RIP Tide Safety Video

Given the recent string of events at the Island beaches we found a video on ocean rip currents and how to navigate through them.  Please view it and hopefully you will never need to use it. 

http://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrent/welcome.html#.UASCgEEmtCc.facebook

Updated powerwashing and painting schedule

Given the very hot weather and intense rain the painting and powerwashing schedule has been revised here is the new schedule (subject to change). 

Below is the schedule for the power washing, painting and staining of deck schedule.  Section 3 is to begin next week.  Homeowners in Section 1- 1-15 Seabreeze, please insure your decks are clear of everything by July 23.  The contractor needs to finish the staining of those decks on Monday.  We appreciate your cooperation

ADDRESSES	POWER WASHING SCHEDULED
1-15 SEA BREEZE -ODD SIDE	WEEK OF JUNE 25 INTO WEEK OF JULY 2
76-92 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	WEEK OF JULY 9TH INTO WEEK OF JULY 20
56-72 WINDWARD-EVEN SIDE	SECTION 3
1-15 BAY BREEZE-ODD SIDE	SECTION 4
2-16 BAY BREEZE-EVEN SIDE	SECTION 5
22-36 WINDWARD -EVEN SIDE	SECTION 6
2-18 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 7
39-55 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 8
73-83 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 9
97-109 WINDWARD-ODD SIDE	SECTION 10
115-131 WINDWARD- ODD SIDE	SECTION 11
106-122 WINDWARD- EVEN SIDE	SECTION 12
2-16 SEA BREEZE - EVEN SIDE	SECTION 13

Recently asked grill question

A neighbor asked a question about the recent grill email and blog post
Here is the Q&A
If you have any questions please feel free to ask

I recently saw the post on the Island Gate blog regarding the propane grills. I currently have a propane grill outside and was unaware that these were not permitted in the community. I just purchased the home last fall and didn't think anything of it since I saw so many neighbors with grills as well. With that said, I want to comply with the rules so I will be removing the propane tank in the next day or so and taking that off-site.

I do have a question regarding the natural gas grills. The grill that I purchased can be configured for natural gas, so I think it would be worth spending the money to have a line run out back.  Are there any guidelines for this as far as placement, approved contractors, etc? I read on the post that natural gas grills are permitted to be stored on the decks, but does this mean they can be used on the decks as well? Any light you can shed on the subject is appreciated. I just want to make sure I am in compliance and get things done right the first time!

In the meantime, I will remove my current propane tank, but would like to leave the grill on the deck for storage. Just wanted to let you know so that if you, or anyone else from the board is walking around for inspections.

Thanks very much for your help.

First thanks for your cooperation and prompt reply, the board realizes removing propane grills from the community is an inconvenience and an expense but due to Jersey State law they have never been allowed and the community need to follow the law.  

As far as contractors go the board doesn’t recommend contractors, I am sure one of your neighbors has a reputable contractor/plumber etc. that they could recommend that would be able to convert your grill and run a gas line. 

As far as storing the grill, gas grills are allowed on the deck, there are no restrictions where you grill but please be aware that the deck is wood and the vinyl siding does warp and melt when heated. 

Regarding the permit you can go to the Town of Stafford building on 260 East Bay Ave 609 597 4911, and get an application for a gas line.  Once the application is completed and submitted the work can be done, when the work is done a request for inspection can be submitted, when the inspection is completed and approved the gas line is ready to be used for a gas grill.

No worries about the grill being stored on the deck as long as there is not an LPG tank attached/around.  If you have any further questions please feel free to contact AA or the board.

Enjoy your summer

Final legal decision on grills in the community

Given our recent legal opinion combined with a direct discussion with the NJ DCA, the Board has ascertained and will implement the following regarding grills in the community:

Natural gas grills properly installed and with the proper town permits are permitted in the community and storage is allowed on the decks.

LNG or propane grills are not permitted to be used or stored within 5 feet of a combustible surface.  This includes storage in the home or garage. As a result propane grills are not permitted in the community.  This has been a community rule since inception and will be enforced.  Propane is specifically called out in NJ law.

Open flame devices (Tiki torches, candles, etc.) are not to be used within 5 feet of any combustible surface.

If you have a propane grill, please remove it.  We understand this is an inconvenience and expense but they have not been and will not be permitted in the community.

If you do not have a permit for your gas line, please get one promptly.  We will be contacting Stafford Township for a list of permits and fines will be issued for lack of permits.

The board is pleased to have clarity and certainty regarding this issue.   It has been a lengthy process to achieve this, but our goal of certainty has been achieved.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact AA or a board member.  We will also be available to discuss this topic at our next open board meeting in August.

Thanks again for your cooperation and we hope you are having an enjoyable summer.

The logic behind the timing of painting and pressure washing in the community

We have received a few  comments about having the community pressure washed and painted over the summer.  As a result the board of Island Gate wanted to share the logic of choosing the summer to have the work done. 

This is the biggest project (financially) the community has ever undertaken and we wanted it done right.  There are many more people here in the summer than any other season and if there was an issue or complaint about the work we wanted feedback from the community immediately so we can address it promptly.  Not a few months later after the project was completed.

The summer is the time of year when people are around so home owners can have the front door opened while it is painted, improving the quality of the job.

Pressure washing is most effective when the weather is warm and the surfaces can dry promptly.

Warm weather allows paint to dry more evenly enabling better results.

We understand that items need to be removed from the decks to have them cleaned and some people like to have their windows opened during the summer time heat but pressure washing takes one day and we hope you understand that a relatively small inconvenience will make your homes and the overall community more attractive, better protected from the elements and more valuable. 

Thanks for your cooperation and as always,  if you have any questions or comments please contact AA or the board.

Thanks again

The Dragonflies are back!

Right around the 4^th of July in what has become an annual event the dragonflies appear at Island Gate.  There are quite a few around currently and we wanted to point out some facts about them that will indicate their usefulness and harmless nature. 

Though many people fear them, dragonflies cause no harm to humans whatsoever. They are often curious toward humans and will fly around you for that reason, but they do not sting or bite. 

They are hugely useful to Island Gate because Dragonflies prey on other creatures through their entire life cycle. As larva in bodies of water, they prey on other small creatures (mosquito larva, etc.). As adults, they eat other flying insects primarily mosquitoes.  The result is a harmless way to control mosquitoes in the community.  They even eat flies too. 

 

Women's Ring found at pool.

Please contact edwardfortunato@gmail.com if you lost a ring.

Please exercise caution and courtesy when you drive and park in the community

With the busy holiday and summer season upon us, there will be many people coming to Island gate to enjoy the summer. Please be conscious of this when driving and parking your vehicle.  Following some simple rules will keep everyone safe and happy over the summer.

We ask that the established rules be followed in the community for the safety and courtesy of everyone in Island Gate, including visitors and guests.

·         Please come to a full stop at ALL stop signs

·         Please observe the community speed limit of 15 MPH

·         Please keep a 10 foot space between any car and fire hydrant. 

·         Please No double parking

·         Please No parking in other peoples drive ways without the express consent of the affected neighbor

·         Please No parking on the grass

·         No blocking of driveways no matter how small the blockage is, UNLESS ITS YOUR OWN

·         Absolutely no blocking of the sidewalks in anyway whatsoever.  If you car is not fully on the blacktop it’s in violation

The community has two overflow parking lots that are less than 50 yards from every home in the community.  There are numerous, well lit, well marked spots in both lots, please feel free to use them.  The less cars in the street the safer our community will be, especially at at stop signs and intersections. 

  

Please keep safety a priority and don’t jeopardizes the safety of your loved ones and your neighbors.  Please follow the rules and keep Island Gate safe this summer. 

Pool opened until midnight tonight

The pool will be opened until midnight tonight  in celebration of the holiday.  Please feel free to enjoy the pool right up to 12 am but remember please keep the noise down and be considerate of your neighbors

Have a Great 4th of July