Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director
The mid-way point is always a good time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we have left to do. The IHCA Board of Directors (BOD) and staff remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of the community and its financial security.
I am happy to report that the association’s fiscal position is strong despite the pandemic and slowing economy. The forecasted reports show that we are currently under budget in several categories.
Just like the rest of the world, IHCA operations have been hindered by the lack of labor and materials. However, we are slowing getting through the back log of projects.
Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Report
The IHCA ended the 2021-2022 fiscal year on June 30, 2022, with a cash surplus of $277,000. The financial records were independently audited by Newman & Company CPA, which presented a clean assessment.
In October 2022, the board voted to allot 2021-2022 year-end surplus funds from the master account to the areas seen in the graph at right.
Construction and Sales Update
Taylor Morrison broke ground in the fall of 2022 on the Reserve at Forest Ridge project, formerly known as Tract D, located off 15th Avenue and College Drive. The planned 10 single family homes are expected to be completed in approximately 18 months.
Additionally, the custom home lots on Harrison Street are finishing up two active construction projects. One last vacant lot is slotted to begin construction in the coming months.
Grand Ridge Drive currently has three homes under construction and eight in the planning stages, leaving 11 homes left to be completed. The remaining commercial parcels along Ninth Avenue and Discovery Drive are yet to be determined—as well as Block 20 on 10th Street and Falls Drive.
Connecting with the Mayor and Other Governmental Agencies
IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey met with Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly over summer to discuss the partnership between our community and the city as well as what is working and what is not. Discussions included traffic, safety, code violations, crime, trees, sidewalks and water use.
The city was commended for its work repaving and restriping of Highlands Drive, which was desperately needed. The remainder of Highlands Drive and Ninth Avenue will be forthcoming in the near future.
Additionally, the IHCA administration contacted the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on the community’s behalf to push for the much-needed repaving work on the I-90 off ramp. The IHCA also connected with King County Metro to get the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride some much-needed maintenance and landscaping work.
On The Horizon
After 15 years of use, all wooden garden plots in Vista Garden 2 will be removed and replaced with stone. New fencing will surround the garden as well.
Over in Daphne Park, replacement of the new playground equipment is currently in-progress. The IHCA secured a triple tower structure from KOMPAN, the world’s number one supplier of innovative playground equipment.
The previous play equipment was a tot lot designed for ages 2-6. Meanwhile, the new structure is larger, taller and intended for all ages. It also offers a variety of features such as hand eye coordination, tactile stimulation, a climber, hammock, two slides, walking bridge, climbing poles and balance bars.
The existing swing set is staying, but it will be removed during the renovation and powder coated with a paint color to match the new play structure.
This project is possible due to the master reserve fund as part of the IHCA’s five-year playground/park upgrades. The following parks will be updated in the next five years:
- Daphne Park — In progress
- Wisteria Park — Summer 2023
- Ashland Park (first park to open in Issaquah Highlands) – Summer 2025
- Kirk Park – Summer 2026
Trees Take Hit from Storm, Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, between the big windstorm in November and an increased number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers, we have lost over 35 trees this year alone.
The hardest hit area was the northwest section of Katsura, which lost 9 trees on the same street within one hour during the November storm. The uprooted trees caused massive damage and uprooted large expanses of sidewalks.
The IHCA and the City of Issaquah are working together to remove stumps and roots, while also replacing large sections of the sidewalks in various locations to ensure safe passageways.
Trash Collection
As part of the IHCA’s routine weekly work, we are regularly picking up garbage throughout the community—whether it’s the trash cans, doggie pots or general clean up.
The IHCA has also partnered with Joe Beernink, CEO of Trashmob. This organization is a nonprofit of volunteers who come onsite quarterly—typically in the Grand Ridge Plaza/I- 90 corridor—to collect trash. The trash is then picked up by IHCA crews and disposed.
This is in conjunction with the City of Issaquah Public Works Department, King County Metro, and WSDOT to stay on top of trach collection throughout the community. For more information about Trashmob, visit the website: https://www.trashmob.eco.
Thank you for doing your part by not littering.
Join the IHCA Finance Committee
One opening is available on the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Finance Committee, where your input could help to develop the association’s annual operating budget and, along with a dedicated team of folks at the IHCA, help to ensure good financial stewardship of homeowner dues. Board approval is required before the expenditure of any funds.
This committee currently meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Visit bit.ly/3tULgXD to apply.
We Are Hiring
The IHCA is currently seeking qualified candidates to join our team. Open positions include maintenance technician, landscape groundkeeper and community manager.
IHCA is an equal opportunity employer and offers completive wages with full benefits (including 401K, paid time off, and medical and dental insurance). Please contact the office for an application.
