Welcome to Montebello Registration and Helpful Information for New Residents 1
Overview Part 1: The Paperwork Part 2: Finding Your Way Part 3: Safety and Access Part 4: Services and Maintenance Part 5: Montebello Community 2
Part 1: The Paperwork Schedule your move Complete your Resident Profile Register your vehicle Register your pet Get your Montebello Photo ID Learn options for paying condo fees Meet your Building Representative Join our Resident Directory 3
Move-In Rules & Fees Moves are scheduled between 9am and 6pm Mondays through Fridays. Work must be started by 2 pm and finished by 6 pm. Moving trucks must be off the property by 6 pm. Only one move a day is scheduled in each building. Only one truck at a time per move is allowed on the property. A $100 move-in fee, payable by check, money order, or cashiers check, is due before your move. In addition, we require a $200 elevator deposit, which will be refunded if movers and truckers have caused no damage to the property and if moving trucks are off the property by 6 pm. If damage is caused, the deposit will be used to correct the damage and you will be responsible for any repair costs for damage caused in excess of the deposit. 4
Moving Day Your movers should tell the guard at the Front Gate which building and unit you are moving into. The guards will direct your moving truck to the covered service entrance on the B-3 level at the back of your building. Guards will show your movers to the service elevator, which will be reserved and prepared for your use. In the unusual event the service elevator is unavailable, the General Manager or staff will reserve a passenger elevator for your move. Movers should make the service elevator available for brief times for single deliveries to other residents, if requested. 5
Your Resident Profile Information in your profile is private. We don t share it with anyone without your permission. We use it to: Get in touch with you, if needed, or to contact someone you designate in case of emergency; Be aware of anyone in your unit who might need help in case of an emergency; Keep a record of registered pets living in your unit; Record license plate and Montebello decal numbers of vehicle(s) registered to your unit; and Record the numbers of gate cards and visitor recreation passes issued to your unit. Please notify the Association Office of any changes to your contact information in order to keep your profile up to date. 6
Your Montebello Credentials At Registration, you will receive the items that identify you as a Montebello resident, that let you enter through our gates, and that give you access to our amenities. These include: Vehicle Decal. Needed for parking on the premises. You also can use it for entry at the gate. Magnetic Gate Card. Use this to lift the traffic arm at the residents entrance at the Front Gate or to operate the pedestrian turnstile at the rear gate. Remote control Genie. Clips onto the driver s side visor of your car and lets you open the residents side gate with the push of a button. Available from the Association Office; requires a fee. Montebello Photo ID. Use it to enter at the Front Gate and to use recreational and other facilities. Guest Passes. You will receive six electronic passes that let your guests use our recreational facilities. 7
Your Vehicle: What s Permitted Residents can park one vehicle per unit in the outside parking area. Owners may purchase or lease the right to park in one or more additional parking spaces, if available, in the covered parking garages on the B-levels of the residential towers. A valid Montebello decal or a current Guest Automobile Pass must be visible on all vehicles parked on the property, including those parked in any garage parking spaces you are entitled to use. Residents may park the following vehicles on the property: conventional passenger vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds, personal vans, or pick-up trucks of ¾ tons or less gross capacity. Larger trucks, commercial vehicles, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles and/or boats are not permitted. Please check the signs at the entrance to your garage for maximum height clearance at that location. Vehicles parked on the property must be in good repair. Washing your vehicle, changing the oil, and other maintenance is not allowed on the property. 8
Where to Park Residents can park in any marked outdoor parking space that is not designated for handicapped or Montebello vehicle use. Do not park in the front or rear service areas of the residential towers, on any grassy or landscaped area, or in any area designated for pedestrian use. Parking spaces in the garages on building B-levels are limited common elements that are reserved for residents who pay a fee to use them. Do not park in the garage except in a parking space that you are entitled to use. If you have a parking space in a B-level garage, keep it clear of personal property, except for grocery carts and bicycles. 9
Permitted Pets Residents can keep one small, orderly, domestic pet, such as a cat, dog, or caged bird, per unit. Dogs that are all or part American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier are not allowed in units or elsewhere on the property. Exotic pets, as designated by Fairfax County, also are not allowed. Service animals are permitted. 10
Pet Registration All pets must be registered with the Association Office. Complete Pet Registration Form A. For all animals, provide a Certificate of Vaccination and Identification of Breed form, a photo of the pet, and a $25 Pet Registration Fee. For dogs, also provide a current Fairfax County license. 11
Second Pet Approval You can seek approval from the Board of Directors if you have, or would like to acquire, a second pet. Fill out the Waiver of Second Pet Form B. Include a $25.00 non-refundable application fee plus a letter stating the reason for your second pet request. Submit the completed Waiver, application fee, and letter to the Association Office at least 7 days before a Board meeting (usually held at 7:30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month) or Board work session (usually held on the fourth Tuesday of the month). Plan to attend the meeting to answer any questions. 12
Pet Rules Pets must wear a Montebello pet tag whenever they are outside your unit. Pets must be leashed and under tight owner/walker control whenever they are outside your unit. Pet owners must keep licenses and vaccinations current and provide updated information to the Association Office. Pet owners must transport pets in the service elevator unless it is not available and should use the B-3 service entrance to enter and leave the buildings with pets. Except in special circumstances, such as construction, pets are not allowed in first floor entrances or lobbies or on the B-1 level. Service animals are permitted in all places that are open to residents. Pet walking areas are clearly marked behind each residential tower. Residents are required by Fairfax County law to clean up after your pet in pet areas or elsewhere on the property. Courtesy stations with plastic bags are provided for waste disposal. 13
Your Montebello Photo ID Every resident should obtain a current Montebello photo identification card as soon as possible. Photo ID cards are available from the Association Office. Use your photo ID card to: Enter the property at the Front Gate if you don t have your gate card; Ride Montebello s Shuttle Bus to and from the Huntington Metro station and local shopping areas; Use the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, hot tub, or Fitness Center; borrow bowling shoes, billiard balls and cues, tennis machine, ping pong, and other equipment. 14
Condo Association Dues All unit owners contribute to the upkeep and management of our amenities and other common areas in the form of dues paid to the Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association (MCUOA). Dues are assessed annually based on the percentage interest of your unit. Zalco Realty, Inc., our financial management agent, is responsible for collecting MCUOA dues from unit owners. Dues usually are collected in 12 monthly payments. You should receive a schedule with the current dues for your unit from the financial management company shortly after they receive your information. 15
Condo Association Dues, continued You can pay your monthly MCUOA dues in the following ways: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Fill out the Montebello EFT Form to authorize Zalco to withdraw the monthly fee from your checking account; (fees may apply) Online payments by e-check, debit card, or credit card. For more information on these forms of payment, go to Zalco.com/Resident Resources. (fees may apply) Check or money order mailed to Zalco. Monthly dues that are not paid on time subject the owner to liability for collection costs and fees, including late fees, interest, and attorney s fees. If a monthly payment is missed, the Association can call in the entire year s dues payable immediately. Contact Zalco if you cannot make a payment on time. 16
Building Representatives Building Representatives are resident volunteers who visit new residents with a welcome package with information about Montebello s many amenities and activities. Building Representatives also are happy to answer any questions you might have as you get settled here. If you would like your Building Representative to get in touch with you, please sign the Building Representative Contact form. This allows us to share your name, building and unit number, and phone number with your Building Representative. You can choose to have your Building Representative call you to schedule a visit or simply leave the welcome package at your door. 17
Resident Directory To help our residents contact each other, we maintain an online Resident Directory on www.montebello.org. Our Resident Directory is on the private (residents-only) side of our web site. It is accessible only to residents with current usernames and passwords. Information in the Resident Directory cannot be used for commercial purposes. With your written permission, names and phone numbers of the residents of your unit will be added to the directory. You also may add your names to the directory when you register on Montebello.org. You may change your online profile at any time, using your secure password. 18
Part 2: Finding Your Way MCUOA Buildings and Grounds Community Center Residential Towers Floors Accessibility In Case of Fire 19
MCUOA As a condominium, we share ownership of our grounds, amenities and the exteriors and common areas of our buildings, such as our corridors, lobbies, and parking garages. Interiors of individual units are privately owned. Individual parking spaces are limited common elements that can be reserved for use by individual units; the right to use parking spaces can be bought, sold, or leased. Common areas are managed and maintained by the Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association (MCUOA). MUCOA is governed by a nine-member volunteer Board of Directors, all owners and elected by our owners. MCUOA is subject to the Virginia Condominium Act and decisions and actions must be in conformance with the Condominium Act, our declaration and bylaws, and our rules and regulations. 20
MCUOA, continued MCUOA s day-to-day operations are managed by an on-site, professional staff, responsible to the Board. MCUOA staff provides resident services, including responding to questions and requests at the Front Desk; supporting our Board, committees, and activities; and managing our web site and other communications. Staff also oversees the upkeep and repair of our facilities and grounds; safety and access; contracting and management of refurbishments and replacements; and management of our annual budget. Zalco Realty, Inc., processes monthly condo fees and provides reporting and consulting services. More information on MCUOA is available in your Resident Manual and on Montebello.org. 21
Buildings and Grounds Montebello is a gated condominium community, completed in 1986, sited on 35 wooded acres. The property consists of: 1016 units with about 2,500 total residents Four mid-rise residential towers One low-rise building with 5 residences A Community Center with administrative offices, meeting spaces, community services, and recreational amenities Children s play areas, walking trails, and ample outdoor parking Front Gate access to Mount Eagle Drive and Richmond Highway (US Route 1) Rear gate access to the Huntington Metro station via our Shuttle Bus and private road 22
Community Center Our Community Center is at the hub of the property, with entrances behind Building 2 and Building 4. Services and amenities there include: Front Desk: Resident services and information Association management and staff offices behind the Front Desk Montebello Café full-service restaurant and bar Montebello Market convenience store, dry cleaning and alterations, fax, deliveries Hair Expressions Unisex hair salon Meeting and social room with wide-screen TV Fitness Center and locker rooms Indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor pool, outdoor tennis courts Bowling alley, billiards, ping pong, card room, free WiFi 23
Residential Towers All four towers have the same basic design: 15 residential floors, numbered 1-16 (no 13th floor) 3 covered garage levels ( B1, B2, and B3) 3 elevators, including a service elevator Ground floor lobby with seating/social areas, mail room and a US mail box, bulletin board, information rack, library cabinet, drop slot for MCUOA correspondence (except dues payments, which are made to Zalco) B-1 Level: Party room B-2 level: Hobby room, restroom, and commercial washer/dryer B-3 level: Accessible covered entrance from outside driveway for mobility vehicles, deliveries, and pets. Recycling bins in garage area on B-3 level, and trash room (accessible from outside door) with dumpster for larger objects Storage units on B-levels 24
Residential Floors Floors are laid out in two wings with a central elevator lobby. Each floor has a total of up to 17 units. Some units have been combined into double units, so the number per floor varies. For service purposes, units are commonly referred to by tier, based on their position on the floors. The number of the unit combines the numbers of the floor and the tier For example, unit 102 would be first floor, tier 2. There is no tier 13. Each floor has three emergency exit doors and stairwells. There is an exit and stairwell at the end of each wing and one near the elevator lobby next to the Trash Room. Each stairway is marked by a lighted sign. There is a red fire alarm next to each door. Stairwell doors are not locked. Residents can use the stairs to move from floor to floor. A Trash Room with chute is in the hall next to the stairwell that is closest to the elevators (behind unit/tier 10). 25
Accessibility Each residential tower has an accessible, covered outside entrance on the B-3 level. Elevators also are accessible from all indoor parking levels. Accessible outdoor parking spaces are designated near the B-3 entrances of each tower and adjacent to the Community Center. A lift for residents who would like assistance is installed in our indoor swimming pool. Our outdoor pool has a grade for access. Our Shuttle Bus to the Huntington Metro Station and local shopping centers is equipped with lifts for mobility vehicles. Please tell the Front Desk if you or another person in your unit has other accessibility requirements or would need assistance in an emergency. 26
In Case of Fire in the Building The fire department will activate the building s alarm system. Alarms and voice announcements will sound in units on the floor with the fire, the floor above it, and the floor below it. Fire doors will close off the elevator lobbies. If it is safe to leave your unit, use the nearest exit stairwell to leave the building. Emergency responders have a list of residents and pets needing assistance and will aid in their evacuation. Fire alarm tests are scheduled monthly at 10:00 a.m. on designated Wednesdays. See the slide in the Services and Maintenance section for the Wednesday that tests are conducted in your building. 27
Safety and Access Entering Montebello Locks and Keys Guests and Deliveries 28
Entering Montebello Main entry to Montebello is through the Front Gate. There also is a back gate and pedestrian turnstile leading to the Metro access road at the rear of our property. You will need a gate card to re-enter the back gate. The Front Gate is staffed by our uniformed safety and access guards 24/7. The guards also answer phone calls when the Association Office is closed. Residents can use the traffic lane to the right of the Front Gate structure. Display your gate card to the card reader or use your remote control ( Genie ) to lift the gate arm. Residents with a current Montebello vehicle decal or Montebello photo ID also can drive up to the guard station, under the Montebello sign. The guard will lift the gate arm. If you do not yet have your Montebello photo ID or parking credentials, ask the seller of your unit to arrange for a temporary admit pass or get one from the Association Office. You also can use your signed lease or HUD 1 Statement settlement sheet to enter at the Front Gate. 29
Locks and Keys Your seller should provide you the following keys: Common Area Key Unlocks front doors and B-level doors in all residential towers; Fitness Center door, if locked; most other common area doors except Party Rooms. Common Area Keys cannot be duplicated; if you need a replacement, the Association Office will make one for you. Cost: $35. Unit Key Unlocks the door to your unit. You can make as many copies of this key as you need at a commercial vendor. Mail Box Key Unlocks your mail box (identified by your unit number) in the first floor lobby. If you need a replacement, we are required to change the lock and provide you with two keys. Cost: $35. Storage Room Keys The storage room key unlocks the B-level door to the area where your storage unit is located. If you need a new key to the storage room, the Association Office will make one for you. Cost: $35. Residents provide their own padlocks and keys for their own storage units. 30
Locks and Keys continued Emergency key. You must furnish a key to be held in the Office for entry to your unit in case of emergency or required service. These keys are kept under strict controls. Convenience Key: The Association Office can hold an additional copy of your unit key as a convenience to you. You can use it if you are locked out, and you can authorize us to provide it to a guest. Changing locks: You can change the front door deadbolt lock of your unit with Association approval. If you change a lock, you must provide the Association Office with a copy of the new key for emergency access. We recommend you provide a second copy of the new key for use as a Convenience Key. 31
Front Door Entry Front doors of the residential towers have electronic systems for visitor entry. To gain entry at the front door of your building, visitors should: Find your name in the alphabetic directory, using the buttons marked A or Z; and Press the button marked Call or enter the code listed for your name. This will ring the land line or cell phone number you have provided. To verify your visitor s identify, you can tune your television to Cox Cable channel 1960, which displays a continuing feed of people entering and leaving your building. When you recognize your visitor, press 5 on your cell phone or land line keypad to open the door. Visitors who need assistance can dial 288. 32
Guest Entry Guests staying 24 hours or less do not need an Admit Pass to enter Montebello property. Notify the Front Gate of your name and unit number, the name of your guest and the date of arrival. Guests staying 24 hours or more need an Admit Pass to park on Montebello property. Annual Admit Passes give your guests access to Montebello property for the current calendar year. Temporary Admit Passes give access to (a) Montebello property and/or (b) your unit for up to 30 days. You also can authorize the Association Office to issue your guest a convenience key to your unit. Fill out and sign Admit Pass authorization forms at the Front Desk. 33
Deliveries Notify the Front Gate if you expect a delivery. Give the guard your name and unit number and the name of the delivery company. Deliveries can be made between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm, any day of the week, including holidays. Deliveries use the service entrance on the B-3 level at the back of your building. Deliveries of furniture or other large items must use the service elevator. If a move-in is in progress in your building, the movers should allow you to use the service elevator for a single delivery. Notify the Association Office and get authorization if your delivery will be made from a commercial moving van or rental truck. Solicitors are not permitted in Montebello buildings or on our grounds. Under-door notices and advertising fliers that have not been authorized by the Association are not permitted. 34
Personal Safety Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety and property and that of our community: Keep your unit and automobiles locked. Be sure that automatic doors close and lock behind you. Don t admit someone you don t know into the building. Wear light or reflective clothing when walking your pet at night. Be aware of your surroundings and your footing when walking the wooded trails on Montebello property. Be cautious if you walk on the access road from Montebello to the Huntington Metro station. Report suspicious activity to the Association Office or the Front Gate. 35
Part 4: Services and Maintenance In-Unit Services Basic Cable Television Service Turning on the Lights Shuttle Bus Recycling Program Trash Rooms Fire Alarm Tests Inspections and Maintenance Service Disruptions 36
In-Unit Service Montebello offers maintenance services such as unclogging drains and toilets, performing minor repairs, and replacing simple faucets. Requests for services must be made in writing on the In-Unit Service Request Form available at the Association Desk or on Montebello.org. Workers will be assigned to your job after they complete their regular maintenance responsibilities for the Association. We do not schedule specific times for in-unit service calls. Minimum charge is $25.00 for up to ½ hour, per worker and $25.00 for each additional ½ hour per worker. After-hour emergency calls (between 4pm and 8 am on weekdays, any time weekends and holidays) are billed at $50 per hour. Rental units require landlord authorization for service requests.. 37
Basic Cable Television Service Montebello has contracted with Cox Communications, Inc., to provide a basic cable television package to our residents. Cost of a basic package of cable channels is included in your unit s MCUOA dues. Packages of additional channels as well as high-speed internet and telephone services are available from Cox. Call Sol, our dedicated Cox representative, at 703-244-7408, for special packages and pricing. 38
Turning on the Lights Montebello s electric power is provided by Dominion Virginia Power Company. To start service in your unit, you can call their main telephone number, 1-866-366-4357, and follow the prompts on their automated menu. 39
Shuttle Bus Montebello provides the following shuttle service for residents: Commuter service to the King s Highway (upper) entrance of the Huntington Metro station during morning and evening commuter hours, Monday through Fridays, except for federal holidays. Shopping runs to Huntington Metro, selected shopping malls, and other nearby locations during midday hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Rides to and from our designated polling place for local, state, and national elections. For a current Shuttle Bus schedule, see Montebello.org, or the bulletin board in the Mail Room of your building. 40
Shuttle Bus, continued At the Huntington Metro station, riders also can connect to public transit busses serving key locations, such as Mount Vernon Hospital and Springfield Mall. Please note that the Huntington Metro station has two levels: an upper level on North Kings Highway and a lower level on Huntington Avenue. Public transit busses use both levels. Locations of bus stands at the stations and bus routes are available at the station. Parking is available on upper and lower levels. SmartTrip and credit cards are accepted for parking fees at Huntington Station. Cash can be used in metered spaces only. Parking in Metro lots is free on federal holidays and on weekends. A taxi stand is at the lower level of the Huntington Metro station. 41
Trash Rooms Trash rooms with chutes are provided for your convenience on each floor, between the elevator lobby and the center exit stairwell. Use the trash chutes to dispose of small household garbage that cannot be recycled. Trash should be secured inside a bag that is strong enough to hold it. Cat litter should be placed in double bags and tightly tied. Do not put lighted cigarettes or other burning or combustible items in the trash chutes. Put newspapers and magazines and nothing else on the shelves in the trash room, where they will be picked up and recycled. Do not put other household refuse or recyclables, such as boxes, discarded mail, bottles and cans, or unwanted appliances, furnishings or accessories, on the trash room shelves or floor. Take these to the B- 3 level (see the next slides). 42
Recycling Program Fairfax County requires that residents recycle aluminum, steel and bimetal cans; glass food and beverage containers; and plastic containers identified with #1 or #2 on the bottom. Recycling bins for paper and cardboard; cans; plastic bottles and jugs; and green, brown or clear glass bottles are in the garage area on the B- 3 level of each tower, directly across from the elevator lobby. Please break down large boxes and moving cartons so that they lie flat. Place them on the floor next to the recycling bins on the B-3 level. For complete information on our recycling program, check with the Front Desk or your Resident Manual. 43
Disposing of Large Items Items that do not fit in the trash chute should be taken to the dumpster in the trash room on the B-3 level. That trash room can only be entered from outside. Leave the B-3 level by the service entrance and look for the trash room door nearby. Please note that Montebello does not recycle or dispose of electronics, hazardous waste, construction debris, or large household appliances. For information on disposing of these items, please consult the Front Desk or the Fairfax County Recycling web page at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/recycling/ Local charities also accept large items that are in good condition. 44
Fire Alarm System Tests Tests of building fire alarm systems are conducted monthly in each residential tower, according to the following schedule: Building 1: 1st Wednesday at 10:00 am Building 2: 2nd Wednesday at 10:00 am Building 3: 3rd Wednesday at 10:00 am Building 4: 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am During the tests, fire doors on the floors are closed and an announcement over the speaker system in each unit informs residents that a test is being performed. A later announcement tells residents when the test is over. Smoke detectors in your unit are not connected to the main fire alarm system and will not be affected by the test. 45
Inspections and Maintenance Periodic maintenance and inspections require us to enter individual units. These include: Twice-annual inspections of unit heating and air conditioning systems, including changing air filters. Annual inspections of in-unit smoke detectors. At the same time, we check all faucets/toilets for water leaks. We also perform required inspection and maintenance in our common areas, including Pesticide and herbicide spraying: Montebello s woods are treated for insect pests and invasive plant species on an annual schedule. Elevator maintenance and testing: We are required to perform annual tests of all elevators. Garage cleaning: We ask residents with indoor parking spaces to remove their cars for this annual project. Painting, rug shampooing, and other touch-ups as needed. We notify residents by Montebello e-mail (MML) and under-door notices as far in advance as possible when scheduled services might cause disruptions or discomfort to some residents. To learn of all service and maintenance activities scheduled for Montebello s grounds, your tier, or your unit, visit the Calendar on Montebello.org. 46
Service Disruptions Loss of power: If power to a building is lost, the fire doors on each floor will close automatically. An emergency generator will provide low light in halls and the main lobby. The service elevator will continue to operate. Check with Virginia Dominion Power s Outage Center to check and report outages. Do not call the Association Office. Water cut off: Occasionally, maintenance or unit renovations may require water to be cut off to bathrooms or kitchens in one or more tiers. Residents in the affected tiers are notified as far in advance as possible. Elevator outages. If a passenger elevator is out of service, notices will be posted in the main lobbies. Shuttle Bus problems: If the Shuttle Bus is unable to make scheduled runs due to weather or maintenance problems, residents will be notified by e-mail and by paper notices on the front doors of the building. 47
Maintenance or Service Issues Please notify the Association Office if you encounter a maintenance or service issue in your building or other common area that needs attention, or if you would like to comment on services you received. You can stop by the Front Desk or fill out out a service request form on Montebello.org. 48
Part 5: Montebello Community Life Governance Communications Getting Involved Social Activities 49
Board of Directors Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association (MCUOA) is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of nine volunteer owners. Directors are chosen in annual elections by a vote of MCUOA owners. Elected Directors are seated at our annual meeting in May. Directors are elected for rotating three-year terms. Any owner of a Montebello condominium unit in good standing is eligible to run for the Board. Directors sign a conflict-of-interest statement and code of conduct pledging to act in the best interests of the condominium. 50
Board Meetings MCUOA s Board meets at 7:30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month. Board members also meet monthly for a work session to prepare for the next meeting. Work sessions are scheduled for 7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Board meetings and work sessions are held in the Community Room of the Community Center. By law, all Board meetings and work sessions are open. Agendas for Board meetings and work sessions are sent to residents via Montebello e-mail (MML), posted on bulletin boards, and posted on Montebello.org. Regular meeting and work sessions may be rescheduled because of holidays. Special meetings occasionally are added. From time to time, the Board meets in executive (closed) session to discuss personnel or contractual matters, as permitted by law. 51
Montebello Media Our Board and Management communicate with residents in several ways: Montebello.org features our master calendar, announcements, Board and committee meeting agendas and supporting material, Neighbor to Neighbor postings, condos and parking spaces for sale or rent, an Owners Forum, and much more. The Times of Montebello, our monthly newsletter, carries reports on current projects and issues, social activities, committee and club news, and resident profiles. An accompanying insert promotes upcoming events and Café specials. It s distributed under doors to all residents. The Times also is available on Montebello.org. Under-door notices can reach all residents or target a specific building or tier with important messages, such as service disruptions or required actions. Montebello e-mail (MML) carries timely alerts, messages from Management and the Board, announcements of social activities, and weekly events calendars. Bulletin Boards in tower lobbies and the Community Center carry notices of social activities and other information. 52
Resident Feedback MCUOA encourages residents to ask questions and voice their opinions on matters before the Board. Opportunities for feedback include: Resident forum following adjournment of all regular Board meetings. Town Meetings on topics of general interest, such as policy, safety, or other common matters. Letters to the Editor in the Times of Montebello. Periodic resident surveys. Owners Forum on Montebello.org 53
Getting Involved We encourage residents to participate in Montebello s governance and decision making. Any unit owner in good standing can run for the Board of Directors. Owners and renters can join committees that advise the Board on matters of community interest, such as Communications, Activities, Neighborhood Improvement, Art in Montebello, Finance and Budget, Elections, and Planning and Design. All residents also can participate in the Pet Club, the Bus Club, Kids Club, Music Club; wellness classes such as aerobics and yoga; and groups that support other issues and activities of interest. Note that some instructors and clubs charge fees. Your Building Representative will share more ways you can get involved at Montebello. 54
Social Activities Residents have countless formal and informal ways to socialize at Montebello. For example: Dances, potlucks, excursions, concerts, and special events organized by our Activities Committee and other groups; Yoga, Zumba, water aerobics, bowling leagues, and other activities organized around our amenities; Committees, Clubs, and Interest Groups; Dining at Montebello Café; And more! 55
Rule Refresher Elevators Smoking Luggage Carts Remodeling 56
Elevators Each residential tower has two elevators for passenger use plus one service elevator. Transport grocery carts, luggage carts, suitcases, and other large objects in service elevators. Contractors and cleaning services must use the service elevators to move their supplies. Use the service elevator when taking your dog out to be walked. Please do not block the elevator doors from closing; this will result in a service shutdown. 57
Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside Montebello s Community Center, including the pools and tennis courts; or in the common areas of our residential towers, such as lobbies, halls, and elevators, stairwells, garages, or within 25 feet of building entrances. Smoking is allowed on the outdoor deck adjacent to the Montebello Café. A fire retardant ash receptacle is provided outside the service entrance on the B-3 level of each residential tower. Please remind any contractors or service providers of Montebello s smoking rules. 58
Luggage Carts Luggage carts are available for residents to use for heavy or unwieldy objects. Carts are kept in the Hobby Rooms on the B-2 level. Please return the carts as soon as you are finished with them. 59
Remodeling Residents can make non-structural changes to their units, such as painting walls or replacing cabinetry. Plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, such as removing a wall, rewiring, or replacing carpeting with a hard floor surface, require review and approval by the Covenants Committee. Fill out and submit the Request for Review of Architectural Design Change, available from the Front Desk and on Montebello.org. If you have any doubt whether work to be done in your unit might require filing such a Request, you should file one. Montebello also has rules for contractors, including hours of work, parking, and other issues. 60
Numbers to Know Association Office/Front Desk: (703) 960-0410 Association E-mail: mcuoa@vacoxmail.com Association Fax: (703) 960-1906 Gatehouse: (703) 960-0435/0437 Montebello Café: (703) 329-4868 Montebello Market: (703) 329-4850 Hair Expressions: 703-960-8888 61
For More Information An electronic copy of this PowerPoint is available on Montebello.org. Your Resident Manual has more information about living at Montebello, including Front Desk and Association Office hours and hours of operation for pools, Shuttle Bus, and other amenities. You will receive a hard copy of the Resident Manual at the close of this session. Montebello.org has information about Montebello activities and governance, including a monthly calendar that lists Board, committee, and club meetings; Café specials; scheduled maintenance; and special events. You also can find Board and committee meeting agendas and minutes; our bylaws and Board resolutions; full rules for pets, parking, remodeling, and other matters; current fee schedules; and much more. 62