News Articles
Monthly Update - April
Posted on Apr 4th, 2013
As a continued effort to update homeowners on our wonderful community development, here is your monthly update! Your feedback is important as the HOA strives to improve so feel free to let us know what you are thinking. As always, thank you for keeping your property and home looking great!
Reserve Study Finalized – Planning for the Future
After an in-depth analysis by the HOA board, the Level 1 Capitol Reserve Study was accepted. This study complies with WA State Law and minimizes the possibility of homeowners being hit with a catastrophic special assessment in the future. The study can be viewed on the website under “Documents”.
Reserve Study Finalized – Planning for the Future
After an in-depth analysis by the HOA board, the Level 1 Capitol Reserve Study was accepted. This study complies with WA State Law and minimizes the possibility of homeowners being hit with a catastrophic special assessment in the future. The study can be viewed on the website under “Documents”.
White Color on New Sidewalks – What is it?
This white color is referred to as efflorescence. This is caused when soluble salts and other dissolved minerals, including added calcium (which the city only accepts 1% or less), migrate to the surface as water evaporates from the concrete. This becomes more of an issue during cold temperatures and wet conditions particularly because these become more soluble in cold temperatures. Unfortunately, both of those conditions were present when some locations were poured. The white color actually should go away over time, but in the meantime, the city will be sending out a crew to try and pressure wash some them to see if that will help. The only other alternative is to scrub them with an acid to remove the deposits. The HOA and City are concerned this could cause more problems regarding health and landscaping than what it’s worth. The City ran into this exact same issue a couple years back on Mansfield between Northgate and Goethals. Since that time, the efflorescence went away and there is no longer any sign of it. If it can’t be removed the HOA will let the sun and weather do its work, rather than acid.
Yard Debris Drop Box Rotation Begins
Drop box containers for excess yard debris are rotating through Richland neighborhoods this month. The containers will be placed at Badger Mountain Park near Applewood Estates from April 15th through the 21st. Items not accepted include construction debris, liquids, chemical products and other hazardous waste, automotive products, commercial waste, tires and appliances. In addition, Applewood homeowners can dispose of yard waste free of charge at the Horn Rapids Landfill. For more information, call the City at 942-7700.Meet Your Board and ACC Members
The board position assignments for 2013 are as follows: Tony Valdez (President), Pam Aker (Vice President), David Kobus (Treasurer), Jennifer Schreiber (Secretary) and Dave Ballard (At Large). You can get to know them better and their qualifications by reading a short biography on the website under “Board Members”. You may also read ACC member biographies under “ACC Committee“.
Applewood HOA Prepares for the Future
Your HOA has been planning for the future by recently developing and officially adopting several polices. Having consistent and sound policies for the HOA is important to Applewood Estates and all homeowners. These policies promise a steady course into the future. You can view each policy by visiting the website under “Documents”. They are:
- Capitol Reserve Fund Policy
- Board Email Policy
- New Board Member Indoctrination Policy
- Closing Document Question Policy
- Solar Power Systems Policy
Your HOA has been working diligently to ensure the Badger Mountain Ranch Apartments are continuing to move forward with the proper landscaping and dust control. The landscaping will complement our goals regarding their view from Applewood and our upscale character of South Richland. The apartments are currently listed as: 1 Bedroom ($850), 2 Bedroom ($1,065) and 3 Bedroom ($1,250).
A Call to Action on Wood Fences
Our property values are directly related to how our community looks so we are all in this together! The steps that the HOA takes to help ensure our homes look attractive and inviting are definitely worth the effort but the HOA does need all your help. Please inspect your wood fence, make any appropriate repairs, and consider applying either a sealant on new fences or an earth-tone color stain on older fences. If you have recently improved your fence’s look this spring, we want to thank you!
Neighborhood Elementary School - Update
The Richland School Board held a special workshop and discussed the future school's square footage, enrollment capacities, construction schedules and future boundary lines. The district also received 9 responses to the Request for Qualifications (RFQs) from architectural engineering firms interested in leading the design process.
Applewood has a wonderful school district and we wanted to share the following Learning Excellence - Welcome to the Richland School District short video by clicking HERE.
What Are They Up Too?
If you would like to know more about what your HOA board is doing on a monthly basis, you can read the monthly board meeting minutes on the website under “Meeting Minutes” or by clicking HERE. The HOA Board is committed to transparency and open communication with all homeowners in Applewood Estates.
New Unnamed Neighborhood Park
On Tuesday, April 2nd the Richland City Council accepted and approved the master plan for the unnamed neighborhood park at Westcliffe Blvd and Gala Way. City Planning and Capital Projects Manager Phil Pinard has done an outstanding job keeping Applewood HOA in the loop. We would like to give a special thanks to homeowner April Valdez who has attended all the city meetings giving input on behalf of Applewood. You can review the new park master plan and see a list of all the suggested park names by visiting our website under “Other Committees”.
Starting a Project or Modification?
If you are thinking of building a project or modifying your home in any way this year (including a TV satellite dish), remember to fill out a Project Approval Form and turn it into the HOA. You may obtain a form by visiting our website under “ACC Committee” or by clicking HERE.
Dates to Remember
- 6th Annual Community Sale – Saturday, May 18th – 7:00 AM
- 5th Annual Community BBQ – Saturday, July 13th – 5:00 PM
Thank you for making Applewood Estates a great place to live!