Fences Part 2, and Other Gleanings from the April Board Meeting

Fences, and other architectural committee concerns, pretty much dominated last night's meeting of the Portuguese Bend Community Association Board. The Board probably will vote on suggested changes to the Architectural Standards at the April meeting, so if you Bend residents have any suggestions, ideas or other input...now is your chance to have your say. Committee Chairt Tim Vaughn really wants member input. Email him at tim.vaughan@cox.net

Other issues of concern discussion by the committee and the Board: hours when construction is permitted. Recommendation at this point is: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. No work would be permitted on Sundays or holidays. If you agree or disagree, tell Tim.

Finally, there was a long discussion about lighting: what works, what doesn't work. If you have thoughts on this topic, again, email Tim.

Committee member and architect Kim Nelson is reviewing all preliminary plans that are submitted to the committee. She is spending a great deal of time trying to explain to lot owners what is acceptable and what isn't, but even so, their ultimate submissions require much revision. She suggested that a book of drawings and renderings of various acceptable architectural styles, that could be given to anyone planning to build or remodel, would be a huge help. The Board voted to pay for production of whatever is necessary to make this happen.

The Board also voted to rescind its previous action regarding payment of assessments, and to move back to the 1978 ruling in the CC&Rs, which requires that assessment bills be mailed to members in October and be due the first Monday in November. Former Association Treasurer Jeannie Smolley noted that there must be 30 days between mailing and due date.

Board agreed with the recommendation of Bob Maxwell, PBCA's liaison with the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, that he ask that the 16 Monks lots be included in the upcoming Landslide Moratorium Ordinance Revision Environmental Impact Report (EIR) at Tuesday's city council meeting. The Council is scheduled to approve a budget adjustment of $139,826 from the city's General Fund to pay for the EIR, which will be conducted by Rincom Consultants, Inc.

The next step in this process will be a "scoping meeting" some time around the end of May, according to RPV planner Kit Fox. At that time, the folks doing the report will be looking for input the community: what are our concerns? what do we think the EIR should cover? If you have concerns, get ready. The city will send a notice. Are you on the mailing list? The city has a zillion listservs. Sign up here.

Finally, the Board agreed to schedule a community clean-up day some time around the end of May.

That's all folks.