Post on 10-Jun-2018
NOV. 2017 Vol. 37 No. 11 PUBLISHED BY THE MONTEBELLO CONDOMINIUM UNIT OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Budget Pressures
Require a Condo
Fee Increase by Steve Clark and Maria Moore, Co-Chairs, Finance and
Budget Committee, and Doug Kleine, Treasurer, Board of
Directors
Last year, condo fees increased by 4.09% for Montebello
owners. While needs continue to build, we anticipate a slightly
smaller increase in 2018. Consequently, the Finance and
Budget Committee (F&B) has recommended an increase of
3.918% for 2018.
Montebello’s budget process is not one that sets a target for
condo fees and then shapes expenses to fit the target. Rather,
we determine needs, research the costs, and set the condo fees
as the last step to balance the budget.
There are several forces operating on our expenses:
The grounds of Montebello are a new board priority. As a
result, the contract for the grounds maintenance has been
increased by approximately $50,000, and we have hired a
temporary employee to oversee the new emphasis and
grounds maintenance projects over the next four years,
including woodlands projects.
With regard to the Data Communication Network, there is
a reserve project for 2018, which will ultimately carry a
future $30,000-plus per year maintenance contract.
There are heavier reserve projects over the next five
years, for which management has prepared with a new
contract administrator position.
There are increased annual contributions to reserves to
meet anticipated needs in the next few years.
Finally, there is a stronger emphasis on customer service.
There will be more training for the staff and a stronger
reward system to implement quality service consistent
with our vision of being a luxury community.
To meet these needs, F&B has recommended an increase of
3.918%. The board will consider these recommendations and
adopt a 2018 budget at its meeting on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in
the Community Center. The board packet on the website will
have the proposed 2018 budget in its latest form.
Photo by Kim Santos
An enthusiastic circle formed at the Octoberfest celebration on
Oct. 13. The German band “Die Zwei” (“The Two”) performed.
_______________________
Update Your Emergency Entry
and Contact Information by Earl Roberts, Safety and Access Control Manager
Procedures for entry into the condominiums for emergency
maintenance work are laid out clearly in our Montebello
documents. However, management entry procedures during a
non-maintenance emergency are undergoing further
clarification.
Medical Emergency Entry – When first responders need
access to a unit during a medical emergency, and the resident
cannot open the door, we use your emergency key to grant
access. These emergency keys are kept behind locked doors in
a lock box in the office. After consulting with our local fire
station, we have determined a way to speed up the process of
gaining access to your unit during this type of emergency.
A secure location in each building has been established
where additional emergency keys can be stored, so that our
Safety and Access Control (SAC) officers no longer have to
go to the office to obtain a key before meeting first responders
at the door of the resident in need. This adjustment will save
time by placing the needed key in closer proximity to the
emergency. SAC will handle the copying of the extra key.
However, we need your help to make this procedure
successful. If you have recently changed locks, please provide
us with copies of your new keys. Some residents have a key
requiring a special letter of permission to duplicate. We will
Continued on p. 2
Toy Donations Accepted
Nov. 21-Dec. 8
Boxes will be available in the
Community Center for toy donations
to UCM and Toys for Tots.
November 2017 2
Letters to the Editor A letter to the editor is your opportunity to share a comment, compliment or
concern with other residents. Letters and responses must not exceed 225
words and must be received by the seventh of the month. Writers are
responsible for the content and accuracy of their letters. Management or the
Board of Directors may respond in no more than 225 words. Unsigned
letters, letters promoting non-Montebello financial endeavors, and personal
criticisms of individuals or groups will not be published. Submit letters,
marked Attention: Times, to the front desk or to times@montebello.org. The
Times publishes all Letters to the Editor that meet the criteria noted above.
The letters are formatted but not edited and are forwarded to the Board of
Directors for their response.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Lifeguards this Summer To the Editor: The High Sierra guards were exceptional this 2017 summer
season. Dejen, the head lifeguard kept the pool clean and the
crew attentive to the residents safety. I like to believe the
credit goes to our new General Manager, George Gardner and
our new Contracts Manager, Kierra Reynolds. Just maybe they
held High Sierra's feet to the fire and ensured the guards
remained during all weather conditions. Instead of High Sierra
Management pocketing MCUOAs' money by sending guards
home early without pay during rainy or cold weather the
guards stayed on site. Now owners get what we pay for - use of
the indoor pool during inclement weather. Thanks so much for
finally listening to the residents and insuring our MCUOAs'
money is used judiciously and not pocketed by High Sierra
Management.
– Peg Wesbecher, Building 2
Board response: It’s a pleasure to receive compliments on the
results of actions taken by management and the board.
_______________________
Update Information, continued from p. 1 reach out to those residents separately in the near future to
have the letter signed so that we can get the copy made.
Wellness Checks – Sometimes we receive a call from friends
or relatives who are concerned about a resident they have not
been able to contact in some time. We are working with the
police department and legal counsel to determine the best
method for handling wellness checks. We will keep you
updated on our progress.
Contact Information – Both of the previous matters hinge on
an important piece of information – your contact information.
We need your help again here. Do we have your most recent
contact information on file?
Have you changed your telephone number?
Have you changed your Emergency Contact Person?
Do you have special needs that need to be listed on
the evacuation roster?
Have you recently gained or lost a roommate?
Has your pet status changed?
Have you not been receiving email notices from the
office and wish to receive them?
To update or change your information, please come by the
front desk and ask for an information form (pink for owners;
white for renters). This should only take a few minutes.
Photo by Kim Santos
Many residents donated to the annual UCM drive Oct. 14.
_______________________
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7 The Montebello shuttle bus will provide transportation to
and from the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at half-hour intervals
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reminders: Voters are required to show identification.
Acceptable IDs are: voter’s registration card; Va. driver’s
license, photo ID issued by the U.S. government or your
employer, or your original Social Security card. The
Montebello resident ID cards are not acceptable.
If you have an absentee ballot, you may also vote in person
until Nov. 4 at the Mt. Vernon Government Center on Parkers
Lane from 3:30 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday. Or mail your absentee ballot to arrive by Nov. 7.
For further information, contact Fairfax County Office of
Elections at www.fairfax.va.us/gov/eb/vregis.htm or at 703-
222-0776.
The Times of Montebello is published monthly by the MCUOA. The
opinions expressed in this newsletter do not represent those of the Editor
or the MCUOA.
Editorial Board: Nancy Vogt, Managing Editor; Barbara Boykin, Editor;
Donald Barnes, Cerie Kimball, Noel Sipple, Don Trilling, Jacqueline
Woodle
Staff Writers: Susan Allen, Rebecca Hayden, Janice Stucki
Editorial Assistants: Carole Appel, Mary Ellen Bergeron
Photo Editor: Don Trilling
Photographers: Diane Bastin, Joel Miller, Kim Santos, Nancy Vogt
Production Manager: Thirasit Insisiengmay
Board of Directors Liaison: Bonnie Daniel
Board of Directors: Greg Bender, President; Lynn Tjeerdsma, Vice
President; Doug Kleine, Treasurer; Bonnie Daniel, Secretary; Raymond
Goodrich, Douglas Kennett, Lauren Pierce, Bruce Shaw, Guido Zanni
Management: George Gardner, General Manager; Marco Mendoza,
Assistant General Manager; Peter Ng, Facilities Program Manager; Earl
Roberts, Safety and Access Control Manager; Phonekham
Somchanmavong, Chief Engineer; Sisavath Thongdynarath, Assistant
Chief Engineer; Thirasit Insisiengmay, Community Activities Program
Manager; Lenard Goldbaum (ZALCO), Community Manager
Association Office: 703-960-0410
www.montebello.org
MCUOA@vacoxmail.com
Residents may contact the Board of Directors at the email address above.
Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
3 November 2017
Puerto Rico: Not So Far From
Montebello Hearts and Minds
by Jacqueline Woodle, Times staff
Puerto Rico is many miles away from Montebello, but it is
much closer in the minds and hearts of some of the
Montebello community.
The family of Luis Vasquez, Montebello staff resident
coordinator, lives in the Dorado area on
the northern side of the island. This area
sustained less impact from Maria than
did the central and western mountainous
areas. His family lives in a
condominium which sustained minimal
damage beyond water leakage. Luis
speaks briefly with his family regularly
and sends them care packages which
they can now pick up at the post office.
At the time of this writing, life in the area was slowly
returning to a semblance of normal, with many local roads
passable and some stores opened, though costs for the few
items available are sometimes excessive and it is cash-only.
Residents are looking for work since most businesses, hotels,
and restaurants are closed, and they are without income. It is
now possible to purchase gasoline in larger quantities than the
five gallon limit imposed after the storm. Schools which
normally open in early August are still closed and students
may have to repeat the year if schools do not open soon.
Luis observed that the silver lining to this disaster is the
hope that it will be an opportunity for some out-of-the-box
thinking as repairs are made, such as underground cables,
solar and satellite sources of electricity.
In harder hit areas of the island many of the roads and
bridges are unusable and assistance has not
arrived. Antonella Colon, resident of
Building 4, is the wife of Pedro Colon,
whose family lives in Moca, a town in the
western part of the island where the effects
of the hurricane are significant. Pedro flew
to Puerto Rico recently and managed to get
to Moca, where he is helping his family
and assessing the situation. Crops, such as
plantains, bananas, and coffee, have been
destroyed. At the time of this interview, there was no
electricity, water, postal service, or dependable connection to
the outside, and stores were low on supplies.
The Colon cement house is on a hill and suffered no
structural damage but the home of a neighbor who lives down
the hill was washed away and he lost everything. He is now
living on the Colon property in a small apartment and helping
with chores.
Pedro’s father is bedridden and in need of air conditioning,
so a generator is used sparingly for short periods of time to
give him comfort and to help his breathing. They use rain
water for cleaning and buy drinking water when it is available.
The small hospital in the area may have to close due to
damage and lack of supplies.
Continued on p. 4
Photo by Kim Santos
Participants in the Polymer Clay workshop, sponsored by AiM on
Oct. 10 were able to take home their oven-fired creations.
_______________________
Contracts Update by Peter Ng, Facilities Program Manager
Landscape Remediation Project We have retained Lauren Wheeler of Natural Resource
Design to assist in our Landscape Remediation Project. She
met with our Grounds Committee and has begun surveying the
property. Wheeler had conducted an earlier survey that
resulted in the removal of invasive vegetation.
Data Communications On Sept. 5, the association held a town hall meeting to
explain the upcoming Data Communication Network Project.
Fios is not part of this project, but the association is working
with Verizon to assess the feasibility of providing it.
Rooftop Air Handler Units
On Sept. 13, management, board members, and resident
consultants met with a Reznor® representative, an engineer
from TRC Companies, Inc., and our HVAC contractor.
Reznor® has stockpiled parts to maintain our rooftop units. A
fresh air system has an expected life of 15 years. Our systems
were installed in 2006. Planning to replace these units should
start in 2018. Two building units will be replaced in 2020 and
two in 2022. We have received the manuals and checklist for
enhanced preventive maintenance for our units from Reznor®.
These have been forwarded to our HVAC contractor to obtain
a proposal to perform enhanced preventive maintenance to
ensure more reliable operations and prolong their life.
Irrigation System The in-ground moisture sensors for the new irrigation
system have been installed and are in operation. After the
landscape matured, a detailed assessment of irrigation
coverage was done on Aug. 28 by Aspect Irrigation, Inc., with
these findings:
Several irrigation areas should be split due to half sunny
and half shady location.
We should split irrigation zones that have turf, shrubs, and
flowers with different water needs.
We need to replace some rotor heads with spray heads in
various locations such as the picnic area, along long Mt.
Eagle Drive, and around the community center’s west side.
November 2017 4
Photo by Nancy Vogt
Fairfax County fire department in the front of Building 3 responds
to an electrical outage caused by a vehicle accident on Route 1
on Sept. 24.
Safety and Access Control
Quarterly Report by Earl Roberts, Safety and Access Control Manager
Visitor Access The main gate processed 7,632 visitors between July 1 and
Sept. 30.
Routine Operations The Safety and Access Control (SAC) department oversaw
routine Montebello operations during this reporting period by
providing continuous patrolling, monitoring, and recording of
events on the property. We have worked with local emergency
response agencies to be better prepared for emergencies at
Montebello. Our SAC officers have also conducted additional
training in traffic management and radio communications.
Non-Routine Operations We are experiencing an uptick in odor complaints; we ask
all residents to be mindful of how odors (fragrance, smoke,
etc.) will travel under doors and into the hallways (and other
units) especially when windows are open.
2017
Occurrence July Aug Sept Totals
Fire and Rescue 13 11 12 36
Law Enforcement 4 9 5 18
Vehicle Violations 5 8 1 14
Vehicle Accidents* 2 1 0 3
Towed Vehicles 0 0 0 0
Rule Violations 2 1 2 5
Noise Complaints 6 3 8 17
Animal Control 0 0 0 0
Suspicious Odors 3 3 8 14
Pedestrian Accident 0 0 0 0
*Vehicle accidents no injury or property damage reported
Metal Connectors for Toilets
Can Prevent Water Damage by Peter Ng, Facilities Program Manager
Recently, manufacturers of toilet water supply lines have
replaced plastic connectors with metal ones, which will not
break as easily or become brittle with age.
The Association can change your toilet water supply line to
one with the new metal connectors through its In-Unit Service
Program. However, we will change the supply line only in
those toilets installed by the Association.
For residents whose toilets were not installed by the
Association, we highly recommend having a licensed plumber
change the supply line to one with a metal connector.
Management Notes Employee Recognition Program
The Board of Directors reminds residents who wish to
contribute to the Employee Recognition Program to please do
so at the front desk by Nov. 20. Disbursement to employees
will be in December.
Fire Alarm Test Schedule Monthly tests of the fire alarm system occur at 10 a.m.:
Building 1 – 1st Wednesday
Building 2 – 2nd
Wednesday
Building 3 – 3rd
Wednesday
Building 4 – 4th
Wednesday
Puerto Rico, continued from p. 3
The Colon family and others in this hard-hit area are coping
as best they can with overwhelming destruction and recognize
it is a long road ahead.
Helping to ease the burden is the goal
of many groups which are traveling to
Puerto Rico to provide disaster relief.
Earl Roberts, Montebello Safety and
Access Control Manager, is joining one
of those groups, the Virginia Baptist
Disaster Relief Team, from Nov. 25 to
Dec. 1. The group sends teams every
week to sites selected by the U. S.
government. Earl’s team will provide supplies and muscle
power to help reestablish an area damaged by Maria. This
typically involves tearing down destroyed buildings, salvaging
those that can be restored, and clearing roads. At this time it is
projected that aid will be needed for at least six to eight
months.
November 11, 2017
Join The Times of Montebello Editorial Board and staff
in paying tribute to our veterans and remembering the
fallen, the missing, and those now serving in harm's way.
5 November 2017
Grounds Committee Asks You
to Save These Dates by Virginia Hodgkinson, Chair, Grounds Committee
The Grounds Committee will be sending its five-year
Strategy Plan for the Woodlands and Developed Areas to the
board work session for consideration on Nov. 28. Lauren
Wheeler, director of Natural Resources Design, will present
the plan. We hope that many residents will be able to attend.
On Dec. 6, the Grounds Committee will present the plan at
an open community forum in the Community Center at 7:30
p.m. The plan will also be made available online in late
November for residents to read before the forum takes place.
We would like to hear from you about the plan. There will be
numerous opportunities for residents to participate by adding
suggestions, ideas, and volunteer time to help restore our
woodlands and make our landscape more beautiful.
Volunteers (l. to r.) Brian Hayden, Chuck Amorosino, Penny Jones,
Lynn Tjeerdsma, Catherine Cooke, Mary Tjeerdsma, and Diane
Fitzgerald, planted fourteen varieties of plants and bulbs on Oct.
7. Their work will come alive in the spring.
____________________
From the General Manager
Taking a Look at the Progress
of Three Projects by George Gardner, General Manager
The board took several actions at the Oct. 10 board meeting
that have meaningful impact on the community.
The Data Communications Network is projected to cost
$1,111,150 plus an annual maintenance contract for five years
at a total cost of $136,694. This system, when completed, will
increase safety at Montebello, as well as improve our
operability. It will replace systems that are approaching or are
beyond their predicted useful lifetimes, for example, the front
gate card reader; building front, rear and lobby entrance access
systems; fire detection, alarm, and warning systems and
upgrades to the association computer network. This project is
expected to be completed sometime in 2018.
The second item approved was a contract with Kerns Group
to prepare construction documents to renovate all party rooms.
There will be a town hall meeting in January 2018 to present
the design information to the community, followed by a four-
month construction phase, with each party room being done
serially. The expected completion date for all renovation is
August 2018.
Finally, the five year grounds planning effort continues to
progress. The Grounds Committee is working with several
contractors, addressing the restoration and management of our
landscaping. The Woodlands Erosion Control Project is
scheduled for contract award by March 2018. The Grounds
Committee is meeting regularly with our contractor, National
Resources Design, providing five-year planning assistance.
Interested community members are welcome to attend the
committee meetings where the plan is being prepared. The
committee hopes to complete its draft plan in time for the
Nov. 21 board meeting.
TRANSITIONS
Welcome to Our New Neighbors
Christina Cochran, Building 3, a returning resident from
Winchester, Virginia.
Brad and Patty Cunnington, Building 4, from Seattle,
have returned to Montebello. Brad works for the Federal
Aviation Administration, and Patty does part-time work for
a publisher in the Eastern Market area in Washington, D.C.
Norm and Sue Lindeblad, Building 3, from Fort
Washington. Norm retired from Dade County Schools and
then worked for Tourmobile, giving tours for eight years.
He graduated from Augustana College. Sue works for the
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She
received a Ph.D. from the University of Miami.
John Phillips, Building 2, from Arlington. John is a
Department of Defense employee working in logistics. He
is a Vietnam veteran. His special interests include dogs,
board and card games, and color art.
Condolences to
The family and friends of Viola “Bonnie” Rice, Building 4,
who passed away on Sept. 29. She was one of Montebello’s
oldest resident-veterans, a member of the “Greatest
Generation.” Bonnie was an active participant in the
Montebello Music Club, the Groveton Baptist Church, and
all the Montebello Independence Day Parades. Interment at
Arlington will be announced later.
The family and friends of Viola Washington Wilson,
Building 4, who died on Sept. 16. She taught school for 30
years and was a devoted member of the United Methodist
Women, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Red Hat
Society, and the Pacesetters. Burial at Arlington National
Cemetery to be announced later.
November 2017
Barbara Bieger
Named Volunteer for
November by Nancy Vogt, Times staff
Barbara Bieger sat down with me to discuss her recent honor
and related topics.
Question: Why did you decide to chair the Activities
Committee (AC) in 2017 after it was vacant for over a year?
Barbara: I have been an active member of the AC since 2012.
The committee had been floundering without a permanent
chair for some time. I could see that the committee was not
functioning very well without a chair. When I see a situation
where I believe help is needed, I generally try to help. In this
case, the help that was needed was a chair for the committee.
When I was asked if I would chair the committee, I said yes,
but for a limited amount of time. That was in March of this
year and I committed to be the chair to the end of 2017.
Question: Besides AC, what other endeavors have you been
involved in?
Barbara: I wanted to start duplicate bridge at Montebello. I
had to learn how to start a club and request money. I learned I
had to go through the AC to obtain funds. That was my first
introduction to the committee. I am still running this activity.
Years ago I was active in the Business and Professional
Women’s Club and served as president. I was responsible for
the Montgomery County Women’s Fair which was a big
event. I have also been active at church, such as teaching
Sunday school.
Question: So, why do you volunteer? What motivates you to
give your time and energy so freely?
Barbara: An activity such as bridge is my ticket to meeting
and socializing. I enjoy the game, but it is also a great way to
meet people and make friends. Attending events isn’t enough
for me. I need to be part of something, and having a job to do
makes me feel more a part of things. I need a reason to be
there. Being involved and participating, that is what it is about
for me.
There was a period in my life when I couldn’t drive due to
health issues. That forced me to face the fact that the day
would come when I could not drive. I realized then how
fortunate I was to live at Montebello and that I was going to
take advantage of it and become more involved.
Question: Tell me a little about your personal life.
Barbara: I am native to the DC metropolitan area. My career
was in the government, working my way from secretary to
biologist to government psychologist to personnel specialist.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) identified the need for
laboratory technicians. I was fortunate to be able to take
advantage of this program and earned a biology degree. I
worked at NIH, and then got into Human Resources. I have
been in and out of the government, depending on the needs of
my family, retiring after 27 years of federal service.
Photo by Nancy Vogt
Barbara Bieger of the Activities Committee is the Volunteer-of-
the-month for November.
I have been widowed since 1995. Two of my three sons live
in the area with four of my six grandchildren. The other son
and grandsons live in California.
Question: What do you do in your downtime?
Barbara: I enjoy sewing and machine embroidery.
Last thoughts: Following our meeting, Barbara had
additional comments about her award and the future of AC.
Barbara: Thank you for such an honor; I was so surprised I
didn’t know what to say. Then I thought, was this my
opportunity to reach out to this wonderful community we call
home?
Montebello is truly a diverse community and there must be
many who could do a good job chairing the AC. It is easier
and less stressful when the job is shared and more fun. Yes, I
said fun! I have enjoyed being chair, receiving strong support
from many sources and people. There are those who have
done so much, many others who were with us for a short-term
project. I want to thank all of them. There is not space to list
you all but you know who you are.
A final comment by the writer: AC is looking for a chair to
start the new year. By stepping up now, the new chair could
work with Barbara to become familiar with the committee.
Others are available to lessen the task. If you aren’t up to
chairing the committee, please actively search for a candidate.
November Holiday Schedules
Office Hours The Front Desk will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
Thursday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Day)
and Friday, Nov. 24.
The MCUOA Office will be closed
Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.
Shuttle Bus The Montebello Shuttle Bus will not operate on
Nov. 10, Veterans Day observed and
Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day
November Times Photo Supplement Art in Montebello
Speaker Series
Photo by Nancy Vogt
Book Signing – “Lost Alexandria”
Photos by Kim Santos
Movie Night
Photo by Steve Novinger
Free goodies come with Classic Movie Night
Anna Schalk
Photos by Joel Miller
Octoberfest