Issaquah Highlands Connections
November 2017 •
13
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
November Landscape and Irrigation Update by Lyle Dickey, IHCA Landscape Manager
The landscape crews are very busy this time of year with their regular maintenance as well as special projects throughout the community. The crews will be finishing up most of the leaf control and their regular maintenance duties soon. Special projects include plant replacements and revisions to landscape areas throughout the community. The Highlands in-house crew each year will replace 60 to 70 street trees. The trees are being replaced for a number of reasons: vehicle damage, storm damage, disease, and infrastructure damage. Most of the trees will be replaced with new ones of the same variety, but some that are causing severe infrastructure damage may be completely removed and not replaced or replaced with a more appropriate tree for that area. We love all the trees in the Highlands and will only remove the tree if it is absolutely necessary. The crews this time of year will be doing plant replacements in a number of areas throughout the community. The sub-contractors for the community will be doing plant replacements in neighborhoods and supplemental areas with hopes to wrap up by the end of November. The Highlands in-house crew will be replacing groundcover and other plants in several common areas. This kind of work is necessary every year in order keep up with damaged or missing plants or trees so we can keep this place looking its best. The irrigation crews are also busy this time of year. The crews are finishing up irrigation upgrades and improvements as well as winterization of the all irrigation systems in the community. This is a very large task and takes five weeks to complete. Our plan is to have this process complete by Thanksgiving. Winterization of the irrigation system is done with an air compressor which forces air into the system and pushes the water out in order to prevent system breakage due to freezing temperatures. When the irrigation crews are done with this project they will assist the landscape crews with their work until spring and it’s once again irrigation season. As you can see, the IHCA landscape crew has a lot on their plate over the next couple of months and appreciates everyone’s support while they try to stay ahead of the cold weather.
Meet the Newest Team Member: Bonnie Ervin by Bonnie Ervin, IHCA Compliance Coordinator First things first… Thank you for the chance to offer a shout out to all my fellow Highlanders!!!
We could have had a major incident in the community if it weren’t for the conscientious daughter of an Issaquah Highlands homeowner who reported a tree going up in flames in the open area behind their home. She called 911 immediately. The Fire Department responded quickly to dowse the fire before it could spread beyond the approximate 40’ square of green space it had already burned. BIG Kudos goes out to our very alert resident! Thank you!!
ARC Tip of the Month:
Did you know… when builders install landscaping they often plant small bushes and trees that, in time, grow too big for the surrounding area? Removing and/or replacing these overgrown items requires ARC approval. The process is simple. Just complete and submit the application at issaquahhighlands. com. There is no fee and if approved, the response is immediate. Now is an excellent time to replant!
Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders Violations and Escalation Timelines:
Originally from San Diego, I relocated to Washington in 1998 and have watched the Highlands grow into a gorgeous and robust community. My little family moved to Issaquah in 2012 and instantly knew we found a home for our stuff – and most importantly – our hearts.
Warning Notice: A notice may be sent when a Violation occurs. The unit owner has 7 days to comply from the date of notice. 1st Fine: If a violation reoccurs, not less than seven (7) days or within two (2) years from the date of prior notice, a $50 fine may be issued.
My son, Chase, is a 7th grader at Pacific Cascade Middle School and our rescue pup, Sparks, enjoys napping and walking the “hood” with me. We proudly support our Issaquah Eagles, the Huskies, and are loyal 12s!
2nd Fine: If a violation reoccurs, not less than seven (7) days or within two (2) years from the date of prior notice, a $100 fine may be issued. Bonnie Ervin joined the IHCA team in September
as Homeowner Compliance Coordinator. A strongly analytical thinker, I believe challenges are just opportunities awaiting honest effort with an eye on our big-picture goals. Over the last couple of decades, I’ve had the opportunity to cultivate my professional skills in planning, logistics, project management, and customer service management.
Since joining the team as Compliance Coordinator in September, I’ve been meeting residents, learning the flavor of the neighborhoods, and getting straight to work supporting the IHCA vision of community. The folks I’ve met at the IHCA continue to impress me with their diligent and consistent management of all things IHCA. I will bring my enthusiasm to the IHCA and will do my upmost to keep our communal interests paramount. If you see me in the hood, feel free to wave and say “HI”! Go HAWKS!!!
3rd Fine or greater: If a violation reoccurs, not less than seven (7) days or within two (2) years from the date of prior notice, a $150 fine may be issued and additional sanctions may be applied as defined in Section 7.4 Compliance and Enforcement of the IHCA CCRs. Please send any questions regarding the above to bonnie.e@ihcommunity.org