SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21 MEETING/June 7, 2010

Summary

New Administrator
LA County Department of Parks and Recreation/Special Districts
The committee was introduced to Mike Kriste , the new Special Districts Administrator. Mike assumes the position previously held by Patrick Malekian , and his assignment is on an interim basis.The committee welcomes Mike and looks forward to working with him on the work in progress at Sunset Pointe.

Landscape Renovation Project
Wes Perryclear (Special Districts/LA County Parks and Recreation) reported that the planting phase of the Sunset Pointe renovation remains on schedule, and is almost complete.

In consideration of fuel modification, Wes conducted a walk through to review replanting of the South /Southwest slopes of Sunset Pointe on May 26, 2010. The advisory committee was represented by homeowner Tom Bristow (Deputy Forester/LA County Fire Department/Vegetation Management Unit). Thanks to Tom for taking time to inspect the slopes with members of the county and making recommendations as needed.

Irrigation Renovation project
Wes reported that he continues to closely monitor the new irrigation system. Minor adjustments are to be expected. Homeowners are encouraged to contact Judy Benavidez (County Landscape Monitor) at 661.257.6592 with any questions or to report any concerns regarding the operation of the newly installed system.

Sunset Pointe Entrance Sign Improvement
The committe was informed that the condition of the aged entry sign, located at the subdivision's south entrance, will also be addressed as part of the current renovation. Plans are to restore the monument sign and replant surrounding landscape as needed.




For service requests or to report any irrigation or landscape issues contact Judy Benavidez /County Monitor at: (661) 257.6592 Or e-mail at: jbenavidez@parks.lacounty.gov

Your Questions and Input Are Important To Us.
Please feel free to contact the Sunset Pointe Landscape Advisory Committee directly @ SunsetPointeAC@gmail.com

Next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for July 19, 2010 @ 10 AM

SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21 MEETING/ MAY 3, 2010

Summary

Irrigation Renovation Project
Wes Perryclear (Special Districts/LA County Parks and Recreation) reported that the newly installed WeatherTRAK irrigation controllers seem to be operating as expected. He also reported plans to personally manage the internet-based irrigation system until further notice.
Homeowners should contact Judy Benevidez (County Monitor/Sunset Pointe) with any questions or concerns regarding the performance of the new system.


Landscape Renovation Project
Wes Perryclear informed the committee that a contractor had been selected for the landscape portion of the Sunset Pointe renovation project. Work began in April and is tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of May. Replanting began on the perimeter of Sunset Pointe. Upon completion, interior areas will be addressed as funds permit.

Sunset Pointe Renovation/Landscape Planting Plan:

With fire/fuel modification in mind, the committee asked Wes Perryclear to arrange an onsite meeting to take a closer look at the proposed landscape plans for the South/Southwest slopes of Sunset Pointe.


Landscape Maintenance
Richard Cambaliza (Maintenance Operations Manager/Rich Meirer’s Landscaping, Inc.) was again available to answer any landscape maintenance questions the committee might have. Committee member concerns about several eucalyptus trees that need additional trimming were addressed. Plans were made to have the trees trimmed ASAP.
At the request of the County, work to facilitate the replanting of Sunset Pointe will be a priority for the maintenance crew until the landscape renovation is complete.


Brush Clearance
Judy Benavidez reported that soil conditions permitting, brush clearance is scheduled to begin in May.


Sunset Pointe Native Oak Trees
The landscape of the Sunset Pointe subdivision includes 8 oak trees indigenous to the area. As part of the landscape renovation project, arrangements are being made to have an expert inspect the condition of the trees. The committee will then consider the recommended management and maintenance requirements.

For service requests or to report any irrigation or landscape issues contact Judy Benavidez/County Monitor at: (661) 257.6592 Or e-mail at: jbenavidez@parks.lacounty.gov

Your Questions and Input Are Important To Us.

Please feel free to contact the Sunset Pointe Landscape Advisory Committee directly @ SunsetPointeAC@gmail.com

Next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for June 7, 2010 @ 10 AM

SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21 MEETING/ March 1, 2010

General Summary

Irrigation Renovation Project

WeatherTRAK Pro2Central Controller Presentation
Chris Shreenan (Professional Services Engineer/ HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc.) provided an overview of the newly installed WeatherTRAK controllers and their internet-based management capabilities. Benefits of the new irrigation system are said to include reduced water bills and landscape maintenance costs.
HydroPoint reports to be the market and technology leader in Smart Water Management. The company’s WeatherTRAK solution delivers financial and environmental benefits by revolutionizing management of the area of greatest waste in urban water use: landscape irrigation.

Learn more about the Weather TRAK Pro2 Central Controller online at:
http://www.weathertrak.com/smart-controllers/commercial-products.php

Patrick Malekian (Special Districts Administrator/ LA County Parks and Recreation) provided a funding status as of 2/2/10 for the Sunset Pointe Landscape Renovation Allocation. The report stated the amount remaining in the allocation up to the completion of repairs and upgrades to the irrigation system. The committee reviewed the report and needed revisions were made.


Landscape Renovation Project

The County reported that plans now stand to review bids and select a contractor for the landscape part of the renovation by the end of March. Planting is tentatively scheduled to start 4/1/10.


Landscape Maintenance

Richard Cambaliza (Maintenance Operations Manager/Rich Meirer’s Landscaping, Inc.) reported that weather permitting, a four man crew (under the supervision of a foreman) will be working Sunset Pointe on Thursdays. The crew’s scheduled hours are: 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Foreman: 10:30 AM to 3PM.

The crew’s normal lunchtime procedure was explained. Mr. Cambaliza assured the committee that per company policy, the workers would make every reasonable effort not to disturb homeowners while on their breaks.

The welcomed rains, coupled with transitioning to a new contractor, and the current irrigation/landscape renovation has resulted in an unusually large amount of weeds throughout the subdivision. The committee was advised that the County and Landscape Contractor’s “plan of attack” is to start out with weed abatement as needed in areas to be replanted as part of the improvement project, then prioritize and go from there.


For service requests or to report any irrigation or landscape issues contact Judy Benavidez/County Monitor at: (661) 257.6592
Or e-mail at: jbenavidez@parks.lacounty.gov

Your Questions and Input Are Important To Us.
Please feel free to contact the Sunset Pointe Landscape Advisory Committee directly @ SunsetPointeAC@gmail.com


Next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2010

Jan 11th Sunset Pointe Update

SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21 MEETING/January 11, 2010

General Summary

Irrigation/Landscape Improvement Project

Wes Perryclear (Special Districts/LA County Parks and Recreation) reported that the irrigation renovation has been completed. The new irrigation system includes state of the art water management controllers designed with a focus on water conservation, labor savings, and better irrigation control. This new system is now in operation, and is being closely monitored for any minor adjustments that understandably could occur.

The proposed plant list was discussed in more detail. Committee concerns included additional assurance by the county that fuel modification (in case of fire) will be kept in mind when replanting is done. Thanks for input on this subject go to Keith Condon (LA County Fire Department, Fuel Modification Unit), advisory committee member Bill Westcott, and Sunset Pointe homeowner, Tom Bristow (Deputy Forester/Vegetation Management Unit). Thanks also to advisory committee Member Jim Lynn for more information on the subject by providing a copy of the LA County Public Works “Homeowners Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control”.

Several committee members also made the county aware of their concern that additional trees are proposed to be included in the replanting. Several reasons were cited including the additional tree trimming landscape maintenance expense for homeowners in the future.

The committee was informed that the Landscape Planting Plan is scheduled to go out to bid in February.

New Maintenance Contractor

The committee had the opportunity to meet Richard Cambaliza, maintenance operations manager for Rich Meirer’s Landscaping, Inc. Rich answered questions and gave an overview of what landscape services his company will be providing. Beginning in February, plans are to have a crew of five workers on site each Friday. The committee is working on streamlining an updated procedure for individual homeowner maintenance requests. Until further notice, for service requests or to report any irrigation or landscaping issues, continue to contact your County Monitor: Judy Benavidez at (661) 257.6592 or e-mail at jbenavidez@parks.lacounty.gov.

Updated Map of Sunset Pointe LLA District No. 21

Research by the committee and the county is ongoing regarding any issues that pertain to the establishment of an accurate, updated map of the district. A clear-cut description of the areas the County is to maintain within the district is one of the top priorities. Recent relevant research findings were shared and discussed.

YOUR QUESTIONS AND INPUT ARE IMPORTANT TO US

Please feel free to contact the Sunset Pointe Landscape Advisory Committee directly @ SunsetPointeAC@gmail.com

Next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2010

Sunset Pointe Newsletter and Update

SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21 MEETING/November 16, 2009

General Summary

Irrigation/Landscape Improvement Project

Wes Perryclear (Special Districts/LA County Parks and Recreation) provided the following updates and information to the committee:

The original completion date of the irrigation system will be extended in order to do additional repairs discovered during the course of the current renovation.

Landscape plans have been completed and bid documents are being processed. Handouts for the committee’s review included a proposed plant list for the upcoming landscape portion of renovation and the Landscape Planting Plan, which includes the scope of work to be used for bidding purposes.

Weather permitting planting is scheduled to begin around 3/1/2010.

New Maintenance Contract

Patrick Malekian (Special Districts Administrator/ LA County Parks and Recreation) proposed that the start date for the new landscape maintenance contractor, Rich Meier's Landscaping, Inc, begin 1/1/2010. The committee approved his proposal. American landscape will continue on a month-to-month basis until the new contractor’s start date.