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Residents raise tree, curb and mosquito concerns as board reviews operations updates
Summary
Residents asked about responsibility for golf-course trees, crumbling curbs, microphones at meetings and mosquito control; staff reported bench installation checks, mowing adjustments and that a homeowner obtained proper permits for a construction project near a retention area.
Multiple residents raised operations and maintenance concerns during the public-comment and audience-comment portions of the Oct. 15 meeting.
Resident Bruce Harris asked who is responsible for trees on the golf course; Herb Hurley, HPCA general manager, and Tim Gatz, HPCA grounds superintendent, were identified as the contacts and Hurley offered to speak with Mr. Harris after the meeting. Chair Kathleen Lonergan asked Mr. Gatz to notify her when residents contact him about downed CDD trees; Gatz said that is the typical protocol and explained a recent delay in returning to his office.
Ms. Lonergan also inquired whether an additional bench had been installed at Paleo Park; Mr. Gatz said he would ask Gary to confirm. Mr. Gatz confirmed that mowing of some retention areas was adjusted and that it will take time to evaluate whether the changes are sufficient.
Resident Joyce Welsh reported crumbling curbs and asked about landscape storm-debris removal; Lonergan asked her to give her address to District Engineer Kurt Heath for inspection. Resident Tim Sweeney asked about using microphones at meetings; Lonergan said she had submitted the request and was asked to copy Mr. Gatz on related emails.
Resident Susan Napolitano asked what chemical SOLitude sprays into the lakes; District Manager Chuck Adams said SOLitude uses a copper-based product, and noted the odor is related to algae degasification. Napolitano also questioned whether awarding contracts to the lowest-priced bidder is best practice; Adams said he has worked with Premier Lakes and deems their service level superior to SOLitude.
Ms. Benedetti reported that a mosquito-control technician treated the area the next day and identified significant issues at a particular pond. Board members discussed whether future installation of homeowner sprinklers in ponds would warrant informing the community so residents can decide whether to pay for associated maintenance and electricity costs.
The board asked staff to follow up on resident-reported issues and to report back as inspections and vendor reports are completed.
