SNOW REMOVAL
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We would like to remind everyone to remove all vehicles off the street during inclement weather so the snow removal contractor can clear the streets of snow and apply chemical. We appreciate your full cooperation in this request. Remember that Monti- cello will be maintained by the County starting this season. All other streets will be taken care of by an independent contractor.
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HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
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Welcome winter and the holiday season! We continue to see crimes of opportunity during this time, including burglaries from autos and homes of attractive holiday gifts. It is also the season for stolen credit cards and high rates for identity theft. Remember to keep your personal information to yourself and to take gifts into your home and keep them out of sight
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STILL HAVEN'T PAID YOUR ANNUAL ASSESSMENT?
It's in your best interest to pay the outstanding balance immediately to avoid accruing daily interest, added charges and legal fees. Please Contact the Ernst Management Company for your current payoff amount.
Your fair share of the assessment helps keep our street lights on, roads repaired, snow removed and common grounds maintained and more. It is a legal obligation that all homeowners must pay when due.
To everyone else who paid their assessment on time, thank you.
It's in your best interest to pay the outstanding balance immediately to avoid accruing daily interest, added charges and legal fees. Please Contact the Ernst Management Company for your current payoff amount.
Your fair share of the assessment helps keep our street lights on, roads repaired, snow removed and common grounds maintained and more. It is a legal obligation that all homeowners must pay when due.
To everyone else who paid their assessment on time, thank you.
Seasonal Reminder - Summer
Now that summer's here, different issues challenge our community than other seasons.
As the hot weather sets in, please remember your pets and give them a shady place to rest with plenty of fresh water. And don't ever leave them in your car during the summer, not even for a few minutes. Things always take longer than we think and an extra minute inside a hot vehicle can mean life or death for your pet (children, too!)
Watering your lawn in the early morning or evening will keep it from burning in the hot afternoon sun. Weeds continue to be a problem for some residents especially along fence lines. Please make sure your property lines are as neatly trimmed as your lawn. Not only will it look better but it'll help keep insects away.
To help with your cooling, don't run heat producing appliances like dishwashers, dryers, ovens and more between 10am and 7pm. Typically the hottest part of the day these appliances will put extra load on your air conditioning, decrease your comfort and increase your electric bill. (ie: Ameren Missouri's peak billing cycles run from 10am to 10pm, Monday thru Friday with major holiday 24 hour exceptions)
Please use fireworks responsibly during the Fourth of July holiday including the weeks up to and afterwards. Extra caution must be taken to prevent injuries and fires. Adult supervision is needed even for sparklers, snakes and other seemingly "harmless" children's fireworks. Serious burns and other injuries can result. Please pick up all trash leftover from your fireworks displays. Be considerate of your neighbors work/sleep schedules. A lot of pets become scared by all the noise, so please be considerate of them, too. They'll appreciate it.
Wear plenty of sunscreen to keep the damaging sun's rays from burning your skin and setting the stage for skin cancer.
That's it. Have a safe and fun summer!
Now that summer's here, different issues challenge our community than other seasons.
As the hot weather sets in, please remember your pets and give them a shady place to rest with plenty of fresh water. And don't ever leave them in your car during the summer, not even for a few minutes. Things always take longer than we think and an extra minute inside a hot vehicle can mean life or death for your pet (children, too!)
Watering your lawn in the early morning or evening will keep it from burning in the hot afternoon sun. Weeds continue to be a problem for some residents especially along fence lines. Please make sure your property lines are as neatly trimmed as your lawn. Not only will it look better but it'll help keep insects away.
To help with your cooling, don't run heat producing appliances like dishwashers, dryers, ovens and more between 10am and 7pm. Typically the hottest part of the day these appliances will put extra load on your air conditioning, decrease your comfort and increase your electric bill. (ie: Ameren Missouri's peak billing cycles run from 10am to 10pm, Monday thru Friday with major holiday 24 hour exceptions)
Please use fireworks responsibly during the Fourth of July holiday including the weeks up to and afterwards. Extra caution must be taken to prevent injuries and fires. Adult supervision is needed even for sparklers, snakes and other seemingly "harmless" children's fireworks. Serious burns and other injuries can result. Please pick up all trash leftover from your fireworks displays. Be considerate of your neighbors work/sleep schedules. A lot of pets become scared by all the noise, so please be considerate of them, too. They'll appreciate it.
Wear plenty of sunscreen to keep the damaging sun's rays from burning your skin and setting the stage for skin cancer.
That's it. Have a safe and fun summer!
Seasonal Reminder - Spring has sprung!
Springtime brings nice days and the chance to finally get out from under winter's cold, icy grasp. It's a great time for planting and fixing up your home's exterior and yard. As a friendly reminder, before you start any major project or repair, there's an Architectural Control Committee in the Village. This is not meant to be oppressive or inhibit your beautification or remodeling plans but to maintain a certain standard and quality of our community to protect everyone's investment.
While few would argue a neon pink house with bright green trim isn't appropriate, other situations not so obvious create disunity and affect the overall look and feel of our neighborhood. More subtle changes like fence style, room additions and enclosures, patio and driveway additions and so on, can negatively impact the other surrounding homes.
While the owner of such improvements may consider them just that, their neighbors may not necessarily agree. That's why there are restrictions set forth and to further prevent violations from occurring, the Village Book of Indentures authorizes an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) be appointed to review proposed plans and improvements.
Made up of three (3) board members, the ACC considers all requests to proposed exterior changes for any home and yard in the Village. While this may seem adversarial at first glance, it really is to make certain you don't end up living next to that proverbial neon pink house with the bright green trim ...or worse.
While the board or ACC doesn't want to discourage any homeowner from maintaining or improving their property, it has a responsibility to all residents to make sure whatever improvements are planned by one resident, doesn't interfere or disrupt the overall look of our community or adversely affect neighboring property values.
Please remember before making any changes to your property, you must first submit an Architectural Control Form (ACF) to the ACC. This should be done prior to buying any paint or materials or contracting with outside improvement companies and even before obtaining any Jefferson County permits. Just because the county may issue a permit, doesn't mean it will be approved by the ACC and vice versa. We are a private subdivision and are allowed to impose restrictions on buildings, landscaping and appearance.
If you choose to ignore (or simply refuse) to submit an ACF and proceed with your "improvements," your project can be legally stopped at any time prior to completion and at your expense. If you persist, legal action may be taken against you forcing compliance. Nobody wants to see this happen, so please submit a completed Architectural Control Form to the ACC before starting any outside project to house or yard.
To obtain an Architectural Control Form (ACF) please click here.
Springtime brings nice days and the chance to finally get out from under winter's cold, icy grasp. It's a great time for planting and fixing up your home's exterior and yard. As a friendly reminder, before you start any major project or repair, there's an Architectural Control Committee in the Village. This is not meant to be oppressive or inhibit your beautification or remodeling plans but to maintain a certain standard and quality of our community to protect everyone's investment.
While few would argue a neon pink house with bright green trim isn't appropriate, other situations not so obvious create disunity and affect the overall look and feel of our neighborhood. More subtle changes like fence style, room additions and enclosures, patio and driveway additions and so on, can negatively impact the other surrounding homes.
While the owner of such improvements may consider them just that, their neighbors may not necessarily agree. That's why there are restrictions set forth and to further prevent violations from occurring, the Village Book of Indentures authorizes an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) be appointed to review proposed plans and improvements.
Made up of three (3) board members, the ACC considers all requests to proposed exterior changes for any home and yard in the Village. While this may seem adversarial at first glance, it really is to make certain you don't end up living next to that proverbial neon pink house with the bright green trim ...or worse.
While the board or ACC doesn't want to discourage any homeowner from maintaining or improving their property, it has a responsibility to all residents to make sure whatever improvements are planned by one resident, doesn't interfere or disrupt the overall look of our community or adversely affect neighboring property values.
Please remember before making any changes to your property, you must first submit an Architectural Control Form (ACF) to the ACC. This should be done prior to buying any paint or materials or contracting with outside improvement companies and even before obtaining any Jefferson County permits. Just because the county may issue a permit, doesn't mean it will be approved by the ACC and vice versa. We are a private subdivision and are allowed to impose restrictions on buildings, landscaping and appearance.
If you choose to ignore (or simply refuse) to submit an ACF and proceed with your "improvements," your project can be legally stopped at any time prior to completion and at your expense. If you persist, legal action may be taken against you forcing compliance. Nobody wants to see this happen, so please submit a completed Architectural Control Form to the ACC before starting any outside project to house or yard.
To obtain an Architectural Control Form (ACF) please click here.
Seasonal Reminder - Winter
Now that winter's here, different issues challenge our community than in other seasons. We've already had our first snowfall and crews have again reported being unable to clear some areas due to parked cars.
Please remove your vehicles from the streets before an expected snowfall, so the snowplow can do it's work.
As a community, we pay considerable money for snow removal and the snowplow operators can only clear what they can get to. It's not up to them to make sure your vehicle isn't covered or stuck in the resulting snowbanks, nor can they stop to clear anyone's blocked driveway due to their plowing. While it may be frustrating, it's just the nature of the service being provided so all our streets can be clear as soon as possible. And please don't shovel the snow back into the street.
There are usually teenagers who'll go around clearing people's driveways, other neighbors helping neighbors and so on. If you can't clear your own access, consider one of these neighborly resources.
If you can clear your own, consider your neighbor who possibly can't. And whether you clear your own driveway or for others, please don't overexert yourself or shovel improperly and always be certain to use the right tools for the job.
If all else fails and you're not in that big of a hurry, it might be just a couple days or so before the sun melts most of it anyway and your driveway will eventually clear itself for free!
Did you know? It's NOT the salt or ice removal product that damages the concrete itself. It is the freeze/thaw cycle that causes deterioration or "spalling" of the concrete surface.
If it's a new drive, wait a couple of years before trying to keep it melted down bare. If it has had a couple of years to "cure" go ahead and use what you can get.
Rock salt will melt down into the single digits usually, while a blend of rock salt and other melting agents will work down to around -10F (think the big bags of "Roadrunner" ice melt found at Wal-Mart and those types of stores.) FreezeGard which uses magnesium chloride is good for down to about -30F. Almost pure calcium chloride like Dow Flake and PellaDow brands will work down to almost -60F.
For traction only, some folks suggest using inexpensive kitty litter (which is just hard, dried clay) or even fireplace ashes to help you get unstuck. Of course ashes, while free, make one heck of a mess.
For added traction and better control, make sure you have a good set of mud & snow tires or decent snow tires, period. If you have front wheel drive, the snow tires should go in front.
For pickups, vans and other rear wheel vehicles, you can purchase 40# and 60# tubes of sand at Home Depot, Lowes, Kohler City Hardware, etc. to place over the rear wheel area. Most of the time this extra weight should be placed over the drive wheel for extra traction. Be careful not to load it too unevenly, as it may cause control problems once you get underway. The faster you go the more noticeable uneven weight distribution will be, something you don't want to find out the hard way.
The biggest things you can do to increase your winter driving safety cost nothing. Plan ahead, leave in plenty of time to get there, buckle up and of course, slow down.
Now that winter's here, different issues challenge our community than in other seasons. We've already had our first snowfall and crews have again reported being unable to clear some areas due to parked cars.
Please remove your vehicles from the streets before an expected snowfall, so the snowplow can do it's work.
As a community, we pay considerable money for snow removal and the snowplow operators can only clear what they can get to. It's not up to them to make sure your vehicle isn't covered or stuck in the resulting snowbanks, nor can they stop to clear anyone's blocked driveway due to their plowing. While it may be frustrating, it's just the nature of the service being provided so all our streets can be clear as soon as possible. And please don't shovel the snow back into the street.
There are usually teenagers who'll go around clearing people's driveways, other neighbors helping neighbors and so on. If you can't clear your own access, consider one of these neighborly resources.
If you can clear your own, consider your neighbor who possibly can't. And whether you clear your own driveway or for others, please don't overexert yourself or shovel improperly and always be certain to use the right tools for the job.
If all else fails and you're not in that big of a hurry, it might be just a couple days or so before the sun melts most of it anyway and your driveway will eventually clear itself for free!
Did you know? It's NOT the salt or ice removal product that damages the concrete itself. It is the freeze/thaw cycle that causes deterioration or "spalling" of the concrete surface.
If it's a new drive, wait a couple of years before trying to keep it melted down bare. If it has had a couple of years to "cure" go ahead and use what you can get.
Rock salt will melt down into the single digits usually, while a blend of rock salt and other melting agents will work down to around -10F (think the big bags of "Roadrunner" ice melt found at Wal-Mart and those types of stores.) FreezeGard which uses magnesium chloride is good for down to about -30F. Almost pure calcium chloride like Dow Flake and PellaDow brands will work down to almost -60F.
For traction only, some folks suggest using inexpensive kitty litter (which is just hard, dried clay) or even fireplace ashes to help you get unstuck. Of course ashes, while free, make one heck of a mess.
For added traction and better control, make sure you have a good set of mud & snow tires or decent snow tires, period. If you have front wheel drive, the snow tires should go in front.
For pickups, vans and other rear wheel vehicles, you can purchase 40# and 60# tubes of sand at Home Depot, Lowes, Kohler City Hardware, etc. to place over the rear wheel area. Most of the time this extra weight should be placed over the drive wheel for extra traction. Be careful not to load it too unevenly, as it may cause control problems once you get underway. The faster you go the more noticeable uneven weight distribution will be, something you don't want to find out the hard way.
The biggest things you can do to increase your winter driving safety cost nothing. Plan ahead, leave in plenty of time to get there, buckle up and of course, slow down.
Seasonal Reminders for Fall - Winter's closer than it feels!
The change of seasons signifies it's time to finish up our outside projects and prepare for the annual fall of leaves as trees begin to go dormant for the winter ahead. While it's OK to burn leaves in your yard, the Antonia Fire Department asks you contact them to obtain a burn permit before doing so. There's no charge for this permit and once you apply, future permits are quick and easy. The objective of a burn permit is so the fire department is aware of who will be burning yard waste along with where and when.
Many homes are spaced close together in our subdivision along with a fair amount of common ground around or adjoining most lots and it's a good idea to keep the fire department apprised of your burn intentions ahead of time. Not only that but should your fire get out of control and the fire department respond, you'll could be cited without a proper burn permit. Just a word to the wise.
Common sense and courtesy should also tell you to be aware of wind direction when burning your leaves, not only to minimize potential fire hazards but also to keep the smoke from entering your neighbor's homes. This is a time of year when it's wonderful to have the windows open and let the fresh air in but not so much, if it's smoke. And there are people who have breathing issues along with allergies who may be adversely and seriously affected by your fall burning, so please be careful and considerate of your neighbors. That said, the obvious cautions about not burning too close to any structure or fences and keeping volatile liquids like gasoline, kerosene and other flammables a safe distance from your burnsite along with keeping a garden hose at the ready, just in case things get out of control.
And about that garden hose: Know when to call the fire department. Don't think you can get control of a spreading fire using just your garden hose. You'll be placing yourself, your home and everyone else at risk by thinking you can put the fire out by yourself. Call the professionals who have the personnel, experience and equipment at the first sign of an out of control situation.
As a friendly reminder, no burning is allowed on any common ground at any time, for any reason. If you do so, you could be charged for damages whether you have a burn permit or not. Keep it contained and on your own property.
Dumping of leaves, branches and other yard waste on any common ground is specifically prohibited and you could be charged for the cleanup. This includes those areas bordering your fence line!
November nighttime temperatures begin to dip into freezing and daytime temps will soon follow. Be sure and cover delicate plants and don't forget to disconnect your garden hose from any outside faucets. While most modern faucets should be "freeze-proof," they'll still freeze if hooked up to a garden hose. Why? Because the actual faucet shut-off is located towards the warmer inside part of the exterior wall but if a hose or other watering device is hooked up to the faucet, water will still be in the line and will freeze, possibly causing the pipe to burst and expensive repairs.