2024 SAHA GATES UPDATE
As many of you have probably noticed, the front gate (Gate 1) and the gate to Phase 5 (Gate 3) are open and will remain so for the next several days. The old keypads have been removed and, hopefully, new ones will be installed shortly.
For those in Phases 1 – 4, please drive slowly through the gate. We do not want any accidents, especially from speeding.
For those in Phase 5, you will have no problems either. However, getting through Gate 2, the one on Spud Mountain Road, you will need to use your clickers leaving Phase 5. This is because the trip on 312th Avenue is not working while Gate 3 is open. This trip also opens Gate 2 as you leave.
Coming down Spud towards Phase 5 is no problem. That trip, which is up hill from Gate 2, is still operational.
If anyone has any questions regarding this, please let me know. My cell phone number is 360-213-9438.
Thank you, George
https://summitautumnhills.org/homeowner-portal/resource/gates-committee/
UPDATE | SAHA FIREWISE
Greetings from the SAHA’s FireWise team!
Several months ago, in a discussion with the state’s DNR Wildfire team, we learned of the potential for several DNR-funded grants available to community FireWise organizations.
The first grant, amounting to $4000 is designed to promote community efforts in wildfire fuel reduction ahead of this years anticipated wildfire season.
We applied for this grant on behalf of the Summit at Autumn Hills HOA and we have received this grant. In fact, it seems that DNR is so approving of our current FireWise efforts here in SAHA, that they “bumped” our grant award up to $7000.
You may view a copy of this grant award in the FireWise folder on the SAHA web.
So how should we spend $7000?
First, it’s a time-limited grant, in that the work needs to be complete early in May, which actually coincides with Washington’s Wildfire Prevention Week, May 1-7.
Here’s our proposed goal:
1) Beginning now (yes, it clear that it’s already started) we are asking SAHA members to trim excess branches wherever possible, and in particular any dead branches.
2) The ACC has noted that SAHA’s regulations suggest that vegetation should be cleared (when practical) at least 8 feet from the pavement and trees overhanging the road need to be trimmed to allow for a minimum of 12-feet of clearance.
3) Bundle these branches in roughly 6-foot to 10-foot sections and pile up by SAHA’s roads in front of your property. Since wildfire fuel reduction is the objective, you are NOT limited to just the vegetation adjoining our roads.
4) A recent survey by a DNR representative of SAHA confirmed that it is critical to remove all vegetation within 5 feet of your house, at an absolute minimum.
This effort needs be be included in your vegetation removal efforts.
5) Again, all materials need to be out by the road by May 7th.
We will begin chipping on May 8th. The contractor will be required to haul away all chips, as our DNR representative has reminded us that chips are fuel also.
6) The FireWise team has contacted several contractors to get an idea on chipping costs. We would appreciate HOA member recommendations for contractors with whom you’ve had good past experience: (
[email protected] or call Bob Peterson 360-210-1100)
7) Immediately after the completion of the chipping program, we anticipate using any unspent funds to clear vegetation around SAHA’s gates and are open to additional member suggestions.
The FireWise team is continuing to pursue additional state grants, all for wildfire protection, including one potential grant that could partially fund SAHA’s perceived need for (in lieu of hydrants) additional water storage throughout SAHA.
Finally, with the weather (hopefully) warming it is time to focus on roadside grass, and to that objective, the FireWise team, again, has made available for resident use a complete electric weed-whacker kit that includes batteries, charger, extra trimming line and a battery powered leaf blower. Please contact the above email address to reserve. If you need help “whacking” we can probably find a few volunteers also.
Mark the deadline of May 7th on your calendars!
Thank you,
Bob Peterson
