OPERATION: MAILBOX REPLACEMENT

Monte Varah, Director of Operations

Desert Mountain HOA

As the Community of Desert Mountain passed its 35th birthday in 2021 an initiative to revamp the aging mailboxes was started. It was in response to a few factors.

• In 2014 the USPS established new codes for mailboxes. Going forward, all community mailboxes were specified to be type 4C, featuring wider boxes and a higher parcel box to resident ratio.

• With the new specifications established, the older boxes (such as the ones in place within Desert Mountain) and parts for them, were no longer manufactured.

•The Community also embraced the idea of more effective communication to the residents through the use of video monitors, replacing the old school bulletin boards with printed notices pegged to them. New technology allows the video displayed to receive updated messages promptly, as well as the flexibility to inform residents of village and community events more efficiently.

• The first updated kiosk was established in the Village of Arrowhead in 2021, the second in the Village of Grey Fox in 2022.

• Once a contractor is approved for 2023, the following villages are scheduled for the modifications.

Apache Peak

Rose Quartz

Cochise Geronimo Village

Mountain Skyline

Apache Cottages 1 & 2

Desert Fairways/Greens/Horizons

Desert Hills

Lookout Ridge Renegade Trail

The villages of Gambel Quail, Sunrise, Eagle Feather and Sonoran Cottages/Enclave have also asked to renovate their mailboxes in 2023.

In time, all village mailboxes will be renovated to comply with the new USPS specifications, and upgraded with new digital bulletin boards.

The Communications and Marketing Committee is interested in spotlighting community residents with memorable stories. If you have a story to tell, please email Carly Omenhiser at comenhiser@desertmthoa. com. We would welcome a brief description of your background or memorable story. Look forward to hearing from you!