Second Mutual approves new landscaping contract

The Second Mutual Board of Directors approved a new five-year contract with Terra Landscape Contractors. Terra is the current landscape contractor for Second Mutual.

Second Mutual discontinued the use of Roundup (glyphosate) last year. The new contract specifies that all chemicals used by Terra will be organic. The increased cost for the “all organic” option is $2.62 per month per manor.

There will be a one-year trial of organic chemicals. If the board is unhappy with the results, the contract will revert to the existing list of chemicals and the cost will go down accordingly. Besides herbicides, Terra uses an insecticide, and chemicals for Bermuda grass removal and grub control. The contract limits yearly cost increases to 2% per year.

Second Mutual solicited proposals from three landscape contractors. Terra was the lowest price for the organic option.

The last buildings to be refurbished and painted this year are 1601, 1501 and 1533 Canyonwood Ct.

A contract for $382,000 with Ned Clyde to shore up and relevel the building at 1300 Canyonwood Ct. was approved by the board. A contract to replace galvanized pipes at 1317 Ptarmigan Drive was also approved. The board intends to increase the pace of the galvanized pipe replacements, and has two projects going on at a time.

The Infrastructure Committee will begin its annual drain inspections. The predictions are for a particularly rainy winter. Residents should email serviceorder@rossmoor.com if they notice a drain full of leaves or other debris.

Yearly manor inspections will begin soon. The inspection is brief, usually taking less than 15 minutes. During that time, inspectors will be checking smoke detector function and replacing batteries if needed; replacing the furnace filter (for those who haven’t replaced their furnace); checking toilets and water heater for leaks. Residents who receive a door hanger indicating that they missed the knock on the door of the inspector should call and schedule the inspection.

Second Mutual was in the middle of an election for one board seat for a three-year term. Pro-Elections was handling the election, and had sent out a pre-ballot notice with ballots due to be mailed the last week of September. There were two candidates; Tieka Romanoff, a current board member, and Eric Chen.

Before the ballots were mailed, Chen decided to withdraw, leaving one candidate for one position, Romanoff. She has been elected by acclamation.

The Annual/Organizational Board meeting of Second Mutual will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.