Category: seasonal reminders

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Planning for National Night Out

Hello Managers,

A friendly reminder that National Night Out is held on August 1, 2017. You should have already received email containing a packet of helpful information, letters, and a recap newsletter with highlights from events held last year. We look forward to seeing photos and a recap of your events this year. Please remember to take photos and document the fun! If you have any questions, please contact us.

 

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Barbeque and Grill Policy Reminder

While the weather is hot this summer, many residents will spend more time outside which means more people will be cooking outdoors. This is a fun way to get together to enjoy the summer months. We want to make sure that our residents are informed about the importance of safety while using outdoor grills. Barbeque grills can be a safety hazard when used in close proximity to a building, so please adhere to the following guidelines for everyone’s safety and enjoyment:

  • As a fire safety precaution, charcoal grills are not allowed on patios, balconies, or within 25 feet of the building.
  • Use only gas/propane cooking devices with a gas container of 1 pound LP-gas capacity. Allowed devices are the small “Coleman” style propane canisters. These canisters are typically green and are approximately the size of a one liter drink container (you can also find converters for your gas/propane grill to work with these smaller canisters.)

It may seem redundant, but it is very important to remind residents each year about good fire safety practices and prevention. The warmer, dryer summer season creates greater risk for fires.

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Playground Safety and Maintenance

As children begin to spend more time outdoors, it is the opportune time to clean play equipment and conduct a thorough safety check. Look for loose screws and bolts, and make sure any wood is in solid condition with no cracking or rough edges that can cause splinters. Touch up paint, if necessary, and check that swings are secure.

Our policy regarding play areas require 9 to 12 inches of hemlock shavings under play equipment. Take some time to rake the shavings under play equipment where low points have developed, most commonly under swings and at the bottom of slides. If you feel that your play areas don’t have enough shavings and you need to purchase more, please contact your property supervisor.

OTHER PLAYGROUND SAFETY GUIDELINES

  • S hooks should be closed
  • Wood chips appropriately cover all zones of at lease 6 feet in every direction
  • Footholds firmly in place
  • Handrails are sturdy
  • Any paints used are playground approved
  • No sharp objects sticking up
  • No ropes
  • Swing seats are made of rubber or canvas
  • Free of standing water or debris
  • Area is pest free
  • Only property purchased and installed play equipment is used
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Swimming Pool Preparation

If your community has a swimming pool, please take a look at our Swimming Pool Checklist below, we want to make sure that you are on track to open your pool on schedule for Memorial Day Weekend! If you discover that you need to purchase any items related to opening your pool, please get approval from your supervisor.

Checklist:

  • Do you have all appropriate safety signs?
  • Do you have all appropriate safety equipment (life rings, the “hook”, etc.)?
  • Does your pool gate automatically close and latch securely?
  • Can you lock your pool gate each evening with an efficient lock and chain or similar arrangement?
  • Do you have a functioning filter?
  • Do you have a functioning “Kreepy Krauly” or other type of automatic suction cleaner?
  • Is your pool furniture in good shape?
  • Are your pool chemicals stocked?
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Safety Reminder for Air Conditioners

As the weather warms up, our residents will begin inquiring about through-the-window air conditioners. These are permitted after May 1st through October 31st. Guidelines have been printed in the May issue of the Resident Newsletter to assist with policy communication.

One very important guideline is that site staff are not authorized to install these units. Residents must have an independent contractor install their air conditioner according to the published guidelines, and at their own expense. They should also consult with management prior to installation.

Guidelines for installation and use:

  • Residents should use clear Plexiglass panels and clear caulking.
  • A/C window units must not exceed 120 volts.
  • A/C units must use existing house wiring.
  • A/C units must be properly installed and in good working order.

Please see “Air Conditioner Policy” (form C395) in Tenant Tech in case you would like to further communicate with your residents.

 

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Spring Flags Arriving Soon!

The Spring Flag order has been shipped from Elmer’s Flags and should arrive within a week! Please do not mis-match with the old flag versions. The new flags have magenta waves with orange and lime green polka dots. Please have your maintenance team switch your flags as soon as possible. To learn more about the marketing flags, including how to install them click here. Enjoy!

*Please disregard if your property does not have flags

Any questions or concerns?

Please feel free to contact Miranda Baker
503.450.0230

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Holiday Tree Disposal

Hello Managers!

After the holidays please make sure to have a defined plan for holiday tree removal.

  • Contact local landscape contractors, garbage hauler, or other local tree recycling program
    • Costs can vary, so doing some research might be to your property’s benefit
  • Identify a location where residents can put their trees
    • Should be confined to a space the size of a parking stall or two
    • Should be in reasonable proximity to the apartment units
    • Should be handicap accessible
    • Area that is easily accessible for vendor picking up trees
    • Mark area with cones, safety tape or other appropriate materials
  • Communicate with residents
    • Let them know where they can put their trees
    • Include the date the trees will be picked up
    • Remind them to remove all decorations

Also, please note that when staff is entering occupied apartments during this season, make sure to check that remaining trees have not become a fire hazard.  Also, check furniture and other items that may have been relocated to make sure they are not blocking heaters or obstructing  doors or windows.

Thank you for your attention to this and let your supervisor know if you have any questions.

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Holiday Schedule

Managers,

Below is the holiday schedule for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year’s Holiday.

 

Remember if a staff member’s normal day off falls on the observed holiday, another day within the pay period will need to be taken off in lieu of the holiday.  Please note that coverage must be arranged in advance of these “make-up” Holidays.  Contact your property supervisor with any questions regarding scheduling.

 

 

Thanksgiving Holiday

  • Thursday, November 26, 2015

All offices –Sites and Site Employee Resource Center (formerly known as the ‘central office’), shall be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

  • Friday, November 27, 2015

Site offices shall be open. At the manager’s discretion, a delayed opening time of approximately 10 a.m. is acceptable. Site Employee Resource Center is staffed on a limited basis.

 

Christmas Holiday

  • Thursday, December 24, 2015

On Christmas Eve, sites can choose to close early at 3pm. The Site Employee Resource Center will generally close at the same time.

  • Friday, December 25, 2015

All offices – Sites and Site Employee Resource Center, shall be closed in observance of Christmas.

 

New Year’s Holiday

  • Thursday, December 31st, 2015

On New Year’s Eve, sites can choose to close early at 3pm. The Site Employee Resource Center will generally close at the same time.

  • Friday, January 1, 2016

All offices – Sites and Site Employee Resource Center, shall be closed in observance of New Year’s Holiday.

 

During any of these holiday hours, in case of emergency, contacts are listed below:

 

Jeff – 503.450.0230

Janeen – 503.450.0238

Bill – 503.450.0237

Collin – 503.450.0234

Damon- 503.445.2792

 

Thank you, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

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Holiday Tree Removal

christmas-tree-removalHello Managers!

After the holidays please make sure to have a defined plan for tree removal.

  • Contact local landscape contractors, garbage hauler, or other local tree recycling program
    • Costs can vary, so doing some research might be to your property’s benefit
  • Identify a location where residents can put their trees
    • Should be confined to a space the size of a parking stall or two
    • Should be in reasonable proximity to the apartment units
    • Should be handicap accessible
    • Area that is easily accessible for vendor picking up trees
    • Mark area with cones, safety tape or other appropriate materials
  • Communicate with residents
    • Let them know where they can put their trees
    • Include the date the trees will be picked up
    • Remind them to remove all decorations

Properties in the Portland/Vancouver area should have already received confirmation from their landscape provider that included a schedule for tree removal.  Properties outside this region should contact their landscape contractor.

Also, please note that when staff is entering occupied apartment during this season, please make sure to check to ensure that remaining trees have not become fire hazard and that furniture and other items moved around to make room for trees have not been pushed in front of heaters.

Thank you for your attention to this and let your supervisor know if you have any questions.