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Believe in Better:
VALUABLE CITY INFRASTRUCTURE
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When choosing where to build or purchase a new home, buyers sometimes overlook a major consideration: the value of city infrastructure. Cities spend millions of dollars engineering, installing, maintaining and updating municipal water and sewage treatment facilities. These community investments ensure residents that they will have the water they want when they need it and that contaminants in household sewage are removed to produce environmentally safe treated wastewater. Private developers also invest millions of dollars when developing within cities, working closely with city engineers and utility maintenance department staff to install water and sewer infrastructure that meets city standards. This relationship between private developers and municipal governments ensures safe and reliable services to those who purchase homes within city developments while protecting valuable natural resources for the benefit of the overall community. As the next new phase of development in Mountain View Meadows nears completion, city engineer, Ryan Leland and a host of city inspectors along with developer Mark Runkle, MVM construction foreman Kris Baker and Shawn Higley and Jeremy Fadness of WWC Engineering gathered on site in April for what is termed a "walk-through". During the walk-through, as is true during every phase of development, inspectors examined water system valves, fire hydrant installation, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer lines, and manholes. Prior to the walk-through, water lines were pressure treated to 190 psi to make certain they wouldn't leak and were sanitized with chlorine, flushed and bacteria tested. Sewer lines were also pressure tested with air to assure that water wouldn't seep into them. Afterwards, a remote controlled robotic video camera was maneuvered through the sewer lines to confirm there were no "dips" where sewage could collect.
It is often said "It takes a village" to raise children. It also takes a village of qualified professionals and responsible developers to maintain water and sewer infrastructure standards that ensure a better, healthier and more enjoyable life for residents now and for generations of people to come.
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Building a Better Community:
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Montana Independent Living Project is hosting its 1st Annual Derby for Disabilities Fundraiser. With derby attire encouraged, all are sure to have a great time garbed in pearls, big hats, and bow ties. Complete with live betting, mint juleps, and southern fare, this fundraiser on Saturday, May 6th from 3:00-5:30 p.m., is sure to be a success. Call Kiki Moses at 406-442-5755 to see if there is still seating available and join in the fun! Montana Independent Living Project (MILP) is a not-for-profit agency striving to support the development and expansion of community based services which directly facilitate independence, productivity, and quality of life for people with disabilities. To find out more about MILP and to stay informed about future fundraisers, check out their Facebook page or website at http://www.milp.us/home.html.
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On Topic:
SEPTIC CONTAMINATION RISKS
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Over ten years ago, the Tri-State Water Quality Council warned of contamination of lakes and streams in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon due to increased growth in rural populations. According to its study published in 2005, one of the biggest challenges facing state and local governments is how to deal with the increase in wastewater while protecting the water quality that is crucial to the health of the community and to the natural beauty of Montana.*
Septic systems, also known as "on-site wastewater treatment systems," are widely used in rural settings to dispose of wastewater. When operating correctly, septic systems remove many pollutants and provide some measure of protection for human health and for the environment. But, as rural populations grow, explained the Council,
aquifers exhaust their ability to dilute wastes from ever-increasing numbers of septic tanks and water quality steadily deteriorates.
Conventional septic tank and drainfield systems treat wastewater by settling solids and partly digesting organic matter, allowing liquid effluent, which still contains nutrients and pathogens (bacteria, protozoa and viruses) to be discharged into the soil beneath the drainfied. In the soil, biological processes, filtration and absorption remove most pathogens and some nutrients.
However, conventional septic systems are not adequate for removing nitrate, and only partly remove phosphorus, certain pathogens and other compounds, especially where septic system densities are too high (EPA, 002). Anything that is not removed by the soil under the drainfield will end up in groundwater.
Contaminants in groundwater make their way to streams and lakes through natural water flows. Groundwater does not stay in one place, but flows from higher water table elevations towards areas of lower water table elevations. Streams, rivers and lakes are usually low points in a watershed and shallow groundwater within a watershed flows towards and discharges to these water bodies.
The Tri-State Water Quality Council report noted how untreated contaminants pose a risk to humans and the environment:
- Loss of water clarity.
- Proliferation of aquatic weeds, algae blooms, and drop-offs in dissolved oxygen (A critical factor for fish and other aquatic life).
- Algae blooms make drinking water taste and smell bad.
- Blue-green algae can release toxins that contribute to the problem of carcinogenic tri-halomethanes (Carpenter, et.al., 1998, "Nonpoint Pollution of Surface Waters with N&P", Ecological Society of America, http://esa.sdsc.edu/).
- Nitrogen, in its nitrate form, poses a direct risk to human and livestock health if it reaches high concentrations in drinking water (10 milligrams/Liter is the EPA maximum contaminant level for drinking water).
- Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus that cause ecological damage in lakes and rivers are more than 10 times lower than levels which are toxic to humans and livestock.
*SEPTIC SYSTEM IMPACT ON SURFACE WATERS A Review for the Inland Northwest
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
LANDSCAPING SET TO START
: Thank you to all the new homeowners who have waited patiently for the weather to settle down to get their landscaping installed. With a minimal planting season in Montana, it's quite the scramble to get UG water systems and sod in before the first winter freeze not to mention finding the right trees and plants after August. As soon as possible, landscapers will begin working through the existing work schedule from last fall and winter and get a jump start on homes that are closing this spring.
2
. JULY 4TH AT MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK: It's not too early to start planning for this year's community 4
th of July BBQ. This year, we'd like to add to the festivities the kids "Push & Pull Parade". The first "Push & Pull Parade" was held at the dedication of the Park back in 2014. To participate, kids up to age 12 (along with help from parents and older siblings) decorate their favorite non-motorized means of transportation from baby carriages and wagons to skateboards and scooters. They then dress in costume and show off their wheels. If pushed or pulled by a parent or older sibling, they too must join in the spirit and don a costume and parade their stuff. Additional information and sign-up forms will be emailed to residents the first of June. Expect cash prizes and loads of colorful fun!
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New Homes F
or Sale:
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
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A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps. Realtors always welcome. Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting. The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction.
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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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2781
Favor Loop:
The Big Sandy. 1903 S.F. makes this spacious 3BD/2BA single-story home exceptionally desirable at $299,900. Final touches nearly complete on this new home featuring a huge great room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling, a light and beautiful master suite with double vanity and large walk-in closet, granite countertops, soft-close doors, and concrete porches front and back! Stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice St. for a personal walk-through or contact David Torgerson, Versant Real Estate Group, at 406-459-8565 for an appointment to view this exceptional Weatherall-built home. MLS#297073.
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2785 Favor Loop: The Sun.
Totally framed and under roof, come see for yourself this upscale 1872 S.F, single-level Weather-all built home. The open floor plan will wow you with space and livability. The Sun features a fireplace, pantry, double doors leading into the flex room off the great room, a master suite with separate tub and shower, granite and tile, soft-close cabinets, a concrete front porch with craftsman design elements and a covered concrete porch in back. Call 406.449-0800 to lay your claim to this new home. At $299,900
it will not last long!
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| 491 Twilight: Known for their rustic natural finishes, this 3BD/2BA home well under construction by family owned and operated Grewett Construction will wrap you in style and comfort. With over 3,000 square feet you'll have ample space to add 2 more bedrooms, a bath and a large recreation room downstairs while enjoying single-level living on the main floor. Call 449-0800 for additional information. |
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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| The Town Hall Main Floor |
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| The Town Hall Upper Floor |
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2793 Alexis Avenue:
The Town Hall.
Location, location, location--directly across from Mountain View Park with unobstructed mountain views! Construction just getting underway on this beautiful new 2-story 3BD/2.5BA classic craftsman homeplan featuring a full front porch, spacious great room with fireplace, separate dining area, office nook, an upstairs loft (could be a 4
th
bedroom), air conditioning and a large 2-bay attached garage. $289,900. Call 406.449-0800 while there's still time to choose colors.
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2805 Alexis: The Barrister. Be the first to lay claim to this elegant 1808 Sq. Ft. 3BD/3BA home located directly across from Mountain View Park. You'll enjoy laminate flooring, soft-close drawers and cabinets, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, arched entryways and the attention to detail you've come to expect from Sierra Custom Homes. An additional bedroom or den/office option on the main floor provides that extra private space for you or your guests. Call Dawn Purvis, Century 21, at 406-439-6380 for additional information. $279,900. MLS#297137.
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531, 533, & 535 S. Alice Street: A brand new condo building going up! Three condo units available: two 1213 S.F. single-story plans each with a 200 S.F. covered outdoor living space and a 1521 S.F. two-story featuring tons of closet space and a huge master suite. Each condo features soft close cabinets, laminate flooring and stainless appliances. The single-story condos include granite countertops and tiled master baths. Plan your next move into one of these fabulous new condos while you still have time to choose interior paint colors. Call 406-449-0800 for additional information. MLS#297154
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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NEW UPSCALE HOME PLAN underway in Aspen Park features 2460 S.F. of single story living with an additional 280 S.F. finished bonus room above the garage. Vaulted living space, a corner fireplace, breakfast bar, a huge pantry, den/office, wood doors and trim, wood floors, granite and tile throughout, an oversized garage, stone and timber exterior features, a concrete tile roof with a 75 year warranty, Hardy-plank siding, a beautiful front porch entry, a huge covered outdoor living space and an oversized 2-car garage are among the many amenities that set this home apart. Drop into the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. to check out this brand new 3BD/2.5BA home plan priced just over $400K.
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Neighborhood:
Best Dog Owners
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Okay, so we really can't tell you exactly who the best dog owner is in our neighborhoods, but we can point out what it takes to be one. Roberta Lawson told us a great story recently. Some boys asked for a job walking her dog, Mikey. She thought it was a good idea to give the boys an opportunity to make some spending money. All was set until the boys found out they had to scoop the poop when walking the dog! So Roberta continues to walk Mikey, enjoying the companionship and taking care of the unpleasant business of scooping the poop that responsible dog owners always do. But that's only part of the story. Roberta lost her car keys yesterday. Guess where she found them? While walking Mikey she saw some dog do-do in her front yard left carelessly left behind by some other person who failed to act responsibly while walking his dog. When she stooped to clean up the poop, she inadvertently dropped her keys. Luckily later, she guessed what happened and found her keys in her own front yard. So, here's to the best dog owner we know of in our neighborhood! Thank you Roberta for showing what it takes to be one!
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Roberta Lawson with her Pomeranian pal, Mikey.
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On Alexis Avenue in Craftsman Village, three homes contracted by new home buyers are currently being built by Sierra Custom Homes, and one presold home is also being built by Casteel Contruction. If you see the soon-to-be neighbors stopping in to check the progress of their new homes, be sure to say hello!
Congratulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
Interval Training
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Want to burn fat efficiently while also exercising outdoors? By running and walking in intervals, you can burn more calories in less time than you can by jogging alone. You'll even reap the rewards post-workout while your body continues to burn more calories. The human body is an efficient machine, and as it gets familiar with the same workout, it burns fewer calories. Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., fitness research director at Quincy College in Massachusetts is quoted in Women's Health magazine, saying, "Your body likes to be on cruise control, because that's where it's most gas efficient, but when you push on the gas pedal, as you do in intervals, your body becomes less efficient and has to burn more calories to do the activity." Interval training allows you to change the workout every day and keep your body guessing. For optimal workout results, hit the Fun & Fitness Trail today for some interval training!
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The final countdown is underway for opening Phase I of The Uplands neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows. With nearly two years dedicated to designing and installing the infrastructure required for the first 22 lots, it has been oftentimes a stressful and overwhelming endeavor. But Mark and I are both overjoyed that construction of new homes along Elouise Cobell Street behind the Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters could be starting as early as June! Mark's smile came back following a successful "walk-through" with city sewer and water inspectors in April and it got wider with the installation of curb and gutter in anticipation of street paving in the next couple weeks. We expect to go before the City Commission May 22 for final plat approval and after that, you can catch us heaving a giant sigh of relief while celebrating at the Silver Star downtown. Of course, as much as we enjoy the Silver Star, we'd much rather celebrate in a restaurant at Mountain View Meadows, but that's still a dream in the making. However, just like all the beautiful new homes on the hill and in Aspen Park and more coming soon throughout the neighborhoods and in The Uplands, we know it's a dream that will one day be a reality with lots of continued hard work and determination. I can't wait!
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Mark makes a couple last minute passes with his small dozer to tidy up the work area before the "Walk-through."
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Utility Maintenance inspector, Earl O'Leary checks valve boxes for depth and straightness.
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MVM construction foreman, Kris Baker(R), consults with Helena City Water Maintenance Supervisor Chad Cross and his inspection crew.
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It may take a village to install the best city infrastructure, but it also takes a whole lot of heavy equipment!
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