Work Session February 9, 2009

Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm. Present were Dave Zeemont, President; Steve Bailey, Secretary; Larry Felhauer and Barbara Rose Farber, Directors at Large.

Committee Chairs present were Kelly Dickson, Erosion; Dave Wright, Gates; and Kathy Mayer, Webmaster. Also present, Greg Switzer.

Dave Wright reported that all lights were working and both gates were working properly. We had a lengthy discussion concerning increasing the hours that the gates should be closed. Points in favor included that construction was reduced now as compared to earlier times; other communities close their gates; and we are a gated community and should use them. Arguments against centered mostly on the fact that with the housing construction still going on, it would be next to impossible to inform all the sub contractors about gate codes. Considerable damage was done to the gates a couple years ago because workers were forcing the gates open with their vehicles. It was also noted that workers had been cutting across empty lots to gain access to Picacho Mountain properties to work. That has stopped for now, but it shows their determination to “get around” things for their own personal use.

The Board did decide that the gates should now be closed on Sundays because Realtor open houses have not been a common occurrence here. They would still be opened for special events such as Tour of Homes. Because the Board was divided on the issue, a motion was made to table action until the next General Membership meeting could discuss and vote on the issue. If members would like to voice their opinions, please hit reply and let us know your thoughts.

The Board did authorize funds to install a locked keypad on the gates. Apparently some person or persons have discovered how to throw the switch to keep the gates open. This will end with locked switches.

Greg Switzer presented his work on a design plan for refurbishing the plants for the Anthem Gate and approach. The Switzers used their own money to hire consultant Jackie Meineke, owner of Enchanted Gardens and plant writer for the Sun News, to draw up a plan using local plants that would need far less water to replace those plants that have died or are dying due to being from other “water thirsty” areas. Greg emphasized that the group of interested neighbor were not soliciting funds from the Board, only asking permission to proceed with the plan. The group of volunteers plans to raise money from interested residents and also ask for donations of time and labor to help with the replanting project. They also plan on hiring Marco (our Association landscaper) to help with the “heavy stuff.”

Greg estimates that the plants needed would cost about $1600 and that hiring Marco’s men would run about $25 an hour for two men. There would be a need for a few boulders and more gravel, also. The Board gave its approval for his project. Anyone who would like to donate funds can do so by sending a check to: CRNA, PO Box 554, Fairacres, NM 88033. Checks should be made out to the CRNA but must include a notation that it is for the gate planting project. These funds must be kept separate from regular Association funds.

Also, any volunteers who would like to donate some time and/or labor should contact either Greg at [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]{#cloak37cad54622013ed32c8742608c9cee54}

or Barbara Rose Farber, Landscaping Chair at [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]{#cloak29802580481c4111a08bdf6d9e6fe2bd}

. You can also just hit reply to this email and I will make sure your message gets to Greg and Barbara Rose. Due to the spring weather fast approaching, this project needs to get going very soon.

Greg was asked to look into a bid for repairing the front gate tile work. Apparently, the (inside) tile work was done improperly and it is now allowing water to enter the structure and is possibly rotting the wood framework. Subsequently, Greg received a bid from the same guy who did the repair work on the Barcelona Gate. The Board agreed to allocate up to $450 for tile and repairs.

Kelly Dickson, Chair Erosion and Drainage, reported that following talks with the County, I was decided that ordinary flatwork and concrete work such as has been done so far does not need a permit or an engineer’s report. This is good news since that means more money will be available for the actual work that needs to be done. A big thank you to Kelly Dickson and Bob Crowley, who represented our interests with the County.

Kelly announced that he would be proceeding with work on Pond C (along Barcelona Road) placing some small flumes in the small arroyos and necessary dirt work. He stated that he would need a letter signed by the affected property owners to allow him permission to enter their land. Lots 28, 62, 45, 61, 46, 60, 55, 59, 57, and 58 would be involved. Dave Zeemont will work on the letters of waiver for Kelly to begin work. Kelly also stated that he was storing dirt at the west end of the pond for future work and that he would proceed with spreading rocks on areas he has already completed.

As a general comment, all residents should know that they may remove all the unsightly black plastic silt holders that were left on their lots by their builders. Appropriate measures should be taken in the few cases where they are still retaining silt.

Webmaster Kathy Mayer reported that the new website was moving right along. She recently did a new resident list in the sign in section. She is also gathering new resident information. The site will soon be linked with the site at PHPOA. A contest to design the best logo for the website will be instituted soon. All you graphic artists out there get your pencils ready. The logo will be used on the site and most likely will be adopted by the Board for use in communications. The winning prize will be the acknowledgment and use of your design by your neighborhood.

Treasurer Mary Rita Chapman was out of town this night; however, she did leave a Treasurer’s report with Dave Zeemont. I have attached the report. Dave also reported that Roberta Watson had sent a donation to the Welcoming Committee. Thank you Roberta; all donations are happily appreciated. Anyone else wishing to donate a few dollars to fund the Welcome Committee, please send a check to the CRNA at PO Box 554, Fairacres, NM 88033. If you remember, funds were eliminated from the Welcome Committee due to the fact that Association funds cannot be used for such items as the Welcome Committee. The Committee operates on just a few dollars per year and the main purpose is to meet and welcome every new neighbor and provide them with information about the Association and surrounding area. The funds pay for a small gift from the Association.

Dave Zeemont stated briefly that the letters concerning the water booster station and excessive water bills had been sent out to all of our elected officials.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Bailey

Secretary CRNA

February 12, 2009