1. CALL TO ORDER
President Linda Nuzum called the March 18, 2004 meeting of the CPN Master Association Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m. A quorum was established.
Attendance
Directors present: Linda Nuzum, Cheryl McDade, Maureen Shul, Sheri Brummett and Brian Stopps
Directors absent: Bruce Thompson and Doug Gilbert
Delegates/ Representatives present: Barbara Saenger, Ted Lohr and Elisa Trebilco
Delegates/Representatives absent: Bob Micho, Nancy Clarke, Connie Dahl, Chris Fellows, Debbie Smith, Steve Mimnaugh, Linda Sweetman-King, Rita Coltrane and Mark Feilmeier
Staff: Alison Gibbens, Tim Gamble, Lane Roberts and Melanie Fischer
Guests: Mark Shively, HOA #1 and Jason Gibb, Romar West
Nuzum explained the roles of Directors and Delegates as elected representatives of CPN-area Homeowners. She indicated that there was a need to place time limits on all items on a full agenda in order to accomplish the meeting’s business as efficiently as possible, and to respect the time that Directors and Delegates volunteer to attending the monthly meetings.
Nuzum made sure that everyone had a copy of the handout outlining guidelines for Homeowner input at Master Association meetings. She invited guests who wished to speak to indicate so on the sign up sheet. Homeowners with topics to add to the agenda should sign up for the Open Forum portion of the meeting; guests may also sign up to address a topic that is already on the agenda, and they will be recognized to speak during that agenda item. The “Additional Homeowner Input” agenda item at the end of the meeting can be used for other questions or comments.
MOTION by Brummett to accept the agenda adding 10 A. Highlands Ranch Communitee Association Meeting, seconded by Shul; motion approved carried.
2. MINUTES
MOTION by Stopps to approve the February 19, 2004 minutes, seconded by McDade; motion approved and carried.
3. OPEN FORUM
Delegate Saenger requested to speak during this time on behalf of the Pine Ridge HOA. She expressed concern over the condition of the open space between the Pine Ridge development and Castle Pines Parkway. The land in question is currently deeded to the Pine Ridge HOA, however most of the open space along the major roads in CPN is maintained by the Metro District. She is requesting that part of the reserve landscape funding be used to improve this area. McDade communicated that the Metro District is currently working with a consultant on developing a master landscaping plan along the major roads into the new parts of Castle Pines North. McDade will check with Metro District manager Dahl on the property dedication and what future plans are being developed for this area.
Each year since 2002, the Master Association has budgeted $20,000 in the community amenities budget category to be used for this landscaping project. The funds are being held in reserve until the Metro District completes the master landscaping plan.
Gibb asked who is responsible for the construction rubbish in the open space areas and he was directed to contact the specific builders in that sub HOA. They are responsible for the debris that is created from their construction sights. McDade will follow up with Gibb on contact information.
4. MANAGEMENT/FINANCIAL
The monthly financial and statistics report for February were distributed along with March payables.
McDade reviewed the financial report for February. She noted that for February we had a total of 2,773 master association member homes with a total of 30 homes closing (11 new homes, 18 re-sales and 1 lot). The Association continues to be in good financial standing.
McDade noted the Association continues to break even with the publication of the CPN newsletter, The Connection.
McDade noted that we are in the middle of the 2004 dues collection period with about half of the 2004 dues received to date. March 31, 2004 is the due date on the invoice.
McDade also stated that she will be contacting a bank that has a special division for HOA’s and will review their offerings before opening the additional bank account for the reserve funds.
Brummett MOTIONED to accept the February Financial Reports; Shul seconded; motion approved and carried.
Shul MOTIONED to accept the March Payable Report; Brummett seconded; motion approved and carried.
McDade has been working on renewing our general liability insurance. She contacted several agencies and received two bids. The lowest bid, from Jewell Insurance, was $2,917.00, the other was for $3,300. McDade has obtained the policy through Jewell, and is obtaining Hold Harmless Agreements with Sub-Associations, as required by the new insurance policy.
6. COMMITTEES - COMMUNITY ACTION
Nuzum reported that Janet Conner, committee chair, continues to look for volunteers for the many areas that need to be addressed once a committee has been established. The key areas she sees as needing to be addressed are Reverse 911, Emergency Preparedness, Traffic Safety Problems, and conflicting guidelines regarding removal of scrub oak
McDade reported that Retreat resident Carol Finnigan has volunteered and forwarded her name to Janet Conner.
Conner was instrumental in getting the emergency medical technician service returned to CPN Station 36, and ambulance vehicle service could be restored if voters approve a South Metro Fire Rescue mill levy increase on the spring ballot. Conner is requesting a copy of the Fire District’s presentation showing the details behind the request. Bill Schafer, South Metro Fire and Rescue Board Member, has indicated that he and/or other representatives from the fire district would like to attend the Master Association’s April board meeting. Discussion that it would be best to have them come to speak at 6:30 p.m. Gibbens will follow up with Schafer.
One of the other main areas Conner would like to see addressed is the failure of the reverse 911 emergency service during the Cherokee Ranch fire. She sat with a Douglas County dispatcher and experienced how the system works. Gibbens will contact Conner to obtain contact information for the person responsible for the reverse 911 system so that other residents can call and follow up on the failure, putting additional resident pressure on the responsible organization.
Anyone concerned with certain issues is encouraged to volunteer and can reach Conner at
Safety@cpnhoa.org
Forest Park Emergency Vehicle Access Road
Stopps reported the Forest Park EVA access has been established between Castle Pines Village and CPN at the base of Forest Park Drive near the Castle Pointe area with paving complete, gates established and fencing in place to prevent vehicles from “cutting through” the open areas next to the gate. Gibbens will obtain the final plans for Stopps and he will confirm final gate placement for this project.
Castle Rock Bank
Stopps reported that Castle Rock Bank has purchased the old Total station property and anticipates the remodeling project to begin this fall. Stopps reviewed the plan and highlighted that the landscaping will be embellished along with exterior updates to stucco and additional stone. The building will be expanded to the west adding drive through lanes for bank customers. The existing east awning will remain with the roofing material becoming a tin roof copper color in appearance. Stopps will be replying within the next week to the county.
Dorian Homes
Stopps received an easement exception request from Dorian Homes. A site inspection was completed and letter sent approving the allowance on the property.
Canterbury/Broadwick Mail Boxes
Stopps reported that he received an inquiry from Norma Kerklo, Canterbury/Broadwick resident stating that the sub association is interested in modifying some of the newer mail box units. The original mail boxes are lighted structures and the community would like to improve the newer boxes to match the existing ones. Stopps referred her to the postal service and county to begin the process and when plans are in place he will review the designs at that time.
7. COMMITTEES-MASTER ASSOCIATION
Nuzum reported that the next Connection cut off date is March 22. This is a week later than usual, as newsletter editor Nash is on vacation. Roberts reviewed the list of articles planned for the up-coming issue, which will have a special section for the Metro District news stories.
Gamble continues to update the website and requests information be submitted by email, webmaster@cpnhoa.org, and he will gladly post and update needed information. The site continues to receive on average 231 visitors a day.
Nuzum requested that this item be taken off the agenda except when there is a specific action item in this area.
McDade reported that Kenny is working on the annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held Saturday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. SHARP.
Kenney is also working on planning the Master Association’s Annual community garage sale, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 21st and 22nd. As in past years, Prudential Real Estate will sponsor a separate charitable-benefit garage sale on Sunday, May 23; residents have the option to donate any unsold items to the Prudential sale. In addition, McDade received information from an individual who will take unsold large ticket items and lists them for sale on the internet for a percentage of the dollar amount if sold. Trebilco wondered if this would this conflict with the Prudential donation drop. It was felt that it may not conflict because the reseller is working with large ticket items only and people would still donate to the Prudential drive. Since the business requesting is for-profit, it was the decision of the board that this individual should be directed to the Connection to advertise his service, and that the Master Association would not recommend or sponsor this company’s service.
No date is set for the Octoberfest. Last year’s event was co-sponsored by the Master Association and the Village Square businesses, but that business group may not co-host the event this year. Kenney will be looking at returning to the typical arrangement for community events, with the Master Association responsible for the event, and taking contributions from interested businesses to defray a portion of the costs.
8. PARKS AUTHORITY
McDade reported for parks representative Mark McDade that the Parks Authority is continuing to further refine the new park plans, relocating some of the features and amenities. Construction should begin this fall.
9. METRO DISTRICT UPDATE
Roberts reported on the CPN Metro District’s March 15 public meeting.
McDade reported that drilling on the vertical well located off of Monarch and Hidden Pointe Blvd. is complete and the directional portion of the well, located north of Coyote Ridge Park, will begin in April. This well will not be ready for this irrigation season.
McDade reported that the Metro District will establish a watering budget for each water user, based on property size. This program will be communicated to the CPNMD water users through a mailer piece to be sent to each Metro District water user.
The watering schedule for the spring/summer of 2004 is still in discussion and interested parties are encouraged to attend the monthly Metro District Board meeting, typically scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., 7404 Yorkshire Dr.
The CPN Metro District has three Board seats up for election in May. Each candidate has submitted a 250-word statement which will be published in the next issue of The Connection and posted on the CPN web site. We encourage all CPN residents to vote at this election.
10. OLD BUSINESS
Nuzum reported that on March 4th the Master Association hosted a meeting at the Community Center open to all Hidden Pointe residents, to provide information about the various contracts that Hidden Pointe has with the three CPN entities. The meeting was well attended with well over 50 residents present and feedback from those present was very positive. A copy of the Powerpoint presentation will be posted on the Hidden Pointe section of the CPN web site.
It was noted that three signs announcing the meeting were stolen from Metro District property on Hidden Pointe Blvd., including one of the Master Association’s metal sign holders, valued at more than $100. If anyone knows of its location, the sign can simply be returned, day or night, to the front porch of the Community Center building.
Nuzum also reported on the status of the lawsuit that the Hidden Pointe HOA filed against the CPN Master Association in September, challenging the validity of the contract which Hidden Pointe signed with the Master Association in 1999. As reported last month, Hidden Pointe’s attorney has submitted the formal reply to the Master Association’s response and counterclaims. The Master Association’s attorney has reviewed the Hidden Pointe reply, and will continue to handle next steps required by the case.
As reported last month, Xcel has obtained approval to rebuild one of the three lines that travel diagonally through the eastern part of CPN. Construction will begin this fall, and be complete next spring. This project will change how the poles look, but compared to the existing poles, the new poles actually reduce the magnetic field which some associate with potential health concerns, and the noise emitted from the new lines should remain the same, or be less, than the existing line.
Thanks to efforts by the Master Association and some CPN-area residents, the PUC agreed with our community on key legal points related to noise pollution, and will require that Xcel submit another application before any future upgrades to the line. CPN’s efforts on this project have focused on whether Xcel will be able to boost the voltage – and noise pollution -- at some future date.
Xcel has now moved to the Colorado Legislature, with a request to change the state statue, and give electric utilities a waiver to raise the legal limit for noise produced by power lines. This is a state wide issue, as it affects any community with a power transmission line (about 4,000 miles total in the state), however other communities were not aware of the bill. CPN’s committee has worked with other entities around the state. This effort has led to some amendments that improved the bill compared to its original form; however the bill is still not where the committee would like to see it.
The amended bill passed the House last month and a Senate Committee this week, and now moves on to the full Senate for a vote, which is expected to occur during the week of March 22.
The Master Association will send a community wide email encouraging residents to contact state senators to vote no on this issue. Any resident who can go down to the Capitol and lobby for this cause is encouraged to contact the committee by emailing powerlines@cpnhoa.org.
Board Member Gilbert continues to solicit for volunteers for this committee. Gibbs and Roberts volunteered. McDade reported that Retreat resident Carol Finnigan has volunteered. McDade will forward all names to Gilbert.
Fischer reported that she has been in contact with Douglas County Library Director Jamie LaRue. LaRue communicated that the library district is planning on locating a book mobile within the CPN business district beginning in May. This will be on a short term basis and it would be at least one year before any plans for a permanent location would be discussed. Location, dates and hours for the facility are yet to be determined.
11. NEW BUSINESS
Nuzum presented information she gathered at a meeting sponsored by Douglas County and the Town of Castle Rock presenting a draft Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) regarding growth plans over the next 20-25 years. Douglas County is working with each city and town in the County to get mutual agreement on which areas should be developed in the future, and to define the areas where the cities and towns might consider annexing in the future. Any annexation must be approved by the voters in the area to be annexed.
Nuzum reported that even if CPN wished to be annexed into an existing city or town, it is very unlikely that this could occur. According to the IGA, Castle Pines North could ask to annex in to the Town of Castle Rock, however Castle Pines Village would also need to agree to join the town, since cities can only annex contiguous land. The only other path for a “contiguous” connection to the Town of Castle Rock is the land to our east -- the future “Canyons” development; however this will be a low-density development and the IGA states that Castle Rock will not annex that area. The County’s plans would not allow Lone Tree to annex the CPN area; in their IGA with Lone Tree, that city agreed to keep their current southern boundary.
McDade announced that the Community Association Institute of Colorado (CAI) and the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) are jointly sponsoring a Homeowners Association Forum on Thursday April 29 at the Highlands Ranch Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 S. University Blvd. All HOA’s in Douglas County have been invited. The agenda includes a discussion with representatives from the Douglas County Sheriff, Public Works and Planning Departments, as well as several topics on HOA management. Nuzum encouraged attendance and Gibbens will distribute the letter to all CPN-area HOA presidents and managers.
12. ADDITIONAL HOMEOWNER INPUT
Gibbs noted that there is an Air Traffic Committee and inquired on the status of the committee. Shul noted that the committee was currently inactive but would be open to addressing concerns of residents as needed. Gibbs voiced the concern over increased air traffic from several of his neighbors and he will check with them on the possibility of reengaging this committee.
13. MEETING DATES
Next Board Meeting:
April 15, 2004, 7:00 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting
MOTION to adjourn by Stopps; seconded by McDade; motion approved and carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison Gibbens
Recording Secretary
Approved ___________________________________, 2004
___________________________________ ________________________________________
Secretary President
