Thursday, May 21, 2015

Yesterday I met with Dustin Harris (City Engineer) and Charlie Romans (developer) on the South side of the property to discuss the water runoff and erosion problem between our neighborhood and the development that is going on down below.

It was good that we met there on a rainy day, because the problem was obvious to see.  There are even several deep holes right next to the asphalt that are puddles now, but as water seeps out of them down the hill will become sink-holes.

Charlie has talked to an excavation firm to come out and take a look at the situation.  The proposed solution that we discussed was to extend the retaining wall a few more feet, and make a drainage path to the west and down the hill there where the erosion is not occurring.

Charlie expects to have a discussion next week with the excavation company to finalize the plan.  I plan on being part of those discussions so that I am kept informed of the plans for this area.  I will try to keep you informed of the plans as well.

Dustin also commented about the overgrowth of grass and brush along that hill.  Charlie will need to take care of most of the hillside, but I am going to work on cutting more along the top of the retaining wall, and the grass on the west side of the asphalt.

I will be mowing the property again Friday, May 22 (weather permitting).  Please make sure that you have everything picked up from the grass around your unit so that I can mow up close to the buildings.

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend I know that summer and "Grilling Season" is upon us.  If you intend on having a grill on your deck, please make sure that it is as far away from the building as possible.

Next week I will deliver my monthly letter and deposit slips for the June rent payments.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather!  It has really been a fantastic week.

On Monday I rented a Power Sweep, and brushed most of the rock chips off the main drive.  Rachael and I took several loads of rock chips down to the lower part of the property to line the area just off the asphalt at the bottom.  These should help with drainage in this area, and if they do wash away they will help secure the hillside.  I think we moved about a ton of chips down there.  I know that there are still some rock chips around.  Hopefully a couple rains will take care of washing away the rest of the chips.

My next big project is to get some topsoil delivered, and fill in the depression where the old dumpster used to sit, cover the area around unit 723-1, and plant grass.  Since this is on a hillside I want to wait until the chances of rain and thunderstorms diminishes so that I have more control over how much water is put on those areas.

We are still having a problem with stray cats in the neighborhood.  I appreciate everyone refraining from feeding the cats, and I hope that not having food around will encourage the cats to move on.  I have received complaints from tenants about "offerings" that the cats have made (dead birds, dead mice and dead moles).  I have been throwing all of these into the woods to the west.  Neither the city or the county can do anything about the cats, so if you have someplace that wants to adopt the cats, please feel free to relocate them.  I don't want to be hardhearted about stray animals (we have 2 rescue dogs of our own), but I am concerned that the stray cats will encourage wild animals (like skunks and raccoon).  I am also concerned that the cats are not inoculated, and there have been reported cases of rabies not far away.

Thanks to those that are planting flowers, and trying to brighten up the neighborhood!  The flowers really look nice.  Once I have a better handle on the rock and (lack of) grass situation I hope to do some landscaping that will help the area as well.

Please note that I have a new cell phone number:  417-372-5354.  Feel free to call me anytime with questions or problems.