Charter internet service appears to be slowed to a crawl across a fairly large regional area, including Walla Walla, Yakima and the Tri-Cities.

People are reporting extremely slow internet connections.

Speed tests here in the Table Rock neighborhood either time out or show download speeds of 0.20 mbps to around 1 mbps.

As of the time of this posting, we don’t know the cause of the problem.

With the recent neighborhood meeting with PocketiNet, the timing is unfortunate for Charter. Currently PocketiNet fiber is working fine, according to Kevin Waite, secretary for the Table Rock HOA. Waite administers fiber in three business locations–two in College Place and one in Walla Walla. “This is one of those days I’d love to have fiber in Table Rock,” Waite says. “The business locations have been enjoying speeds of 100 mbps while I can barely download my email here at home. Hopefully Charter will be back to normal soon.”

NOTE: As of 10/13, Charter service appears to be fully restored.

Take advantage of Table Rock HOA group rate and save $8 yearly

You have probably received a green card from the City of Walla Walla requiring backflow testing of irrigation systems.

With the recent annexation of Table Rock subdivision by Walla Walla, all homeowners are subject to this mandatory test, which has a deadline noted on the card.

Per the City of Walla Walla:

As part of a cross-connection-control program, backflow-prevention assemblies must:

• Be installed on irrigation systems that are connected to the city’s water system. This assembly helps prevent backflow, which could carry contaminants into the public water system.
• Be tested when installed and every year thereafter. A backflow assembly tester certified by the Department of Health must perform and certify the testing.

As a service to our neighborhood, the Table Rock HOA board has contracted with a company that specializes in this testing. This was done in the interest of full compliance, convenience for each homeowner, and securing a discount.

HydroTek, LLC, is our preferred vendor, although it’s not mandatory that you use them. However, you’ll need to make other arrangements for testing if you decide not to use HydroTek.

HydroTek’s regular fee for backflow testing is $43, but the Table Rock HOA price is $35 (and no tax).

Here’s how to take advantage of the discounted rate:

1. Send your green card to Lew Krueger, Table Rock HOA, P.O. Box 1871, Walla Walla 99362.
2. Lew will compile a list of addresses and give the list to HydroTek.
3. HydroTek will visit each address and complete the testing. You don’t need to be at home when the testing is done, since the backflow device typically is located outdoors.
4. HydroTek will file test results with the City of Walla Walla.
5. HydroTek will invoice you for the test, and you will pay them directly.

Please note: If additional parts or services are needed to bring the backflow assembly into compliance, you’ll be responsible for those expenses.

SAVE ON OTHER IRRIGATION SERVICES TOO

HydroTek offers other discounted services to Table Rock homeowners, including irrigation system start-up, irrigation system winterizing and a lower hourly rate for service and repairs.

A preliminary plat and utility plan for The Boulders development have been posted. This development will be just north of Eagle Crest Drive and between Cottonwood and Cougar Creek Drive (which serves the homes in Eagle Crest Meadows).

Glenn Bell, incoming board member, has been named president of the Table Rock Homeowners Association. Lew Krueger, who had been serving as both vice president and treasurer, will remain treasurer, and Robert Baker has been named vice president. Kevin Waite continues on as secretary.

These actions were taken at the board meeting held February 3 and are effective immediately.

Table Rock homeowners met January 27 at Fire Station 41 for the neighborhood’s annual meeting. For details, see the minutes (pdf).

Highlights:

• A neighborhood weather station has been installed and is reporting on our weather page as well as through Weather Underground. Apps are available for smart phones and tablet computers for those of you who like to track local weather.
• Homeowners association dues are lower this year because city annexation has resulted in lower expenses, primarily because the city is now responsible for the street lights.
• The city will be spraying weeds in the streets this year and will also seal cracks.
• Two vacant board positions, opening after the resignation of Paul Jenes and Carol Merritt, have been filled by Glenn Bell and Cecil Ash. The board extends its deep appreciation to Paul and Carol for their leadership in our neighborhood and welcomes Glenn and Cecil.