Progress on Tennis Court Windscreen Repair

Work has begun to reattach the windscreen on the Tennis Courts.  John Roerich completed reattaching the South side of the screen.  Other members of the Grounds Committee’s tennis court group will be continue the work in the days ahead.  Thanks!

Common Area & Parks Sprinklers

The following is a status report from Early Bird, our Association’s sprinkler contractor regarding the sprinklers in V.G.’s Common Areas.  It was told to Gina Higgins today June 27.  She forwarded the info to me:

1. •Jardin Fountain sprinklers:  On & working - also turned up the times to run more frequently
   

2. •Poet's Green sprinklers: On & working - also turned up the times to run more frequently
   

3. •Cossette Way mail kiosk sprinklers:  Not working properly - Contractor will check into a timer problem
   

4. •Clearwater Creek bridge & Victor Hugo Blvd. sprinklers:  no report (I think these are working)
   

5. •Neighborhood Activity Center sprinklers:  Partially working - there are issues from the land office being moved.
   

6. •Victor Square sprinklers:  On & working 
   

The City of Hugo has assumed responsibility of maintaining and repairing the sprinkler systems in Arbre and Val Jean Parks.  City Staff has been working with another irrigation contractor, Northway Irrigation, to repair a few broken main lines and replace damaged sprinkler heads.  For the most part, City-run systems are working properly now.

Volunteers on the Grounds Committee will be assisting in monitoring both the City and our Common Area sprinkler systems.  They will map the sprinkler zones, report problems, and in some cases do minor repairs when necessary. 

New “Grounds Committee” Needs Volunteers

In the last few seasons, homeowners have noticed a decline in the condition of some of Victor Gardens parks and Common Areas. To begin correcting problems, homeowners suggested forming a neighborhood "Grounds Committee".   

The theory behind forming this committee was for residents to do a better job of monitoring and preserving Victor Gardens parks and common spaces.  Essentially - Neighbors wanted to take more responsibility for their surroundings.  

One of the problems we've seen is the time it takes to fix simple problems.  For example, a homeowner notices that a sprinkler head is not working, she waits for a few weeks to see if the mowing crew will fix it.  After waiting, she sends Mark an email, then it’s forwarded to Gina Higgins, then Gina writes a work order and speaks to the contractor, the contractor puts the sprinkler on his to do list, and schedules the repair for the next time he is in VG, etc, etc, .... You can see that this process is unnecessarily long - and it hasn't been working for us.

Some have asked if it’s a measure to save the VG Community Association money.  In part that’s correct - but not the overall goal.  The Committee will hopefully be able to save money by correctly diagnosing small problems when they arise, and work to quickly fix the issues before major damage occurs (like large patches of dead turf or burned-out fountain pumps).  The goal is to help preserve the beauty of the neighborhood.  Saving money is just another positive outcome.

I have asked for volunteers and have received a good response so far.  Some of the members responsibilities will be: mapping out the irrigation systems & reporting specific problems (such as a broken sprinkler heads in Zone 4), following up on repairs, and taking an more active role in minor maintenance jobs (like fountain clean-up, tennis court windscreen repairs, etc.).  The Committee will be broken up into small groups, with each having it's own area of interest.  For example, one group will fix the tennis court windscreen when needed, another will do routine clean-up in the Jardin Fountain, others small groups will monitor sprinkler systems in Val Jean Park, Arbre Park, and Poet's Green.  These are not the only interests of the Grounds Committee, but a great beginning nevertheless.

Of course, the Grounds Committee does not intend to take over the ultimate responsibility of these systems. Members will mainly supplement and monitor the work that the contractors and the City of Hugo already perform.  It will be made up of individuals who have some technical experience, mechanical ability, and those who can monitor sprinklers because they live adjacent to the Parks and Common Areas.

I'm happy that homeowners are taking the initiative and working towards a better Victor Gardens. I hope we all will support the goals of the Grounds Committee.  When the Committee groups are formed and working, I'm sure we'll all see positive progress.

As of today we have some volunteers for:

Poet’s Green

The Jardin Fountain Area

The Val Jean Tennis Courts

Val Jean Park

We still need volunteers for:

Victor Square

Main Entrance Areas

Neighborhood Activity Center & Pool

Arbre Park

Planning Fall & Spring neighborhood cleanup events.

Please email mark@victorgardensnews.org to volunteer for the Grounds Committee.

Garden Matter Still Unresolved

As many of you know, the Garden area near where the Land Office used to sit is the source of some controversy.  Some of the issues relate to the responsibility of irrigation, plantings, and budget.  Charles Kirk, who represents Victor Gardens Townhomes residents, CPDC, the developers, and I need to work together to solve these problems.

Despite the great efforts of Victor Gardens Garden Committee, the current state of the Garden is a disappointment to many of us.  Whether we live in the townhomes or the single-family homes, we must work together to settle the issues.  Until that time, unfortunately, major improvements to the Garden will be delayed.

Mark

USA Karate to Open in August

Thanks to Phil Stein for forwarding info about one of Victor Gardens future retail businesses:

“...We will be opening our Hugo location sometime in August 2007. 

We offer a free 15 minute introductory class to all new students (by appointment only).  This introductory class allows you to try out some karate moves, see our school, and meet some of our instructors. 

If you enjoy your free introductory class, we have another trial opportunity called our one month special.  The one month special is $29.95, includes a karate uniform, and allows you to attend class twice a week for four weeks. 

If you would like us to contact you to schedule a free introductory class closer to opening, please contact us.  Also, if you would like more information please call us at (651) 998-0960.

Thank You,
Lisa Pruden
Director of Operations
USA Karate
Office: (651) 998-0960
Cell:     (651) 248-1502
Fax;     (651) 998-0961
Email:  usakaratewoodbury@yahoo.com<mailto:usakaratewoodbury@yahoo.com>
Website:  www.usa-karate.net <http://www.usa-karate.net>”

Maintenance Update: Irrigation & Drinking Fountain

According to Chris Petree, Hugo’s Director of Public Works, the sprinkler watering systems in Arbre Park and Val Jean Park were started yesterday.  The drinking fountain in Val Jean Park was also started yesterday.  In the future, the watering for Val Jean and Arbre Parks will be the responsibility of the City. 

For your reference, a list of Parks responsibilities can be viewed by clicking here. 

From what I’ve heard from neighbors, the common areas sprinklers have also been turned on.  I will speak with Gina Higgins for confirmation.

More Work Done by Shelly Tompkins of CPDC

I received an email from Shelly Tompkins, Vice President of CPDC recently.  She’s been working on many projects in Victor Gardens.  Here’s a few excerpts from her message:

I spent most of the day Saturday doing clean-up around the neighborhood.  Here are things still outstanding:

•I brought it to the site, but my tractor can not mow the empty lots.  Most of the lots are too rugged/uneven for that type of equipment and requires a larger equipment approach or weed whipping.   I can't personally do either one, so we have to find an alternative.  As a courtesy, Early Bird did the remaining "alley lots", but not the remaining empty lots in the neighborhood.  Unfortunately, I don't have enough arm or back muscle to weed whip them...it would take me about 20 hrs!   I did get the village green in the East Phase (west of the creek) whipped, however.  With limited funding, I'm doing some research on how to accomplish the remaining...

•I left the site with the intention of bringing the rusted barrels with me, but then forgot them.  I have them on my "to-do" list and will get them out of there this week. 

•The entry median fountain was not entirely resolved.  I paved the edge of the curb, repositioned the urn, planted a minimum amount to test the success due to lack of water and mulched the remainder.  I tried to plastic cover the cement area with the intention of covering it with mulch for a temporary fix.  The rain weighted the plastic down and mulch would make it even worse.  I'm going to have to come up with an alternative temporary fix.  I have contacted a couple of nursery garden friends for advice and am waiting to hear back from them. 

•The two temporary entry structures were too heavy for me to move to the garden.  I will need more muscle help for that one.  I'll be working in it this week.

•The retail owner took our single family/townhome signs down at the entrance and put up those two "lovely" RETAIL SALE signs.  I layed the signs down on the mulch behind the fence on the west side and will decide what to do with them. 

•I moved the sign from the garden to north of the bridge, but just layed it down.  I'll be installing it there this week. 

The other items on my check list were complete....

Opinions Needed About Tennis Court Windscreen

The green fabric windscreen attached to the tennis court fencing has broken loose again.  Neighborhood opinions are needed regarding this subject.

CPDC Corrects Signs

Jack Broughton and Dave Hempel of CPDC have been working to correct or remove outdated marketing signs referencing the former Land Office. 

CPDC Works to Beautify Victor Gardens

Thank you to Shelly Tompkins and CPDC who have bypassed construction obstacles and worked to beautify Victor Gardens.  While retail construction continues near the main entrance, irrigation and fountain water source reconnection is impractical.  CPDC has cleaned up the mess at our neighborhood’s main entrance, begun to plant flowers, and is working to temporarily fill the fountain with wood mulch chips until a more permanent solution is practical.  After retail construction projects are completed the Community Association will be able to a make permanent changes to the area.

CPDC Shares Plans for New Parks

Shelly Tompkins of CPDC has asked me to share with homeowners concept drawings of two new small parks, or “greens” in Victor Gardens.  These new parks will be built in the Victor Gardens 6th Addition on the East side of Clearwater Creek.  Click on the “Maps” link to view the location of these new parks.  To view the full-size PDF documents click on the links below.

Provence Way Green concept drawing -  click here for full-size pdf drawing

Flora Way Green concept drawing -  click here for full-size pdf drawing

Fountain Working Again - Please Keep Children Out

Thanks to Michael Hage who cleaned out, disinfected and restarted the Jardin Fountain again.

Neighbors are asked to keep children from playing in and near the fountain as it contains chemicals and unfiltered water.  Also, in the past, some inadvertent damage has been done to the fountain, surrounding stonework and plantings by playing children.  

Thanks again Mike for pitching in to maintain the fountain!

Follow-Up : CPDC’s list of Questions

Residents of Victor Gardens asked the following list of questions.  In the past there has been some confusion and/or miscommunication regarding some of the items. 

Shelly Tompkins, Vice President/Broker of CPDC, has the authority to answer the questions and has taken responsibility to follow through on CPDC’s responses.  In consultation with employees of CPDC, Mrs. Tompkins clarified the developer’s position and answered questions at a June 1 meeting with neighborhood representatives.

CPDC follow-up list as of May 23, 2007:
Based upon meeting notes and some follow-up clarification with Mrs. Tompkins, Mark's impressions of CPDC's responses are in blue.

1.)  Unsold lot appearance – tall grass & weeds
The unsold lots were never intended to be mowed on a frequent schedule like public parks or common areas.  Until the lots are sold and developed, CPDC commits to limit the growth to an approximate knee high level, and will first mow the week of June 11th and as needed the remainder of the season.

2.)  Signs: Remove or change remaining incorrect signs with references to the “Land Office” 
The incorrect signs will be corrected and/or repainted within the week of June 11th.

3.)  Signs: Replace missing lot identification signs
At this time, the developer’s marketing budget does not allow for replacing missing signs.

4.)  Existing fenced garden: Finish off the fencing in the garden to a logical stopping point.  
CPDC has donated the land that contains the “garden” to Victor Gardens Community Association (the master association).  The garden is now a “common area”.  CPDC will also donate some of the remaining metal fencing to the VG Community Association.  Since CPDC no longer owns the “garden”, it will be the responsibility of the VG Community Association to use the donated fencing as it wishes in the garden, and make changes to the fence at its expense.  Irrigation, or other improvements to the new common area will also be the responsibility of the VG Community Association. CPDC will assist by recommending ways to connect electrical power and a permanent water supply to the garden. The HOA received a quote from Early Bird to extend irrigation to the garden and it was about $1500. The HOA will have to determine if this price is acceptable or if there are alternative options.  Please see attached site plan to view the boundaries of the garden. Click here for site plan download

5.)  Garden expansion: Receive permission to temporarily expand garden to the East of existing garden.

The garden will not be expanded.  The area to the west and outside of the garden will remain clear until it is redeveloped in the future. It was reseeded June 1st.

6.)  Save fencing & monuments: Preserve & store wrought-iron style fencing and decorative monuments (land office & main entrance).
The metal fencing and small wooden monuments from main entrance will be left in the garden location and donated to the VG Community Association.  If the Community Association sees no useful purpose of the additional fencing, CPDC will remove them from the site.  Everyone must be aware that future development will impact improvements to the garden by bringing utilities to the townhome lots.  This can not be prevented and CPDC will be responsible for final grade on all impacted locations but not replacement.

7.)  Remove silt fence & barbed wire fencing: Remove fencing, mostly near walking trails and roadways need to be removed.   
Barbed wire fencing will be removed in selected locations, especially along nearby trails.  Not all fencing will be removed.  Dave Hempel &/or the City will determine which areas can have silt fence removal.

8.)  Remove debris: Remove barrels from the Northern side of the lake, East of the Community Center.  
Due to the nature of the debris, it must be removed and disposed of on a specific schedule.  It will be completed the week of June 11th.

9.) Displaced trees near main entrance: Ask new property owners to save & move shrubs and trees near main entrance to new locations if possible.
CPDC does not own the retail areas.  CPDC has contacted the owners of the retail properties, and has requested that remaining trees be saved and replanted elsewhere.

10.)  “Welcome to Hugo” monument sign: Complete electrical and landscaping work around the monument sign. 
CPDC has an agreement with the City of Hugo regarding all improvements to the monument sign.  Until the lights are delivered and Xcel provides electrical service, the light wires will be taped to the top surface so they are not obviously complete.

11.)  Trusses left by Nottinghome Builders: Please speak to Nottinghome Builders and/or the truss company to remove these items.
Nottinghome Builders has called the truss company and asked to remove the trusses.  Nottinghome Builders must be contacted if the remaining materials are not removed by mid July to make a second removal request from the truss company.

12.)  Victorgardens.com website: Is there any timeline for updating the victorgardens.com website?  
The marketing budget allows for the updating of the victorgardens.com website.  Changes will be made, and the updated site will be posted by mid July.

13. Intranet: Is there any timeline for updating the Victor Gardens Community Intranet?   

CPDC voluntarily turned over control of the Community Intranet site to VG Community Association.  Neighborhood input is sought to determine the future of this site. Based upon that input, it may be determined that the site should be updated, changed, or discontinued.

ALSO:  The fountain at VG’s main entrance has been disconnected because of nearby retail construction.  The fountain may be reconnected at a future time after retail construction is complete.  As a temporary measure, the fountain will be capped with plastic and topped with mulch to clean up its appearance, and provide an easy clean-out process in the future. The area in front of the main entrance fountain will be renovated.  The existing pile of paving stones will be re-used as edging stones around a new planting bed in the median. Any remaining pavers will be given to the VG Community Association for re-use in the garden. Since there is no water supply currently connected to the median area (because of nearby construction) the new bed will be planted with hardy – and drought resistant flowering plants.  Renovations will be completed by the week of June 11th.

ALSO:  CPDC has committed to freshen the wood mulch by raking under the Arbre Park's bleachers and tot lot area.  The mulch improvements will be by the City in 2008.

Maintenance Update - Pool Heater, Fireplace and Gate Repairs

This following message was received by Gina Higgins this morning, Tuesday, June 12.

“Good morning,

I wanted to inform you all that the pool heater was repaired last night - the problem was a fuse. The temperature has been set at 84 degrees and is working just fine now.

The pool gate/lock will be repaired today. I also have put in a work order to have the fireplace looked at - it was brought to our attention that it was not working; possibly the pilot needs to be re-lit.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Gina Higgins, CMCA 
Community Manager 
Community Development Inc. 
7100 Madison Avenue West 
Golden Valley, MN  55427 
Direct ~ 763-225-6438 
Fax ~ 763-225-6439 
E-mail ~ ghiggins@developcommunity.com  ”