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COMMUNItY NEWS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2014 17 Predicting the weather here at Four Seasons is not all that difficult. Old Timers (with seven to eight winters here) can quite reliably predict that the next winter will be, "different." History bears this out. We have seen freezing temperatures in the teens, wet Decembers and dry Januaries, wet windy months and dry windy months, frost in April but not in January, and variations of these unrepeatable patterns. So, if our landscape efforts seem incongruent, we blame Mother Nature. Having to irrigate heavily this January is a prime example of this incongruity. We also blame the Polar Vortex this year. The northern flow of the jet stream has stabilized high pressure over the Four Corners sending hot dry winds through the Pass and across our landscape. Not only do we have to water more often but the swirling wind has sent the spray from our sprinklers every which way. The meager rainfall contributes to the disarray. Through mid-January we are a third below our average with no promise of a spring recovery. Our water consumption for 2013 was a few drops below 2012 but the cost was $4,500 greater due to rate increases. The significant cost growth was in irrigation repairs which were up by a third. Some of this was due to the 2013 freeze that damaged our back flow devices and some was due to the acquisition of new areas. Our colorful holiday decorations have been replaced by red berries, yellow cactus and orange fire pokers. We now start the New Year with fewer problem trees, more plants adapted to our climate, a park, relocated benches, and 96 new homes here in our Association. We have openings for interested volunteers. Plant knowledge is not required as we have landscape professionals. What is needed is the desire to walk around the community and report on the status of plant life and any unusual growth. ~ Leonard Tavernetti Landscape Committee At our December meeting, the Financial Statements for November were reviewed and reflected the following significant items: Net income year-to-date was $169,087 and total reserves were $3,945,002. The accounts receivable (delinquencies) were $65,794. Our total HOA expenses for November (excluding reserve allocations) were $229,082. This was over budget by $10,957. There were two Certificates of Deposit renewals to be reviewed. The Front Yard Cost Center expenses for November 2013 were over the monthly budget by $2,157, water and landscape being the main contributors. Year-to-date expenses for the Front Yard Cost Center were over budget by $18,534. The Springdale Cost Center Expenses for November 2013 were over budget by $748. Year-to-date expenses for the Springdale Cost Center were under budget by $1,438. There were four vendor proposals presented for approval. Wayne Staples reported on the past due accounts; current owners were 15 and former owners four. Overall delinquency rate is 1.35 percent. There remains a vacancy on the committee. Anyone who would like to join us may pick up an application at the Front Desk of the Lodge, complete it and return it to the Front Desk. We will contact you with further instructions. Our next meeting is Feb. 26 at 1 pm in the Lodge Conference Room. All homeowners are encouraged to attend. ~ Noel Myers Finance Committee

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