Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1119001
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2019 11 (we call it ARC) for approval. Once the plans were approved, we had another four months to complete the work. Then we submitted our Notice of Completion, Exhibit C, with pictures. Committee members then came out to confirm the work was completed according to the plan. One thing we did find out was that Beaumont has a Dark Sky Ordinance, and there are restrictions on the type of outdoor lighting that can be installed. As you know, we have always had a satellite dish for television. We submitted an Exhibit A Express form with pictures of the dish to the same committee to get approval for installation. We just had to make sure the dish was in a position that made it the least visible from the common area, and at least three feet beyond our side yard gate. And they did come out to confirm that it was installed in the right place. We like the fact that the community is gated. As you know, visitors cannot enter unless the resident has left instructions at the gate. There is an attendant at the gate seven days a week starting at 6 am. When they close the gates at 8:45 at night, they patrol the grounds until 10 pm. Residents have a transponder, or tag, that automatically opens the gates for us. Unfortunately, if they are lost or damaged it costs $12 to $16 for a replacement, and it has to be paid by check or money order. We just showed our vehicle registration when we got the tag. It's that simple. Yes, there are a few things that may take extra effort. For instance, if we wanted to change the exterior look of the house — like changing the color or adding a screen door — or want to redo the yard, we must submit a request to ARC. Shortly after we moved in, Ted damaged his fob… don't ask… while playing tennis. The fob is needed to sign in at all the facilities, pools, and walk-in gates. Ted went to the office to get his fob replaced. Luckily, he had the damaged fob with him. The cost to replace a lost one is $25, but it was only $10 to replace a damaged one. On the plus side, the cluster mailboxes are very convenient. When we are away for a few days, we don't have to worry about mail piling up. The boxes are maintained by the association, but replacement locks are the homeowner's responsibility. Replacement mailbox locks and/ or keys can be obtained from the post office for a fee of $50! You can be sure we take care with our postal lock and keys. Oh, and if we get packages by mail, they are left in those big square boxes, and the key for those is left in our box. Both of us feel the Association fees are reasonable for everything we get here. The amount of the HOA fees vary depending on whether or not the home is located in a front yard cost center. Our front yard is maintained by the association. They take care of everything. We thought about doing it ourselves but we would still have to pay the higher fees, so we decided to let the association take care of the front. The downside is, we can't make changes to the front yard. But on the bright side, we don't have to do the work. Our HOA fees are due on the first of each month. When we first moved in we paid them online, then we signed up for auto-pay. What's not to like about living here? We have our own magazine and website that give us information on everything that happens here. We signed up for The Daily Report which sends an email notice to residents with updates, and changes in scheduled events and activities, and provides alerts on issues affecting residents. Well, listen to me babbling on. We have a lot planned today. Let's get started. SUNDAY, TIME TO LEAVE ALREADY? Ted and Alice, thank you both so much for the lovely weekend. We had a great time. We had a long talk last night and decided to look at the model homes here before we leave. Who knows? We may be moving to Four Seasons soon!