September 2023 Newsletter
Latest carport project update
As is normal for a project of this magnitude, the city requested additional information on the plans so we had to go back to the contractor. We received the updated plans over the long holiday weekend and by the time you read this, it will have delivered to the City. We will do our best to keep you updated as quickly as possible on any changes but please feel free to reach out if you have questions.
Share the rules
As an owner, you must provide your tenants and guests (including family) the HOA rules. On Labor Day weekend and in less than 24 hours, a family member/guest of an owner violated multiple community rules. Regardless if they’re staying for a day, a year or longer, every resident and/or guest is obligated to follow HOA rules. Please consider sharing the newsletter or the QR codes signs throughout common areas of the community.
Things to know about plumbing
Although the HOA has a preventative maintenance schedule for cleaning common area plumbing lines, here are some tips to ensure everything flows as it should…
Commodes - Please flush only toilet paper down the commodes. Flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels and yes even cotton swaps can cause an issue not only to your unit but it can affect your neighbors as well. If one flushes slowly, please contact a plumber to get your line snaked BEFORE it causes a much larger issue for you and your neighbors.
Tubs, showers, sinks - Hair falls out naturally on just about everyone. It’s a good idea to remove the stoppers or screens from these drains and remove any hair that may be trapped. If it still drains slowly after you’ve done that, please contact a plumber and have the line snaked rather than using an over-the-counter product drain cleaner. More often than not, they do more damage than good so please do not use them.
Kitchen sink - Garbage disposals are supposed to grind a myriad of food items HOWEVER due to the age of the pipes and quite possibly the age of the disposer (blades dull or break), here are a few items to avoid putting in the disposer: fibrous foods such as celery, asparagus, root vegetables or their peels, pasta, and grease or oil of any kind. Cubed ice with a little lemon juice (not the lemon) is the best and safest thing to sharpen the disposer blades and give it a good clean smell. From time to time, it’s also a good idea to remove the gasket from the sink and make sure non-food items haven’t mistakenly fallen in the disposer.
Washer drain - Laundry detergent and fabric softeners (liquid or not) can build up over time especially when combined with fabrics that shed. A plumber can provide guidance on how often they should be cleaned out depending on how often you use your washer.
On plumbing the HOA is responsible to maintain…
Recently we’ve had several drain lines from half baths upstairs fail. These lines run through the wall between the two front bedrooms downstairs. When those rooms are not occupied full time and/or left unchecked, it can result in considerable damage. While we will be discussing a strategic financial plan to address this issue, here’s what you as the owner or resident can do in the meantime…
If you live in a three bedroom and don’t have either of those two bedrooms occupied, please inspect the shared wall between the two rooms for any signs of moisture. Please report it right away if you notice something.
Parking
Did you know that reserved parking spaces at Surfside are actually deeded to each unit owner? If you are parking in a reserved space not assigned to your unit, you are trespassing on their property. The HOA could impose a fine of $100 and the owner of that reserved space could have your car towed at your expense. This has become such an issue again that the on site team will be patrolling the parking areas to verify residents are using the correct spots. If you’ve granted permission to others to park in your space, please send something in writing to the office. Please include who or what unit you’ve given permission to.
Dear rock fairies,
While we appreciate the thoughtfulness of our community rock fairies, by allowing placement of them in common areas throughout the community, we’re sending a message that’s in conflict with the rules. We will be collecting these little treasures and placing them on display in the clubhouse and courtyard area outside the clubhouse once it’s completed. Future rock fairy donations will gladly be accepted at the office.
Perimeter gates
All the components that make the readers work are built in so letting the gates slam will eventually shake something loose and make them malfunction. Not to mention the noise disturbance to those who live close to these gates. Please keep your hand on the handle so the gate closes gently… just as you would on your front door. This will decrease costs to repair and avoid the frustration of an inoperable gate.
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…
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. For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, please follow marked traffic patterns/yellow arrows. Because we take safety very seriously, all these WILL result in fines
Hang tag permits are 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.
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 or metal containers are not permitted
4. Tampering with safety equipment - emergency shut off for the spa, life rings or hooks - is also prohibited.
5. If you bring “music” to the pool, remember you need personal listening devices.
6. Only four guests (heartbeats) per household is allowed.
7. PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE POOL AREA.
Please don’t put the Board in the position that they are forced to revoke your privilege to use the pool/spa.
Hose bibs in common area are not for use by residents.
Please do not leave any personal items (potted plants, décor, hoses, shoes, etc.) outside your front door.
Planting or removing plants in common area is prohibited. If it needs attention, reach out to me.
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.
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.
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 on your patio or balcony (including railings) 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.
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
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. Because it’s a way for you to get out in the event of a fire, it’s important they work properly.
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.
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.
In most cases, it’s owner responsibility to complete minor plumbing repairs. If you have a clogged sink or toilet, your first call should be to a plumber. If they’re not able to rectify the situation, please call management. If your need to replace a fixture that would require shutting 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!
A note from the Community Manager
I have so much good news to share :) At the end of August, I completed the final continuing education course in order to receive the prestigious Master of Community Association Management designation. I still need to complete a “thesis” but hope to do so by the end of the year.
In less than a month, I will be celebrating my two year anniversary at the community. I’m still thankful every day for this community - the Surfside family and the awesome team I work with. Did I mention the location isn’t so bad either? More good news… my husband and I had a surprise announcement that grandbaby number 2 will be here early 2024. Lots to be grateful for!
The maintenance team has had their hands full over the last 30-45 days taking care of interior repairs when 50 year old common area drain pipes have failed. On the front of this newsletter are some pointers to help prevent failure or reduce the amount of damage when it’s unavoidable. Thank you for all your patience as they’ve juggled their way through some very tedious and strenuous work. You have no idea how much a few kind words means to them so please say thanks when you see them. They truly do make this community shine!
Regards,
Dawn