           |
Blue Lake Owner’s Association
Board Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2007
Meeting called to order: 6:30 pm
In attendance: all board members, 16 homeowners, and one potential HO
NEW BUSINESS:
Jodi Smith (Badger Rd.) asked if we could do something about the path across her yard that’s been created since the sidewalk was removed. Kelly asked Joe if he could extend the fence across the side of her front yard. Joe agreed.
Julie Cox: (has a contract on 102 Coyote) Julie is a veterinarian moving to the valley from Denver. She is asking for a variance to allow her current 3 dogs for their lifetime (their ages are 3 years, 2 years and 5 months.) Her closing is scheduled to happen soon, and she’s going to back out of the purchase if she is not able to get this variance. There was discussion about what kind of can of worms this might open. Brad Fite suggested a conditional variance to allow her dogs. Gina mentioned that Julie’s asking for this shows her to be a responsible pet owner. Vince made a motion to grant the conditional variance (conditions being: no unreasonable noise; dogs to be on leash in common areas; dogs not to be left outside alone for long periods of time; in affect only for the life span of the 3 dogs in question). Kelly seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Proposed Dues Increase: Susie explained the Reserve Study findings and our lack of funding of the Capital Reserve Accounts. The proposed increase is to $95.68. (amount includes trash service.)
Jerome Simecek-former treasure (Rabbit Rd.) explained that we lost our “cash cow” when Eagle County built in El Jebel. Previously they rented our community center for court dates at around $20,000 annually. He commented that our last treasurer didn’t have the benefit of a reserve study. He explained that the last several years have not had a method to replenish the capital reserves. He suggested that when it becomes necessary to replace the trucks, that they be purchased with a loan. Jerome suggested we “make up” the 5% for the years that the increase didn’t happen. Scott can only remember that one year in the 5 years that he’s been on the board.
Jodi Smith (Badger Rd.) said that we’re past the 20 year contract with the school district, and therefore should be able to get out of the contract to maintain the soccer field. Kelly talked about the confusion regarding this contract. There was discussion about ending this contract, or talking to RFSD about them paying us for maintenance. Gina will look in the archives for recommendations from attorneys regarding this contract. (Jerry Burnamen thought that the school district was supposed to pay $1 every year after the 20 years.)
Jerry Burnaman (Rabbit Rd.) voiced his anger about the storage lot rental, and dues increase. Scott asked Jerry if he’d rather face a large special assessment when the money is needed.
James Fite (Goose Lane) commented on not trying to make up reserves in one year. He also liked the idea of financing large purchases to spread the expenses out over a longer period of time.
Kelly explained that this increase would only get us to 100% by the year 2035. Susie explained that we don’t have a mechanism to replenish the reserves if we spend from the reserves. Kelly explained that Diane left because we weren’t able to offer her insurance. Joe hasn’t been able to replace fencing because he didn’t have adequate help this growing season.
Cheryl Bach (Raccoon Ct.) had some questions about the budget proposal. (Cheryl would like to join the board.) She had questions about who gets to decide when we spend the money on repairs; do we ask homeowners to vote for large expenditures; who do we ask for bids, etc. Kelly explained budget proposals being voted on at the annual meeting, and that board meetings are not typically attended by HOs. Susie explained that the minutes are in the Bugle, and that it is the HO’s responsibility to read them and get involved.
Marnie White (Deer Run) suggested that we raise the dues more gradually for those who are struggling financially.
Trudi Johnson (Badger Rd.) asked if the office spaces are renting at CPI. Leases were renegotiated recently, and rents were raised significantly both for the offices and the preschool.
Larry Gruel (Raccoon Ct.) commented about limiting our expenses.
Sue Driggers (Goose Lane) made comment about the demographics of our community are not people can who can afford $800,000 homes. She said that HOs are moderate income families, and retirees on limited income. She commented about board members getting their “sticky fingers on all this money.” Vince asked for examples of this board’s “sticky fingers,” as he’s not seen it in his time on the board, and didn’t appreciate the accusations.
Annie Uyehara (Black Bear Trail) asked that we try to think outside the box to cut expenses.
Kelly again explained the legalities of the vote, the quorum, etc. for the annual meeting.
Robert Giacinto (Beaver) made a comment about his regular attendance to the meetings. He talked about his concern about the $30,000 expense several years ago (the Tot-Lot.)
He commented about the judiciousness of the current board and that the sidewalk removal was a very necessary expenditure.
Scott Robinson (Goose Lane) asked about the secondary quorum. Kelly explained that the required quorum for the second meeting would be half of what was required for the first meeting (105.) There was a question about what happens if the second meeting doesn’t have the required quorum. Kelly didn’t know off hand; Gina was asked to look into it.
Jerome Simecek thanked the board for the services they provide without compensation.
Jodi Smith mentioned that Eagle County is having an auction next Saturday. She thought we might be able to obtain trucks, equipment, etc. at a significant bargain.
School bus stop issue: Gina gave a report about what’s happening with the current school bus stops. She met with Larry from RFSD transportation department. He’d explained that the school buses cannot go onto our secondary streets because of plowing priority. They’re willing to change the stops to anywhere along JW.
BMX Course: Our insurance will not renew our policy if we have a BMX course.
Pump proposal on Buckskin: Tabled until next meeting.
Bridge proposal: Joe reported that to put a bridge over the creek, we have to get approval from the State because it is considered a riparian area. Gina was asked to look into the state requirements. There was discussion about why this bridge is deemed necessary by the board. Jodi Smith suggested we apply for a grant for this since we are a non-profit.
Recreation meeting: Kelly discussed the proposed rec. center and the 2 potential sites. Meeting tentatively scheduled Oct. 23 at 6pm at the Eagle County Building in El Jebel.
Proposed Eagle County Road and Bridge Facility: Kelly discussed the meeting that took place. She had to leave the meeting early, but she asked that this facility be used to store some of the snow from our associations cul-de-sacs, but the result was unclear. Kelly agreed to look into the conditions. Scott explained that Adelle Crawford was upset about the notice that was included in our mailing, because it implied that their water treatment isn't sufficient. Kelly said Eagle County didn’t claim to admit a change in traffic, etc.
Playground update: Susie and Jack talked about the progress on the playground. There has been significant progress. They will have a protective fence around the electrical box. Gina to ask the pre-school if they could put a tarp over the dirt pile until it is moved.
Joe’s report:
• Joe didn’t know about previous discussion about having a regular part-timer during the winter. It had been discussed at a previous board meeting that perhaps Joe Chacon could fill in if Joe’s out sick, on vacation.
• He will be getting a roll off dumpster for fall clean-up from a different company than Waste Solutions, as they don’t have any available.
• One of the pumps (2 years old) is blown and needs replacing.
• The Toro got fixed.
• Robinson ditch shut off temporarily.
• Brian asked Joe to go up and look into the “transients” camped out on the hillside behind Deer Run in the ravine.
• Susie asked Joe to get with Jodi to look into the availability of trucks at the county auction.
Gina’s report:
CC&Rs
• Featherstone: Jeff talked to Joe Meade about needing a variance for his RV after receiving CC&R violation fines. Vince proposed that we not issue a variance unless he goes through the proper channels. Kelly and Brian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
• Gina asked for approval of the board on the two new fines/letters to be sent Tuesday. Granted unanimously.
• There was discussion about how to avoid playing a cat and mouse game with habitual offenders, and how to avoid having to send 1st notices over and over to the same people for the same offense.
Preschool: The board agreed that they can use whatever security company they want. Gina was asked to continue to stay on top of the progress of the playground. Board approved their waiting to plant brushes, etc. outside the fence until spring. Jack explained about the engineering recommendations that need to take place for them to know how much of the fill they will need to back fill the retaining wall.
Storage: Gina told of her findings with this quarters billing cycle. Susie moved to get new leases signed for storage lots. Kelly stated that first we have to create a new contract. There was discussion about the legality of changing the current leases.
Meeting adjourned 9:50.
|
|
