Summer 2015 Paddington Green Newsletter |
Hi from your board of directors. As the last few weeks of summer seem to be passing us by and autumn is just around the corner, we want to bring you up to date. There is never a dull moment around here.Some time ago we posted a notice regarding the excessive number of cigarette butts left around the property. Since that notice went up, there has been a drastic improvement and for that we thank you. We would be very pleased if we could get that same commitment to keeping the garbage bin area clean and tidy. If it’s garbage, put it in the bin. If it’s recycling, put it in the recycling bins. NOTHING should be left on the ground unless YOU have contacted 311 to have that item picked up. Putting a “free” sign on it doesn’t change that.On a more positive note, we are sure you noticed some painting was done on the exterior- the 4 end walls & 12 chimneys. Although, there is more painting that needs to be done we’re sure you’ll agree the buildings look far more attractive.The grounds are an ongoing project and despite the improvements made this year we are disappointed in the results and are working on it. We have done some trimming and pruning in an attempt to clean up the look of the property. The original planting some 30 years ago was not well planned and some shrubs and trees were planted either in the wrong place or too close to the buildings.Shrubs and hedges are our next focus. Much of this growth is approaching the end of its life cycle or has been left to grow on its own for too long and can no longer be trimmed to look good. The hedge along the end wall of building #130 Regis facing the parking lot is a good example. Not only is it over run but is dying from the Fire Blight. We are seeking some professional advice, but we expect to remove that hedge this fall and replant a new one next spring. The same fate is expected for some of the shrubs.This spring, we had a plumbing inspection done to identify any potential problems and are now being proactive and are having these repaired before they cause bigger issues. One of our owners in building # 134 noticed the sound of running water one Friday evening and advised us of that. By catching the water leak early a major repair was avoided. Thank you Matt.We were also looking at getting an estimate to freshen up some areas of the parking lot. We were looking to seal the cracks and put on a seal coat, which would extend the life of the parking lot and thought we’d start with the fire lane. As a result of the inspection, a problem was discovered with the two sewer drains in the parking lot. The one by the gate to the fire lane has sunk and broken the seal. This is about a sixteen hundred dollars and not a big expense in the overall scheme of things. The sewer drain in the visitor parking is another story. The same issue was found here but to a more advanced stage of erosion. The cost is unknown until the excavation is done but it could run in the $10K - $12k range. We are hoping to find the damage will be minor and that the actual cost will be less. Based on this potential major expense, we will only be doing very minor work to the actual parking lot surface. The dollars to pay for these expenditures will come out of the Reserve Fund.Several people have commented on the beautiful planter outside of building #140 in the parking lot as well as the garden area in that corner. The condo corporation pays for the soil and plants that are in the planter and the flower pots on either side of the fire lane gate. That’s the easy part. Jocelyn buys her own plants and pots to put in the corner of the building and in front of her enclosure. Jocelyn volunteers her time to purchase the plants, spread the soil, and plant the plants and waters and weeds the areas on an ongoing basis. Beauty is hard work. If anyone has a green thumb, likes gardening and is interested in providing such a commitment, there are areas around the complex that could use this type of beautification. Please contact Sunrex if you would like to adopt an area or just a couple of flower pots.At this point we’d like to remind everyone and/or inform newcomers, that we do not have an onsite caretaker. Concerns / suggestions should be directed to the Property Manager. The property managers for the complex are Jaime Amorim and Brenda Collins. They can be reached at 204-987-9000 between the hours of 8:30 am & 5:00 pm Monday – Friday or via email paddingtongreen@sunrex.caIn case of emergencies only, please call 204-987-9000 ext. 2As most of you are aware, your board of directors live in the complex and because of our vested interest not only in our property but also in how the property is maintained and looks, we volunteer our time and perform various tasks which could / should be hired / contracted out, however your contact person is Sunrex, not the board of directors. This is not to say that we aren’t approachable. We do like to hear your comments both positive and negative but Sunrex is our Property Management company and should be your contact regarding issues at Paddington Green. An example would be if your neighbors are having loud parties. Your board would like to know but if you want help dealing with an issue you need to involve Sunrex or the police.
Also, just a reminder that as per the City of Winnipeg Fire Codea) Mats or shoes are not allowed at the hallway entrance of your unitb) The Fire Lane between the two complexes must be kept clear at all times, therefore owners/tenants from buildings (130, 132, 134 and 138) moving in/out of their units or moving large items need to make arrangements with the Property Manager to have the gate/chain fence opened. We ask that 4 days notice be provided.Enjoy the balance of the summer.Your Board of Directors |
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