2014 ANNUAL MEMBERS' MEETING:

THE RESULTS

The Rio Vista Mahwah Homeowners Association held its Annual Members’ meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 in the upstairs meeting room in the clubhouse

at 7 p.m.

With only 18 residents attending, the 15% quorum requirement was met mainly by Proxy. Thank you to all who attended the meeting and/or sent in their Proxies and Absentee Ballots!

This year there are two positions open on the Board of Trustees. The two declared candidates, Ron Colombo and George Soto, were overwhelmingly elected.

Many thanks to Dave D'Anna for his service on the Board for the past six years, three of which he was President. He will be very much missed!

The 2015 Budget was also approved.

The minutes of the meeting will be on the Members' Only area of the web page as soon as they are available and Board approved.

LONGER CLUBHOUSE HOURS IN EFFECT

Effective Monday, March 9, 2009 the clubhouse hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The last entry will be at 10:30 p.m. 

Members under 16 years old must be with an adult.
 

Guests are welcome but must always be accompanied by the Association member.
 

Guidelines for Membership Usage of Clubhouse Electronic Entry

1.    Hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Last entry will be at 9:30 p.m.

2.    Be sure to leave before 10 p.m. which is when the security system will arm.  ANYONE ON THE PREMISES AFTER THAT TIME WILL TRIGGER THE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM WHICH NOTIFIES THE POLICE.  IF THIS OCCURS, THE MEMBER’S KEY WILL BE SUSPENDED AND A FINE MAY BE IMPOSED.  Therefore, it is advisable to exit by 9:30 p.m. in order to prevent triggering the security alarm system.

3.    Always use your card to enter and to exit.  Use push bar for emergency use only.

4.    Use of the clubhouse and its facilities is at your own risk.

5.    Do not allow anyone else to enter or exit the clubhouse when you arrive.

6.    The lounge will have a sign-in sheet for your use.  Please sign in and enter the time of your arrival.

7.    Children under 16 years of age must be with an adult member.

8.    Turn off lights before leaving.

9.    Close all windows before leaving.

10. Take all food & garbage out upon leaving & dispose properly to prevent infestations in the clubhouse.

11. Be sure that the clubhouse is neat & orderly before leaving.

12. Do not allow anyone else to enter or exit the clubhouse as you leave.

13. Once outside, check that the door has closed firmly behind you.

14. Members are fully responsible for their guests.  Guests must leave with their host when the host/member exits the clubhouse.

15. Guests must sign in and fill out a health form & liability waiver, located in the lounge, prior to using the health club facilities.

16. One key is issued per household.  There is a $10 charge for the key.  There will be a $25 charge for a replacement.  REPORT LOST KEYS TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

17. If you observe a security problem in the clubhouse, notify the police.  If the administrative office is closed, there will be a cordless phone located in a black box on the wall in the lounge.  It is for emergency and 911 use only and marked as such.

18. DO NOT SHARE YOUR KEY WITH ANY OTHER HOUSEHOLDS!  It is strictly for your immediate household family’s use.

Adhering to these guidelines will help insure members, as well as clubhouse, security and safety.

*Guidelines are subject to change.

Thank you for cooperating.

INFO ABOUT PERSONAL TRAINERS IN THE GYM

Association members may bring their own personal trainer to the clubhouse gym under the following conditions:

1.  The member, as well as the trainer, must complete the gym use forms that are located in the clubhouse lounge prior to use of the gym. Place fully completed forms under the administrative office door if the office is closed.

2.  The personal trainer may NOT bring any outside individuals to train in the clubhouse gym. They may only train Association members.

3.  Association members may not give their clubhouse access fobs to the personal trainer. The Association member hires the personal trainer and is fully responsible for the trainer while they are on Association premises. The personal trainer must arrive and leave with the Association member.

The Association assumes no responsibility for the personal trainer hired by a member.

TENNIS COURT KEYS

NEW KEYS ISSUED 2008

HELP NEEDED WITH SECURITY PROBLEM

A new entrance gate and lock have been installed at the newly refurbished tennis courts. Distribution of the new keys began in September 2008. Pick up the new keys at the administrative office on Tuesdays through Fridays between 12 noon. and 2 p.m. If these hours are inconvenient, call 201-760-1258 to schedule an appointment.

SECURITY ALERT--In order to prevent damage to the tennis courts, you are encouraged to notify the police if you see the courts being used for any purpose other than tennis. (For example, bike riding, skate boarding, roller blading, etc. cause severe damage to the courts' surface.) Please let the administrative office know if the entrance gate is being left open. If you see it open, close it.

NOTIFY POLICE--The police have informed the administrative office that you can call in your complaint anonymously.

IT IS YOUR MONEY--We need your help in order to protect the security of the tennis courts as well as maintain the integrity of the surface of the courts. Remember, these are your tennis courts, that your dues paid to refinish, at great expense.

Your help is most appreciated!

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

...IS HERE!

The Vista Views newsletter is accepting advertising.

If you wish to advertise in the Vista Views newsletter, please submit a simple, standard size, black and white business card. The fee, payable in advance, is for three issues. Residents and non-residents may participate, however, bona fide residents will be charged a lower rate to advertise.

The cost of the advertising is $175 for residents and $300 for non-residents.

Submit an acceptable business card, as described above, accompanied by your check for payment in full.

Contact the administrative office at 201-760-1258 for further information.

COYOTE SEEN IN RIO VISTA

A resident in Rio Vista has reported spotting a coyote in the area in recent weeks.

The police have advised the administrative office as follows:  unless it or any other wild animal is threatening people or property or is destructive in any manner, there is nothing they can do. These animals are not uncommon in the area and are part of nature.

If you do see an animal threatening people or property, police advise contacting them immediately.

2008 HOLIDAY PARTY

Once again, Rio Vista celebrated the holiday season in style. Almost 300 residents attended the 2008 gala event. They ate, drank, danced and made merry. It was a great opportunity for Association members to meet up and catch up with each other.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated decorating committee for designing and implementing the design for this great event. Sheryn Liva, Nannette McGraw, Joyce Pfaffenberger and Brigid Scannell spent many hours preparing the upstairs party room.

"WINTER WONDERLAND" HOLIDAY PARTY 2006

The Rio Vista Holiday Party took place on Saturday, December 9th from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Association's clubhouse. This year the party decor was exceptional thanks to the Decorating Committee. Praise goes to this Committee whose members were Barbara Davis, Sheryn Liva, Nannette McGraw, Joyce Pfaffenberger, Brigid Scannell, Joyce Terrano and Linda Comerci . The Committee worked many hours during the days before the party making the party room, as well as the entrance area, into the virtual and breath-taking "winter wonderland" pictured above.

About 300 Association members attended the gala event. All enjoyed the beautiful environment created by the Committee. By all accounts, guests had a great time as they dined, danced, made use of the open bar and socialized.

Appreciation also goes to the administrative staff, Myra Dulberger and Renee Wolfe, for all the planning involved in the months prior to the party and pulling it all together. John Barrett, the Association's maintenance man, also contributed to the efforts. Photography was courtesy of Allen Fishkin.

An extra special BIG thank you to Sheryn Liva, Joyce Pfaffenberger and Joyce Terrano for coming into the clubhouse on the Monday after the party to clean up and organize the decorations. In addition, Joyce Terrano put in hours organizing the storage area in the choir loft. John Terrano purchased storage bins that were used to store everything. Thank you to all these wonderful Rio Vista people.

CURB YOUR DOG!!!

A Rio Vista resident has written the following:

Rio Vista is a beautiful place to live. However, I have partaken in very heated discussions with a multitude of dog walkers. Their attitudes are as varied as their methods of dog waste disposal.

The following does not apply to all dog walkers. There are those that show respect and concern for their neighbors. Thank you to those, especially the fine gentleman who walks his two terriers several times daily. He keeps them at least three feet from the curb, on the street side, so his pets never eliminate near or on a neighbor's lawn.

I have found that there are three categories of dog walkers:

1.  The early morning walkers, who briskly make their way through the neighborhood, before the neighbors awaken, allowing their dogs to eliminate on lawns and wherever else they desire.

2.  The late evening walkers, who under cloak of darkness, allow their dogs to walk on other's lawns, eliminate and then probably gloat that they succeeded in not getting caught doing this disgusting act.

3.  Finally, there are the mid-day walkers who, while displaying a casual air, allow their dogs to venture on to the lawns of others to relieve themselves. The owners then briskly continue on their path of "innocence".

Recently, when I approached two individuals, one denied their dog's actions, even though the feces were partially extended from the dog onto my lawn. The other individual denied the dog's urinating when clearly there was a stream of urine running from my driveway onto the lawn. Each of these people abruptly walked away when I asked for their address, still denying their dog's activity. I called after them to have their dogs walk on their lawns and do the damage there. (Urine burns and kills the lawn, leaving brown spots.)

My dog never walks on the public thoroughfare. I keep him in my backyard and disturb no other person's property or possessions.

If a dog needs exercise, let him run on the owner's lawn and tear it up. If a dog needs to mark his territory, let him do so on the owner's property.

Citing town ordinances is meaningless as a disrespectful person ignores these.

I propose getting the address of the offender and reporting them to the town's health officer, citing the breed and color of the dog. This might bring attention to this dastardly act.

This behavior can not continue to be ignored. We, who respect the property of dog walkers, deserve and demand like behavior.

Signed,

A Concerned and Annoyed Rio Vista resident.

PS  Curbing one's dog means that the dog, not the owner, walks on the street side of the curb and not on the lawn.

SECURITY UPDATE

JULY 2006

Mahwah Chief of Police, James Batelli, has notified the administrative office that there had been three burglaries in Rio Vista in late July. Residents were also to receive "Reverse 911" calls directly from the police notifying them of the incidents.

The streets where these occurred were Bramshill Drive, Emma Court and Great Hall Road. The police will have extra surveillance in the area. Only one of the homes had things stolen and no one was hurt in any of the burglaries.

The police noted that all windows and doors had not been locked nor were security systems armed when the incidents occurred.

The Mahwah Police Department has a web site, www. mahwahpd.org, that contains a Home Security Survey. You can complete the form and if you answer "no" to any question, you can request that the police conduct a home security inspection and make appropriate recommendations to improve the safety and security of your home and family. This service is available to all Township of Mahwah residents.

Some of the 40 questions on the survey are:

Do you set your alarm system whenever you leave your home?

Do you routinely lock your door every time you leave your home?

Do you lock your garage door which leads into your home?

Do you check to see if all windows are locked whenever you leave your home?

Do you call the Mahwah police department to report any and all suspicious activity in your neighborhood? (The police phone number for non-emergency situations is 201-529-1000.  Use 911 for emergencies.)

AREA VANDALISM ALSO SEEN

In addition, vandalism continues to occur in Rio Vista. Recently, graffiti was sprayed on the playground equipment located in the Park area. Association dues paid for the clean up.

If you see any "signatures" sprayed on as graffiti, let the police know. They can sometimes trace the offender by identifying the initials. (You may also call the administrative office at 201-760-1258 with the information.)

Call the police immediately if you notice people loitering around the Rio Vista common grounds who are rowdy, partying late into the night or otherwise do not appear to belong there. The common grounds are the playground, pool, parking lots, etc. (The police phone number for non-emergency situations is 201-529-1000.  Use 911 for emergencies.)

The police emphasize that they urge you to call them to report anything suspicious. (You don't have to give your name.) Again, their phone number for non-emergency situations is 201-529-1000.  Use 911 for emergencies.

The police website also contains useful information about other issues such as identity theft protection, the Citizens Police Academy, events, etc.

FYKE ROAD PROPERTY UPDATE

On April 24, 2006 the Mahwah Planning Board adopted a resolution rejecting the rezoning request by the would-be developers of the Fyke Road property, commonly known as "the junkyard".

The following is a brief summary of the Resolution:

The current zoning is for rural residential use which allows for detached single-family dwellings at a density of no more than .5 units per acre on the Fyke Road property. Therefore, seven single-family dwellings could potentially be allowed. The plan submitted by the would-be developers called for the construction of 26 connected dwelling units that would be age restricted.

The Mahwah Planning Board felt..."that this would be an overly intensive use of the site and would be inconsistent with the Rural Residential use designation of the subject property in the Township Master Plan."

In addition, the Mahwah Planning Board believed..."that the proposed rezoning would result in the subject property being inconsistent with the surrounding development pattern."

After reviewing the Township Planner's report as well as other information, the Mahwah Planning Board was..."of the opinion that the proposed rezoning would be inconsistent with the Master Plan and would not be in the best interests of the Township...the Board recommends to the township Council that the proposed rezoning not be implemented at this time."

For more complete information about the Planning Board's Resolution, contact the Mahwah Township. 

THE COVENANTS COMMITTEE

All owners of property in Rio Vista are required to adhere to the by-laws and covenants restrictions.  It is important to emphasize that the purpose and goal of the Covenants Committee is to preserve and enhance property values for all Rio Vista property owners, as well as promote the appearance of an exclusive custom home residential community.

Who is the Covenants Committee?

The Board of Trustees is required to deal with complaints and violations of the covenants restrictions. Other Association members can be appointed by the Board to serve on the Committee.

What is their purpose?

The Committee assures that properties in Rio Vista are maintained in good repair and with visual harmony. Activities that are deleterious to the aesthetics, property values, comfort, general welfare and safety of owners are addressed.

What are their responsibilities and procedures?

Rio Vista property owners must obtain Covenants Committee approval prior to construction or development of a home, as well as for any alterations, additions and improvements to the property.

Other specific areas that the Covenants Committee addresses are landscaping, property maintenance, fencing, signage and home rentals.

The Covenants Committee has the right to impose fines for violations. Ten days prior written notice must be given to a property owner.

Where can I learn more about the Covenants Committee?

The powers and procedures of the Covenants Committee are detailed in the Public Offering Statement. The specific covenants rules, regulations and restrictions are also located in this document.

 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION'S FINANCES?

GET THE FACTS!

All Rio Vista Mahwah Homeowners Association members are permitted to examine the books of accounts. Records of income and expenses are kept in the administrative office and are available for inspection by members. All expenditures and receipts are itemized and open to members as well. These serve as the basis for the Board's determining the Association's yearly budget.

Copies of the yearly independent auditor's report are also at the administrative office for members to review. In addition, monthly Balance Sheets and Income Statements are on the "members only" restricted page on this web site.

If you have questions regarding the finances of the Association, get the facts and the answers from the administrative office where the records are kept. Call 201-760-1258 to schedule an appointment to examine these documents.

WARNING

MAGAZINE-SELLING SCAM IS BACK

A magazine-selling scam has returned to Rio Vista.

As reported by some Association residents, a team of two males has been knocking on doors trying to sell magazines claiming that they were "raising money for the soldiers in Iraq".

According to the Mahwah police, door-to-door sellers must obtain a town-issued solicitor's permit to do so. Police recommend that residents not open their doors until they are certain that the salespeople have their permits with them. A call to the police is advisable, and encouraged by the police, if there is any doubt about the legitimacy of the salesperson or persons. 

PARKING OFFERED

FOR WALSH HALL

Several Walsh Hall residents have been using the clubhouse parking lot for their residential parking. It appeared this location was more convenient for them than the WH parking deck. Because of insurance liability issues, they were not permitted to do this without risking having their cars towed.
 

Therefore, the Board of Trustees has decided to offer a very limited number of parking spaces to those residents. In exchange for their signing a Parking License and Waiver Agreement with the Association, as well as a $25 monthly fee, the WH resident releases the Association from liability related to the use of the clubhouse parking.

Contact the administrative office at 201-760-1258 to determine if you qualify and to sign up.

WELCOME TO THE POOL PATIO

Last summer Rio Vista residents enjoyed the beautiful paved patio located right next to the Rio Vista pool. Approved by the Board of Trustees in 2003, Darlington Associates expedited its construction. Moreover, they contributed generously to the cost. Thanks to the Board and Darlington Associates for their enthusiastic and efficient work.

The patio was originally conceived as a place for users of the pools to eat. However, several groups have held small gatherings there. From all accounts a grand time was had by all!

All residents and their guests are welcome to use the patio. However, in order keep the patio in good condition, here are a few rules for its use:

1. The Patio is open to all residents and their guests.  It can not be reserved for private use.

2. Grilling will be permitted on the grassy area only-not on the patio.

3. Grills must be removed as soon as possible, preferably on the same day.

4. The patio is to be left in a clean condition and free of debris.

5. Propane tanks are prohibited.

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED RIO VISTA AFFILIATION

PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINERS & TENNIS INSTRUCTORS CLAIM RIO VISTA CONNECTION

At the present time, Rio Vista Mahwah has no official personal fitness trainers or tennis instructors sponsored by the Association. We are aware that some individuals have represented themselves as such. This is not possible without certain criteria being met by a trainer or instructor such as proof of insurance liability coverage as well as submission of certifications, all of which must be on file with the Association prior to utilizing the facilities.

Should such an Association personal fitness trainer or tennis instructor sponsorship come into existence, the information will be in the Vista Views newsletter as well as posted to this web site.

(Please note: At their own risk, an Association member may hire a personal fitness trainer or tennis instructor of their choice who may accompany them to the Association facilities.)

Please contact the administrative office at 201-760-1258 with any questions or concerns regarding this issue.

THE BEAR FACTS

Complete with a very large, real bearskin and other (artificial) bear artifacts, Liz Jackson appeared at the Rio Vista Mahwah clubhouse on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 7 p.m. Ms. Jackson is a Public Information Assistant from the Fish & Wildlife Division which is part of the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection. The presentation was the result of a response to several homeowners' concerns about the bear situation in the development. The Board of Trustees directed the administrative office to contact all state representatives, governor, senators and assemblymen, in order to find a solution to the problems of living with bears so close to home. These letters from the administrative office lead to Ms. Jackson. Rio Vista Mahwah is most definitely located in bear country.

The bears are a fact of life and learning to deal with this fact is important. Projecting her eye catching and information packed slide show presentation "Living In Bear Country" on the front chapel wall, Ms. Jackson (nicknamed "The Bear Lady") gave an entertainingly lively and highly informative talk about the realities of living in bear country to about 45 Rio Vista residents.

All the information about bears was helpful and much of it was surprising. These animals have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Obviously, garbage attracts them. But few in the audience were aware that a child who has just finished a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch can also transmit an alluring aroma for the bear to other areas. This is because the smell of food on his, or her, hands can be transferred to the handlebars of a bicycle, for example. This alone is enough to attract a bear. Birdseed and suntan lotion also smell good to a bear.

Another bit of unexpected information was that bears love to hang out up in trees. What may appear to be an empty and peaceful landscape might actually be populated with a bear or two in the tree tops. From there they observe when you put out your trash cans. Once the you leave, the bears descend and feast.

Occasionally, Fish & Wildlife traps bears for various reasons. Usually it is to study the animal and tag it for tracking. But bears, thought to be related to dogs, are believed to be even smarter than canines. It only takes one experience with a trap for the bear to learn to avoid it. But sometimes they even learn how to get the bait while avoiding capture.

If you see a bear, stay far away and make a lot of noise. Let it know you are there. Under no circumstances feed a bear-ever. This could make it aggressive. Don't run. This might trigger its predator instinct and a bear can out race a person. It is also a good swimmer. Almost always bears will simply walk away from people. If it does start to come towards you, back away slowly and keep making noise. Keep an escape route open for the bear. Get indoors as soon as possible. Call the police and the Fish & Wildlife Division. Be especially wary if you see a bear with large tags on its ears. Notify authorities immediately. This, and other bears who don't walk away, should be "conditioned" by the police. This means that buckshot is fired at the bear. Bears are very smart and will want to avoid an area where they've experienced that type of discomfort.

Refreshments were available to all who attended the meeting. Members had a selection of wine, cheese, fruit, crackers, cookies, soda and apple juice. It was a great way to learn about living in bear country.

Please notify the police and the administrative office if you see or hear anything suspicious. The police would rather find out that it was a false alarm than not be called at all.

The administrative office may not always be aware of everything that is going on in Rio Vista. Please inform the office at 201-760-1258 promptly if you learn of any incidence of crime in Rio Vista. With your help, the office can circulate information in a timely manner to the community. More block captains would be helpful for disseminating critical information promptly to residents. Volunteers are needed for flyer distribution.

Coming in the future: Look for reverse 911 service. This means that the police will be able to call residents in specific areas with important information on a more timely basis.

CRIME ALERT

Detectives Martin Clancy & Lewis Santonacita of the Mahwah police personally and urgently request that Rio Vista Mahwah residents increase their vigilance during the holiday season. Since the daylight hours are now shorter, the police say crime traditionally increases because of the longer hours of darkness. In fact, there have recently been a number of burglaries at a nearby housing development. One tactic the criminals used was fraudulent pizza deliverers knocking on doors, asking directions. Another ploy was phony car breakdowns used to gain access to homes or ascertain if a house is empty. The detectives urge residents not to open their doors to strangers. Use alarm systems at all times. Do not leave holiday package deliveries outside which indicate an empty house. The police emphasize that residents should not hesitate to call police at 911 or 201-529-1000 if there is even the slightest suspicious activity in the neighborhood. Rio Vista Mahwah residents are invited to call the detectives at 201-529-1000 with any questions or concerns about this crime alert.

POLICE CHIEF CRIME ALERT

Mahwah's Chief of Police James Battelli has alerted Rio Vista residents to several recent crime incidents. A Seminary Drive resident briefly stepped out of his home to purchase hot dog buns. Upon his return, he encountered an intruder in his home. The intruder fled with the resident in hot pursuit. Unable to catch the perpetrator, the resident called police from a neighbor's home. Police arrived with police dogs and traced the scent of the criminal to a parking lot. Chief Battelli urges residents NOT to confront any intruders personally. Call police immediately. Meanwhile police patrols have been increased in Rio Vista. Residents should not hesitate to contact police regarding any suspicious activity. In particular, the presence of unfamiliar vehicles, even though high end, should be reported immediately.

SECURITY ISSUES

Once again theft and vandalism rear their ugly heads in Rio Vista Mahwah. We have had a rash of lawn ornaments and address signs stolen from the front of houses and lawns in the community. Mailboxes have been knocked over. Trash cans have disappeared. Police have been notified. Residents should be aware that by leaving decorative items outdoors, they risk having them stolen. What to do about this? Consider securing outdoor objects so that they might be less likely to be targeted. Police are aware and are continuing their increased patrols of the area. Vigilance and immediate reporting to the police of anything of suspicion in the community is essential. Please contact the administrative office at 201-760-1258 if you have any additional suggestions.

RADON Some residents in Rio Vista have reported that radon gas in their homes had tested at high levels. Radon is a radioactive gas which is found in certain geographic locations. The gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible. However it can cause long term health problems if it is undetected.
    Detecting radon can either be done by a professional or alternately by purchasing a radon detection kit from a hardware store. The kit contains simple, easy to follow instructions which can alert the user if radon gas levels are at a hazardous level.. Once this is determined, the homeowners can take the steps necessary to protect themselves.
    Radon gas can be dealt with if it does exist at a high level on your premises.