Beaver Damage

Damage on a very large tree

Beavers have been taking down a number of trees (large and small) east of the bridge connecting the Creekside Village Assn. with the Single Family Village Assn..  This was reported to the Master Board about a week ago. Community Manager, Kari Miller called the DNR, and Board Members are looking into other potential remedies.

Since the initial report, a tree service has cut back a number of dangerously weak trees and limbs that the beavers started on. They've cleared out a large area along the creekside trail east of the bridge.

Here's an excerpt of the original report last week:  "They have built two dams in the creek behind the houses on Val Jean Blvd, but even more concerning is that they have begun to eat through almost every single large tree from the tree line that separates our houses from the Pratt houses across the creek.  They eat fast also - I fear that in a few weeks, these trees will be detroyed.  If you havn't seen it yet, you and you family should take a walk on the path behind our house and see the trees.

We called the MN DNR, but have not heard back.  [Name removed] and I feel that these beavers should be trapped and removed due to the potential damage they can cause to the trees, etc.  I'm not sure if this is even an "association" issue or not, but I thought I'd let you know and see what you think. "

Maintenance Update: Outdoor Fireplace at Victor Gardens' Pool

Kari Miller, our Community Manager reported that the outdoor fireplace near at the pool has been cleaned up and repaired.  

Also, Kari contacted City Hall regarding the cleaning up of the City's asphalt trails around the neighborhood.  The Board is also considering signage and dog waste bag stations in the area.  Please remember to clean up after your pets.

Maintenance Update - Fountains

A few problems with neighborhood fountains were reported this week to Community Manager Kari Miller.  Dulcet Fountains cleaned out the Jardin fountain last week, but as of this afternoon, it wasn't operating.  As always, if you see that something isn't working- please contact our Community Manager.

The Master Board is considering replacement options for the currently broken Poet's Green Fountain.  Dulect Fountains investigated last week and found that this site has a working electrical connection and available water source.  (We weren't sure) 

Michael Warner has volunteered to help me find a few replacement options for the Master Board to consider. 

Fountain Maintenance this Week

Dulcet Fountains will be working on the Jardin Fountain this week.  They're expected to clean it out, power wash and add chemical treatment. Going forward, this fountain is now on a regular maintenance schedule.  Please contact Kari Miller with any concerns or questions.  

Dulcet is also planning to check out the non-working Poet's Green fountain to determine whether or not electrical and water service is still working there. The Master Board will consider options for its repair/replacement in the next few weeks.

New Pool Furniture Ordered

At it's meeting last night, the Master Board approved the purchase of new furniture for our pool deck.  The old wooden furniture will be replaced with:

• 25 new chaise lounges - color 'Sonora'
• 16 dining chairs 
• 4 dining tables (42inches wide) 
• 4 umbrellas (8 feet wide) plus heavy umbrella bases

actual color may vary

Pool Heater Trying to Keep Up

According to Kari Miller.... "the pool heater is working properly but with the cold temperatures at night the heater is not able to keep the pool at a desirable temperatures. "

Hopefully it'll warm up soon.

Fountainaire to Maintain Jardin and Poet's Green's Fountains

In the past homeowners have worked to keep the Jardin and Poet's Green fountains and nearby landscaping looking good and operating well throughout the summer. On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank those of you who adopted these fountains and surrounding planting beds over the last few years.  You've spent your own money and time keeping them up for  everyone's enjoyment.

Our Community Manager, Kari Miller has contacted one of the Association's existing vendors, Fountainaire Inc. to take over fountain maintenance.  They are currently responsible for maintaining the two large fountains in the Victor Square pond. Fountainaire is going to expand their services to include maintaining the Jardin and Poet's Green fountains this season.  Fountainaire will also be working to replace broken parts in the Poets' Green fountain.

If you notice any problems with the fountains please contact Kari Miller: kmiller@developcommunity.com

Snow Removal Update

Victor Gardens Master Association's Community Manager, Kari Miller, has been in close contact with Goetz Landscape regarding snow removal in Victor Gardens.  Goetz employees have been working long hours trying to keep up with the record snowfall and drifting we had last weekend.

There are a few things residents should be aware of:

1. Vital areas are cleared first.
1. Master Association streets & alleyways.
2. Fire hydrants
3. Postal stations
4. Sidewalks
5. Neighborhood Activity Center parking lot
6. Other areas
2. The Master Association does not remove snow on:
1. Individual driveways and driveway aprons
2. Homeowners’ steps
3. Sidewalks from front door to public sidewalk.
3. Some condo/townhome sub-associations may have additionally contracted others to clear steps and other secondary areas.  (Check with your sub-association’s board for more details).
4. The City's plow trucks undid a lot of the work that Goetz had previously completed. After Goetz had cleared sidewalks, the City's plow pushed back snow "birms" further from the street and into cleared sidewalk areas.  Goetz is currently working again to clear those sidewalks.
5. Residents calling the Sheriff with complaints about snow blower/plow noise delay the work being completed.

New Activity Center Meeting Room Tables

The old, worn out tables have been replaced with two new 30"x72" plastic tables.

Big Changes Ahead- Landscaping, Common Areas & Park Improvements

The Master Board of Directors discussed a major effort to improve landscape and maintenance in Victor Gardens common areas and parks last night. The Board is working with Goetz Landscape and Landscape Committee volunteer Tony Schwab to identify areas with greatest need, and to follow-up on the major landscape upgrades begun last year. The Board discussed all common and park areas within the neighborhood and identified a few priorities. Victor Square will likely receive greater attention this year including new coordinated planting areas on each of the Square's corners. Progress has already been made. The former land-office site's (currently owned by Alliance Bank) fencing has been removed. The fencing had been falling down for years, and had become an attention-getting eyesore. At some point in the next few years, residents can expect that property to be developed. The boulevard along Victor Hugo Blvd. will also receive attention this year. Cottonwoods and willow saplings will be cut back to provide better views of the pond, low spots will be leveled with black dirt, and grass will be re-seeded. Neighborhood-wide, irrigation systems will continue to be improved, some components will be replaced- including adding new rain sensors. Work is also expected at the Jardin fountain, the south entrance, postal stations, Grantaire Green, the clock tower near Rosemary Way, Flora Green, Provence Green, the elevated berm behind homes along Garden Way 's carriage way, entrances near the Lake Area Bank , and the raised planters on the Victor Hugo Blvd. bridge across Clearwater Creek. A new "Victor Gardens" monument sign has also been proposed to be built possibly near the main entrance at Victor Hugo Blvd. and Frenchman Road. The Board is also discussing the possibility of partnering with the City of Hugo to improve the condition of the turfgrass within Val Jean, Arbre, and Victor Square Parks (all three of which are owned by the City of Hugo). The Board also is hopeful for a future, productive meeting with the City to address sinking retaining wall stones at Victor Square, near the pond.

Snow Removal Update

After noticing damage caused by sidewalk snowplowing, a few residents contacted Community Manager, Casey Groff. One of the residents included me in his correspondence and wrote, "[Contractors] are continuing to use a plow that is significantly wider than our sidewalks (by 1-2 feet it appears), and the result is significant grass damage and shrub damage (see attached photos) and potentially sprinkler head damage. I took pictures of my property as well as my two neighbors to the west. Also, I believe [another resident] spoke with you last week regarding damage to a larger tree limb on his boulevard..."

Casey confirmed the damage afterwards during a site inspection. She included me in her email response, "Thank you for your email and photos. I was out on site yesterday and met with Dan with Goetz to look at and discuss the damage throughout the property and the plan for replacement of sod in early spring. I am confident that Dan and the Principal of Goetz (who later arrived on site) understand their responsibility for repairing damage caused by them, per the Contract between Goetz and the Association. Community Development will hold the last payment until all of the damaged turf is replaced. Payment will not be released until an inspection by me (and the Board if it wants to be present) is performed."

She reported yesterday, February 1st, that Goetz "... did agree that the sidewalks are being plowed too wide. They are purchasing smaller width brackets with narrower tires and rims for the bobcats."

Snow Removal Update

Victor Gardens Community (Master) Association Board of Directors and management company, Community Development Inc. is aware of recent snow removal problems. The Master Association is responsible for snow removal within common areas and areas including Victor Gardens Single Family Village. Julie Bixby and I contacted Casey about these problems a few days ago. Presumably Casey Groff, our Community Manager with Community Development Inc., also received reports from homeowners in the last few days. Although her office was closed for a holiday break , Casey spoke with Goetz Landscape by phone. Julie Bixby and I also received emails, phone calls, and a few comments were posted on the website.

Since I hadn't heard any updates, I phoned my contact at Goetz this afternoon. The following was the latest info from Goetz (as of today 12/28/09): Snow removal started in some areas after the storm stopped, but crews ran into heavier than expected snow. When the City plow came through the snow on the streets ended up on the sidewalks and froze solid. 4-wheelers fitted with blade-plows was not enough to move the snow. A bobcat was then used, but other problems arose. Subsequent freezing worsened more difficult removal conditions. Crews were able to dig out around mailboxes and other high-priority areas. At this point, Goetz needs suplemental rental equipment to continue the work (a blower attachment fitted to a bobcat). One is expected to be available to Goetz starting around noon on Tuesday, December 28. This equipment will be used, and is expected to handle the snow without difficulty.

The Board and our management company are aware of the problems. Hopefully the situation will be corrected within the next few days. The Board and our Community Manager will likely discuss the contractor's performance in the upcoming days in the context of our contract. When more information is available I will post it on our resident website http://www.victorgardensnews.org

Snow Removal 2009-2010

It is that time of year again to begin thinking about snow. As you know, your Master Association assessments provide for snow removal services. The Board of Directors has put together this memo so Homeowners will have a clear understanding of the level of service that can be expected this year.

The Board has selected Goetz Lawn as the snow removal contractor for this year’s snow removal season. They were selected because the Board believes they will deliver superior customer service at a reasonable price.

Snow Removal Guidelines
Snow will be removed from the following locations:
• Sidewalks
• Activity Center
• Bus Stops
• Alleys
• Mailboxes (to the satisfaction of the Post Master)
• Fire Hydrants (within 24 hours)
• City Sidewalks (within 24 hours)

Snow Fall Parameters 
2”-4” – All snowfalls of 2” or more will be plowed. Snow removal will begin when substantial accumulation has ceased.

4”-9” – Single storms that are forecasted to produce accumulations of 4”-9” inches will be plowed. Trucks will be dispatched when accumulation reaches 3.5”-4.0” at the job site. A final plowing will be performed when substantial accumulation has ceased.

The Association, working with the Contractor, reserves the right to push/pile the snow anywhere on the common areas where it is most cost effective for the Association. This may mean that areas adjacent to individual units and/or yards may be used for the storage of plowed snow.

Accumulation Clause 
In the event of multiple snowfalls of less than 2”, which in turn accumulate to more than 2”over a period of time, snow removal will commence. Accumulated snowfall of more than 2”requires plowing. Accumulated snow as a result of wind is part of the snow removal contract and is plowed.

Dispatch and Service Times
The Association must recognize this is subject to the rate of snowfall and the time any given snow fall begins. Upon completion of the snow our contract requires that all snow removal operations be completed within twelve hours.

Emergency Contacts 
If a questions or concerns arise regarding snow removal please contact the Associations Community Manager, Casey Groff, at 763-225-6498 or via email at cgroff@developcommunity.com.

Homeowner feedback is essential to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Your comments and feedback are much appreciated.

Goetz Landscape Contracted for Snow Removal

The master Board has agreed to hire Goetz Landscape of Centerville for snow removal this winter. The contract includes Victor Gardens sidewalks, postal stations, and bus stops.

Landscaping Concerns & Grounds Maintenance Update

Many residents have expressed concerns about the condition of many of the planting areas in and around our Association-owned common areas and City-owned Parks. Last year, through the efforts of residents volunteers and the Landscape Committee, the group maintained as much as they could without any budget. In many cases, residents generously paid for improvements with their own money.

This year a limited landscaping budget was restored. The Master Board prioritized high-visibility areas that needed the most attention, and hired Goetz Landscape of Centerville to renovate and improve a few key areas. A large amount of the effort and the budget went to repairing numerous broken irrigation systems throughout Victor Gardens, re-purposing the old main entrance fountain, and installing perennial and annual planting beds at Victor Gardens entrances North and South of Frenchman Road, along Everton Avenue near Lake Area Bank, and renovation of landscaping around the Neighborhood Activity Center and Pool.

Many resident and Board Members realize there's more work to left to do. The Master Board is working towards a few important coordinated solutions.

1. The Board approved a bid to remove the weeds around the Victor Square fountain pond this season.

2. The Board will re-form a Landscape/Grounds/Garden Committee made up of resident volunteers.

3. With the help of a new Landscape Committee the Board will maintain, through volunteer and contract help, the areas that were most recently renovated and re-visit the other areas including the planters on the Victor Hugo Blvd. bridge, the Victor Square fountain pond beds, Victor Square planters, secondary entrances, Provence Way Green, Flora Way Green, and Jardin Fountain mini-parks, Postal Stations, Poet's Green, Val Jean Park, Arbre Parks, etc.

4. Mark Vlker and the City of Hugo's Public Works Director, Scott Anderson, will meet in the next few days to discuss the shared maintenance responsibilities of Victor Gardens Parks. A few years ago, the former developer , CPDC met with City officials at a meeting in which some of the responsibilities are clearly spelled out. (View the complete list, and Parks turnover meeting notes at this link). The two will also discuss, among other things, replacement and maintenance of Trees throughout Victor Gardens Parks including Victor Square Park, Val Jean Park, and Arbre Park.

I'd like to take this opportunity to ask concerned residents to review the responsibilities list, and post comments of other areas that might be missing from the list or might need extra attention of the Board and the future Landscape Committee. As always, your constructive comments are welcome. Please take a moment to let us know what we could be doing better.

Thanks, Mark

Pool Heater Working Again

A new, more reliable heating system has been installed in the Victor Gardens pool. The water's warm again! Enjoy!

Pool Reopens - Was Temporarily Closed Due to Vandals

Our Community Manager, the Board, and Pool Committee are investigating a case of vandalism at the Pool.  Saturday night after the facilities were closed, a few young individuals dumped a large garbage can and its contents into the pool.  The pool service company was contacted, the pool was closed, and was cleaned out and chemically treated. 

Please remember: Whenever the pool is closed - It's likely closed for good reason- superchlorination. Please use common sense and stay away from harmful chemicals in the pool. Don't swim when the sign says "Closed".

Maintenance Update: Pool Heater

As many swimmers have realized, the pool's been cooler than normal lately.  The pool's heater is worn out.  Members of the Master Board met today with our pool contractor and approved the replacement of the heating unit.  The new heater will be more energy efficient and has a longer life expectancy than the old model.

The new unit should be installed soon.  I'll update this site when the repairs and the new unit installation is completed.

Goetz to Maintain Association Landscaping

Victor Gardens Community Association (the Master Association) has hired Goetz Landscape of Centerville to maintain the Master Association's lawns and landscaping for the upcoming season.  The Master Board held a walk through meeting with Goetz  (a highly regarded locally-owned company) to estimate costs for high-priority areas that need extra attention this year. These include removal of the non-working fountain at Frenchman Road, new annual and perennial plantings at the Main Entrances North and South of Frenchman Road, refreshing mulch neighborhood wide, replacement of some of the dead trees, pruning, etc.  The Association is in much better financial shape this year,  but the Board will still need to prioritize the projects that Goetz will be hired for.  Some less-prominent projects may be differed.

The Board is also considering locations to erect a permanent "Victor Gardens" monument sign near the Main Entrance or the northern corner of Victor Square.

As was the case last year, The City of Hugo is responsible for maintenance of the City-owned parks such as Victor Square, Arbre Park, and ValJean Park.

Spring Walk-Through Planned Next Week

The Victor Gardens Community Association's (Master) Board and Casey Groff, our Community Manager will be doing a "walk-through" of the neighborhood.  A few items the Board will look into will be the replacement of some dead trees, updating pool security, reviewing plans for renovating the main entrance areas North and South of Frenchman Road, etc.

If there are areas that you may want to Board to investigate, please leave a comment here or contact Casey Groff.  The Board may then add those to the list of issues to discuss.