November 2005 Newsletter

Homeowner

Published by The Pinery Homeowners’ Association, Inc.
 Volume 29; Issue 6

What You’re Telling Us About Covenants

Following is a brief summary of covenant survey results to date. Be sure to attend the January meeting where we’ll have a detailed survey presentation.

Survey #1 – Parking Surfaces, which appeared in the May newsletter, has had 180 responses. 72% indicated that covenants should be revised. The majority have indicated that concrete (96%), asphalt (79%), and paving bricks (86%) should be approved surfaces for parking. 36% have indicated that gravel should be approved while 50% have indicated it should not. Further, the majority have indicated that dirt (86%), grass (79%) and wood (72%) should not be approved surfaces.

Survey #2 – Recreational Vehicle Parking / Exterior Colors appeared first in the July newsletter and has had 148 responses. 73% indicated that covenants should be revised.

RV Parking: 78% have indicated that recreational vehicles should be allowed, for a limited period of time (3 days – 2 weeks). For those people who believe that limited RV parking should be allowed, 80% indicate that they should only be parked on the approved driveway when present.

Exterior Paint Colors: 25% have indicated that exterior colors should be expanded while 63% think they should not. 29% have indicated that exterior trim colors should be expanded while 55% think they should not.

Survey #3 – Structure and Landscape Maintenance / Garage Doors appeared first in the September newsletter and has had 87 responses. 79% indicated that covenants should be revised.

For structural maintenance, 82% believe that owners should be required to repaint or repair structures when property detracts from the neighborhood.

For landscape maintenance, 68% believe owners should be required to mow, weed and irrigate as needed and allowed by water availability and 86% believe that landscaping should not be allowed to detract from the neighborhood.

The garage door issue is one of the least definitive thus far but most respondents, 36% believe there should be a minimum of two garages (garage doors) per residence while 38% believe there should be a maximum of four doors.

Interestingly, we have noted that on many surveys where the respondent did not want covenants revised (or were not sure if they should be), their response on the subsequent questions indicate a position which is not supported by current covenants. For example, covenants currently limit the number of garages to ‘not more than three (3) cars’ and no minimum is specified. If you feel a minimum two-car garage should be required of Pinery residences, covenants would need to be revised to support that.

If you haven’t yet completed any or all of the first three surveys and reside in Pinery filings 1-8A, please visit www.pinery.org. All surveys will remain available for completion on the website as we go through this process. Following is the fourth of a planned series of surveys for you to use to help The Pinery HOA get as broad a consensus as possible of ideas and opinions to provide a basis for covenant revision. In no way are the surveys intended to represent that the HOA is interested in any of these individual changes. We are interested in finding out what the majority of people want so that we can work to provide it.

COVENANT REVISION SURVEY

We are again asking if covenants should be revised. Based on the positive response received thus far, we will continue with the process, but as we do so, we want to again ensure that the position has not changed.

This survey deals with two critical issues: the voluntary nature of HOA financing and the use of properties. When the Pinery was established in the early 70s, no allowance was made in Covenants for funding of an organization which would be charged with covenant enforcement and maintenance of common properties. Also, current covenants prohibit use of Pinery properties in filings 1-8A for business of any sort.

What does the PHA do for you?

Using income from voluntary association dues ($30 annually), the Pinery Trash Program and the RV Storage Lot, the annual budget is prepared by the Executive Board each year and presented to the community for approval in the January General Meeting. Currently, approximately 79% of residents in Pinery filings 1-8A support the community through one or more of the above programs. Some items funded in this way are:

1) Office equipped and staffed with part-time employees for coordination for all activities, programs and committees, these employees also:
     • Act as an information point for community activities
     • Administer all financial activities
     • Administer and prepare the Pinery Newsletter
     • Administer the revenue generating Pinery Trash Program
     • Administer the revenue generating Pinery Storage Lot Program
     • Administer and provide homeowner information regarding architectural issues
     • Provide information to title companies as required
2) Covenant Compliance and Enforcement
3) Insurance
4) Landscape and equipment maintenance for two neighborhood parks
5) Landscape maintenance and improvements for the North Entryway, including Holiday lighting
6) Participation in the Pinery Security Coalition which uses patrols of fully-authorized Douglas County Deputy Sheriffs to enhance security in the Pinery
7) Maintenance and improvements to the previously-mentioned storage lot
8) Community Communication (The Pinery Homeowner newsletter, two entrance information signs, General Meetings, Newcomer Orientations)
9) Coordination with Douglas County and the Town of Parker for development issues, parks and open space matters (Bingham Lake) and public works (for example roads)
10) Legal involvement as needed for covenant enforcement, contract reviews, and other necessary matters.

So Why Consider a Change? Some Background…

The Current Voluntary Nature of PHA Financing.

We are among a very small minority of HOAs in Colorado that have voluntary rather than mandatory dues or assessments. While this has often been a matter of expressed pride for our community, many have also expressed concerns that such a policy is financially imprudent, making our association vulnerable, and others have discussed it as less than fair. While there is current opportunity for all owners to take part in membership dues, not all do so and therefore do not participate in maintenance of their covenant controlled community, though the argument could be made that all benefit through increased property values. Based on the currenet PHA budget, it is estimated that the cost of covenant enforcement and maintenance of common properties runs approximately $80 per Pinery property per year. This is only one of the many expenses incurred. Those in favor of continuing voluntary financing could argue that in addition to pride, this arrangement has worked for us. Those advocating for initiating some form of mandatory assessment or dues in our covenants could argue for prudence, fairness and stability.

With increased participation, there might be opportunity for the community to consider improvement or addition to amenities; such as, increasing pedestrian and bicycle trails within the community, improving existing parks, or increasing the number of neighborhood parks. If you have other suggestions, we encourage your input. What do you think? In addition to presenting alternatives in the survey, we are interested in your comments.

Home Occupations?

Douglas County Zoning Regulations allow ‘Class 1 Home Occupations’ in the Pinery. For a detailed definition of a ‘Class 1 Home Occupation’, see: http://www.douglas.co.us/community/planning/documents/HomeOccupations.pdf or, contact the PHA office (303-841-8572) we would be happy to provide a copy. Most will agree that the internet has fundamentally changed many ways of doing business. There are some businesses (care facilities for example) for which covenant prohibition has been over-ruled by judicial decision. There are others (telecommuters, music teachers, tutors for example) which have minimal impact on the neighborhood or the exterior of the house, and it might make sense to allow business use which fits with the residential character of the neighborhood. How would you prefer we handle this issue? Several options are indicated in the survey, along with a place for your comments and suggestions.

Please take time to complete and return the survey. You may drop off or fax the completed survey from the newsletter at the Pinery HOA office in the lower level of the fire station, fax 303-841-5444.

Thank you for taking the time to give us your input. Look for subsequent surveys in future newsletters. Be sure to validate your survey by including your name and address - we cannot include anonymous responses or those which do not include a valid address in Pinery filings 1-8A:

Don’t get Storm Scammed
Door-to-Door Sales

   With a snowstorm, there is the possibility that scammers will be in the neighborhood. In addition to prudent steps to check out any contractor, be aware of the appropriate county ordinance. Any door-to-door sales person, with the exception of schools and non-profit organizations, must display on their person a card confirming that they have registered with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. Call the Sheriff’s Department 303-660-7500 to report violators. For the text of the Ordinance, see www.douglas.co.us/Ordinances/O-996-002.pdf .

January PHA Election

   The 2006 January election will be held to fill three (3) positions on the Community Services Committee (CSC) and one (1) position on the PHA Executive Board. Please consider serving.

Candidate information should be submitted to the PHA office, 8170 Hillcrest Way, Parker, CO 80134, by December 5, 2005.

Look for more information in the January newsletter.

Bird Santuary News

Sanctuary Fall Workday Productive in Spite of Rain!

   Many thanks to Megan Cronin, Nic Miles and Candice Scannell for their trepidation during our wet fall workday!  We accomplished much in spite of the weather, and all three students earned community service hours toward graduation.  Megan was able to get all 20 hours, once she added the fall workday to hours she accumulated last summer.  Way to go, Megan!  We will have another workday before you read this, and I want to thank any volunteers who I’m not yet able to name here.  Also, many thanks to all the people who ordered bulbs during our fall fundraiser.  We raised over $100!

Although winter is approaching, there are always things that need to be done at the site, so anyone who needs a few volunteer hours, please give me a call.  Have a wonderful fall.

Deb Dieter
303.840.4360

Christmas Tree Fundraiser

   The Ponderosa High School Band Boosters and the Youth Group from the Parker United Methodist Church are joining forces in a Christmas tree and greenery fundraiser. Members of both organizations are taking pre-delivery orders now for fresh Balsam Fir trees, wreaths, and centerpieces delivered fresh from Nova Scotia. Orders placed by Nov. 11 will arrive Dec. 3 for pickup at the United Methodist Church parking lot. Delivery is also available for a small fee. A range of tree sizes from 6’-16’ is available. Prices start at about $50. Wreaths are available decorated or plain. Centerpieces come boxed and decorated with ribbon, cones, berries, and four candles. These make excellent gifts and are easy to ship to friends and relatives. Beginning Dec.3, additional trees and greenery will be available for purchase at a tree lot set up in the United Methodist Church parking lot. Sales will continue until Dec.18 or until inventory sells out. Further information on placing orders is available by calling 303-805-4215.

Pinery Trails Survey

The Pinery Trails committee is anticipating the need for additional trails in our neighborhood This committee has no direct authority to build any trails, but will provide the results of our findings to the homeowners associations in the Pinery and the surrounding Pinery neighborhoods.

Filings 1-8a of the Pinery were built before Douglas County mandated trails and walkways for the health and safety of residents. Newer neighborhoods like the Timbers and the Colorado Golf Club have complied with county regulations to provide walking surfaces and connections to the Douglas County trail system. Pinery Pointe and Filing 11 (Northwoods Glenn) were built following these requirements.

Nevertheless, the Pinery has built two significant and popular trails:

Trails development in the Pinery can proceed only as community need, volunteerism, and limited funding will allow. Therefore, it is necessary for the Trails committee to carefully assess which, if any, trails should be built. This survey is our first polling of the community to gauge community feeling for- and against- trails in the Pinery.

Feedback we’ve received indicates diverse needs for health, safety, and recreation:

• Pedestrian/biking traffic on North Pinery Parkway continues to be dangerous to walkers, bikers, and drivers, especially near Mountain View and Northeast Elementary schools.

As we proceed, we very much want your input. Please take time to complete and return the survey. You may fill out the paper form from the newsletter or complete the survey on-line below.

If you would like to submit this paper form, please drop off at the Pinery HOA office in the lower level of the fire station, or fax the completed survey to 303-841-5444 or mail it to the Pinery Homeowners Association, 8170 N. Hillcrest Way, Parker, CO 80134.

The next Trails committee meeting will be Thursday, November 10th at 7:00pm in the office at the fire station. Anyone interested is welcome to participate in the meeting or to just observe. For additional information, please contact Tom Kimball at tom.kimball@comcast.net or 303-841-1846 or the PHA office at ThePineryHOA@comcast.net or 303-841-8572.

Thank you for taking the time to give us your input. Be sure to validate your survey by including your name and address – our statistics may be subdivided by neighborhood and we would like your name to follow up with you on your concerns or offers to help.

NEWS FROM THE WATER BOARD:

Pinery Resident Honored
   During the recent Special District Association of Colorado Annual Conference, I am proud to say that our Chairman, Mr. Robert Chapman, was selected as one of the Distinguished Board Members for 2005. This award, from his peers within the water and wastewater community, shows just how much his hard work has been appreciated and recognized. Without his dedicated leadership and vision, many of the accomplishments of the last 9 years could not have been achieved for you, the members of the District.

What’s Happening at the Lake?
   You may have noticed that the water level in Bingham Lake is low. We are lowering the water level to assist the Pinery Country Club with the replacement of their pump station located along Lakeshore. The work is scheduled to occur in December. Once construction of the  new intake is complete, we will begin to refill the lake. During the winter when our demand is low we should be able to bring the lake level up relatively quickly (a month or so).

You are Invited
   As always, you are cordially invited to attend our monthly meetings, which are currently scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month, at 6 p.m. at the District Offices.

   Please feel free to contact our office at 303-841-2797 if you have any questions about District operations or about the information presented here.

David C. Eyre
Civil Engineer, P.E., Director
Pinery Water and Wastewater

A Beautiful Day for a Picnic!!

On Saturday, August 20th, over 300 people celebrated the 2005 Pinery Picnic and Kids’ Fishing Derby.

Much To Do!
   The warm late summer day was filled with a host of events sponsored by local businesses and individuals within the community. Approximately $900 was given by local sponsors, and approximately $7,000 was provided to the community by the Pinery Homeowners’ Association (PHA).
   Participants enjoyed pony rides, adult trikes, an undersea bounce, carnival games, carriage rides, and face painting.

Much Gratitude.
The music set the tone as Pinery residents enjoyed great food and fun with their neighbors. A special thanks to all of the organizers and participants for making this year’s Pinery Picnic a truly memorable day.

Sponsors:
   We thank all of the Sponsors (see page 13); without their support, many of the key picnic events would not have been possible.

Volunteers:
   A special thank you to all of those who volunteered their help and made this picnic a great success! Thanks to: Fiona and Chris Breslin, Arch Bryant, Cheryl Bustin, Andrea & Chelsea Dickkut, Robert & Joyce Emde, Garth Farrend, Sheila Gallup, Carol & David Gingerich, Will Glaser, Craig Haynes, Ron Henkel, Christine Hopkinson, Amy & Matt Johns, Wanda Keesis, Tom & Barb Kimball, Jeff Kroll, Bob & Julie MacDonell, Michael & Maria Miller, Bess Minor, Joe Narracci, Lauren, Chris & Kathryn Ottinger, Mary Kay & Hannah Raab, Colton Raab, Kirk & Adrienne Rabius, Gloria Reed, Laurie Rondou, Fred & Mary Anne Slick, Wanda Sprague and Erika & Lisa Tokuyama.

Board Members and Staff:
   This event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the PHA Office Staff who helped coordinate this event!!

Special Recognition:
   Fred Slick was given the ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ for his many years of outstanding service to the Pinery.

   Colorful t-shirts brightened up the festivities. A huge thank you to Tim Wisner of Wisner Enterprises, Inc., in Parker and Adrienne Rabius for their designing expertise!!

The 2005 Kids’ Fishing Derby.

Heartfelt thanks go out to Doug & Kathryn Ravnholdt for organizing this event. They, along with Arch Bryant and some great volunteers: Gloria Reed, Chris Ottinger, Genia & Natalia Kazantsev made the Fishing Derby a fun time for all!!

Congratulations to our award winners:

Naomi Gertschitz caught a 7” Blue Gill.

Erik Eyre (major fisherman) with a 28” Carpe (the biggest fish caught) and a 20” walleye( the second biggest fish caught).

Evan Sharplos, with a 10” Bass.

Luke Doster caught a 6-1/2” Crapie

Camerson Eledge, with a 9-1/2” Perch.

Nicholas Bakhour caught a 7-1/2” Crapie.

Trash & Recycling News

BOO!!
   Halloween is coming up fast. This will generate a lot of candy trash and extra pumpkins. Your drivers will be more than happy to help you dispose of these items. Please have all pumpkins bagged when placing them out for pickup. And for all those spooky Halloween leaf bags, just place them out at the curb and your driver will be happy to take them away.
   Allied would like to thank the residents for all their help and generosity. Servicing individuals like you is an honor for us at Allied.

Thanks again and happy holidays!
Jennifer Trujillo
Allied Waste (BFI)

Limb Removal
Cut branches into 4’ lengths and bundle, no wider than 18”. 6 bundles or bags of yard waste will be picked up per week. For information on larger / special pickups, call Allied Waste/BFI Customer Service directly at 303-287-8043.

New Recycle Items Accepted!

The following items are now accepted for recycle: magazines, junk mail, computer printouts, white and colored paper, glossy paper, photocopy and typing paper, brochures and pamphlets, direct mail, posters, envelopes, post-it notes, adding machine tape, coated paper, manila folders, phonebooks, cereal boxes, Place in bin with newspapers.

Holiday Pickups
The Pinery Trash Program observes the following holidays:

New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day

If your pickup day falls on or after the holiday, your pickup day will be one day late for the week. If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday your service will not be delayed.

Are You Moving?
If you are moving or no longer require service, please notify our office immediately (303-841-8572) so that we can stop both service and billing promptly.

Copyright ©  2005 Pinery Homeowners' Association
 all rights reserved.