Yes, it is that hot out.

I called my AC guy early June to ask him to come look at my AC, as it was running non-stop trying to keep the house at a balmy 80 degrees. Turns out the AC is in perfect running order and he has been receiving similar calls non-stop.

In fact, his own AC system is running all day and finally shutting off around 10p-11p at night. Go figure.

If you want to save some $$$ on your electric, make sure your AC is in top condition…here are some tips:

1) Have it serviced for $50 - $75. They will ensure the refrigerant level is ok and also that the coil is clean (a dirty coil will kill your system). It will pay for itself really quick.

2) Change your filters monthly. It can be expensive UNLESS you know a local vendor that CUSTOM makes your size filters CHEAP. Call Holt Filters on Hercules in Clearwater (727) 449-8448. Filters start around $3 each

3) Make sure your AC condensation line is clear (will be part of service checkup)

4) Call Progress Energy for a FREE energy audit. They will give you a rebate for more insulation if needed AND a rebate for a duct check AND cover repairs to ducts up to $150. Unbeatable!

5) Consider putting solar film on your most sun-inviting windows – it will block out UV rays as well as heat! My brother just had 1 side of his house done for around $250.

6) Plant trees on the sunniest sides of your home. Absolutely no help this year (or next) but eventually they will block the sun’s rays.
Back to WLV for a moment…

…We are convening our annual Budget Committee to hammer out a 2011 budget. If interested please call office for more info.

…The Covenant Compliance Committee (CCC) is in full swing and the feedback and results have been terrific. The CCC handles deed restriction issues with as much compassion and understanding as possible. Enforcing deed restrictions is no picnic, but it’s VITAL to our community. If interested please call office for more info.

…The Maintenance Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the planning and execution of maintenance issues. If interested please call office for more info.

…Our meetings are always the 3rd Monday of the month at 7p at the Clubhouse. Please consider stopping by to learn a little about how our community is run.

Stay cool!

Warmest (or Coolest) Regards,

Rich Cornelius

MAINTENANCE UPDATE:
POOL: Take a trip down to the pool and you will see the 180 degree turnaround from the last 2 weeks. This is due solely to the pump repairs, which is now giving us adequate circulation and filtration.

IRRIGATION: Our Maple Ridge zone is up and running, but the repair for the Lakeview zone is much more complicated and costly. Initial estimates to run a new underground power line to power the irrigation controller/timer is appr $2500. For slightly less, $2300, Progress Energy will tap into a local feed they have and give us a new pedestal w/ 110V plug outlet (which we currently do not have). This needs to go through Progress Energy planning, which our electrician is working on right now. Pls bear with us as we deal with this untimely issue.

If your lawn is like mine you have an annoying weed that looks like the picture below:



This is Nutsedge.

One of our enterprising residents, Dennis Joyce, conducted his own research and found an excellent product that will eliminate this pesky weed AND will not decimate the soil (like Roundup will). The product is called 'Image', manufactured by Amdro, which is available locally at Ace hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes.

Application instructions and details at:

http://www.amdro.com/Image/Nutsedge/index.html

Another product which is highly thought of by the State Extension service is 'Manage' herbicide, by Monsanto. Details at:

http://www.pestproducts.com/manage.htm

While effective, Dennis learned that this product is not readily available to consumers through retail outlets (at least those he contacted), but may be ordered per the instructions on the site.

I want to personally Thank Dennis for giving us this timely tip and allowing me to pass it on to our neighbors.

what a miserable start to June...

1) we had 3 blowouts with different segments of our irrigation system

2) via our electrician, we found 3 breaks in a power line to our irrigation timer by the tennis courts. Still waiting on estimate to repair.

3) we lost the 2 pool pumps w/i 24 hours of each other, leaving us with NO pumps and having to shut the pool down. we are still having a pump with issues and slowly the pool is returning to normal.

Despite these maintenance challenges, our Maintenance Chair, Dick Rayfield, and our Director of Bldg & Grounds, Jim Brasby, have tirelessly attacked these issues and continue to work to resolve them.

We could use extra hands on our maintenance committee. Pls consider volunteering and taking some o the burden off our current volunteers.

Respectfully,

Rich Cornelius

2011 Budget Committee looking for volunteers

This is an all-call for volunteers:

As President, it is my duty to appoint a budget committee to study and assemble a budget for next year, 2011. I am looking for volunteers who can spend a few short hours discussing the budget and with their input, drafting a budget for next year.

Assembling the budget has a DIRECT impact on our projects, day-to-day operations, and where the Village goes in the future. There is perhaps no more important job than planning for the Village's financial future.

I also guarantee their will be some eye-opening moments as you learn how much we spend annually in electricity to operate the street lights, manage our liability with commercial insurance, and budget for the various duties we must complete.

Interested volunteers should contact me or the office at 727.784.3054.