This was last updated April 2024 by Larry Cheever

The West Hayden Island Moorage welcomes our new owners and neighbors and wants you to know that we think this is the best moorage in the Portland area. We share your sense of adventure! We also want to share some of our wisdom that comes from living here over the years. We compiled a list of tips, rules, and cautions that we hope to ease your transition into the community and avoid some pitfalls that most of us have endured and, hopefully, learned from. At the end, there is an email address in which to suggest adds, deletes, or revisions as we want to improve.

• The Gate

1. Use the app (myQ) to open the gate, if not responsive (does not call you when your code is entered). Access – “Hold to Unlock”
2. Please do not allow “tailgaters”. If it happens to you, we encourage you to politely ask if you can help direct them to the slip they intend to go to. If you are the one who does not wait and follow an owner ahead of you, just let them know who you are.

• The Gazebos, Ramp and Docks

1. Notice the life preservers there? They are to be borrowed by our guests who may not be confident swimmers. A sign states that the wearing of life preservers is mandatory for under 10-year-old guests on the ramp, dock, and walkways. This is not only for the safety of our young guests but also helps to keep our liability insurance lower.
2. Electric-powered wheelchairs or carts are allowed on the ramps and docks of course. Riding a bike, skateboard, etc., is not allowed as it is only common sense.

• Garages

1. 1. The garage door panels, the track, the cable, and the springs (what it takes to open the door manually) are what the moorage will replace. Just let a board member know when it shows wear (fraying of the cables) starts acting strange. Please be careful not to dent or damage the door panels or its frame.
2. You may seal your floor, paint the walls, put in an attic ladder, and create storage (not things subject to extreme cold or heat) in the attic space, but consider the “resale” value of your garage when doing so. Some attics have firewalls that restrict or expand your space. Please respect your garage neighbors.
3. 3. Per current rules, you may have only one electric “appliance” as each building shares the capacity of the breaker box and PGE feed. A “110v” appliance can be a car but do not add a fridge or freezer. Most garages share a breaker with another or even two others so your usages have a single point of failure. If you lost power to your garage, it could be your garage neighbor is doing something requiring a surge of power. Get to know which of your neighbors share a breaker with you and know which breaker is yours (the one that is tripped).
4. It is strongly recommended, and there is a CC&R that requires it, that each of us store our personal auto(s) in our garage because we always want parking spaces open for guests and contractors. We all find that it’s difficult to adhere to this CC&R 100%, but the BoD has the right, and some say obligation, to enforce this and all CC&R’s.
5. The garages are NOT to be used as a place of business with customers coming and going. When doing major construction, it is a wonderful place to temporarily stage new or old material or temporarily use as a construction work area. Contact the ARC for approval of your plan.

• Garbage and Recycling

1. There are dumpsters at both ends in a fenced enclosure and are emptied at least once a week. Currently, there is one for cardboard and one for all other refuse. Please note the sign that advises on what NOT to put in the dumpsters and adhere to it.
2. Please be respectful of the other owner’s right to use the dumpster by not putting in more than your fair share all at once. If it is needed, store it in your garage and spread the deposit.
3. The blue rolling carts are for non-refundable bottles. We currently do not have recycling for mixed content like plastic, paper, metal cans, etc.
4. At the bottom of both ramps, there is a large bin with blue plastic bags that have a UPC code/sticker. If you fill a bag full of refundable, single-serving cans or bottles, knot it up at the top and just place it in.  A volunteer resident takes them to the Bottle Drop where they are turned into credit for a local charity.  Currently it is Hayden Island CSI non-profit that consists of volunteers on the island that take measures to combat crime and graffiti.  The bags themselves cost against the credit so best if filled up completely.

• Water/Sewer

1. Using River water for your indoor and outdoor plants saves us all money as about one-third of our monthly dues go to city water/sewer. Ask neighbors how they are watering and they can help. We all have some sort of bucket on the end of a stick.
2. Our volunteers track our sewer volume via an installed meter at the foot of the East ramp where the communal dual-pump system pumps dirty water into the City of Portland system. We are required to provide the readings to Portland every month. Major swings in water and sewer readings may indicate a break in lines or a honeypot below the waterline. For sewer, clean river water is sucked in and counted against our bill. Leaks of clean water just go into the river but can be as or more expensive. Watch for odd signs or listen to odd sounds that could indicate a leak, mark with tape where you think it is, and report it to the Board.

• Taxes

1. Your dues pay for taxes related to both the land from Hayden Island Dr to our western border including the shore as well as we pay for submerged land. This is also about one-third of our monthly dues.
2. You may be able to claim 1/56 per slip of the land taxes as a deduction on your yearly taxes, similarly to what you may have done on land. You will be notified by the HOA Treasurer in January what this amount is.

• The WHIMOA Community Office and Garage

1. We have a small office at the east end of E-garage facing the water. We also use the garage that shares the North wall of the office for storing ladders, yard rakes shovels, etc. We try to keep both the office and garage clean and organized. The office is used for monthly HOA meetings. It is also a wonderful place to find a delightful book, a board game, or even a wheelchair and crutches, all to be returned and shared again. Ask someone for the lock codes as they can change them.

• The WHIMOA Board

1. The 5 Board members are volunteers who have been voted into the office by a simple majority, one vote for every slip, and the results are announced at an All-Members meeting held the end of January offsite where you can meet others, listen to presentations, and voice your opinion. The elected members meet afterward to determine who is taking roles and committee leadership. The terms are 3 years (staggered) and may be re-upped if elected again at various year-ends.
2. The board meets every month, and publishes an agenda a week prior, and the minutes following that are uploaded, along with financials, onto our website.
3. All members are invited to attend the meetings. The office space is small and restrictive. You will be advised to follow “Robert’s Rule of Order” to show courtesy and respect during the meeting as the board member’s time is limited and there is usually a lot to discuss and decide.
4. Issues with a neighbor? Talk to them first to try to resolve it. Familiarize yourself with the CC&Rs and Rules on our website. Is there a rule being violated to which they are not responding? Send an email to the Board with as much information (date/time, picture, rule, slip or name, license, etc.). The Board will follow up and a response will be forthcoming. The Board is not intended to be the first option but used only when you have exhausted reasonable efforts.

• Summer Activities

1. Each year, we have volunteers who organize a “Work Party” that is focused on doing maintenance on common assets that do not require professional paid help. This is volunteer/sign-up work that can usually be completed in 3-4 hours so we can have

celebratory feasts after (weather permitting). The date of this will vary but will be

communicated with possible sign-up sheets.

2. The ARC Walk. The Architectural Review Committee does a slip-by-slip review of a few mandatory items and then will also document and report to the owners any issues they see needing attention like safety hazards or decks/homes that may need repair. More details are on the website.
3. Respect the river. The river is not a shallow, still lake and can have a surprisingly strong current and chilly temperatures. It can be dangerous. Think before jumping in. Watch your guests and their kids closely. No shame in using life preservers. We all enjoy a good float with a life preserver or a blow-up float of some sort.
4. Respect your neighbor’s privacy. We live close to each other and sound carries over water easily. If you have a power boat, respect the no-wake policy, and keep a safe distance from decks, especially at night.

• Honeypot

1. Most of us have a cute notice or sign visible at each toilette to remind guests that nothing should be flushed except waste and toilet paper. Ask your neighbor for a copy of their sign until you can personalize your own. Think about your system before you pour bacon grease or thick gravy down your sink. Will it dilute before it hits a sharp turn or your pump?
2. During the Summer Work Party each home’s “honeypot” is checked for leaks by placing a small amount of dye in one of the sinks or toilets and running water until the honeypot’s pump runs. It is easy to spot if any dye enters the river and is noted for repair. This is to ensure our river environment is not being polluted by inadvertent sewer issues. Do you know how to access your honeypot? We all provide the volunteers with easy access to accomplish this important and unenviable task.
3. Do you know which GFI switch or breaker controls your honeypot’s pump? Good to know as this is a common issue and easy to fix.
4. Note who to call if your honeypot needs repair or a checkup. It is good to visually inspect the pump as over time there can be a buildup of paper that can be easily remedied by a well-aimed nozzle until it can be cleared by the pump.

• Freezing temperatures

1. 1. There are freeze valves at the East and West end of the docks that open automatically when freezing conditions happen and allow a stream of water to flow to prevent freezing of the dock pipes. It can still happen and leaks should be watched for and reported/attended to during the thaw. If it does happen, be prepared with a clean drinking water supply ahead of time.
2. To help prevent freezing damage on your float, run a trickle of water at the most susceptible faucet(s) inside. Open cabinet doors on your internal-mounted plumbing to allow warmer air to circulate. Insulate your external faucets and drain your hoses. If you are away from home, ask a neighbor or volunteer to do this for you.
3. Volunteers usually put out a container of granulated anti-freeze at the bottom of the ramps to aid in walking on ramps and landings. Shoveling snow and/or ice from the dock is up to owners but is advised to just shovel the middle enough to roll a cart through, leaving sides as a deterrent to a slip and fall into the water. We all need to be aware of the level of the dock vs. the level of our homes/floats. They are connected and can impact one or the other adversely. Again, if you are away from home, ask your neighbor to be on the lookout!

• Parking lot

1. 1. We are proud of our parking availability and how the parking lot is maintained. Having parking spots for our guests or contractors to use is one of the pleasures of living here. See the “Garage” section of our CC&R’s regarding rules regarding regular use by owners and tenants. Here are a few tips.
2. Storage of materials or parking of trailers or RV’s is not allowed unless approved by the Board for each occurrence. Allow a few days for the Board to ask questions and decide.
3. “Long-term” parking of any vehicle is not allowed and the Board may act if they cannot contact an owner for a vehicle parked for what they define as long term. Use your garage!
4. The grass parking strips all have sprinkler heads that pop up when it is time to water. When car’s front bumper is over the grass it can damage the sprinkler heads and cost the moorage to replace, not to mention the fresh water wasted during a repair period.
5. Report lights that are out or suspicious or abandoned vehicles to the Board.

• Guests

1. Owners are responsible for their guests and their guest’s pet’s activity and are subject to violation/fines if rules are broken. There are special rules regarding long-term guests. Please refer to the HOA rules. Your unrecognized guest should not be surprised by a friendly question intended to be helpful, like “Can I help you find the home you’re looking for?.”
2. You will notice small life preservers hanging in the gazebos and they are there for our little guests under 10 years old to use while on the community ramps and docks. If you see someone this age not wearing one on our dock/walkways, politely let the accompanying adult know the rule and invite them to borrow one from the gazebos.
3. We are sometimes visited by uninvited people despite all our efforts to avoid it. PLEASE DO NOT put yourself in harm’s way. Report it via 911, but also there is a security committee here that has handled these situations before and, in most cases, resolved the situation with diplomacy and aplomb. Refer to the website for the security committee and make a note of their contact information. You will likely never need it, but what a relief to know a neighbor can be there to de-escalate or at least provide safety in numbers.

• Pets

1. Refer to the rules regarding the number of cats and dogs. There is currently a long-standing CC&R that limits dogs and cats to two of one and one of another per slip. Not three of a kind.
2. We all love friendly pets but we treasure cleanliness (no poop on neighbor’s floats, in the river, or on the grounds) and mutual respect when it comes to noise and greetings.

• Garden

1. 1. Garden clippings tend to collect in between slips and grow ugly and even hazardous to the utilities.
2. Using river water in your garden is encouraged.

• Contractor Work Hours and Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

1. Although your outdoor work may not involve ARC approval, this is a good place to explain that construction/repair by contractors, whether inside or outside, is restricted to 8am-5pm Monday through Friday (non-holidays), unless there is an emergency that you had not planned for, or there is a utility outage, like electrical or plumbing, in which case contact the board explaining the emergency.
2. When owners work on their own float and home, we have an additional Sat and Sun 9-5, allowing a little sleep-in time for your close neighbors before you fire up the circular saw or gas pressure washer. Always good to forewarn your neighbors.
3. When making alterations to the exterior of your float or your home, notify the ARC of what is planned. You can use a form, which is intended to provide definitive plans with start-completion dates.  The ARC is beholden to the board to report monthly, so if obvious work on the outside is being done, usually the ARC will, at least, inquire with you, so it is best to inform ahead of time.   The ARC has few restrictions, but the basic 65’ structures from the mutual dock is one that is definitive.   Refer to the website CC&R’s, rules, and seek info from the ARC.  The ARC members change so look for the form for the names and contact information.

• Updates and edits needed for this document.

Have recommended updates or changes for this document? Contact the BoD at [email protected] with your suggested edits.

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Previous (augment) info

Water

General:  Water is paid for through the HOA fees.  Therefore, it is in our best interest to be frugal when using water.  It is strongly recommended that watering of deck plants be done using river water.  This will greatly lessen our use of moorage potable water, lower our costs and the plants love all the nutrients that come from the river water.  

Freezing:  Waterlines from the main (under the walkway) to your home are the most vulnerable to freezing when temperatures dip below freezing for an extended period of time.  You can install heat tape and insulation to prevent this from happening.  You can let a faucet drip when below freezing weather is forecast to help prevent freezing of your home pipes but be mindful that this wastes water (although much better than a frozen pipe).  The main waterlines on the west end are protected from freezing by a thermal valve that opens and allows some water to flow when the temperature reaches a set level. 

Shut-Off Valves:  Each home has its own individual shut-off valve (some are easier to find than others).  It is a good idea to locate yours.  In addition, the main water line comes down the east ramp and splits into 4 lines with 4 valves. These shut off valves go to; homes east of the east ramp on the north side of the walkway, homes east of the east ramp on the south side of the walkway, homes to the west on the north side of the walkway and homes to the west on the south side of the walkway.  The location of the valves is under the walkway and the locations have been marked by blue reflectors on the whaler boards.  Do not shut these valves off without contacting the Board and before trying all other options as you are shutting off the water to all the other homeowners on that line. 

Fire Standpipes:  The fire standpipes are located along the north side of the moorage walkway and are tall pipes with an orangy-red valve on top and a screw-cap on the side that a fire hose can be connected to.  This system is used by the fire department or fire boat to push or pull water into our fire system to fight a fire.  The fire boats connect to the stand pipe and “push” river water into the system.  There are fire hydrants at the tops of the ramps (yellow hydrants) that the fire department can pull water from when connected from the hydrant to the standpipes.  There is a low point drain valve located on the north side of the ramp at the V in the walkway across from houses 15 & 16.

Sewer

Home Honey Pots:  each home has its own individual honey pot, usually accessed through a hatch in the deck, usually near the dock/walkway.  The honey pot should be maintained by using sludge eating bacteria, occasional cleaning, etc.  Increased longevity can be enhanced by limited use of the garbage disposal, especially stringy items like celery and potato peels.  Also, nothing should be flushed down the toilets with a string including floss, feminine products, etc.  These items can jam the pumps and cause serious repair issues and costs.  The upkeep of the home honey pot is the responsibility of the home owner.  Failure to correct a pump failure can lead to spillages into the river and fines for the home owner. 

Moorage Pump Station:  Individual home honey pots pump to the large moorage pump station at the bottom of the eastern ramp.  This pump station has two pumps and a control box to pump waste to the city sewer line on the island.  If one or both pumps fail, a light and siren will go off at the control panel located on the dock adjacent to the moorage pump station.   If this happens, try to reach a Board Member but if you cannot, then call the name and number of the company listed on the face of the panel (Webbing Pump 503-807-3587 or 503-482-5258 or 503-775-9778) and ask for assistance. The owner’s name is Rob.  Failure to correct a pump problem can lead to spillages into the river and large fines for the moorage.  We have 24 hours to correct any spillage before the fines start so action is imperative.  Note:  there is a spare pump for the moorage pump station located in the moorage garage if needed.  This pump needs to be installed by a professional.

Pump Station Lid was painted in spring 2013; rust removed, primed and painted by Diverse Works (office located at the corner of our entrance road and Hayden Island Drive).  Alan Oates 503-720-5606

Power & Telephone

Moorage Power:  At the bottom of each ramp (on a wing of the walkway) are large light green utility boxes that hold the transformers for our power.  Power is distributed under the walkway and accessed by rectangular manholes in the walkway marked with an E and some are larger and unmarked with a letter.  Our power is provided by PGE.  Report safety concerns or outages to PGE at 503-464-7777 or 1-800-544-1795

Moorage Telephone:  Telephone is run under the walkway and accessed through rectangular manholes in the walkway marked with a T.

Individual Home Power:  Each home has a stanchion that provides individual metered power to their home.  Near these stanchions are additional rectangular manholes in the walkway that access these home power lines coming off the main power lines.  Home owners are responsible for maintaining the power from the stanchion to their home.  Make sure your cable, conduit and or wires from the stanchion to your house are in good repair.  The motion of the homes can cause the wiring, conduit, or connections to be damaged. 

Parking Lot Drainage-Catch Basin Cleaning

We have 12 catch basins (parking lot drains) in the parking lot.  They need to be pumped out periodically.  We have two pumping resources;   American Landscaping and River City Environmental.  American Landscaping cleaned them in 2011 for approximately $600.  River City Environmental cleaned them in 2004 and 2006 for approximately $1050.  Catch basins should be cleaned either fall or spring.  American Landscaping 503-640-5963.  River City Environmental 503-252-6144

Asphalt Slurry Seal & Stripping

The parking lot and entry road were slurry sealed in the summer of 2011.  New pavement marking was also done.  The company who did the work is Black-Top Seal-coating and Maintenance, Ken Green 503-593-6739.  We have a striping machine and white paint stored in the Moorage Garage.  We also have red paint and Fire Lane stencils stored there.

Pump Station 

See sewer system above. 

Gas Shut-off

We have two gas mains, one coming down each ramp.  Shut off for the mains are located near the bottom of the ramps.  For the west ramp it is a square yellow valve near the float step at home #38 on the north side of the walk.  The yellow shut off valve for the east main is located on the west side of the ramp near the piling partway up the ramp.  There are 2 square valves, one down near the water and one at ramp elevation.  All the pipes are clearly marked “Natural Gas”.    These valves shut off all the gas to the moorage and should be operated by NW Natural Gas except in emergency.

Each home has a gas meter on the walkway with a shut off valve located on top of the meter.  If you smell natural gas (rotten egg smell) or suspect a leak, open your doors, leave your home and contact NW Natural Gas immediately.  If you have or suspect a gas leak take action as these can be very dangerous to you and our moorage.  Their emergency number is 1-800-882-3377.  Please note, at times there is a “gas smell” that comes from a propane facility over on Marine Drive that does not indicate anything amiss on our moorage.  If in doubt, call NW Natural.

Beautification & Landscaping

Our landscaping contractor is American Landscaping (503-640-5963).  They are usually here on Wednesdays and have a set number of things they take care of.  If you have any concerns or questions, please currently contact Gerry Abrams who is our official moorage liaison with the landscape company.  The landscapers have been instructed to interact with Gerry on all matters.

The Beautification Committee, currently headed by Ann Weisensee, is responsible for adding flowers, shrubs, hanging baskets to our moorage and heads up the Christmas decorations and lighting. 

Owners of cats and dogs are asked to please pick up after their animals as it is very distressing to step in or grab a handful of poop while planting, weeding, or walking.  If you have renters with pets, please explain this requirement to your tenants. 

Gate Operation

Malfunction:  If our main gates malfunction, contact Ed VanBrocklin who is currently responsible for Safety and Security.  If you cannot reach Ed, contact someone on the Board of Directors.  If one of the gates malfunctions, the other side will be opened for two-way traffic until the problem is resolved.  During these times, please enter and exit the moorage through the “in-bound” gate only.   Use caution as incoming cars will not be expecting outgoing traffic in their lane.  Leaving the gate open is a security risk for us, please make every effort to contact a Board member so the repair people at Metro Gate 503-595-4716 can be called. 

Malfunctions:  Occasionally, critters (snakes, ants, etc) take up residence in our gate control boxes.  Sometimes the box near to the key pad misbehaves with problems related to some cell carriers and the phone line.  Please report any problems to the Board person responsible for Safety and Security

Pedestrian Gate Codes:  The code for the pedestrian gate is 41325

Card Keys for Access:  Contact Ed VanBrocklin(primary) or xxxxx(secondary) for lost or new card keys.

Garage, Parking and Gazebo Power & Lighting

Garage Power, Lighting, Gazebo and Parking Lot Lighting:  At the end of each bank of garages is a circuit breaker box that controls the circuits for the garage power (usually 2-3-4 garages on a circuit breaker).  The photo cell security lights and the parking lot and gazebo lighting is also run from these same breaker boxes.  Control and circuit breaker boxes are locked so please contact a Board member for access.

Gate Light House Power and Lighting:  There is a circuit box located adjacent to the pedestrian gate that controls the lighthouse lights and the electric gate. 

Ramp Lighting:  Ramp lighting is controlled by dawn/dusk photo switch.   We have replacement lights and bulbs for the walkway and ramp lights in the moorage garage.  Please let someone from Safety and Security know if you notice lights out/missing.

Security Alarm System behind the Garages

There is a security system behind the garages along the north fence line.  If the alarm goes off, notify someone from the Safety and Security Committee, the Board of Directors and/or the Portland Police.  To turn the alarm off, go to Garage D on the west end, there is an alarm box, the code to shut off is 2630 On/Off.

Walkways

The moorage walkways are floated with a combination of Styrofoam integral to the walk itself as well as additional floats under the walkway as needed to keep it level.  The walkway and ramps are currently cleaned yearly by Danny’s Green Surface Cleaning 503-312-8614.  We sprayed for carpenter ants (entire length of the moorage both sides, along the whaler boards) in July 2013.  Mike Gliskaas, Columbia Pest Control 503-254-1606.  If individual homes become infected by carpenter ants, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to have them exterminated. 

Sprinkler System

The sprinkler system is turned on by the landscape company; they check, maintain and run it.  There is supposed to be a rain gauge that will turn it off automatically.  The sprinkler system has 12 zones. The Beautification Committee has keys to the sprinkler control box which is located on the wall between the moorage garage and office.  Currently Clay Funkhouser or George Heiskell understands the watering system and can/does adjust.   There are faucets at the gazebos.  There are battery powered timers at both gazebos that water the trees and hanging baskets.  The other faucet is for can be used for connecting a hose for washing cars without interrupting the watering.  Please don’t turn off the main valve on the west end with the tag on it as it will turn off both sides of the splitter (hose and watering system).

Garages

Circuit Breaker:  See Power Parking and Lighting above

Floor Repair:  Some of the garages were improperly cured when they were built and the floors are deteriorating (powdering).  The Board is looking at and testing methods to repair which would leave the floor looking more like exposed aggregate but no longer powdering.  If your garage is one of those in need of repair, contact the Board and a determination will be made.  Most affected garages are located in Garage Banks B & C & E . 

Electric Usage:  Moorage rules allow one appliance (refrigerator, freezer, etc) to be used in each garage.  You are encouraged to install energy efficient appliances as the moorage as a whole pays the bill for the garages.  We are currently looking at the issue of electric cars and a decision will be made as to how they might impact the moorage bill and what responsibility individual owners might have.

Fire Extinguishers

The moorage keeps fire extinguishers all along the walkway for emergency use.  They are inspected annually.  Please make note of the fire extinguisher closest to your home.  We also strongly encourage homeowners to also keep extinguishers in their garages and homes.  Please take note of the fire extinguisher closest to your home. 

West Ramp Disconnect

If, for some reason you need to disconnect the west ramp, you must contact the Board of Directors for permission and assistance.  Power to the light must be disconnected.  In addition, 4 very large pins or pin/bolt combinations must be removed and the entire walkway must be slid sideways to clear the ramp before pivoting.  The pins or pin/bolts are located under the metal panels that are at each end of the flat section of walkway.  Do not attempt this action without Board permission/assistance

Moorage Garage & Office

Codes:  The code to the office is 97217.  If you need access to the garage, please contact a Board member. 

Storage of Material:  The office has a lending library for use by residents.  Both the moorage garage and office are intended to be used for moorage business and storage of moorage property for the use and maintenance of moorage property.   Residents may not store items in the garage or office.

This was last updated April 2024 by Larry Cheever

The West Hayden Island Moorage welcomes our new owners and neighbors and wants you to know that we think this is the best moorage in the Portland area. We share your sense of adventure! We also want to share some of our wisdom that comes from living here over the years. We compiled a list of tips, rules, and cautions that we hope to ease your transition into the community and avoid some pitfalls that most of us have endured and, hopefully, learned from. At the end, there is an email address in which to suggest adds, deletes, or revisions as we want to improve.

• The Gate

1. Use the app (myQ) to open the gate, if not responsive (does not call you when your code is entered). Access – “Hold to Unlock”
2. Please do not allow “tailgaters”. If it happens to you, we encourage you to politely ask if you can help direct them to the slip they intend to go to. If you are the one who does not wait and follow an owner ahead of you, just let them know who you are.

• The Gazebos, Ramp and Docks

1. Notice the life preservers there? They are to be borrowed by our guests who may not be confident swimmers. A sign states that the wearing of life preservers is mandatory for under 10-year-old guests on the ramp, dock, and walkways. This is not only for the safety of our young guests but also helps to keep our liability insurance lower.
2. Electric-powered wheelchairs or carts are allowed on the ramps and docks of course. Riding a bike, skateboard, etc., is not allowed as it is only common sense.

• Garages

1. 1. The garage door panels, the track, the cable, and the springs (what it takes to open the door manually) are what the moorage will replace. Just let a board member know when it shows wear (fraying of the cables) starts acting strange. Please be careful not to dent or damage the door panels or its frame.
2. You may seal your floor, paint the walls, put in an attic ladder, and create storage (not things subject to extreme cold or heat) in the attic space, but consider the “resale” value of your garage when doing so. Some attics have firewalls that restrict or expand your space. Please respect your garage neighbors.
3. 3. Per current rules, you may have only one electric “appliance” as each building shares the capacity of the breaker box and PGE feed. A “110v” appliance can be a car but do not add a fridge or freezer. Most garages share a breaker with another or even two others so your usages have a single point of failure. If you lost power to your garage, it could be your garage neighbor is doing something requiring a surge of power. Get to know which of your neighbors share a breaker with you and know which breaker is yours (the one that is tripped).
4. It is strongly recommended, and there is a CC&R that requires it, that each of us store our personal auto(s) in our garage because we always want parking spaces open for guests and contractors. We all find that it’s difficult to adhere to this CC&R 100%, but the BoD has the right, and some say obligation, to enforce this and all CC&R’s.
5. The garages are NOT to be used as a place of business with customers coming and going. When doing major construction, it is a wonderful place to temporarily stage new or old material or temporarily use as a construction work area. Contact the ARC for approval of your plan.

• Garbage and Recycling

1. There are dumpsters at both ends in a fenced enclosure and are emptied at least once a week. Currently, there is one for cardboard and one for all other refuse. Please note the sign that advises on what NOT to put in the dumpsters and adhere to it.
2. Please be respectful of the other owner’s right to use the dumpster by not putting in more than your fair share all at once. If it is needed, store it in your garage and spread the deposit.
3. The blue rolling carts are for non-refundable bottles. We currently do not have recycling for mixed content like plastic, paper, metal cans, etc.
4. At the bottom of both ramps, there is a large bin with blue plastic bags that have a UPC code/sticker. If you fill a bag full of refundable, single-serving cans or bottles, knot it up at the top and just place it in.  A volunteer resident takes them to the Bottle Drop where they are turned into credit for a local charity.  Currently it is Hayden Island CSI non-profit that consists of volunteers on the island that take measures to combat crime and graffiti.  The bags themselves cost against the credit so best if filled up completely.

• Water/Sewer

1. Using River water for your indoor and outdoor plants saves us all money as about one-third of our monthly dues go to city water/sewer. Ask neighbors how they are watering and they can help. We all have some sort of bucket on the end of a stick.
2. Our volunteers track our sewer volume via an installed meter at the foot of the East ramp where the communal dual-pump system pumps dirty water into the City of Portland system. We are required to provide the readings to Portland every month. Major swings in water and sewer readings may indicate a break in lines or a honeypot below the waterline. For sewer, clean river water is sucked in and counted against our bill. Leaks of clean water just go into the river but can be as or more expensive. Watch for odd signs or listen to odd sounds that could indicate a leak, mark with tape where you think it is, and report it to the Board.

• Taxes

1. Your dues pay for taxes related to both the land from Hayden Island Dr to our western border including the shore as well as we pay for submerged land. This is also about one-third of our monthly dues.
2. You may be able to claim 1/56 per slip of the land taxes as a deduction on your yearly taxes, similarly to what you may have done on land. You will be notified by the HOA Treasurer in January what this amount is.

• The WHIMOA Community Office and Garage

1. We have a small office at the east end of E-garage facing the water. We also use the garage that shares the North wall of the office for storing ladders, yard rakes shovels, etc. We try to keep both the office and garage clean and organized. The office is used for monthly HOA meetings. It is also a wonderful place to find a delightful book, a board game, or even a wheelchair and crutches, all to be returned and shared again. Ask someone for the lock codes as they can change them.

• The WHIMOA Board

1. The 5 Board members are volunteers who have been voted into the office by a simple majority, one vote for every slip, and the results are announced at an All-Members meeting held the end of January offsite where you can meet others, listen to presentations, and voice your opinion. The elected members meet afterward to determine who is taking roles and committee leadership. The terms are 3 years (staggered) and may be re-upped if elected again at various year-ends.
2. The board meets every month, and publishes an agenda a week prior, and the minutes following that are uploaded, along with financials, onto our website.
3. All members are invited to attend the meetings. The office space is small and restrictive. You will be advised to follow “Robert’s Rule of Order” to show courtesy and respect during the meeting as the board member’s time is limited and there is usually a lot to discuss and decide.
4. Issues with a neighbor? Talk to them first to try to resolve it. Familiarize yourself with the CC&Rs and Rules on our website. Is there a rule being violated to which they are not responding? Send an email to the Board with as much information (date/time, picture, rule, slip or name, license, etc.). The Board will follow up and a response will be forthcoming. The Board is not intended to be the first option but used only when you have exhausted reasonable efforts.

• Summer Activities

1. Each year, we have volunteers who organize a “Work Party” that is focused on doing maintenance on common assets that do not require professional paid help. This is volunteer/sign-up work that can usually be completed in 3-4 hours so we can have

celebratory feasts after (weather permitting). The date of this will vary but will be

communicated with possible sign-up sheets.

2. The ARC Walk. The Architectural Review Committee does a slip-by-slip review of a few mandatory items and then will also document and report to the owners any issues they see needing attention like safety hazards or decks/homes that may need repair. More details are on the website.
3. Respect the river. The river is not a shallow, still lake and can have a surprisingly strong current and chilly temperatures. It can be dangerous. Think before jumping in. Watch your guests and their kids closely. No shame in using life preservers. We all enjoy a good float with a life preserver or a blow-up float of some sort.
4. Respect your neighbor’s privacy. We live close to each other and sound carries over water easily. If you have a power boat, respect the no-wake policy, and keep a safe distance from decks, especially at night.

• Honeypot

1. Most of us have a cute notice or sign visible at each toilette to remind guests that nothing should be flushed except waste and toilet paper. Ask your neighbor for a copy of their sign until you can personalize your own. Think about your system before you pour bacon grease or thick gravy down your sink. Will it dilute before it hits a sharp turn or your pump?
2. During the Summer Work Party each home’s “honeypot” is checked for leaks by placing a small amount of dye in one of the sinks or toilets and running water until the honeypot’s pump runs. It is easy to spot if any dye enters the river and is noted for repair. This is to ensure our river environment is not being polluted by inadvertent sewer issues. Do you know how to access your honeypot? We all provide the volunteers with easy access to accomplish this important and unenviable task.
3. Do you know which GFI switch or breaker controls your honeypot’s pump? Good to know as this is a common issue and easy to fix.
4. Note who to call if your honeypot needs repair or a checkup. It is good to visually inspect the pump as over time there can be a buildup of paper that can be easily remedied by a well-aimed nozzle until it can be cleared by the pump.

• Freezing temperatures

1. 1. There are freeze valves at the East and West end of the docks that open automatically when freezing conditions happen and allow a stream of water to flow to prevent freezing of the dock pipes. It can still happen and leaks should be watched for and reported/attended to during the thaw. If it does happen, be prepared with a clean drinking water supply ahead of time.
2. To help prevent freezing damage on your float, run a trickle of water at the most susceptible faucet(s) inside. Open cabinet doors on your internal-mounted plumbing to allow warmer air to circulate. Insulate your external faucets and drain your hoses. If you are away from home, ask a neighbor or volunteer to do this for you.
3. Volunteers usually put out a container of granulated anti-freeze at the bottom of the ramps to aid in walking on ramps and landings. Shoveling snow and/or ice from the dock is up to owners but is advised to just shovel the middle enough to roll a cart through, leaving sides as a deterrent to a slip and fall into the water. We all need to be aware of the level of the dock vs. the level of our homes/floats. They are connected and can impact one or the other adversely. Again, if you are away from home, ask your neighbor to be on the lookout!

• Parking lot

1. 1. We are proud of our parking availability and how the parking lot is maintained. Having parking spots for our guests or contractors to use is one of the pleasures of living here. See the “Garage” section of our CC&R’s regarding rules regarding regular use by owners and tenants. Here are a few tips.
2. Storage of materials or parking of trailers or RV’s is not allowed unless approved by the Board for each occurrence. Allow a few days for the Board to ask questions and decide.
3. “Long-term” parking of any vehicle is not allowed and the Board may act if they cannot contact an owner for a vehicle parked for what they define as long term. Use your garage!
4. The grass parking strips all have sprinkler heads that pop up when it is time to water. When car’s front bumper is over the grass it can damage the sprinkler heads and cost the moorage to replace, not to mention the fresh water wasted during a repair period.
5. Report lights that are out or suspicious or abandoned vehicles to the Board.

• Guests

1. Owners are responsible for their guests and their guest’s pet’s activity and are subject to violation/fines if rules are broken. There are special rules regarding long-term guests. Please refer to the HOA rules. Your unrecognized guest should not be surprised by a friendly question intended to be helpful, like “Can I help you find the home you’re looking for?.”
2. You will notice small life preservers hanging in the gazebos and they are there for our little guests under 10 years old to use while on the community ramps and docks. If you see someone this age not wearing one on our dock/walkways, politely let the accompanying adult know the rule and invite them to borrow one from the gazebos.
3. We are sometimes visited by uninvited people despite all our efforts to avoid it. PLEASE DO NOT put yourself in harm’s way. Report it via 911, but also there is a security committee here that has handled these situations before and, in most cases, resolved the situation with diplomacy and aplomb. Refer to the website for the security committee and make a note of their contact information. You will likely never need it, but what a relief to know a neighbor can be there to de-escalate or at least provide safety in numbers.

• Pets

1. Refer to the rules regarding the number of cats and dogs. There is currently a long-standing CC&R that limits dogs and cats to two of one and one of another per slip. Not three of a kind.
2. We all love friendly pets but we treasure cleanliness (no poop on neighbor’s floats, in the river, or on the grounds) and mutual respect when it comes to noise and greetings.

• Garden

1. 1. Garden clippings tend to collect in between slips and grow ugly and even hazardous to the utilities.
2. Using river water in your garden is encouraged.

• Contractor Work Hours and Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

1. Although your outdoor work may not involve ARC approval, this is a good place to explain that construction/repair by contractors, whether inside or outside, is restricted to 8am-5pm Monday through Friday (non-holidays), unless there is an emergency that you had not planned for, or there is a utility outage, like electrical or plumbing, in which case contact the board explaining the emergency.
2. When owners work on their own float and home, we have an additional Sat and Sun 9-5, allowing a little sleep-in time for your close neighbors before you fire up the circular saw or gas pressure washer. Always good to forewarn your neighbors.
3. When making alterations to the exterior of your float or your home, notify the ARC of what is planned. You can use a form, which is intended to provide definitive plans with start-completion dates.  The ARC is beholden to the board to report monthly, so if obvious work on the outside is being done, usually the ARC will, at least, inquire with you, so it is best to inform ahead of time.   The ARC has few restrictions, but the basic 65’ structures from the mutual dock is one that is definitive.   Refer to the website CC&R’s, rules, and seek info from the ARC.  The ARC members change so look for the form for the names and contact information.

• Updates and edits needed for this document.

Have recommended updates or changes for this document? Contact the BoD at [email protected] with your suggested edits.

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Previous (augment) info

Water

General:  Water is paid for through the HOA fees.  Therefore, it is in our best interest to be frugal when using water.  It is strongly recommended that watering of deck plants be done using river water.  This will greatly lessen our use of moorage potable water, lower our costs and the plants love all the nutrients that come from the river water.  

Freezing:  Waterlines from the main (under the walkway) to your home are the most vulnerable to freezing when temperatures dip below freezing for an extended period of time.  You can install heat tape and insulation to prevent this from happening.  You can let a faucet drip when below freezing weather is forecast to help prevent freezing of your home pipes but be mindful that this wastes water (although much better than a frozen pipe).  The main waterlines on the west end are protected from freezing by a thermal valve that opens and allows some water to flow when the temperature reaches a set level. 

Shut-Off Valves:  Each home has its own individual shut-off valve (some are easier to find than others).  It is a good idea to locate yours.  In addition, the main water line comes down the east ramp and splits into 4 lines with 4 valves. These shut off valves go to; homes east of the east ramp on the north side of the walkway, homes east of the east ramp on the south side of the walkway, homes to the west on the north side of the walkway and homes to the west on the south side of the walkway.  The location of the valves is under the walkway and the locations have been marked by blue reflectors on the whaler boards.  Do not shut these valves off without contacting the Board and before trying all other options as you are shutting off the water to all the other homeowners on that line. 

Fire Standpipes:  The fire standpipes are located along the north side of the moorage walkway and are tall pipes with an orangy-red valve on top and a screw-cap on the side that a fire hose can be connected to.  This system is used by the fire department or fire boat to push or pull water into our fire system to fight a fire.  The fire boats connect to the stand pipe and “push” river water into the system.  There are fire hydrants at the tops of the ramps (yellow hydrants) that the fire department can pull water from when connected from the hydrant to the standpipes.  There is a low point drain valve located on the north side of the ramp at the V in the walkway across from houses 15 & 16.

Sewer

Home Honey Pots:  each home has its own individual honey pot, usually accessed through a hatch in the deck, usually near the dock/walkway.  The honey pot should be maintained by using sludge eating bacteria, occasional cleaning, etc.  Increased longevity can be enhanced by limited use of the garbage disposal, especially stringy items like celery and potato peels.  Also, nothing should be flushed down the toilets with a string including floss, feminine products, etc.  These items can jam the pumps and cause serious repair issues and costs.  The upkeep of the home honey pot is the responsibility of the home owner.  Failure to correct a pump failure can lead to spillages into the river and fines for the home owner. 

Moorage Pump Station:  Individual home honey pots pump to the large moorage pump station at the bottom of the eastern ramp.  This pump station has two pumps and a control box to pump waste to the city sewer line on the island.  If one or both pumps fail, a light and siren will go off at the control panel located on the dock adjacent to the moorage pump station.   If this happens, try to reach a Board Member but if you cannot, then call the name and number of the company listed on the face of the panel (Webbing Pump 503-807-3587 or 503-482-5258 or 503-775-9778) and ask for assistance. The owner’s name is Rob.  Failure to correct a pump problem can lead to spillages into the river and large fines for the moorage.  We have 24 hours to correct any spillage before the fines start so action is imperative.  Note:  there is a spare pump for the moorage pump station located in the moorage garage if needed.  This pump needs to be installed by a professional.

Pump Station Lid was painted in spring 2013; rust removed, primed and painted by Diverse Works (office located at the corner of our entrance road and Hayden Island Drive).  Alan Oates 503-720-5606

Power & Telephone

Moorage Power:  At the bottom of each ramp (on a wing of the walkway) are large light green utility boxes that hold the transformers for our power.  Power is distributed under the walkway and accessed by rectangular manholes in the walkway marked with an E and some are larger and unmarked with a letter.  Our power is provided by PGE.  Report safety concerns or outages to PGE at 503-464-7777 or 1-800-544-1795

Moorage Telephone:  Telephone is run under the walkway and accessed through rectangular manholes in the walkway marked with a T.

Individual Home Power:  Each home has a stanchion that provides individual metered power to their home.  Near these stanchions are additional rectangular manholes in the walkway that access these home power lines coming off the main power lines.  Home owners are responsible for maintaining the power from the stanchion to their home.  Make sure your cable, conduit and or wires from the stanchion to your house are in good repair.  The motion of the homes can cause the wiring, conduit, or connections to be damaged. 

Parking Lot Drainage-Catch Basin Cleaning

We have 12 catch basins (parking lot drains) in the parking lot.  They need to be pumped out periodically.  We have two pumping resources;   American Landscaping and River City Environmental.  American Landscaping cleaned them in 2011 for approximately $600.  River City Environmental cleaned them in 2004 and 2006 for approximately $1050.  Catch basins should be cleaned either fall or spring.  American Landscaping 503-640-5963.  River City Environmental 503-252-6144

Asphalt Slurry Seal & Stripping

The parking lot and entry road were slurry sealed in the summer of 2011.  New pavement marking was also done.  The company who did the work is Black-Top Seal-coating and Maintenance, Ken Green 503-593-6739.  We have a striping machine and white paint stored in the Moorage Garage.  We also have red paint and Fire Lane stencils stored there.

Pump Station 

See sewer system above. 

Gas Shut-off

We have two gas mains, one coming down each ramp.  Shut off for the mains are located near the bottom of the ramps.  For the west ramp it is a square yellow valve near the float step at home #38 on the north side of the walk.  The yellow shut off valve for the east main is located on the west side of the ramp near the piling partway up the ramp.  There are 2 square valves, one down near the water and one at ramp elevation.  All the pipes are clearly marked “Natural Gas”.    These valves shut off all the gas to the moorage and should be operated by NW Natural Gas except in emergency.

Each home has a gas meter on the walkway with a shut off valve located on top of the meter.  If you smell natural gas (rotten egg smell) or suspect a leak, open your doors, leave your home and contact NW Natural Gas immediately.  If you have or suspect a gas leak take action as these can be very dangerous to you and our moorage.  Their emergency number is 1-800-882-3377.  Please note, at times there is a “gas smell” that comes from a propane facility over on Marine Drive that does not indicate anything amiss on our moorage.  If in doubt, call NW Natural.

Beautification & Landscaping

Our landscaping contractor is American Landscaping (503-640-5963).  They are usually here on Wednesdays and have a set number of things they take care of.  If you have any concerns or questions, please currently contact Gerry Abrams who is our official moorage liaison with the landscape company.  The landscapers have been instructed to interact with Gerry on all matters.

The Beautification Committee, currently headed by Ann Weisensee, is responsible for adding flowers, shrubs, hanging baskets to our moorage and heads up the Christmas decorations and lighting. 

Owners of cats and dogs are asked to please pick up after their animals as it is very distressing to step in or grab a handful of poop while planting, weeding, or walking.  If you have renters with pets, please explain this requirement to your tenants. 

Gate Operation

Malfunction:  If our main gates malfunction, contact Ed VanBrocklin who is currently responsible for Safety and Security.  If you cannot reach Ed, contact someone on the Board of Directors.  If one of the gates malfunctions, the other side will be opened for two-way traffic until the problem is resolved.  During these times, please enter and exit the moorage through the “in-bound” gate only.   Use caution as incoming cars will not be expecting outgoing traffic in their lane.  Leaving the gate open is a security risk for us, please make every effort to contact a Board member so the repair people at Metro Gate 503-595-4716 can be called. 

Malfunctions:  Occasionally, critters (snakes, ants, etc) take up residence in our gate control boxes.  Sometimes the box near to the key pad misbehaves with problems related to some cell carriers and the phone line.  Please report any problems to the Board person responsible for Safety and Security

Pedestrian Gate Codes:  The code for the pedestrian gate is 41325

Card Keys for Access:  Contact Ed VanBrocklin(primary) or xxxxx(secondary) for lost or new card keys.

Garage, Parking and Gazebo Power & Lighting

Garage Power, Lighting, Gazebo and Parking Lot Lighting:  At the end of each bank of garages is a circuit breaker box that controls the circuits for the garage power (usually 2-3-4 garages on a circuit breaker).  The photo cell security lights and the parking lot and gazebo lighting is also run from these same breaker boxes.  Control and circuit breaker boxes are locked so please contact a Board member for access.

Gate Light House Power and Lighting:  There is a circuit box located adjacent to the pedestrian gate that controls the lighthouse lights and the electric gate. 

Ramp Lighting:  Ramp lighting is controlled by dawn/dusk photo switch.   We have replacement lights and bulbs for the walkway and ramp lights in the moorage garage.  Please let someone from Safety and Security know if you notice lights out/missing.

Security Alarm System behind the Garages

There is a security system behind the garages along the north fence line.  If the alarm goes off, notify someone from the Safety and Security Committee, the Board of Directors and/or the Portland Police.  To turn the alarm off, go to Garage D on the west end, there is an alarm box, the code to shut off is 2630 On/Off.

Walkways

The moorage walkways are floated with a combination of Styrofoam integral to the walk itself as well as additional floats under the walkway as needed to keep it level.  The walkway and ramps are currently cleaned yearly by Danny’s Green Surface Cleaning 503-312-8614.  We sprayed for carpenter ants (entire length of the moorage both sides, along the whaler boards) in July 2013.  Mike Gliskaas, Columbia Pest Control 503-254-1606.  If individual homes become infected by carpenter ants, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to have them exterminated. 

Sprinkler System

The sprinkler system is turned on by the landscape company; they check, maintain and run it.  There is supposed to be a rain gauge that will turn it off automatically.  The sprinkler system has 12 zones. The Beautification Committee has keys to the sprinkler control box which is located on the wall between the moorage garage and office.  Currently Clay Funkhouser or George Heiskell understands the watering system and can/does adjust.   There are faucets at the gazebos.  There are battery powered timers at both gazebos that water the trees and hanging baskets.  The other faucet is for can be used for connecting a hose for washing cars without interrupting the watering.  Please don’t turn off the main valve on the west end with the tag on it as it will turn off both sides of the splitter (hose and watering system).

Garages

Circuit Breaker:  See Power Parking and Lighting above

Floor Repair:  Some of the garages were improperly cured when they were built and the floors are deteriorating (powdering).  The Board is looking at and testing methods to repair which would leave the floor looking more like exposed aggregate but no longer powdering.  If your garage is one of those in need of repair, contact the Board and a determination will be made.  Most affected garages are located in Garage Banks B & C & E . 

Electric Usage:  Moorage rules allow one appliance (refrigerator, freezer, etc) to be used in each garage.  You are encouraged to install energy efficient appliances as the moorage as a whole pays the bill for the garages.  We are currently looking at the issue of electric cars and a decision will be made as to how they might impact the moorage bill and what responsibility individual owners might have.

Fire Extinguishers

The moorage keeps fire extinguishers all along the walkway for emergency use.  They are inspected annually.  Please make note of the fire extinguisher closest to your home.  We also strongly encourage homeowners to also keep extinguishers in their garages and homes.  Please take note of the fire extinguisher closest to your home. 

West Ramp Disconnect

If, for some reason you need to disconnect the west ramp, you must contact the Board of Directors for permission and assistance.  Power to the light must be disconnected.  In addition, 4 very large pins or pin/bolt combinations must be removed and the entire walkway must be slid sideways to clear the ramp before pivoting.  The pins or pin/bolts are located under the metal panels that are at each end of the flat section of walkway.  Do not attempt this action without Board permission/assistance

Moorage Garage & Office

Codes:  The code to the office is 97217.  If you need access to the garage, please contact a Board member. 

Storage of Material:  The office has a lending library for use by residents.  Both the moorage garage and office are intended to be used for moorage business and storage of moorage property for the use and maintenance of moorage property.   Residents may not store items in the garage or office.