Political Signs

As campaign season heats up, residents are reminded of Victor Gardens Community Association's policies on political lawn signs, found in Victor Gardens' Master Covenants, Section 7.18

- no more than two signs allowed
- each sign size must be not more than 8 sq. feet per sign
- allowed within 8 weeks of election date (Sept. 8, 2020 - Nov. 3, 2020)
- must be unlighted

7.18 Signs. No sign or comparable device of any kind shall be placed, erected or maintained on the Property except (i) one customary unlighted "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign per Residential Unit or CIC Unit (except corner Units shall be permitted one such sign per side of the Unit that fronts on a street) of not more than eight square feet advertising the Unit for sale or rent, (ii) not more than two (2) unlighted "For Rent" signs per Apartment Village Unit of size and location approved by the A.R.C., (iii) within eight (8) weeks prior to an election date, two unlighted political signs of not more than eight square feet per sign, (iv) not more than twice per year, and limited to five days each time, not more than two signs per Residential Unit or CIC Unit, each of not more than eight square feet, advertising a yard sale, (v) signs placed by the Master Developer, a Village Declarant, a Village Developer or a builder to advertise the Property, Units or Dwellings during the construction and sales period, and (vi) the permanent entrance signs and monuments erected by the Master Developer, Apartment Village Owner, Village Developer, or Village Declarant to identify the Property.

Rice Creek Watershed District's JD3 Project Has Begun

The Rice Creek Watershed District has begun their work on the Judicial Ditch 3 this week to improve public drainage along the Clearwater Creek. The scope of this work is extensive and details can be acquired through the Rice Creek Watershed District, but most of the project involves the removal of trees and sediment along the creek.

Homeowners and residents can contact Ashlee Ricci at the Rice Creek Watershed District Office at aricci@ricecreek.org or 763-355-7619 for any questions or concerns.

Pool Update - 7/2/20

The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to keep the pool closed for the remainder of the season.

This was a difficult decision - we would rather have the pool open without any restrictions.

However, to comply with the State’s mandated requirements, the association would have to incur tens of thousands of dollars of additional expense, create an on-site pool staff, adhere to the strict schedule and sign-ups with closing the pool at regular intervals for deep cleaning, and remove the furniture on the pool deck. Along with the other requirements, this will not provide the pleasant experience we’re all used to.

Even though the pool hasn't hosted swimmers this year, its maintenance costs haven't been significantly reduced. To prevent expensive repairs the pool must be maintained throughout the season.

Keeping the pool closed saves the association and its owners from incurring additional expenses for what we believe would not have been a satisfying pool experience given the restrictions. If the State’s requirements are removed, we would want to reopen the pool. If the requirements change, we’ll examine our decision and reevaluate opening the pool.

The Board of Directors is also discussing how this season's pool expenses factor into our 2021 budget, long-range reserve budget, and next year's dues.

We know this decision is not what many want. And we understand that many also expect us to make safe fiduciary decisions. With the few weeks left in the season - after establishing the State’s requirements - there isn’t enough time to justify the additional cost.

The Board of Directors
Victor Gardens Community Association

Pool Update - 6/22/20

Victor Gardens Community Association’s Board of Directors has been working diligently on a pool reopening plan. In accordance with the State of Minnesota rules, the board is implementing a required plan that should allow for a July 8 opening, hopefully, sooner. The costs of compliance with the state guidelines will be substantial. The board has been taking the time to ensure that our expenses are minimized and well spent.

Our management company, Associa MN, will be hiring pool attendants, aged 18+, as part of this plan. More info on Associa employment will be available soon.

The details of Victor Gardens 2020 pool opening plan will be announced within the next week or so. Residents should expect significant changes to the pool rules, hours of operation, and environment.

Summary:
- Public health safety is the driving factor of the pool opening plan.
- Victor Gardens residents only. No guests. ID required.
- All resident children must be accompanied by a resident adult aged 18+.
- The pool will be open in 2-hour time blocks Wednesday through Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM through 8:00 PM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Each day’s schedule will be broken up into 2-hour time block cycles. After each 2-hour block the pool, pool deck, and building will close for 30-minute cleaning. Everyone must leave after their scheduled block is over. Another 2-hour block starts after a 30-minutes cleaning. This cycle continues throughout the day.
- Residents will reserve their 2-hour time blocks via website signup.
- To enable as many residents as possible to have access to our pool, residents may only sign up for one block each day.
- Resident “walk-ups” will be allowed, but online reservations will receive first priority.
- Associa’s pool attendants and Semper Fi Security will ensure that the new rules, scheduling, distancing, cleaning plan will be followed.
- Capacity will be limited to roughly 40 including the pool, pool deck, and building.
- Signed waiver required for each time block.
- Social distancing will be expected and enforced. Face coverings while not in the pool are strongly recommended.
- Pool toys strongly discouraged.
- Bring your own portable chair. All of Victor Gardens’ chairs, lounges, tables, and umbrellas will be removed to storage.

Pool Update - 6/15/20

Today, Victor Gardens' Master Board met with our Community Manager to discuss the new Minnesota Department of Health public pool opening requirements. We're in the process of evaluating and understanding the long list of state guidance. Compliance requires increased costs and protocols. We're still waiting for some vendor's cost estimates, which we expect to have soon. The Master Board plans to meet next Monday to review the information.

VG Home Vandalized

Over the past several months, someone has repeatedly defaced the interior of a new single-family home under construction in our neighborhood. It's happened at least four times. Inside the home, they've left dumpster debris and extensive damage. They've scrawled disturbing graffiti and symbols, sending terrible messages to owners building their dream home. This activity has no place in our neighborhood or any other. The Washington County Sherrif's office is investigating. 

No-one should enter any home under construction that does not belong there, including young people or adults. No-one should be digging through or playing around construction dumpsters. 

Victor Gardens is a welcoming neighborhood. We love, respect, and look out for each other. We encourage the success of the small business owners and contractors who build homes here. 

As good neighbors, we ask for your help to protect our neighborhood from this unacceptable behavior. Be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, please call 911 immediately.

Pool Update - 6/8/20

The Victor Gardens Master Board is in the process of gathering updated information and will meet again on Monday, June 15 to discuss. There are a number of factors that will be part of the decision including recent State of Minnesota guidance, vendor information, monitoring and limiting the number of occupants, updated cleaning schedules, etc. 

Food Drive Today

The Hugo Boy Scout Troop 151 is holding a FOOD DRIVE TODAY, Saturday, June 6th from 9 am - 3 pm.

No-contact drive-through DROP OFF on June 6th at the St. John's the Baptist Church parking lot, 14363 Forest Blvd N in Hugo.

We are collecting monetary donations and non-perishable food items. All money donated will be used to purchase food for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf!

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD. We want to FILL THE FOOD SHELVES to help our neighbors! Support the efforts of your local Boy Scouts Troop! Thank you in advance!

https://www.facebook.com/events/3020431358032546/

Grad Parade today at 6:30pm

Today the White Bear Lake 2020 seniors are graduating!

At 6:30 PM there will be a parade of Victor Gardens graduating seniors will be parading through the neighborhood. Please feel free to wave and congratulate them on your porches or sidewalks as they pass by.

The parade will end at the park pavilion in the front of the neighborhood. Anyone who would like to wish these students well from a socially acceptable distance is welcome to stop by!

Keep Out of the Pool

Victor Gardens pool's winter cover has been removed to perform maintenance and repairs.  Although our pool appears inviting, the water is unheated and contains strong chemicals.  Nobody should be swimming in it. 

There have already been reports of groups of middle school and high school age kids attempting to climb the pool's fence.  Please talk to your children about the importance of keeping out of the pool and staying safe.

The pool remains closed until further notice.  For the safety of all and protection of association property, Semper Fi Security has been hired again this summer to monitor the area.  Last winter, video recording technology was updated. 

Any unauthorized person entering the pool area will be considered as trespassers and will be referred to the Washington County Sheriff. Homeowners in violation of the pool rules risk losing pool privileges when the Board makes the decision to re-open.

Leave No Trace

Parents, please have a chat with your teenage kids. We should all leave our parks cleaner than we find them. Leave no trace! 

Last weekend I received a note from one of our neighbors living near Arbre Park. "Thought I’d send you a note regarding the basketball court. We’ve noticed large groups of teens leaving plastic bottles and other trash behind. You can see the bottles and McDonald’s bag complete with leftover French fries in the picture below. We’re not sure if it’s people from the neighborhood or not, but would it be possible to post something to Victor Garden News asking people to make sure they keep our parks clean?"

Pool Closed Until Further Notice

Dear Victor Gardens residents,

Victor Gardens' neighborhood community center and pool will be CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE in order to reduce the opportunity for exposure of the coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure.

With the rapidly evolving situation, Victor Gardens Community Association's Board of Directors is continuing to monitor developments along with the guidance of Minnesota's public health authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Board will reconvene June 15 to review any updated information. 

It's been difficult to watch the things we care about - community, gathering, and shared recreational experiences - be restricted or canceled, although we know that is the right and necessary thing to do. Please continue to practice social distancing and safe personal hygiene habits to help keep our community healthy and safe!