The Vineyards Condominiums HOA

Change to BBQ use rules

2010-04-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

As announced at the annual meeting of the Vineyards Condominiums Homeowners Association, which was held on March 27th, 2010, new rules governing the use of barbecues are in effect. These changes are required by the association's insurance company. The new rule is as follows:

Use of Barbecues: Effective June 1st, 2010, all forms of charcoal grills may not be used within ten feet of any building, and at no time may they be used on any patio, balcony, or in any stairwell. Gas grills may be used on patios, balconies, and lawns, but never in any stairwell.

Please note that this rule does not ban possession of a charcoal grill, only where they are used. The main concern our insurer has is the potential for fires caused by placing lighting fluid too close to a hot grill, a threat that is mitigated by the requirement that grills be used at least ten feet away from any building.

The effective date of the rule reflects a negotiated agreement with our insurer to give current residents time to adjust to the rule change as their particular situation may require. Property managers - please inform your tenants of this rule change and advise potential new tenants of it.

Vineyards HOA Parking Assignments

2009-11-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Board of Directors assigns parking within the Vineyards Condominiums. There are no "free" or guest parking spaces. All parking assignments may be viewed by following this link:

Vineyards Condominiums Parking Assignments
Spaces marked "Reserved by HOA" may be available to rent if you have additional vehicles you would like to park. These are rented out by the HOA on a first-come-first-served basis. The rate is $5 per month, or $50 for a full year.

Let it be clear to all that improperly parked vehicles will be towed at the vehicle owner's expense. If you are not assigned to a spot, you have not rented the spot you are using, or you have not been granted permission to use a spot by the person normally assigned to it, your vehicle will be towed, no exceptions. Also, if you or your guests park improperly, as per the Vineyards Condominiums Rules and Regulations you may be fined $50 in addition.

If you are a resident renter of the Vineyards and you would like to check on availability of rental spots, please ask your property manager to put you in touch with our designated parking agent. If you are a Vineyards owner-occupant, please get in touch with us directly or by contacting our management team.

Change to Rules and Regulations: Laundry Room

2009-07-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

Following a majority vote of The Vineyards Condominiums HOA Board of Directors, held in a special meeting by means of communications equipment, the section of the Rules and Regulations, "Use of Laundry Facility" has been changed to read as follows, effective immediately:

USE OF LAUNDRY FACILITY: The on-site laundry facility is for the use of residents of The Vineyards only. Non-residents and guests are not to use the laundry facilities. Laundry room hours are 7am to 9pm, seven days a week, including holidays. Residents of The Vineyards may enter the facility outside of operating hours to retrieve personal belongings only; no washing or drying cycles are to be started except during operating hours. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, by majority vote, the facility may be closed to entry except for operating hours or for additional time as required for maintenance. All trash is to be placed in the provided waste receptacle. Dryer lint screens are to be cleaned and replaced after each use. The Board of Directors is to set prices for operation of washers and dryers. The Association is not responsible for personal items brought into the laundry facility that become lost, stolen, or damaged.

The full version of the Rules and Regulations, accessible by hyperlink to the right, has also been edited to include this change.

Vineyards Condos New Rules and Regulations

2009-07-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

The following rules and regulations were finalized and adopted today by the Board of Directors of the Vineyards Condominiums. These are effective immediately as of the public posting of them here; copies are being distributed to property management agents. It is the responsibility of all residents of the Vineyards Condominiums to familiarize themselves with these rules and regulations. Ignorance of these rules and regulations is not a valid defense against penalties for breaking them, nor does it excuse an infraction.

THE ASSOCIATION OF UNIT OWNERS OF THE VINEYARDS CONDOMINIUMS

RULES AND REGULATIONS
PURPOSE: The purpose of these rules and regulations is to insure tranquility and well being for The Vineyards Condominiums. These rules serve as a guide to consideration for others and to the application of common sense so as to create a friendly, pleasant and congenial atmosphere.

The Board of Directors and/or Manager, if engaged, for the Association of Unit Owners of The Vineyards (the “Association”) will have the full authority and responsibility of enforcing these Rules and Regulations. All residents and their guests shall be bound by these rules and by standards of reasonable conduct.

CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND LIMIT COMMON ELEMENTS: The Condominium “unit” is defined in the Declaration as bounded by the undecorated surface of the interior perimeter walls, floors, and ceilings, exclusive of common elements. Doors, door frames, windows, window frames, and non-load bearing walls inside the Unit are part of the Unit. Also, the floor coverings, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, wall coverings and cabinets are part of the Unit. For each Unit, the Owner also has exclusive use of certain “Limited Common Elements,” which includes one parking space, the exterior porch/patio connected to each Unit, and the yard that is adjacent to each Unit.

ATTACHMENT OF FIXTURES TO EXTERIOR OF BUILDINGS: Installation of fixtures such as window guards, awnings, patio/balcony enclosures, etc. to the buildings is prohibited. Attachment of radio, television, satellite dishes and antenna, or similar devices, must be in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule (OTARD) (ref: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html ). The Board of Directors must approve installation of such devices not expressly permitted by OTARD prior to installation.

POSTING OF SIGNS AND/OR ADVERTISEMENTS: No notice, advertisement, bill, poster, illumination, or other signs shall be inscribed or posted on or about The Vineyards, unless approved in writing by the Board of Directors, except as permitted under the Revised Code of Washington section 64.38.033, Flag of the United States (ref: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.38.033) and section 64.38.034, Political yard signs – Governing documents (ref: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.38.034).

USE OF BALCONIES, PATIOS, AND STAIRWELLS: Balconies, patios, and stairwells shall not be used for storage of equipment (tools, lawn care equipment, etc.), no furniture other than patio/deck/lawn furniture be placed upon balconies, and stairwells are not to be used for storage of personal property except for placement of decorative plants, provided placement of such does not create a fire escape hazard. No plantings are to be attached or allowed to grow upon any of the Unit’s exterior walls.

USE OF BARBECUES: Effective June 1st, 2010, all forms of charcoal grills may not be used within ten feet of any building, and at no time may they be used on any patio, balcony, or in any stairwell. Gas grills may be used on patios, balconies, and lawns, but never in any stairwell.

USE OF LIMITED COMMON USE LAWN AREAS: No plantings are to be made in the limited common use lawn areas, nor shall the grass be killed or altered in any way. No hot tubs, spas, or plastic swimming pools may be placed upon limited common use lawn areas. Limited common use lawn areas may not be used for storage of any items described under the above rules governing use of balconies, patios, and stairwells.

USE OF COMMON LAWN AREAS: Use of common lawn areas by residents of The Vineyards is welcome. Prohibitions stated in the above rules governing limited common use lawn areas are to apply to common lawn areas also. In addition, any equipment brought into common lawn areas for temporary use (i.e. volleyball nets, balls, lawn chairs, etc.) is to be removed and properly stored when no longer in use. All litter must be removed and properly disposed of.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: The walkways, Unit and storage unit entrances and parking areas shall be used strictly for ingress to and egress from the parking areas and condominium units, and must be at all times kept free from obstructions.

SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES, AND BICYCLES: Skateboards, rollerblades and similar items, and bicycles shall not be operated on parking areas, walkways, sidewalks, or lawn areas.

PARKING OF MOTORCYCLES: Motorcycles are to be parked in parking areas only. One motorcycle may be parked in the same space as a car or other vehicle provided that neither extends outside of the boundaries of the parking space.

PETS: Keeping of pets shall be at the discretion of each Unit owner in keeping with the standards of the City of Walla Walla Municipal Code Chapter 20.130, Animals (ref: http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/WallaWalla/wallawalla20/wallawalla20130.html ). Owners of units occupied by renters, or their agents, must notify the Board of Directors or engaged Managers that their tenants are permitted to have pets. If no notice has been given, it will be assumed that tenants do not have permission to keep pets. Persons who require assistance animals shall not be prohibited from keeping them as required by Chapter 49.60.222 of the Revised Code of Washington, Unfair practices with respect to real estate transactions, facilities, or services (ref: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.60.222 ). Dogs must be on leashes and under full control of handlers while in common areas. All pet wastes must be removed and disposed of in proper trash receptacles. Pets creating unpleasant odors and/or excessive amounts of noise must be muzzled or removed from The Vineyards.

PARKING AREAS: Each Unit is assigned one (1) parking space and any vehicle parked in an assigned space must bear the correct parking pass for that space. Additional vehicles must be parked on the street, or a parking pass for an unassigned space may be rented from the Association on a first-come, first-serve basis, limit one (1) per household. Parking on easements, double parking, or blocking of vehicles, dumpsters, fire hydrants, unit, and general entrances or exits is prohibited. No vehicles shall be repaired on any property within the Vineyards, and no inoperable or dismantled vehicles are allowed anywhere within the Vineyards. Damage to cars and other objects or common areas shall be the responsibility of the person causing the damage. Vehicles parked in violation of these rules shall be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

SPEED LIMIT: The speed limit is 5mph within The Vineyards community at all times. Drivers are expected to observe safety traffic signs and rules at all times.

STORAGE UNIT USE: Storage units are available to be rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person renting a storage unit shall maintain the interior of the unit in a clean and orderly manner and make no alterations to the unit. No flammable or perishable materials, or foodstuffs that may attract rodents, insects, or other pests may be stored in the storage units. No items may be set or stored outside of the storage units. Storage unit doors must be kept in the closed position except when access is needed to enter or exit the unit. Any damage to the exterior walls of the storage unit, including doors, shall be charged to the person renting the damaged unit. Smoking is not permitted within storage units.

THE POOL: The pool is open for use between the hours 8:30 am to 8:30 pm during its open season and closed to all persons except maintenance contractors at all other times. Entry into and use of pool area outside of operating hours will be subject to fines and police involvement. No pets and food or beverages of any kind are allowed within the area of the pool at any time. There will be no smoking within the pool area at any time. Use of the pool is for residents of The Vineyards only, or their guests provided that residents accompany them during use. Children 12 and under are to be supervised by an on-site adult of at least age 18 at all times. No flotation devices are to be left within the pool area after use. Young children are required to wear swim diapers at all times within the pool area. At no time is furniture in the pool area to be placed in the pool.

UNIT EXTERIOR APPEARANCE: Pursuant to the Declaration, the Board shall approve any modifications to the exterior of all Units, buildings, or improvements within The Vineyards. The Association, using reserve account funds collected as a part of Annual Assessments and invested for this purpose, manages replacement or refurbishment of major unit and storage unit exterior components. Specific exterior assets included in this replacement program are roof replacement (not repair), exterior repainting, and porch/patio treatment and replacement. Routine Unit exterior maintenance, including window and screen replacement, exterior repairs, and air conditioner maintenance, is the responsibility of the Owner.

LIGHTING: Exterior lighting for common areas and walkways is provided, as is exterior lighting for the Unit entries. No additional exterior lighting, including decorative or landscape lighting, may be added at any time, with the exception of decorative lighting during the winter holiday season. All holiday lighting may be installed no earlier than December 1st and must be removed by January 2nd.

UTILITY SERVICES: Each Owner or occupant of each Unit shall pay for their separately metered utilities. Water, sewer, garbage, natural gas, and electricity consumed in common areas (laundry facility, pool, etc.) shall be the shared responsibility of all Owners to pay.

NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS: Each unit is designed for occupancy by one (1) family unit. For short-term occupancy (7 consecutive days or less), Owners shall limit occupancy of each unit to a maximum of eight adults and/or children. No one under the age of eighteen (18) may occupy a unit unless accompanied by a person eighteen (18) years or older.

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN: Children ages twelve (12) and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian age eighteen (18) years of age or older while in all common areas. Children are not permitted to play in parking areas, driveways, or on walkways, sidewalks, stairwells, and gravel beds. Owners, their tenants, and all guests are required to monitor their child's activities so they do not disturb others. Owners are responsible for any destruction of Vineyards property and/or property of Vineyards residents caused by their children, their tenant’s children, or the children or theirs or their tenant’s guests. Children aged 16 and under are not permitted to use equipment in the workout room. Children between the ages of 16-18 must be accompanied by an adult while using the workout room.

EMERGENCIES: If the immediate services of the Police Department, Fire Department, an ambulance, or doctor are required, the desired agency or person should be called directly. Any emergency, particularly such emergencies as flooding, fire, theft, etc., should be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors and/or engaged Managers after proper emergency services have been contacted.

FIREWORKS: There shall be no use of fireworks of any type at any time in, from, around, or directed into the buildings or common areas of The Vineyards.

FIREARMS: Possession and use of firearms within The Vineyards shall be in accordance with Chapter 9.41 of the Revised Code of Washington, Firearms and dangerous weapons (ref: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/Rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41 ), and Chapter 9.15 of the City of Walla Walla Municipal Code, Firearms, Missiles, and Air Guns (ref: http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/WallaWalla/WallaWalla09/WallaWalla0915.html#9.15 ).

POWER TOOLS: No power tools that cause interference with reception of any sort of broadcast signal shall be used by any resident of The Vineyards within the community unless the prior written consent of the Board of Directors has been obtained. Contractors on-site to complete needed work are exempt from this rule.

NOISE: Any loud or disturbing activities, including but not limited to loud music or late night entertainment, are prohibited at all times.

USE OF LAUNDRY FACILITY: The on-site laundry facility is for the use of residents of The Vineyards only. Non-residents and guests are not to use the laundry facilities. Laundry room hours are 7am to 9pm, seven days a week, including holidays. Residents of The Vineyards may enter the facility outside of operating hours to retrieve personal belongings only; no washing or drying cycles are to be started except during operating hours. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, by majority vote, the facility may be closed to entry except for operating hours or for additional time as required for maintenance. All trash is to be placed in the provided waste receptacle. Dryer lint screens are to be cleaned and replaced after each use. The Board of Directors is to set prices for operation of washers and dryers. The Association is not responsible for personal items brought into the laundry facility that become lost, stolen, or damaged.

SMOKING: Smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. is not allowed in any common area interiors (eg. Storage units, workout room, laundry room), but is allowed in outdoor common areas. Cigarette butts, ash, etc. are to be extinguished and deposited in proper trash receptacles.

CLOTHES DRYING: Clothing items, towels, bathing suits and other items may not be left in yards or on patios/balcony railings so as to be visible from other units or common areas.

ADDITIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Board of Directors may post additional rules and regulations as deemed necessary for the care and operation of the community.

ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION: The Association requires all Owners, their tenants, and all guests to adhere to the requirements in the Associate Rules and Regulations, the Declaration and the Bylaws. In the event the Board of Directors engages a Manager, and to assist the Board in the enforcement of the provisions of these documents, The Board may delegate enforcement authority to the Manager. Any Owner, tenant, or guest who has been advised by the Manager or Board that they are in violation of the Association Rules and Regulations, the Declaration, or the Bylaws is asked to immediately cease and desist that activity and take required corrective action. If any Owner, tenants, or guest who has been so notified fails to comply with the Manager or Board’s direction, the matter will be subject to financial and/or other sanctioning that will be the responsibility of the occupant of the Unit in question. Individuals subject to such action have a right to appeal the Manager or Board’s actions within ten (10) business days of notice of such action. To do so, notice must be given to the Board in writing, the Board will review the appeal prior to issuance of any fine or other sanction, and any decision reached by the Board will then be final.

FINES: The fine for a violation of any of these rules shall be $50. Fines shall be paid to the Association following a failure by the individual who receives the fine to appeal it within ten (10) business days, or following the Board’s final decision to impose the fine after hearing an appeal, whichever comes first.

The Status of Our Pool

2009-06-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's June now, the weather is only getting warmer, and a lot of residents are eager to get into the pool and cool off. We don't blame them (and we'll probably be in there, too!).

The pool opening has been delayed this summer due to the change in management that occurred between April and May, and because the pool was not properly winterized last Fall before being shut down, which necessitated a complete draining, cleaning, and refilling of the pool before it could be opened (it looked like ducks had been swimming in it all winter - yuck!).

Our maintenance staff has reported that as of last night (June 1st), the chemical levels in the pool had reached the levels required by local health officials. All that remains now is for an inspector to verify these levels and then the pool will be open.

Thanks for your patience!

New Vineyard Condos HOA Mailing Address

2009-05-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Vineyard Condominiums Homeowners Association U.S. Postal address is now:

Vineyard HOA
c/o Brent and Adena Hodgins
PO Box 3177
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Please begin directing payments and other correspondence to this address.

The Vineyard Condos Board Has An Email Address

2009-05-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

The Board of the Vineyard Condominiums Homeowners Association can now be reached via email at:

vineyardhoa at yahoo dot com

[substitute the @ and . where needed, of course]
All members of the current and future Boards have/will have access to this email inbox, so your comments will always reach them.

Changes Coming to Vineyard Condos Laundry Room

2009-05-07T21:09:00.001-07:00

Today a new deadbolt was installed on the laundry room door and a notice posted that as of 8pm on Sunday, May 10th, the laundry room will be open only during posted use hours, presently 7am to 8pm.

The Board decided to take this action unanimously after discussing it as owner-occupants of the Vineyards over the course of the past year, and with the agreement of other owner-occupants and non-resident members of the HOA. The appeal of a free laundry room is obvious; unfortunately, the appeal of a free laundry room is also obvious to people who are prone to abuse it, be they residents or otherwise.

Numerous problems have resulted from the present configuration of the laundry room, including theft, vandalism, trespassing, threats of bodily harm (mainly when trespassers are caught by residents and told to leave), accelerated wear and tear of the laundry machines, and abnormally high utility bills for water and natural gas.

It has been policy here at the Vineyard Condos for over a year now that the laundry room hours are those stated above. However, with all residents having keys to the laundry room (and some non-residents, people who at one time did live here who retained keys and people in the neighborhood who have purchased copies of our laundry room keys from others), there has been no actual method of enforcing said hours. Though the Board does not feel that installing this deadbolt will reverse all of the problems presently surrounding the laundry room - it is the opinion of the Board that, at some point, the laundry room needs to be converted back to coin-op - it is thought that this will be a good start, at least one check against the rising tide of misuse and abuse that at present characterizes the facility. The cost of installing this deadbolt was approximately $30, and it is expected that the savings it will create will be many times that.

2 May 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes

2009-05-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Vineyard Condos HOA Meeting Minutes

Date: May 2, 2009

Place: BPO Elks Club 351 E. Rose St. Walla Walla WA

Time Called to Order: 10:19am

Elect Board of Directors

1. Dawn Galarneau Director at Large
2. Paul Zimmerman President
3. Steven Mertens Treasure
4. Erin Demaris Secretary

Management Company

Presentation
1. Brent and Adena Hodgins
a. Currently take care of general maintenance and lawn care
b. Would be willing to do everything including pool maintenance and billing
c. Bid price was the same as Mile High Management
2. Association Pullman, WA
a. Sent a bid but did not present
b. Price was similar to Mile High Management
Vote
· Brent and Adena Hodgins were voted in unanimously

Laundry Room

· Due to misuse and abuse of the laundry room it was voted on to deadbolt or change the locks.
· The hours will be from 7am-8pm

Next Meeting**

· The next meeting will be on June 13th, 2009 at 10am
· The meeting site is to be determined

Close of Meeting: 11:12am

**Note: This is a meeting of the Board of Directors and all voting will be conducted by the Board only, but association members are invited to attend and provide input.

Welcome to The Vineyard Condominiums blog!

2009-05-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome!

This blog has been created to serve as a platform for rapid dissemination of information about The Vineyard Condominiums, located in Walla Walla, Washington. Here you will find news and events, notifications, results of Board and general meetings, etc. This blog is also set up as a space in which interested parties may provide input. Thanks for reading!