LANDSCAPE
ADVISORY GROUP
A word that is
uttered at practically every Landscape Advisory Group (LAG) meeting is hodgepodge. Webster’s College Dictionary gives
the meaning of this word as: Any jumbled mixture;
mess; medley. So what does the word hodgepodge signify in the context of Shores’
landscaping? That is the subject of this month’s newsletter contribution.
After much
discussion over the course of many months, the L.A.G. members have arrived at a consensus
as to what is the most appropriate “look” for Shores’ landscaping: simplicity. The word simplicity has many meanings,
but it is clearly the opposite of hodgepodge. So
our group sometimes refers to our approach as anti-hodgepodge. Our long-term goal is to achieve simplicity in the
appearance of our landscaping through sensible, understated, and pleasing positioning of
plants, through limiting the number of plant varieties used, and through a reasonable
degree of continuity throughout the community. This must be consistent with other
practical considerations such as maintenance and suitability of specific plant
species, for the many microclimates found around the 30+ acres that constitute Coronado
Shores. For example, limiting the number of plant species utilized in our landscaping will
ultimately lead to greater maintenance efficiency and lower costs since each plant type
has its own special watering, fertilizing, and pest control requirements. Proliferation of
plant species invariably results in greater complexity, higher labor demands, and other
factors that add proportionately to landscaping related costs.
Achieving our anti-hodgepodge objectives is proving to be a
rather difficult task. Here’s why: The Shores is 30+ years old and original plantings
have matured. In some cases they have overgrown the spaces where they were planted. In
others, they have exceeded reasonable life expectancies. Pruning, geriatric disease
treatment, and planning for eventual replacement of certain individual plants are
challenging matters. Adding to our difficulties, the major landscaping renovation
completed a few years ago was not guided by our anti-hodgepodge
policy - this project was completed before the L.A.G. existed. The renovation actually
resulted in a significant proliferation of plant species. Some of these species are
adapting poorly to their locations. Finally, there is the matter of ongoing costs.
The L.A.G. is acutely aware of our need to adhere to the principle of responsible spending
of owners’ assessments. We’re owners too. Changes in landscaping beyond routine
maintenance and replacement of plants will, by necessity, incur extra costs and therefore
must come along gradually.
Nevertheless,
if you look around you will notice modest but steady changes taking place in the
appearance of Shores’ landscaping. We are slowly “morphing” from the past
look toward a future look - guided, among other considerations, by our anti-hodgepodge policy.
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AUGUST
L&R ACTIONS
v
Thru July, Total Income and Total Expenses are
favorable to budget. Actual Net Income is
$96,624.62. $80,171.29 of $169,600 budgeted
for 2009 Capital Replacements has been spent.
v
$5,000 was added to the proposed 2010
Operating Budget for Family Activities. A
final draft Operating Budget of $1,949,406 for 2010 (vs. $2,083,894 for 2009) will be
reviewed by the associations Boards, for approval at the L&R meeting in September. The proposed 2010 Capital Replacement Budget is
$103,600 (vs. $169,600 for 2009).
v
July-August Maintenance Projects focused on
improvements at the tennis courts.
v
The Energy sub-Committee may ask L&R to
reconsider solar water heating the Beach Club Pool, due to improvements in what’s
available.
v
A sample perforated metal galvanized pool gate
cover has been ordered for the El Camino Pool gate, as a test to replace the unsightly
plexi-glass panel.
v
The L&R’s 60/40 policy for
participation in Shores’ activities will be reviewed in September.
v
A $1200 36” box, 12 feet tall, 3 feet
spread white Hong Kong Orchid will be planted at the NE corner of the community. The northeast corner slump block wall will not be
heightened.
v
A Tree Removal Policy was approved.
v
Enforcement won’t assess associations in
2010.
v
Pole and walkway induction replacement
lighting will be installed beginning in the Fall.
v
The EasyLobby gate access authorization system
is being used by all ten associations.
v
An Emergency Planning sub-Committee may be
appointed. On-site CERT Training is being
scheduled for 2010. Are you interested?
v
The L&R Committee will consider rules
regarding the use of Segways in the community.
v
The City has asked Coronado Shores to consider
allowing the construction of a 3-stall with shower public restroom facility in the public
parking lot by Summer 2010, to be paid for with a $1million donation by the Hotel del. Each association board will vote Yes or No at the
L&R Committee meeting in September. (While not an official position of the L&R
Committee at this point in time, from initial indications, it would appear that the
majority of the associations are not in favor of the City’s proposal. You can voice your opinion to your association
Manager or Board. Do not wait for the next
L&R meeting.)
v
L&R has advised the City that the lights
in the public parking lot will be turned off September 1.
NEXT
MEETING:
Thursday,
September 17, 2:30pm – Roeder Pavilion
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