Stonecreek Homeowners Association

November 2001 Issue

Oct 24, 2001

STONECREEK NEWS
Stonecreek Homeowner?’s Association,
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Monthly Newsletter November 2001
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UNITED WE STAND
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CORNER:
For many who live in Arizona, this is the best time of the year. It is the time of year that many of us find ourselves wanting to get outside and enjoy the weather. Now would be a great time for you to meet your neighbors. If you don't have a Block Watch on your street, you might consider getting your neighbors together and starting one. Not only is having a Block Watch on your street a great way to make your neighborhood safer, it is a great way to meet your neighbors.

On Monday, October 1, 2001 United States Attorney General, John Ashcroft, stated that our nation's security starts with every American in their neighborhood. Americans need to get out and meet their neighbors. In a state where new homeowners are constantly moving in, Block Watch is a great vehicle to allow you to meet them. It has been noted in some neighborhoods that a strong Block Watch has improved the pride of the community. With a sense of pride in a neighborhood will come more care in the appearance of the properties. Even to the extent of welcoming renters into a neighborhood, you will notice more involvement and care in the property on their part.

The streets who do have a Block Watch usually meet at least twice a year. You don't need to make the meeting a time for just sitting and listening. Have a party! You may want to ask the Fire Department to your Block Watch party. The Fire Department may bring a truck for the kids and adults to see. Ask the Police Department to stop by your party. They can provide you with bike riding safety class or even bring along McGruff the Crime Dog. Have neighbors bring food and beverages, and it is a party! Just get together and know each other.

If you are interested in starting a Block Watch, call 480-503-6527. The Town of Gilbert is more than happy to help you set it up.

The Stonecreek Board of Directors hopes that all of our residents find a way to know each other better. Especially at this time of year, November, when we find ourselves gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving.

The Board of Directors would like your opinion regarding the layout and appearance of the newsletter. Many homeowners have expressed that they like the current publication. If you have an idea on how you would like the newsletter to look, call Borg Property Services so that your idea can be presented to the Board of Directors.

We hope that you and your family have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

UNCONTAINED TRASH GUIDELINES
Uncontained trash pick up starts with the third Monday of each month. It must be on the curb/sidewalk by 5am Monday of your week?’s pickup and may not block the sidewalk. We suggest stacking your uncontained trash next to the driveway, by the sidewalk, on your own property. It must be obvious that it is for trash pick up. Our uncontained trash pickup is the third full week of the month. Green waste is picked up by a different truck than uncontained trash, but both will be picked up during the same week. If you have questions contact 480-503-6437.

ASSOCIATION ACTIVITY:
NO CONTRACTS WERE AWARDED
WE HAVE ONE UPCOMING CONTRACT:
Landscape Maintenance

If you know of anyone who would like to bid on a Stonecreek HOA bid, please have them contact Borg Property Services at 480-560-6927.

Note:The Board of Directors has a policy of reviewing all contracts yearly to insure that the contract price is in line with the market. We solicit bids when the price is too high, the quality of work is not what we expect, or we just want to insure that we have a competitive contract. We enforce this policy with all contracts.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ACC COMMITTEE
The committee processed the following requests:
RECEIVED: - 3 APPROVED - 0
DENIED: - 0 PENDING: - 3

If you have questions about a planned project and would like to know if approval is required, please contact Borg Property Services at 480-456-6927.

You can get ACC forms from:
(1) Borg Property Services at 480-456﷓6927 or
BorgProp@AOL.COM or
(2) Frank at 480-926-4412 (Stonecreek Resident).
The CC&R?’s require ACC approval before starting projects that will change the appearance of your home or yard.

WANT TO JOIN A COMMITTEE?
Call Nancy Borg if you want information on a committee or want to join a committee. Nancy will then handle the volunteer?’s communications between the Board of Directors, the homeowners and Borg Property Services.

PAINTING? BUILDING? DIGGING?
The CC&R?’s require ACC approval before starting projects that will change the appearance of your home or yard.

HOA WEB PAGE IS STILL ACTIVE
Visit our web site at: (all lowercase letters) WWW.NEIGHBORHOODLINK.COM/GILBERT/STONECREEK

LANDSCAPE VIOLATIONS
Borg Property Services reported a total of 148 violations this month. Please take care of the weeds on your property as this is a finable violation in Stonecreek HOA.
DO YOU KNOW?
...that it is illegal to light fires in the common areas?

...that the advertisement section (last page of the newsletter) can be used by Stonecreek residents for classified ads? Stonecreek residents get a special rate of 30 words (no graphics) for $10/month. The deadline for ad submission and payment is the 10th of the month before the newsletter is published.

?“IT'S YOUR FUTURE;
IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
?“November 6 Special Election Information
?“The Town of Gilbert will hold a Special Election on November 6, in which several key issues will be on the ballot, including the new General Plan, four Bond Issue questions, and two citizen referendums.

?“There will be early voting opportunities beginning October 8 at the Gilbert Municipal Center, 1025 S. Gilbert Road. Voting will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., October 8 through November 2. There will be special Saturday voting on Oct. 20 & 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

?“You may also vote by mail. Early Ballot Request Cards were enclosed with your September water bill. Gilbert registered voters will have the opportunity to fill out the cards to request a mail ballot. If you did not receive a card and would like to request a mail ballot, call the Town Clerk's Office at 480-503﷓6871.

?“To vote in the Special Election, residents must be registered with Maricopa County Elections by October 8. Voter registration forms are available at the following Town locations:
?• Gilbert Municipal Center
1025 S. Gilbert Road

?• Southeast Regional Library
775 N. Greenfield Road

?• Heritage Annex
119 N. Gilbert Road

?“For more information on the Special Election, log onto the Town's web site at: www.ci.gilbert.az.us, or contact the Town Clerk's Office at 503﷓6871 or via email at clerk@ci.gilbert.az.us?” Source: Town of Gilbert

?“...SCORPIONS
?“There are approximately 43 species of scorpions in Arizona. All scorpions can sting (they do not bite) and inject a venom, but only one scorpion in the United States, the bark scorpion, is classified as potentially deadly.

?“The bark scorpion occurs naturally throughout Maricopa County. It is commonly found inside houses and buildings. The bark scorpion chooses a defined area in which to live. If a structure is built on that area, the number of scorpions that find their way inside can be controlled but will never disappear completely.

?“The bark scorpion is one of several small scorpions and is about one and one half to two inches in length. It has two distinguishing characteristics. The first is that it is the only scorpion in Maricopa County that climbs. It easily climbs any surface except clean glass and clean plastic. It can cling to the underside of a piece of wood, walk across your ceiling, climb furniture, and get into clothing and cupboards They are most active at night and love places that are dark and damp. The second important characteristic is that it is the only scorpion that curls up its tail and lays it down flat next to its body. This allows the scorpion to become very flat and squeeze into very small and narrow cracks.

?“The bark scorpion's color varies from a clear, light tan, rubber band or darker golden brown. Color is not a good way to identify this scorpion.

?“Most calls to the Poison Center about scorpion stings occur from April to October.

?“Special Precautions
?“Because children under six years of age are more likely to develop severe symptoms if stung, special care should be taken if you are visiting or live in an infested house:

?“?• Children should be protected in their cribs/beds. To prevent the bark scorpions from climbing up, place the crib/bed legs in glass jars.

?“?• To keep the scorpions from coming into the crib/bed sideways, move the crib away from the wall and be sure that blankets and sheets do not touch the floor or wall.

?“?• To prevent the scorpions from dropping in, you need to install a scorpion shield. Hang a piece of foamcore board, or other flat board that is bigger than the size of the crib, several inches from the ceiling. Place double-sided tape around the inside of the board. Scorpions will then fall onto the board and get stuck, rather than fall in the crib/bed.

Samaritan Regional Poison Center
602-253-3334 or 1-800-222-1222

?“?• Check the crib/bed in advance of putting the child to bed.

?“?• Shake out all clothing and shoes before putting them on the child.

?“?• Have the child wear shoes at all times and be especially careful around hot tubs and pools at night.

?“?• Teach the child not to pick up bugs in the house. All of the above precautions also can apply to adults in the house!

Signs & Symptoms of a Sting
?“The bark scorpion sting is extremely painful, but does not usually cause swelling or redness at the sting site. Victims describe the feeling as similar to having a piece of metal heated in a fire and then stabbed into the skin.

?“The immediate local pain/burning is usually followed by a feeling of numbness and tingling (and still lots of pain) that can travel up an arm or leg. This is a totally natural reaction to the sting.

?“If further symptoms, like visual disturbance, difficulty swallowing and swollen tongue sensations, slurred speech or respiratory problems occur, they should be reported to the Poison Center.

?“(If you are stung by one of the other 42 scorpions, it will feel similar to a wasp sting with local swelling and pain.)

?“Young infants and children are at greater risk of serious symptoms. A major problem is identifying that a scorpion sting has occurred. With no visible mark or swelling it is hard to tell. The child will be hurting and upset, then the eyes will start moving in an uncoordinated, roving manner. The child may become hyperactive, with facial twitching and lots of drooling.

Treatment
?“Call the Samaritan Regional Poison Center to get first aid instructions and determine if the victim needs further medical care. 602-253-3334 or 1-800-222-1222.

?“Each year over 6,000 scorpion stings are reported to the Poison Center.

Unknown bites & Stings
?“Each year the Samaritan Regional Poison Center receives thousands of calls from people who have been bitten or stung by ?“something?”. If you are bitten or strung and did not see the insect, call the Poison Center Hotline. From the symptoms you describe, the nurses will determine if your bite or sting could be poisonous and if you need to be examined by a doctor . . . ?”
Source: Samaritan Regional Poison Cente


Happy Thanksgiving

CALENDAR:
Nov 3 - Household Waste Disposal Day. *
Nov 6 - Special Election Day, *
Nov 12 - T2 Pest Control on site today,
Nov 14 - Board of Directors meeting -
Mesa Public Library 6:45 PM-8:45 PM.
Nov 22 - Thanksgiving Day.
Nov 29 - Scleroderma Support Group Meeting -
Mesa Lutheran Hospital 6:30-8:30 PM (623-847-3757),

If you wish to speak at the Board of Directors meeting, you must contact Borg Property Services before the meeting so that you may be added to the agenda. If you wish to speak at the November meeting, you must contact Borg Property Services by November 7, 2001.


NOTE: The HOA does not endorse any product listed in this newsletter.

The Board of Directors is still looking for a candidate to fill the open three year Board member position. Call Nancy at Borg Property Services if you are interested or want more information.

FLU SHOTS
As awful as it sounds, Flu shots are available now.


HOUSEHOLD WASTE DISPOSAL DAY SET FOR NOVEMBER 3
When:
Saturday, November 3
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where:
Town of Gilbert Public Works Yard
525 N. Lindsay Road

(Northeast corner of Lindsay and Juniper Road
at the Freestone Park entrance.)

?“The annual Hazardous Household Waste collection event will provide Gilbert residents an opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials that should not be placed in regular trash collections. Mesa and Chandler residents are also welcome to participate. There is no charge to residents for the event. However, proof of residency (Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler) is required. Residents should bring a picture I.D. and their latest refuse bill indicating the jurisdiction to which they pay refuse fees. The program is for residential hazardous waste only. Commercial and business waste will not be accepted.

?“For purposes of safety and efficiency, residents should bring material in its original container, if possible. All material not in original containers should be brought in secure containers that do not have to be returned. Material should be placed in a cardboard box, with glass container, wrapped in cloth to avoid breakage. Boxes of material should be placed in the car trunk or truck bed; transporting hazardous items in vehicle interiors should be avoided. Personnel will be on hand to identify, unload and package acceptable hazardous materials.

?“ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Automobile and household batteries, rimless automobile tires (limit 5), paints and stains (limit 5 gallons), adhesives, motor oil (limit 5 gallons), transmission fluids, oil and fuel additives (limit 5 gallons), pesticides, prescription drugs, pool chemicals,` solvents, and cleaners.

?“UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Appliances, 55 gallon drums of material, large truck tires, tires with rims, ammunition, explosives and radioactive materials, commercial and industrial waste.

?“Information: 480-503-6440
Source: Town of Gilbert

REMINDERS:
Mom?’s & Kids play group meets every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Stonecreek Park. Thank you for everyone?’s interest in the group and thanks to Tina for leading the formation of this group.

When you walk your pet, please clean up any messes that it leaves behind. To leave their mess is an HOA violation and a Town of Gilbert Code violation.

If you have any questions for the Board of Directors or comments on the newsletter, call Borg Property Services or attend the monthly Board meeting.

All residents are encouraged to attend the monthly Board of Directors meetings. Call Borg Property Services to confirm the time and location and to insure that we have available seating. You may also check our web page for meeting information.
WHO'S WHO?

FIRE/POLICE DEPT. (EMERGENCY) 911
Fire Dept. (Information) 480-503-6300
Police (Information) 480-503-6500
Gilbert www.ci.gilbert.az.us
HOA Web page:
www.neighborhoodlink.com/gilbert/Stonecreek
Voter Registration/elections 506﷓1511
Borg Property Services 480-456﷓6927
Borg Property Services - BorgProp@AOL.COM
Sean Callahan - HOA Board of Director
Jeff D?’Aurora - HOA Board of Director
- HOA Board of Director
Jack Maas - HOA Board of Director
Judy Morgan - HOA Board of Director
Sky Harbor Parking - 602-273-4545
Gilbert Police Crime Prevention 503-6527
Can I burn in my fire place? 506-6400
Town of Gilbert (barking/vicious dogs) 503-6500
Town of Gilbert (dead animal removal) 503-6400
Town of Gilbert (graffiti removal) 503-6500
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Please help yourself by telling your title company that a sale is pending and that they must notify Borg Property Services of the pending sale. Borg Property Services has seven (7) days to inspect your house before the sale can be completed. (House bill 2299) If the inspection must be done in less than seven (7) days because they did not notify Borg Property Services, then Borg Property Services will charge the homeowner an extra fee. Title companies have been known to ask for a rush inspection because they did not notify Borg Property Services, and the homeowner is charged the extra fee.

There is always a fee associated with this inspection. The homeowner pays this fee at closing. Contact Borg Property Services for its rates.

NEED TO CONTACT YOUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY?
If you have a question or complaint concerning Stonecreek HOA, contact our property management company, which is Borg Property Services. Their office hours are 9-4 M-TH and 9﷓12 Friday.
Phone: (480) 456﷓6927 FAX: (480) 456﷓9439
E-mail: BorgProp@AOL.COM.
Send all correspondence and payments to:
Borg Property Services
1245 W. Guadalupe, #B6-306
Mesa, AZ 85202

APPROVED PAINT COLORS:
BASE COLORS: (Dunn Edwards or equivalent)
Pheasant, Baja White, Desert Dawn,
Navajo White, Bone China

If the house will be all one color, then no ACC approval is needed provided you use an approved Base color. If you are painting the ?“pop-outs?” (raised stucco surrounding the windows and/or garage) an approved trim color, then you do not need to submit an ACC form.

TRIM COLORS: Original Cinnamon, Briar,
Dry Earth, Adobe South
ROOF TILE = Monier #1604 or equivalent Lifetile #108

To review these colors call Frank at 926-4412 (Stonecreek Resident). You may review the chips in his home or checked out to review at your home. Please respect Frank as a fellow homeowner and contact him only between the hours of 10 am-8 PM, Monday-Friday.

If you choose a different color than those approved by the ACC, then you must submit an ACC form with a large sample of the color you wish to use. You must allow 45 days for approval of a new color.

Homeowners have painted the following locations if you would like to drive by and check them out.
543 N. Quartz street (Baja White, trim cinnamon)
1414 E. Mineral - Bone China with Dry Earth
1501 E. Commerce - Desert Dawn with Dry Earth


NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
Nov 10, 2001 is the deadline for all information to be in the next issue. (1268 E. Laurel Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234.) This Newsletter is published monthly by the Stonecreek HOA.. Contact Borg Property Services with questions/comments.