April Events & Information
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Thank you for making Augusta Ranch
The Best Place to Live!
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Visit our websites to view upcoming events, contact us, see governing documents, meeting minutes, overnight parking permits, architectural requests, and more! |
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- It's April!
- Join Us on Facebook
- Please Vote on This!
- HOA Board Candidates
- Neighborhood Schools
- April Events Calendar
- Augusta Palooza
- Paint Night
- Movie of the Month
- Easter Event
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- High Five!
- Earth Day - Recycle Trash
- Scratch Pub & Grill Events
- Golf Course Events
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- Security Info
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- HOA Board Meeting
- Board Qualifications
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It's April Already!
Enjoy our fabulous weather!
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Important Notice!
Special CC&R Amendment
Homeowners, Please Vote!
"Yield-chasing investors are snapping up single-family homes to rent out or flip." ~ Wall Street Journal, April 4, 2021
The Augusta Ranch community is being targeted by outside investors intent on converting homes into highly profitable Short-Term Rentals (STR's) marketed on VRBO, Airbnb, and similar websites. STR's may appear a suitable strategy for some who are selling their homes right now, but STR's are becoming a severe nuisance for our community and threaten property values.
Augusta Ranch has always allowed Long-Term Rentals. Those rarely cause a problem because the occupants behave as residents who respect and enjoy our community's beauty, tranquility, and amenities. In contrast, STR's increasingly are generating a long string of serious complaints, including:
- Excessive and Late-Night Noise
- Violent Altercations
- Invasion of Privacy
- Threatening Behavior
- Parking Violations
- Misconduct on Golf Course or Restaurant
- Police Calls
It's widely recognized that outside investors are becoming increasingly active here locally. Families move out, weekenders pull in, and the complaints pile up. HOA's throughout the East Valley are making covenant changes to rein in this unfortunate trend. Augusta Ranch is one of the few that has not yet acted, making our home values increasingly vulnerable.
Your HOA board unanimously urges homeowners to vote YES to adopt this amendment as we strive to protect our beautiful, peaceful family community that we all enjoy. As investors gobble up more and more of our properties, this may be our last chance to stop the invasion.
Click on the buttons below to read the amendment and VOTE by way of giving your written consent.
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Please send your vote via mail or email to:
Augusta Ranch HOA
2401 S. Lansing
Mesa, AZ 85209
To encourage ease in voting, we will also offer online access via the VOTEHOANOW. You should receive a time-sensitive postcard and email with instructions for that website.
If you have any questions, please call Kamin Havens at 480-354-1236 or attend the board meeting on April 18th, at 6:30 PM.
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Call For Candidates!
HOA Board Elections
Deadline to Submit: April 8th!
There are three board positions up for election this year. Each term requires a three-year commitment. We strongly encourage inspired homeowners to consider running.
Interested candidates must submit a Board Member Candidate application on the augustaranch.org website. Applications must be submitted by April 8, 2022.
After April 8, Augusta Ranch residents should receive emails from VOTEHOANOW, the website we use for online voting. If you don't use computers, no worries, you may request a mail-in ballot or stop by the onsite HOA office to receive a paper copy.
Whether or not you run for the board, we would love to see you at our Annual Meeting on May 16, 2022, at 7 PM. Find out what has been happening in your community and our plans for the future!
Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter
for HOA board member qualifications.*
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Laws Governing Golf Carts
Rules of the Road
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The laws regarding golf carts refer to your personally owned vehicle, not the carts made available by the Pro Shop.
Speed Limitation
According to Federal law, golf carts may not be manufactured or modified to go faster than 25 miles per hour. To comply with this regulation, golf carts are banned from roads with a speed limit of 35mph or more.
Registration
The Arizona Motor Vehicles Division requires golf cart owners to register their vehicles and obtain a license plate to display on the golf cart. The nearest MVD to Augusta Ranch is in Apache Junction at 575 N. Idaho Road, just north of Apache Trail.
Golf carts must have working headlights, brake lights, and a horn. Golf carts are exempt from the Arizona law requiring a windshield.
Arizona Driving Laws for Golf Carts
Golf cart operators are required by law to have a valid driver's license, display the cart's license plate in a conspicuous place, and carry liability insurance.
Standard rules of the road apply to golf carts, with the following exceptions:
- Golf carts may be driven on public roads only where the posted speed limit is 25mph or less.
- A golf cart driver may take the whole lane as long as they are traveling at the posted speed limit (25mph maximum).
- You may not drive a golf cart in the bike lane or on sidewalks – doing so may subject you to being ticketed.
- If you wish to let a vehicle pass, you may move closer to the curb without going into the bike lane.
The only motorized vehicles allowed on sidewalks are motorized wheelchairs and Segways.
Insurance Requirement
Arizona law requires golf cart operators to carry liability insurance. Currently, minimum levels of financial responsibility are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability for one person
- $50,000 for two or more persons
- $15,000 for property damage liability.
If a golf cart operator is caught driving without insurance, the Arizona Motor Vehicles Division can suspend their license and require them to carry SR-22 insurance for three years.
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Saturday, April 2nd
Augusta Palooza!
1-6 PM at Golf Course Driving Range
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Tuesday, April 5th
Craft Night "Lavendar Field!"
Sign Up Now!
6-8 PM at Scratch Pub & Grill
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Purchase ticket at Venmo: @Augusta-Ranch
4-Digit Code: 7657
Then register at the button below, and please put: last name and number of people attending in the "Did you pay to reserve your seat via Venmo or dropped off a check to onsite HOA office?" Doing so will enable us to match your registration with your Venmo payment.
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Friday, April 8th
"HOP" Movie Night!
at Golf Course, Sunset
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FREE outdoor movie! No reservations are needed. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. The regular menu will be available until 8 PM. Appetizers only from 8-9 PM. The kitchen closes at 9 PM. |
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Please Remember
Posting Flyers is Not Allowed
on Community Mailboxes
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This is important, please understand. Some of your HOA dues were recently used to cover the cost of painting our community mailboxes. We need to work together to keep them looking nice.
Please don't post flyers
on community mailboxes!
You may not affix anything to the mailboxes, including flyers about missing items or pets and advertisements.
Because when we attempt to remove a flyer that someone has attached, often some of the new paint adheres to the tape and comes off. When this happens, whoever posted the flyer will be responsible for covering the expense of repainting.
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Saturday, April 9th
Augusta Ranch Easter Event
at Baldwin Park, 8-11 AM
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Friday, April 22 is Earth Day |
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Blue Barrel - Recycled Trash
Rules Have Changed 😳
WOW, here is something many of us were unaware of! The City of Mesa has modified the Blue Barrel Recycling Program:
You can now ONLY recycle the following items in your blue barrel:
Beverage Bottles, Jugs, and Cans
- Empty, clean, and dry (you can leave the lids and labels intact)
- Water, soda, and juice bottles
- Beer and wine bottles
- Aluminum soda cans
- Milk jugs
- An easy rule to remember is that if the answer is "yes" to BOTH of the following questions, it is accepted. If the answer is "no" to either question, it is not accepted.
- Is it a beverage?
- Is it a bottle, jug, or can?
Metal Food Cans
- Empty, clean, and dry (you can leave the labels attached)
- Soup cans, vegetable cans, canned fruit cans, pet food cans, etc.
Cardboard
- Corrugated cardboard only (has a wavy center layer)
- Remove ALL packaging (plastic air pouches, Styrofoam, etc.)
- Break down all boxes to maximize space in your barrel
NOTE: Cereal, tissue, cracker, and other similar boxes made from paperboard material and, unfortunately, are no longer accepted.
How can you tell if something is cardboard or paperboard? Tear a small piece and look at its side profile. If you see multi-layers and the center layer is wavy, it is cardboard, and you can place it in the blue barrel.
Paper
- Only these types of paper:
- Mail (postcards, coupons, solicitation flyers, etc.)
- Office paper (copy paper, envelopes, writing paper)
- Magazines
- Newspaper (including inserts)
NOTE: Shredded paper is no longer acceptable.
All other items are NOT allowed. 😭
When In Doubt, Keep It Out.
The following items are NO LONGER accepted in Mesa's recycling program:
- Laundry bottles, dishwashing liquid bottles, shampoo bottles, mouthwash bottles, etc.
- Glass food jars
- Cereal boxes, frozen food packaging, tissue boxes, cracker boxes, detergent boxes, soda case boxes, and other paperboard items (these items are processed differently than cardboard and regular paper)
- Milk and juice paper cartons
- Plastic food jars and food bottles (peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup, etc.)
- Plastic berry clamshell containers
- Yogurt containers and margarine tubs
- Plastic and paper cups
- Paper fast food bags (fast food bags tend to be greasy)
- Aluminum pie plates and aluminum foil (due to food contamination)
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Scratch Pub & Grill
Celebrates April!
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Scratch Pub & Grill not only offers delicious food and fun things to do but is one of the best places to meet your neighbors and make some new friends. Along with an impressive menu, we provide easy-to-play games, big-screen televisions, and live entertainment. Check out the dates below and enjoy some well-deserved downtime! |
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Join us for these popular events
taking place at Scratch in April!
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Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 4-7 PM
Join us for drink specials.
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Taco Tuesdays
$2 Truly Tasty Tacos 5-9 PM
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Thursday Burgers
Check Facebook on Thursday for Bodacious Burgers 5-9 PM.
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Friday Features
Check Facebook on Friday for our Fabulous Friday Features 5-9 PM.
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James Wailani
Live Music!
Friday, April 15, 6-9 PM
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Easter Brunch
& Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 17
9-10:45 AM and 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
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San Tan Station
Live Music!
Friday, April 22, 6-9 PM
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James Bond
Trivia & Prizes!
Tuesday, April 26, 6-8 PM
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James Wailani
Live Music!
Saturday, April 30, 6-9 PM
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Ronnie Leach
Live Music!
Friday, April 1, 6-9 PM
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Identity Crisis
Live Music!
Augusta Palooza After Party
Saturday, April 2, 6-9 PM
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Zach Nightingale
Live Music!
Friday, April 8, 6-9 PM
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True Crime
Trivia & Prizes
Tuesday, April 12, 6-8 PM
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Remnants of Soul
Live Music!
Saturday, April 16, 6-9 PM
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Music Bingo!
Tuesday, April 19, 6-8 PM
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Identity Crisis
Live Music!
Saturday, April 23, 6-9 PM
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Dinami
Live Music!
Friday, April 29, 6-9 PM
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Top Tracer Technology Proposed
for Augusta Ranch Golf Course
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Since the pandemic, we are delighted to report that golf has had a strong resurgence in popularity. The time is right for Augusta Ranch Golf Course to step up its offerings to meet the increased demand and stay competitive. Top Tracer is an exciting technology that is fast becoming the standard expectation.
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The above image shows where the Top Tracer setup will be installed relative to our driving range. The image below illustrates the availability of increased nighttime golf activities.
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GOLF COURSE Events for April
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PGA Hope Southwest & Fraternal Order of Police Associates Golf Tournament! |
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Why Birds Hit Windows
and How You Can Save Them
One billion birds die from window strikes
in the U.S. each year!
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For birds, glass windows are worse than invisible. By reflecting foliage or sky, they look like inviting places to fly. And because of the sheer number of windows, the toll on birds is enormous.
There are two main types of window collisions: daytime and nighttime. In daylight, birds crash into windows because they see reflections of vegetation or notice potted plants on the other side. Nocturnal migrants (including most songbirds) crash at night because they fly into lighted windows. For unknown reasons, lights divert nocturnal migrants from their original path.
There's one additional reason: birds sometimes see their reflection in a window and attack it, most frequently in the spring when territoriality is high. Most of the remedies suggested below for window strikes will also help solve the problem of a bird attacking its reflection.
How to Safeguard Your Windows For Birds
Start by identifying dangerous windows, including large picture windows, paired windows at right angles to each other, or windows with feeders outside.
Go outside and look at your windows from a bird's point of view. If you see branches or sky reflected in or visible through the glass, that's what the birds will notice, too. If you've got windows near a bird feeder, you should make the windows bird-friendly. Try some of the following ideas to make your windows safer.
To deter small birds, you will need to add vertical markings on windows spaced 4 inches apart and horizontal markings no more than 2 inches apart across the entire window.
If hummingbirds are a problem, reduce the spacing to a 2-inch by 2-inch grid. Apply all marking techniques to the outside of the window.
- Screens. Installing regular bug screens or sunscreens over your windows is highly effective, as long as they are on the outside of the window and cover the entire surface. These are the most effective and common solutions to bird strikes.
- One-way transparent film. Products such as Collidescape permit your ability to see out while the window appears opaque on the outside. Where screens are not practical, this type of transparent film is highly recommended. The film can also help reduce your cooling costs.
- Tempera paint or soap. Mark the outside of the window with soap or tempera paint, which is inexpensive and long-lasting. You can use either a grid pattern no more than 4 inches by 2 inches or get creative and paint designs or artwork on your window.
- Decals. Put decals, stickers, sun catchers, mylar strips, masking tape, or other objects (even sticky notes) on the outside surface of the window. However, these are only effective when spaced closely. Placing just one or two window stickers on a large window is not going to prevent collisions—they must cover most of the glass with the spaces too narrow for birds to fly through. Hawk silhouettes do little to deter birds.
- Dot Patterns and Tape. Long-lasting tape products offer an easy way to apply the correct spacing of dots across your window—more about bird tape.
- Acopian Bird Savers. Also known as "zen curtains," closely spaced ropes hang over windows. They do the work of tape or decals but are easier to install and can be aesthetically pleasing. You can order them to fit your windows or make your own.
- Netting. It's vitally important to use small-mesh netting (around 5/8″ or 1.6 cm) so that birds don't get their heads or bodies entangled but instead bounce off unharmed. Cover the glass on the outside with netting at least 3 inches from the glass, taut enough to bounce birds off before they hit. You can mount the mesh on a frame for easy installation and removal, such as a storm window frame. While this method works, regular bug screens or sunscreens are more attractive and effective, as long as the entire window is covered.
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Your Security Patrol Team |
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If you need Security, call them directly at 480-518-3399.
Your Security Patrol Team
Here When You Need Them!
Security cannot respond to text messages,
as they are unable to authenticate the caller.
Augusta Ranch Security Patrol Team consists of three full-time armed guards licensed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The guards patrol our community approximately 18 hours per day, seven days a week, continuously changing schedules. They work through Valley Protective Services, Inc., and have a close working relationship with the Mesa Police Department, who may rely on our guards to assist when needed.
When is it appropriate to call Security?
Possible reasons to call Security might include parking violations, solicitors, trespassing, open garage door, criminal damage, animal control, lost/found property, and any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles. For neighborhood non-emergencies, we're here to help!
Augusta Ranch Security Patrol Team: 480-518-3399
To submit a security report online:
Mesa Police non-emergency line: 480-644-2211, option 2
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Welcome Our Newest Security Officers! |
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Officer Jacob McCoy joined Valley Wide Security on New Year’s Day, 2022. Previously, he worked security in Texas, developing a wide range of skills that include TSA, apartment security, and political official VIP protection.
His desire to join law enforcement began when he was a child and grew stronger after taking a criminal justice class in high school. To support his career goals, he is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Purdue.
Jacob strives to serve the Augusta Ranch community with dignity, integrity, and respect.
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Officer Zach Smith is joining our Valley Wide Security team this month. After growing up in Milford, CT, Zach decided to set his career on the right path by signing with the Marine Corps, where he served four years as an Engineer. He continues his patriotic service as an Infantryman in the Army National Guard.
Zach feels fortunate to be in the service of others. He is pursuing a career in the private security field where he can best put his skills to use. He actively seeks proper training and guidance to become most efficient and effective on the job for the Augusta Ranch community.
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A friendly reminder that you need to keep your lawn green and the weeds under control as the weather warms up. |
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The Augusta Ranch CC&Rs require us to keep our front yard lawns green and well-maintained during the growing season, which essentially begins now and continues into next October.
How to Care for Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass thrives in hot temperatures, high sunlight conditions, and shallow soil, making it well-suited for lawns in Arizona. Like most other plants, your grass needs regular watering and fertilizer to meet its full growth potential, especially when exposed to the grueling summer.
Mow
- Maintain a height of between one-half to two-and-a-half inches.
- Start mowing in the spring as the grass turns green.
- Mow frequently enough to remove no more than one-third of the grass blades. Doing so will prevent browning.
- Always use a sharp mower blade.
- Avoid bagging unless scalping for the first spring mow.
Water
- Watch the grass for signs of dryness, then add enough water to moisten the top 6 to 10 inches of soil.
- Water your grass every three days in the hotter summer months.
- The University of Arizona suggests sliding a screwdriver 6 inches into the ground to check that the soil is moist enough to allow the entire shaft to slide in without resistance.
- It's best to apply water just before sunrise.
Weed Control
- Apply a pre-emergent weed control during the end of February.
- Control broadleaf weeds with post-emergence applications, following label directions.
- Do not exceed more than two to three applications of herbicide per year.
Fertilize
- Fertilize your grass monthly between March and September.
- Apply the fertilizer at a 1/2 or 3/4 lb. nitrogen for every 1000 square feet of lawn.
- Fertilizer doesn't need to be fancy or expensive to be effective.
- Water the fertilizer to work the particles into the lawn's soil, or use a hose application.
- Avoid overfertilizing, as this can burn and kill your lawn.
Aerate
- If you are going to aerate your lawn, it's best to do so early in the summer before applying fertilizer.
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HOA Board Meeting
April 18th, at 6:30 PM
Mesa Police Substation
2430 S. Ellsworth, Mesa, AZ 85209.
Homeowners are always welcome to attend.
The Board of Directors establishes the basic policies of the HOA and oversees operations and procedures. Many projects are in the works at any one time to benefit the community. The Board meets on the third Monday of every month to make decisions that move these projects forward. Board meetings are open to all residents of Augusta Ranch, and we welcome you to attend. Records of the agenda and minutes are available on the Augusta Ranch website: augustaranch.org.
We appreciate each of you and are delighted to
serve a community that cares and is involved!
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*HOA Board Qualifications
As we mentioned, there will be three positions up for election this year. If you are inspired to run, we encourage you to do so. Each term requires a three-year commitment.
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What Makes a Good HOA Board Member?
Beyond talent and skill, HOA board member qualifications take specific factors into account. A person can possess all the required skills of a board member, but having a good character is essential.
1. Puts the HOA First
"Should I join my HOA board?" When faced with this decision, it is imperative to evaluate your motivations. If you genuinely want to serve and improve the community, joining the HOA board is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Board members should never be self-serving or look for opportunities for personal gain. They must consistently make decisions that are good for the community as a whole.
2. Willing to Serve
Regarding board positions, one of the questions we receive is, "Do HOA board of directors get paid?" These are volunteer positions. Board members do not get paid for their service to the association.
3. Honest and Transparent
Honesty and transparency are essential traits of board members, primarily because they handle the community's money. Board members provide financial updates to homeowners in the form of reports. Homeowners need to trust and respect the HOA board, and even the perception of misconduct would break that. Board members must always follow the laws and governing documents and avoid any conflicts of interest or fraud.
4. Consistent and Fair
Board members enact and enforce covenants and rules within the community, and they must do so with consistency and fairness. Selective or arbitrary enforcement jeopardizes the board's integrity and breaches the fiduciary responsibility of HOA board members. Board members must leave their personal feelings and biases at the door in all matters and decisions.
5. Works Well with Others
Running an association is not a dictatorship—it is a collaborative effort among all board members and the HOA manager. Board members also understand that community members have a significant right to their opinions. Board members must be willing to encourage homeowner input and civil discussion.
Board Qualifications:
- Must be a member of the Augusta Ranch HOA
- No delinquent dues/assessments or current violations of the governing documents
- Not involved in legal issues with the association
- Must not have a familial relationship or be a co-owner with any other serving board member
- No convicted felonies
1. Management Skills
In many ways, running an HOA is much like running a business. Board members juggle many duties, including enacting and enforcing covenants, overseeing property assessments, and filing annual taxes for the association. There are also important documents to manage, administrative procedures, and tasks to delegate. The ideal board member possesses a certain level of management skill to ensure the entire operation's success.
2. Accounting and Bookkeeping Knowledge
Accounting and bookkeeping knowledge comes in handy. Apart from recording and preparing the financials, board members interpret such reports. In addition to management tasks, board members handle the association's finances, including planning the annual budget, calculating HOA dues, and keeping up to date on vendor payments. To ensure accuracy and transparency, board members record these transactions and prepare financial statements showing the association's fiscal condition.
While expertise in this subject is preferred, a passing knowledge is usually enough as we have the help of an accountant and the HOA management company.
3. Communication Skills
Board members are constantly communicating with each other, the HOA manager, vendors, and community members. As such, board members need to possess good interpersonal skills. Disseminating information through email, newsletters, phone calls, or letters are just some of the tasks involving communication that a board member can expect to complete.
4. Computer Skills
A few decades ago, HOA board members did not need computer skills. However, with technology the way it is today, we are required to adapt to the changes. Board members use computers for emails, to attend Zoom meetings, automate notifications and updates, and stay up to date on social media. Working knowledge of computers and the most basic software programs is a necessity. A laptop or tablet is required at monthly meetings in order to view documents that are provided beforehand in emails.
HOA Annual Meeting will be on May 16, 2022, at 7 PM
New board members will meet for the first time.
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