The fire alarm system consists of 403,000 feet of cable connecting 5,665 networked devices.
Dog Prohibition at Watergate
(Posted: 7/26/2010)
Dogs are not allowed at Watergate except for service dogs properly registered with the Association and appropriate government agencies.Currently there are no service dogs registered with the Watergate office. Civil Code 1360.5 (Pet Provision) does not change our prohibition on dogs (CC&Rs 6.12) until the Watergate Community Association changes or amends the governing documents (CC&Rs and Rule Book). There are no plans to change the WCA governing documents in the foreseeable future. If you see a dog on the property, please note the unit number or parking space - along with a description of the dog - and report that information to Watergate Security. Thank you.
Common Area Renovations and Signs Project Status Update
(Posted: 6/24/2010)
The CARS prototype - planned for the 3rd floor between 6 and 8 Captain, will include two carpet choices; two unit door entry wall surround finishes; two different unit ID signage and light panel options with new graphics. The lighting package includes down and up lit corridor lamps along with the lobby landing down lights; four exit signs and two unit decorator lights.Corridors, end walls, lobby landing walls, ceilings and door paint colors will be presented as well. The prototype work will be completed no later than October 1, 2010 at which time the 30-day community comment period will begin.
Notice of Annual Assessment Increase
(Posted: 4/20/2010)
After conducting two open session budget meetings with the Finance Committee and management, the Board of Directors adopted the 2010/2011 Pro Forma Operating Budget at the April 19, 2010 regular session board meeting.A summary of the final approved budget, which takes effect July 1, 2010, is distributed to all members of record and becomes the basis for setting the annual assessment to each property owner.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors hereby notifies the members of the Watergate Community Association that there will be a 2% increase to your annual assessment effective July 1, 2010.
Watergate management and staff will continue to manage daily operations and major replacement and renovation projects in a cost-effective manner. Savings in labor, insurance (risk management) and natural gas costs are offset by increases in cable television, garbage, electric and bad debt expenses.
The two major replacement projects scheduled to commence during the upcoming fiscal year are common area renovations and building fire suppression. These projects are intended to enhance your living environment and protect people and property.
All of the major projects noted in the current reserve study will be funded from annual regular assessments.No special assessments are planned or contemplated by the Board of Directors at this time.
Quick Headlines and Updates
(Posted: 4/06/2010)
Expired ID Cards:
A recent audit shows that there are 225 units that have residents with expired ID cards. Having a current Watergate ID is a requirement that the owners of this community require of all residents. As the Association moves toward keyless entry in the future, your proximity wand will most likely be linked to Watergate ID expiration dates, so now is a great time to get into the habit of renewing your ID before it expires.
Guest Parking Passes:
You may pick up guest parking passes at the Clipper Club, Security and the Watergate office. Guest passes are issued for no more than a 30-day period and may have time restrictions. Keep in mind that there is no guest parking during major construction projects.
Holiday Items:
All holiday wreaths should be removed from unit doors in January of each year. Also, all stringed lights and decorations need to be removed from patios as well. Your fellow residents thank you.
"E" Building Water Shut Off - Thursday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(Posted: 3/10/2010)
A complete water shut-off to the entire "E" building and some units on the "E" - "C" bridge is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2010 starting at 10:00 a.m. and lasting until 1:00 p.m. This will affect the "E" building laundry room as well. This shut off is necessary to repair a leak that is dripping into the ceiling of the 4 Captain Drive lobby. In order to prevent flooding, please leave your fixtures in the "off" position until the water has been turned back on. The Clipper Club restroom and showers accross the street are avavilabe for your use.
Anchor Club Update
(Posted: 3/10/2010)
The Anchor Club renovations are scheduled to be completed by Friday, March 26th. Renovations include: spa repairs; extensive cleaning; new paint: new carpet: and new windows. In order to facilitate this work, the Anchor Club will remain closed until all of the above repairs have been completed. The Anchor pool will remain open during this time. Thank you for your patience while we maintain your facilities.
Important Tips and Advice for Owners/Residents
(Posted: 3/1/2010)
Fire Alarms: If you accidentally burn food while cooking a meal, please do not open your door to the hallway as you will activate the hallway smoke detectors. Setting off the fire alarm system is a huge disturbance to your fellow residents and can cause upset and stress for a everyone who lives in your building. To properly air out your unit, please open your sliding glass or wood patio door. Your fellow residents thank you.
Water Leaks: Please do not attempt any plumbing work after maintenance department office hours (8:30 am - 4 pm Monday thru Friday) as there is no maintenance staff on duty to assist you. Water shut offs need to be requested at the WCA office if you are planning to do any type of kitchen or bathroom fixture replacement or repair. There are times that an angle stop valve may fail, flooding the unit below. It can take on call maintenance personnel up to an hour to arrive on site to shut off the water to your stack of units.
Bank Owned Unit Agents: Please to not attempt any unit renovations without contacting the Watergate office. The units at Watergate share common walls, plumbing, cable, telephone and cannot be removed and or modified unless under the direction of a structural engineer and approved by the Architectural Control Committee ("ACC") and WCA Board of Directors. For more information, please see the Unit Modification Quick Guide or contact the Watergate office.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Watergate. Please do not allow visitors to bring dogs on the property as well.
Clogged Unit Faucets and Fixtures: If you are not getting proper water flow to your kitchen or bathroom faucet fixtures - and there is water to other units in your shared stack of three or six units - the problem is most likely an old faucet cartridge, mixing valve or clogged faucet aerator. Any plumbing repairs made inside your unit to correct these items are the responsibly of the unit owner. Any plumbing problems noted at the Clipper Club, Anchor Club, or laundry facilities are paid for by the Association.
Common Area Renovations and Signs Committee - Project Status Update
(Posted: 2/25/2010)
The CARS committee attended the first presentation by the Huntsman Design Group on the design concepts, lighting options, and signage choices for the common area renovation project. The presentation was very successful with separate presentations by each of the three vendors – Huntsman Design Group, LumenWorks Lighting and Hutner-Descollonges Graphics. The committee gave its approval of the general direction that the design team is taking and had an opportunity to give feedback to each of the key design areas on what the committee liked and did not like, and suggestions on what the committee would like to see next. In the coming weeks, the Huntsman team will prepare annotated drawings which they will give to construction manager Michael Williams so he can begin getting cost estimates for each of the key areas of design (paint, carpet, lighting, and signage). Huntsman will have an opportunity to review the design estimates with staff and make any revisions necessary. At the same time, Huntsman, LumenWorks and Hutner-Descollonges will narrow down the design ideas that were presented to two or three concepts for each key area. They will present their options to the CARS Committee in early April for the committee’s review in preparation for presentation to the board.
Quick Headlines and Updates
(Posted: 2/23/2010)
The replacement Clipper Club pool pump will be installed Wednesday afternoon with the pool brought back to proper temperature and use by Thursday afternoon.
The Anchor Club facilities (including bathrooms) are closed for the duration of the spa reconstruction project. This is for your safety.
If you receive an notice of unapproved item(s) on your balcony, please remove the offending item. Please know that staff is not picking on you, but doing its job. Did you know that in many cases, staff is responding to multiple complaints from other residents.
The City of Emeryville City Council is meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the new proposed parcel tax for your property. This new parcel tax is to fund lighting and landscaping in areas throughout the city and is expected to raise $1.2 million dollars annually. If you want your voice to be heard on this property tax increase, please attend the March 16th meeting.
Please welcome our new grounds supervisor Robert Murphy, and our new security director Dan Marchetti. If you see them on the property, give them a hello and a warm Watergate welcome!
WCA Notifications and Communications to Members
(Posted: 2/02/2010)
All unit owners are responsible for informing their tenants and/or guests of the community’s rules and registration requirements, and for insuring their compliance. Written notice of rules violations including noise, architectural control, or expired or expiring registration will be sent to the unit owner directly.Off-site owners who receive a violation letter or courtesy notice requiring action or resolution should contact their tenant or property manager directly.
Looking for a quick guide to various unit modifications approval requirements? Click here for the latest.
E-Waste Event
(Posted: 1/07/2010)
There is an E-waste event at Watergate scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Click for event flyer!
EBMUD Meter Tests - D and A Building Water Shut Offs
(Posted: 12/07/2009)
EBMUD will be testing the water meters to D and A buildings on Monday, December 14, 2009. Water to D building will be shut off from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Water to A building will be shut off from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly.
Thank you.
Water Shut Off
(Posted: 11/20/2009)
State licensed personnel will be on-site on Monday, November 23, 2009 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to perform the annually required testing of the backflow prevention devices. As a result, the water to your building will be temporarily turned-off while your building’s equipment is tested.Watergate staff will be present during the testing in order to verify that the time in which any one building’s water is turned off is minimal.Each device should only take about 30 minutes to test if it performs properly.For this reason it is impossible to commit to a schedule.Once your water is back on, it should not be necessary to turn it off again. Since this will affect the laundry rooms as well, you are advised against doing any laundry during this time. In order to prevent flooding, please make sure all faucets are left in the “off” position.
Election of Officers
(Posted: 11/19/2009)
In an open board meeting held November 16, 2009, the board unanimously voted in the following officers:
Robert C. Blain - President Mike Cartmell - Vice President Neil Straus - Secretary Murray Kane - Treasurer
2009 Annual Membership Meeting Results
(Posted: 11/10/2009)
(Registrations - 469 (Proxies/Proxy for Quorum/Absentee/Vote in Person) -- Exceeded Quorum Requirement of 437.
Wind-driven rain can cause damage to ceilings, walls, carpet and all types of flooring if precautions aren’t taken to help prevent water intrusion usually associated with stormy weather.Generally speaking, there are a few things that residents can do to help prevent water intrusion through sliding glass doors and windows, during wind-driven rain. *Stay informed of weather conditions. *If out of town, have a neighbor check inside of your unit if you’ve had problems in the past. *Keep weep holes in windows and doors clean, this is the point of exit for rain, condensation and provides air circulation. *Replace worn or torn gaskets, weather guards/stripping and rollers. *Clean window and sliding glass door tracks to encourage drainage to the weep holes, this also helps prolong the life of window and door rollers. *If you live on a courtyard and notice that drain(s) are blocked, contact the Watergate office to have Maintenance clean them out. *Have some extra towels and plastic handy if you have experienced water intrusion through your windows or doors in the past. Windows and doors that have been properly maintained are still subject to water intrusion if storm and wind-driven conditions prevail. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain windows & slider frames and Association’s responsibility to maintain the exterior waterproof membrane that ties into your exterior window and sliding glass doorframes. Please note that the Association is not responsible for damage caused by wind-driven rain that intrudes through windows and sliding glass doors.
EBMUD Meter Tests - B and C Building Water Shut Offs
(Posted: 10/10/2009)
EBMUD will be testing the water meters to B and C buildings on Monday, October 12, 2009. Water to B building will be shut off from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Water to C building will be shut off from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly.
Thank you.
Campaigning On Watergate Private Property
(Posted: 10/4/2009)
With the upcoming city election, please be reminded of WCA’s policy recognizing First Amendment protection for political speech:
Candidates/Canvassers must provide advance notice to the WCA office or WCA Security by phone, fax, email, or in person for building access authorization.
Door to door access will be granted seven days per week between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. only.
Candidates/canvassers must conduct themselves in a manner that does not unreasonably annoy or harass the residents. Any materials distributed must be delivered hand to hand to residents or via door hanger materials only - no loose flyers or other campaign materials can be left on private vehicles or dropped on common hallway floors or lobbies.
Fire Alarm "In-Unit" Testing Schedule - October 2009
(Posted: 9/28/2009) The purpose of this notice is to inform you of the need to access your unit according to the schedule below for the purpose of testing the fire alarm devices inside of your home.This is part of a mandated annual fire alarm testing project with access into your unit taking place once every four years. Read the complete notice here.
Anchor Hot Tub Closed for a Few Months!
(Posted: 9/17/2009)
The Anchor Club hot tub has been closed this past week for a water leak investigation. The lines supplying the water and air to the hot tub jets have been pressure tested and there is a leak somewhere behind the shell of the hot tub and the cinder block wall. It appears a complete replacement of all water and air supply lines to the hot tub may be required. This is an expensive project that will most likely mean demolition of the tile wall and the upper portion of the spa in order to get to the enclosed and encased pipe beds. This project may cost $30,000, require three bids, permits and Board approval. What this means is the spa will be closed for a few months at best based off the information available to us now. Please keep in mind that the recent health department required replastering job completed last year was cosmetic in nature and is unrelated to this recently discovered leak situation. In the meantime, the Clipper Club hot tub is available for your use. Thank you for your patience while we begin work on this new and unexpected replacement project.
Reporting Items to WCA Security
(Posted: 9/14/2009)
Security is everyone's concern. Security personnel cannot be everywhere at the same time.We depend on you, the residents of Watergate, to let us know when you observe a security problem or situation that may be unsafe.Since security is everyone's concern, we sincerely invite your comments, feedback and ideas on how we may be of better service to the Watergate community.
When you speak with one of the security guards about a security issue, please note their name so that we may follow up on any concerns that you may have. In the event of a police, fire, or medical emergency please call 911. For all other security matters please call 772-5005.
The Anchor Pool will be closed August 10, 2009 through September 30, 2009 for major pool and deck repairs. The "B" pool will be heated for your use during this time.
Tree Removal Proposal for Declining Plum Tree #731
(Posted: 7/17/2009)
The Landscape committee looked at plum #731, which is next to the street south of 6 Commodore. This tree has been in decline for years due to poor drainage, has very little foliage and the trunk is oozing sap, a sign of fungal disease. Just up the sidewalk is healthy plum #731a, which Joe Jones planted a few years ago knowing that #731 would need to come out. The committee feels it is time and recommends removal. We will work with Matt Heebner to decide what, if anything, we might replace this tree with.
Plum Tree #731 and 731a
Common Use Utility Usage Results for Fiscal Year 2008/2009
(Posted: 7/08/2009)
All common use utilities showed usage decline from the prior fiscal year. Water usage was down 4 gallons per unit per day, which is 4.2% below prior year; natural gas usage was down 21 therms per day for the whole complex, which is 3.3% below prior year: and electric use was down 130 kilowatt hours per day for the complex, which is 2.8% below last year's usage.
Congratulations!!
Watergate's Assessments Compared to Other Condos & Single Family Homes Costs!
Tree Removal Proposal for Declining Plum Trees #496 and #498
(Posted: 6/17/2009)
Matt Heebner requests approval to remove the two declining plums (#496 and #498) at the end of the greenbelt next to Admiral Drive before beginning the renovation of the area that was approved at the last Board meeting. These trees have been unhealthy for years due to poor drainage. As there are 5 smoke trees (which grow to large shrubs or small trees) to be planted in the area, he does not recommend any other trees there. He will bring his suggestions to the committee next month for whether or not to do any replacements elsewhere, and if so, what trees and where. The committee recommends removal of the plums.
Common Area Renovations Design Firm Competition Update
(Posted: 4/07/2009)
Beginning on Friday, May 1st, through Sunday, May 17th, the design concepts from the two design firms selected by the CARS Committee for the common area renovations project will be available for viewing at the Clipper Club and on the Watergate website and Watergate E-News. The displays will show the work of the two design firms being considered by the Board and the CARS Committee for the renovation of all the common areas of the community including the lobbies, elevator cabs, elevator landings, hallways (lighting, painting, carpeting, and signage), and exterior lighting and signage. You will have the opportunity to offer your comments on the designs, but keep in mind that these are design concepts only, not final designs, to enable the Board and the CARS committee to choose which design firm will be awarded the contract for the work. At select times during the month, members of the CARS Committee will be available in the Clipper Club to answer questions and give you more information about the design process and the timeline for the project. Watch lobby and laundry room bulletin boards for more information with specific dates and times.
Renewable Energy Committee Information
(Posted: 3/20/2009)
Solar power presentation to the Renewable Energy Committee
Community Channel 10 Slideshow
(Posted: 2/24/2009)
Common Area Renovations and Signs Committee Progress Report
Get your 2009 WCA Board Meeting schedule and other important Association dates and deadlines by clicking here.
Monthly Assessment Payments
(Posted: 12/05/2008)
Monthly assessments are due on the first of each month. After the 15th of each month late charges are assessed. (See CC&Rs 4.6.8 on page 18)
Did you know that Watergate Community Association and its agent (Bank of Alameda) process almost 15,000 assessment payments a year without difficulty or error!
Many members successfully avoid late charges by doing one or more of the following: Make the payment on the due date, which is the first of each month. In the event that situations develop causing delays, you have provided yourself ample time (15 days) to get your payment in well before late charges are assessed. Sign up for “automatic payment” with WCA.Join 713 Watergate owners who enjoy the safety, convenience and timeliness of this free service.Your monthly assessments are automatically debited directly from your account on the 8th of each month.
When utilizing a third party (property management company or other agent) to pay your assessments, please know that the Watergate Community Association is not responsible for your agent’s effectiveness and competency on this area. Please also know that assessment payments are not accepted at the local Bank of Alameda branch office.
If you chose to use a self-directed online bill pay service, please know that (when directing your financial institution via your computer) payment is made with a check sent through U.S. mail. The amount debited from your account is not the date it is received at the Watergate Community Association or Bank of Alameda lock box service. Please note that the Watergate Community Association is not responsible for US Postal Service or other third party errors or delays.
Please understand that Watergate employees are not permitted to offer late fee waiver exception for members. The Board of Directors and staff are obligated to uniformly enforce CC&Rs 4.6.8 regarding regular assessment payments and the 2008/2009 Collection Enforcement Policy for the benefit of the common interest and all its members.
Emergency Contact Numbers Needed
(Posted: 12/05/2008)
Please make sure that that the Watergate Community Association office (428-0118) has a number where you can be reached in an emergency. If your sink, tub, toilet or other plumbing fixtures within your unit fails, it is critical that residents are reachable via cell phone or an alternate landline number if you are away after hours and on weekends.If a working unit key and/or current contact phone numbers are not made available to the Watergate homeowner’s office (428-0118), this will slow down staff’s ability to respond effectively in an emergency. The main goal here is to help residents reduce their personal liability exposure if their plumbing fixtures happen to leak and cause water damage to other units. Please make sure you have HO6 Insurance for your unit, as the Association’s Master Policy will not cover water leaks that originate from your unit’s plumbing fixtures. Thank you.
Election of Officers
(Posted: 11/11/2008)
In an open Board of Directors meeting held November 11, 2008, the Board voted in the following officers:
Robert C. Blain -- President
Ariane Zand -- Vice President
Neil Straus -- Secretary
Murray Kane -- Treasurer
SAVE ENERGY, MONEY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT: GET A FREE HOME ENERGY AUDIT
(Posted: 7/15/2008)
The Watergate Community Association has partnered with Rising Sun Energy Center to offer free energy efficiency services in your condominium units. Appointments are available :Tuesday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2008 between 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During that week, a professional team of Youth Energy Specialists will be at Watergate providing free energy audits and services. They can exchange your old inefficient light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents of the same brightness and light quality.They are also able to check for leaks in your toilets, measure your water flow, and install free showerheads and water-saving aerators if necessary.They can provide a basic energy efficiency education and will leave an “Energy Saving Tips” refrigerator magnet and other documentation about their visit. If you will be home during the above times and would like to arrange an appointment, or if you would like the service but must reschedule for another time, please call Rising Sun Energy Center at 510-665-1501 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.You may also sign up for an appointment at the Clipper Club.If there is great interest, we will extend the service period another week. Rising Sun Energy Center 2033 Center Street Berkeley, CA94704 www.risingsunenergy.org FREE Energy Saving Equipment ·Compact fluorescent light bulbs to replace your old incandescent bulbs ·Multi-function, high pressure, water efficient showerheads ·Efficient kitchen and bathroom faucet heads …and more! CYES Helps Your Community ·You save money on your PG&E bill ·Local young adults receive valuable green job training
Notice of Monthly Assessment Increase
(Posted: 4/22/2008) This e-mail serves as official notice to all members that there will be a 3.0% increase to your monthly assessment effective July 1, 2008.Please note that due to excellent operating cost controls overall and continued favorable operating fund cost reductions realized in insurance and garbage expenses again this year, the funding level allocation to the replacement fundincreased$58,017 or 3.22% over current levels.This funding allocation level is necessary to meet your Association’s common area maintenance and component replacement obligations as required by California Civil Code § 1365.2.5.This is the second year in a row that $0.31 cents out of every dollar in monthly assessments are allocated to the replacement fund. Major projects completed this past fiscal year included repaving “E” garage and all common area streets, installation of a new property line fence and landscaping along Powell Street, and the installation of a video surveillance system at all main garage and lobby entrances.Projects scheduled to commence this next fiscal year include the replacement of the boardwalk railings and preliminary design review work for common area renovations. If you have any questions, please contact the WCA office at (510) 428-0118.The office is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sincerely, Watergate Community Association /s/Robert C. Blain, President WCA Board of Directors
Watergate Has Access to Zipcar!
(Posted: 4/21/2008)
Watergate Gets Car-Sharing! The addition of a fifth car-sharing pod on the Watergate Peninsula has made citywide car-sharing a reality in Emeryville. Through its unique partnership with the Emeryville TMA, Zipcar has placed another hybrid car at the Watergate Office Towers.The car, located in the surface parking lot adjacent to the main entry to the office complex and the 1900 Tower building, is available and accessible 24/7 to both employees and residents along the Peninsula. With cars on the Peninsula, at the Public Market, at Emery Station/Amtrak, and on 53rd and 45th Streets, car-sharing is now accessible to everyone in Emeryville within a short walk or via the Emery Go Round. The program, which began with four cars late last fall, already has over 150 Emeryville workers and residents using the fuel-efficient hybrids for business and personal use.Car-sharing offers access to vehicles when they’re needed, charging members only for their reservation/actual usage.A flat, hourly rate covers gas, up to 180 miles per day, insurance, and maintenance.Research proves that each car-share takes 15 to 20 vehicles off the road.Access to a car-share also increases use of public transit and other non-driving modes of transportation; reduces car ownership and vehicular trips among members. In addition to being the first city in the Bay Area to offer citywide car-sharing, Emeryville is also the first to have on-street parking for two of its cars. Employees who work in Emeryville are eligible for free membership ($75 in savings) in Zipcar and reduced hourly rates for car use. Residents have the same access to cars at market rates (currently $9/hour).Zipcar will also waive the $50 membership fee for Emeryville residents joining the program between now and June 30th.
For more information or to join, please send the TMA an email at egoround@aol.com with your Emeryville work or home address; then apply for membership online at www.zipcar.com/emeryvilletma.
Protect Your Unit During Inclement Weather
(Posted: 1/4/2008) Wind-driven rain can cause damage to ceilings, walls, carpet and all types of flooring if precautions aren’t taken to help prevent water intrusion usually associated with stormy weather.Generally speaking, there are a few things that residents can do to help prevent water intrusion through sliding glass doors and windows, during wind-driven rain. *Stay informed of weather conditions. *If out of town, have a neighbor check inside of your unit if you’ve had problems in the past. *Keep weep holes in windows and doors clean, this is the point of exit for rain, condensation and provides air circulation. *Replace worn or torn gaskets, weather guards/stripping and rollers. *Clean window and sliding glass door tracks to encourage drainage to the weep holes, this also helps prolong the life of window and door rollers. *If you live on a courtyard and notice that drain(s) are blocked, contact the Watergate office to have Maintenance clean them out. *Have some extra towels and plastic handy if you have experienced water intrusion through your windows or doors in the past. Windows and doors that have been properly maintained are still subject to water intrusion if storm and wind-driven conditions prevail. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain windows & slider frames and Association’s responsibility to maintain the exterior waterproof membrane that ties into your exterior window and sliding glass doorframes. Please note that the Association is not responsible for damage caused by wind-driven rain that intrudes through windows and sliding glass doors.
2008 Move-in Packets Available Online
(Posted: 12/13/2007)
Get your 2008 WCA Move-in Packets online. Download and give this information to your tenants before they register with the WCA!
Later WCA Office Hours for Registrations and ID Renewals
(Posted: 12/10/2007)
The WCA office is open until 6:15 p.m. once a month by appointment on the night of the monthly Board of Directors meetings. This service has been available for over a year and is great option for residents who work during the week and want to renew their ID card or complete move in registration paperwork. Please contact the office at 428-0118 to schedule your after hours appointment. Click here for explanation of processing and registration fees.
2007 Annual Meeting Results
(Posted: 11/13/2007)
Elect Four Board Members:
Approve 11/13/2006 Minutes:
Surplus Funds Carry Forward:
*Robert C. Blain - 290 *Murray Kane - 263 *Neil Straus - 191 *Max Weintraub - 176 Jan Fuchs - 166 Jason Crouch - 150 Elizabeth Altieri - 134 Others - 3
*Elected to the WCA Board of Directors
*For - 337 Against - 1 Abstain - 38
*Approved
*For - 357 Against - 3 Abstain - 27
*Approved
Furniture and Appliance Disposal Fee Schedule
(Posted: 11/06/2007)
Contact the Watergate office if you would like to schedule a pick up of your old household appliance or furniture. There is a reasonable disposal fee that must be paid at the Watergate office prior to pick up.
Emergency Communications
(Posted: 10/31/2007)
In an emergency, Watergate Security will communicate to all 1,249 units via the fire alarm speakers. In the event the power is out, the system will operate for up to six hours.
Comcast Cable Channel Change
(Posted: 10/25/2007) Comcast will no longer offer channels 11, 24, 26, 69 and 75 to analog cable customers in the Bay Area as the cable provider continues to clear room on the dial for high definition networks.If you subscribe to Comcast digital television services you will not be affected by this change.
If you want to have the aforementioned channels, music and "on-demand" movie features you may order a digital receiver from Comcast for a monthly charge of $3.70 for the first televison and $6.99 per month for each additional television. This receiver cost does not include any digital service package charges, taxes and fees.
Please contact Comcast at 1-800-984-2824 for more information.
Recycling Reminders
(Posted: 10/05/2007)
E-WASTE PICKUP: We have tentatively arranged for another E-Waste pickup at Watergate after in January, 2008. You can save any old TV’s, computers or other electronic equipment until then, or you can get rid of it sooner from any of the E-Waste resources listed on the StopWaste.org website or in their Recycling Guide.
JUNK MAIL ADVERTISING: If you would like to have your address removed from getting the Shopwise advertising packets that come regularly in the mail, you can call Customer Assistance for ADVO, and they will remove you for 5 years. The number is 1-888-241-6760.
Hallway Survey
(Posted: 8/15/2007)
A recent survey of the common hallways and doors indicate that 94.4% of all unit doors are free of personal items and 99.1% of all units do not have a door mat in the common use hallway. For those few that still have door mats or personal items attached to your unit door, please join the rest of your community in keeping the common area hallways neat, clean and free of trip hazards. Congratulations to the residents of "F" building for the best rules compliance results.
Bldg – Units
Date Inspected
Items on Doors
Compliance %
Floor Mats
Compliance %
A - 228
8/06/2007
12
94.7 %
5
97.8%
B - 208
7/30/2007
10
95.2%
2
99.0%
C - 177
8/15/2007
13
92.7%
1
99.4%
D - 211
7/30/2007
21
90.0%
2
99.1%
E - 159
8/15/2007
11
93.7%
0
100.0%
F - 266
8/06/2007
3
98.9%
1
99.6%
WCA
7/30/07 – 8/15/07
70
94.4%
11
99.1%
Unsightly Items on Balconies or Patios
(Posted: 7/17/2007)
The WCA office is receiving multiple complaints from multiple sources about clothing and other items being hung from balconies. Please know that your WCA Community Rules do not permit linen, clothing, rugs, mops, or other items to be shaken or hung from windows, doors, railings and balconies. Please do your part to keep the patios neat and clean for the benefit of your community.
Please make sure to take the appropriate steps to properly protect your unit and personal property. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your particular situation here at Watergate.
Notice of Regular Assessment Increase
(Posted: 4/23/2007)
On Monday, April 23, 2007, the Watergate Community Association Board of Directors approved the 2007/2008 Budget. The Budget calls for a Regular Assessment increase of 3.0% commencing July 1, 2007.Please note that due to favorable operating fund cost reductions realized in insurance and garbage expenses this year, 100% of the monthly assessment increase will be allocated to the replacement fund.This funding allocation level is necessary to meet your Association’s common area maintenance and component replacement obligations.This year, $0.31 cents out of every dollar in monthly assessments will be allocated to the replacement fund. Major projects completed this past fiscal year include waterproofing buildings A,C, C/E bridge and re-leveling D garage.Projects underway and continuing into this next fiscal year include E building waterproofing and Powell Street fence replacement.Additional projects scheduled for Board review later this next year include C and E garage re-leveling and common area street repaving.
Monthly Assessments
(Posted: 4/19/2007)
Monthly assessments are due on the first of each month.After the 15th of each month late charges are assessed.(See CC&Rs4.6.8 on page 18) Many members successfully avoid late charges by doing one or more of the following: Make the payment on the due date, which is the first of each month.In the event that situations develop causing delays, you have provided yourself ample time (15 days) to get your payment in well before late charges are assessed. If you use a self-directed bill pay service, please know that when directing your financial institution via your computer that payment is made on your behalf with a check sent through the U.S. mail.The amount debited from your account is not the date it is received at the Association or Bank of Alameda.Please note that the Watergate Community Association is not responsible for US Postal Service errors or delays. Set up “automatic payment” with the WCA, which automatically debits the amount of your monthly assessment directly from your account on the 8th of each month. Please understand that Watergate employees are not in a position to create a late fee waiver exception for members.The Board of Directors and staff must uniformly enforce the CC&R sections regarding regular assessment payments and the 2007/2008 Collection Enforcement Policy for the benefit of the common interest and all of its members.
Please provide the Association with your current address, work and home numbers when registering at the Association office. The Association will send your assessment coupon books and all Association related notices to the address indicated on the grant deed unless you complete a change of mailing address form directing staff to send your mail to another mailing address.
Please contact the WCA office before starting any type of interior renovations or modifications to your home. Common violations include: removing the acoustal "popcorn" ceiling material; installing hardwood and tile flooring; and removing interior walls without Association or Board approval. Please see unit modification application guidelines and procedures for more information.
City of Emeryville Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance
(Posted: 1/29/2007)
The Emeryville City Council passed a Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance at the December 5, 2006 regular meeting.Effective March 1, 2007, smoking will be prohibited in all indoor and outdoor common use areas at Watergate.As a result, residents and their visitors are only allowed to smoke in their unit and/or respective exclusive use patio or balcony.
