Stonecreek Homeowners Association

November 2000 Issue

Oct 31, 2000

STONECREEK NEWS
A MONTHLY NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER November 2000
------------------------------------------------------------
GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE
------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
We have completed the preliminary 2001 budget and have tabled further work on it until the November meeting.

We had the rats which were reported to us exterminated.

We reviewed additional lighting proposals for the pool area.

A homeowner (Mark Lescoe) met with us to discuss an ACC Violation.

STONECREEK TO GET A TOUR OF THE SRP GENERATING FACILITY
As you may know, SRP is proposing to build a new electric generating facility near Val Vista Drive and Warner Road. SRP wants the residents of Stonecreek (and others) to have an opportunity to learn more about their project and to give them your ideas and concerns.

To facility this, SRP has offered to set up a tour of the existing Santan Facility, and to give a presentation about their proposed facility, just for the residents of Stonecreek. If you are interested in a tour, call Borg Property Services. If enough people are interested, a tour will be set up.

DONATE YOUR USED BICYCLES FOR CHRISTMAS
Now is the time to think about people less fortunate than ourselves. Here is a way that you can get rid of used bikes, make a donation, and save yourself the time and trouble of disposing of them all at the same time.

Call Tony Bernot at 480-892-7505 if you have any bicycles that you want to get rid of. They do not have to be in working order. Tony will come to your house, pick them up free of charge and give you a Gilbert Community Action Program (CAP) receipt that you can use as a tax deduction. Tony restores the bikes and gives them to CAP to give to needy children at Christmas time. Stonecreek has donated many bicycles over the last years. Maybe we can keep the tradition up. Call Tony, make his day and make a needy child happier this Christmas.

POOL TO CLOSE FOR THE WINTER THIS MONTH
The pool is scheduled to be closed for the winter on November 15, 2000. It is scheduled to reopen on
March 15, 2001.

WE WISH OUR COMMUNITY A
VERY
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


ASSOCIATION ACTIVITY:
WE AWARDED ONE CONTRACT THIS MONTH:
Two new tennis court nets.

WE HAVE 3 UPCOMING CONTRACTS:
Tennis courts surface maintenance,
Tennis court crack sealing,
Install additional lighting at the pool.

Note: the Board of Directors has a policy of reviewing all contracts yearly to insure that the contract price is in line with the price of the contract. 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. This policy is enforced with all contracts.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
December 6 is the deadline for all information to be in the next issue. (1268 E. Laurel Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234.)
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
NO ACTIVITY FROM THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Call Sharon Howes if you want information on a committee or want to join a committee (480-497-8124). Sharon will then handle the volunteer communications between the Board of Directors, the homeowners and Borg Property Services.

ACC COMMITTEE
The committee processed the following requests:
RECEIVED: - 3 APPROVED - 0
DENIED: - 1 PENDING: - 2

Please remember that the fine for not getting approval before making an improvement that will change the appearance of your home or yard is $50.00 and that the fine escalates if it is not corrected. Correction requires ACC approval. Any ACC request made after the improvement has started (or completed) can be disapproved and the homeowner made to remove the improvement. 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),

Frank deals with ACC issues only; he is not responsible for handling other issues - like complaints about the HOA etc.

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE REPORTS LESS VIOLATIONS THIS MONTH
Borg Property Services reported a total of 78 violations this month.

We would like to remind the homeowners that bare areas in the rock or grass areas are a violation of the landscape guidelines. If there are bare rock areas, please add more rock, if there are bare areas in the grass areas, grass needs to be added.

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

Walk Instead of Jog
"Walking can be as good as jogging for lowering cholesterol, improving general health, and reducing the risk of heart attack. Reason: Walking increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. (HDL is a blood component that clears the bloodstream of cholesterol rather than helping to deposit it on artery walls.)

"To get the benefits of walking: Do it regularly. At least five times a week. But it's best to do it every day if possible.

"Walk briskly. A stroll will not do the job.

"Take long walks, preferably at least half an hour at a time.

"Walking provides psychological benefits, too:

"Relieves depression. While the exact reasons for this are unknown, it's not just fresh air and the great outdoors that alleviate depression. There is a physiological effect on the brain chemistry. Current theories attribute it to amines (a chemical compound in the neurotransmitters) or endorphines (a painkiller released by the brain).

"Reduces anxiety. Walking is a good constructive way to dissipate anxious energy that is not being used. Using this energy constructively makes people less tense.

"Adjusts bad sleeping patterns.

"Aids in building self-esteem. Brisk walks stop people from accepting the idea that their bodies are deteriorating. It shows them they can choose to be healthy.

"Creates a sense of exhilaration. While people assume that a long walking regimen will tire them out, they find, instead, that they have more energy to get to work and feel less aggressive when going home. They stop barking at their spouses. In part, there's an increase in energy because of improved circulation and more oxygen in the system. Walking is a general toner for the body and mind--the whole system."
CALENDAR:
Nov 1 - Top Notch Pest Control on site today
Nov 4 - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event *
Nov 7 - Election Day
Nov 11 - Veterans Day
Nov 15 - Pool to close for the winter*
Nov 15 - Board of Directors meeting -
Mesa Public Library 6:45 PM-8:45 PM
Nov 16-19 - Gilbert Day's
Nov 23 - Thanksgiving Day
Nov 28 - Mayo Kidney Dialysis/Transplant Support Group*
Nov 30 - Scleroderma Support Group-Mesa Lutheran Hospital 6:30-8:30 PM*
Dec 6 - Top Notch Pest Control on site today.
Dec 20 - Board of Directors meeting -
Mesa Public Library 6:45 PM-8:45 PM
NOTE: An item in the calendar that has an "*" has a related article elsewhere in the newsletter.
SIGNIFICANT NOVEMBER DAYS:
Concert in the Park
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Freestone Park Amphitheater. Admission is free. Sponsored by Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department. For information call 480-503-6200. (November 2, 2000)

The Mesa Encore Theatre presents the Neil Simon hit, "God's Favorite," at the Mesa Arts Center. The humorous play centers on a modern-day job living in a Long Island mansion and visited by one of God's messengers, who wears a sweatshirt with a big "G." Performances are held at 8 p.m. on Fri. and Sat. and 2 p.m. on Sun. Tickets cost $11--12. Tickets and further information are available by calling 480-834-9500. NOVEMBER 10-26

The ASU Alumni Association celebrates the newly refurbished Old Main with a traditional reception, dedication and nostalgic dance. The cost will be $100 per person, with some proceeds benefiting the Medallion of Merit Scholarships. Details are available by calling 480-965-2086. NOVEMBER 11

16th Annual Gilbert Days 5-K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
3:30pm - on-site registration
4:45pm - 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
4:55pm - 5K Run
ARRIVE EARLY! At 4:30pm, the entrance to Freestone Park will be closed to foot traffic only.
Pre-registration thru 11/8:
11 & under - $6 12 & over - $10
On-site registration:
11 & under - $9 12 & over - $13
Current information & entry forms: www.active.com
Friday, November 17, 2000

Downtown Tempe kicks off its annual "Fantasy of Lights" celebration with a tree-lighting ceremony, parade down Mill Avenue, fireworks, live entertainment and a guest appearance by St. Nick. The free event is held from 5-9 p.m. Further information is available by calling 480-350-5180. NOVEMBER 24

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE TO BE COLLECTED SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Household hazardous waste for the residents of the Town of Gilbert and Cities of Mesa and Chandler will be collected:
When: Saturday, November 4, 2000 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Town of Gilbert Municipal Center Parking Lot 1025 South Gilbert Road SE Corner of Gilbert and Warner Roads.
Items accepted: automobile and household batteries, rimless automobile tires (limit 5), paints and stains, adhesives, solvents, motor oil, transmission fluids, gasoline and diesel fuel, pool chemicals, household cleaners, and pesticides. There will be a 5-gallon limit per participant on paint, oil, and antifreeze.

Not accepted: business or commercial hazardous waste, tires with rims, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, and 55-gallon drums of material.

This event is for residential hazardous waste only. Materials from businesses will not be accepted.

Bring proof of residency (municipal garbage collection bill is preferred). Materials should be tightly sealed in their original containers, if possible. Glass containers should be wrapped to avoid breakage. Materials should be transported in a cardboard box in the trunks or truck bed of vehicles. Personnel will be available at the event to identify and unload materials. For information, call 503-6440 or 503-6437

HOW TO OBTAIN PEAK PERFORMANCE
The Scleroderma Support Group will have a speaker at its Nov 30 meeting who will talk about how to obtain peak performance. The meeting is held at the Mesa Lutheran Hospital from 6:30-8:30 PM. Call 480-821-9330 for information.

MAYO CLINIC KIDNEY DIALYSIS & TRANSPLANT DISCUSSION GROUP MEETS NOVEMBER 28
Join the informal group at 6 P.M. at the Mayo Hospital (5777 E. Mayo Blvd., off 56th street, north of Bell Road). The meeting will be held in conference room 1-115, which is across from the Gift shop on the first floor.
share ideas and laughs
get a new slant on old problems
Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend.
The group is open to dialysis and transplant patients from Mayo Clinic and from other health care systems.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN ARTICLE PROVIDED BY THE TOWN OF GILBERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHICH THEY WANTED US TO BE AWARE OF:
What is a dry well?
A dry well is defined as a bored, drilled, or driven shaft or hole whose depth is greater than its width. A dry well is designed specifically for the alleviation of flooding and the disposal of storm water.

Why do we use dry wells?
Dry wells play an important role in storm water management. In the Phoenix metropolitan area, the terrain is relatively flat and heavy storms of short duration can overload the water storage system. The need for a low-cost, effective, on-site storm water disposal system has prompted the use of dry wells as the primary solution to the storm water retention problem. Dry wells drain storm water from a retention basin, low areas in parking lots, or at street intersections or curbs.

Are dry wells regulated?
Yes. Dry wells are regulated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Arizona state law requires that all new, existing, or abandoned dry wells be registered with ADEQ.

According to the State regulations, dry wells are to be used for the disposal of storm water only. Facilities that add a pollutant to a dry well must obtain a permit for the operation of that dry well. Dry wells which are used solely to receive storm water runoff are exempt from obtaining a permit, except those that drain areas in which hazardous substances are used, stored, loaded, or treated.

Please contact ADEQ's Dry Well Section at
(602) 207-4686 if you have any questions regarding the registration or permitting of your dry well.

How do dry wells worsen environmental contamination?
Because of their design, dry wells can serve as a "straight-shot" conduit for ground water contamination. In urban areas, storm water frequently carries significant levels of petroleum products, pesti-cides, and other chemicals washed from streets and landscaped areas. Storm water containing pollutants may drain into dry wells and percolate into the water table.

What other environmental problems are
linked to dry wells?
A dry well that is not functioning properly can lead to improper drainage and the flooding of the area surrounding the dry well. The resulting standing water can become a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can be a serious impact on the health, comfort, and economic welfare of people. Generally, a body of water that stands for more than three days will produce mosquitoes. In addition to inoperable dry wells, mosquito breeding sites can be caused by irrigated or poorly leveled yards and retention basins, bird baths, decorative ponds, improperly maintained swimming pools, and flood control drainage areas.

Who is responsible for mosquito control?
The best way to eliminate mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding sites. Residents, businesses, homeowner's associations, and municipalities are all responsible for eliminating and preventing mosquito breeding on property they own, occupy or are responsible for maintaining. The Town of Gilbert's mosquito control program oversees the treatment and elimination of mosquito breeding areas at its municipal facilities, parks, groundwater recharge and wildlife habitats, park improvement districts, and areas where the Town manages flood irrigation systems.

Chapter III, Regulation 2, of the Maricopa County Health Code states:

"No person shall cause, maintain, or within his control, permit any accumulation of water in which mosquitoes breed or are likely to breed. The owner, occupant, or person in control of anyplace where mosquitoes are breeding, or which constitutes a breeding place for mosquitoes shall take all necessary and proper steps to eliminate the mosquito breeding and to prevent its recurrence . . . "

What can you do to prevent mosquito breeding?
Get rid of all unnecessary standing water. Repair all broken sprinkler systems or other water leaks that may be causing or contributing to standing water. Fill in low spots and level areas within retention basins. Last, repair and properly maintain dry wells that exist on your property.

What do I need to do to ensue proper dry well operation?

Chapter III, Article XI, Section 11.15 (Dry Well Policy) of the Town's Unified Land Development Code states:

"It is the owner's responsibility to maintain dry wells . . . Dry wells that cease to drain a project within a 36-hour period are to be replaced with new ones where alternate methods of drainage are still not available. "

It is important that property owners maintain their dry wells to ensure the efficient disposal of storm water. Dry wells should be inspected and cleaned annually by a dry well services company to ensure proper operation. In addition to regular inspections, dry well performance should be monitored more frequently during the monsoon season. If drainage appears slow, or if water is standing for more than 36 hours, the system should be inspected by a dry well service company. If it is determined that the dry well needs to be replaced, the Town's Community Development Department should be consulted for information on dry well replacement requirements.

For general information on dry wells, contact the Environmental Program Section at (480) 503-6422.

For information on the Town's dry well replacement requirements, contact the Community Development Department at (480) 503-6833.


For regulatory information, contact the ADEQ Dry Well Section at (602) 207-4686.

For information on the Town of Gilbert's mosquito control program, contact the Wastewater Section at (480) 503-6420.

For information on County mosquito control requirements, call Maricopa County Vector Control at (602) 506-0700.

REMINDERS:
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?
Note: NEW Gilbert Numbers
FIRE/POLICE DEPT.
(EMERGENCY) 911
Fire Dept. (Information) 480-503-6300
Police (Information) 480-503-6500
Gilbert www.ci.gilbert.az.us
HOA www.neighborhoodlink.com/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
Sandra Lescoe - HOA Board of Director
Jack Maas - HOA Board of Director
Judy Morgan - HOA Board of Director
Sharon Howes -Volunteer Committee 497-8124
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 we will charge the homeowner an extra fee. We have known title companies 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)
1326 E. Mineral - Desert Dawn (no trim)
1414 E. Mineral - Bone China with Dry Earth
1501 E. Commerce - Desert Dawn with Dry Earth
-------------------------------
ALLSTATE Insurance Co
Lino De La Cruz - Exclusive Agent
Auto, Property, Life, Business
Premier Service Agent
2820 W. Baseline Rd Bus 480-775-0269
Mesa, AZ 85202 Fax 480-775-3882
A028270@allstate.com Se Habla Espanol
Stonecreek Resident
-------------------------------
ATTN: All Homeowners
On the first Wednesday of each month, Top Notch Pest Control will service the inside and outside of your home for only $20.00 (Reg price $30)
** BEE CONTROL AVAILABLE **
(602) 463-3995
-------------------------------
HOUSE FOR RENT
in Stonecreek
3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath
with pool
$1,150.00/month
480-497-8124
-------------------------------
CALL 892-5216 for Ad Information
(Ask for the Newsletter Publisher)

We thank our Advertisers
(updated 10/31/200)