New Pool Furniture Arrived

New furniture arrived at the pool today. Enjoy!

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

Security Vehicles in Victor Gardens

Semper Fi Security

A number of residents have asked questions about a new security service in the neighborhood. Semper Fi Security has been contracted to keep an eye on the Victor Gardens Pool and Neighborhood Activity Center.  They will secure the pool and building nightly at 9:00pm.  Semper Fi also may be seen driving in and around our neighborhood.

Ron Eddings, CEO of Semper Fi Security reports that they are also contracted in Hugo's Water's Edge neighborhood.  Their duties there included patrolling the area, looking for anything suspicious, look for maintenance problems (broken sprinklers, lights, etc.) throughout the neighborhood. 

Opening the Pool /Activity Center Doors for Others

Victor Gardens pool key fob entry system is in use.  Residents should be aware of a few important points:

• A computer system logs your unique fob's serial number in each time the door is opened by your key fob. 
• Cameras record those who enter the doorway, pool and activity center.
• Use your key fob to open the door for your family and guests only.
• Do not open the door to strangers or others who've "forgotten their key at home". 

Don't risk losing your pool privileges.  Please use your key fob carefully.

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.

Pool Opens Today!

It's time to enjoy your pool! 

Do have a little bit of fun... why not try a little synchronized swimming?
Do use your key fob to access the pool throught the Neighborhood Activity Center.  

Don't open the doors for non-residents, or hold the gate open for people you don't know.  
Don't fall for the old line, "I left my key at my house...can you let me in?"

Remember a few basic rules for everyone's safety and fun...

1. THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

2. The swimming pool and water park are for the exclusive use of the members of Victor Gardens Community Association and their guests. The maximum number of guests per household is four.

3. The Victor Gardens Community Association, its officers, directors and agents assume no responsibility for injuries.

4. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

5. People who cannot swim must wear lifejackets while in the pool.

6. Diving, running, wrestling, horseplay and throwing objects are absolutely prohibited.

7. Showers are required before entering the pool.

8. Persons who have infections or communicable diseases must not enter the pool.

9. Infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.

10. Smoking is not allowed in or around the pool area along with the Activity Center.

11. No Food or Glass bottles are allowed in the pool area.

12. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the pool area.

13.* Drunkenness is not allowed and any intoxicated individuals will be asked to leave the pool area.

14.* In order to keep the pool area pleasant for everyone, radios, tape players, CD players and other audio devices must be played only with earphones. Loudspeakers are prohibited.

15. Pets are not allowed in the pool area.

16. Pool hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. (during pool season)

17.* All pool toys must be removed from the pool each night, toys left in the pool will damage the pool’s mechanical system. (No Inflatable flotation devices are allowed in the pool except water wings, life jackets or infant/small children flotation seats.)

18.* All access to the pool area must be through the Activity Center. The gate is to be used for emergency purposes only.

19. Spitting, spouting water from the mouth, and blowing noses in the pool are prohibited.

20. The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke anyone’s pool privileges for not following these pool rules.

21. The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors may amend these pool rules at any time, without notice. You can contact Community Development for the most current and up-to-date rules.

* Indicates a new rule or significant change to previous rules.

These rules were adopted by the Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors July 21, 2010

Pool Opens Next Friday

Get ready to swim!

Victor Gardens' Pool is scheduled to open Friday May 27 at 10:00am. Don't forget your electronic key fob.  It's now the only way residents can access the pool. 

Other than the obvious safety rules, sometimes overlooked rules should be highlighted:

1. No Glass! Please leave your bottles at home. If broken glass is discovered in the pool area, the entire pool may need to be drained, cleaned, and refilled.

2. Swim Diapers! This should be self explanatory. Pool contamination requires closing, draining, cleaning, and re-filling. It’s a process that’s expensive for the Association, and closes the pool for many days. It’s also completely avoidable. Please put swim diapers on kids that need them.

Also: Don’t feel like a summer “Grinch” when someone you don’t know tells you the old line, “I forgot my pool key at home. Please open the door for me?” In addition to overcrowding, allowing non-residents into Victor Gardens’ pool unfortunately presents a legal liability issue for all homeowners in the Victor Gardens Association

Note: Key fobs have been deactivated for owners who are 30 days or more late on dues payments.  Make sure you're caught up on your dues to enjoy the pool!

Questions about the pool can be directed to Kari Miller, Victor Gardens' Community Manager. (contacts page)

Late on Dues? Prepare for Pool Restrictions

Victor Gardens' management company, Community Development Inc. is moving forward with a Board-approved plan to restrict delinquent homeowners from Victor Gardens Pool & Neighborhood Activity Center.  

Kari Miller reports that "The pool opens next Friday and homeowners will not have access to the pool if they are over 30 days late."

This afternoon she was working on a Delinquent Report to ensure key fobs for this facility would be de-activated for all accounts past 30 days. 

Cracking Down on Delinquent Owners

At it's last meeting, Master Board members discussed with each other a common goal of clearing up delinquent dues accounts within their sub-associations.  At least a few of the sub-associations have expressed interest in revoking the pool and activity center privileges of delinquent homeowners.  The Master Board will take this up again in the future.

Pool Closed for the Season

The Victor Gardens Pool is closed for the season. The new electronic key fob system was a big success. It helped curb unauthorized access to the pool. Many residents reported less crowding as a result.

Thanks very much to the Pool Committee's volunteers. Look for the Pool's reopening next Memorial Day weekend 2011.

Key Transition Complete

The old pool gate entry's lock has been changed. Your metal keys will no longer work at the old entry gate. The pool is accessible only through the Neighborhood Activity Center building using your electronic key fob. Tomorrow, transition will be completed with the installation of new rules signs and an "Emergency Exit Only" sign on the old gate.

Pool Key Fobs are in the Mail

New pool key fobs are in the mail and should arrive to homeowners in the next week or so. The new security system is in place and has been tested by Board members and our Community Manager, Kari Miller. Along with the new electronic access system, the Board updated the Victor Gardens Community Association's Pool Rules. (Click here for new Pool Rules). Thanks should go to a few residents who made common sense suggestions. These were incorporated into the rules. A few new, changed, or sometimes overlooked rules include:

• All access to the pool area must be through the Activity Center. The gate is to be used for emergency purposes only.
• No Inflatable floatation devices are allowed in the pool except water wings, life jackets or infant/small children flotation seats.)
• Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.
• Radios, tape players, CD players and other audio devices must be played only with earphones. Loudspeakers are prohibited.
• Drunkenness is not allowed and any intoxicated individuals will be asked to leave the pool area.

It's important to remember that this is your pool. Please don't open the door or gate for individuals who've "forgotten" their key fob. This is usually the approach that non-residents try to access your pool. If you see someone climb over the fence, please report them to the Washington County Sheriff. Their non-emergency dispatch number is 651-439-9381.

Please don't turn a blind eye to unaccompanied minors under the age of 14, or the couple who's swimming with their dog, or a parent whose infant isn't wearing a swim-diaper. You may be also turning a blind eye to the very people that cost you and your fellow residents more than $3000.00 in unnecessary repairs and damage a few years ago. Money that could have been better spent beautifying your common areas, supporting neighborhood events or reducing your dues. The liability risk and paying for damage caused by so few is not the way any of us wants to see our money spent.

The Pool Committee, Jason Lanpher, Nikki Lanpher, and LaVonne Fitzgerald deserve our special thanks. Day after day, once the pool opened in May, they've closed up the Pool and Activity Center each night. They made sure the Association's property was protected and secure.

The following is a message to residents, from the Master Board:

Dear Victor Gardens Residents,

The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors is changing the method homeowners will use to access the swimming pool area. THE CURRENT KEY SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE KEY FOB ACCESS SYSTEM. KEY FOBS WILL BE MAILED TO HOMEOWNERS.

New hardware and software has been installed at your pool. The hardware is simply the mechanical means to control access to the pool. The software will allow the Association to manage the accessibility from an offsite location. Each Key Fob can be activated and deactivated utilizing the software. Community Development Inc will manage the software and activation and deactivation of Key Fobs under the advisement of the Board of Directors. Any resident’s Key Fob can be deactivated for a number of reasons, i.e. non payment of association dues, architectural violations and other association rule violations. Primary reasons for the change are as follows:

· The new system will allow tracking of pool access and protect the amenities of the pool and bath house. In addition to the Key Fob access control system, a closed circuit video camera has been installed to help in the event of a breach or damage to the pool area.

· Under the current system, the Association has no means to effectively deny pool access. With the Key Fob access system, the Association will have the ability de-activate the Key Fobs of anyone that is 60 days delinquent in association dues, anyone in violation of Architectural Guidelines and anyone in violation of the Association Documents or pool rules.

· By better controlling the pool access, this new system allows for the preservation of privacy and enjoyment of the pool to Victor Gardens Homeowners and their guests.

Only one Key Fob will be issued per home. A $40 charge will be applicable in the future for any new Key Fobs for maintenance and replacement costs.

Any questions regarding this change should be directed to your Community Manager, Kari Miller at 763-225-6424 or via e-mail at kmiller@developcommunity.com.

As Directed by the Board of Directors, Victor Gardens Community Association

Victor Gardens Pool Rules - 7/10

1. THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

2. The swimming pool and water park are for the exclusive use of the members of Victor Gardens Community Association and their guests. The maximum number of guests per household is four.

3. The Victor Gardens Community Association, its officers, directors and agents assume no responsibility for injuries.

4. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

5. People who cannot swim must wear lifejackets while in the pool.

6. Diving, running, wrestling, horseplay and throwing objects are absolutely prohibited.

7. Showers are required before entering the pool.

8. Persons who have infections or communicable diseases must not enter the pool.

9. Infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.

10. Smoking is not allowed in or around the pool area along with the Activity Center.

11. No Food or Glass bottles are allowed in the pool area.

12. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the pool area.

13.* Drunkenness is not allowed and any intoxicated individuals will be asked to leave the pool area.

14.* In order to keep the pool area pleasant for everyone, radios, tape players, CD players and other audio devices must be played only with earphones. Loudspeakers are prohibited.

15. Pets are not allowed in the pool area.

16. Pool hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. (during pool season)

17.* All pool toys must be removed from the pool each night, toys left in the pool will damage the pool’s mechanical system. (No Inflatable floatation devices are allowed in the pool except water wings, life jackets or infant/small children flotation seats.)

18.* All access to the pool area must be through the Activity Center. The gate is to be used for emergency purposes only.

19. Spitting, spouting water from the mouth, and blowing noses in the pool are prohibited.

20. The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke anyone’s pool privileges for not following these pool rules.

21. The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors may amend these pool rules at any time, without notice. You can contact Community Development for the most current and up-to-date rules.

* Indicates a new rule or significant change to previous rules.

These rules were adopted by the Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors July 21, 2010

New Pool Key Fob Access System Nearly Ready

The transition from the old key operated system to a new electronic system is nearly complete. New hardware equipment, security gear, and software are in place. A few details remain, but the new system should be ready soon.

Pool Heater Working Again

Enjoy!

Pool Heater Not Working Properly

Kari Miller, our Community Manager reported this afternoon that a new pool heater installed last year is not working properly. This is a temporary situation, and warranty repairs will be made as soon as possible. I will update the website when I hear the pool heater returns to good working order.

Summary of Annual Meeting Topic Discussion

A number of items were covered at last night's at the Master Association's Annual Meeting:

• Financial reports and management reports.
• Implementation of a new electronic key fob Pool access system is moving forward.
• Discussion of updating Pool rules.
• Presentation of concepts for new "Victor Gardens" Monument signs at the main entrance at Victor Hugo Blvd & Frenchman Road.
• Presentation of concepts for a completed "Grantaire Green".

Pool Open!

The Victor Gardens Pool is scheduled to open Friday May 28 at 10:00am. The new electronic key fob entry system is not yet in place, so you'll need to use your pool key to gain access for the time being.

Other than the obvious safety rules, sometimes overlooked rules should be highlighted:

1. No Glass! Please leave your bottles at home. If broken glass is discovered in the pool area, the entire pool may need to be drained, cleaned, and refilled.

2. Swim Diapers! This should be self explanatory. Pool contamination requires closing, draining, cleaning, and re-filling. It’s a process that’s expensive for the Association, and closes the pool for many days. It’s also completely avoidable. Please put swim diapers on kids that need them.

Also: Don’t feel like a summer “Grinch” when someone you don’t know tells you the old line, “I forgot my pool key at home. Please open the door for me?” In addition to overcrowding, allowing non-residents into Victor Gardens’ pool unfortunately presents a legal liability issue for all homeowners in the Victor Gardens Association

Click here for the complete set of rules for the Activity Center and Pool.

Questions about the pool can be directed to Kari Miller, Victor Gardens' Community Manager. (contacts page)

New Electronic Pool Access Control System

Dear Victor Gardens Homeowner:

The Victor Gardens Master Board of Directors is pleased to announce that an Access Control System will be installed this spring at the pool in Victor Gardens Community.

This upgrade to our pool will enable the Association to achieve improved security and safety for the residents of Victor Gardens.

With the installation of the Access Control System, the Master Association Board of Directors hopes to eliminate after-hours swimming and vandalism together with the repair and replacement expenses associated with such activities.

This change will affect how you enter the pool. There will no longer be an entrance to the pool through the gate that surrounds the pool. The gate will be EMERGENCY exit only. The new entrance will be through the main pool house door.

The pool is scheduled to open on Friday May 28, 2010 at 10am. Unfortunately the card access system will not be completed in its entirety prior to the date the pool opens. Please continue to use the pool key you have until you receive your new key fob in the mail. It is anticipated that the Access Control System will be operational within a week or two of the date the pool opens.

Please contact our Community Manager, Kari Miller at 763-225-6424 or by email at kmiller@developcommunity.com with any questions.

The Victor Gardens Community Association Board of Directors

Big Changes Ahead- Pool Security to be Upgraded with New Key Card Access

Progress continues with security and maintenance upgrades at Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center & Pool. Last year, the work began with landscaping rejuvenation, Pool Committee volunteers, installation of security cameras and recording devices, and replacement of the pool's aging heater.

Last night, the Board of Directors approved a new plan to upgrade locks and modify access to Victor Gardens' pool. The use of the existing fenced gate will be discontinued and the pool will be accessed only through the Neighborhood Activity Center's doorways. The existing, traditional-type, locks will be replaced with an electronic key/card lock system. Existing metal keys will not work with the new system. All owners will be mailed a uniquely identifiable key card which may be remotely activated (or deactivated) by our Community Manager. Access through the new electronic locks will also be logged by computer and accessible by our Community Manager. Although the details are not yet worked out at this time, the Board will likely direct our Community Manager to deactivate owner's cards whose dues accounts are delinquent or based upon rules violations.

For the great majority of owners, this new system should represent a positive change for our community. On the other hand, these security upgrades will serve as a deterrent for non-residents, vandals, and our own residents who allow access to those they shouldn't. Sophisticated cameras, recording systems, and electronic key cards will help the Board, our Community Manager, and the Washington County Sheriff identify persons if the need arises.

Plans are also underway for repairs in the Activity Center's bathrooms. It's unclear as of now if all the upgrades will be implemented prior to the pool's expected opening on Memorial Day weekend. More details will be announced as they become available.