- Call to Order: The Wissler Ranch annual meeting of the members was called to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church. President Jim Keefe made some opening comments regarding water and the ‘loop’ project which is contained in the El Paso County Master Plan.
- Roll Call and Certification of Proxies: Secretary Sharla Davis reported there were 23 people signed in and 24 represented by proxy for a total of 47 homeowners in attendance. A quorum was established; a minimum of 45 was required.
- Proof of Notice of Meeting: The annual meeting notice was mailed to all home/lot owners on Sept. 13, 2021.
- Reports:
– Officer/Committee:
– President: Jim Keefe welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance.
– Design Review: Wayne Gardner reported that the Design Review Committee (DRC) had a very busy year managing 34 different projects/requests. He highlighted what was listed on his respective slides, and Pete Popp reviewed the playground equipment inspection. The complete slide presentation will be posted on the website.
– The DRC continues to work closely with the Covenants Committee to help homeowners save money and avoid potential covenant issues.
– Wayne reiterated that any exterior changes to property, home, or detached structures must have plans submitted to the DRC and the project approved prior to starting any activity. It is a covenant violation otherwise.
– Wayne also asked homeowners to please be mindful of DRC guidelines when positioning fixtures or purchasing/replacing light bulbs. These guidelines are posted on the website and on the mail kiosk bulletin board.
– Forestry/Firewise: Deb Bullock, Forestry Chair, reported that the Colorado State Forest Service neighborhood forest inspection was deferred this past year due to common area tree mitigation. A 2022 review will be necessary to assess the health of our trees.
– Wissler Ranch has been recertified as a ‘Forest Wise Community.’ This award is presented to communities that have done “significant mitigation and homeowner education.”
– Infrastructure: Hal Goldback spoke extensively on the cistern project and the lack of support from the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, specifically that the new chief is balking on a previous agreement where they would pay half the replacement costs. There was much discussion on the cisterns and ISO ratings. The cistern project is vital in keeping Wissler Ranch homeowners’ insurance ratings low. Attendees were asked to contact local offices and express their frustration that the project has stalled. Contact information will be posted on the WR website.
– Neighborhood Watch: The Neighborhood Watch chair is currently vacant; Jim Keefe has been serving as the interim since 2015; please contact him if you are interested in volunteering.
– The annual National Night Out event was cancelled for 2021 due to inclement weather. We will plan on an August 2, 2022 event.
– Jim receives a weekly update from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. There’s been no suspicious activity directly in Wissler Ranch; however, neighboring areas are experiencing a high rate of catalytic converter theft. Jim asked everyone to keep their cars parked in the garage when possible.
– Water: Sharla Davis reminded those in attendance that Wissler Ranch water usage is determined by the CO Division of Water Resources Court Decree, Great Divide Water Company augmentation plan, and Wissler Ranch covenants. Each lot/well is allotted 122,194 gallons per year. Annual water meter readings must be reported by early November in order to submit our state-mandated report on time.
– Notification letters and reporting cards were sent to Tri-Lakes Printing on October 19th, with a requested send date of October 22nd. Please read your meters on Nov. 1st and provide the results via card or email no later than Nov 5th.
– Reminder that late/no reporting and/or overuse are potential covenant violations and must be addressed by the Board of Directors.
– Welcome: Sandy mentioned that she has been welcoming new residents since 2010…thank you, Sandy! This year was one of the top ones; 10 families moved in to the community.
– Covenants: Sharla Davis reported that WR is a covenant-protected community and the Wissler Ranch Declarations of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions are in “the best interests of all the members of the Association and necessary for the health, welfare, and safety of its members.” Residents are legally obligated to abide by all covenants, design guidelines, rules, and policies.
– Courtesy emails are sent to homeowners as covenant reminders when potential issues are brought to the attention of the committee. The Covenants and Design Review Committees work closely together to help homeowners avoid possible violations.
– Two new policies were put in place this year due to changes in CO statutes: Flagpole, Flags, and Signs, and Family Childcare Businesses. Both are recorded with the county and posted on the website.
– Treasurer: Kathleen McCormick reminded homeowners that Wissler Ranch HOA is non-profit, not tax exempt. All income comes exclusively from our dues which pay operating expenses and fund capital reserves.
– Kathleen discussed the financials and the 2022 notional budget.
– The 2022 proposed budget will be reviewed and voted on by the Board at the next board meeting in November and will be voted on by the homeowners in December at the Budget Ratification Meeting. The treasurer’s report will be posted on the website.
– Annual dues will be due February 15, 2022.
- Old Business: Reading and disposal of 2020 Annual Homeowners Meeting Minutes: Sharla emailed copies of last year’s meeting minutes to the Board; a motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve as written. They will be posted on the website and mail kiosk bulletin board.
- New Business: Jim Keefe stated there were no new items of business submitted by homeowners, and there were two items requiring a vote: a board member position and disposition of any operating budget funds left at the end of the budget year.
– 43 ‘yes’ votes for Wayne Gardner (unopposed), member elected.
– 47 ‘yes’ votes to move excess operating budget funds to capital reserves; motion carried
- Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn; motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:56 a.m.