June 2023 Newsletter
Carports
We’re getting even closer! Over the last several weeks, the Carport Committee members have been visiting sites throughout the surrounding areas to review previous installations by each of the contractors who’ve submitted proposals. The Carport Committee met and will be making a recommendation to the Board of Directors very soon. This is a large project that we’re exercising above and beyond due diligence to make sure the right choice is made for this job. As mentioned in meetings earlier this year, we’re hoping to have an executable contract some time this month. Stay tuned!
Annual Election November 27
Does it seem like notices are coming out really early? Civil Code changed to allow Associations to have what it called an Uncontested Election or Election by Acclamation. If the number of candidates equal the number of open seats, we will not have to mail or count ballots.
There are two caveats:
We have to start mailing notices 6 months in advance of the meeting.
Every third year we will be required to hold a ballot mailing election.
We have one open position for a term of three years. If you’re interested in serving, please watch for further mailings.
Huge thanks to Don Buck, Lynn Buck and Jesse Zapata for agreeing to serve as Inspector of Elections again for this years meeting!
We appreciate you!
Parking
People have been taking advantage of using a neighbors reserved parking space because they’re aware the unit is a “weekender or second home”. Please remember parking in someone else’s reserved space without express permission from them is against the rules and could result in a $100 fine.
Referrals
Do you have a handyman, contractor, caregiver (pets or people) or housekeeper that you’d be willing to refer to a neighbor? There’s a message board in the office & a new page on the website for just that.
Please encourage any service provider you’ve been happy with to bring a business card or flyer to the office and we will be happy to post/share!
You can submit a referral by calling, emailing or stopping by the office. You can also submit a referral via the website here: Submit a Referral
General Mailings
As you know, the on site office is now using the financial management “database” to communicate with residents. In order to keep copy and postage costs as low as possible, newsletters and general notices will be posted on the owner portal as well as at the message board by the mailbox center. Only mailings required by law will be sent through USPS.
Spring cleaning - Let’s get our sparkle on
The only downfall to owning a condo this close to the beach is it requires a bit more upkeep. The maintenance team has been working hard on adding sparkle to the community and we’re asking that owners/residents do the same. Here’s a few tips:
Wipe down exterior doors-including the screen door if you have one.
If your screen door is starting to peel or flake, please have it sanded primed and painted. If you’re considering installing one or replacing the one you have, please remember you have to submit an Architectural application for approval.
Clean out slider and window tracks to make sure drains are cleared.
Check all your screens for wear or damage. It’s relatively inexpensive to rescreen a window.
If the light fixtures at your entry doors and sliders are all pitted and rusted, you can remove them and sand/prime paint them. If it’s beyond a little elbow grease (most are), a replacement can be purchased for less than $20. Please contact the office for the correct fixture to replace them with.
Have an electric vehicle?
It may be due to the influx of new owners/residents but electric vehicles are gaining popularity here at Surfside. Please don’t forget to contact the office for details on how to register for discounted rate for residents if you have or decide to get an electric vehicle.
Gate codes entry keypad
If you accidentally enter the wrong code to open the gate, the system is designed to momentarily “shut down” and reset if the code you entered is not programmed to a phone number. The screen will go blank for a moment or two while this is happening.
Please allow it to reset before entering the code again or calling the emergency line to report it’s not working.
Borrow a book or a game
A reminder we have books and games to borrow in the clubhouse. Wifi giving you a fit or need somewhere quiet? We have that too.
Getting a permit just got easier
In the interest of fellow owners and the HOA, it is important each owner obtains a permit for any work being performed that may require one. We also have a great relationship with the City of Port Hueneme (comes in handy for large projects like carports) and would like to keep it that way. If you’re doing any work in your unit that requires a permit, it just got a lot easier. This QR code takes you straight to the website where all information and even the forms are available to complete on line. You can also visit the website here: https://porthuenemeca.viewpointcloud.com/
Part of the process will include providing proof of approval from the HOA.
Community Living in a Snapshot
While we encourage each resident to be familiar with the Rules and Regulations Handbook, below are some of the more common issues we face
For obvious safety reasons, the vehicular exit gate is to be used ONLY as an exit gate unless it’s been marked for entry/exit by the on site team. Please follow marked traffic patterns. Yellow arrows are painted on the roundabout parking for a reason. Please make sure you adhere to them even if it adds 3-5 seconds to your ability to park and/or leave. Because we take safety very seriously, all these WILL result in fines
Hang tag permits are now required on all vehicles parked on property and they must be displayed from the rear view mirror of the vehicle. Contractors should check in with the office for a temporary permit to avoid receiving a citation.
BEFORE you start any renovations in your unit, please contact the office for guidance on what requires approval. Work that requires a permit and does not have approval will be reported to Code Compliance.
Video doorbell products are quite popular. You can mount them on your screen or front door but they cannot be installed on the stucco.
If you live in a two bedroom unit, it may be a good idea to check the door on the top floor from time to time. Make sure it’s clean and the hardware is functioning. During a recent walk through, some of the knobs and deadbolts appeared rusted shut. Because it’s a way for you to get out in the event of a fire, it’s important they work properly.
In most cases, it’s owner responsibility to complete minor plumbing repairs. If your shutoff under the fixture is not working properly and you need to shut off the main, it will affect your neighbors. Please make sure you notify everyone directly next to/above/below you at least 24 hours in advance for non-emergency repairs!
Flushable wipes are not flushable. If you use them, please do not flush them because even if they don’t clog your plumbing, it can and will cause and issue for your neighbors.
Pool and spa area:
1. Don’t eat food while IN the pool or spa
2. Persons who wear diapers must wear swim diapers
3. GLASS IS PROHIBITED IN THE ENTIRE AREA
4. Tampering with safety equipment-emergency shut off for the spa, life rings or hooks-is also prohibited. If you bring “music” to the pool, remember you need personal listening devices.
5. Only four guest per household is allowed.
Please don’t put the Board in the position that they are forced to revoke your privilege to use the pool/spa.
Patios and balconies:
1. Only furniture designed for outdoor use is permitted. Items such as coolers, folding “camping or beach style” chairs, tables designed for indoor use, etc. should be promptly moved inside when you’re no longer on your patio or balcony.
2. Storage of any kind is not permitted—mops and/or brooms, bicycles, fishing poles, empty planters to name just a few.
3. Pets cannot be left outside when you’re not home to monitor them and at NO TIME are pets allowed to use the patio area for their “restroom”.
4. Smoking is NOT permitted on patios or balconies.
5. Please do not hang anything over the patio or balcony railing to dry!
6. If you have an umbrella on your patio, please remember to put it down or store it out of view when it’s not in use
7. Mops and brooms should never be left on the patio or balcony.
Hose bibs in common area are not for use by residents. Most of the planters have been changed to a drip system which means less water waste because it’s being delivered directly to the plant. If the area around your home appears dry, please contact us so we can have the landscapers take a look at the irrigation.
Speaking of planters, please do not leave any personal items (potted plants, décor, hoses, etc.) in the planted areas outside your home. Planting or removing plants in common area is prohibited. If it needs attention, reach out to me.
Considering cleaning your balcony? Please sweep and mop the area rather than dumping buckets of water on it. The neighbors below you will certainly appreciate not having dirty water invade their patio or bedroom window.
One of the largest grassy areas the community has is along Ventura Road. While socializing of residents and their pets is certainly welcome, please be mindful of the residents who live in the building by doing your best to keep barking to a minimum.
If it’s been a while since you cleaned your dryer vent line, please consider doing so. This is one of the most common factors for fires.
Please be mindful when parking. If you pull in too close to a white line, it doesn’t allow enough space for your parking neighbor to get in or out of their vehicle without some serious effort to risk damaging both vehicles. Not to mention parking is at a premium and it could make a space unusable.
Trash should NEVER be left outside your front door as it attracts critters and pests to the buildings. When you’re ready to remove trash from your home, please take it to and place inside the appropriate receptacle. Placing unwanted furniture or other bulky items in the enclosure in hopes that someone else may want it is NOT ok.
Pets must be on leash and the leash must be held by someone able to control the pet when you are outside your home.
Cleaning up is not only a responsible thing for pet owner to do, it is in the HOA rules and a County ordinance as well.
A note from the Community Manager
I know many of you have waited a long time for the carports to be rebuilt. I’m looking forward to seeing the project start too.
However, to manage expectations, please understand that once a contract is approved, we still have a few more steps to take with the engineers, construction team, and the City before you will actually SEE progress. Once it does start, we’re all going to need to practice a bit of patience because the parking situation will certainly be a big test. Please be kind to each other and the team.
Knowing who your neighbors is a great benefit to any community. We tend to “watch out” for people we know. We’ve had so many new faces lately that we’re looking for opportunities to encourage introductions and possibly new friendships. While we’ve had little response for a Social Committee Volunteer, one suggestion was hosting an Arts and Crafts fair at the clubhouse. We have so many talented owners/residents that have lived here for a while and I’m almost sure there are a few more that have moved in recently. If you’re something you’re interested in sharing your talents and possibly earning some cash in the process, please contact me. I will be happy to host a Saturday event and I’ll even bring hubby's checkbook :)
Warm Regards, Dawn