Missing Chairman's Letters 2010

Regardless of whether you agree, the elected Chairman of the corporation has a right to be heard and express their opinions. Post event deletion of statement and events is repugnant censorship, and smacks of infantile jealousy and childishness.

September 2010 Tanasbrook Times


October 2010 Tanasbrook Times

October 2010 Tanasbrook Times page 2

Revisionist Historians and Honesty in Government

The "Arab Spring" breathes new life into democracy in countries long dictated over by rulers who were insulated from reality. Ghadafi tells CNN reporter Amanpour that "his people love him"..despite his best efforts..they "loved" him to death..

Human experience should prove that facing realities honestly is the only way to govern any organization, nation, or condominium association. The fact that history is being revised by the current board, that opinions that they deem inconsistent with their view of reality are deleted from Association history, should cause alarm bells to ring. If any corporation attempted to "erase" events from their corporate record, it would cause shareholder/investor alarm, and the stock price would plummet.

I have been told that two issues of the Tanasbrook Times are missing from the record accessible to the public. (October and September 2010)  Truthfulness and transparency are the only appropriate responses to ideas that you disagree with. It is juvenile, and ultimately damages the entire community, when those ideas and opinions are simply "deleted". The issues don't go away, nor do the beliefs of the individuals.

Those of you looking at your annual property tax statements, and seeing your "investment" values plummet need to ask yourselves..were the ideas expressed in the Chairman's Letters that far off the mark? Is hiding from reality working for you??

Fall and Winter- Facing wet weather

The recent roof replacement developed a huge leak..apparently caused by the juxtaposition of the air vent and a downspout. The roofers and CMI were quick to respond. I had to deal with the leak for only two days. There was no significant interior damage ( minor spotting) since the water entered through the header above the door. I still have ceiling damage from the last roof leak..but that is another story..

Do you ever suspect that Washington pols create "political diversions" in order to deflect attention from more significant problems? The fuss over increasing the debt limit ( paying for the charge account both parties developed) is an example. Another, closer to home, is the recent painting of "no parking" signs every 20 feet or so on the curbs. In the 18 months I have lived here, there has never been a problem with parking in any of the areas around this street. I can't help but wonder how such an insignificant problem received such dramatic treatment. Could it be the "Security Committee" at work? Solving all of our major problems?

I see that the budget and reserve process has started again. Since it appears that the current contractor is preparing an estimate for siding repairs on Rolling Hill Drive and Rolling Hill Lane, and there are not sufficient reserves to cover the work..I expect both a dues increase and a special assessment in 2012. Hopefully, potential buyers will check out what the board plans in 2012..and not get a nasty surprise!

Color Chices impact value

Points to Consider

• When choosing house paint, you should first consider your geographical region. Colors that are commonplace in the Southwest will not suit the Northeast. Landscape, light and foliage are different in each area and contribute to the look of the home. Also consider the architecture of your home. A small bungalow needs different treatment than a large colonial house. Victorian houses tend to be more playful with color. These styles of houses all have inherent color palettes that work best with their type of architecture. Research the best colors for your type of home at the library, in books or magazines and online. You don't have to follow these guidelines exactly, but they are a good starting point when looking at paints for a home exterior.

Neutrals

• Neutral colors are always a safe choice when considering resale value. Tans, grays, off-whites and taupe can be tasteful and subdued. Add touches of color on doors and house trim to add more interest, but keep it understated. White trim on a neutral color with added touches like darker-toned shutters can give a house character and elegance. Paint manufacturers have formulated many neutral colors with subtle undertones. These can be effective at adding a feeling of color while still retaining the tasteful, neutral note.

Muted Color

• If neutral colors are too boring for your taste, indulge in color but go for more muted colors that fit in well with the surrounding environment. Blues can be risky, but not if you choose a grayish-blue that looks more like slate, a natural outdoor color. This shade of blue creates a serene, yet crisp effect, according to ThisOldHouse.

Read more: The Best House Colors for Resale | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8482131_house-colors-resale.html#ixzz1YzFEoDFO

A picture is worth....

The most recent newsletter assures owners that current siding repair and replacement is being done using recommendations provided by Western Architects.

Rather than arguing the point..here is a photo of recent work..do you see paint on the exposed cut?

The first coat of paint is on....the aesthetics leave a bit to be desired. The color does not blend well with the community or the landscape. Too bad the exisitng palete was discarded in favor of "Desert Storm" colors..They would really look good in Phoenix or Santa Fe!

The Mistakes of the past..do we ever learn?

I wander by the on going restoration and painting project..and observe the process as it unfolds. Occasionally I return to the engineering reports completed at huge expense to the Association..to see what the recommended process was..and unfortunately find that this project is pretty much a repeat of the mistakes of the past.

Rather than incorporate the best and most affordable improvements designed by our architects, we are simply returning the buildings to the original condition, with all the same design defects that have resulted in accelerated rates of deterioration.

I guess "learning" as an institution is a very slow process spanning generations..

The blocking of light fixtures is one small adaptation that would add just a few dollars ( $25) to each light fixture, but would prevent water intrusion. I caulk and seal my exterior fixtures, as well as receptacles, but the damage to the T1-11 from years of moisture sitting on the fixture attachment will require extensive siding replacement and has damaged the underlying structure as well.

Using flashing when attaching the deck railing to T1-11 ( as designed by Western Architects) would save the association money, and remove another point of failure..

Painting cut edges ( not just the pre-primed T1-11), leaving 3/8" space between flashing and siding,
just some of the many recommended changes that we should be incorporating in our current project..

Sadly, not happening..

Don't Read This!

I am flattered that anyone has taken the time and effort to find and read my humble blog. Of the trillions of words accessible over the internet, it is hard to understand why..but..to each of you,
don't read further if you expect something for yourselves. That you respond with emails indicates that you are searching for something and have expecations of some kind.

This blog is for ME alone, and it entertains me to write it.  I have removed "comments" because, this space is not about your thoughts..it is for mine. You can write your own newsletter, letters to the editor, send anonymous letters and door hangers, create a blog..and I will continue to blog my thoughts..

As for the dysfunction at Tanasbrook...calling names, labeling someone childish or stupid, the kind of behavior that passes for the norm at Tanasbrook..reinforces my decision to convert my condo to a rental.

So, each of you..go and create your own blog, and extol the virtues of condo living, praise the leadership of the volunteer board of directors, please..go!! As for me..I will do exactly as I want with my space and in my life..