Maintenance
Northwood Hills entered into an agreement with Kenn Carrier who began doing general maintenance required by the Association. Like Rob Bettig, our previous worker, Kenn is an independent contractor and does not have regular hours. Kenn is handling general maintenance requests as needed by the Association and its owners. He is available to residents at the same rate as Rob; $25 per hour (1/2-hour minimum).
Kenn has been engaged to handle maintenance and snow removal as needed since December 1, 2018. He will also be responsible for maintaining the pool during the summer. Kenn has a variety of skill sets that we were not able to offer before.
Although we have not had significant snow fall until recently, we have been applying lots of salt due to the icy conditions. We still advise you to walk cautiously on the sidewalks and parking lot and to watch out for “black ice”. Be extra careful when walking between cars as we cannot always get good coverage in those areas. We have salt buckets in the entries for times when it is necessary. Please use the salt prudently. Use the scoops and do not dump the entire bucket out at one time.
Parking
Please do not park your vehicles over the curbs. It prohibits the tractor/snow blower from being able to access or pass thru the sidewalks. Do not park in front of ramps located in front of Buildings 3280 & 3406. We need to provide wheel chair access to those who need it to gain access for the tractor, both on and off the sidewalks. The ramps between buildings 3344 & 3350 is for the snow plow service to push snow out of the parking lot area. Please leave that area open as well. To keep the sidewalks clear, we need everyone’s cooperation.
Please remember not to leave your car parked in one spot along the curbs for more than 48 hours. Our plow service cannot keep the curb spots clear if cars are stationary for long periods of time. The Association reserves the right to remove vehicles from the property at owner’s expense for those who do not pay attention.
Trash
We have been over budget with Waste Management on multiple occasions. Whenever the dumpsters are overflowing to the extent the lids do not totally close we will be penalized $90.00 (a reduction from $120.00 in 2018). Residents are still not breaking down their boxes. Furniture, mattresses and appliances cost us an additional $90.00 each to remove, whether in or out of the dumpsters. We have exchanged two 6-yard dumpsters for two 8-yard dumpsters to avoid penalties. We were able to do without extra cost by entering into a new 3- year contract with Waste Management. Please notify the office if and when you see people placing or throwing appliances and furniture n or around the dumpsters. The extra fees affect all of us.
Comcast
Northwood Hills has agreed to extend its service contract with Comcast from the remaining 3-year term and an additional 2 years (5 years total). As a result, residents will no longer be charged $10 for high definition service. For those who currently have the service, the charge will soon disappear from your bill. New subscribers to HD, will receive free hook-up from Comcast if you subscribe in the first 90 days.
Laundry
Our contract with Wash Laundry has expired. The Association looked at the possibility of purchasing its own equipment. However, the cost of equipment along with servicing and collection was too expensive and too risky. We negotiated with Gerrit’s, a local company, and Wash a Los Angeles based company having a local service department, to continue a lease program. Both companies required a 10-year lease term. In addition, Gerrit’s required $1.25 per load and coin only machine for a 50/50 split of gross income. WASH agreed to 50/50 leaving the card and app. reader in place. Under the WASH agreement, Northwood will receive all new washing machines immediately and all new dryers in 3 years; still at $1.00 per load.
HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL WINTER PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY