THE

OAK HILLS ORACLE Serving the Oak Hills Community Since 1973

Volume XLIII, Issue 6

Inside This Issue

Report: OHHA Monthly Board Meeting - 2 Report: Annual Homeowners Meeting - 4 Home of the Month - 3 Beaverton Schools Calendar - 5 Neighbors - 7

June 2016

DEMO BEGINS The safety fencing went up just in time for the Annual Homeowners’ Association meeting on Tuesday, May 10, some interior dismantling started the week of May 16 and heavy equipment arrived on May 19 to start knocking down the old office building. By the end of the next day, the old office building was a pile of debris, most of the old wrought iron pool fencing had been torn out and other pool structures had been taken down. The entire demolition process, including removing the pool and decking is expected to take three weeks. If everything goes according to schedule, construction of the new pool and buildings should begin in early June. The project’s completion date is currently estimated to be January 2017.

Growing Organically - 12 Neighborhood Watch 13 Viewpoints - 14 Classified ads - 16

ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING The agenda for the Annual Homeowner’s Association Meeting on May 10, 2016 included a discussion of the proposed new transfer fee, a presentation on President Jim Meyer’s Road Map survey, and the election of board members. The terms of three board members, Bob Erickson, Sheila Brewer and Linda Marshall all expired this year. Bob Erickson decided not to seek another term. There were four candidates for the three vacancies: Teri Danowski, Erich Ramm, and incumbents Sheila Brewer and Linda Marshall. Danowski, Brewer and Marshall were elected to serve three-year terms on the board. There was a presentation on the proposed transfer fee. The proposed fee would assess an amount of up to .5% (.005) of the sale price of homes. The fees would go into the Reserve Fund to cover the costs of replacing and repairing Oak Hills common property. Other homeowners associations in Oregon already assess such a fee, including the nearby Claremont neighborhood. The vote on the proposal will be conducted electronically or by mail-in ballot. A quorum of seventy-five percent of all owners must be met; 75% of all votes cast must approve for the measure to carry. President Jim Meyer gave a presentation on his idea to conduct a survey of homeowners to create a plan for the community now and into the future. The Road Map survey will be available in the next board newsletter.

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REPORT: OHHA MONTHLY BOARD MEETING,

May 4, 2016, 7 pm By Micki Sparr, editor

Present: David Boyd, Sheila Brewer, Tony Davis, Bob Erickson, Linda Marshall, Jim Meyer. Absent: Sarah Bourne, Todd Cooper, Sara Gauntt. Jim Meyer opened the meeting. He announced there would be a meeting of CPO 7 later this month that he plans to attend. Meyer stated he had checked with governing documents and state law pertaining to rules for homeowner associations and that the board is allowed to make decisions by a vote outside of board meetings. He said they made use of this process on the Transfer fee voting method. Darla Castagno commented about the enforcement of CC&R’s. She noted that every homeowner had signed a contract agreeing to abide by the association’s CC&R’s. She asked that there be a moratorium on approvals of new sheds, garage doors and garden boxes. Meyer responded saying that some of the items she mentioned are not covered by our CC&R’s but agreed that CC&R guidelines, last updated in 2001 could use an update. There was discussion of exterior changes to homes allowed under the Historic District designation. Linda Marshall noted that the Historic District application document included "contributing" homes that had one or more exterior changes. She recalled asking the experts at the time specifically about exterior changes and had been assured that changes were not forbidden but that owners were encouraged to keep midcentury design in mind when making replacements. Homeowner Dan Aksel expressed concern about the proposed transfer fee. Bob Erickson responded that he had researched the topic and had found that a number of other hoa’s assessed a transaction fee, some a flat fee and others a percentage. He emphasized the need for the association to raise additional funds to replenish the Reserve Fund for current as well as future replacement and repair needs. Aksel had several questions regarding the design of the main swimming pool. He noted that the pool design was improper for competition swimming. The bottom contour, with steep sloping at the 10' well, could pose safety risks. He asked to meet with the Building Committee to discuss competitive swim needs and pool safety. A homeowner complained about a garden box that is being built outside the fence in the side yard of a home on Perimeter Drive. He was told that ARB couldn’t regulate garden boxes but pointed out that walls and structures are specifically mentioned in the CC&R’s as needing ARB approval. He noted this particular box is at least 2 feet high. Tony Davis replied that ARB has decided

that garden boxes are not covered in current CC&R’s and therefore they will not forbid them. The owner insisted that a garden box should fall under the provision regulating “retaining walls”, in that the box is retaining soil. Davis again affirmed ARB would not prohibit garden boxes. Bob Erickson added that since residents have access to the community garden plots, that would be the place for such planting areas, and not in front or side yards. Bob Oberst asked about the tax code vote listed on the Annual Meeting agenda. Bob Erickson answered that owners are required by state law to vote on whether to use a particular method for filing taxes is considered a routine item. Oberst also asked what had occurred leading to the termination of the maintenance employees and why the decision was made to switch to a contract firm. Meyer responded that the board had decided that it was in the best interest of the association and they were not at liberty to discuss it in more depth to protect the privacy of the employees. David Boyd presented the Building Committee report. The grading permit will be obtained in mid to late May, the site development permit from Clean Water Services should be in place by mid May and Right of Way permit will also be ready by late May. If all approvals are in place, demolition should begin the week of May 9 and construction could begin June 6. There have been some required change orders for the project. Once Boyd has reviewed the change orders, he will rework the budget to reflect the updates. Boyd asked the board for a motion to be empowered to enter into Real Property Agreements and other needed agreements on behalf of the board. The motion carried. Boyd discussed the bonds required. The Right of Way permit requires a $3,000 bond; Clean Water Services requires a $37,715 bond. They will refund $5825 at successful completion of the project; the ~$32,000 remaining, will be held one year to ensure long-term compliance. Boyd recommended the $37,000 bond be borrowed from the Reserve Fund. General contractors, Team Construction, is currently predicting this to be a seven-month project with a completion date of January 2017. Meyer opened discussion on an ARB decision. The decision disallowing a particular garage door design had been appealed by the homeowner at the April meeting. Tony Davis, ARB chair, went over a timeline of the homeowner’s request for a new garage door. ARB denied the request because of the “carriage house” style hardware on the door. Davis met with the owners at their home and later affirmed the denial on the basis of the “carriage

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house” hardware. The owner appeared at the April meeting to make a formal appeal. Davis argued that he did not agree with the owner’s argument that his home was a “neocolonial” style. He admitted that a few homes already had garage doors with the carriage house hardware, none had received ARB approval and did not fit with the original style of the homes in the neighborhood. Bob Erickson, ARB member, said he concurred with Davis’ assessment and that he urged all board members and homeowners to read the SHPO documents that had been submitted as part of the Historic District nomination. He added that ARB works to retain consistency in the neighborhood yet still encourage diversity of styles. Sheila Brewer said she supported the ARB decision but admitted that due to a few outspoken individuals she feels like voting to allow the homeowner to make whatever changes they wish. She stated that at the time the community voted to be an Historic District they were told that owners would still be allowed to make changes and she was unhappy hearing from some who appear to oppose any changes. Boyd added that he understood at the time of the Historic District discussions, owners were not prohibited from making changes. He believes that the language in the CC&R’s regarding “improving properties” should allow any style of improvements. He admitted that he would allow any improvement that would not detract from the value of the property or neighboring properties. Davis moved that the ARB decision to allow the garage door replacement with a design that included plain windows without mullions and no carriage house hardware. The motion carried to support the ARB decision on the garage door replacement design. Meyer discussed his ideas for soliciting opinions and feedback for what he termed a “Road Map” to lead the community now and into the future. The Road Map survey will be published in the next newsletter. Those attending the Annual Meeting will get a special code to use in filling out the survey; those not attending will use their lot number. The data will be separated into primary data (from special codes) and secondary data (from lot numbers). Data submitted using lot numbers is considered less secure. There was considerable board discussion on the merits of collecting homeowner opinion from a relatively small number of people. They discussed Board Meeting, continued on page 8

OAK HILLS' HOME OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE!

15225 NW Acorn Place. Congratulations to Gary and Dawn Peront! The Oak Hills Oracle is pleased to recognize one home owner each month exhibiting pride of ownership in Oak Hills! Winners are recognized in the Oracle, are given a copy of this recognition and also receive a gift certificate to Home Depot, courtesy of Ron Crutcher, John L. Scott Real Estate. If you would like to nominate a home for Home of the Month, please contact Ron Crutcher at 503-645-7433, x276.

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REPORT: ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS' MEETING,

first monthly board meeting following last year’s annual meeting.

By Micki Sparr, editor

Sheila Brewer gave a report of summer programs and Fourth of July activities. She hopes to find many more volunteers to help collect money at the entrances on the 4th of July this year. She reminded the group that if sufficient funds were not raised to cover the fireworks, it would come out of operating expenses. Income from field rental has increased over the past few years. Brewer noted that while football, soccer, little league, crosscountry and fun run rentals increase traffic and noise, they also raise significant funds.

May 10, 2016, 7 pm

Present: Sarah Bourne, David Boyd, Sheila Brewer, Todd Cooper, Sara Gauntt, Linda Marshall, Jim Meyer. Absent: Bob Erickson Meyer announced that the start of the meeting would be delayed as a quorum of homeowners (130) was not present. Meyer opened the meeting at 7:12 pm, stating the meeting was still short of a quorum by a couple of votes, but they would trust that a few more owners would arrive prior to the vote on new board directors. Meyer announced the agenda and emphasized the importance of homeowners responding to the upcoming Road Map survey. It will be included in the next board newsletter and he will talk more about it later in the meeting. Linda Marshall asked to approve the minutes of the last annual meeting without a full reading of the minutes. Homeowner Pete LaBelle objected to suspension of reading of the minutes saying there was a discrepancy in the minutes. He was invited to present his objection. He stated that he had asked for details of the number of CC&R violations reported to the compliance committee and the amount of time it took to resolve those violations. Marshall stated that the response to his request had been reported at the

Linda Marshall, Internal Affairs, reported the Compliance Committee since last year had received reports of 66 violations with 57 resolved. Another five or six reported problems are neighborto-neighbor issues that should be resolved between neighbors. OHHA is currently paying to maintain the yard of a foreclosed property but a lien has been placed on the property to collect expenses. A fine is threatened on a property with an untended yard. Marshall presented the financial report on behalf of Treasurer Bob Erickson who is absent. The operating budget, October 1 through September 30, ended with $30,000 in excess of expenses. Income increases were from 4th of July collections and field rentAnnual Meeting, continued on page 9

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GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD Congratulations to Katelyn Fabian, an Oak Hills resident, on the achievement of her Girl Scout Gold Award. She created a spring color guard program at Meadow Park Middle School. Color guard is a dance-centered sport that involves a flag routine while marching in time to the school band’s music. Last year the program, alongside Meadow Park’s band, won the 2015 Junior Rose Parade Sweepstakes. The color guard will appear again at the 2016 Junior Rose Parade on June 8 with a Spanish-themed repertoire. The Junior Rose Parade is held in Portland’s Hollywood district and begins at 1 pm.

BEAVERTON SCHOOLS CALENDAR June

1 - 3 Senior Finals, Westview High School 1 Choir Concert, WHS, 6:15 and 7 pm 2 Band Concert, WHS, 7 pm 3 Senior Breakfast, Senior Assembly, Senior Last Day, WHS

7 WHS Graduation, Chiles Center, 7:30 pm 8 Meadow Park Band and Color Guard at Jr. Rose Festival Parade 8 Farewell to Staff, Oak Hills, 2:50 pm 10 Popcorn Friday, Oak Hills 11 WHS Band at Rose Festival Parade

BRIDGE CLUB

14 5th Grade Bowling, 10 am

Interested in playing a game of Bridge and having lots of fun? An Oak Hills Bridge Club is just getting started and there are still several open spots. The group plans it to be a friendly Party Bridge (non-competitive) style and both beginners and experienced players are all welcomed. The first game will start in July, hosted by an Oak Hills resident. If you are interested please call Gary at 503-970-9167 for more information.  

Laura L. Matin, D.D.S., P.C. 14740 NW Cornell RD, Suite 120 Portland, Oregon 97229 (Oaks Plaza Shopping Center) www.LauraMatinDDS.com 503-690-0400

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15 Field Day, Oak Hills Elementary 16 5th Grade Celebration, Oak Hills 16 8th Grade Send-off Party, MP, 10 am 17 Farewell Assembly, Oak Hills, 8:30 am 17 Field Day, Meadow Park, all day

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NEIGHBORS

by Colleen Shannon

Our featured neighbors this month are the Lee family. Karen and Jeff Lee, along with two-year-old son, Rylan, moved into their home on Eastway Court in January. Both Karen and Jeff are “locals.” Karen was born in Spokane, Washington but her family moved to Oregon when she was three years old to her first house in Oak Hills, on Barkton Court. Jeff was born in Bloomington, Indiana. Jeff ’s family moved to Oregon when he was also about three years old, to the Rock Creek neighborhood, where they still live. Karen’s family has lived in four different homes in Oak Hills. From Barkton Street they moved to a house on Forestel Loop, then to a house on Norwich Street, and finally to the home where her parents (Gary and Dawn Peront) still live, on Acorn Place. Karen and Jeff moved to Oak Hills from the Deerfield neighborhood near Rock Creek. They said their home in Oak Hills on Eastway Court is perfect for their family. Having lots of children on the street is a big plus and the backyard came already equipped for children, with a playhouse in the corner and a tree swing. The open kitchen, living room and dining room, which looks out onto the back yard, is spacious enough for the large dining table Jeff and Karen built themselves. DIY projects are a favored past time of this couple. Rylan loves his special area, a gated courtyard in the front of the house. With many rocks and his trucks, it is his own “construction” area. Karen and Jeff really appreciate being close to both their families, who help out with Rylan, and being able to enjoy frequent family gatherings. Both Karen and Jeff graduated from Westview High School, but in different years, and both played high school water polo. They started dating while students at the University of Oregon. When Jeff left and moved back to Portland they continued a “long distance” relationship for two and a half years before marrying. They will celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary in August. Jeff has worked for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Center for a long time. He started working at THPRD 19 years ago as a lifeguard while in high school and worked his way up to the position of Program Coordinator now. His office is at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center. He has also coached water polo at Westview High School for four years. Growing up in Oak Hills, Karen was on the Oak Hills swim team and went on to become an Oak Hills lifeguard and then the swim team coach. Now, besides being a mother to a busy two year old, Karen is the Accounting Manager for MedConnect Pro, the company her mother owns. Karen said she found out about their home coming on the market from three friends who currently live on Eastway Court, and, coincidentally, also work for MedConnect Pro. Oak Hills stories never cease to amaze me!

For fun, Karen and Jeff really enjoy family barbeques, walking in the neighborhood and playing in the greenbelt with Rylan. They would like to do more bike riding and hiking. Jeff is a big Trailblazer fan, and enjoys going to the games with his dad. He and his brother, who lives in Multnomah Village, have a “split” season ticket and trade off going to every other game with their dad. The family also enjoys spending time at the Peront family beach house in Gearhart. Welcome the Lee family, another second generation Oak Hills family, to the neighborhood!

If you are a new or not-so-new neighbor in Oak Hills, Colleen Shannon would love to meet you! Interviews are friendly and you are invited to approve the article before it appears in print. We want you to be happy with the final result. Contact Colleen at [email protected] or 503-680-6002. Thank you for SHOPPING LOCAL and supporting the Oracle's advertisers! These local businesses help make this publication possible. Tell them you "saw it in the Oracle"!

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QUAKE READY? by Myra Lee The question of earthquake preparedness has been the concern of many in Oak Hills. In an attempt to get answers about the earthquake threat and the risk to the Oak Hills community, a group of homeowners have organized workshops to provide information to the community. The second workshop in this series, held April 28, featured Yumei Wang, a civil/geohazards engineer at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Her specific area of expertise is structural resilience. Ms. Wang’s presentation covered the potential effects in the Portland metropolitan area as well as the coast. Unreinforced concrete buildings will suffer the greatest damage, but she also discussed potential damage to woodframe homes like those in Oak Hills. She noted damage such as the loss of chimneys and breaking glass in homes with many large windows. The most obvious and potentially damaging coastal impact would be from a large scale tsunami. She emphasized the need for people to be aware of escape routes and the time necessary to get to a point of safety when traveling or staying along the coast. Ms. Wang also answered many questions from the audience about specific concerns. The third and final presentation in this series of informational workshops will cover personal preparedness, food and water storage and cooking without power or gas. The final dates and locations have not been confirmed yet but will likely be in late July or August. The presentation will be free and open to the public.

Board Meeting, continued from page 3 ways to increase participation. Bob Erickson distributed copies of the attorney’s work on creating the voting process for the transfer fee. CMI will send out a notice alerting homeowners that a vote on the transfer fee will be taken. The board could include statements of support for the amendment if they wish. CMI will send out the ballots to homeowners on May 19; they will have six weeks to vote. Ballots will be due June 29. If 75% of owners do not cast a vote, the voting deadline could be extended. To be valid, 75% of owners must vote and 75% of those voting must approve the measure for it to carry. Erickson moved that the board approve the transfer fee vote schedule. Boyd wanted to go on record as opposing the transfer fee and will vote no, but affirms his support for referring the question to the homeowners for a decision. Erickson reported that expenses for March were higher than usual, mostly due to maintenance expenses. There are few surprises overall for the year so far. Delinquencies on payments of annual and special assessments continue to slowly decline in number. Boyd noted he recently submitted $15,000 in legal fees for payment. Boyd also asked the board to commend Bob Erickson on his last board meeting and thank him for his three years of valuable service to the board and community. Sheila Brewer gave the Recreation report. Registration day is Saturday, May 7. Sign ups will be taken for tennis camp, and tennis court keys and drop box stickers will be sold. Brewer plans to rent a tent for 4th of July. The largest size would cost $1368, adding walls will be a couple hundred more. They will need a couple of generators and hand washing stations. Total costs will be about

$2000. Brewer asked for a motion to authorize up to $3000 for 4th of July. Motion carried. Brewer reported there had been an unauthorized use of the fields and the neighborhood by a running group. Brewer and Meyer contacted the organization; they apologized and are now in negotiations for possibly hosting a running camp for a fee. She also reported vandalism of the porta potties. They had been knocked over on one occasion, spilling the contents, and on a second occasion the contents had been smeared on the porta potty walls. Both incidents had required a very unpleasant cleanup by Brewer and Meyer. Any homeowner with knowledge of the culprits is encouraged to contact the board. Tony Davis reported ARB had approved nine projects, including a rebuild/remodel, fences, garage door replacement, exterior paint, and concrete replacement. Linda Marshall reported the Compliance Committee had been notified of three issues in the last month with none resolved so far. One is an untended yard and two are neighbor-to-neighbor issues that are not compliance matters. Jim Meyer gave the Maintenance report on behalf of Todd Cooper. The Beaverton School District is getting bids on improving the sidewalk behind the school that crosses Oak Hills property. The tennis courts have been cleaned and patched and should serve for a couple more years. Meyer reported on behalf of Sara Gauntt that she has added an update to the By Laws on the website. Meeting adjourned 9:48 pm

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The OHHA Board of Directors meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. Meetings are open and all Oak Hills residents are welcome to attend. The next monthly Board Meeting will be June 1, 2016.

Annual Meeting Report, continued from page 4 als. This year will mean a decrease in income since there will be a severely reduced recreation program during construction, but there will also be a decrease in recreation expenses. They expect a $22,000 decrease in maintenance costs this year due to changes in maintenance staffing. Todd Cooper, Director of Maintenance, reported this year they removed several trees, and responded to flooding in and around the RV lot and maintenance yard. He explained they had decided to move in a new direction with maintenance crew. He believed it was in the best interest of the community to reduce staff to a single full time employee and contract other services to an outside landscape firm. He hopes the community has seen improvements in the appearance of the common areas and they will realize some savings. He has been in contact with Beaverton School District regarding use of Oak Hills common property as a walking path for students. Sara Bourne, Vice President, said she has been working with the Building Committee and hopes to head up a playground committee. Playground improvements would not start until after construction is complete, but planning will start soon. Sara Gauntt, described her duties as director of communications, the website and Facebook management. She is looking forward to promoting the many new programs available after January 2017. Tony Davis, ARB director, reported his first year has gone well. It has been a busy year for ARB. Committee members include himself, Bob Erickson, and Kate Wineheart. He would like to add at least one more committee member. He reminded owners that if they plan a project that affects the exterior of their home, they must submit an application to ARB. Applications are required for exterior paint, garage doors, gutters, windows, sheds, decks, and fences. ARB has been working on developing guidelines to help homeowners with understanding ARB and the process. David Boyd, RV lot, reported that all spaces are filled, and there are sixteen vehicles on the wait list. He had been considering an RV lot expansion last year but that is on hold until the rec center project is completed. Jim Meyer, President, reported he has taken most of the past year to learn what the office entails. His focus in the future will be the Road Map survey. He announced the list of election inspectors.

Meyer announced the candidates for Board Director positions were: Sheila Brewer, Linda Marshall (both incumbents), Teri Danowski and Eric Ramm. Mr. Ramm was not present at the meeting. Teri Danowski gave a short statement. Meyer asked that homeowners mark their ballots, choosing candidates to fill the three openings for Board Directors. Micki Sparr asked if there was to be a question and answer period prior to voting. Sparr asked for homeowner discussion of topics relating to the rec center, specifically swimming pool plans and designs. She stated she believed these topics were of great importance to homeowners and could be useful in deciding on which candidates to support. Meyer interrupted to say comments or questions could be directed to individual candidates only and a general question and answer period was not allowed. Dan Smith asked for clarification of Meyer’s statement and whether there was to be a question and answer period for homeowners. Meyer repeated his statement that only questions directly to individual candidates would be allowed. Meyer ended discussion and called for homeowners to cast their ballots. While ballots were collected and counted, Linda Marshall discussed the Transfer Fee on behalf of Bob Erickson. She said homeowners would receive a mailing concerning the vote on changing the CC&R’s to include the collection of a fee of up to ½ of 1% (.005) on the sale of each property. The funds collected will go into the Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund is currently funded from annual dues. A transfer fee will allow the Reserve Fund to build up faster by asking new owners to pay a fee to enjoy the amenities that existing owners have been maintaining for years. Bob Freeman, former resident of Oak Hills and current resident of Claremont was invited to speak about the transfer fee. He said Claremont has been collecting a transfer fee for eleven years. He is a realtor and has never had an objection from a buyer, and he has never experienced a seller being asked to pay the transaction fee. He noted he was shocked at the recent conditions he had seen at the rec center facilities, pool, bathrooms, etc. He believes Oak Hills is in dire need of additional funding and that adequate funding is necessary to the upkeep of a quality community. If thirty homes are sold each year, it could generate $50 – 60,000 per year and he urged Oak Hills owners to vote yes. Dan Smith asked to address the homeowners. He noted that last year the owners and approved the largest increase to date in annual dues, and then passed a large special assessment. Now they were being asked for a new fee after the board made a controversial decision to use Reserve Funds for landscaping expenses related to the Rec Center. He is afraid that there aren’t enough controls on how money and Reserve Funds are being spent. David Boyd said he is opposed to the transfer fee because he fears sellers may miss out on an opportunity to sell their house for a

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FAREWELL TO BUSTER: A GOOD DOG It is with great sadness that I inform the community that Buster, our beloved pet, the Oracle's popular mascot, and a Very Good Dog, has died. Buster enjoyed a long and happy life. He was a treasured family member for 14½ years. He was a sweet and gentle dog and unfailingly friendly to people and other animals - except squirrels! Everyone he met became his new best friend.

later installation of doggie bag stations also helped and the problem hasn't disappeared completely, but dog walkers carrying cleanup bags are now the rule rather than the exception. Buster helped make Oak Hills a better place to walk.

The Oracle plans to continue The Oracle once received frequent, regular complaints about to honor other Good Dogs dog waste. Looking for a better solution than nagging people who never leave home withto do the right thing, I decided that reminders from a cute little out a clean up bag. Just send a picture of your Good Dog to dog might get better results than scolding from the editor. The [email protected] along with your dog's name, and your name and address. Your Good Dog will be featured in the Oracle and will receive a certificate of recPlease call ognition. to schedule

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Annual Meeting Report, continued from page 9 higher price. While he opposes the fee himself, he believes that it is important that homeowners have an opportunity to vote on it. There were other comments on the transfer fee, pro and con, from homeowners. David Boyd reported on the current status of the rec center project, noting the construction fencing has been installed and demolition is expected to begin soon. Boyd described the creation of the building committee about a year ago and thanked homeowners for offering their input. He gave a chronology of events leading up to the project starting with a May 12, 2015 survey of owners. Homeowners were asked to vote July 20 – August 3, 2015 on whether to approve funding for the project. 88% of all homeowners voted; 82% of those voted yes. The building committee engaged architecture firm, Opsis and approved Team Construction as general contractors. Boyd discussed the budgetary reasons for limiting the main pool to five lanes. He noted the wading pool was described in July 2015 as a pool for ‘emerging swimmers’. He has heard it now described as a water park and confirmed it will include three valves for adding spray features. The wading pool was originally planned at 750 sq. ft., but the zero entry required the fan shape design and resulted in the current 1200 sq. ft. wading pool. The gym was originally to be high school half court, but will now be 3 inches shorter than high school half court. An early proposal for a roof top terrace on the pool house had to be eliminated but the pool house is still part of the plan. Some of the landscape (hardscape) had to be removed from the project to remain within the budget, but the board has subsequently decided to complete the landscaping while crews are on hand by taking $100,000 from Reserve Funds . Boyd announced demolition should begin soon and will take about three weeks. They are expecting a completion date of January 2017. Project contingency funds not needed during the construction phase may be used for non-construction items such as furnishings, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), shade pergola, benches and lockers in pool house, and pool equipment including starting blocks and spray features. Sarah Bourne took the floor to thank David Boyd for his management of the myriad details relating to design and permitting processes of the rec center project and described the many hours he has devoted to the project as a volunteer. Boyd received a standing ovation from the homeowners present.

the Road Map survey and he hoped to have a larger number of responses than on previous board-sponsored surveys. The Road Map survey will be published in the next board newsletter. Some of the topics it will cover are: Rec Center; anticipating expenses for new and expanded recreation programs and facilities; maintenance of common areas; strategic planning for Reserve Funds; field rental trade-offs; updating CC&R’s policies and guidelines; and improving neighborliness. Homeowners are encouraged to respond to the survey online but paper copies will also be available. Owners signing in at the Annual Meeting were given a 'secret code' to complete the online survey. Those not at the annual meeting will have to use their lot number to fill out a survey. While use of the secret code will provide greater privacy to respondents, Meyer assured homeowners the two board members who would have access to responses promised not to disclose identifies of survey responses. He hopes to get responses from 50% of all homeowners. Meyer clarified that survey results are advisory only and not binding. Meeting adjourned 9:05

REPORT: OHHA BOARD MEETING May 10, 2016 (immediately following the Annual Meeting) Jim Meyer called a meeting of the OHHA Board of Directors to order at 9:15 pm. New board member Teri Danowski and reelected board members Linda Marshall and Sheila Brewer were welcomed to the board. There was discussion of board positions. Current and new board members were questioned about their preferences. Linda Marshall indicated she would like to take the Treasurer’s position vacated by Bob Erickson. All other current and returning board members asked to keep the same board assignments. Sara Gauntt offered to add the position of Secretary to her current duties as Director of Communications but asked for assistance in proof reading board minutes. Jim Meyer stated his wife, Kayleen, had volunteered to help with proof reading minutes. Teri Danowski agreed to accept the vacant position of Internal Affairs Director and head the Compliance Committee. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm

The results of the election of board members was announced. Linda Marshall, Sheila Brewer, and Teri Danowski were elected. Jim Meyer opened discussion of a Road Map for planning the future of Oak Hills. Coming from an engineering background, he thinks there should be a strategy for how the community should go forward. Decisions on future direction will be informed by

Happy Fathers' Day!

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GROWING ORGANICALLY by Margie Lachman

Want to grow vibrantly healthy, tasty vegetables? Mix a shovelful of compost into the planting hole of each plant. This will add humus to retain moisture around roots. But just as importantly, you are putting millions of microorganisms into the soil, which break down nutrients into simpler, more accessible forms that are more readily absorbed and utilized by plants. This process is so important and is one of the most vital aspects of the method of organic gardening and farming. Using chemical fertilizers destroys the micro biota of the soil and eventually makes it sterile. Plants then have a difficult time utilizing the nutrients needed to grow well and resist disease and insects. Compost needs to be replenished yearly because it is a living source of life in soil that is used up by plants. Most vegetables are annuals, which grow quickly, using up nutrients over the growing season. Think of how that little tomato plant that was 6 inches tall when you planted it grows to be several feet tall and gives fruit over two or three months! That feat takes lots of energy.

Compost can be made easily by piling leaves, healthy garden trimmings, scraps of fruit and vegetables from the kitchen, eggs shells, coffee grounds and paper filters, grass clippings (if no weed killer is used!), and weeds without seeds. Any non-diseased plant material can be used. Chop or shred materials into small pieces for best results. The material can be put in a bottomless 3 by 3 foot covered container directly on the ground so that earthworms can enter and help break down the material and enrich it with their waste droppings. Mixing the pile’s upper 20 inches or so with a spade fork every two or three weeks helps aerate the material and break it down more quickly. Making your own compost utilizes kitchen and garden waste that would otherwise be discarded, plus you know exactly what is in it. You can buy it at garden stores but your own is free. You only need to add water to keep it as moist as a wrung out sponge and a sprinkle of garden soil when adding kitchen trimmings. It is ready when it looks like coarse coffee grounds and has no strong odor. Sift the compost from the bottom of the pile through a piece of hardware cloth over a garden cart or wheelbarrow to remove any large pieces, which can be added back into the top. Compost is the best thing you can do for all your plants but especially the ones you are going to eat! Questions? Email me at [email protected].

SONNY’S YARD MAINTENANCE since 2008

ˮ

Hello, my name is Juan and I am the head supervisor for Sonny’s Yard Maintenance. I have been working in your neighborhood for three years. Aside from helping the owner, Gustavo, lead the crews my specialty is trimming. It’s great getting to know so many of you. Oak Hills is a very friendly place to work.

ˮ

The crew at Sonny’s

Call Lori 503-329-8032

weekly, every other or one time cleanups mowing edging weeding cleanups sod reseeding pruning bark dust pressure washing

10% Discount to Oak Hills residents Licensed, Bonded and Insured

v

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OAK HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH by Nancy Robbins

Incident Reports for April 15 - May 15 May 8 - 9. A resident on Oak Hills Drive reported their car had been "egged" late in the evening of May 8 or early morning May 9. Thank you for your involvement in a safer neighborhood. Please continue to report incidents. Call the police and then Neighborhood Watch to report illegal or suspicious behavior. Contact coordinator Nancy Robbins at OHHANeighborhoodWatch@ gmail.com or 503-614-9334

Hours: M-F 8-7 Sat 8-6 Sun 9-5

Now featuring

Marine, RV, Golf Cart, Automotive, and more. 12505 NW Cornell Road, Cedar Mill 503-646-0623

645-5571 www.kentcopaintco.com

page 14

VIEWPOINT

The Oracle invites submissions from subscribers. Viewpoint is intended as a forum for Oak Hills residents to express views on a variety of topics. The Oracle is not responsible for views expressed here and reserves the right to reject letters deemed unsuitable for publication.

way will be decided. So to be safe, VOTE. Joanne DeHaan

Greetings Oak Hills family!

I have been a homeowner for twenty-seven years. Like most of my neighbors, I attended Annual Meetings over the years somewhat sproadically. But after I became the owner and editor of the Oak Hills Oracle, I have attended 14 out of the last 15 Annual Homeowner's Association meetings.

Retirement has been good so far, however, I do miss you all. I am finally going to be taking my dream cruise through the Panama Canal at the end of this year. We’ll be sailing Dec. 9-23, from Miami-Los Angeles. Maybe some of you would want to give yourselves a Christmas present and join my wife and me. I would be so excited to have you come along. That would complete the best retirement gift for me and make the best Christmas present for all of us.

In all those years, there has never been an Annual Meeting without an opportunity for homeowners to ask questions. Not only was there no scheduled question and answer period, homeowners who tried to ask questions were interrupted and advised that questions on general issues facing the association were not allowed. The meeting was run with a tight grip on the reins, with President Jim Meyer rushing through listed agenda topics as though he had a plane to catch.

If interested, please contact me (503-887-7049) for details. I love you all.

In response to emailed questions submitted the day after the meeting about the lack of opportunity for homeowners to pose questions, Meyer explained that he had posted the agenda for the meeting in advance on the association website. The agenda he posted did not include an open forum or Q&A period, and no one objected to the omission. Legally defensible, but is this the sort of political manuevering we expect from our neighbors?

Larry (your former mailman) In July, 2015, when we were asked to vote on the new rec center, we were given the recommended project budget or $4,225,000.  Of that, $589, 623 was earmarked for landscaping, demolition, and sitework.   By September, the board was already considering moving landscaping and playground equipment out of the project and into the reserve fund category. By February, that was a done deal. Now the scope of the rec center project does not include landscaping or playground equipment. So, the board can truthfully say that the reserve funds are not being used for the rec center project.   But $100,000 of the reserve fund is allotted for the rec center landscaping. The playground equipment is not completely funded. The reserves are now inadequate.   The board has proposed that we vote for a Transfer Fee that would go to the reserve fund. I asked at the annual meeting if the board was considering using more reserve funds for the rec center project and was assured that they are not. But, that could be a matter of semantics. If they move an item out of the rec center project then they can fund it from the reserves, just as they’ve already done with the landscaping.   I suggest that we vote against the Transfer Fee. The board does not need any more money at their disposal. Let’s build the rec center that is possible with the budget we have already approved. Everyone needs to vote. There have been various opinions about how many people have to vote to make it legal. It could be that 75% of the people that vote would pass the measure. Or, it could be that 75% of the residents have to vote before the vote is valid. I don’t know which

Homeowners have some legitimate questions about design, planning and the allowcation of project funds related to the major renovation and rebuilding of our recreation facilities. The decision to limit the main pool to five lanes instead of six prompted one group of homeowners to take the extraordinary step of attempting a last ditch effort to gather pledges of $60,000 to include a sixth lane. Nearly fifty homeowners felt strongly enough about the issue that they were willing to make additional financial contributions. Another homeowner has raised some potential safety issues for swim team use with the pool design; issues that have not yet been publicly addressed. Still others have concerns about the use of $100,00 in Reserve Funds for project-related landscaping. After so effectively squelching discussion of issues and denying homeowners explanations of valid concerns, Meyer then spent considerable meeting time describing the Road Map survey he had developed. The topics and wording of the questions have been carefully crafted by board members. Once responses have been gathered, Meyer told homeowners he will use his background in statistical analysis to interpret the results. If Jim Meyer and the board really wanted to know what homeowners thought and honestly valued their opinions they would have opened the floor at the Annual Meeting and been willing to listen, respond and openly discuss the issues important to Oak Hills homeowners. An online survey is a very poor substitute for free and open discussion. Micki Sparr

page 15 SIGN UP NOW FOR BABYSITTERS AND ODD JOBS LISTINGS - EARN EXTRA MONEY! The listing of Babysitters and Odd Jobs is a public service provided free by the Oak Hills Oracle. Listings are not screened by the Oracle. Anyone between the ages of 12 – 17 can be listed on one or both lists, but families must be paid subscribers to the Oracle. Contact the Oracle editor including your name, address (for verification purposes only) phone number, and age. For the Babysitters’ List, include whether or not you have passed the Red Cross Baby Sitting certification class. For the Odd Jobs list, include what types of jobs you want to be considered for. Those listed are responsible for providing age and other changes to the listings.

BABY SITTERS LIST Sophia Anderson* Stephanie Gardner* Isabelle Marcantuono* Sophia Marcantuono* Grace Ryan Kayla Ryan



ODD JOBS LISTING

14 13 14 12 14 17

503-728-8421 503-313-8432 503-533-5282 503-533-5282 503-645-8685 503-645-8685

Paul Danowski, 14 Pet sitting, dog walking, yardwork Stephanie Gardner, 13 Dog & cat sitting Gavin Klumpp, 16 All yard work Grace Ryan, 14 Pet sitting Kayla Ryan, 17 Dog walking

T he Oak Hills Or acle can be vie wed in full color each month at www.OakHills Oracle.com. The Archives contain issues back through 2009; how to subscribe at the Subscriptions tab; get detailed information on advertising options at Advertising tab.

Important Telephone Numbers

Maintenance Activities Coordinator

Christina Mattusek

503-645-1776 503-593-7386 [email protected]

All Emergencies Fire, Medical, Police County Sheriff Non-emergency Washington Co. Traffic Hotline ......... Animal Services/Lost Pets ......... Oak Hills Elementary School ......... Meadow Park Middle School ......... Westview High School ......... Oak Hills Oracle Micki Sparr

9–1–1 503-629-0111 503-846-3998 503-846-7041 503-533-1860 503-672-3660 503-259-5218 503-690-7122

ORACLE DEADLINE: 15TH OF EACH MONTH Publication Date: 1st of each month Subscription: $12.00/year Oracle Owner & Editor

Oak Hills Homeowners’ Association 2085 NW 153rd Avenue Beaverton, OR 97006 www.oak-hills.net

OHHA Board Members Jim Meyer President

14900 NW Northumbria

[email protected] 503-828-4582

Sara Bourne V. President and Renovation Comm.

---

[email protected] 503-789-2048

Linda Marshall Treasurer

15135 NW Perimeter Dr.

[email protected] 503-645-2366

Sarah Gauntt Communications

14645 NW Forestel Loop

[email protected] 971-777-5805

Sheila Brewer Recreation

15129 NW Oakmont Loop

[email protected] 503-533-0825

David Boyd RV Lot

14330 NW Belle Place

[email protected] 503-307-4583

Todd Cooper Maintenance

15595 NW Oak Hills Dr.

[email protected] 971-255-3362

Tony Davis Architectural Review

14635 NW Oak Hills Dr.

[email protected] 503-964-5193

Teri Danowski Compliance

14680 NW Forestel Loop

[email protected]

503-547-4764 503-313-8432 503-705-3349 503-645-8685 503-645-8685

Micki Sparr 15390 NW Wooded Way Beaverton OR 97006 503.690.7122 [email protected]

Oracle Contributors Neighbors: Colleen Shannon, [email protected], 503-680-6002 Growing Organically: Margie Lachman, [email protected], 503-645-2994 The Oak Hills Oracle is a privately-owned, independent monthly publication serving the residents of the Oak Hills neighborhood. The Oak Hills Oracle is not an official publication of OHHA.

WWW.OAKHILLSORACLE.COM

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Sometimes there are events in the community that happen after the Oracle publication date. The Oak Hills Oracle's Facebook page includes updates on events and activities of interest to the community.

page 16

CLASSIFIED ADS SERVICES WOODSTOCK QUALITY PAINTING & RESTORATION. Highest quality materials. Interior & Exterior. Pressure-washing. Restore & treat cedar roofs and decks. Senior discounts. Oak Hills references. CCB#162356. Call Phil 503-645-7193. 12/16 RON DIMMITT CONSTRUCTION. All phases of remodeling: skylights, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repairs, window replacement - replace windows with vinyl windows. Oak Hills References. Licensed, #22191. Call 503- 649-8664/fax 503-649-9995 12/16 HASSKAMP ROOFING CO. Reroof, tear offs, shakes, composition. Oak Hills references; over 200 roofs completed in Oak Hills. Call Mike at 503-645-0215. CCB#83517 12/16

CONCRETE SERVICE. Driveways, sidewalks, stamped, exposed concrete, brick work, chimneys, retaining walls, rock walls, masonry, asphalt, and much more. Free estimates. Call Lui, 503-332-3384 or 503960-7661. 7/16 CAREGIVER. Caregiving/Companion/Bath Aide/Hospice Care. Experienced, highest level of personal care. CPR/first aid certified, liability and bonding ins., current State Provider #. For trustworthy and dependable care, call Deana Brown at 971-806-5873. 9/16 ORACLE ADS GET RESULTS. Promote your business or service in Oak Hills. Very reasonable rates for classified ads - proven results. Ads for the July issue are due by June 15. More details available on the website at www.OakHillsOracle.com, click Advertising tab at top of home page or contact the Oracle's owner and editor, Micki Sparr at 503-690-7122 or [email protected].

APPLIANCE GUYS. Appliance, heating and air conditioning repair. Fast, professional service at affordable prices. Locally owned. Licensed and bonded. CCB#130240. Call 503-531-8853. 6/16 OWEN WEST ELECTRIC. Our specialty: service and panel change; kitchen and bath remodel; security and yard lighting. 28 years experience. CCB#29492. 503-297-6375, or 503-880-9512. 3/16 ANCTIL PLUMBING INC. Established 1975 — 503-642-7323. All phases of remodel, repairs, repipes, water service, water heater, hot water radiant heat, boiler certified. CCB#24184. 1/17 CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR AND HANDY MAN. We can take care of all your construction, repair or handyman needs! Quality work at reasonable prices. No job is too small. David Nase Property Management. Lic #158212. 503-888-8765 or [email protected]. 4/16 GARY POOL CONSTRUCTION. Complete remodeling and construction. Window and door installation, drywall repairs, painting, kitchen and bath remodeling. Over 15 years experience, references available. CCB#143266. Call Gary at 503-515-1760. GaryPoolConstruction. com 7/16

REID PAINTING. Over 15 years experience in Beaverton and Portland areas. Exterior painting/powerwashing with an eye for detail. Licensed, bonded, insured. LLC#171829. For a free bid and Oak Hills references, Call Rob Reid 503-380-7926. 10/16 HOUSECLEANING. Would you like your house to sparkle and shine? New phone number; call Carol at 503-432-1664. "One timers" are welcome. 3/16 WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTIES. Residential & Commercial. Let us do renting and maintaining of rental properties. Dave Nase Property Management. Lic #980500131. 503-888-8765 or trossow@ dnpm.net 1/17 BETTER THAN ANG----'S LIST! The majority of the Oracle's classified advertisers have been doing business and advertising in Oak Hills for several years - some for more than 15 years! Nearly all have Oak Hills references that you can check and there is no subscription fee. Thank you for contacting the Oracle's advertisers.

HELP WANTED

WORK FROM HOME. Part time, flexible hours, medical records. Seeking highly organized individual with great attention to detail to work for a local business owned by Oak Hills resident. Any experience in the medical field a plus, but not required. Willing to train. Please call 503-922-2160 and ask for Alex.

POSITION WANTED NANNY. 20 years experience as a nanny. Oak Hills resident specializing in infant care and children ages 4 - 13 years old. I am seeking temporary or part-time work, 20 - 25 hours a week. Call Carla 503-799-7465. 8/16

VACATION RENTALS MANZANITA BEACH HOUSE. Ocean views from vaulted living room, dining room and bedrooms. 2 complete living units; sleeps up to 18; rent 1 or both levels. Reunions, corporate retreats, workshops. Call Ron Crutcher, 503-799-4276 www.manzanitavacationretreat.com 12/16 MEXICAN RIVIERA! 2 Br//2 Bth Luxury Condo in Playa del Carmen, just 35 minutes south of Cancun in the Mayan Riviera. Fully furnished, w/ full Kit/Laundry and equipped with all necessities. Overlooks the beautiful pool and the Warm Caribbean Sea!    www.beachcondoplayadelcarmen. com. Contact Ron Crutcher at 503-799-4276. 1/17 SUNRIVER HOUSE. 2,800 sq ft, 4 Bdr, 3.5 Bth, BBQ, Bikes, Pool Table, Foosball, DVD, 4 TV’s, Wi-Fi, 1 Blk Fort Rock Park, Private Deck, Atrium, Aquatic Park Pass -All Year. Rate: $250/Night (plus cleaning/taxes), Special Rates Available. Terri & Dale [email protected] 503-290-8388. 8/16