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Meadowglenners, spring is almost here so that means it’s also time for our annual Spring Fling. On Saturday March 27th at 10am, kids will be given the chance to hunt for eggs with treats and prizes inside. Although we will all gather at the same time there will be an egg hunt for different age groups: younger children 0- in a roped off area near clubhouse with the older children 5-15, or older if they show, will be hunting around the clubhouse and pool area. Inside their eggs will be age appropriate treats with one special golden egg to trade in for a bigger prize. They will be spaced about one minute apart to give the younger children in this group a bit of a head start. Due to COVID we are asking only Meadowglen residents attend with no extra family coming to watch. This helps keep our community safe. We require everyone to wear a mask. Also, the clubhouse will not be open, so that means no bathrooms. The egg hunt will begin at 10am, remember to bring a basket or something to put the eggs in.

For 41 years, the Meadowglen HOA has been managed by one company, Management Specialists Incorporated (MSI). Management Specialists was actually started in a home office right here in Meadowglen by then-resident Bill Biesendorf, and Meadowglen was its first client. We have shared a long history with MSI, and for decades, they serviced our community well. Unfortunately, over the last six years, that service began to fail. During that time we have had three different community managers that all started with a high quality of service, but over time, the service levels, including customer service levels, dropped. Each time this happened, the board documented the failings, attempted to resolve the issues with the respective community managers, and requested support from Management Specialist leadership. Unfortunately, MSI leadership did not demonstrate a course of action that gave us the confidence that we could continue to move forward with them as our community management company. Over the course of the last six years, we found that we were losing faith in MSI’s commitment to the Meadowglen community. This fact encouraged the BOD to research and reach out to other management companies as potential prospects for Meadowglen.

In the past when the MSI contract renewed, the Board would do our due diligence by soliciting bids from other companies. On paper, it’s easy compare management companies’ services and fees; but this time the board chose to interview prospective companies to understand their management philosophies to make sure they would be a good fit for Meadowglen. We solicited bids from several management companies and interviewed three. We learned that other management companies have updated their business models to more team-oriented approaches and use technology to more efficiently communicate between the manager, Board, and homeowners.

The company that most impressed us through a combination of the management philosophy, technology, and personal interactions was Advanced HOA Management. Judy and Sky Smeltzer started Advanced HOA in 2012. Since then they have grown to manage over 300 properties in the Denver Metro area with a large range of sizes and types. In addition to being extremely responsive via email both before and after we met with him via Zoom, during our Zoom meeting we found Sky to be a straight shooter and a realist (aka he didn’t try to oversell us on their capabilities), but also passionate about his company and the communities it serves. He explained their management philosophy as very team oriented with a dedicated community manager who works directly with the Board (but is also available to homeowners), a client-services team that works directly with homeowners, and an inspection team (one dedicated specifically to each community). This is in contrast to MSI’s approach, where the community manager is responsible for all of these functions (an approach we believe has set our community managers up to fail). Additionally, the Advanced HOA website has much more functionality allowing for ARC request submission and tracking, easier access to documents, and even an app for the inspection team. The Board also reached out to current Advance HOA clients including community board members and community residents, and received high praise from all.

Finally, during these interviews with other companies, we learned that MSI is undertaking a “partnership” (read acquisition) with Associa, the nation’s largest HOA management company. MSI leadership did not disclose this to the Board even with our recent conversations regarding service failures. We were disappointed in MSI’s lack of transparency regarding an action that could greatly impact our community.

After its February meeting, the Board voted via email to end our contract with MSI and sign on with Advanced HOA. Both our newer and more experienced Board members recognized that MSI is no longer fulfilling their end of the contract and that it is time for a change. While this change may feel uncomfortable to some, especially our long-time residents, we hope that you can trust your Board’s rigorous process in making this decision and know that we did not enter into it lightly or impulsively. There may be some mild disruptions during the transition, but the new management company has a very thorough and well-tested transition plan to get us through it. We believe Meadowglen will quickly become comfortable with Advanced HOA’s style, services, responsiveness and technology portal. Our community has an opportunity to forge a new management relationship, get a new and stronger level of commitment from the management company, and receive the high quality of service that Meadowglen residents deserve.

What to Expect Going Forward
The new management company will officially take over management of Meadowglen May 1, 2021. Between now and then, MSI and Advanced HOA will work together to transfer our accounts and legal information. The Board will also provide the community with ample information regarding what to expect with regard to the transition to new management. The first communication you will receive from Advanced HOA will come in early April (3 weeks before the start date). At any time, if you have questions about the Board’s decision or feedback on the new management company, feel free to call or email me (Ari Feldman, arifeldman@meadowglen-hoa.com 303-900-2746) or any board member.

Written by Kathy Gilstrap–longtime Meadowglen resident and close friend of Janie Smith

Our community lost a shining star this past week.

Over 35 years ago, Janie Smith, and her husband, Sid, moved into Meadowglen, and the neighborhood was never the same!  You may remember Sid, who haled from London, by his delightful British accent.  If you didn’t know Janie personally, you may have been warmly greeted by her and her little white Maltese dogs, as you walked past their house along the lake.

For years, Janie and Sid entertained neighbors and friends.  They loved hosting get togethers in their beautiful home, and welcomed the opportunity to share food, drink, great stories, and laughter with everyone in the community.

In turn, Janie got great enjoyment from participating in neighborhood BBQs, wine “tastings” and s’mores around fire pits, attending the holiday events at the clubhouse, and watching the numerous wildlife on the Meadowglen lake outside her window.

They were gracious people, and full of gratitude.  After Sid passed, Janie commented how she felt she couldn’t be too sad because God had blessed her with 35 years with her wonderful husband!

Janie didn’t have children of her own, however, Janie lovingly “adopted” her nieces, nephews, and many, many of the children, and young adults in Meadowglen.  She spent hours chatting with them, really showing interest in their lives, and activities.  She always had a birthday party to attend, a gift to drop off, or a card to write.  She made our young people feel worthwhile.

Janie and Sid met while working for British Airways.  For a while they made their home in gorgeous Tiburon, California.  However, when Janie’s dad asked Sid and Janie to take over the family business, Denver Sanitary, they willingly came to Colorado, and settled in their beloved Meadowglen, not far from Janie’s childhood home in north Denver.

Janie immediately got involved with the community, joining the Architectural Review Committee.   She volunteered hours, and decades, helping to develop, write, and implement concise, and thoughtful design standards for the community, thus ensuring Meadowglen maintained its impeccable beauty, and value, over the years!

Additionally, Janie was a spiritual anchor in the Arvada and Denver community, as a committed member of Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, a personal supporter of the Capuchin Franciscans Friars, and a fan and season ticket holder of the Broncos and Rockies.  She often donated her tickets to organizations for fund raising events.

Janie always had a smile on her face, and a heart full of gratitude.  When you were around her, she made you feel special.  She was a light in this world!

While you may not have known Janie personally, know that she was an integral part of creating (and maintaining) the wonderful, unique neighborhood in which we live.

Godspeed Janie, until we meet again.

You have likely heard that the City of Arvada will begin implementing an organized waste hauling system in July 2021. HOAs who are already under contract with a waste hauler are allowed to remain with that particular hauler. The BOD is opting to stay under contract with Waste Management, because the price break per resident is lower than what is being offered by Republic, the City’s selected trash hauler. Additionally, aside from some occasional slip-ups, Waste Management provides consistently solid services to Meadowglen. It is important to note that resident in HOAs who choose to remain with a hauler other than Republic will be required to pay a “minimum service fee” of 88 cents per month ($1.76 per water bill cycle). So expect to see that additional charge on your water bill beginning in September. This minimum service fee allows you to participate at no additional charge in TWO yard waste drop off events and TWO bulk item drop off events per year.

Proposed soft trail around the north and east sides of Pomona Lake​As previously reported, the City of Arvada Parks division has proposed installing a “soft” trail on the lake side of the concrete path. While this project is still on the roster, the parks crews are operating with skeleton crews as a precaution against the transmission of covid; therefore, projects are being delayed. We will keep you notified of updates. 

Slope improvements on the north slope of Pomona Lake​The City’s landscape architects continue to study the process for bank improvements. There are still feasibility and costs to understand and budget hurdles to contend with. The Beautification Committee and the BOD continue  to check in with the City to keep he project moving forward. If you have questions about the water level of Pomona Lake, the proposed soft trail or the north slope improvements, feel free to contact a BOD member or attend a board meeting via zoom.

The water level of Pomona Lake, which is primarily a storm water retention facility, was recently filled with runoff from Little Dry Creek to its maximum one-time annual fill level (for the November 1 through October 31 water year). What that means is that the valve allowing water from Little Dry Creek into Pomona Lake will only be opened again this year if precipitation and run off are so abundant that “free river” conditions exist (meaning there is no unsatisfied senior call on water downstream on Little Dry Creek or the South Platte) and additional diversions are allowed. It’s possible (remember September 2013), but considering that we may actually be facing a drought year, we can’t count on it. In past years, the water level was not monitored to make sure it was in compliance with the State’s water rights laws. Going forward, due to increased administrative scrutiny and tightening water budgets on the South Platte, it will be. We understand that low lake levels alarm our residents, but this is not something the BOD, nor the City of Arvada can dispute. Some HOA members have inquired about a method to augment the evaporative loss from the lake in the summer, which is allowed under state water law, but doing so would require both filing a water court case seeking authorization to do so and the ability to locate and purchase a fully-consumable water supply for the replacement. This process would cost tens of thousands of dollars; an amount not in the HOA budget.  

The City of Arvada Parks Maintenance crew has notified the Board that beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4 (weather permitting), the City’s contractor will be performing concrete replacement on the trail along the east side of Pomona Lake and down Little Dry Creek Trail east to Pomona Drive. During the concrete replacement project, Little Dry Creek Trail will be closed to all pedestrian/bicycle traffic from Pomona Drive to the concrete bridge located at Estes St, and the trail along the east and north sides of the lake all the way to the clubhouse will be closed. This closure includes the cut-throughs between the trails and 81st Drive. Pedestrian/bicycle traffic will be detoured on the south to the sidewalk on W. 80th Avenue and to the north on the sidewalk along W. 81st Drive. The attached map shows the open trails depicted in green and closed trail sections depicted in red. Signs will be posted in advance. Construction is anticipated to take up to one week (weather permitting). Please avoid the construction areas during the project and until signs/barriers have been removed.

Please also stay tuned for an exciting announcement regarding upcoming improvements to the Pomona Lake north shore over the winter and spring.

If you have questions/concerns, contact me at arifeldman@meadowglen-hoa.com.

Yesterday the Colorado Department of Health amended “Safer at Home�? Order which states, “no personal parties over 10 people from two different households�? (link to amended order). The amended order also dictates the capacity for outdoor events. Many counties (Adams and Larimer) have also reverted back to Safer at Home Level 3: High risk, but Jefferson county still has us listed at Level 2: Concern. Under Safer at Home Level 2, we are allowed outdoor parties up to 175 people. Should Jefferson County change to Level 3 today, we will have to keep our numbers at any given time to 75 people. The Board spoke this morning and decided to proceed with the Halloween party following these guidelines. If we do move to Level 3 today, we will be keeping an eye on the numbers at the party and may ask for some people to disperse after partaking in festivities. We look forward to seeing you all tonight and having a great outdoor, socially distanced, masked-up event!

In an effort to keep leaves out of the landfill and off of City streets where they can block storm drains, free residential leaf recycling will be available the first three Saturdays in November (Nov. 7, 14 and 21), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:

• Permagreen Organics (5520 Harlan St.)
• Stenger Soccer Complex (5675 Oak St., east entrance)

This event is for leaves only; no branches, woody brush or tree stumps will be accepted. No materials from commercial businesses, please. Due to COVID-19, leaves in plastic bags will need to be emptied by the resident. The City cannot offer assistance this year. For more information, visit arvada.org/leaf-recycling.

Until recently, short-term rentals (defined as anything less than 30 days) were not permitted in the City of Arvada. In August, Arvada City Council adopted a new ordinance that will make short-term rentals legal in the city (with certain restrictions, link to Arvada Press coverage). The ordinance will go into effect on October 31 2020.

That being said, it is important to remember that HOA covenants and rules can be more restrictive and supersede City code. Meadowglen Declarations Section 5.5 details the rental and leasing policies for our Association. Please be aware that Section 5.5a prohibits rentals of less than 6 months and Section 5.5e prohibits leasing the lot for hotel or transient purposes. Therefore, regardless of the City’s position on short-term rentals, Meadowglen covenants do not allow them. For more information, please contact Lewis at MSI or any board member.