Minutes of the Annual Meeting, August 6, 2011
S.C.R.O. Annual Board Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2011
Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center
Call to Order: President Jerry Phillips called the Annual Meeting to Order.
Welcome: Jerry welcomed all Board Members and Guests to the meeting.
Introductions: Jerry introduced the Members who are staying on the Board -- Vice-President Mike Jordan; Secretary Margaret Anne Maier, and Members-At-Large Dee Marsalia, Marie Pacheco and Travis Trigg. He then introduced those who are going off the Board -- Treasurer Rose Strand and himself, Jerry Phillips.
Announcements: Jerry announced the Second Annual Band Jam that was in progress and that everyone was welcome to stay for the Pot Luck following the meeting.
Secretary's Report: Secretary Margaret Anne Maier stated that she had helped several people find their lots in the Ranches, and had communicated with many who had asked questions about both their lot and the surrounding community. She stated that she enjoyed her position on the Board.
Since everyone received a copy of the August 7, 2010, Annual Board Meeting Minutes when they registered, a motion was made to waive the reading of those minutes. The motion was seconded and approved.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rose Strand reported that the Board has had positive numbers this past year. The Board instituted Pay Pal and has received approximately 80 dues payments via this method. Jerry then stated that anyone who had not yet paid their 2011 yearly dues, should contact the new treasurer.
A motion to accept this report was made, seconded and approved.
President's Report: Jerry gave the following report:
Financial --he SCRO Board continues the wise management of funds as in past years, continuing to operate with a goal of a balanced and zero-based budget. Frugal spending practices have allowed SCRO to not operate with a loss. We continue to see stable support from dues-paying members. Memberships for the past four years are: 2008 -- 665; 2009 -- 871; 2010 -- 686; and
2011 – 623. This is in spite of constant reports of economic downturn and the fact that membership is voluntary.
Land Use Violations --Violations occur on two levels:
1) Land use violations -- to be corrected by Costilla County. We will continue to work with and seek support from the Land Use Department.
2) Covenant violations -- It is the responsibility of the Owners to effect correction. We have had susccess with positive response from a few owners who have moved/pledged to move trailers or clean up their lots. Some owners still need "encouragement". The effort will continue to optimize the environment and property values for all owners. Everyone should encourage all owners in the cleanliness of their lots.
Community involvement --SCRO has participated in several community activities this past year. The board authorized a donation, as in the past, for tickets to the Shrine Circus for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to attend this event.
In recognition that Crimestoppers has been effective in solving burglaries in the area, the board voted to support Crimestoppers with a donation of $100.00.
Members were in attendance at the Band Jam at the Lake. Mike Jordan and "Hippie Bob" were one of the popular acts. Darlene Jordan debuted on the electric bass. The Jordans and Company will be performing at the Fort Band Jam for the second year.
Members have served as volunteers on the Fort Garland Revitalization Committee and at the Fort Museum.
We want to continue to be good citizens of the community and to lead in the improvement of community values.
Area cleanup --Darlene and Mike Jordan organized two litter pickups on Highway 160 and on the main ranch roads. Debbie Pettigrew also organized a Highway 160 pickup. More volunteers are always needed and are welcome. Thanks to all who took the time to do litter pickups.
Darlene Jordan and Dee Marsalia were the committee who cleaned up Trinchera Ranch Road access from Highway 160 and did the landscaping.
Piñon --The official SCRO newsletter continues to be a valuable communication device. Mike Jordan has continued to improve the Pinon, and several people have contributed interesting and informative articles. Member response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a few suggestions. The board decided to send the Pinon to dues-paying members only. If you are not receiving the Pinon, please verify that your dues for the current year are paid and your mailing address on our records is correct.
Website -- sdcro.com --The minutes of each monthly board meeting are posted on the website, along with other valuable information, including advertisers of services, the Protective Covenants and By-Laws.
Electrical transmission line --A consortium of electric power providers applied for permits to build a high voltage transmission line from Walsenburg to the solar generation facility near Mosca. The corridor for this line will be along Highway 160 and will traverse the entire North boundary of the Ranches. Many shifts have taken place in the project as proposed by the power entities, including the abandonment of the solar generation component. Mike Jordan is the SCRO
representative to the Transmission Line Coalition, and SCRO member Sally Keller is out front in the effort to inform and persuade in the issue. Trinchera Ranch has set up a website for information -- http://smartvalleyenergy.com.
Since there was neither Old nor New Business, John Frey was introduced as one seeking a position on the SCRO Board. There were six people running for the Board, and one vacant position. Mike Jordan nominated Jim Henzi, a former Board member, as a candidate. Marie Pacheco seconded. Motion carried.
A motion was then made and seconded to elect the Board by acclamation. Motion carried.
Mike Jordan thanked both retiring President Jerry Phillips for an amazing three years on the Board and Treasurer Rose Strand for the intense work they have done.
Jerry then introduced Sally and Bob Keller and Kyle Miller to speak about the Transmission Line Project. They stated that:
1) The Public Utilities Commission has given approval for the lines to cross LaVeta Pass;
2) Huge steel latice towers with easement roads every 7 to 10 poles will be needed;
3) An underground line will cost five times more than an above ground line;
4) The Costilla County Commissioners have not yet given approval of the line.
Jerry then thanked the presenters.
Comments for the Good of the Association:
Due to the merger of the Departments of Parks and Wildlife, the suggestion was made that everyone should watch to see how Mountain Home Reservoir and Lake will be managed.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The motion passed. A Pot-Luck meal was enjoyed by all.
Respectively submitted,
Margaret Anne Maier
Secretary, SCRO
On August 8, 2011, the new SCRO Board met at the home of Mike and Darlene Jordan to choose officers for the next year. The results are as follows:
President -- Jim Henzi
Vice-President -- Mike Jordan
Secretary -- Margaret Anne Maier
Treasurer -- Travis Trigg
Members-At-Large -- John Frey, Dee Marsalia and Marie Pacheco