Issue #6 November 2006

EAGLE RANCH MESSENGER

November 2006 – Issue 6

The Official Newsletter of the Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association

A Covenant Controlled Community

President’s Message:

As is obvious, this issue is two months past the intended release date. Family medical emergencies necessitated Deborah (the editor) and me to spend a good deal of the past 8 months traveling to and from the East Coast and Mid-West. Hopefully, we have resumed our normal life’s routine. It is good to be back!

For this area it was a dry spring and a very wet summer. At June’s end the Ranch had, according to my rain gauge, a year-to-date total of 3.8 inches of precipitation. Since July 1st we have had almost 13 inches of the wet stuff for a total of 16.8 inches year-to-date. (Average annual precipitation for Pueblo is 11.6 inches.)

Hummingbird, robin, blue bird, flicker and other variety of birds have passed through in their fall migration. (A few male blue birds are still around.) Pronghorn and mule deer continue to appear on a somewhat regular basis. All this is to say that the ranch is settling down for fall and winter… … and that the Holiday season is upon us. So, on that note, may you have a great Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year.

SPEED LIMIT 25 MPH

Help preserve our roads.

Dues Collection for 2007

Notice for collection of the $200.00 annual assessment for 2007 will be mailed in late December.

Selenium or Alkali Poisoning: Howdy neighbor!

We have run into this in the grass at Eagle Ranch. Our family has two horses that have been affected with this, one of which is a very extreme case!

Alkali – a white substance that you see after a rain in soil and grass (seems to be more prevalent after a period of drought followed by rainy season). This can be fatal to animals if too much is ingested.

Symptoms for Horses - Loss of Mane & Tail; Vertical cracking of Hooves

Early Signs - Hot Ring around hoof. Hooves can and will fall off in extreme cases.

Treatment - Supplements with Biotin and rotate off of the pasture. Keep horses off of the affected pasture after rain and fence off low areas. (Meaning areas that can hold water or where salt grass is present.)

If you have questions, feel free to call us at

(719) 676-4044. Mike and Theresa Ager

ERPOA Board Meetings:

In conjunction with the legislative changes, property owners can attend ERPOA Board Meetings. However, only board members participate in decision making. Should you wish to introduce a topic at an upcoming board meeting, you must contact a board member prior to the meeting to be included on the agenda.

Meetings have historically been held at the home of a board member. If a large number of property owners wish to attend board meetings, we may have to make other arrangements so that all can participate.

Next scheduled ERPOA Board Meeting: Saturday, January 13, 2007, to be hosted by Theresa Ager at

3956 Siegel Way.

Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association

Summary Minutes for 2006 Annual Meeting Held Saturday, June 24, 2006

Note: the complete minutes are posted on the website erhoa.org or available upon request.

The meeting was called to order at 11:35 by Ken Simpson, President, with 29 Lot owners or proxies present.

Secretary’s Report: The 2005 Summary Minutes were read by Debby Graham, in the absence of Secretary Alison Oswald, and approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Cathi Scriven provided a copy to all in attendance. (See Page 4) It was noted that total expenses exceed income, due in part to Kaitlyn Bridge approach repair which included installation of a culvert. Weed spraying was just completed and the bill is not included in this report.

Ken Simpson commended Cathi for her excellent work in collecting the annual assessments, with only 1 lien outstanding for 2005 and 2 liens filed for 2006.

Budget Approval: The President noted that 55 of the 104 property owners eligible to vote abstained from doing so; despite receiving a stamped self-addressed envelope to aid in submitting their ballot. Ballots were sent via first class mail to all property owners. Since the meeting was properly called and a quorum was present, abstentions were excluded from the basis upon which the majority vote was determined (Reference Roberts Rules of Order, Chapter XIII, No. 44). On such basis (55), 28 votes were required to ratify the budget. Voting results were 35 in favor; and 15 against. Accordingly, the budget was ratified with 2007 dues raised to $200.00 per lot.

Road Report: Grading of the roads is currently completed three times per year. Evan Consalves of Evan’s Earthworks was available for a lively discussion of the road maintenance. Everyone needs to slow down to help preserve the road base that we do have.

As reported at the 2005 annual meeting, it was again noted a substantial portion of the Shadow Lane road complex has inadequate road base. Although this situation is to be addressed in the near term it was requested that anyone preparing to start construction in that area give the Board notice so that additional road base can be addressed before the road is damaged by construction traffic.

An Engineering Report was obtained from Beebe Engineering Co., which provided Load capacity for our 3 bridges, as follows:

Nolan Drive – Load = 58 tons. The un-braced length is 58 feet.

Kaitlyn Drive – Load = 46 tons. The bridge has a bow which deflects 1 to 1 ½ inches; the un-braced length is 79 feet.

Reba Court – Load = 65 tons. There are 56 feet un-braced.

(Note: The Pueblo County minimum for comparable public roads is 44 tons. A full cement truck weighs approximately 72,000 pounds, or about 36 tons.)

Fire Protection: Several requirements for creation of a Volunteer Fire Department were noted. Cathi Scriven has information from the Department of Emergency Management, who hopes to work with Eagle Ranch, Verde Valley and St. Charles River to develop a volunteer fire department.

Summary Minutes (Con’t)

New Business

Association Laws: The State of Colorado has enacted legislation affecting the conduct of Common Interest Communities such as the ERPOA. (Reference: Senate Bills 05-100 and 06-089). A handout was provided summarizing items currently requiring attention. The ERPOA will continue to review and give notice of changes required in future newsletters.

However, one important change indicates that the percentage of votes of property owners necessary to change or revise our covenants must be not less than 51% or more than 67%. Our covenants currently state a 75% requirement. The new ERPOA Board will establish a revised percentage, taking into consideration input from property owners, at their next Board meeting.

Note: At the October 14, 2006 meeting the Board of Director’s agreed that 62% approval would be required to revise covenants.

Trail Access: Nicole Swartwood reported that, due to insurance liability considerations, the St. Charles River Estates nature trail access is being denied. This matter is currently being addressed.

Ballots and Election of Officers: Prior to the election there was some discussion about multiple family members being on the board. Six names were on the ballot for the five board positions. The newly elected officers are:

Ken Simpson, President

Tom Ossner, Vice President

Theresa Ager, Secretary

Cathi Scriven, Treasurer

Nicole Swartwood, Member-at-Large

It was recommended that the newsletter be sent only via email in order to save money. The new laws require certain information be provided via first class mail and that printed copies of correspondence be provided to those who do not have access to email or prefer a hard copy. Email can be used for those who have no objection on certain correspondence.

The business meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. and everyone was welcomed to enjoy the picnic lunch. Organic hamburger patties were provided by Evan’s Earthworks. The POA provided additional meats, condiments and bottled water. Everyone enjoyed sampling the salads and desserts contributed by those attending.

Bear Spotted in Eagle Ranch

We have been aware of bears in our area in the past. However, on Monday August 28, 2006, Janet

Sinnadurai reported that she spotted a bear roaming Eagle Ranch Road about 6:30 a.m. She spotted the bear across the road from their house at 3823 Eagle Ranch Road and watched it follow Eagle Ranch Road going south.

We appreciate Janet sharing this observation with us, so that those of us living on the ranch could take proper precautions. We sometimes forget that we are intruding upon the natural habitat of the antelope, deer, bear, mountain lions, snakes, coyote and other wildlife native to this area.

Eagle Ranch Building Progress – by Debby Graham

As I look out the landscape continues to change. Here is a quick summary of visible building activity. (We have 107 lots with 102 owners.) By my count we have 24 homes at or near completion.

Burnt Mill Road (1 Lot): 1 log home completed; the big red barn is a focal point for many when giving directions

Little Burnt Mill Road (13 Lots): - 1 house completed and 1house near completion

Reba Court (4 Lots): - 2 homes completed

Kaitlyn Drive (10 Lots): 3 homes completed; 2 homes in process and 2 lots with outbuildings

Nolan Drive (8 Lots): 2 homes completed; 1 log home in progress and 2 lots with outbuildings

Siegel Way (31 Lots): 8 homes completed and 1 lot has a garage/outbuilding

Eagle Ranch Road (26 Lots): 5 homes completed; 1 house in progress and 1 lot with outbuildings

Shadow Lane, Abby Lane, Madison Lane & Jessie Court (14 lots): – no construction visible at this time.

Note: Please let a board member know when you are ready to start construction, especially on the Shadow Lane complex, so that road conditions can be monitored.

Fire Prevention:

As indicated in the minutes summary elsewhere in this newsletter, we are continuing to research requirements for establishing an area volunteer fire department. However, it is also indicated that you, the property owner, can and should consider fire prevention measures when constructing a residence. This is critical when you consider that for a typical residential fire 80% of the damage occurs or is initiated within the first 20 minutes. (One source states 8 to 10 minutes.) We are in a rural area where, generally, it is highly unlikely that fire-fighting equipment, from any location, could meet such response time requirement. Please consider this; as we will in evaluating the practicality of establishing a fire fighting facility. Ken Simpson

If you have an inquiry concerning activity at Eagle Ranch, please contact any member of the Board of Directors, or through The Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association Website at: http://erhoa.org.

Board of Directors

Correspondence to board members, annual dues payments and change of address notices should be addressed to:

Eagle Ranch POA

5000 Nolan Road, Box A-11

Pueblo, CO 81004

Ken Simpson, President Nicole Swartwood, Member-at-Large

719-676-2964 or pres@erhoa.org 719-676-2583 or mal@erhoa.org

Tom Ossner, Vice President Newsletter Editor: Debby Graham

719-568-3107 or vp@erhoa.org 719-676-2964 or news@erhoa.org

Theresa Ager, Secretary

719-676-4044 or secretary@erhoa.org

Cathi Scriven, Treasurer

719-676-3199 or cathi@erhoa.org

Eagle Ranch Property Owners Association

Treasurer's Report - June 25 2005 to June 24, 2006

Cathi Scriven, Treasurer

Income:

Dues and Fees

2004 Dues collected (none still outstanding) $300.00

2005 Dues collected (1 still outstanding) $478.00

2006 Dues collected (3 still outstanding) $15,600.00

Late Fees collected (2004, 2005 & 2006) $350.00

Lien fees collected (2004 & 2005) $44.00

Sub-Total: Dues and Fees $16,772.00

Bank Interest:

June 30, 2005 - May 31, 2006 $270.42

Sub-Total: Bank Interest $270.42

Total Income $17,042.42

Expenses: Roads

Grading and repair $14,190.00

Signs (Speed Limit) $306.27

Weed spraying $0.00

Sub-Total: Roads $14,496.27

Bridges

Consultation and Reports $1,400.00

Erosion Repair (Kaitlyn Bridge) $3,890.00

Sub-Total: Bridges $5,290.00

Association Expenses

Newsletters $340.46

Secretary $0.00

Treasurer $266.01

Annual Meeting (2005) $228.36

Website domain name registration $14.50

Liability Insurance $625.00

Colorado State Registration $10.00

IRS Taxes on savings interest $65.00

Sub-Total: Association Expenses $1,549.33

Total Expenses $21,335.60

Net Income (Loss) ($4,293.18)

Bank

Balance As of June 25, 2005

US Bank Checking $3,381.11

US Bank Savings $34,308.24

Total as of June 25, 2005 $37,689.35

As of May 31, 2006

US Bank Checking $5,952.64

US Bank Savings $24,578.54

Pueblo Bank & Trust Checking $2,564.87

Pueblo Bank & Trust Savings $300.12

Total as of June 24, 2006 $33,396.17

Net Reduction from General Fund ($4,293.18)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

Paid advertisements accepted to offset the cost of newsletter production and should not be construed as endorsements. The mention of a product or service herein is solely for information to our readers.

ADVERTISMENTS: The Board of Director’s approved the use of Business card size advertisements, in order to supplement the cost of publication of this newsletter. A business card size ad will be $15 per issue or $40 per year (3 issues). Please have any interested business contact the Newsletter Editor, Debby Graham at (719) 676-2964 or news@erhoa.org.

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Tidbits:

As a result of the passage of Pueblo County Referendum No. 1A a reliable source indicates that Burnt Mill Road is to be paved from the exit ramp at I-25 to the bridge just north of Kaitlyn Drive sometime next spring.

Eagle Ranch property owners are fortunate to have five active directors. This editor is aware that not all POA’s are able to find people willing to serve for the association. Thanks to our director’s who give freely of their time and knowledge without compensation.

Please ask your contractors to respect the 25 mph speed limit.