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Oct 192018
If your stucco foundation wall or stucco retaining wall needs a fresh coat of paint, the SMVE Architecture Committee can help.
No, the committee can’t show up on a Saturday morning and repaint your wall for you (or trick your friends into repainting it, the way Tom Sawyer tricked his friends into repainting Aunt Polly’s fence).
But the committee can help you identify the colors approved and accepted for use on stucco foundation walls and stucco retaining walls. And the help won’t cost you a cent.
Primary Approved Color
Dunn-Edwards Cliff Brown DEC 711, exterior flat finish. This is SMVE’s primary approved color for stucco foundation walls and stucco retaining walls.
Cliff Brown foundation walls and retaining walls will bring your home into compliance with SMVE’s current standards and look great near a garage door or stucco house wall that is also painted Cliff Brown.
Note: Cliff Brown is the SMVE-approved color for garage doors and stucco house walls, as well as the primary approved color for stucco foundation walls and stucco retaining walls.
Other Approved Colors
SMVE has also approved certain other paint colors for stucco foundation walls and stucco retaining walls. Depending on the color of a nearby slump block wall, you might decide that one of the following SMVE-approved colors will better suit your stucco foundation wall or stucco retaining wall:
SMVE Wall Color 13-930-11. This is a custom color developed for SMVE by Dunn-Edwards Paint Company. This color is ideal for use near slump block walls of a similar color.
Tawny Copper DE 7825D. This is a standard Dunn-Edwards Paint color. This color is ideal for use near slump block walls of a similar color.
Note: SMVE Wall Color and Tawny Copper are only approved for use on stucco foundation walls and stucco retaining walls. These colors are not approved for use on garage doors or stucco house walls.
Historical Colors Still Accepted in Special Situations
Cinnamon Stick DE 5151. This is a Dunn-Edwards color that is no longer approved for general use but is accepted for use on foundation and retaining walls already painted this color. Before using this color, consider one of the current SMVE-approved colors shown above.
Rose Dusk DE 5150. This is a Dunn-Edwards color that is no longer approved for general use but is accepted for use on foundation and retaining walls already painted this color. Before using this color, consider one of the current SMVE-approved colors shown above.
Color Samples Available
What color is your foundation wall or retaining wall now, and what color will show it off to best advantage? To help you answer that question, the Architecture Committee maintains a set of 12-inch x 12-inch plywood color samples that can be borrowed for two days at a time.
SMVE’s Exterior Finishes for Stucco Foundation Walls and Stucco Retaining Walls:
Cliff Brown DEC 711* (Primary approved color)
SMVE Wall Color 13-930-11* (Approved color)
Tawny Copper DE 7825D* (Approved color)
Cinnamon Stick DE 5151* (Accepted color for foundation and retaining walls already painted this color)
Rose Dusk DE 5150* (Accepted color for foundation and retaining walls already painted this color)
The color specification is listed on the back of each color sample, so all you have to do is find the sample that best matches the existing color of your stucco foundation wall or stucco retaining wall, or the color of a nearby slump block wall. Then turn over the sample to find the Dunn-Edwards specification for that color.
To borrow the color samples for up to two days, contact the SMVE Architecture Chair.
For more information about SMVE-approved paint colors and finishes for all exterior surfaces, visit the following webpage:
http://smve.org/approved-paint-colors/
* All approved paint colors are Dunn-Edwards Colors (DEC) unless otherwise specified. Dunn-Edwards is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers and distributors of architectural, industrial, and high-performance paints and coatings. The company’s paints are available in SPARTASHIELD and EVERSHIELD quality levels. SPARTASHIELD® is a line of premium, ultra-low VOC, 100% acrylic exterior paints that provide exceptional hide, durability and versatility. EVERSHIELD® is a line of ultra-premium exterior, ultra-low VOC, 100% acrylic paint that provides maximum protection against UV color fade, mildew, efflorescence, water intrusion, and film failure (grain-cracking, peeling, blistering). Decide which quality level you’re willing to pay for, and don’t accept anything less!
IMPORTANT: Homeowners in Sunrise Mountain View Estates qualify for up to 37% off full retail price on 1 gallon or more of Dunn-Edwards branded paint. To receive the discount, identify yourself as an SMVE homeowner and specify Account #6065192.
Dunn-Edwards, 4320 E. Speedway (520-327-6011) / 7525 E. Broadway (520-296-3875)
Oct 172018
The Minutes from the September 17, 2018 Board Meeting are now available on the Board Meetings page.
Oct 162018
Friday, October 19th
5 PM – 7 PM
in the clubhouse and pool area
Our first fall social event is here! Join your friends and neighbors (potential new friends) and enjoy nibblies and drinks this Friday. Pop in for just a few minutes or enjoy some relaxed time at the pool and clubhouse.
The volunteer Hospitality Committee members will provide paper cups, napkins, etc. You bring whatever you’d like to share in the way of drinks and appetizers – – as well as your joie de vivre!
Questions? Contact Hospitality Committee member, Carole Stephan. Phone: or
Oct 162018
The Board meets on the third Monday of every month at 3:30 PM in the clubhouse, and all homeowners are welcome to attend. Below are some highlights from the October Board meeting:
Pool Closure Dates:
North pool, restrooms, and clubhouse will be closed Monday November 26 thru Friday November 30 for pool deck work, tile cleaning, and emptying/refilling of pool. Absolutely NO entry other than vendors working will be allowed.
South pool will be closed for 3 months starting December 1st. Restrooms will remain open except for Dec 10-12 when pool deck work, tile cleaning, and emptying / refilling of pool will be done. Pool will reopen March 1st.
Volunteers Needed To Move Pool Furniture Ahead of Pool Closure
Volunteers are needed the afternoon of Sunday November 25th to move furniture off the pool deck to ramada areas in preparation for the pool work that will be done November 26-Nov 30th. Please contact Larry Spencer if you are willing to help. ✉ Contact SMVE Acting Pool Chair
Homeowner Concerns:
Little Library
Jane Spaulding requested board consider a loaning library (www.littlefreelibrary.org). Steve Struck noted Sunrise Mountain Ridge has one but it is a large cabinet that is well protected from rain in their pool area. Bill Coan says he has spotted one at Sunrise Ridge but it didn’t seem to fit the environment well. Doing something in the north pool area was discussed.
The board endorses the concept and would like to see volunteers flesh out the idea.
Benches
Jane Spaulding also requested board to consider putting benches around the HOA. Concrete benches were mentioned.
The board also endorses this idea but again would like to see volunteers track down where concrete benches could be located in Tucson and identify in priority order where they’d like to see the benches placed.
South Pool Security
Jan and Jerry Foval’s request to suspend the Board’s decision to add camera security at south pool was discussed. The board reviewed again the exhaustive investigation that was done on options for improved security at the south pool as well as costs. The committee has already implemented additional signage, changes in lighting, and fake cameras. The committee investigated fencing options, security company options (like Central Alarm), and security camera solutions. Excluding one time startup costs to get internet to the south pool and equipment acquisition, the annual costs are approximately 3k for internet, phone and monitoring feed by security company. Given that we were spending 10k a year for security via Central Alarm which proved to be ineffective and almost $700 a year for a phone there that rarely works, the board still feels this is the next right step in trying to improve security at the south pool.
One homeowner asked whether physical security was investigated (taller fences) and the committee indicated it was. The cost was approximately 75-85$ per linear foot and the vendor did not think we’d be happy with the results as to meaningfully prevent scaling of walls would require a prison like fence. The vendor also noted that any fence is scaleable with some effort and we would have weak areas like the back gate that would be an issue. It was also pointed out that now that we have easy exit (no key required) it just takes 1 person to scale the wall and let a group of people in.
Money
Treasurer, Tom Kelley reports we are continuing to spend about 20k per month operating expense. We are on target to spend about 250k versus a 275k budget. The operational budget for 2019 was discussed. It was noted that our aging facilities are requiring more frequent and expensive repairs. It was also noted that the cost of water is continuing to significantly increase. We have one more year on our trash contract where we are contractually obligated to pay an increase tied to cost of living (estimated to be 2.2%). Pool vendor costs will be going up as well. As part of the 2019 budget, packrat control by HOA will be dropped (this was started several years ago) and the amount allocated to trimming trees will be reduced (it was increased for last 2 years to deal with the large number of trees that were in bad shape).
Tom also reports that we are underspending the capital budget (119k actual versus 173k budget). This is in part due to deferring some of those expenses (seal coating new roads) to 2019 and also in part due to some roads expenses coming in under budget. For capital expenditures Steve Struck noted that the largest driver of road cost is labor and asphalt which is tied to cost of oil. Predicting road costs too far ahead of actual implementation becomes difficult as these costs are volatile.
Larry Spencer (Secretary and Acting Recreation Director) asked for approval to install four more energy efficient pumps now (previously approved as a 2019 Capital expenditure). The timing change allows us to take advantage of a limited-time $1200 rebate from TEP if pumps are installed by November 15th. The board approved the request and the pumps will be installed soon.
President Kathy Mitton asked for and received approval to have an update to Reserve Study with site visit in 2019. Our first hand experience with roads should enable us to provide some more realistic inputs to the largest driver of our capital expenses. This will be part of the 2019 budget.
Board approved purchase of projector. We have rented a projector for last couple of years at 200$ for a couple of days for homeowner meeting and the projector quality was inadequate.
Board discussed offloading more work to a management company due to lack of volunteers to take on work. The board will come up with a list of tasks that could be vended out. A committee will be formed to search for an appropriate firm with a target of getting this in place by start of 2020. Some tasks may be vended out sooner if feasible. Using a management company would not remove the need for volunteers as we would still committees to input or oversee the management companies (i.e. Finance committee) and some work can’t be offloaded (Architecture approvals, Roads). However, much of the daily work (managing vendors, paying bills, running monthly financial reports, responding to homeowners, preparing dues invoices ) could be offloaded for a price.
Volunteers Needed for Management Company Committee
Two volunteers are needed to join a committee to look for a management company to handle more of the HOA work. If interested please contact Kathy Mitton. ✉ Contact SMVE President
Home Sales
3 homes are in escrow and 12 homes have been sold this year.
Committee Updates
Architecture Committee
Bill Coan (architecture chair) noted that a recent article was published on our flag rules to remind homeowners of SMVE’s flag display rules. Bill also reviewed some of the recent architecture requests and violations.
Recreation Committee
Larry Spencer (temporary acting Pool Manager) covered the dates of closure of pools for the maintenance work scheduled (listed above). He also informed us that the noisy spa blower at north pool has now been replaced and indicated that a timer will be tried out on north pool spa to stop heating it at night to reduce gas costs.
Larry reported he had solicited quotes for routine pool maintenance but our current vendor in spite of his increase for 2019 is still quite a bit lower than other quotes received. Larry is working with the vendor to make some improvements on our pool maintenance. Larry was able to arrange for the north spa a chimney stack replacement under warranty.
Security Committee
Phil Mowbray (security chair) noted that a homeowner on Frassino had a planter and pot stolen from her front yard.
Maintenance Committee
Steve Struck (Maintenance Chair) reviewed several maintenance items that are in the queue (vent in south pool room, electrical outlet, etc.) and noted that the south pool ramada will be painted soon.
Landscape Committee
The last packrat inspection and removal was completed. As noted above, packrat removal by the HOA will be terminated in 2019. Homeowners will still be able to use vendors to remove packrats as long as those vendors do not use poison.
The next board meeting will be on November 19.
Oct 122018
The agenda for Monday’s meeting has been updated. Per earlier notice on Monday, October 15th, at 3:30 PM the Board will hold its monthly meeting in the clubhouse. The agenda for this upcoming meeting has been posted on the Board Meetings page and the monthly financials have been posted on the Finance page. Both are available to homeowners who login to the website.
Homeowners are welcome to attend the meeting.
Oct 112018
On Monday, October 15th, at 3:30 PM the Board will hold its monthly meeting in the clubhouse. The agenda for this upcoming meeting has been posted on the Board Meetings page and the monthly financials have been posted on the Finance page. Both are available to homeowners who login to the website.
Homeowners are welcome to attend the meeting.
Oct 102018
Like the U.S. Congress and the Arizona Legislature, the SMVE Homeowners Association has on its books some long-standing regulations about the display of flags.
SMVE’s flag display regulations are designed to assure respectful relations among neighbors.
Like anyone who respects their neighbors, you’re probably already complying with SMVE’s flag display regulations, even if you’ve never read them. But whether you’ve read the flag display regulations or not, you have agreed to abide by them.
IMPORTANT: By signing agreement to SMVE’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) at the time of home purchase, every homeowner in SMVE has agreed to abide by SMVE’s regulations for flag display.
SMVE’s regulations for flag display include the following:
- Only one flag pole is permitted on each property.
- The flag pole may not be higher than twelve (12) feet.
- The flag pole may not display a flag more than 4′ by 6′ feet in size.
- No more than two flags may be displayed on the flag pole.
- The flag pole shall be a metal or synthetic pole, not masonry, etc.
- The flag pole must blend with its background and be approved by the Architecture Committee.
- Low voltage lighting from the ground is permitted, provided such light does not shine on adjacent property.
- Hardware and cords must be secured so as not to make noise in the wind, whether a flag is flying or not.
- Only the following flags, which are protected by A.R.S. 33-1808, may be displayed on the flag pole:
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- The American flag.
- An official or replica of a flag of the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps or coast guard.
- The POW/MIA flag.
- The Arizona state flag.
- An Arizona Indian nations flag.
- The Gadsden flag.
NOTE: Flying a flag other than the ones listed above is a violation of SMVE’s regulations for flag display.
There’s no better way to earn the respect of others than by showing respect for them. Therefore, when you fly a flag on your SMVE property, fly it proudly, but fly it respectfully, in compliance with SMVE’s regulations on flag display.
Oct 082018
SMVE’s Architectural Design Notes say that you can keep your original exterior light fixtures for as long as you want, as long as you don’t allow them to deteriorate to the point of unsightliness.
If your exterior light fixtures have deteriorated, and you’d like to refurbish them, some of the hardest-to-find parts you’ll need are probably available at SMVE’s Boneyard for Exterior Light Fixtures.
The Boneyard contains entire fixtures and individual parts of fixtures donated by SMVE homeowners. The fixtures and parts are not offered as functional items but only as a source of replacement parts, with no warranty expressed or implied. Any homeowner who uses parts from the Boneyard assumes all risks associated with their use.
To access the Boneyard, contact the chair of the Architecture Committee.
✉ Contact SMVE Architecture Chair
NOTE: When refurbishing a fixture, generic internal parts such as those shown above should be replaced with brand new replacement items from a home center or electrical supply house, not with parts from used fixtures.
Ready to move on to new fixtures?
For the benefit of homeowners who prefer to replace rather than refurbish their exterior light fixtures, the following information is condensed from SMVE’s Architectural Design Notes:
New, replacement, or additional light fixtures mounted on exterior walls, porch roofs, or on the front lamp post require prior Architecture Committee approval.
The exterior light fixtures used when SMVE was built are no longer desirable to some homeowners. Replacement fixtures can match the original fixtures or be compatible with SMVE’s overall style.
To view some Traditional, Transitional, and Modern exterior fixtures that have been approved by the SMVE Architecture Committee, see: Post Lamps and Outdoor Sconces.
For more information about requesting permission to make exterior architectural changes, visit: SMVE Architecture.
REMINDER: New, replacement, or additional light fixtures mounted on your home’s exterior walls, porch roofs, or on the front lamp post require prior Architecture Committee approval. For more information see Pages 7 – 9 of SMVE’s Architectural Design Notes, here: Architectural Design Notes.
Oct 062018
At a time when a dozen or more homes in SMVE are changing hands every year, SMVE’s rules on estate sales, moving sales, and other “public” sales have never been more important.
The rules on public sales were instituted to prevent traffic jams, blocked driveways, and pedestrian/vehicle collisions. Above all, they were instituted to assure unimpeded fire-and-rescue access to all homes.
The following pictures show just how disruptive and dangerous a public sale can be when the rules are violated:
Heavy vehicular traffic, combined with blocked sidewalks, unauthorized parking, and heavy pedestrian traffic disrupts the peaceful character of the neighborhood, creates a hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike, and makes it impossible for fire and rescue vehicles to reach people in need of emergency assistance.
Unauthorized parking on sidewalks and driveways, when combined with high vehicle counts and heavy pedestrian traffic, exposes homeowners and guests alike to extra hazards, while making it more difficult or even impossible for emergency vehicles to reach persons in need of assistance.
Unauthorized parking on private driveways, combined with parked vehicles in front of driveways, makes it impossible for homeowners, guests, and emergency personnel to navigate as needed, threatening the health and safety of all concerned.
Public sales are authorized only under the following conditions:
- Permission must be requested in writing 4 weeks in advance
- $2,500.00 deposit
- No open advertising (e.g., no signs on streets)
- Limit of only two people at a time (i.e., private viewing only)
- Homeowner is responsible for assuring compliance by any agent involved in the sale
- Failure to comply can result in forfeiture of the $2,500.00 deposit
Please be a good neighbor! Follow the above set of rules and keep our streets free and clear. The alternative could be very costly fines.
NOTE: A better alternative to holding an estate sale inside SMVE with the restrictions listed above is to hold an off-site estate sale. There are a number of companies in Tucson that offer this service.
The complete text of SMVE rules on public sales can be viewed here:
Sep 192018
The Board meets on the third Monday of every month at 3:30 PM in the clubhouse, and all homeowners are welcome to attend. Below are some highlights from the September Board meeting:
Homeowner Concerns:
- About 20 homeowners attended the meeting to support continued exclusive use of the North Pool on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8 A.M. to 9.A.M for aerobics class. No opposing homeowners attended. The aerobics group indicated that south pool is not conducive to the water aerobics class due to the steep height drop-off. The board agreed that the aerobics class can continue to have exclusive use of the north pool from 8-9 on those 3 days and signs will be posted. The aerobics group indicated that all homeowners are welcome to participate in the class.
Money
- Treasurer, Tom Kelley, was unable to attend the meeting but the monthly financials are posted on the web. We continue to be on track with expenses.
- President Kathy Mitton asked for and received approval to have legal review our fines relative to current Arizona law. We have never had a comprehensive review of our fines and have encountered over the last year situations where we aren’t quite sure whether we can actually enforce some of our rules as they are currently written.
- 1 home is for sale but is contingent and 11 homes have been sold this year.
Committee Updates
Architecture Committee
- Bill Coan Chair of Architecture Committee summarized recent requests that have come forward for approval. Bill and the architecture committee also requested some improved language in our standards to guide homeowners. These included noting that visible permanent string lights are not permitted per CC&Rs, ensuring lamp post height is the standard 60″ so that the post plus lamp is approximately 80″, and adding clarifying verbiage for acceptable colors for gates, security doors, lamp posts, etc. The Architecture Design Notes on the web will be updated in the coming days to reflect the improved wording and clarifications.
Recreation Committee
- Larry Spencer (temporary acting Pool Manager) provided a list of pool items that need to be addressed in the future. These included cleaning tiles, repairing and sealing the Kool Deck, and draining and refilling the water after these items are done to address the suspended solid levels in the water. This work was approved and will be scheduled for November for the North Pool and December for the South Pool.
- The need for other equipment repairs and improvements was discussed and funding was approved for some items.
- Larry Spencer also tracked all Pima County Health citations and resolved those specific to our pools (addition of flow meters, ensuring sight glass on spa piping is clear, etc.)
Security Committee
- Bill Coan, Larry Spencer, and Kathy Mitton investigated numerous security options for the South Pool after repeated issues at that location. Solutions investigated included everything from additional signage to employing a security company to patrol to adding cameras. The team determined the best and most cost effective approach would be to employ cameras during the time the pool is closed. Multiple vendors were then investigated and it was determined that only Comcast is able to provide the necessary internet service at the pool which would then enable video cameras. The board approved proceeding with this work at the cost of up to 15K over 2 years.
Maintenance Committee
- Steve Struck indicated that additional short term citations from Pima County Health have been addressed with homeowner Rick Levy’s help. These included reversing the back gates so they open out. Steve is working on obtaining a permanent exception from some of the fencing issues where regulations changed after our pools were built.
Landscape Committee
- Kathy Mitton indicated that courtesy notes to homeowners with weedy yards were delivered on 8/6 and 8/27. Most homeowners have resolved their issue. A few homeowners have received or will receive a violation note. It is likely that one more set of notes will go out as a result of our most recent rains since a few homes that didn’t have problems when the initial notes went out, now have weedy yards.
The next board meeting will be on October 15.