375 Highland Residents,
A new exterminating company has been engaged and will be on the property
tomorrow. We have discovered what we believe is their den, which is actually
outside the property on the easement between our property and Freedom Parkway.
The poison that has been used is slowly killing them off. Not fast enough as
far as we are all concerned. However, if we have found their den, we will drop
the MOAB's on them.
Thank you for patience, it's been a trying couple of weeks.
Robert Mann
On Jun 12, 2017, at 7:27 PM, Monica OWENS
<mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Can someone from CMA or the Board answer the following questions:
(1) What is taking so long to repair the main dumpster and bring it back into
operation? (2) How often is the temporary dumpster being cleared of trash? (3)
How often are the exterminators coming out to this property? (4) What efforts
are the exterminators performing and how often do they follow up?
________________________________
From: Chris Francisco <cmfran9@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cmfran9@xxxxxxxxx>>
To: highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2017 7:17 PM
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
Is there any word on when the dumpster is being emptied? Had to bring my
garbage to work today.
Moving forward, is there any way to get the dumpster (or compactor, when it
returns) emptied on a regular, confirmed schedule? Given how fast it
accumulates, we definitely need that.
On Jun 12, 2017, at 6:15 PM, Monica OWENS
<mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Christian, these are excellent ideas to address the pet issue. Thanks!
________________________________
From: Christian Pena <cpena711@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cpena711@xxxxxxxxx>>
To: highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2017 7:49 PM
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
I don't believe anything has been solidified here in terms of the dog stuff,
since we have a couple folks on one end interpreting our by-laws to their
liking, and others going the other way for their dogs. We should be happy the
rat situation is looking under control and the compactor will be back working
soon!
I look forward to our next HOA meeting or town hall, sooner the better, to chat
on compromises since again, everyone here is more than cordial in person.
Whether it be installing artificial turf at the ends of the neighborhood or
taking off some of the shrubbery (we have sooooo many bushes for critters to
hide) and installing turf there instead, I think that would be amazing! The HOA
fees, paid by all of us, pay for the patches of grass here at the ends of the
Highlands and in front of the couple of homes lucky to have them, so perhaps we
can use some of the funds to cater to the dog owners. Another easy fix would be
to add doggy bag stations like
this<https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Waste-USA-Station-System/dp/B005VEWBFC/ref=sr_1_3/136-6445894-1677755?ie=UTF8&qid=1497223774&sr=8-3&keywords=pet+waste+station>
and put them at the ends of the neighborhood. Every dog owner should have bags
to pick up after their pet, comes with the territory and is common courtesy,
but this way there is no excuse to leave behind waste. I've never thought that
waste was an issue here, folks are pretty good about picking up waste, but we
should try and compromise to make all residents happy.
Until we can all chat in person, dog owners, please continue to pick up after
your pets and avoid grass directly in front of doors. Folks that are upset with
the dogs, please understand that dog owners need a place for their pets to
relieve themselves...dog owners pay HOA fees along with everyone else and would
like to enjoy the positives of living in a gated community in a great
neighborhood/location. People with small dogs...your "baby poops" count too,
pick it up and everyone will be happy!
Hope we are all good until we meet together on our next meeting.
Best,
Christian
On Sun, Jun 11, 2017 at 9:52 AM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I believe Alex cleared this up the other day by stating that the grass in front
of townhouses are common areas unless fenced in. Therefore the association is
responsible for landscaping. However, it was also made clear that there are
designated dog walking areas on the property that DO NOT include using any
random patch of grass for pets. So no, you are not supposed to allow your pets
to urinate in front of other units. I hope the designated areas will be more
clearly defined since that rule was established by the board. It doesn't
reflect, as least not in my case, that people are not pet-friendly. I have had
dogs since I was three but happen not to have one at this very moment. If I do
get one, I will definitely follow the rules.
As a licensed real estate agent, I will explain what a limited common area is
for future reference. Our driveways, for example, are part of a common area but
we are granted exclusive use to them. So limited means that while they be be
owned as a whole by the unit owners, they are to be used exclusively by the
owners who own those particular units. That is why we can't just park in
someone else's driveway without permission. However, since it is a limited
common area, the association controls whether we can change out the pavers as
well as change the light fixtures. They can establish rules about satellite
dishes, trash cans, etc.
Even in larger communities where people have large acreage, a homeowners
association can impose fines for trash cans being in front of a home instead of
on the side, gutters being dirty, and the type of mailbox you can install, as
well as making renovations such as adding on decks. Most of the time that
requires a board approval of your plans. Hope this makes sense. Screenshots of
Alex's prior comments and a legal definition attached.
As for the rats, I am terrified of them as well!
<image1.PNG>
[image2.PNG]
<image3.PNG>
On Jun 11, 2017, at 1:34 AM, Monica OWENS
<mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:mr33605@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Point A: Rats
When I exited the gate this evening, I saw two rats scurrying around the main
and temporary dumpsters. I am terrified of rats to the point of having panic
attacks. Seeing those rats with the sad brown eyes almost scared the human
poop out of me! I LOVE Mark for taking on the brave task of rat disposal. Mark,
you're the man! Thanks, thanks, thanks!
We have been dealing with the rat infestation for several years. When the
exterminators hired by the Board/CMA get aggressive in their efforts, the
problems seem to go away. Thereafter, however, their efforts become more
relaxed and the infestation recurs. In the past, I have made numerous
complaints and asked why we have not required more frequent, ongoing
exterminating efforts. In terms of the budget, I would rather dedicate our
funds to require more exterminating than pay for all of the excessive layers of
landscaping pine straw or other budget items that may be reduced.
The dumpster situation seems to be a major problem causing the rat infestation.
When I went on vacation two weeks ago, I saw trash accumulating outside of the
dumpster and received notice that the dumpster was malfunctioning. This week, I
saw that the temporary dumpster was overflowing.
I have the following questions: (1) What is taking so long to repair the main
dumpster and bring it back into operation? (2) How often is the temporary
dumpster being cleared of trash? (3) How often are the exterminators coming out
to this property? (4) What efforts are the exterminators performing and how
often do they follow up?
Point B: Use of Limited Common Areas
I am in favor of a more pet friendly approach to this issue. Pets are cute and
friendly neighbors, and they have better personalities than most humans that I
have encountered. They potty outside-- that's what they should be trained to
do. But responsible pet owners should always be mindful to clean up after
their pets, meaning pick up and properly dispose of their pet's poop. The HOA
rules already provide fines for not doing so. Those rules can be enforced if
you notify the Board or CMA when you observe a pet owner's failure to comply.
In terms of a limited common area, I have the following questions: (1) What
does that mean? (2) If a homeowner controls the grassy area next to his or her
unit, does that mean that the homeowner also should be separately responsible
for maintaining that area? In essence, should the HOA dues not cover
landscaping to that area? Instead, should that cost fall upon the individual
homeowner who claims the right to control that area?
________________________________
From: Mark Riggs <markariggs@xxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:markariggs@xxxxxxxxxxx>>
To: "highland-discuss@freelists. org<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>"
<highland-discuss@freelists. org<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2017 9:39 AM
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
Poor, poor rats, looking up with their sad brown eyes. Picked up several more
this morning. Hope to see even more over the next several days.
Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse any typos.
On Jun 9, 2017, at 9:10 PM, Angie
<dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thanks everyone for your diligence in resolving this rat infestation.
So are we nominating Mark as the rat executioner? Lol 😂
On Friday, June 9, 2017, 6:53 PM, Mehrnush Saadat
<mehrnushsaadat@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:mehrnushsaadat@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Ok but, if i see a dead rat, me and my high heels are walking to marks house
and asking him to bring his shovel :)
and gloves.
be safe, use gloves mark.
Mehrnush Saadat
[iPhone]
On Jun 9, 2017, at 6:30 PM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thank you Mark! I think we all needed that comic relief to lighten the mood on
this list serve. Your help is greatly appreciated on that and the cleanup
efforts.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 9, 2017, at 5:52 PM, Mark Riggs
<markariggs@xxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:markariggs@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Personally I hope to see a lot of dead rats over the next few days. BTW, the
rat was not dead. When I went to pick it up and throw it away, it tried to
walk away. Hit it over the head with a shovel, picked it up and threw it away.
If you see a dead one, don't whine and complain, pick it up and throw it away.
It's not that difficult.
Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse any typos.
On Jun 9, 2017, at 5:44 PM, Steven Teal
<ussteven.teal@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:ussteven.teal@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
When I get home I will get the rat. This is getting ridiculous people. Poison
equals death. Which is what we want.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 9, 2017, at 5:36 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
There is a dead rat outside the pool gate on the side of the dumpster.
<image1.JPG>
<image2.JPG>
On Jun 9, 2017, at 4:41 PM, Christian Pena
<cpena711@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cpena711@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Hello Highlanders,
Quick chime in, that is not what I believe she is saying, that would be silly
to think. But I also think everyone might be forgetting that the rats are the
current issue here. Not sure how this took such a turn, but we are hogging up
email space right now with passive aggressive notes and comments. No need for
that, I've yet to meet an unfriendly face in the neighborhood, before OR after
I got a dog, so not sure where this is coming from.
Perhaps we can schedule a town hall in the next month or so and chat on all the
issues again, placing pamphlets by the mailbox to make it obvious to those that
don't get these emails and encourage those that rent to come as well. Whether
it be fixtures, rats, paint color, visitor spot etiquette, fines, etc, we can
chat on that live.
Have a great weekend, and watch out by the pool for the rats.
Best,
Fellow Neighbor with a cute dog which you can totally pet if you see me
around...trying to socialize him.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 4:31 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Nicole, are you implying that someone can come sit a chair on my porch area and
smoke a cigarette? The bottom line is that people without pets should not be
forced to have dogs pissing and pooping outside their doors. I have had many
dogs in my life and if I had one now, I would not even have the nerve to take
my dog out in front of someone else's place to alleviate itself.
Having laws about certain fixtures doesn't mean the person does not own that
space, FYI.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 4:17 PM, Nicole Reedy - WWJWM
<nicole.reedy@xxxxxxx<mailto:nicole.reedy@xxxxxxx>> wrote:
As a condominium you own NOTHING outside of your interior walls.
If you did.. I highly doubt people would still have the old lighting fixtures,
ugly paint combinations and rusted door knobs…
______________________________ ___________
Nicole Reedy
Executive Assistant to CFO, Tahira Fumo
JAS Worldwide Management, Inc.
6195 Barfield Rd. |Atlanta, GA | 30328
O: +1 (404) 705-7600 | C: +1 (404) 984-9292
Nicole.reedy@xxxxxxx<mailto:icole.reedy@xxxxxxx>
Skype: Nicole Reedy- JAS
www.jas.com<http://www.jas.com/>
______________________________ ___________
From: <highland-discuss-bounce@freel
ists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> on behalf of Tiffany
Harlow
Reply-To: "highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxx
g<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>"
Date: Friday, June 9, 2017 at 4:12 PM
To: "highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxx g<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>"
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
And I would argue that the grass area is a part of the sidewalk or area serving
one or more units. If we interpret it any other way then people could literally
just come congregate in front of your front door with no issue. I doubt that
was the intent of the declarations's drafters.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 9, 2017, at 4:09 PM, Glenn Abajian
<glenn.abajian@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:glenn.abajian@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I think this is where there may be some confusion. After reading the bylaws, it
doesn't state that the grass areas are common or limited common elements.
Per the bylaws:
The limited common elements include:
* Any sidewalk or entry gate serving one or more but less than all Units
* The sidewalk serving only one unit
* The driveway providing entry to the garage of each unit
* Any desk attach to and serving only one unit
* any enclosed yard area as shown on the Survey or Floors plans
* The portion of Common Elements on which there is located any portion of
the air conditioning or heating system exclusively serving a particular Unit or
Units
* Any utility meter which serves only one unit
* Each unit is assigned one mailbox or mail slot
The Common elements consist of all portions of the Condominium not located
within the boundaries of a Unit. The Common Elements include, without
limitation, certain utilities, fences, entry features, paving, walls, retaining
walls and exterior walls of the building, trash compactor, awnings, landscape
areas, mail area, fitness facility, swimming pool, clubhouse, limited access
fated entry system, and all personalty, furniture and fixtures located on any
common element, expect items located on any limited common element.
I may be wrong in assuming "landscape areas" include the grass areas but please
correct me if I'm wrong.
Thank you,
Glenn Abajian
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 3:31 PM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Actually, after a re-read of the declaration and bylaws, I believe that the
sections of grass directly in front of our doors and driveways are considered
"limited common elements" under our rules as opposed to general "common
elements" (such as the gym, pool, etc.) so in that case, the rules actually
state that use of those "limited" areas are reserved exclusively for the owners
of the unit to which the limited area is assigned.
This would mean that only homeowners who are assigned to those areas, i.e. live
on those "limited" elements, can allow their dogs to use them. Others would be
in violation. That would be my reading of the actual rules but we can discuss
that with CMA and get out some form of official interpretation at a later date.
In the meantime, I will post that portion of the rules in the mailbox area
along with others I think should be considered as I mentioned in my earlier
email. Thanks.
Tiffany Harlow, Esq.
tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>
404-931-5567
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 3:24 PM, Christian Pena
<cpena711@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cpena711@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Certainly, as long as the pet owners continue (or start) picking up around the
front gate and or ends of the neighborhood there should not be a problem.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 3:17 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Tiffany, that is a great idea. There are actually common areas that are not in
front of resident doors that can be utilized for pets to use. I don't have any
issue with that. Thanks.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 2:34 PM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
There are side grass areas within the gates you can use as opposed to directly
in front of someone's front door.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 9, 2017, at 2:32 PM, Christian Pena
<cpena711@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cpena711@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I just got a dog last week (some of you have seen the little pup) and have
picked up after him obviously, since I know I'm not trying to be one of those
getting the stink eye. That's being said, I was told that all outside areas are
indeed communal, so a dog going to the bathroom on it is not against the rules.
Since I'm now part of the pet owners in the neighborhood, I truly wish I had
grass in front of my door ( I definitely don't want to walk outside the gates
on the midnight or 4am walks), but please call out pet owners that you see not
picking up waste.
CMA should 100% place fines on irresponsible pet owners AND folks throwing away
furniture (I'm preaching I know), our more vocal residents are doing all they
can, but CMA should really get more strict to avoid things escalating like this
and having everyone all of a sudden be upset and vocalizing concerns. Should
have never reached this point (again, I know I'm preaching).
On Jun 9, 2017, at 1:34 PM, Susan Stern
<susan.k.stern@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:susan.k.stern@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Also, and correct me if I'm wrong, there is nothing about a dog relieving
itself on the grass that violates any rules. The violation comes when the
owners do not clean up after the pet. The grassy areas are shared/communal
space.
We did talk at the last board meeting (3 of us non-board members attended--it's
a great chance to stay informed and share your concerns!) about the issue of
urine spots in the grass and how unattractive it is. No immediate solutions
were identified, but we brainstormed several ideas. If anyone is on the
listserv reading this who has a dog, please consider taking them outside of the
gates for their potty breaks.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 12:57 PM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Zane,
Of course there are many rules related to this, among other things.
Unfortunately, as you have seen this week, our neighbors have very loose
interpretations of what those rules are or have not taken time to actually read
them. Trust me, you are not alone in your sentiment. In the next few weeks, I
will be posting at the mailboxes, relevant portions of our covenants that I
believe residents need to be reminded of and as Kyle has mentioned, the Board
is going to try this year at being more diligent in enforcing those rules.
This may prove uncomfortable for some, but we have to get some order around
here because many of the major issues we are now tackling, i.e. the rats, are a
direct result of having gotten lax over the years.
In the meantime, I wouldn't go so far as to suggest you engage with neighbors
that you see violating the rules (although I will give a long stare sometimes
to folks that I see at or near my patch and it has worked, they move along
quickly), but if you can let us on the board know who to address, we will be
happy to do so on your behalf.
Tiffany Harlow, Esq.
tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>
404-931-5567
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 12:35 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Speaking of pets, I feel that it is unfair for those of us without pets to be
subjected to dogs pooping all over our patches of grass. Are they any rules
regarding pet owners being able to utilize the yards of others for their pets?
Even if they pick it up, the stench and remnants remain and attract insects and
rodents toward our houses. I don't feel that is fair at all. Sometimes I can
barely pull out my garage because people are standing there with the dogs
taking a bathroom break on my patch of grass. Thanks.
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 12:23 PM, Traci Houston
<dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thank you!!!!
We appreciate all your dedication and efforts to help keep our community clean.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on
Android<https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android>
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 11:40 AM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Yes, thank you Marny. And we should all thank Kyle as a neighbor and board
member for helping to clean up the trash all week and disposing of this
morning's rat. It takes a village.
Tiffany Harlow, Esq.
tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>
404-931-5567
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 11:18 AM, Kyle Mann
<kylemann1@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:kylemann1@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thanks Marny,
CMA is supposed to be sending notices to everyone having those cans, to remove
them or be fined going forward.
From: highland-discuss-bounce@
freelists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:highland-discuss- ;
bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>] On Behalf
Of Marny Heit
Sent: Friday, June 09, 2017 10:44 AM
To: highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
It's also probably a good time for those of you with those garbage cans full of
dog waste outside your doors to get rid of them unless you want rats on your
doorsteps.
Marny Heit
675 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE
Suite 8500
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
T: 404-313-4923
F: 404-393-7393
www.heitlaw.com<http://www.heitlaw.com/>
On Jun 9, 2017, at 10:31 AM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
The dumpster has been emptied this morning and the dead rat has been disposed
of. Neighbors, you will have to understand that in order to alleviate this rat
problem, we will temporarily see dead rats on occasion and we cannot guarantee
where they will be found. This is unfortunately how extermination works. We
have asked for your patience and vigilance. Please continue to dispose of your
trash appropriately, hold your trash and do not dump if you see that the
dumpster is already full or overflowing and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not do this
with your dog waste. We will never get over this hurdle if we continue to just
be careless.
<20170609_101622_resized1.jpg>
Tiffany Harlow, Esq.
tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>
404-931-5567
On Fri, Jun 9, 2017 at 9:53 AM, Ibironke Apata
<iwapata@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:iwapata@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thanks for sharing the update on the rats. It is truly a crisis and I'm
surprised that we were not made aware formally. I got the flyer about trash but
not about the rats. On sunday night I easy horrified to see 5 rats by the
dumpster and 2 days later. I spotted 2 rats. I believe the health department
should be notified and all actions being taken shared with us. The dumpster
will continue to be a source of breedinf. I wonder if we should all have trash
cans we bring out once or twice a week and eliminate the use of a dumpster.
This community usef to be so clean! Is there a meeting about this coming up?
On Jun 9, 2017 9:44 AM, "William Hauser"
<wm.hauser@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:wm.hauser@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Dead rat in roadway in front of bldg 200
On Jun 8, 2017 8:31 AM, "Christian Pena"
<cpena711@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:cpena711@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Thanks Isom, that's great information. I do also agree that in Dennis' absence
someone at CMA should help so the board, who all have day jobs, don't have to
handle this.
Please keep talking to your neighbors and bringing it up in case they are not
on the chain. Mention this chain to see if they are on it, if not, offer to
take their email down and reach out here to add them in. Mention the trash as
food source and how we are trying to get this fixed. OVER COMMUNICATE! Let's
finally all get on the same page and get this over with. Not only is it gross
(and I'm scared of rats honestly) but the property values will lower while out
HOA's will go up, nobody wins.
Best,
Christian
On Jun 8, 2017, at 8:13 AM, Wenona Belton
<wcbelton@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:wcbelton@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
If Dennis is unavailable, who at CMA should be handling? Is a major rat
infestation not considered a crisis that the property management company should
address?
W. Belton
On Jun 8, 2017, at 2:04 AM, isom hawes
<isom25@xxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:isom25@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Hello everyone, I'd like to chime in, in hopes of helping out with some of the
concerns regarding the rodent issue. Back in the early 2000's, I use to work
for Orkin and coincidentally I had a few customers in this same complex. If I
were to assume that extermination methods have not changed, there are only a
couple ways to get rid of the rats. You either poison them or you set out old
school rat traps. Both methods are effective but depending on the
circumstance, one method will work better than the other. In dealing with
large numbers, as we are now, poison is really the only way to suppress the
population.
Poison, however, will really only be effective if there are no other food
sources for the rats. They will almost always choose the food in the trash
over the poison if they have access to it. Because of this, extermination of
the rats will have to be a joint effort between us and Orkin. Orkin can lay
out poison from now until next year but the problem won't start to improve
until we stop allowing the rodents easy access to our trash.
As I understand it, the reason the compactor was removed was to have it cleaned
and to have the space around the compactor cleaned since over time trash had
begun to build up on the grounds around the compactor. This trash had become a
continuous source of food for the rats making the problem worse. I noticed a
couple of days ago that there was a drain hole at the base of the temporary
dumpster and rats were going in and out of the hole.... again having easy
access to the trash. I'm sure this easy access was impeding the efforts of
Orkin. Today I went and bought some steel wool and plugged the hole. I was
taught when I worked at Orkin that rats tend not to chew through it because it
cuts their gums. You may want to give it a try at your homes if you find small
entry points that need to be closed off to prevent the rats from invading.
As for the length of time it will take to fix this problem, there is no way to
really know. It all depends on how good of a job we do of making sure the
rodents can't get to our trash. If we can keep them out of our trash, they
will then start to get desperate for food, eat the poison and the problem will
improve sooner rather than later.
________________________________
From: highland-discuss-bounce@
freelists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
<highland-discuss-bounce@
freelists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> on behalf of Traci
Houston <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 11:31 PM
To: planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>;
highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:highland-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [highland-discuss] Re: RATS!
Where is the back turn?
Sent from Yahoo Mail on
Android<https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android>
On Wed, Jun 7, 2017 at 11:27 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I wonder about the health department as well because I just looked out my
window and saw one run out a drain pipe up near the back turn. They are
everywhere!
On Wed, Jun 7, 2017 at 11:20 PM, Wenona Belton
<wcbelton@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:wcbelton@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I am interested in the answers to the questions posed by Ms. Houston and wonder
if perhaps the health department should be notified?
Thank you,
W. Belton
On Jun 7, 2017, at 10:24 PM, Traci Houston (Redacted sender "tracihouston" for
DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
While circulars were posted to everyone's door I'm not sure all the residents
truly recognize the severity of this rat infestation. I sure didnt! This is
what should be communicated. If residents knew they were at risk with their
health, informed that the rat infestation could potentially grow where rodents
could enter our homes, and that our property values could be negatively
impacted - maybe people would listen. This is very serious! I absolutely do not
take this problem lightly. In fact, Im scared to even go to the dumpster now.
As a homeowner and resident I would like to know what is the overall detailed
action plan to address this issue?
I know that the extermination process started today but what's involved? What
specifically is the exterminator doing? Who is the exterminator? Are they
coming daily? Weekly? How long will the process last? Does the exterminator
have an aggressive plan of attack? When do they anticipate we will be rid of
these rats? Is this easy to do? Or is this a long term project? What role do
all residents have (other than proper disposal of trash) during this process?
Do we need to schedule any extermination to our individual homes and who pays
for it? Who do we contact for questions or if we see a rat in our homes?
My next question is what specifically is being done about the dumpster? I
assume the trash compactor doesnt work at all? If not, what is the plan to have
a working dumpster or are we going to have more frequent trash pick-up? When
will any action be taken? Whats the timeline?
What responsibility does the HOA mgmt company have in this entire process - if
any at all?
Lastly I think it would be extremely helpful to over-communicate during this
crisis - yes, crisis. If we dont communicate the seriousness of this issue
people will not be aware of this grave problem. If I wasnt part of this group
thread I wouldnt be aware of anything. If we dont arrest the problem now we
could be at serious risk for other problems none of us want diwn the road.
There should be communications that are posted/emailed/mailed/text to all
residents that a) outline the problem we currently have and how it occurred b)
communicate the actions that have been taken and next steps and c) how we can
collectively prevent this from happening in the future. Along with these
communication channels we need some type of signage - even if temporary -
around all common areas reminding everyone about the trash guidelines.
I have not seen this type of detailed communication just yet. Is there a plan
for one? I am more than willing to assist with writing the communication and
distributing to my fellow neighbors.
Can someone answer these questions?
Thank You
Traci
Sent from Yahoo Mail on
Android<https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android>
On Wed, Jun 7, 2017 at 6:38 PM, Tiffany Harlow
<tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:tiffany.harlow@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Yeah the person who left the trash needs to come back and get it. We are all
adults here. Members of the board, friends of the board and random other
community members should not have to do this every time. It's getting
ridiculous.
And for the record, if you know you live next door to a neighbor who is not on
this list or who doesn't get the info, each one teach one, pass the info along.
Word of mouth is not a new concept.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 7, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Zane Strebor
<planetzane@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:planetzane@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Just drove out the gate and there were 2 huge rats feeding off that bag of
trash on the ground. Someone really needs to move that bag of trash.
On Jun 7, 2017, at 5:44 PM, Jodie Victor
<jodievictor@xxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:jodievictor@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
I've been gone since the Sunday morning, but have read all the emails from
another state. I just left the neighborhood after being home for about 15
minutes. Sitting by the compactor is a bag of trash. As I waited for the gate
to open, a rat exited the bag of trash. It is apparently not clear to all
residents of what is currently going on in our community. Why is that so?
I am a renter, but I am curious why a private company is being used for trash?
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/ghei36>
________________________________
From: highland-discuss-bounce@
freelists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
<highland-discuss-bounce@
freelists.org<mailto:highland-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> on behalf of
Joseph Curtis <josephcurtis07@xxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:josephcurtis07@xxxxxxxxxxx>>
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 4:27:07 PM
To: Highland
Subject: [highland-discuss] RATS!
There is a dead half eaten rat in the back of the pool deck! Behind the trash
can. And many many live rats around the trash dumpster. We need to put the plug
back in the dumpster because the rats are using it as a door into the dumpster.
buffet time!
Joseph Curtis
Sent from my mobile phone.
--
Zane
Publisher
Strebor Books/ATRIA Books/Simon and Schuster
Office 202-618-BOOK
"Subjecting yourself to the perception others have of you will keep you
ordinary."
<20170609_101622_resized1.jpg>
--
Zane
Publisher
Strebor Books/ATRIA Books/Simon and Schuster
Office 202-618-BOOK
"Subjecting yourself to the perception others have of you will keep you
ordinary."
--
Susan K. Shwartz, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Shepherd Pathways
--
Zane
Publisher
Strebor Books/ATRIA Books/Simon and Schuster
Office 202-618-BOOK
"Subjecting yourself to the perception others have of you will keep you
ordinary."
--
Zane
Publisher
Strebor Books/ATRIA Books/Simon and Schuster
Office 202-618-BOOK
"Subjecting yourself to the perception others have of you will keep you
ordinary."
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