• Call to Order: The November HOA Board of Directors’ regular monthly meeting was called to order in person at 10:00 a.m. at the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church.

 

            – Note: monthly Board meetings will now be held in person at the church on the third Saturday of the month beginning at 10:00 a.m.

 

• Roll Call: the following board members, officers, committee chairs/members were in attendance:

 

Board Members (quorum established):

President – Jim Keefe

Vice President – Hal Goldback  

Sharla Davis

Wayne Gardner (absent)

Pete Popp

 

Other Officers:

Secretary – Sharla Davis

Treasurer – Kathleen McCormick

 

Committee Chairs:

Covenant Compliance – Sharla Davis

Design Review – Wayne Gardner (absent)

Forestry (includes Fire Wise) – Deborah Bullock (absent)

Infrastructure – Hal Goldback

Neighborhood Watch – vacant

Website/IT – Al Maurer (absent)

Welcome – Sandy Maurer (absent)

 

Homeowners: none

 

• Reports:

– Reading and Disposal of Minutes: motion made and seconded to approve the October 2022 regular monthly meeting minutes; motion passed. The minutes will be posted on the mail kiosk bulletin board and WR website.

 

 

 

– Officer:

            – President: Jim deferred his comments to New Business

 

            – Vice President: no report

 

            – Treasurer:  The primary purpose of today’s meeting was to formulate the 2023 budget. Kathleen led the line-by-line discussions and new adjustments were made. Motions were made and seconded to raise annual dues to $300 and adopt the proposed budget as discussed; motions passed. Kathleen will make the changes and include a copy of the adopted budget in the budget meeting notification letter mailings to the membership.

 

                        –  The budget ratification meeting will be held in person on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church.

 

– Committees:

            – Covenant Compliance: Wissler Ranch is a covenant community and residents are legally obligated to maintain compliance at all times with the Design Review Guidelines, Covenants, Rules, and Policies. All governing documents are posted on the wisslerranch.com website.

 

                        – There were two homeowners who did not report their meter reading by the deadline and four were over their annual allotment. First-notice covenant violation letters were mailed.

– Design Review: Pete reported on the projects he and Wayne reviewed this month. There was much discussion on landscape lighting and preserving our ‘night sky’ ambiance while maintaining security.

            – Infrastructure: no report

            – Neighborhood Watch: no report.

 

                                    – Please be alert and aware, and report any concerns to the EPSO Non-Emergency line, 719-390-5555; in an emergency, call 911.

 

            – Welcome: absent

            – Website: absent

            – Forestry (includes Fire Wise): absent

 

• New Business:

            – Homeowner Concerns: Jim stated that he received a homeowner complaint regarding a cat roaming off property and trespassing.

 

            – D&O Coverage Replacement: Jim reported that he found possible HOA directors and officers replacement insurance and is in the process of completing the paperwork.

 

• Adjournment: Due to no other business being brought before the Board, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the regular monthly meeting at 12:07 p.m.; motion carried.

• Call to Order: The October HOA Board of Directors’ regular monthly meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m. via Cisco Webex.

 

• Roll Call: the following board members, officers, committee chairs/members, and homeowners were in attendance:

 

Board Members (quorum established):

President – Jim Keefe

Vice President – Hal Goldback  

Sharla Davis

Wayne Gardner (absent)

Pete Popp

 

Other Officers:

Secretary – Sharla Davis

Treasurer – Kathleen McCormick

 

Committee Chairs:

Covenant Compliance – Sharla Davis

Design Review – Wayne Gardner (absent)

Forestry (includes Fire Wise) – Deborah Bullock

Infrastructure –Hal Goldback

Neighborhood Watch – vacant

Website/IT – absent

Welcome – Sandy Maurer

 

Homeowners: Roy Richardson

 

• Reports:

– Reading and Disposal of Minutes: motion made and seconded to approve the September 2022 regular monthly meeting minutes; motion passed. The minutes will be posted on the mail kiosk bulletin board and WR website.

 

– Officer:

            – President: Jim deferred his comments to Board Discussion/Planning, Meeting of the Members

 

            – Vice President: Hal stated he had four cistern information panels created by Tri-Lakes Printing to present and discuss with homeowners at the annual meeting

 

            – Treasurer:  Kathleen screen-shared the financials and discussed several line items, particularly the unexpected legal fee expenses. She reminded everyone that this is a “snapshot in time,” that we need to be cognizant of our expenditures, and manage our finances very carefully. 

 

– Committees:

            – Covenant Compliance: Wissler Ranch is a covenant community and residents are legally obligated to maintain compliance at all times with the Design Review Guidelines, Covenants, Rules, and Policies. All governing documents are posted on the wisslerranch.com website.

 

                        – The HOA continues to receive complaints about off-highway vehicles, specifically dirt bikes and ATVs, being ridden on neighborhood streets. Colorado statute prohibits the use of these licensed and unlicensed vehicles on public roadways; however, the HOA does not have the authority to regulate them. Concerns with these vehicles should be addressed to the El Paso County Sheriff’s non-emergency response line, 719-390-5555, or reported on their website, https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/file-crime-report-online.

 

                                    – As a reminder, motorized vehicles are not permitted in the Common Area, including the trail. Please ensure your family members and guests are aware that this is a Covenant violation.

– Design Review: Pete reported on the projects he and Wayne reviewed this month, including common area tree status, homeowner mitigation plans, and resolving several outdoor lighting and detached structure covenant violations.

            – Infrastructure: Hal has prepared a detailed cistern presentation for the annual meeting; Hal and Jim will meet with Chief Kovacs this week. Board members and Monument Fire Department representatives will be available for questions prior to the meeting. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance carriers to see how much their rates would change if we have a pressurized water delivery system in the neighborhood.

            – Neighborhood Watch: Jim said he had nothing to report.

 

                                    – Please be alert and aware, and report any concerns to the EPSO Non-Emergency line, 719-390-5555; in an emergency, call 911.

 

            – Welcome: Sandy reported that she’s waiting for one property to close so she can welcome the new residents.

            – Website: Sandy reported for Al that the website is updated and current.

            – Forestry (includes Fire Wise): Deborah reported that the annual neighborhood forestry review final report should be available today; several infested trees have been identified and marked/taped.

 

                        – Homeowners are reminded that any landscape modifications, including tree removal, must be approved by the DRC prior to starting any property alterations.

 

                        – Deborah also reminded everyone that ongoing mitigation projects and efforts for our ‘Fire Wise’ status may be reported until Oct. 31^st. Please email hours worked, # of bags, expenditures for tree trimming/slash removal, etc., to forestry@wisslerranch.com. She is still working on the annual report and wildfire plan renewal.

 

• New Business:

            – Homeowner Concerns: Jim stated that no concerns were submitted to the Board.

 

            – Great Divide Annual Meeting: Sharla and Kathleen attended the Great Divide Water Company annual meeting of the members on October 14, 2022, and gave a summary of the business conducted. Kathleen presented two action items for the GDWC Board regarding their fee structure and potential commercial pumping options.

 

            – 2021-22 Legislative Rules: Jim reported that the Board worked diligently with the HOA’s attorney regarding new CO HOA legislative changes and all applicable laws have been adopted into WR polices, recorded with El Paso County, and posted on the website.

 

• Old Business:

            – Board Discussion/Planning, Meeting of the Members: The annual homeowners meeting will take place at the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2022; registration will start at 11:15 a.m. and close at 11:45 a.m. so the meeting can be called to order promptly at 12:00 p.m.; a motion was made and seconded to purchase easels for the cistern presentation, motion passed. Meeting specifics and details were discussed.

 

• Adjournment: Due to no other business being brought before the Board, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the regular monthly meeting at 11:28 a.m.; motion carried.

• 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 19^th, with a requested send date of October 22^nd. Please read your meters on Nov. 1^st and provide the results via card or email no later than Nov 5^th.

                        – 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.

                   – A majority of the members voted for Wayne Gardner (unopposed); member elected.

      – A majority of the members voted 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.

• Call to Order: The September HOA Board of Directors’ regular monthly meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. via Cisco Webex.
• Roll Call: the following board members, officers, committee chairs/members, and homeowners were in attendance:

 Board Members (quorum established):

President – Jim Keefe

Vice President – Hal Goldback  

Sharla Davis

Wayne Gardner (prearranged absence)

Pete Popp

Other Officers:

Secretary – Sharla Davis

Treasurer – Kathleen McCormick

Committee Chairs:

Covenant Compliance – Sharla Davis

Design Review – Wayne Gardner (absent)

Forestry (includes Fire Wise) – Deborah Bullock

Infrastructure –Hal Goldback

Neighborhood Watch – vacant

Website/IT – absent

Welcome – Sandy Maurer

Homeowners: Jay Best, Roy Richardson, Debra Scott

• Reports:

– Reading and Disposal of Minutes: motion made and seconded to approve the August 2022 regular monthly meeting minutes; motion passed. The minutes will be posted on the mail kiosk bulletin board and WR website.

 – Officer:

            – President: Jim reported that he will be resigning as the NEPCO treasurer this November; however, he will continue to serve as a representative and attend their monthly meetings. NEPCO is an active organization representing 47 local HOAs. If anyone is interested in serving on the NEPCO Board (secretary, treasurer, observer positions are open) or as a WR representative, please email Jim, pres@wisslerranch.com. Jim also mentioned that he should have a copy of the new WR umbrella insurance policy by next week.

            – Vice President: Hal deferred his comments to Infrastructure.

            – Treasurer:  Kathleen screen-shared the financials and discussed several line items, particularly the unexpected legal fee expenses, predominantly due to amending the conveyance of water rights and the outstanding legal issues ongoing. She reminded everyone that this is a “snapshot in time,” that we need to be cognizant of our expenditures, and manage our finances very carefully. 

– Committees:

            – Covenant Compliance: Wissler Ranch is a covenant-protected community and residents are legally obligated to maintain compliance at all times with the Design Review Guidelines, Covenants, Rules, and Policies. All governing documents are posted on the wisslerranch.com website.

                        – Landscape lighting must be approved by the Design Review Committee in advance of installation and must comply with guidelines restricting the number of lumens and degrees Kelvin for outdoor lighting. First-notice covenant violation notifications were sent to three homeowners for unapproved and non-compliant lighting.

                        – A first-notice covenant violation letter was sent to a homeowner for ‘nuisance animals.’

                                    – The new revisions to CCIOA provide homeowners 30 days to cure the violations.

                        – The HOA continues to receive complaints about off-highway vehicles, specifically dirt bikes and ATVs, being ridden on neighborhood streets. Colorado statute prohibits the use of these licensed and unlicensed vehicles on public roadways; however, the HOA does not have the authority to regulate them. Concerns with these vehicles should be addressed to the El Paso County Sheriff’s non-emergency response line, 719-390-5555, or reported on their website, https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/file-crime-report-online.

                                    – As a reminder, no motorized vehicles are permitted in the Common Area, including on the trail. Please ensure your family members and guests are aware that this is a Covenant violation.

– Design Review: Pete reported on the projects he and Wayne reviewed this month, including deck reconstruction plans, outdoor lighting, and a detached garage plan that must be redesigned to conform with the DRGs. A previously open unapproved, noncompliant detached structure and outdoor lighting issue was resolved.

            – Infrastructure: Hal reviewed the proposed cistern plan/budget and there was much discussion. A detailed presentation will occur at the annual meeting; Board members and Monument Fire Department representatives will be available for questions prior to the meeting. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance carriers to see how much their rates would change if we have a pressurized water delivery system in the neighborhood.

            – Neighborhood Watch: no suspicious activity in our area reported by the Sheriff’s office; Jim said there were reported incidents of catalytic converter/’porch pirate’ thefts in Kings Deer and Monument. Please be alert and aware, and report any concerns to the EPSO Non-Emergency line, 719-390-5555; in an emergency, call 911.

            – Welcome: Sandy reported that she welcomed two new families on Lockridge.

            – Website: Sandy reported for Al, ‘no report.’

            – Forestry (includes Fire Wise): Deborah reported that the annual neighborhood forestry review will take place on Sep. 28^th. A CO state forester will perform a cursory inspection of WR trees and send a report annotating which trees are diseased/infested. The DRC & Forestry committees will review the report and work with homeowners who have marked trees.

                        – Homeowners are reminded that any landscape modifications, including tree removal, must be approved by the DRC prior to starting any property alterations.

                        – Deborah also reminded everyone that ongoing mitigation projects and efforts for our ‘Fire Wise’ status may be reported until Oct. 31^st. Please email hours worked, # of bags, expenditures for tree trimming/slash removal, etc., to forestry@wisslerranch.com. She is still working on the annual report and wildfire plan renewal.

• New Business:

            – Homeowner Concerns: Jim will respond to a homeowner’s email regarding his concern with noxious weeds in the neighborhood. Colorado has statutes defining ‘noxious’ weeds and requiring property owners to control certain species. At various times in the past, El Paso County has issued citations to property owners with infestations of these weeds. Homeowners can obtain information on the weeds Colorado considers ‘noxious’ as well as eradication and control measures in the links below:

Noxious Weed Species ID

https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/species-id

El Paso County Noxious Weed Management Plan

https://assets-communityservices.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/Environmental-Division-Picture/Noxious-Weeds/Weed-Management-Plan-December-2017.pdf

 El Paso County Noxious Weeds and Control Methods

https://assets-communityservices.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/Environmental-Division-Picture/Noxious-Weeds/Noxious-Weed-Control-Book.pdf

• Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session: Pursuant to CO Rev Stat § 24-6-402 (2016) (E) (3) (a,) in part, “…authorizing the body to meet in an executive session and identification of the particular matter to be discussed in as much detail as possible without compromising the purpose for which the executive session is authorized…”

            – A motion was made and seconded to adjourn to executive session @11:32 a.m. to discuss pending covenant issues and ongoing litigation; motion carried.

            – A motion was made and seconded to adjourn from executive session @11:48 a.m.; motion carried.

• Old Business:

            – The annual homeowners meeting will take place at the TriLakes United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2022; registration will start at 11:15 a.m. and close at 11:45 a.m. so the meeting can be called to order promptly at 12:00 p.m.; Hal will have cistern presentation posters available for review prior to the meeting start time;

            – There will be four Board positions open for election; anyone interested in nominating themselves must email secretary@wisslerranch.com and request to be added to the ballot by October 12^th.

• Adjournment: Due to no other business being brought before the Board, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the regular monthly meeting at 11:57 a.m.; motion carried.