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Ask Jerry
How to "Ask Jerry"
If you would like to ask General Manager "Jerry Storage" a question about Village operations, please send a letter with your name, address, e-mail address, phone number, and question to:
The General Manager's Office
The Laguna Woods Village Community Center
PO Box 2220
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
Selected questions and answers will be posted on this website.
Ask Jerry: What is the procedure for tree removal?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
The removal of trees is not taken lightly by the Boards of Directors. Each petition is evaluated on the basis of the circumstances involved. Generally, trees are considered for removal if they: are causing structural damage; pose a hazard; are damaged or declining in health; are overgrown or overcrowding the area; or are significantly blocking a view. Typically, the Boards do not consider litter from tree leaves or flowers, or personal preference alone as reason to justify removal.
A Mutual Landscape Request Form can be obtained from the Property Services Department or from your Landscape Area Supervisor. The request will be reviewed by members of your Mutual's Landscape Committee and their recommendation will be forwarded to the appropriate Board of Directors. You will be notified in writing of the Board's decision. Within 30 days of the Board's decision, a Member may request another review. Upon receipt and review of the recommendation from the Committee, the Board will make a final decision, and no further appeals will be considered for 12 months.
The Landscape Maintenance Manual contains the Mutual rules and regulations for tree removal. It can be viewed by clicking here.
Ask Jerry: I want to install a satellite dish for my unit. What do I need to do?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Be sure to check your Mutual’s Alteration Standards and secure the necessary Alteration Permit before installing a satellite dish. Members may be required to remove an unapproved or improperly installed satellite dish or face disciplinary action, so save yourself the cost and headache by adhering to the following procedures set forth by the Mutuals.
Both United and Third Mutual have Alteration Standards for the installation of satellite dishes. Each Mutual’s Architectural Standards are available at the Alteration Permits office and on the Laguna Woods Village website. If you intend to follow the Alteration Standards, you may obtain an Alteration Permit at the permits desk prior to installation.
Ask Jerry: What is the Key File Program, and why should I take advantage of it
Jerry Storage, General Manager
The Key File Program is a voluntary program in which Members may place on file in the Community Center at no cost a copy of their manor entry key, to be used in case of emergencies. Emergencies would include not only manor access by the Member in the event they misplace their copy of the entry key, but also includes emergency situations such as checking the welfare of a Member (welfare checks) by Security or potential property damage checks by Maintenance personnel.
In the event of an emergency that requires access to the manor, an attempt will be made to contact the Member for access. However, depending on the nature of the emergency, and the potential need to respond expediently, a key on file may be provided to Security to provide access to the manor without the Member first receiving notification. Examples of when this might occur include: 1) welfare checks on the occupant of the manor, 2) emergency rescue or response such as 911 calls, where Security will attempt to have the key available to rescue workers upon their arrival, and 3) attempt by Maintenance personnel to remedy a critical situation that is leading to property damage, such as a plumbing leak or electrical problem.
Ask Jerry: GE Dishwasher recall affecting some residents of United
Jerry Storage, General Manager
General Electric has notified United Laguna Woods Mutual of a recall on certain models of dishwashers manufactured between March 2006 and August 2009 and that were installed as member-selected upgrades in 133 manors. The recall does not affect United’s standard-model dishwashers. The recall is due to an electrical failure in the dishwashers’ heating elements. The models being recalled begin with the sequence GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, GHDA4, and GHDA6. Model numbers can be found on a metallic plate on the left tub wall, visible when the dishwasher door is opened.
Staff is sending letters to members in the manors with these dishwashers, notifying them that they are to immediately discontinue use of the dishwasher and unplug the dishwasher from the outlet (If they need assistance unplugging the unit contact Property Services at 949-597-4600). Staff is also supplying information to these residents on how to contact GE for a free in-home repair.
For additional information, residents can contact GE at 866-918-8760 or visit the website: www.geappliances.com/recall.
Ask Jerry: Explaination of GRF’s Reacquisition of BroadBand Services
Jerry Storage, General Manager
On April 26, 2012, Connexion Technologies, parent company of BroadBand Services, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Connexion Technologies has provided cable television, high-speed internet and digital phone service to Laguna Woods Village since the beginning of 2010.
Through the bankruptcy process, the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) was able to reacquire the BroadBand Services contract at auction, with a winning bid of $600,000. Within the bankruptcy transaction, GRF also acquired assets such as set top boxes, 13 digital channels, 40 high-definition channels, network upgrades, phone service, wi-fi hotspots, and miscellaneous furniture and equipment from Connexion Technologies. Additional transitional costs have been approved at $400,000, which may include legal fees, material and inventory purchases, moving and storage fees, uncollectible amounts due and contingencies.
Ask Jerry: How can I request an additional golf cart charging outlet?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Throughout the community, there are outlets that residents use to charge electric golf carts. Should a resident find that the outlets in their carports are not sufficient, additional outlets and/or circuits can be requested via the Variance Request Process. Any resident who wishes to add an additional electrical outlet/circuit for the purposes of their own exclusive use, most often for the purpose of charging a golf cart, may do so at their expense only after seeking their Board's approval through the Variance Request process.
The annual golf cart electrical fees would still apply. For more information regarding variances and permits, please visit the Permits and Inspections counter in the Laguna Woods Village Community Center. Mutual Fifty residents should go to the Towers Administration Office on the second floor of Tower I to apply for an additional outlet and/or circuit.
Ask Jerry: I want to make some changes to my home… What am I allowed to change?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Permits are required by the Mutuals in Laguna Woods Village for a variety of home alterations, including: atrium enclosures, bathroom remodels, fencing, gates, satellite dishes, windows, sun shades, patio extensions, and much more. When considering an alteration to your home, no matter how big or small, start at the Permits and Inspections Desk located at the Community Center. There, you can pick up a brochure for your Mutual entitled “Guidelines for Altering or Remodeling Your Manor.” It is a brief document but extremely useful reference for residents considering altering their home.
Ask Jerry: What are the acceptable methods for providing access into the community for non-residents?
Jerry Storage - General Manager
This is a great question since Staff is frequently asked about community access. The different ways non-residents may gain access to the Community are by a current resident calling the Gate Clearance Line or filling out a Gate Clearance form, by the non-resident using an approved Tear-Off flyer, having your guest(s) show the Gate Ambassador their ticket for a Clubhouse 3 event, or for the current resident to go to the gate your guests will be arriving at to authorize their access. Following are some more details about each option:
1. Gate Clearance Line, 949-597-4301 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Any resident can authorize up to three (3) guests by phoning Gate Clearance. Only one person per vehicle needs to be cleared, regardless of how many passengers are in a vehicle.
2. Gate Clearance Form
This Form is used when four (4) or more guests need entry. A resident must submit the completed Form to the Community Access department at the Community Center at least four (4) business days in advance of the event. There is no limit to the number of guests who may be listed; however, you must be specific as to their date(s) of entry. Guests’ names can be authorized for up to six (6) months. The First Names of the guests is how the Gate Ambassador will identify the arriving party. Only one person in a vehicle needs to be cleared, regardless of how many passengers are in a vehicle.
Available at www.lagunawoodsvillage.com → Resident Links → Forms. Also available at the Community Access desk, and the Recreation Office.
Ask Jerry: Purchasing Procedures and the Associa Advantage Discount
Jerry Storage, General Manager
In this edition of “Ask Jerry”, I would like to set the record straight regarding purchasing procedures and the Associa Advantage discount that the Village receives at Lowe’s.
The Purchasing Department now uses Lowe’s Delivery Service because the community realizes a significant cost savings over The Home Depot’s delivery service. The decision to compare The Home Depot with Lowe’s was brought about by The Home Depot’s delivery policy. Maintenance staff members were instructed to only visit The Home Depot on an emergency basis and primarily go through the Purchasing Department for routine purchases, which would maintain controls and save labor costs. Unfortunately, The Home Depot was charging from $79 to $99 on each order for delivery and normally they would not deliver the following day. Lowe’s only charges $20 for delivery, will group numerous orders together when they ship, and guarantees next day delivery.
When comparing costs with Lowe’s, some of The Home Depot’s items were higher and some were lower. However, Staff negotiated a 10% discount with Lowe’s and because Laguna Woods Village has an affiliation with Associa, Lowe’s gave an additional 2% discount.
Ask Jerry: Purchasing and the Warehouse
Jerry Storage, General Manager
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some items regarding Purchasing and the Warehouse.
Why does Purchasing now use Lowe’s Delivery Service instead of Home Depot’s?
Purchasing now uses Lowe’s Delivery Service because the community realizes a cost savings over Home Depot’s. The decision to compare Home Depot with Lowe’s was brought about by Home Depot’s delivery policy. Maintenance staff members were instructed to only visit Home Depot on an emergency basis and primarily go through the Purchasing Department for routine purchases, which would maintain controls and save labor costs. Unfortunately, Home Depot was charging from $79 to $99 on each order for delivery and normally they would not deliver the following day. Lowe’s only charges $20 for delivery, will group numerous orders together when they ship, and guarantees next day delivery.
When comparing costs with Lowe’s, some of Home Depot’s items were higher and some were lower. However, Staff negotiated a 10% discount with Lowe’s and because Laguna Woods Village has an affiliation with Associa, Lowe’s gave an additional 2% discount.
Click "more" to continue reading...
Ask Jerry: What is EZPay, and why should I use it?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Ask Jerry: Could you explain the relationship between the Village corporations (GRF, United, Third, Mutual No. Fifty) and PCM?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
The boards of the Village set policies and make decisions on behalf of resident. The role of PCM is to carry out those policy decisions; administer the services, programs and operations of the association within the policies and guidelines set by the boards; and provide information, training and guidance to the boards.
Read on for a detailed explanation of the managing agent relationship, the management agreement, and the management fee...
Ask Jerry: Why do the Mutuals sometimes have a budget surplus?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Throughout the budget season here in the Village, I am frequently asked about budget surpluses.
Operating surplus occurs when a corporation’s revenue exceeds expenses. This does not occur every year, but it does occur frequently. The reason is that budgets are conservatively calculated to avoid having a deficit. The amounts vary considerably from year to year and between corporations.
Read on for ways the Mutuals return surplus to the members...
Ask Jerry: Employee Retirement Benfits
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Some questions have been asked recently regarding retirement benefits.
GRF and the housing Mutuals bear the costs of managing and maintaining this community, a large part of which is the compensation and benefits of the employees serving the Village. Those employee benefits include some limited retirement benefits. This has been the case since the community was formed. The union employees have a pension plan that has been part of the union contract first negotiated by the original developer over 40 years ago. As noted in the financial statements, and in accordance with the union contract, PCM contributes to that plan each year for the Village’s union employees (primarily in Maintenance and Landscape) and is reimbursed by the community. For the other employees (Security, Recreation, etc.) PCM matches a portion of employees’ contributions to a 401(k) plan and is reimbursed by the community. In 2010, the community’s reimbursements for the contributions to these two plans was about 3.8% of the total labor costs (wages, salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, etc.) in the Village.
Ask Jerry: What eco-friendly programs are in place at the Village?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Sustainability is of great importance to this Community its community management company Professional Community Management (PCM) always works with the boards to ensure that fulfilling these environmental goals benefits the community at large, without breaking the bank.
The Village and PCM have long been innovators in waste reduction and recycling efforts. Beginning in 1990, the Laguna Woods Village PCM landscape division has operated an in-house composting operation to divert green waste from local landfills and to produce a valuable horticultural product for use within the Village. The composting operation produces approximately 8,000 cubic yards of mulch each year, which is used by the landscaping department in ornamental beds, as potting soil in the in-house nursery, and to enrich the soil in the shared community gardens. And, the composting operation creates tens of thousands of dollars a year in offset costs and revenue.
Keep reading for many more eco-friendly programs at the Village!
Keep reading for many more eco-friendly programs at the Village!
Ask Jerry: What is an alteration, and what are some common violations to the architectural standards?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
From time to time residents would like to perform alterations to their manors. Any Mutual Member contemplating an alteration should contact the Permits and Inspection Department prior to the commencement of work. The Permits and Inspections team is prepared to provide any Member copies of Board-approved alteration standards, and Standard Plans; and can explain how to submit a request for a variance for non-standard alterations to the Board of Directors for consideration.
While there are differences of property ownership between United Mutual and Third Mutual, and rules regarding alterations may differ, it would behoove the members of both Corporations to ASK FIRST! It is much easier, and usually much less frustrating, and less costly, to understand permit requirements prior to performing work, rather than having to make corrections, or even remove an alteration, after the work has been completed.
The Permits and Inspections Department reports that the most common alterations performed in the Community are:
• Window alterations;
• Storage cabinets;
• Patio extensions;
• HVAC (heating and air conditioning) installation or modification;
• Bathroom remodels
Keep reading for more...
Ask Jerry: GRF is considering changes to the Traffic Rules and Regulations. What are they, and why are they being considered?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
Staff is aware that, occasionally, parking spaces are taken up by abandoned, inoperable, or unauthorized overnight guest’s vehicles. For example, during the first 44 weeks of 2011, Security identified over 500 abandoned or inoperable vehicles. Most of those vehicles have since been removed or brought into compliance.
In order to avoid having abandoned or inoperable vehicles in the Community, and to ensure all overnight guests have been authorized to park in the Community, the GRF Board of Directors is considering a rule that would alter the Parking Rules and Regulations to require that:
1. All residents will be required to register their vehicles with GRF and display the Laguna Woods Village vehicle decal, affixed by Staff, to the front windshield of their vehicles and;
2. All authorized guests parking in the Community overnight would be issued an overnight parking permit and display it on their vehicle dashboard. (“Overnight” would be defined as between the hours of Midnight and 6 a.m.)
This month, I will discuss how the changes to the Traffic Rules and Regulations under consideration by GRF will affect residents of the Village and their guests.
Ask Jerry: How does the Village prepare for the Rainy Season?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
In an effort to prepare Laguna Woods Village for the upcoming and future rain seasons, procedures and safety policies have been compiled that identify tasks and responsibilities for the Security, Landscape, and Maintenance divisions during a rain event. Those tasks and responsibilities have been thoroughly documented in the Laguna Woods Village Rain Event Action Plan.
All four of the Village corporations – GRF, United, Third and Mutual 50 – have adopted the Laguna Woods Village Rain Event Action Plan. The plan outlines standard preparations for the rainy season; event planning for periods of little, heavy and severe rain; and post rain-event cleanup procedures.
Flooding can occur in the Village during periods of heavy rainfall and can occur in both natural and developed watersheds. When the rate of rainfall exceeds the rate of infiltration to the ground, the excess water, called runoff, moves across the ground surface toward the lowest section of the watershed and can pond, causing flooding.
Keep reading...
Ask Jerry: What is your Vision for the Village?
Jerry Storage, General Manager
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I appreciate this opportunity to share with you my vision and goals as General Manager of Laguna Woods Village. I feel that my philosophy as General Manager can be summed up in three words: “Residents Come First.”
Keep reading to learn about Jerry's commitment to the Village!
