Covenant Review Committee presents first draft revisions to AG Board

By Anne Stellmon

At a special meeting held on March 19^th, the Covenant Review committee presented their initial recommendations to the AGHA Board. The committee members include Dave Kline, Anne Stellmon, Lynn Walton and Michael Zabinski. One interested homeowner also attended the meeting.  The group was able to cover about one half of the entire document and will meet again on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. to finish the review.  The document will then be given to the AGHA attorney, Hindman/Sanchez, to help draft a document that will presented to the full AGHA membership and community for further consideration. The covenants are have not been reviewed in any detailed manner for over two decades and the purpose of the review is to remove obsolete language and clarify other sections.

It is the CR Committee’s and Board’s goal to hold community wide discussions that will educate homeowners about the final proposed changes in the late spring or summer.  Homeowners will be given ample notification of these meetings and are invited to the next Board meeting where their input is most welcome and encouraged.

Association trying to manage the rising costs of water

By Norm Arlt and Randy Simpson

You have probably read the recent post card from Aurora City Water.  This wasn’t the usual Wish You Were Here card from envy-inspiring relatives.  The card showed the billing increases and processes for 2008 water billing for homeowners and irrigators such as Andover

Glen Homeowners Association.  The overall result of the water rate increases for the whole city is planned to be a 12% increase in billing.  The actual individual and Association billing amounts will depend on how much water we use.  These amounts depend on how much water we need.  Those amounts depend on what we water, how much rain we get, and how hot it’s going to be.

Andover Glen (and a few individual homeowners) have spent a great deal of time and effort to change what we water, with several xeriscape projects over the last few years. 

“Water rates” continued on page 2

“Water Rates” continued from page 1

This has greatly reduced our average high month water use, from about 900,000 gallons to 330,000 gallons.  Norm Arlt is always watching to stop the irrigation clock if we get any rain.  However, we still need to water a full three days every week if there is normal summer heat and no significant rain, to keep the grass alive. (Perhaps a weekly community rain dance could be added to our social schedule!)

In 2007, we paid about $8000 for irrigation water.  If 2008 has similar rainfall to 2007, we will pay about the same, even with the rate increases. If 2008 is like 2005, we will pay about a $1000 more. If 2008’s weather is more like 2006, we would pay $3000 more, even with the xeriscaping we have done!

Also, our contractors will have increased costs for fuel and other supplies.  Since the 2 year contracts are up for re-bidding next year, we should expect higher bids for both mowing and sprinkler repair.

Other items, such as new annual inspections of our backflow preventers, SB100 mandates, etc, also have increased our costs.

Given the rising costs for all these items, even with the Association’s concerted effort to reduce overall water use, some increase in dues may become necessary. We have not had an increase in over 5 years, and though we have been able to offset costs by dipping into savings and reducing water use, this strategy will not hold for long before our reserves would be brought to dangerously low levels. Your AGHA board will be reviewing water costs and all financial data later this spring to determine the best course of action. Input from association members on this issue is always welcome. ~

To meet an old friend in a distant country is like the delight of rain after a long drought…

Chinese Proverb

Find some delicious conversation at the “Common Grounds” Coffee Club

By Anne Stellmon

The Common Grounds Coffee club meets monthly. This is a prefect chance to meet some of your neighbors and relax for fabulous and casual conversation and goodies over morning coffee. The next meeting will be:

FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2008

10:00 A.M.

HOSTESS-DONNA URQUHART

14143 E. LAYTON DR.

303-699-7036

Meet your AGHA Board: This month…Norm Arlt

By Norm Arlt & Randy Simpson

My name is Norm Arlt. For the last 12 years or so, I have been on the Board, and have responsibility for of our common areas.  This includes setting up contracts for mowing and irrigation contractors, supervising work done, personally doing minor (or major) grounds work, and taking care of any grounds-related problems that arise.  I head up Aurora grant and rebate projects.  I also maintain our website.

My wife Quink (who also volunteers a lot of her time) and I have lived in Andover Glen since May, 1996.  We have a son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter who live about 5 miles from us in Aurora.  I retired from USWest in 1999.  I was born and raised on a farm in Minnesota, and lived there and Omaha before moving here.  I have a BS and MBA in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, and have been a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Management Accountant.

“Meet Norm Arlt” continued on page 3

“Meet Norm Arlt”, from page 2

I play racquetball, telemark ski in the backcountry, lead mountain trips, and teach mountain hiking.  I have climbed 32 of Colorado’s 54 Fourteeners.  I am a colon cancer survivor (so far).

We enjoy our home in Andover Glen, and plan to be here for the future.  I encourage all homeowners to become more involved with our Association, to make it a better place to live for all of us. ~

If Norm had been paid for the time he’s given the Association, he be at least $100,000 richer

Mark your calendar for these Social Events

By Debra Jones

Annual Garage Sale

Fri. & Sat. May 30^th  & 31^st

The Andover Glen Board decided to change our Garage Sale date from Father’s Day weekend to the same weekend that Woodgate HOA is having their Garage Sale: Friday, May 30^th and Saturday, May 31^st.  Having our Garage Sale the same weekend would bring in more Shoppers to our homes and only one weekend of extra traffic through our neighborhood.

Rich and Donna Foerster with Keller Williams will be sponsoring our Garage Sale again this year.  They will put an ad in the newspaper, signs throughout the neighborhood and two large signs at each entrance. 

Dumpster Days

Sat. and Sun. June 7^th & 8^th

We are going to have a large roll-off dumpster available Saturday, June 7^th and Sunday, June 8^th.  This will be the perfect time to dispose of those unwanted items you didn’t sell at the garage sale or those hard to get rid of items from around your house.  Just remember that the dumpster is for Andover Glen homeowners only and is paid for by your Association Dues. 

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for Social, please e-mail me at debsew79@msn.com. ~

Special Feature Article:

Spring has sprung…in your home!

By Donna Foerster, GRI

Keller Williams Action Realty, LLC

Spring is here, so give your home a well-deserved makeover and welcome it in with open arms.  It’s easier than you may think!  Don’t believe it?  Check out these ideas for your inspiration:

Want to make a big impact?  Use spring color to brighten up your home, giving it an appealing, airy atmosphere.  Violet, spring green, bright yellow and sky blue are hot colors in spring decorating and look beautiful on your walls or as accent colors throughout neutral colored rooms.

Spring has sprung continued on page 4

Spring has sprung, from page 3

Rather start off small?  Give everything a good cleaning.  Wash all the windows, inside and out.  Clean your mirrors, countertops, tabletops and appliances until they shine.  Use a wet dryer sheet to reduce static cling and remove dust.  Visit www.eureka.com/spring_cleaning/planner.him for a checklist to help you tackle every room in your home in only one week.

Let in the light!  Open your curtains and blinds to let the sun shine in.  Replace heavy curtains and drapes with sheers.  Natural light reflects off surfaces within your home, making it feel lighter and brighter – just like spring!

Flowers are synonymous with spring.  Place colorful displays of spring flowers throughout you home.  Candles, essential oils and potpourri in light floral, fresh cut grass or rain scents enhance your spring motif.  Adding flowering plants to your windowsills helps bring your rooms to life.

Don’t forget the front door!  Invite the season into your home with a glorious spring wreath on your front door.  Go big, bold and bright!  Visit www.allwreaths.com/article_list.html for fun wreath projects.

Decorating for spring an be a lot of fun and a great way to get into the mood of the season – one of renewal and invigoration. ~

If you have an ad or notice you’d like to place in the Gazette under the Neighbor to Neighbor section, or even an informative article for the Gazette, please contact Randy Simpson at rgatess@yahoo.com