2220 E Murray Holladay Rd. Main Office, Holladay, Utah 84117, United States
september-October notes
HVAC Heat System Activation Complete For Fall/Winter Season
October 13th update-The HVAC heat system activation is now complete, and heat is flowing through the main system into individual units for the fall/winter season.
Questions or Feedback?
Please note that Aix La Chapelle is NOT affiliated with any self-proclaimed advocates, HOA hate groups, divisive meeting groups etc. We remind owners to be cautious about sharing personal information with any such individuals in order to protect yourselves and the association.
Transparency and open communication through the appropriate channels are the keys to a harmonious community!
Complete association information is always available to you on this website and in the 'Member Documents' tab. In the spirit of continuous improvement, we always appreciate feedback related to the information on the website so that we are ensuring the information being made available to you, is convenient and complete. We continue to collaborate with our professional business partners for effective, transparent operations (legal team, engineers, accounting and many other trusted professional resources).
Please continue to direct any questions, suggestions, ideas or concerns to the Board of Directors or the management team via the portal, or emails below. Feedback forms are also available at the office and completed forms may be placed in the office door mail slot. We are always appreciative of owner feedback and look forward to hearing from you!
AC Chillers
UPDATED MESSAGE TO OWNERS:
October 20th
Dear Owners,
Thank you to the owners who attended last week's central plant tour to see the AC Chiller System firsthand with the management team. We appreciate your attendance and thoughtful questions!
As part of our continued commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of the Association’s assets, the Management team would like to provide all owners with the answers to questions that were discussed at the central plant tour (in this overview format).
Please see below and reach out with any questions.
The community chillers were installed in the 1990s and have provided reliable service for more than two decades. With consistent, high-quality maintenance, including annual inspections, regular water treatment, and timely component repairs, the system has performed well beyond typical expectations.
However, our current chiller’s typical life expectancy is approximately 20 to 25 years, and our systems are now beyond that range. As equipment ages, several issues naturally emerge:
- Service and replacement parts become increasingly difficult to source.
- Efficiency and reliability begin to decline.
- Repair costs grow as components reach the end of their design life.
The Association’s Reserve Study specifically identifies chiller replacement as a major capital item, and funding for this project is included in the Association’s long-term reserve schedule. The chiller system, although part of that schedule, is in need of addressing in a meaningful way at this time.
The current board has been working to follow this reserve plan closely over the past several years to get pre-2016 deferred projects on track for completion. Many critical projects have been completed in the process and the details for these projects are found in the 'projects' tab of the website.
The Board and Management are working with qualified mechanical engineers and vendors to assess chiller replacement/rebuild options and long-term efficiency improvements. While this represents a significant investment, replacing outdated equipment will yield long-term benefits, greater reliability, lower maintenance costs, and improved energy efficiency. Owners will continue to be updated on any movement for the chiller's replacement/rebuild, as the owner survey responses have now been received.
Some members have asked whether recent or upcoming expenditures signal a misuse of funds or poor financial oversight. We want to assure every owner that this is not the case.
Aix La Chapelle maintains strict internal financial controls:
- Management and accounting staff do not have direct access to the Association funding which includes bank accounts, checks, etc.
- All financial disbursements are reviewed and approved through established Board authorization processes.
- Monthly financial statements are reconciled, reviewed by the Board, and shared with owners.
These best business practices represent the highest standard of internal controls available to community associations and ensure that the Association funds are transparent, protected, absolutely traceable, and used solely for their intended purpose.
We appreciate your continued trust and understanding as we plan for this critical phase of our community’s infrastructure renewal.
Additional note:
Large-scale capital replacements, such as chillers, structural upgrades, roofs etc. are what reserve funds are designed to cover. These expenditures are planned years in advance to protect the building’s infrastructure. The reserve account has been actively utilized to maintain the integrity of the Central Plant building through updated structural engineering, replacement of common pipes and segmentation lines to each building to minimize disruptions with emergency or scheduled water shut offs, gas lines and many other projects that are detailed on the projects tab of the website.
UPDATE October 15th
The Management Team thought it may be interesting to some owners to have a chance to see the existing AC Chiller system that is in need of a total rebuild or replacement.
If that is something of interest to you, feel free to stop by the Central Plant building to take a look during one of the time slots listed below.
Times available for owners to stop by the Central Plant will be:
Thursday October 16th 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Friday October 17th 10:00 to 2:00 pm.
Additional time slots are available by appointment the following week on October 21st.
Please reach out if you would like to schedule a time on that additional date next week.
UPDATE Sept 19th
A survey regarding the AC chillers was sent to all owners on Sept 19th. The results of the survey will be made available in October (reminder this was a survey not a vote).
Additional information and next steps will also be provided at that time.
Thank you for contributing to the conversation!
Letter to the community:
Sept 17th
Dear Owners and Residents,
As part of our commitment to keeping everyone informed, we want to update you on the status of the building’s chiller system.
Our chillers are now 28 years old, more than ten years beyond their intended lifespan, and while management and our service partners have done an excellent job maintaining them this long, the system is showing its age. We’ve previously shared that the chillers are in need of major repair or full replacement. Despite our ongoing maintenance efforts, these repairs are only temporary measures and do not modernize the equipment.
The latest diagnosis shows that one of the major pumps has failed, which requires a costly repair and several days of work. Cooling temperatures are already trending lower, and while we recommend moving forward with this repair for now, it is important to remember that each repair only extends the life of an outdated system by a short time.
Looking ahead, the Board and management are carefully evaluating our options. Replacing the chiller system is estimated to cost approximately $600,000. We will be seeking input from owners as we explore whether to (1) continue making temporary repairs while waiting for reserve funding to accumulate, or (2) consider a special assessment that would allow a faster, long-term replacement and improved comfort for all residents.
At the same time, we are also managing other critical projects—such as the roof replacement—as part of our reserve funding plan. With aging infrastructure, we must prioritize projects that provide the greatest long-term value to the community. To ensure we make the best decisions, we are working closely with professional partners, including mechanical engineers, technicians, CPAs, and legal counsel.
We encourage all owners to stay engaged, ask questions, and rely on these qualified professionals for guidance. While open dialogue is always welcome, we also caution against misinformation or commentary from individuals who may present personal opinions as fact or attempt to divide the community. Constructive solutions, based on expert advice, will lead to the best outcomes for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these important decisions together. Your participation and thoughtful input are essential as we plan for the future of our building.
Rental Restriction Information and Property Value
Dear Owners,
We recently had 2 owners ask why there is a rental restriction in place, and if having a rental restriction decreases their property value. In the spirit of clarification and transparency we would like to provide the following information to our owners. This is data driven information and we hope this is beneficial to any owner who may have a question about the rental restriction.
Nearly a decade ago, after open discussion and a community vote, Aix La Chapelle adopted a rental restriction designed to protect our shared investment and quality of life. Since 2016 the rule has been consistently enforced, communicated to new owners and lenders, and ratified by years of practice. Today we can clearly see the positive results.
At the time of the 2016 vote, rental units made up close to more than half of the community. Our percentage of owner-occupied homes had dropped below 50%, causing the Association to lose FHA loan approval. Without FHA approval, many buyers could not qualify for financing, which directly pressured resale values and made sales more difficult.
Recognizing the risk to every owner’s investment, the Board and membership acted to stabilize the community by adopting a rental cap. Data-Driven Financial Advantages:
- Higher Market Values & Easier Financing
- Since adoption, the rental percentage has changed from over 51 percent rentals to an improved owner-occupied percentage of 80 percent, with rentals making up 20 percent currently, and a goal of reaching 15 percent rental maximum.
- Lower rental ratios are a key factor used by banks, appraisers, and FHA to determine property value and lending risk.
- Maintaining FHA eligibility gives buyers access to broader financing, which supports stronger resale prices for every owner.
- Lower Borrowing Costs
- Lenders reward communities with strong owner-occupancy by offering lower mortgage interest rates and more favorable loan terms.
- Reduced Operating Expenses
- Fewer rentals mean less move-in/move-out traffic, lower wear on common areas, and more stable maintenance and insurance costs.
Quality of Life Benefits:
- Greater Pride of Ownership – Owner-occupants typically invest more care in their homes, resulting in cleaner, better-maintained buildings and shared spaces.
- Stronger Sense of Community – Stable, long-term neighbors foster friendships, volunteerism, and a safer, more welcoming environment.
Owners who were renting in 2016 remain grandfathered under Utah law and may continue to rent as long as they stay in compliance. As the overall rental percentage moves toward 15%, interested owners can request placement on the rental waiting list so they are eligible to rent if a slot opens while keeping the cap in place.
This is not just a rule—it is a proven strategy that keeps Aix La Chapelle financially strong, marketable, and enjoyable for everyone who calls this their home.
By maintaining a healthy balance of owner-occupancy, we safeguard property values, preserve financing options, and sustain the values of a thriving community.
Board of Directors & Management
Aix La Chapelle Condominium Association
Board of Directors Meet and Greet
These Meet and Greet opportunities with the Board of Directors will be held the 3rd Tuesday every other month.
Meet and Greets are an informal time to stop by to say hello and have a treat!
The October Meet and Greet is complete, thank you to those who stopped by to spend some time with your neighbors and board members!
The next Meet and Greet will be Tuesday December 16th at 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the main office, we hope you will stop by!
Scheduled Water Shut Off for September-October
The scheduled water shut off for September 17th is complete.
The scheduled water shut off for October 15th is complete.
The next scheduled water shut off day will be November 19th at 10:00 am (3rd Wednesday of the month).
Complete details of the water shut off scheduling process can be found on the 'Water Shut Off' tab on this same website.
You must have already been added to the water shut off schedule prior to this date for onsite staffing purposes.
Please contact the office if you would like to be added to the schedule for that day.
Do not attempt to complete plumbing repairs/upgrades if you are not officially on the schedule with the office, as this may result in flooding your condo unit or the unit(s) of your neighbors.
Pool Season 2025
South Pool
The South Pool will be open for an extended pool season this year. The pool will close for the season on September 29th (5:00 pm).
Please review the North Pool update in the July newsletter section as the Board of Directors would like owners to feel free to continue to contribute to the conversation regarding the North Pool and potential plan to reopen in Spring 2026.
Safety and Gas Emergencies
Please be sure to visit the Safety and Gas Emergencies tab to review emergency information regarding gas leak and other emergency information.
Management has also emailed this same information to owners.
In October there will be a safety campaign providing additional reminders and safety information for owners.
Website Assistance-Feedback Forms
Beginning mid-summer, the communications coordinator will be in the main office for 1 to 2 hours each week to assist homeowners in person with website navigation, general questions or assisting with feedback forms.
The schedule each week will be posted right here in the Newsletter for you to refer to, so be sure to check back weekly if that is something that would be beneficial to you.
Next office dates:
Sept 17th 11am-12pm
Sept 26th 3pm 4pm
October 1st 12:00 pm to 1:00
October 14th 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
October 22nd 12:30 pm -1:00 pm
Week of October 27th TBD
Website Enhancement For Owners
The management team has made changes to the association website to provide owners an important website security enhancement. Please see below and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
Information for Day-to-Day Living, Newsletter, FAQs, Emergency Information, Water Shut Off, and Association contact information will continue to be readily available and publicly accessible.
For association specific information, owners will need a one-time sign in to access those pages.
How it works- When you select a secured association tab for the first time, you will choose the option to request access to the secured areas of the website, and will be prompted through the log in. The process is simple, requiring a one-time password set up. If you do not receive a log in link, please email manager@aixlacondo.com for expedited access.
We appreciate you're understanding as we work responsibly and with transparency to enhance our community's information and data security.
Requests for updated access may also be placed in the office door mail slot.