President's Message
I have saved writing this President’s Message until right before the printing deadline, much to consternation of the HOA’s high officious communications director. My usual, annual spring messages about warming weather, more light, and spring cleaning still apply, but seem simplistic in comparison to the unprecedented public health and social implications of COVID-19 on our society.
The HOA is still planning social events like the annual Lee Gulch river cleanup in May and summertime food trucks, also starting in May. As event times near, we will follow State and Federal guidance on gathering sizes and social distancing—a phrase that is likely a contender for phrase of the year. Service events like a planned May Dumpster Day will continue—with the very strange admonition that no one should gather in groups in or near the dumpster. The HOA Board will also be considering how we can create new service opportunities for Oakbrook to serve our residents in this time.
Most importantly, this time of coronavirus and social distancing is a time for community more than ever before. Check on your neighbors, particularly older neighbors and others who are in the high risk demographic for coronavirus exposure.
Exchange contact details. Cook for each other. Offer to grocery shop for each other. Hoist socially distant beverages across fence lines. Gather in small groups as you see fit, particularly outdoors on decks, porches, and patios as the weather warms. Many children will be experiencing remote learning for the first time, just as many working adults will be thrust into the world of remote work. Others of us who home-schooled our children and remotely worked before it was cool can welcome these newbies. Take care of each other. Remember to breathe and laugh. And wash your hands.
Ben Burke
President, Oakbrook HOA Board
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Covenant Corner
by Joe Chalupa, Vice President
With the melting of the snow and spring projects get underway, this is an exciting time of year! As you plan your spring/summer projects, because we want your project to go smoothly, please get a copy of our Oakbrook Covenants (posted on our website) and review those covenants to assure you follow the procedures necessary. In some cases, your project may require approval by the Covenant Committee. We only want to assure you that the project maintains the continuity and thereby aesthetics of our Covenant Controlled community. As you'll find when reviewing the covenants, we'll take a look at how your project fits the established requirements. This includes items such as:
- Does your project maintain the visual continuity of the subdivision?
- Does your project interfere with sight distance at intersections?
- What effect will your project have on your neighbors, especially the value(s) of the surrounding properties?
- Are you using required building/structure requirements in your project?
We may also recommend that you check with the City Code department and building/structure authorities to make sure you get a building permit issued as necessary.
More of our Oakbrook properties are becoming rental properties. If you are renting a home in our community, we welcome you as our neighbor! Please help all of us continue to maintain our community with the peaceful, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere you chose as your home!
If any of our residents--homeowner or renter--is concerned about a situation in the neighborhood, we ask that you get in touch with our Covenant Committee at oakbrookcovenants@gmail.com. If you do this, we'll review your concern by inspecting the address given to assure that the concern does fall under our requirements and our jurisdiction. If we determine the concern does fall under those established guidelines, we'll notify the resident of these concerns. (This is a completely secure process, and we will never disclose as to who pointed out the concern.) Sometimes the concern is also a city code issue, such as parking improperly on the street, and can be addressed by contacting the city of Littleton Code department.
I want to thank our volunteers who serve on our Covenant Committee and who are so important in helping to maintain our community as the fun, peaceful place we choose to live!
Here’s wishing all of you a happy spring and summer!
Want to join the Covenant Committee?
We meet every few weeks to handle violations and resident requests. Your identity is kept private between the committee and the board. To volunteer, email oakbrookcovenants@gmail.com.
Trash Collection Deal
Want to save on your quarterly waste collection bill? You can get the same special deal on trash and recycling pickup as many of your neighbors. Call Waste Connections at 303- 288-2100 to set up service, and ask for the Oakbrook HOA deal to get trash and recycling collection services from Waste Connections for just $14 per month.
Please note that this special price may increase slightly in the coming months, according to our contact at Waste Connections. As soon as we have details, we'll share on our social media channels and future newsletters. This special deal is completely optional. If you'd prefer to continue using your current trash services provider, please do.
Trash Talk
While we're on the subject, please remember that trash cans must not be visible from adjoining lots or streets when they are stored.
The Covenant Committee is noticing a lot of trash cans being left next to houses or in driveways for storage. We're receiving more complaints about visible trash cans. Please store your trash and recycling bins in your garage or behind your fence.
Complaint Corner
How to complain effectively and get results.
A consistent problem for both the Oakbrook HOA and the City of Littleton is that residents are directing their complaints to the wrong place, resulting in confusion and delays in handling valid concerns. In fact, neighboring HOAs are having the same issue, so it's not unique to Oakbrook.
In the hope of clearing up the confusion and making sure your voice is heard by the best people to handle your concern, we're providing a guide to help you complain effectively.
Covenant Violations or Questions
Contact: VP Joe Chalupa and the Covenant Committee at oakbrookcovenants@gmail.com.
Do you suspect a neighbor of a covenant violation?
- The first thing you should do is check the Oakbrook Covenants. If you're confident there's a violation, proceed to Step 2.
- Take a photo of the violation if possible. Note the date and the street address of the home in question.
- Email the photo, date, address, and details about the covenant violation to the Covenant Committee. The Committee will deal directly with the resident in violation, up to and including legal action and property liens if they remain non-compliant. You may or may not receive a reply.
Do you need approval for an exterior home improvement?
- Email the Covenant Committee a description of your project. Include diagrams, paint swatches, or plans if you have them.
- If you have a contractor, include their contact information or CC them on the email.
- If your project requires a permit from the city, please mention whether or not you have received your permit.
The Covenant Committee should reply to your approval request within 30 days. If you don't receive a response within that time frame, please check the Covenants to see how they apply to your project, then feel free to proceed.
City Code Violations
General City Code Violations
Contact: SeeClickFix website and mobile app
Many of Oakbrook's covenants overlap with Littleton City Code, although there are some instances in which our covenants are more strict or don't address something that City Code does address. For example:
- Vehicles parked on the street
- Pot holes
- Snow removal
- Businesses run out of homes, including short-term rentals
- Signs in the right of way, including the "Slow Children Playing" signs in or near the street
Any such problems or violations of City Code are not addressed by city officials unless they receive a complaint. So if something is bothering you, complain to the city. The best medium for general complaints is the city's SeeClickFix program.
Pot Holes and Ice on Street
Contact: City Street Department | 303-795-3969
Vehicle Noise, Vehicles or RVs Parked on Street 72+ Hours
Contact: Littleton Police Department Non-Emergency Line | 303-794-1551
General Inquiries about Oakbrook, the HOA, or Community Events
Contact: Oakbrook HOA Board at ohoa1980@gmail.com
(usually Communications Director Jessica Mendes Ford will respond)
For questions that don't fall under the purview of the Covenant Committee or City Code Enforcement, reach out to the HOA inbox. We'll do our best to respond in a timely manner, but please remember that all of us on the Board are volunteers with jobs and families.
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2020 HOA Dues Drive
by Joanne Johnson, Treasurer
Fellow Oakbrook residents, it's time for the annual Spring Dues Drive! This is the special time of year when you pay your yearly HOA dues to help fund the activities and events that make Oakbrook a wonderful place to live!
- Covenant enforcement
- Dumpster days
- Bowling with neighbors
- Food truck nights
- Contests like Pride in Oakbrook and Holiday Lights
Remember, paying HOA dues is a win-win for all of us. And it only costs you $35 per year!
Thanks to great turn-out last year, we're continuing the Dues Drive slips and pre-addressed envelopes, which you will find enclosed in the print edition of this newsletter. Please complete the form, enclose your payment, and drop your Dues Drive envelope in the mail. Alternatively, you can pay online at www.oakbrookhoa.com via PayPal. There's an additional fee of $1.35 to cover the cost of this service. Even if you pay online, please complete and send back the Dues Drive form anyway so we can update your info in the Oakbrook database. |
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Community Calendar
by Jessica Mendes Ford, Communications Director
Due to the current COVID-19-induced Stay-at-Home orders, please contact event organizers to find out if events are being rescheduled or canceled.
Donuts with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, April 4, 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Shack | 151 W. Mineral Ave.
Contact Krista McKissack for more information at 303-875-8639 or HomeProKrista@gmail.com.
Dining Out for Life 2020
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Dine out. Give Back. Visit a participating restaurant or brewery and 25% of your bill will be donated to help Project Angel Heart prepare and deliver medically tailored meals to our clients living with HIV/AIDS. With 240+ participating businesses in the Denver-metro area and Boulder, from fast-casual to fine dining, there’s something for everyone!
Lee Gulch River Cleanup
When: Saturday in May 2020 TBD | 8:00 am | Organizer: Ben Burke
Stay tuned to our FB group, NextDoor, and Google Calendar for more details.
Join us for our third annual reboot of the Lee Gulch Cleanup, sponsored by American Rivers, a national river advocacy organization. Meet in the open space immediately east of where E Kettle Ave and S Logan Drive intersect--on the south side of Lee Gulch. We'll work in teams to clean the Gulch from Broadway upstream through Puma Park. Trash bags and coffee will be provided. Please wear long sleeves and long pants to protect from prickly bushes, and bring your own work gloves.
Neighborhood Garage Sale
May 29-30, 2020
Contact Krista McKissack for more information at 303-875-8639 or HomeProKrista@gmail.com.
District 3 Citizen Meeting
Saturday, June 20, 2020 | 9:30 am
Wilmore Garden Center | 711 E. County Line Rd.
We’ll be in the shaded back yard—surrounded by gorgeous plants and view of the mountains. As usual there will be lots of info about what’s going on in Littleton. Email your questions to District 3 Council-member Carol Fey at carol@carolfey.com in advance or bring them with you.
Summer Food Truck Nights Coming Soon!
2nd Monday of the month, May - August | 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Powell Middle School Bus Parking Lot
We're excited to have our fourth annual summer food truck nights coming back Monday, May 11th. See you there!
South Suburban Parks & Recreation Events
For more information on all events, programs, and classes below, visit ssprd.org. Please check directly with SSPRD to find out about closures and cancelations due to COVID-19.
2020 Census
You Count, Be Counted! It’s important, easy, and safe. The 2020 Census is fast approaching. Your census data directs more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities each year for your schools, roads, health care, housing, libraries, public transportation, emergency services, and community resources. For more information, visit 2020census.gov.
Summer Youth T-ball/Baseball/Softball
Play in various parks throughout the District. No weekends!! One practice per week; one game per week. Volunteer coaches needed. Learn more at southsuburbansports.com.
Who: Boys and girls pre-k through 8th grade
When: Season starts week of June 1.
Where: Various Locations
Price: $39-$87 residents; $49-$107 nonresidents
South Suburban to hold Regular District Election
South Suburban Park and Recreation District Board of Directors has called for a regular district election to fill two board director positions. Read more at ssprd.org/Board-Election.
When: Election, Tues., May 5
Where: Polling places and absentee ballots
Price: NA
Summer Swim Teams
Enjoy a fun, recreational swim team experience this summer. Swimmers must be able to swim one 25-meter length of the pool using one of the four competitive strokes unassisted. Meets are held throughout the metro area on Saturday mornings. All fees and paperwork must be completed before a swimmer will be allowed in the water — information for all teams and parent meetings posted at ssprd.org.
Who: Ages 6 - 18
When: Parent meetings in early April; Meets begin June
Where: Cook Creek, Franklin, and Holly outdoor pools
Price: Various
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Pride in Oakbrook Contest Coming Soon
by Jessica Mendes Ford, Communications Director
Spring is here at last! And with it, the Pride in Oakbrook Contest!
Start prepping now to make your house and yard a worthy contender. Try these helpful tips:
- Rake your yard. Thatch and dried dead grass may smother new growth and create a good environment for fungi to grow.
- Aerate your lawn. Plenty of air, water, and nutrients contribute to stronger roots and prettier grass.
- Fertilize your yard. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer.
- Water your lawn if more than 10 days pass without rain or snow.
Stay tuned for more details about the Pride in Oakbrook Contest! To nominate a house, send a photo to ohoa1980@gmail.com. Please include the street address(es) and enter "Pride in Oakbrook" into the subject line of your email. |
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Around the House
by Cindy Mitchell, CM Real Estate, Inc.
Happy Spring! Is your yard more “bland”-scape than landscape? Do you wish you could turn it into something that adds value to your home and is even delicious? One of the hottest trends in Real Estate is “Foodscaping” otherwise known as “Edible Landscaping.”
You may have heard the term, but what does it actually mean? It means to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs instead of a traditional lawn and ornamental flowers. The foodscaping movement encourages homeowners to grow their own food, add interest to their yard and lower water and grocery bills. It follows the philosophy of “Growing Food, Not Lawns.”
There are several books, websites, podcasts and YouTube channels available with helpful tips and detailed instructions to get you started on your edible landscaping journey.
Moving on to Oakbrook real estate news, the first home sale to top $600,000 happened this month. And, the first iBuyer transaction occurred in our neighborhood. An iBuyer is an Instant Buyer in the real estate industry who uses data-driven online home value assessment tools to make a quick cash offer to buy your house. Think Zillow, OfferPad or OpenDoor as examples. Typically, the cost for the convenience of no showings, no repairs and a closing date of your choosing is a price less than market value and substantial fees. If you are interested in learning what price your home might garner from these companies, I can help.
Email me at comitchell@msn.com
Real Estate Update
Oakbrook Houses Sold January 1, 2020 - March 15, 2020
| Address |
Sold Price |
Date Sold |
Days on Market |
Model |
Style |
SF Above |
SF Finished |
Beds |
Baths |
| 7667 S. Pennsylvania Drive |
$469,000 |
01/17 |
31 |
Bayfield |
2 Story |
2188 |
2918 |
4 |
4 |
| 658 E. Phillips Drive |
$480,000 |
01/31 |
103 |
Wellington |
Tri-Level |
1984 |
1984 |
4 |
3 |
| 7878 S. Logan Way |
$608,000 |
03/05 |
84 |
Bayfield |
2 Story |
2586 |
3309 |
5 |
4 |
*SF = Square Feet
This information is based on data supplied by RE Colorado. RE Colorado does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
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Community Activism Gets Results
By Ben Burke, HOA President
Neighborhood mobilization has effectively cancelled Hob Nob’s Doggie Day Cares plans to renovate the 3 Margaritas building in the Oakbrook Shopping Center. Many thanks to Trip and Sheri Shelton for spearheading that mobilization. I would like to think that HOA Board representation at the City of Littleton planning meeting helped in that effort and in communicating the seriousness with which our neighbors took the threat of the potential noise and disruption to the neighborhood.
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Give Back to Your Community
by Jessica Mendes Ford, Communications Director
The Oakbrook HOA is always looking for ways to make a positive difference in our community with events like our annual Lee Gulch river cleanup and National Night Out. Of course, you don't have to wait for an HOA-sponsored event to contribute to your community. Below are several organizations you can work with to give back and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Volunteer Opportunities in the Littleton Area
Bemis Library | 303-795-3961
The library needs volunteers to handle administrative tasks, such as general clerical and reception, check in books and shelve materials, and receive and process new books.
Humane Society of the South Platte Valley | 303-703-2938
Animal lovers, you can volunteer at the humane society and help with daily operations, socializing animals, dog walking, special events, and adoption events. Fill out the volunteer application form or call the number above for more information.
Littleton Immigrant Resources Center | 303-795-3968
Located in Bemis Library, the Immigrant Resources Center needs volunteer support staff to help with tasks like grant-writing support, mentoring an immigrant who is preparing for their naturalization exam, one-on-one tutoring of immigrants who are learning English as a second language, and assistance with workshops and events.
Littleton Museum | 303-795-3950
As the main repository for Littleton's art, culture, and history over the past four decades, the Littleton Museum needs volunteers to work the front desk, greet school groups, work in collections and research behind the scenes, and act as living history interpreters.
Littleton Victim Services Volunteer Program | 303-795-3703
If you're 21 years old or older, you can be a part of this program that provides crisis intervention, support, and appropriate referrals to victims of crime and traumatic events within the city of Littleton. Volunteers must pass a background check and complete training. For more information, contact Andrea Feist, Victim Services Coordinator.
Snow Squad | 303-795-3980
The City of Littleton's Aging Well Resource Center runs the Snow Squad, a group of volunteers who shovel snow for residents over age 60 who cannot shovel their own sidewalks and driveways. Complete the volunteer application form or call the number above for more information.
The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute
RMMFI is seeking volunteers to help mentor and coach aspiring entrepreneurs in Denver and Aurora. RMMFI is a community creating economic and social mobility through entrepreneurship. We help curious people transform into serious entrepreneurs through personal, business, and financial investments. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form at www.rmmfi.org/volunteer or contact Mary Kate Morr, Volunteer Coordinator, at marykate@rmmfi.org.
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Classifieds, 2020 Quarter 2
Advertising in the Oakbrook HOA newsletter is available as a free service to all Oakbrook residents. You may advertise or request products or services, pending available space. To place an ad or to make changes, contact Jessica, our Communications Director, at ohoa1980@gmail.com, subject line Oakbrook Classifieds. You must confirm your ad at least one week prior to the release of each quarterly newsletter. Oakbrook shall not be held liable; neither does the Board or HOA endorse any of the listings included in the newsletter.
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AUTO BROKER
Brandon Jensen | 303-718-7218 (call/text)
HM Brown & Associates
HMBrown.com
facebook.com/milehighcarguy5280/
BJensen@HMBrown.com
BABYSITTING
Jules Ford, Age 15 | 720-602-1981
CPR & First Aid Certified
ACC Youth College: Babysitting 101 Certified
BABYSITTING & TUTORING
Reese Goldinger, Age 15 | 720-354-6232
Tutoring kids grade K-8, all subjects
Red Cross & CPR certified
References available
reese.gold2@gmail.com
BABYSITTING & PET SITTING
Mikaila Kuhl | 303-794-3919
PETSITTING & DOG WALKING
Bryce Goldinger, Age 11 | 303-794-3388
References available
bryce.gold8@gmail.com
FENCING SERVICES
The Fence Guy | Residential Wood Fencing
Repair and Replacement
Ed Miller: 303-693-5974
Matthew Clark: 817-856-9176
edthefenceguy.com
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
Cameron Carlson | 303-794-3143
Pet-sitting, pooper-scooper, garden tending,
raking leaves, etc. Please call for prices.
INSURANCE
Sandy Deibel
Insurance Professional & Oakbrook Resident
720-480-0223
Sandy@buycoloradoinsurance.com
INTERNATIONAL HOME-STAY
Daniel Kuhl | 720-313-1956
Compass-usa.net
Dankuhl2000@yahoo.com
IH international student coordinator.
Summer home stay
LAWN SERVICES
Justin Kuhl | 720-225-8041
Lawn Mowing & All around helper
NOTARY SERVICES
Sara Carlson | 303-880-0118
$5 per document
Please send a text message to set up an appointment.
REAL ESTATE
Krista McKissack | 303-875-8639
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Realty One Group Premier
Neighbors helping neighbors!
Whether you need a cup of sugar
or real estate advice give me a call,
I am always ready to help!
REAL ESTATE
Cindy Mitchell | 303-525-6888
Metro Brokers - CM Real Estate, Inc.
18 Years in Oakbrook
Call for a free home valuation
"A Higher Level of Service"
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Oakbrook Resident-Approved Vendor List
Vendors used and recommended by your neighbors at the 2018 Summer Home Tour
Garage Doors
Don's Garage Doors | 303-794-0604
Handyman Services
AG Handyman LLC | 720-999-5531
HVAC & Plumbing
Front Range Mechanical | 303-980-5544
Comfort Mechanical LLC | 303-349-6244
South Side Plumbers | 303-846-8426
STS Plumbing | 303-882-7323
Interior Decorator & Window Coverings
Jill Cohen | 303-759-3755
Lawn Care
Complete Landscape Care | 303-791-6959
Ingraham’s Lawn Care | 303-778-0534
Painter & Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Stellar Painting | 720-650-7045
Bathroom & Kitchen Designer & Remodels
Condon Contracting | 720-262-2463
Granite Direct | 303-282-8317
Jat & Jens Countertops | 303-699-1307
Kate Mayoss | 720-205-2886
Kitchen Tune Ups | 303-721-1393
MJR Paint & Tile | 720-480-5850
Rock Solid | 720-571-0689
Sanders & Son | 303-347-1345
Electrician
SunDog Electric | 720-358-2609
Exterior Doors (Storm Doors)
Liberty Security Products | 303-730-2070
Exterior Paint
Vivian Pros | 720-282-1758
Flooring
Lumber Liquidators | 720-259-4370
Roberts Hardsurface | 720-560-4270
This list does not constitute an official endorsement by the Oakbrook HOA of any of the businesses listed.
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