January 2008

Floyd Hill Area Property Owners’ Association Meeting Minutes

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Clear Creek High School

Presentation

Ty Petersburg, District Wildlife Manager of Idaho Springs, talked about mountain lions on Floyd Hill. Estimates are there are 3,000-5,000 mountain lions (a.k.a. puma, panther, cougar) in Colorado. Lions range from 90-150 pounds and live to be about 12 years old in the wilds. Two to three kittens stay with their mother for 1-2 years after birth in April - July. Lions like to hide in rock outcroppings or jump out of bushes to surprise their primary prey: deer and elk. Since deer and elk roam more from dusk to dawn, mountain lions are more likely to be stalking prey at these times. Humans are more likely to be struck by lightening, than to be attacked by a mountain lion. Only two human deaths from mountain lions are known to have occurred in Colorado, but one of them was of a resident of Floyd Hill.

Avoid attracting mountain lions:

If you are walking from dusk to dawn, walk in groups, bring a dog with you, make a lot of noise, bring a foghorn with you, or carry a walking stick as a weapon.
Don’t allow children or pets alone in your yard between dusk and dawn.
Keep brush cleared from around your home. Mountain lions may hide here.
Don’t feed deer or leave pet food outside to attract wildlife.
If you meet a mountain lion:
Do not run! Mountain lions will think you are prey and chase after you! Stay calm. Stop or back away slowly.
Stand upright, raise your arms, open your jacket, and try to appear as large as possible.
Talk firmly to the lion so it doesn’t think you are prey!
Throw stones, sticks or anything you can reach without crouching.
If attacked, fight back.

Remember, it is against the law to shoot a mountain lion (without a license), unless it is attacking humans or livestock. To report a mountain lion citing call the Division of Wildlife at 303-291-7227 or the Clear Creek Sheriff’s Department at 303-679-2376.

Business Meeting:

Call to Order:

President, Jim White, called the FHAPOA Business Meeting to order at approximately 8:05 pm.

Minutes from November 29, 2007 Meeting: (as posted at www.floydhill.org)

Richard Neeley motioned to approve the minutes as reported. Verner Illig seconded this motion. Hill residents in attendance unanimously approved the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report: (See full report attached by Treasurer, Holly Gangell)

Balance 11/29/07		$ 7,116.50
Deposits (2008 annual dues)	+	$ 1,050.00
Debits*	-	$1,030.09
Balance 1/31/08		$7,136.41

* meeting room rental, legal services expenses

Paul Berteau moved to change the year on the Treasurers report to 2008 and otherwise approve the report, as printed. Joyce Chevarria seconded this motion, and those in attendance verbally approved the Treasurer’s Report.

Committee Reports:

Road and Bridge Committee *

Playground Committee: (report by Nick Ragain/Matt Robie)

Nick Ragain passed out a survey to assess what types of playground equipment and amenities residents would like to include in this project, and seeking the number and ages of children who might be using it. The Committee is seeking input from all Hill property owners. The Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District has approved a site for the playground by the tennis courts near Clear Creek County High School. The Committee will apply for a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) matching grant for $70,000 to $100,000 of lottery monies by March 3. We will know if we are awarded a grant by June 20th. Our chances of receiving a GOCO grant will increase if we can promise at least 10% of the amount in pledges plus 20% in pledges for materials, labor, or time. The Homeowners Association will write a letter of support for the playground. Homeowners are to send pledge letters or donations to Matt Robie, Community Relations, P.O. Box 1149 Idaho Springs, CO 80452, ccmrd@wispertel.net, or call 303-567-4822. A portion of candle sale proceeds by Mary Cain (303-543-8418 or mia24@quest.net) are donated to the playground fund.

Emergency Notification Committee*: (report by Linda Berteau)

The following persons are now trained to distribute Voice Shot messages to all residents on the Hill: Jim White, Mike Chevarria, Linda and Paul Berteau, Lou Montgomery. The telephone message each resident gets before each FHAPOA business meeting is our way of practicing getting word out to everyone living on Floyd Hill to evacuate their home in case of an emergency. Contact Linda Berteau at 303-679-3025 to update your phone numbers with the Association for evacuation purposes.

Development Committee*: (report by Mike Chevarria)

Floyd Hill continues to be represented on the Sub-regional Master Plan Committee by Mike Chevarria. The Request for Proposals (RFP’s) were mailed on January 22nd and are expected to be returned by March 29th. The Committee hopes to incorporate the needs of residents, developers, Clear Creek County, and other stakeholders into a mutually agreeable plan for the future development of our area. To view the RFP or to give your input on how you would like to see development evolve, contact Mike Chevarria at vicepresident@floydhill.org or 303-670-6528.

Water Response Committee: (report by Jim White)

Our water attorneys, Petros and White, have closed the last open water case stipulating David Williams drill a pilot well and ten test wells on the Hill to establish a baseline of water level, so that once water usage begins the affect of the apartments water usage on Floyd Hill water levels can be monitored. To build the proposed Beaver Brook Apartment Complex, with 401 multifamily units, David Williams must comply with specific requirements. This FHAPOA Committee is carefully monitoring to make sure each mandated criteria is met. The Committee continues to be active in assuring the quantity and quality of water in our area is carefully maintained and protected. More volunteers are sought to staff this important Committee.

Activities Committee (report by Linda Berteau)

A Floyd Hill litter clean-up project will be repeated this spring. A sign-up sheet was distributed for residents to step forward to volunteer to pick-up any road trash from roads of their choice in Floyd Hill in April or May. Each volunteer will pick up litter on or along their assigned road after the snows melt. This can be at any convenient time as you’re out stretching your legs or walking your pets. Contact Linda Berteau at musicats420@ecentral.com or 303-679-3025 to express your interest in this project. Help us keep our area as pristine as we found it by keeping your trash secured in sturdy, sealed trash containers. Contact Jael Dale at 303-670-0085 or hjd173@whispertel.net with ideas for social activities you’d favor for this year. In the past, some activities have included a summer community garage sale, a summer picnic, and Halloween or end-of-year holiday party. Let us know your desires and we’ll try to make them happen!

Old Business:

Idaho Springs Annexation (report by Jim White)

The City of Idaho Spring City Council approved annexation of 2.6 acres of property owned by the Kleinwachter family between the ride stop and Ski Country Antiques at the bottom of Floyd Hill was scheduled to go into effect on November 30th. However, a group of concerned Idaho Springs citizens turned in a petition of 200 signatures on November 30th (only 59 signatures were needed) to demand City Council repeal the annexation (City Council refused this option) or to hold a special election by Idaho Springs voters. The petition was certified on January 14th. The special election will be held on April 8th. A group of voters calling themselves “Idaho Springs Citizens for Responsible Government” is campaigning to overturn the annexation of the bottom of Floyd Hill for commercial development under the control of Idaho Springs. It is important to note that water can be piped to Floyd Hill via a pipeline (estimated cost of $10-$20 million) via a Special Water District. The City of Idaho Springs has indicated it will not finance a water pipeline to Floyd Hill and is likely to approve development using well water and risking depleting resident’s limited water supply.

This is an important election for Floyd Hill residents. The FHAPOA views the Idaho Springs annexation as poorly and incompletely planned. After careful canvassing of our membership, FHAPOA officers believe the financial burden to Idaho Springs to bring adequate services (police, fire, road maintenance and snow removal, sewage, water) will be more than the tax revenues future businesses locating at the bottom of Floyd Hill will be able to realistically support. Further, any businesses locating on Floyd Hill may take business away from the struggling businesses (gas stations, hotels, restaurants, etc.) in Idaho Springs. Annexation by Idaho Springs will preempt any future input by Hill residents into how development at the base of Floyd Hill progresses, since Hill residents are represented by Clear Creek County, not Idaho Springs. Having a voice in the area land and water use and types of development are important to maintaining our property values, rural life style, and ongoing safety.

To help, talk to your friends in Idaho Springs about your views before the April 8th election. If you would like to participate in the campaign (attend public meetings, go door-to-door, help with mailings, make phone calls, etc.) contact Jack Russlesi at jrussalisi@msm.com or 303-519-8100. If you would like to donate money (to help create informative brochures, create yard signs, etc.) send checks to ISCFRG Treasurer Randy McIlvaine at P.O. Box 1233 Idaho Springs, CO 80452. Submitting editorials to the Courant (www.clearcreekcourant.com or P.O. Box 2020 Idaho Springs, CO 80452) would also be effective vehicle to voice your opinions.

The residents of Floyd Hill have a high stake in the special election. This special election is our only realistic chance to block the annexation of Floyd Hill by Idaho Springs. Take time to share your opinions about responsible development with Jim White at president@floydhill.org or 303-679-6224.

Fighting Pine Tree Beetle Epidemic Report by Josh Lewis

Beetles are a natural resident of our forests. Due to mature forests, recent droughts, and mild winter temperatures, beetle populations are at high levels. Mountain beetle’s primary food source is lodgepole and ponderosa pine, attacking 6” in diameter or larger trees from the bottom up. Larvae from trees infested with mountain beetle will fly around July 1st. Ips beetles hatch 3 generations per summer, attacking trees from the top down from March to September. Infested trees turn brown/orange and fade after the beetles have already flown to neighboring trees. The following actions are recommended:

Walk your property in April-May looking for boreholes and pitch tubes indicating beetle infestation. Tag infested trees.
Cut down diseased trees.
Chip, bury, strip the bark, burn, or wrap the tree wood (6” in diameter or larger) in clear plastic and bake these in the sun for a week.
Spray select healthy trees you choose to protect with surfactant and insecticides on all bark before July 1.

A State Forester will speak at the FHAPOA March meeting to give more information about how to identify and treat infected trees to minimize the damage of Pine Beatle on our Hill. A FHAPOA chipper program will also be available to residents this spring and fall.

Fighting beetle kill will take a concerted (but voluntary) activity of all neighbors to effectively fight the devastating effects of beetle kill to trees on Floyd Hill. Otherwise, we can expect all mature lodgepole pines on Floyd Hill to die in the next 3-5 years.

Diversify Tree Species by Planting Seedlings (Report by Linda Berteau)

Planting a diversity of tree species no your property can minimize the risk of losing trees to Pine Beetle disease. Tree seedlings appropriate to our climate and altitude are grown by the Colorado State University Extension Service and sold by the Golden 4-H as a fundraiser. Bare root trees cost $36 (+ 4.6% tax) per 50 5”-12” seedlings. Thirty potted trees (6-12” tall) cost $48 or smaller pots (4-6”) for $28.20. Recommended species include Douglas Fir, Englemann Spruce, Limber Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Aspen, and Narrowleaf or Hybrid Cottonwood. Planting supplies and survival aids (fertilizer, tree guards, stakes) are also available. Checks are to be made to

“4-H trees” and sent to Linda Berteau (303-679-3025 - 957 Aspen Drive) no later than March 15th. Seedlings will be delivered to your home on or after April 19th. The National Arbor Foundation also distributes economic healthy plants, but their distribution is in November.

New Business:

Ken Quast is serving on the committee planning Blue Spruce, Habitat for Humanity’s 10,000 sq. ft.2-story warehouse (including 2,400 sq feet for offices) to be built at the intersection of Beaver Brook and Meadowview. Zoning has approved 37 parking spots for this facility, which will sell used building materials and limited furniture, but not clothing. Profits from this retail store will fund Habitat’s building low-income housing. Habitat’s retail location in Evergreen has closed. Please contact Ken Quast (303-670-1132 kenquast@msn.com) for more information.

Election ballots for FHAPOA officers for 2008 will be mailed to all dues-paying FHAPOA members so that votes can be tallied at the March meeting. Jim White is term limited as President by FHAPOA bi-laws. A slate of candidates was recommended by Ken Quast and is as follows:

President: Josh Lewis

Vice President: Mike Chevarria

Treasurer: Holly Gangell

Secretary: Linda Berteau

Anne White seconded the nominations. Ballots will be mailed in late February.

Kris Lee donated 2 tickets to Echo Mountain to meeting attendants. Joyce Chevarria won these tickets by guessing the number 17.

Mike Chevarria noted a new Floyd Hill newsletter called the Flugelhorn being created and distributed by 2-year Floyd Hill resident and Realtor, Whitney Thatcher. This forum will also include local news and activities of interest at Saddle Back Estates and Beaver Brook. Any ideas for articles can be shared at Whitney.Thatcher@yahoo.com or 303-513-9922

Closure and Next Meeting:

The next FHAPOA meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Clear Creek County High School.

Jim White adjourned the business meeting at approximately 9:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Berteau,

Secretary

* Additional volunteers are needed

In attendance:

*Linda and Paul Berteau

*Joyce and Michael Chevarria

*Holly Gangell

*Janice and Werner Illig