First Mutual hears about fire prevention, finances, barbecue policy

In attendance at the April 27 meeting of First Walnut Creek Mutual (FWCM) were Directors Jerry Priebat, Nancy Turnier, Randall Morgan and Melvin Wall. Mel Fredlund was excused.

Staff included Paul Donner, Mutual Operations Department director; Doug Hughs, building maintenance manager; Rich Perona, landscape manager; and Rick Chakoff, chief financial officer.

President Priebat reported there were eight manor sales in April with a median price of $271,000. Year to date sales total 37 with a median price of $236,000.

Share loans for April were $159,000, bringing the total loans by residents in FWCM to $6,227,480. Priebat reminded everyone that those are private loans and do not carry a responsibility for the Mutual.

Fire prevention

Donner reported that various research was going on regarding fire walls between the balconies in G1l buildings and the possibility of breaking up the two story high opening in the G1l building entrances with a ceiling, which would have a skylight.

In the effort to find a way to control stove fires, Donner reported the test on one retardant was not successful. Other systems are being reviewed.

Hughs said when buildings were built, the code required two hour fire walls in the attic between every other unit. So far he has found that to be the case in every model he has checked. He will continue to check other style buildings.

There will be two seminar/workshops for residents. Each will be limited to two topics only. The first one is on Wednesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Hillside. The subjects will be kitchen fires and how residents should respond to fires.

The next seminar/workshop will be Wednesday, June 20, in the Fireside Room at Gateway. More information will be announced later.

Wall applauded the work of the Rossmoor News staff on their fire prevention articles.

Residents were reminded - use a clip on timer when cooking to alert you if you have left the kitchen or become distracted, and never disconnect the smoke alarm.

An example of how important that is happened two weeks ago when a resident had something cooking on the stove, left the kitchen and fell asleep. Fortunately, her neighbors heard the smoke alarm go off.

Regarding lint that accumulates in laundry vents, there are companies an owner can hire to clean out a dryer vent in the manor. Meanwhile, Priebat asked that a box be added to the form when a manor has the yearly inspection to indicate there is a washer/dryer in the unit.

Management report

Continued efforts are being made to arrange the pickup of hazardous waste. Items include TVs, microwaves, batteries, small electrics, fluorescent tubes and paint, etc. MOD is working on the needed permits.

Demolition has been completed on the fire damaged building and a contract has been signed with Architectural Network Inc. to be the architect for the rebuilding. Because they rebuilt the Singingwood Court G1l building 10 years ago, their experience may save some time and eliminate some hurdles.

The architect, structural engineer and construction consultant for the insurance company have been meeting to confer on all arrangements. There will be a meeting of the affected residents to discuss different issues.

Roofing is complete on 2432 Pine Knoll Drive, Entry 6, and is currently being done on 2017 Pine Knoll, Entry 2; 2300 Pine Knoll, Entry 4; 1132 Oakmont Drive, Entry 4; and 2025 Oakmont, Entry 9.

The board approved a contract for carpentry work by Gauthier's Construction on three buildings, totaling $35,476, and a contract with Benson Builders to do work on three buildings, totaling $29,238.

The buildings are 2000 and 2016 Oakmont Way, Entry 8; 1409 Oakmont Drive, Entry 10; 1140 Fairlawn Court, Entry 3; 2001 Pine Knoll, Entry 2; and 1748 Golden Rain Road, Entry 6.

The cost falls within the 2007 reserve carpentry budget of $800,000.

Landscape report

All turf areas were fertilized in April. Crews are working on entry maintenance, pruning shrubs, spot spraying for weeds and cleaning up debris. Annual color beds have been planted with spring and summer annuals.

Rockledge, Entry 9, and Golden Rain Road, Entry 15, will have dead and dying trees removed. The turf and irrigation project at Golden Rain, Entry 15, continues and new landscaping will be done where trees were damaged across from the Golden Rain fire.

Trenching will be done next to the road running from Oakmont 16 up to Pine Knoll to allow for a product to be applied that will control the roots of trees from spreading under the sidewalk and streets.

Some trees very close to the street going from Golden Rain 19 to 21 may have to be cut to prevent root damage to the sidewalk.

Fire abatement work will start in May along the back of Golden Rain Road, Entries 8, 10, 13, 15 and 16.

Irrigation control rebates will continue through June. Perona would like the board to consider authorizing the installation of more new water control units. The new systems are far more efficient in controlling water usage.

Carport inspections

Pete McCabe, Securitas manager, presented a contract to the board for carport inspections, with inspections done during the daytime. He hopes to coordinate the program with Second Mutual's requirements. A vote was delayed so inspection details could be refined.

Financial reports

Chakoff said the audit report will be mailed out to all FWCM residents in the next few days. John Nutley, Finance Committee chairman, said the committee found no problems with the audit report.

The MOD dividend has been approved by the Golden Rain Foundation Board and will be distributed to the Mutual very soon. FWCM's portion will be approximately $50,000. A dividend cannot be planned in advance, therefore it will show as a revenue surplus in the budget. This money will help with the added fire expenses the Mutual has experienced.

Wall, treasurer, reported that the budget is looking sound. Less rain has resulted in water usage being higher than planned, but overall there is a positive cash flow.

The subject came up about outstanding debt, which appears as uncollectible. It was explained that refers to legal expenses currently outstanding that may or may not be covered from the proceeds of a manor sale.

Orientation

The next Orientation meeting will be on Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in the Delta Room at Del Valle.

Emergency preparedness

Priebat said discussions are taking place regarding a place for CB radios, training of entry coordinators and the role of emergency preparedness in relation to GRF. There is need for more entry coordinators. Directors will be given a list of openings.

Hugh Gray commented that all residents should be responsible for being prepared with food, water and medicine in the event of an emergency.

Discussion on a barbecue policy

Turnier clarified that the barbecue policy was a discussion only and at the present time no policy has been written. Other Mutuals are also looking at this subject with the possibility of having a uniform policy throughout Rossmoor.

If a policy is decided on it would be published in the Rossmoor News at least 30 days prior to a meeting where a vote by the board would take place, so residents can be part of further discussion.

Turnier thanked all the people who submitted ideas to the board. Milan Wight prepared a very clear case for using propane fueled barbecues, with safety guidelines spelled out. It included location of a barbecue, proper use, supervision requirements and the need for a nearby fire extinguisher and water hose. For a detail of his paper, call Turnier.

Other residents commented on their enjoyment of barbecuing, the need for some type of guidelines and perhaps the need for a permit to have a barbecue at a manor. It was pointed out that there are extensive picnic areas in Rossmoor to use. Gray suggested a study be done to identify the dangers of barbecues.

Board meeting

The next FWCM board meeting is May 25.

Record number of vendors and bargains galore at the Rossmoor Flea Market

They're coming from out of the woodwork.

Activities Council meets Wednesday

The Activities Council will meet Wednesday, May 16, in the Delta Room at the Del Valle Clubhouse. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. and the business meeting will start at 9:30 a.m.

Alternative medicine and healthcare forum will be held at Gateway in May

An alternative medicine and healthcare forum will be held on two Saturdays in May - May 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and May 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway and the adjacent patio.

Bus takes shoppers to Trader Joe's

Rossmoor residents who would like to go to the new Trader Joe's in Walnut Creek and do not have the ability to handle their own shopping bags can catch the County Connection bus arranged by Rossmoor resident Bob Caplow. He has arranged for the bus to take residents to Trader Joe's on California Boulevard on one Sunday a month. The County Connection driver carries the bags for the residents - door to door.

Drivers' Safety Program scheduled for June

The Driver's Safety Program, the mature driver education course sponsored by AARP, will be offered in June at Rossmoor in conjunction with the Recreation Department.

Emergency information at CORG meeting was well-received by over 300 residents

A crowd of over 300 residents attended the Committee for an Open and Responsive Government's (CORG) special April meeting on how residents can protect themselves from the consequences of disasters.

First Mutual hears about fire prevention, finances, barbecue policy

In attendance at the April 27 meeting of First Walnut Creek Mutual (FWCM) were Directors Jerry Priebat, Nancy Turnier, Randall Morgan and Melvin Wall. Mel Fredlund was excused.

Friends helping friends golf tournament benefits Challenges of the Aging Fun

Following the first annual Friends Helping Friends golf tournament, to be held Friday, May 18, golfers will be served a dish of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream donated by Dreyer's as a gesture of support for the concept of friends taking care of each other.

Got fire concerns? Come air them at town hall meeting sponsored by the Fire Safety Task Force

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about fire? What concerns you most? What are the issues you most want the Fire Safety Task Force to study?

GRF committees have vacancies

There will be openings on the following GRF committees this month:

How to access Internet at wireless hot spots in Rossmoor

Residents who would like to access the Internet at the wireless hot spots in Rossmoor with their laptop computers need to have a login password. Here are the instructions that need to be followed:

Joe McElroy, coach and mentor, receives love and support from former students after losing everything in the fire

Adversity. It strikes without discretion, oblivious to who is in its path. Karma, however, pays back in due kind.

Learn the ins and outs of riding County Connection

Residents who feel uncomfortable with the thought of taking the County Connection to doctors appointments or shopping can get help from Gretchen Hansen, Rossmoor bus forewoman.

Meetings

BOARD, MUTUAL AND COMMITTEE

Memorial Day ceremony recognizes returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan

For the fourth consecutive year, the Walnut Creek City Council will honor Walnut Creek servicemen who have returned from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan at its annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at the gazebo in Civic Park, corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive.

Mutual 68 meeting day changed

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the regular meeting of the Mutual 68 Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, May 29, at 1 p.m. in the boardroom at Gateway.

Notice of annual meeting of members of the Golden Rain Foundation

Notice is hereby given that the 43nd annual meeting of members of the Golden Rain Foundation of Walnut Creek will be held on Monday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway complex, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, Calif.

No walking on the golf course on a few Mondays in May

A few events are scheduled for Mondays on the golf courses in May. There is NO walking on the course on the following dates and times:

President's Corner

Challenges for the Aging and challenges for the GRF Board

Rossmoor Flea Market to open May 25

The Rossmoor Certified Farmers' Market will be open every Friday morning this summer, beginning Friday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. in the Gateway parking lot of the main clubhouse.

Rotary will hold its spring fund-raiser featuring dinner, silent auction, raffle

The Rossmoor Rotary Rigadoon 2007 on Wednesday, May 16, celebrates spring with a great dinner, music, an exciting silent auction and the drawing for the 50/50 raffle.

Security Reports

The following incidents were reported to Securitas, Rossmoor's security service provider. They appear here as they were initially reported to Securitas. After investigation, details of a case may indicate a lesser or different incident description.

Single-payer healthcare is discussed at Democrats meeting

The Democrats of Rossmoor will have two speakers discuss single-payer health care at the Thursday, May 24, meeting in the Diablo Room at Hillside.

Stair-Trac will be offered seven days a week from 9 to 5

Since the GRF Board approved the continuation of the Stair-Trac wheelchair assistance program at its April meeting, guidelines have been established for the use of the program.

Telecare needs callers

Every morning, Telecare volunteers call some of their neighbors to check on their welfare.

Universal waste can now be ecycled in Rossmoor

The Mutual Operations Department has launched the door-to-door Universal Waste Collection Program, the first program of its kind in the region.

Volunteers needed to work at front desk when covered pool opens

When the covered pool at the Del Valle Clubhouse opens, there is going to be a need for volunteers.

White Cane Days donors keep on giving

The Rossmoor Lions Club had a successful run of the annual White Cane Days fund-raising campaign for the benefit of the blind and sight-impaired.