Lawn Care- Thatching Service $40-$50

Tony Schwab has coordinated another vendor for those who are interested in lawn thatching service this spring. It's the same fellow Tony worked with last year for the same service. The cost per yard is $40-$50 depending on the size, but no more than $50. Please contact Evarist Schneider at (651) 429-6896 or Tony at (651) 429-2000.

UPDATE 4/10/10- I apologize for the wrong number some of you have been calling to reach Mr. Schneider. The number has since been corrected and is (651) 429-6896.

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.

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.

Announcing VG Neighborhood Yard Sale

It's that time of year again to start your spring cleaning and get your items ready for the annual Victor Gardens Neighborhood Sale!!!

Sale will be advertised in local papers and online (Facebook, Craigslist, etc...) for the following dates/times: May 20, 21 and 22nd from 8:30A-4P.

Feel free to open your garages during all or part of these hours. The sale will be advertised during these times but we'll leave it up to each homeowner to decide how many days/hours they want to participate, if at all. We hope this flexibility will entice more neighbors to participate--even if it's just for a few hours one day. This is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and to also shop neighbors sales for great deals!

There are no costs for the homeowner to participate...The signage and ad costs will be paid by the VG events committee...All you have to do is gather your items and open your garage door! In an effort to navigate traffic through the neighborhood sales, feel free to tie a red balloon or red balloons to your garage or tree by your driveway. Also, let Erin Yoshida know if you're planning to participate and she can make sure to navigate shoppers your way! A special thanks to Erin Yoshida for organizing the event again this year. Please email Erin with any questions @ kjetyoshi1@comcast.net.

We'll do a few signs but it's up to individual homeowners to do their own signage directing people to their homes.

Discount Window Washing - $175 per SFV home - Local Business Profile

A message was sent to me by our neighbor Tony Schwab about discounted window washing again this year. Quality Window Cleaning is offering a special flat-rate for Victor Gardens Single Family Village residents. The $175.00 price includes cleaning all windows and doors inside and outside. This is the same company Tony recommended last year, and reports of their work were very positive. Please contact Grant Dahl at (763) 656-8519 or call Tony at (651) 429-2000.

Tony's also in the process of coordinating yard thatching and irrigation start-up discounts with other contractors. I'll post those when they are available.

Note: This post is a public service for Victor Gardens residents. No compensation was asked for or given for this post

UPDATE 5/6/10: Quality Window Washing is offering all town home & condo residents a similar special flat-rate for Victor Gardens residents. The $100.00 + tax price includes cleaning all windows and doors inside and outside. This offer extends to the Villas, Gables, North & South Village, etc... Please contact Grant Dahl at (763) 656-8519 for more info.

Sewer service will cost $20/year more

According to the White Bear Press, "sewer rates are going up $5 per quarter for every household, or $20 per year, effective immediately." Read more at White Bear Press website...

Single Family Village Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Victor Gardens Single Family Village Homeowner's Association will be held on April 28, 2010 - 7:00PM at Hugo's Rice Lake Park Centre. 6900 137th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038 (map) More information about this important meeting will be announced soon. All residents should plan to attend. Please mark your calendars.

Weavers Featured in the Parade of Homes Guide

Our newest neighbors Rob and Alisha Weaver are featured in the 2010 Spring Parade of Homes Guide cover story. Their house, across from Val Jean Park, was completed last fall and built by Hartman Homes. Hartman has built many homes here in Victor Gardens and Inspiration, Bayport. Check out the story here or visit paradeofhomes.org

Alterations of your Home's Exterior & Landscape Requires ARC Approval

Spring is around the corner! You may be thinking of making some alterations or improvements to the exterior of your home or perhaps your yard. If you plan on doing so, please read through the newly revised Architectural & Landscape Change Application Guide. It describes some of the projects that require an application and some that don't.

Now is the perfect time to start planning landscape improvements, new decks, and other exterior projects. Designers generally encourage planning mid-winter before the Spring rush. Submitting your applications prior to the ARC's peak season will also ensure that you'll have the approvals you need when you're ready to start your projects.

Download & Print: Architectural & Landscape Change Application Guide & Form

SFV Board Meeting planned for Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00PM

Victor Gardens Single Family Village Homeowner's Association Board is meeting on Wednesday, February 17 at the Sertino's Cafe. The meeting will start at 7:00pm. This and other future events are posted on the new neighborhood calendar. The agenda is available here. Residents are encouraged to attend, and address the Board with any concerns during the meetings Resident Forum. Minutes for the latest SFV Board/ARC, Master ARC, and Master Board meetings were recently posted within Association Info pages within victorgardensnews.org

Master ARC Meeting set for Wednesday, March 10, 6:00pm

Victor Gardens Community Association's (Master) Architectural Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 10 at Sertino's Cafe in Hugo. The meeting will start at 6:00pm. Past Agendas and Minutes are posted within the Master Association Info page.

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."