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2013 ASSOCIATION CALENDAR
JANUARY
9 Board of Directors – Marvin Eckfeldt home
(all meetings 6:00 PM except noted)
FEBRUARY
20 Board of Directors – Marsha St. Louis home
MARCH- newsletter
9 Green Day Recycling - @ Normans
13 Board of Directors – Gilda Swann home
APRIL
10 Board of Directors – Marvin Eckfeldt home
MAY
8 Board of Directors – Don Norman home
22 AACC Meeting at Marsha’s 6:00 PM
JUNE
1 Spring Work Day (A) 10 AM to 4 PM & BBQ
& June 5 – (G)10 AM to 4:00 PM
8 Metal Drive – Kevin Sandberg
12 Board of Directors 5:45 PM Mindy Simms home
21-22 Kent International Festival, Kent Town Sq.
JULY- newsletter
10 Board of Directors – Don Norman home
12-14 Kent Cornucopia Days (downtown)
AUGUST
6NATIONAL NIGHT OUT & community BBQ
(115th Place cul-de-sac)
14 Board of Directors - Sunny Nugent home
SEPTEMBER
7 Green Day Recycling - @ Normans 9 AM-4 PM
11 Board of Directors – Marsha St. Louis home
OCTOBER - newsletter
9 Board of Directors – Marvin Eckfeldt home
NOVEMBER
2 Fall Work Day 10 AM to 4 PM & BBQ
November 6 – 10 AM to 4:00 PM
9 Metal Drive – Kevin Sandberg
13 Board of Directors 5:30 PM Mindy Simms home
DECEMBER
1 KENTON FIRS ANNUAL MEETING 3 PM
First Christian Church, 11715 SE 140th St
7 Kent “Christmas Rush” AM Run, Russell Road
Kent Winterfest Carnival PM (downtown)
11 Board of Directors 5:30 pm Sunny Nugent home
2013 DIRECTORY PREPARED
Your complimentary copy of the 2013 Kenton Firs Directory is being distributed with this Spring Newsletter. Our thanks to Kevin Sandberg, Trish Norman and Gilda Swann for compiling the copy and to Bob Bennett for helping with the printing. The Board members assembled it andDallas and
Dakota distributed it. We are experimenting with a new way of distributing because our postage costs last year totaled more than $989. Any corrections should be reported to Gilda.
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK WATCH
We thank neighbors for looking out for each other and Block Watch Captains for keeping block watch information up to date. Spring is just around the corner – time to take a good look at your landscaping. Shrubs and trees that give you privacy also give a burglar a place to hide. Prune bushes and cut off tree branches from the ground up to 6 feet. Windows should have one or more locking devices – a good strong dowel works well. Keep them closed and locked at night and when you are away. Always call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious or are a victim of a crime. Kent Police suggest you keep porch lights on all night as a deterrent for crime. Your Block Watch Co-Coordinators are Kevin Sandberg, 253-859-4796 and Donna Schell, 253-854-5425
A WORD ABOUT DUES AND MONEY
Your current Board of Directors is developing policies and procedures about dues, assessments and late accounts that are consistent and fair to all who live in our community. We very much appreciate owners who pay our yearly dues of $120.00 on time when due. Compared to other developments our dues structure is very inexpensive. Our challenge is with those who have not paid their dues, nor developed a workable payment plan with our Treasurer.
We have other owners who have accumulated fines and assessments, as provided in our Covenants and By-Laws and have refused to make payments. These uncollected obligations are not fair to those who pay their dues and money is needed. Past practice has been to place liens on property for unpaid obligations. This is time-consuming and costly.
Currently past due obligations total:
$3,600 is due on 2013 dues (30 homes)
$651.33 is due on 2012 dues and fines (4 homes)
$720 is past due on vacant properties (6 lots)
$2,353.24 represents obligations of 2 owners
accumulated over multiple years since 2008
Our Covenant and By-Laws say that yearly dues are to be paid by February 1st. If an owner does not initiate a payment plan with the Treasurer the following late charges apply: 1½% interest per month plus after 30 days $50.00 after 60 days $100.00 and after 90 days$200.00. The residential Covenants also provide a process for infraction fines to be assessed by the AACC committee for various identified violations listed in
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NEWSLETTER
Kenton Firs Community Association
Spring, 2013
Marvin Eckfeldt, editor Board Members, reporters
ANNUAL MEETING WELL ATTENDED:
Thirty-three owners or their proxies were present for the 40thAnnual KF Community Annual Meeting on December 2, 2012 in the Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church. The eight members of the Board of Directors planned and hosted the event. The social hour ably coordinated by Donna Shell and her daughter provided residents a good opportunity for visiting. A continuous stream of pictures of the year’s activities was on the screen for all to enjoy.
President Don Norman presided over a full agenda which concluded promptly at 5:00 PM. Mayor Suzette Cooke was special guest and spoke of the fiscal challenges the city is facing because of the economy. The city continues to provide our Board and community will a full range of public services. Bob Bennett presented the Financial Report for 2012 and it was reported that we had larger expenses for tree removal because of the severe January storm. Bob was thanked for his years serving as Association Treasurer.
Kevin Sandberg and Donna Schell presented an update on the Block Watch program. All blocks have captains and all residents willing to participate have provided contact information. Our second National Night out inAugust was held. The Kent Police effort received local and national recognition and ranked 10th in the nation, the only group so recognized in the Pacific Northwest.1
Marsha St. Louis presented a comprehensive PowerPoint report on the completion of the restoration project in Greenbelt A, for which KF received a city grant of almost $5,000. Residents contributed 735 volunteer hours in nine work parties. KF invested $1,597 and volunteer hours are valued at $13,724. The reclaimed Greenbelt is a welcome sight coming into the south entrance. The older Kenton Firs sign not on the mailbox hutch
will be rebuilt and installed in the Greenbelt so wewill have an identical welcome sign like the main
entrance. Don Norman will head this effort. Great appreciation was expressed to Marsha St. Louis who coordinated the whole project!
A highlight of the meeting was the 40th Anniversary
Birthday Celebration for our development. Vice-president Marvin Eckfeldt recognized longest term residents. Longest resident was Richard Bolin, who as a youth lived with his parents Betty and Gary (he just installed the new mobile on the family lot #41). Others recognized were Jean Wilson (1977) Barbara Schout (1979) Candice Kinney (1980) and Barbara Hopkins (1984). After singing “HappyBirthday” we enjoyed birthday cake made by Elizabeth White.
The following offices were up for election:
Vice-president: Marvin Eckfeldt
Treasurer: Gilda Swann
AACC Chair: Patricia Norman
AACC Position 2: Marsha St. Louis
Other director terms continued as listed in the Directory.
Table decorations were created and provided by Mindy Simms and were given to long-time and eldest residents present. Bob Bennett provided complimentary packages of coffee to all.
FROM THE MAILBOX . . .
“We want to thank the Kenton Firs Board of Directors and the volunteers for the work being done in the neighborhood. The positive direction the Board has taken will insure the residents of Kenton Firs a safe and uplifting place to call home. Our best to all and thank you again.”
-Bob & Ginnie Lemm
CITY OF KENT SUPPORTS KENTON FIRS
Since annexation two years ago we have experienced excellent service from the City of Kent. Support for our Block Watch, excellent police response time. funding for our Greenbelt A restoration and multiple other assistance has been just a phone call away. Your Directors appreciate this strong partnership.
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A WORD ABOUT DUES AND MONEY [continued]
the covenants all of which are intended to uphold our community values.
After a study of the Covenants and By-Laws and the consistent difficulty collecting from a few of our residents, the Board has decided that after proper notice of intent by registered letter (giving the person a chance to work out an acceptable payment plan) that the bill will be turned over to a collection agency.
When some owners do not meet their fiscal obligations, it places an extra financial burden on the rest of the members of Kenton Firs to fund our necessary obligations. The Board of Directors takes this action in fairness to all of our residents. If you have questions about this policy speak to Don Norman, President or Gilda Swann, Treasurer or any Board member.
HOW IS OUR DUES MONEY USED?
A fair question! Our budget for 2012 totals $17,520. $9,250 of this is designated for Greenbelt spring and fall cleaning-up and tree maintenance in the greenbelt common areas. In recent years we have had a contract for $2,250 with a landscaping maintenance service to care for the 116th Avenue entrance, the islands in the cul-de-sacs and limited work in the greenbelt entrances. This keeps our “public appearance” welcoming, neat and tidy. You can see that about two-thirds of our dues go for these three budget items.
Three newsletters, the large packet for the Annual Meeting, paper and postage total $1,900. It costs about $220 per year for the lighted entrance signs. The balance of the budget covers several smaller accounts: taxes & insurance, Annual Meeting rent, Block Watch, spring/fall BBQ, National Night Out. You can see that all of these expenses benefit every resident of our community. Your Board of Directors seeks to be good stewards of our funds and our budget
SPRING GREENBELT A & G WORK DAYS
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 am (breakfast) to 4 pm we’ll do maintenance on GB-A followed with a Community BBQ. On Wednesday, June 5th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm new work on GB-G is being planned by the AAC Committee. Volunteers are encouraged each day for as much time as you have available.
RECYCLE SATURDAYMARCH 9TH
Last year the Board instituted a Green Recycle Day. We continue our effort to provide an opportunity for KF residents to responsibly recycle. It is a great way to begin your Spring cleaning. From 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM you can bring your recycle materials to the home of Trish and Don Norman, 22614 115th Place SE. The ONE GREEN collection truck will pick up all items at 4:00 PM. If you have questions call Don at 253-709-0219.
What is included: any electronics, working or not, whole or in part, including but not limited to these:
TV's, Television Sets, CRT, LCD and Plasma, Scrap metal of any kind ferrous and non-ferrous, Appliances, Washers and dryers, A/C units, Refrigerators. Freezers, Water heaters, Water coolers, Dishwashers
Small appliances, blenders, toasters, coffee makers, bread makers, kitchen wear, metal pots, Computers and computer Accessories
Computer monitors, CRT or Flat Screen, Desktop PC Computers, Servers, Server racks, Laptop and Notebook Computers, Floppy Disks and Zip Disks, Scanners and Copiers, Laser and Inkjet Printers, Fax Machines and All-In-One devices, Printer cartridges, toner cartridges
Computer speakers, Circuit Boards/Motherboards, CD Discs, DVD Discs, Media, Computer Parts, Desktop Computers, Keyboards
Laptops, Floppy Disks, Mixed Components, Modems, Multi Line Phones, Networking Hardware, PBX Systems, Phone Systems
PDA/Handheld Systems, Phone Answering Machines, Photo Copy Machines, Printer Parts, Printers, External Connectors, Fax Machines
Disk Drives, Dry Cell NiCad Batteries, Used Computer Items, Used Paging Equipment, Keyboards and mice, Backup UPS systems and UPS batteries, Cell Phone Batteries/ Laptop Batteries, Radios
Receivers, Speakers ,Home Phones, Home Entertainment, Small Answering Machines, Stereo Equipment, DVD Players, VCR Players
Audio Tapes and Video Tapes, Cellular Phones and Accessories
Cable TV Converter Equipment, CB's, Chargers (cell phones), Radio Equipment, Remote Control Headsets, Satellite TV Equipment
Scanners, Single Line Phones, Typewriters, Two Way Radios, VCR,
Voicemail Systems, Video Cameras, Walkie Talkies, Wires and Connectors, Cables, Medical equipment, Vehicles, Motorbikes
Bicycles, , Scooters, Tractors, Metal furniture, metal file cabinets, metal desks, metal shelving, metal window frame (please no glass), Lawnmowers (please no gasoline), Edgers, Generators, Metal patio furniture, Garden tools, Weed eaters, Metal containers, Larger Batteries/ Car Batteries, Books, Batteries (not household alkaline batteries).
They do not recycle:Wood furniture, Chemicals, Paint, Tires
Light bulbs, Alkaline household batteries.
Check the list, then survey your home, look in the shed, scan around the property and take advantage of this excellent, convenient opportunity to recycle.
One Green is a non-profit community service.
SCRAP METAL RECYCLING
A “heads-up” - if you have scrap metal to dispose of know that on June 8t;h KF resident Kevin Sandberg will be collecting scrap metal (steel, cooper, brass, pop and beer cans) to recycle and bring the profit into the KF treasury. You may want to save them out from our Green Day collection. Call Kevin at 253-859-4796 (leave a message) for collection.
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CARS, CARS, CARS!
One thing about KF residents, we are a mobile people! Have you ever wondered how many cars reside in our development? No one has been counting, but there are many! Our Covenants state that “homeowners shall provide parking for their vehicles on their own property. Temporary off-street parking is allowed for guests. Streets and cul-de-sacs must have emergency vehicle access at all times.”
Please see that your vehicles are parked on your property, not on the street right-of-way. This makes it safer for everyone. Also keep your own travel speed at the 25 mph residential level. If you see consistent speeders in our development call 9-1-1 immediately! We have a number of children, elderly and pets who are on our streets and deserve to be safe!
KENTON FIRS COMMUNITY
GOALS FOR 2013
At the January Board meeting the board members considered what should be our emphasis and goals for this year. We have decided upon:
Continue to increase safety and watch out for each other (Block Watch)
Welcome new residents and provide orientation (Board officers)
Increase our awareness of each other as neighbors (National Night Out)
Continue maintenance on our community Greenbelts (Spring/Fall Work Days)
Encourage residents to care for their property (AACC)
Review Covenants and By-Laws (Board)
Last year all were pleased by the transformation and restoration of Greenbelt A. It was a MAJOR effort with great volunteer response from our community and beyond. With our community turning 40 this year, we are aging, our homes, our infrastructure, our greenbelts, our residents! The Board wants to encourage owners and renters to invest in keep their property up-to-date and in good repair. Good landscaping and yard care enhances the value of our investment.
We are regularly welcoming new owners and renters. Some units have been remodeled; others replaced. These changes bring new life to Kenton Firs. We welcome all our newest residents and encourage you to become involved in work parties and the life of our community.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Good question, and one your Board of Directors likes to hear! It takes as many residents as possible to make up a community. Here are some suggestions:
Be familiar with our Covenants and By-Laws. You should have received a copy when you bought or moved into your residence. If you need a copy, call President Don Norman 253-709-0219. Your Directors are contentious about following their requirements,
As new folk move into Kenton Firs, make the effort to welcome them and get acquainted. Introduce yourself, exchange phone numbers, and learn something about each other.
When you drive or walk through your community be sure to wave and greet your fellow residents. It helps us to know who lives here with us; and enables us to identify when strangers are among us. If you see something wrong, or that just doesn’t seem right call 9-1-1 immediately. Kent PD is quick to respond and there is a Panther Lake sector KPD officer always assigned to our area. They responded quickly this week when a stolen car was abandoned here and returned to its owner (thanks to a quick 9-1-1 call from a KF resident); the Regional Fire Department responded with efficiency when there was a February fire at the home of Karen Smith (lot 22).
Attend any monthly Board of Directors meeting at 6:00 PM (locations in the calendar). Guests are welcome for the first 45 minutes of the meeting.
CHECK THE KENTON FIRS
WEBSITE FREQUENTLY
Did you know that for over a year we have had a community website presence?
You can go to . There you will find: Home Page
Community News
Calendar of Events
Community Contacts
Contact Us
Trish Norman and Mindy Simms are sharing as our Webmasters. You will find some neat pictures including many from our Greenbelt A Restoration Project. Visit the website frequently as new information is posted and pictures change.