prematurely to pick up and owners are finding garbage blowing around there units. Please remember according to city bylaw you must keep your garbage in a sealed container close to your unit until the night prior or morning of garbage pick up day, for us that is Thursday. Thank you for your cooperation!

If you have any questions or comments about this information please contact Ultimate Property.

Thank you

Phase 1 Special Assessment - Due August 1, 2009

Now that we are through the Christmas season we will be putting monthly reminders on the blog and in the newsletter about the Phase 1 Special Assessment due by August 1, 2009. It is not the intention of the board to "bug" owners about this matter, it is simply a reminder because we all have busy lives...

You would have receive a letter with the approved 2009 budget outlining the special assessment for Phase 1 owners. If you did not receive this letter in the mail please contact Ultimate for more details. Specific questions about the assessment will not be address on the blog, please contact Ultimate.

Thank you,

Please Don't Feed the Rabbits

As you probably know we have a few rabbits that live in our area. For the most part they are harmless but we would ask that you please do NOT feed them. This will encourage them to remain in our area and could potentially increase the chances of them becoming a nuisance.

Thank you,

Stray Cats

We are experiencing an issue with stray cats in our neighborhood. If you own a cat please do not let it outside to wander on it's own. If you are an owner experiencing issues with cats spraying around your property please call the City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services so the cat can be impounded.

Garbage Collection Reminder

A temporary garbage collection schedule is in effect this week and next. The garbage will be picked up from our area on...

Wednesday, December 24
Wednesday, December 31

The Condo Board & Ultimate Property Management Would Like to Wish You...

From our families to yours, we all wish you a safe, warm happy holiday and prosperous New Year. We look forward to another successful year at MountviewParc in 2009! Thank you for all your feedback through the blog this year, we will continue to do our best providing you with the information you need in a timely manner!

Happy Holidays MountviewParc!

ACTION REQUIRED BY OWNERS: Interior Water Shut off Valves

The board would like all owners that have interior water shut off valves to contact Ultimate asap. One unit per foursome contains 4 shut off valves in the basement. In case of emergency it is important Ultimate can access this information.

If you have the interior water shut off valves in your unit please email carole.oneill@ultimateproperty.ca. In your email please include the unit addresses of the foursome the water valves pertain to.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

New City Bylaw 1P2007 - Dilapidated Vehicles

The new Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 came into effect on 2008 June 01. This bylaw provided a definition of what a Dilapidated Vehicle was, but did not change the rules regarding such vehicle. The bylaw states:

"dilapidated vehicle" means a vehicle that is:
(a) incapable of being safely operated;
(b) partially or fully dismantled; or
(c) substantially damaged.

(3) A dilapidated vehicle must not be located outside of a building.

If you have noticed any dilapidated vehicles on our property please call 311 to see if Bylaw 1P2007 applies.

City of Calgary Garbage Pick-up Schedule

RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION

For most Calgarians, regularly scheduled garbage pickup will occur one day earlier than normal during the holiday season.

If you receive garbage collection service on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday:

The following temporary changes will be in effect during the holiday season only. Collection of your garbage will happen one day earlier than normal until the end of 2008. We will resume garbage collection on your regular collection day during the first week of January.

Thursday collections...

Temporarily changed to Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec 31

Please Consider...

The amount of garbage collected increases dramatically during the holiday season. Help the environment and keep collection crews on schedule by recycling paper, cardboard, and other materials at a nearby community recycling depot. For more information on residential garbage collection and recycling opportunities in your area, call 3-1-1 or visit www.calgary.ca/waste.

For other Calgary Service Holiday Schedules such as arenas and leisure centres click here.

City Issued Compost Bins

Currently, owners are allowed to place city-issued composting bins on common property, as long as prior approval has been received from the Board and as long as the bin is maintained as per City of Calgary guidelines. All bins currently on Mountview Parc property have been approved by the Board. The topic of composting bins is on the agenda for the Board's January 2009 meeting and we will notify owners and residents of the finalized policy afterwards.

The board wants to know what you think about composting bins? Let us know.

Snow Removal

A discussion between the board, Ultimate and Green Meadows our snow removal provider is taking place to ensure we recieve the level of service we expect.

Recycling being taken from decks...

We are aware of the homeless man that is sometimes spotted on our property. According to the bylaws recycling is not permitted on decks therefore if any recycling is taken from an owners deck the board is not responsible. The best way to keep this man off our property is to move recyclable inside the house. If we all live according to the bylaws and have our recycling stored in the house there will be no reason for this man to visit our property. If you had a new deck installed in 2008 and would like to look into the possibility of purchasing a gate please contact Ultimate.

Additional Information on Phase One Special Assessment

The board received a reuqest to provide additional information on the Special Assessement approved,

The projected Reserve balance Jan 2009 is $120,000. The cost to complete the Phase One deck & rail project & paint columns is $133,009. $75,000 will be added to Reserve from condo fees by the end of Jan 2010. Therefore $68,000 is needed to complete the summer work and will still leave $100,000 in Reserve by end of 2009 lessening the impact of the new Reserve Plan due in 2010.

For any addtional infomration please contact Ultimate directly.
Thank you,

Phase One Decks - Gate Installment

The gates have arrived and will be installed the week of December 8th.

Thank you,

Update from November Phase One Board Meeting

The Phase One board members met on November 24 to review the proposed budget for 2009. All Phase One members should have received a letter in the mail by now outlining the budget for 2009. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Carole at Ultimate.

I have not forgotten about the gates for the new decks in Phase One, as soon as I know the ETA I will post it.

Blogging Etiquette

Recently there was a post to the blog expressing a concern for how the blog is monitored so I would like to provide some background.

The blog is monitored daily and all comments posted to the blog are considered. Some discussions between the board and Ultimate take longer then others. If the comment or concern posted involves a specific issue the board will deal directly with the owners involved and once a solution has been reached an update is posted to the blog. The board chose to set it up as an open forum allowing owners to post comments rather then have it be a one way flow information and we have really enjoyed the interaction with owners.

We ask, if you have a concern with how this blog is monitored you contact me directly elaina.bordush@live.com rather then posting frustrations to the blog. I would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have one on one.

Thank you,
Elaina Bordush, Vice President

City Recycling Program...

If you are would like contact the city to express your concerns about the fact we do not qualify for the city recycling program call 311 and they will direct you to the department managing this initiative.

2009 City Curbside Recycling Program

I just confirmed with the City our complexes are NOT eligible for city curbside recycling. There reasoning is as follows. When the independent recycling companies were upset because the city was introducing the program which would take business away from them the city came up with a proposal. The proposal that was decided on was the city would be responsible for all single family dwelling residences up to a four plex on a property and the independents can service everyone else. I figured since we were in a sense four plex's they would consider servicing our area since the independent recycling companies charge so much more then the $8.00/month others will be paying for city service.

I am personally very disappointed and have been looking forward to this program for years. I am going to pay to have my recycling picked up and was wondering if anyone else is interested in doing the same. The more people interested the better discount I would be able to get for all of us. Please email me directly if you are interested to elaina.bordush@live.com.

Thank you,

Update from October 28 Board Meeting

The condo board feels the summer was very successful overall with all the work done on the property including painting, cladding, new decks for half of phase one, grading to ensure proper water flow and other smaller fixes throughout the property. The next time we meet will be to determine the 2009 Budget. Highlights of the meeting are listed below.

UPDATES

1. We met Carole O'Neill for the first time and are excited she has joined our team and look forward to working with her in the future, please help me welcome Carole. Remember to send all your concerns and questions to her in writing for your request along with the correct address and contact information for a fast turn around time.

2. Window and deck painting has been completed. If you have any questions about this work let Carole know as soon as possible. Hope you agree the property looks much brighter and maintained.

3. PHASE 1 - All decks in phase one scheduled to be completed this summer are done. The board has decided lattice will not be allowed on the NEW decks in an attempt to maintain a uniform appearance. I have requested an updated on the gates and will post it when I know more.

REMINDERS

1. Our bylaws state the only items allowed to be on decks are patio furniture, BBQ, bicycles and season items and nothing underneath. Please clean up your deck if there are other items on or underneath.

2. If you would like to receive the monthly newsletter via email please let us know at mountview.news.gmail.com.

3. Remember you are only allowed to put your garbage out for pick up the night before or the morning of the pick up according to city bylaws. Thursday is our collection day.

4. If you own a cat please do not let it roam free, this is against city bylaws and we don't want to have to call the pound!

FALL MAINTENANCE

1. Disconnect all outdoor hoses and bring them inside to prevent freezing.

2. Now is a good time to replace furnace filters and have your furnace professional cleaned.

3. Now is a good time to clean out all dying annuals and prepare perennials for the coming winter.

4. Any summer toys should be stored indoors.

5. Winter is coming and this is a good time to check your outdoor outlet to make sure it is working before the freezing Calgary weather hits!

If you have any questions or comments please let us know!

LATTICE PICK-UP MOVED TO OCT 20TH

Thanks to all Phase I owners/tenants who have taken their old lattice/garbage to the drop location. Pick-up has been moved to October 20th so that gives everyone the weekend to take the opportunity to dispose of lattice and other debris from on and around their decks. Please let your neighbors know in case they missed the notices.

Phase One: Garbage Removal

Please be advised only owners that received a NEW deck this summer are responsible for disposing lattice that was attached to the old decks. The remaining deck installations will be completed in 2009 and at that time lattice will not be permitted to be replaced and will need to be disposed.

All Phase one owners are welcome to take any garbage under or around your deck to the drop off site(in alley between the units on 32nd and 33rd Ave) between October 11-15.

Phase One Deck Project Update

The City of Calgary has confirmed the Phase One Decks are built to code as long as the stairs are 36" wide. Thank you,

The board is in the process of organizing a garbage pick up for the lattice and any other garbage stored under the old decks. The date/time/location will be posted in the next day or two please check back.

The board is also investigating painting the pillars that have unpainted areas due to the installation of the new decks, this will be done in 2009 since the warm weather this year is over.

Phase One Decks - Built to Code

Please see the note below from Carole at Utlimate Property. If you have any further questions please contact her directly, further posts to the blog on this matter will not be reposnded to.

"...Without question the decks are being built to code (it is not permissible to offer renovations or reconstruction in any other manner.)
All specifications are adhered to code as well as all pertinent inspections are performed.(City of Calgary"...Carole O'Neill, Condominium Property Manager

Update from Sept 22 Condo Board Meeting

Your new condo board, elected at the 2008 AGM, met for our first meeting and we are all ready to get back into the swing of things since fall has arrived. Alot of work has been done this summer and the complex is looking great! The painting and Phase One decks are just about complete. We have a few notices for you, please see below.

1. Ultimate Property Management Inc. - In an effort to increase the turnaround time on our requests we have been assigned a new property manager Carole O'Neil, please help me welcome her. Please keep in mind even though this is our third property manager, Judy Walker is the main manager of our property and continues to oversee our account on a daily basis and manages our contracts. We have renewed our contract with Ultimate Property for we feel that have helped us get back into positive situation enabling us to manage Mountviewparc properly going forward. The board has built in a condition of a 2 business day response to concerns they receive in writing from Mountviewparc owners.

2. How to submit a request/concern - For the fastest resolution please include the following when contacting Ultimate. Your Phase #, Address, Home/Cell phone#, full name, detailed description of request/concern. Include any other information you feel necessary for Ultimate to proceed with your request immediately.

3. Phase One Deck Installment - The decks are near completion and the privacy walls will be re-installed by the end of next week. The order has been placed for the gates and installment will commence when the shipment arrives.
IMPORTANT: some of you responded that you would like to purchase a gate but did NOT send the cheque, please contact Ultimate ASAP for payment had to be received by Sept 15 to have a gate ordered, as instructed on the letter.

4. Phase One Deck Lattice - The board has made a decision, lattice and storage will not be permitted under the new decks. This is in an effort to maintain a consistent look and feel throughout the complex and prevent rodents from nesting under the decks. Spring 2009 we will ensure the landscaping company grooms the area under the deck and sprays for weeds.

5. Garbage - We have received some concerns from owners about garbage disposal. It is a city bylaw that owners must store garbage in plastic bags and in a container till garbage pick up. Owners can put their garbage out for pick up the night before or morning of the scheduled pick up..no earlier and no later. Here is the link out ling the city bylaws, specifically section 24 and 25 http://www.calgary.ca/DocGallery/BU/cityclerks/20m2001.pdf

6. Please let Ultimate know if you have had any trouble with a black cat getting into your garbage bins. We have had a few instances to date and if it continues the cat will be deemed a stray and will have to be dealt with.

7. Budget - Over the next two months all the outstanding invoices from the work done this summer will be settled (upon completion of the work). The November condo meeting agenda will be reserved to set out the 2009 budget for 2009.

If you would like any further information please contact Ultimate Property.

New Decks - Phase One

The condo board will be discussing the new deck installation in Phase One tonight at the condo board meeting.

Thank you,

Furniture Deliveries

The delivery company should be able to work with the new decks to get the furniture in the house. If you purchase furniture/appliances and are concerned about it fitting in your unit please contact the delivery company to discuss.

Phase One - Gate Installment Letters

If you received a letter from the Ultimate Property company concerning the gate installment on the back decks and you are scheduled to received the new deck in 2009please ignore the letter, they were sent to all of Phase One by mistake.

Regrading on Merrill Drive

Some of you might be wondering about the bobcat doing work on Merrill Drive. Work is being done to regrade the landscape to decrease the chances of flooding.

UPDATE Phase One - Deck Gate Option

Some basic information about the gate option is as follow. The gate would be installed at the top of the stairs and would be a continuation of the railing, same material. Purchasing the gate would be a way for owners to secure their deck and have additional privacy. If you need any further information please contact Tanya Dion at Ultimate Property.

Thank you,

When will the deck railings be installed in Phase One?

Ultimate has advised the board that the installation of the new deck railings will begin the week of September 15. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns please let Ultimate know prior to the next condo board meeting on September 22.

Thank you,

The complex looks better by the day...

Hello everyone, the board has set the date of the next condo board meeting on September 22, if you have anything you would like us to discuss please email Tanya at Ultimate. All the cualking/cladding is complete and the painting has begun. It is amazing the improvment to to appearance of the buildings! Any windows that weren't cladded are being sanded and painted and I know my unit looks 100% better. The deck replacement project is in full swing in Phase 1 and so from I hear so far so good. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns or issues with any of the work being done around our property.

Thank you and we hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Blue Truck Parking Problem (behind Merrill Drive)

If you have had any issues with a blue truck parking in your stall please send an email to Tanya Dion our new property manager. The only way we can fix the problem is if we receive the complaints in writing (email fine). Also if anyone could include the license plate number that would be great.

Thank you,

Window Cladding and Caulking

As you may have noticed all the windows are being caulked and cladded. So far from what we have seen they are doing an excellent job. The main floor living room windows look much better with the cladding attached and the life of the windows have been extended significantly! All the other windows in the unit are being caulked with top of the high caulk to prevent replacement in the near future. If you have any comments or questions about this work being done around the complex please let Tanya at Ultimate know.

New Condo Board

Your new condo board members and their titles are...

Phase One
Gayle Philips - President
Elaina Venechuk - Vice President
Janet Noble - Treasurer
Robin Hayes - Secretary
Cathy Sanders - Director

Phase Two
Diane Casimir - Newsletter
Amanda Bierkos - Landscaping/Snow
Michael Federkeil - Building Maintenance

The AGM Meeting Minutes highlights will be posted soon. Sorry for the delay!

AGM Updates Coming Soon

I will be posting updates from the 2008 AGM by the end of the week including the introduction on the new Condo Board.

Thank you,

AGM Reminder - Thursday

Just a reminder the Annual General Meeting is this Thursday, June 19 at 7:00pm at the Renfrew Community Centre (828 8 Ave NE). We look forward to seeing you there.

New Property Manager

Due to some personal things Betty has been dealing with she will not longer be our property manager, we wish her all the best. We thank Betty for all her had work getting Mountview Parc back on its feet because we all know we needed someone to whip this complex into shape and get us on track and we all feel Betty was a huge part of that! Tanya Dion is our new property manager, Judy will continue to work closely with her and get her up to speed. Please welcome her if/when you speak with her as she is now your contact at Ultimate. Her email is listed on the blog with Ultimates contact info.

Thank you for your support in this time of transition.

CRIME WATCH!..Post from owner

Hello Neighbours,

Our friend came down from Edmonton for a wedding via her motorcycle. She parked it in the visitor parking behind our house. Sometime between 2pm and 1:30am on May 31 someone stole her licence plate (AJ-702). It was not just ripped off, someone took the time to unscrew it. If anyone saw someone fiddling with a motor bike other then a five foot tall girl, please contact us at 609 33rd Ave.

Spring is here and the grass is green!

Now that the weather is nicer more of us are out and about enjoying the neighborhood. The Spring and Summer is a great time to get to know your neighbor and enjoy being outdoors! A few notifications...

1. The weeds on the lawns will be taken care of as soon as the ground is dry to ensure the spray works. In the meantime we suggest you at least remove the yellow heads of the dandelions before they go to seed and get worse. If we get in the habit of doing this year to year maybe we could get rid of them!

2. We have receive a few complaints about Doggy Do Do not being picked up around the complex, please please please pick up the poo! If there is dead grass around your unit from the Doggy Pee (this is hard to prevent) please plant some grass seed to even out the lawn. As all dog owners know having a pet means cleaning up them and repairing and damage they have have caused.

3. With all the rain we have been having the lawns are nice and green, lets work together to keep it that way, water when they are looking a little dry a couple times a week and the complex as a whole will be much easier on the eye!

4. The Phase 2 Spring walk around will take place on June 6 so you will see us out and about looking for any maintenance issues that have been neglected to cleanup this year and well as taking a look to make sure the decks as neat and tidy.

5. The Annual General Meeting is coming up on June 19. We thank you in advance for your attendance, this is a great way for you to voice your opinions and concerns. We will also be looking for additional members on the Condo Board.

6. The Phase 1 Spring walk around was completed and lots of great maintenance work will be done throughout the phase over the next couple of months. Such things as water faucets that are not properly attached to the house and overgrown shrubs/trees will be taken care of...Finally!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Betty at Ultimate.

Spring Complex Walk-Through

The Spring walk through has been done for Phase One. The decks that will be replaced in 2008 have been determined and will be released soon along with all the other findings from the walk through. The Phase Two walk through will be scheduled soon, when the date is determined it will be posted here. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ultimate before the next board meeting on May 21.

First Annual Spring Clean-up

The board is confident the snow will be melted by April 30 so the Spring Clean-up will start over the weekend with the garbage pick up on next Wednesday! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Betty at Ultimate.

What am I allowed to have on my deck?

We have been collecting feedback from you on the issue of the homeless man in our neighborhood removing bottles from people's decks and have discussed the issue. The result is that owners are only allowed to store BBQ's and patio furniture on the back decks (both Phases) and bottles should be kept inside the home therefore by leaving recyclables on the decks you are running the risk of them being taken. We all agreed to the bylaws when we purchased our property at MountviewParc and must abide by what can and can't be stored on our decks. During the Spring Walk Around of the property the board will be checking to see that owners only have items listed in the bylaws on their decks.
Thank you for your cooperation.

First Annual Spring Clean Up for ALL Owners & Tenants

The board has decided to hire Longview Landscaping (great deal negotiated) to do a garbage pick up from the complex on Wednesday, April 30. If you have garbage on or under your deck we would really appreciate your help to bring it to the designated location during the drop off window outlined below. The board has been working really hard to get everything in order around the complex and we really need your support for our First Annual Spring Clean Up Initiative so it is a success. Here are the details.

Items NOT ALLOWED to be Dropped Off at Designated Site
- Household appliances (fridges, stoves etc.)
- Mattresses
- Any household furniture (couches, bed frames etc.)
- Any automobile parts/accessories (batteries, tires etc.)
- Any chemicals
- Any paint or paint accessories
- Any electronics (stereos, TV, computers etc.)
- Any other items that are large or can't be put in a landfill
*If you are unsure about an item you would like removed please call Ultimate.

Examples of permitted items - Old construction materials, old plants and flowers and garbage that has collected under/around your deck. Anything that makes your area of the complex look dingy.

Garbage Pick-up Date: Wednesday, April 30
Garbage Drop Off Window:April 26 till the evening of April 29

Garbage Drop Off Location - On the cement pad located on the east end of the alley between Merrill Drive and the park.

We are looking forward to everyone participating, lets clean up the community so we can enjoy the Spring and Summer garbage free!

For any additional information please contact Ultimate Property Management.

March 27 Condo Board Updates

Once again we had a very productive meeting with many positive outcomes. Please read below to review the decisions we made for the upcoming months.

#1. The caulking (Foothills Building Components, contract close to being confirmed) and painting (Harding's Painting) of all the windows and doors is in motion and we are close to entering into contracts with reputable vendors to complete the work. The caulking will be done this spring and early summer and the painting mid to late summer! Included in the contract for the Phase 1 and 2 is the painting of the front decks, the loose paint will be scraped off and light sanding done and paint applied. All the paint applied to windows, doors and decks is called "Flood" paint and is the best product we could find on the market to withstand the elements. Come September our community is going to look fresh and rejuvenated and we are all very excited about it and hope you are to!

#2. The back decks in Phase 1 will be replaced without a special assessment to the owners of Phase 1. Half of the decks will be replaced in Summer 08 and the remaining will be replaced in Summer 09. We had devised a financial strategy to do this work without additional cost to you so that is great news. We will be replacing the entire deck (except the divider will be re-used), the railings will be white metal and the deck floor will be a no maintenance material that is durable and will last for years to come. The board and Ultimate will be doing a Spring walk around of the property to assess all work that needs to be done during the summer and at the same time Ultimate will determine which decks will be replaced first. To make it fair the board will not tell them which decks are ours during the walk around so the decision of whose decks are replaced will not be a joint effort between the board and Ultimate it will be Ultimates decision. Remember if your neighbors deck has been deemed unsafe and is part of the first deck replacement then yours will be replace as well because they are joined together and will be replaced as one large deck.

#3. The board is discussing having Longview Landscaping do a spring garbage pickup from the property. This would enable owners to clean-up under their decks and around their units and bring garbage to a central location and Longview would remove it. Stuff like, old wood and junk that has collected on your deck or under it. Would you be interested in something like this? Let us know by adding a comment to this post on the blog.

#4. We discussed lawn care this spring/summer and stuck in the same situation as every other year, Do we fertilize the lawns and risk wasting the money due to lack of watering by owners? We want to fertilize (aerating is not in the budget for 2008, we will revisit this in 2009) and we want owners to water their lawns but of course there is no guarantees. We are going to continue discussing this matter and will keep you updated. We would like your feedback by posting a comment on the blog.

#5. ATTENTION ALL UNITS THAT HOLD THE MASTER WATER VALVES! Please contact Betty at Ultimate as soon as you can so we have a complete list of the units that have all 4 master water valves for the building (4 units). We need this list in case of emergency. All units have a water shut off valve but one of the 4 has the master water shut off to the street. Thank you for your attention to this.

#6. The March/April newsletter will be distributed soon and along with it you will receive a pet registration notice. It is very important we know what pets you have in your house in case of an emergency. Please fill out the form and return it to Ultimate ASAP if you have pets.

#7. The Spring walk around will take place late April and we are looking for ANY work that needs to be done to siding, lawns, roofs, drain sprouts etc. We will also be looking at what items are on owners decks with the bylaws in mind. If you are unsure what can be on your deck and need information please contact Betty at Ultimate for a list of allowable items. During the walk through we will have to walk onto your deck to assess possible damage. We will post the date when it is confirmed on the Blog as a heads up.

#8. The window and door specs are coming together and we will distribute a copy to all owners once we have them complete.

#9. The next AGM meeting will take place mid year 2008 but has not been determined to date.

#10. The usual reminder that all complaints or inquires have to be submitted in writing to Ultimate for them to be discussed and resolved. Thank you for your cooperation.