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Minutes from Annual POA Meeting 01/17/04
Posted 01/27/04
Thanks to everyone who made it out to this year's annual River Ridge Ranch Property Owners Association meeting. As always, it was a great opportunity to visit, as well as an chance to get some work done for the upcoming year. Below are the minutes from the meeting.
Location: Killeen Community Center
Time: 1:15pm
Preceding the meeting, a barbeque luncheon was attended by most attendees.
Dan Gillane, POA President, began the meeting by introducing the board members and officers of committees. A Chairman for the Operations and Maintenance Committee is needed. Anyone interested should contact Mike Parker. (Thank you to Mike Prestigiacomo for volunteering for the job!) He announced that of the 116 homesteads, 24 homes have been constructed and 5 are beginning construction.
The agenda began with three guest speakers. Bennie Spaulding of the SW Bell Co Volunteer Fire Department was the first to speak. He reported making 399 calls in 2003 of which 11 were in RRR; 7 EMS calls and 4 grass or construction fires. They recently had 19 Search Team graduates to work with the Emergency Response Team. They have received grants and are getting a new truck and tanker. They also have Forest Service equipment to use during the dry seasons. As a volunteer fire department, they are appreciative of volunteers and donations.
Mike Parker spoke for Chisholm Trail Water which was unable to send a spokesperson. They have looked at what it would take to bring water into RRR. A 6î pipe could be extended to the RRR entrance and then RRR would have to assume the cost of running the pipe into the community. Costs would run about $11-12K per homestead and then residents would also have monthly water bills. This is compared to $7-8K for a well.
Arnold Oliver from Bartlett Electric was the third speaker. Although there was a rate increase in 2003, he assured members costs were still competitive. New substations are being built and the billing statement will be taking on a new look. They have a 4-year plan to increase and improve service. The Right of Way program includes trimming trees and clean up. He explained the Line Extension Policy in effect since the passing of House Bill 7. Because customers may now choose which company provides their service, electric companies can no longer be guaranteed that customers will continue service after new poles and lines are installed. They need to charge for the poles and lines to recoup costs.
The last speakers were from the Sheriffís Department. They are conducting routine patrols through the community, but have difficulty with such a large county and few cars to patrol. Other services they provide are Humane Officers and home inspections for insurance.
At 1:55 Dan began to inform members of the negotiations with Suntex-Fuller. Before the final settlement the POA had achieved street name signs, drainage repair and $15,000 for road repair. The provisions of the final settlement included a $26,500 cash settlement to recoup money spent for signage, legal fees, repairs to the lower private road, and miscellaneous improvements. Lot 6A also was part of the settlement to offset park and trail issues. The POA now owns the 3 parks and trail easements. The total settlement was approximately $138,500. The POA released Suntex-Fuller from further claims with the exception of five lake lot owners who will be handled separately. Now that the POA owns the easements the lake commons will be replatted to specific commons and lake members will establish a secondary POA for their issues. Dan thanked board members and past board member, Anne LeGare, for their work bringing the settlement to a close.
Dan reviewed the vision, goals, objectives and strategy and then passed the floor to Mike Parker, Vice President Operations. Last year a proposal was made to split lot 6A, sell half and use the proceeds to fund a pavilion on other half for a park. Mike showed an architectís plan for an open-air stone pavilion with metal roof, fireplace, bathrooms, kitchenette and storage room. A map of the Highway 195 expansion was shown. All the construction will be taking place to the east of RRR. A map of the trails to be established was also shown. A committee needs to be formed to brainstorm proposals for developing these trails. One issue to be addressed will be if the trails will be for motorized traffic as well as foot and horse. The committee would also look into replatting areas with unnecessary trails to give property owners back the land.
At last yearís annual meeting members proposed looking into and voting on whether to remain a gated community or handing the roads over to the county. Mike showed calculations for estimated capital improvements on the road. He figured the costs on the high end and showed that the POA can maintain the roads at the current rate at which funds are being saved. Anne LeGare agreed with Mikeís figures, but expressed concern that we would not be able to keep the road up to standards in the long run. She proposed giving the roads to the county while they were still in good shape and using our assessment funds for other things. Members in attendance voted by quorum, one vote per lot- 40 for keeping the gated community, 3 against. The vote by the property owners reconfirmed their support to maintain the exclusive gated community into which they bought.
Mike discussed the success of mailings and volunteer days. He reminded of the website (http:www.riverridgeranch.org) and showed some highlights. John Parker gave an update on availability of high-speed internet access. There is not much to choose from today other than satellite which has a $500 startup. He doesnít look for DSL in the near future. Mike reported on the status of the gated entry. The universal code was deleted. Codes are being issued for individuals and contractors. Members should contact Ed Underwood, our gatekeeper, for attaining a code or remote. His number is 254- 793-3767. Ed has done a terrific job keeping the gate functioning as it should! A neighborhood watch program has been initiated and signs will be posted soon. Safety issues in the community have been addressed and a successful controlled bow hunt was not bothersome to residents.
Bertha Davis, Vice President Administration, reported about our aggressive new attorney, Lia Edwards, as well as insurance, CPA, collection policy and rules for use of commons are in place.
Betty Brett, Treasurer, showed income and expense reports for 2003 and compared them to previous years. The 2004 budget was shown. (See website)
Dan closed the meeting by encouraging volunteers for committees and having a quick Open Discussion period. He reminded us that it is the responsibility of the owners to communicate or set up codes for contractors. Betty Brett asked lake owners to stay afterward for a quick meeting. The meeting finished at 3:35pm.
Important Reminders
- There are remotes for the gate. Contact Ed 254-793-3767
- Individuals need new access codes. Contact Ed
- Decals for 2004 were issued. They go in upper driverís side of windshield.
- Contact Jennifer if you need extras. 254-793-0074
- Update contact information with your POA
- Check your POA website
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