November Maintenance Happenings
 Pole Lights to be Repaired Three of our pole lights on the Lago/Cabana Side have broken off with nothing remaining but a stump. Several of the other pole lights on both sides of the complex do not work anymore with some of their bases deteriorating. This has been an ongoing problem for more than three months. An initial set of light pole repairs have been approved by the Board.
D&J Lighting is waiting on new replacement light poles to be delivered from the manufacturer.
D&J Lighting is planning to replace and/or repair six pole lights on the Lago/Cabana side and one pole light on the Grunion side. Many of the still standing pole lights have rusted mounts or the concrete is crumbling at their base.
D&J Lighting has identified nineteen pole lights that should be repaired once the Board approves an expenditure.■
Follow Up: As of November 8th, DJ Lighting has installed six new light poles and foundations. Five on the Lago/Blackbeard side and one on the Grunion side.
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posted 28 December 2013
December Maintenance Happenings
Balcony Replaced
A water damaged balcony on the Grunion side of the complex has been repaired/replaced. The repair entailed both the replacing of the railings and repairing the deck. Island Pacific Contractors performed the work. This was an HOA approved repair.
New Plantings
Tierra Verde Landscaping has planted new plants along the perimeter fencing on Heil and Green and in other overlooked areas in the complex.
New Motors/Pumps
Diversified Waterscape has replaced the stream motors/pumps for both the Cabana/Lago streams and the Grunion stream. Residents will notice that the water levels in the streams and ponds are now consistent and the stagnate water in the Grunion stream is improving.
Fencing Repair/Painting
Bill's Fencing is working on the wrought iron perimeter fencing of the complex. They are removing the old paint, making minor repairs and then painting the fences.■
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posted 4 November 2013
Ten volunteers from both sides of Harbour Vista spent part of their Saturday morning painting. Starting on the Grunion side, which seemed in worse shape than the West Side (Blackbeard,
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Lago & Cabana) most of the curbs, speed bumps and steps were painted. The group started at 9 AM and stopped about 11:15.
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finish result |
Board member Cheryl Boyd led the effort. We formed teams, some people sweeping, some doing the speed bumps, some the curbs.
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A splendid, and fun time was had by all.
The date to complete the parking lot painting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd–weather permitting. The volunteers will meet in front of the Cabana gate at 9:00am.
More information about the HOA volunteers and how you might participate at the next event see information on the official web site at: http://HarbourVistaHOA.com■
Follow Up: Weather was not permitting on November 23rd to paint the Cabana-Blackbeard-Lago Parking Lots. It is being rescheduled for another time.
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posted 1 October 2013
On October 1, 2013, Tierra Verde Landscaping improved the view of the Cabana Lane and Blackbeard Lane by trimming four of our very tall trees. Cabana Lane Gate drive through had trimmed two pine trees open up and shaped to show more light that faced Heil Avenue.
At the corner of Blackbard Lane and Lago Drive, two other trees were also shaped and open up. ■  |
(posted 18 September 2013)
Clueless Landscape Act of the Month
For the Weekend starting Friday September 13th, our beloved landscapers Tierra Verde, trimmed the edging at 16521 Grunion and left the clippings on the lawn for the entire weekend. Both residents and realtors showing property were expose to this mess.
However, Ti erra Verde coordinates its maintenance, they need to improve the follow through of their work. Also the edging trimming looked like the an axe was used--jagged and crooked.  |
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posted 11 November 2013
This is a comprehensive discussion of previous material with embelishments about a ground leak at Harbour Vista.
As if to compete with the "Pot Hole that Woundn't Die", a very tough ground leak appeared at Harbour Vista near 4971 Lago Buliding about three months ago. It was identified as a non threatening slow leak. But repairing it would require the removal of a 15 year old Ficus tree and two non-consecutive days of water shutoffs for forty units and several service calls to put this leak to bed. As if in a sense of defiance, the water level in the pond surrounding the leak decided to sink about a foot. The sinking of the water level in the pond was unrelated to the leak, but certainly residents were concern. I can be said that this leak has now been put to bed as of Friday November 8th.
Monitoring Ground Leak
The ground leak appeared about three months ago under by a Ficus tree near the pond between 4791 Lago side and 16542 Backbeard Buildings. A yellow tape baracade was placed around the area. This ground leak was considered very slow, was cold water and presented no immediate threat.
Investigation
To investiage this leak required that the Ficus tree be removed to dig a hole into the ground. While this tree was a very nice part of the landscaping at Harbour Vista, Ficus trees are problematic with damage to cement walkways,
damage to cement walkways, stream systems, and can cause damage to underground water and sewage pipes.
Ficus Remove
On Friday October 25th Tierra Verde Landscapers removed the Ficus tree and its overgrown root system.
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after removal
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First Time
After the tree was removed, Scott English Plumbing dug a hole more than five feet deep in the mud to investigate the problem. Fortunately it was not under the pond which would have been a horrendous expense to fix. The ground leak was then scheduled for repair on Halloween Thursday October 31. A small temnporary pump was installed.
On that day, the plumber worked in the mud from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm with water turned off for the two Lago Buildings and forty units for almost 9 hours.
It Came Back
But a couple of days later after the first repair, ground water started to re-appears at the same location.
On November 6, the plumber returned and again redug the muddy five foot deep hole to investigate the new/old ground leak.
The Water Level in the Pond Sinks
While the plumber was re-digging the hole, the water level at the adjacent pond sunk more than a foot. Needless to say, residents were concerned. But this was an unrelated incident. The stream vendor Diversified Waterscape Inc. identified the problem that day as just a sticky float valve. The water level returned to normal by the next day.
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Finally Fixing the Ground Leak Again
On Friday November 8, the water again was turned off to two end Lago Buildings (4971 and 4831) for 9 hours. But this time that ground leak was finally repaired. Please note that the area where the leaks occurred will remain wet some time.■
Update November 14: The pond continues to sink on and off. The Stream Vendor has been out several times with a crew. What this means is unknown at this time. |
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posted 5 October 2013
The Pothole That Wouldn't Die
It was a surprise to have a new pothole appear at the exit to the Grunion Gate.  But this was no ordinary pothole. First it started as a crack and then the ground around it started to sink. All within a couple of weeks. A work order was sent out for the repair. The HOA Board announced that it would be fixed right away. But
 water now appeared in the hole and it was getting bigger. Scott English  Plumbing was sent out to investigate. The ground was dug up. The culprit was located as a broken irrigation line under the driveway. The pothole area was block off to dry out. On Friday October 4, the pothole finally ended its life with asphalt being poured. May the pothole rest in peace. ■  |
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