March  2000 Newsletter

PHA  HOMEOWNER

PUBLISHED BY THE PINERY HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION

An "Era" is Ending

   In 1985 The Pinery Homeowners’ Association hired a new employee for the part-time position of Association Secretary. This new employee was a Pinery resident already very active in our community affairs. The new employee’s personal qualities included a very sincere kindness, always respectful of others, responsiveness to anyone and a strong dedication to making the Pinery a wonderful place to live and play. This new employee also had one quality, which will always be remembered, and that is her never-ending capacity to deal with all kinds of requests and problems. Yes, most of you have guessed it, we are talking about "the one and only" Connie Stephenson who came to our assistance fifteen years ago.

Connie will shortly be leaving her position with the PHA to join her husband, Doug, in a new journey of enjoying retirement together. Although not inclusive, we hear that they plan to do lots of skiing, some long awaited traveling and visit their children as often as they can. The rewards of retirement are now available to both Connie and Doug but don’t be surprised if they both show up as avid volunteers for Pinery functions and activities.

The PHA has elected to honor Connie’s long and dedicated service to her community by planting a tree in her honor in one of the Pinery’s parks. An appropriate marker will be placed at this site. Connie will also be presented with a plaque recognizing her unselfish service to her community and residents. These few acknowledgements pail in the shadow of her excellence and contribution she has made to our community. We will miss many things about Connie, but her kind voice on the phone as well as her smiling face in the office are two things that we all will miss. With this said, we will never forget this wonderful woman who has made so many of our lives better by simply being there when we needed her.

Thank you Connie and enjoy your rewards!

Permatek Claims Deadline - March 20, 2000

The PHA has learned that a class action lawsuit related to Permatek Roofing (cement and wood fiber composite roofing tiles and shakes manufactured by American Cemwood Corporation, including but not limited to Permatek, Royal, Cemwood, Cascade, and Pacific Slate shakes and Trieste tiles) is about to be settled. According to the February 16 issue of the News-Press, District Court Judge William Demoulin "ruled Feb. 7 in favor of a 15-year, $10 million ‘guaranteed fund’ settlement in the statewide class-action suit against the parent companies of the faulty roof-tile makers. Ending more that two years of negotiations, an estimated 3,500 homeowners in Colorado – including approximately 1,000 in Douglas County – now can file claims to collect from the fund to replace their roofs." Homeowners must file a notice of intent to participate in the Class Action Settlement no later than March 20th. Forms and materials about this settlement potential are available at the PHA office. Don’t Wait – Act Now!   

New Gate for Bingham Lake

A new gate was installed at the Lakeshore Drive entrance to Bingham Lake. The purpose of this gate is to secure the lake area from vehicles during the winter periods as well as to control access to the lake area during private functions or during nighttime hours.

Because of the dangers involved, ice fishing, skating or any other activity on the lake during periods when the surface may (or may not) be frozen, is prohibited and it should be noted that the lake area is closed to everyone after sundown and before sunrise. This rule is enforceable by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department by virtue of an existing Douglas County ordinance.

The PHA wants to be sure that our residents are safe and these steps are initiated with this goal in mind. Please let the PHA office know when anyone is seen at the lake after sundown and if anyone is damaging anything around the lake.

2000 Fishing and Boating Season

   Permits are available at the PHA office from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Cost is $10 per single family permit; the following restrictions apply:

   All fees collected go directly into maintenance and restocking programs at the lake. The Lake Committee recommends a catch and release policy as a way of maintaining a quality fishery.
   Members of the Lake Committee check on compliance with lake usage regulations as issued with the permit and posted at the lake.
   Due to increased vandalism at the Lake, we have recently installed a gate at the bottom of the driveway to the lake parking and boat launching areas. This gate will be locked when ice is on the Lake. Persons visiting the lake during the winter can park on the north (golf course) side of Lakeshore Drive and walk over to the lake.

   Volunteers are always needed to help with lake committee work as well as with various other programs. If interested, please contact the PHA office for further information (303) 841-8572.

CSU Cooperative Extension

   Many homeowners in Douglas County are unaware of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and the services offered. The Horticultural Department of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Office in Douglas County can assist you with all of your gardening questions. Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers are available to aid you over the phone or, you are welcome to come into the office. They are available to answer your questions throughout the growing season. Many hand-outs are offered, including but not limited to: Basics – Soil: The Key to Successful Gardening; Flowers – Xeriscaping: Garden Flowers.

NEWS FROM THE WATER BOARD

   It almost seems as though preparations for winter were just underway. Now winter is almost over. As spring approaches, The Water District will be putting on line most of the new facilities that have been developed over the last few months. Your patience with the construction of these facilities, as well as the resulting traffic along the South Pinery Parkway, is appreciated. With the completion of this work, the impacted areas will be returned to their original, natural environmental states. Your continued assistance in keeping foot and vehicular traffic in these areas to a minimum while the vegetation is reestablished is essential to the success of these efforts and is very much appreciated.

   With the approach of spring, two members of the District Board are seeking re-election; Bob Greene and David Eyre. Bob has served as District Treasurer and has diligently strived to continue maintaining the financial health of the District. With the ongoing need for capital to fund required upgrades and expansions, he has ensured that the financial means were available to do this work. Bob has also been instrumental in ensuring that new development pays for its impact to the District.

   David Eyre brings seventeen years of engineering in waste water systems experience to the board. His experience has played a major part in establishing new procedure and policies for the district, resulting in improved customer service.

   Having served as Directors for the last four years, Bob and David concur that rarely a dull moment has passed. Both appreciate the support that the community has shown in allowing their efforts in making the District a more customer-oriented organization. This could not have been accomplished without your support. Bob and David look forward to the opportunity to serve you for yet another four years.

   The District welcomes questions or concerns on any water or sanitary sewer issues, so please feel free to call (303) 841-2797. If you wish to meet in person with any Water District representatives, you are encouraged to attend the regularly scheduled board meetings, held at the District Offices on the second Tuesday of every month, at 7 o’clock P.M. If this is not possible, then please stop by the District Office during the week, Monday through Friday, 8-4 daily. Someone is always available to meet with you and discuss your concerns.

Gas Pipeline Update

   The following is an excerpt from a letter recently received from Colorado Interstate Gas Company bringing us up to date on the location of the proposed natural gas pipeline.

   "From the beginning, (Colorado Interstate Gas Company) has attempted to be as open as possible about our project with everyone concerned. Judging from the cooperation we have received, we are grateful that so many have responded in kind. I believe this response reflects a basic understanding of the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas.

   Basically, our pipeline will run north to south from near Watkins, east of Denver, to a site south of Colorado Springs. As we have been weighing the merits of various optional routes over the past several months, we have found that the process has not been easy, as there are so many factors to consider. We selected the most direct route, which follows one of our existing natural gas pipelines, with a deviation around an area that has become heavily populated since our original line was built.

   …Your property does not fall along the path of our selected route. You should be aware, however, that your property might fall along one of the alternate routes that will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The final route selection is subject to FERC review and approval.

   We want you to know that as we move forward with our project we will strive in every way to live up to our commitment to be a good neighbor.

William H. Sparger, Vice President, Engineering

   Footnote from PHA: We will be following the approval process and be sure to emphasize our concerns if any of the above routing is changed. The PHA will stay in touch with all concerned parties in this regard.

VOLUNTEER'S CORNER

Community Cleanup

   It’s spring cleanup time again and your PHA needs you to help with the yearly Community Cleanup. We will meet at the Fire hall Parking lot on North Pinery Parkway at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 22nd.

   Come dressed in sturdy boots, gloves and clothing appropriate for the weather. We look forward to seeing all of you!

Canyons Update

   The Canyons proposal meeting, originally scheduled for March 22 as noted in a recent issue of the Douglas County News-Press, is expected to be continued to a later date. For the latest information please call the County Information Line at 303-660-7390.

Pinery Trash Program: Billing

   It was our experience during the past billing cycle that many payments made using ‘online’ services were received after the due date. Payments not received by the due date generate a second billing, the cost of which ($2) is passed along as a late charge.

    Please ensure your payments are mailed at least 5 days prior to the due date to ensure this late charge is avoided.

Proper Control of Dogs: Douglas County Leash Law

   Just a reminder, Douglas County’s leash law requires that "control over dogs with restraint of the dog by means of a leash or similar tether no more than 30 feet in length" must be maintained for dogs not otherwise confined. We ask, once again, that you please show consideration for the safety and property of your neighbors – leash your dogs! Dogs not under control are subject to confinement by Animal Control with an applicable fine imposed on owners.

   For complaints about dogs at large, call Pikes Peak Humane Society, the Animal Control Agency for Douglas County, at 303-660-7529. Please follow the instructions on the telephone tree and an officer will contact you, usually the same working day. For emergencies, contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s office at 303-660-7500. Courtesy of Robin DeSio, Supervisor of Animal Control Services

Off-Road Vehicles

   "Off-road" vehicles, e.g. motorbikes, 3-wheelers, and dirt bikes are prohibited on paved streets. They can be operated on private property only, and the rider must have permission of the property owner to ride on anyone else's property. The Sheriffs Department will enforce this law with citations. Parents should take this into consideration if they or their children are contemplating purchase of an off-road vehicle. Motorcycles may be driven on public roads only if the operator is A) At least 16 years of age, B) Licensed to drive in the State of Colorado with endorsement on license for operation of a motorcycle, and C) The motorcycle is properly licensed in Colorado.

High Prairie Farms Winter Concert Series

   There is still time to get tickets to "If You Could See The Way I See It" featuring Karen Karsh and the CSO performance of "Once Upon A Time." Ms Karsh moves her audience with a strong, clear voice and a wonderful stage presence. From Country to Rock, from Ballads to Jazz, she takes children on a wonderful journey of self-exploration and musical enjoyment! "Once Upon A Time" is a classic story-telling presentation with musical enhancement, aimed especially at children in the early grade levels. Stories are chosen for their literary value, as well as their appeal. For additional information, see the advertisement on page 8.

Pinery Signage Policy

   Pinery Covenants limit signage on properties. Pinery policy is that directional signs may not be posted off of the property. However, signs for an open house or garage sale which are present for one day only and are removed at night are allowed. Signs not meeting this policy will be removed and brought to the PHA office.

Home Fire Safety
Courtesy of Pikes Peak Wildfire Prevention Partners

Firewise Checklist

PHA Membership Opportunity

   If you aren’t in the Pinery Trash Program, please consider contributing to the health and vitality of the community by supporting the Pinery Homeowners’ Association. The PHA maintains Pinery neighborhood parks, greenbelts and the north entry, as well as building community spirit through Pinery Pedal, the Community Garage Sale, Kids Fishing Derby, Cleanups, etc., and by putting you in touch with developments that may impact you as residents. More than 1,230 have already provide support through participation in the Pinery/Waste Management Trash Program. Thanks for your consideration!

Covenant Corner

The Pinery Architectural Control Committee in 1999

   We are happy to report that your Pinery Architectural Control Committee is alive and well and working to maintain the standard of quality and beauty we all appreciate here in the Pinery.

   The Pinery ACC is comprised of six Board Members who are elected for two-year terms. The ACC meets the first Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise announced via this newsletter) at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Pinery Fire Station. We are responsible for enforcing Protective Covenants for Pinery Filings 1 through 8A, Pinery Pointe and Fairway Ridge.

   In an effort to address homeowner issues as expeditiously as possible homeowner submittals are reviewed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with builder submittals beginning at 7:30 p.m.

   Following is a summary of 1999 activity by the Architectural Control Committee.

New Home Plans Reviewed and Approved

Homeowner Submittals Reviewed:

Discussion Items (Violations)
Acted Upon at regularly scheduled meetings:

   As we approach the busy warmer months of 2000, we want to thank Pinery residents for the pride they express in their community through compliance with Covenants meant to maintain the unique qualities that led us all to select the Pinery as our home. Please call the ACC office at 303-841-5305 if you have questions, or feel free to attend any of our open meetings. We welcome your interest.