Newsletter #12 www.MeridianLake.com April 2003
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Smith Hill Ranches Update
For the past several months the MLPC Board has been investigating the impacts of contracting with the new Smith Hill Ranch subdivision for tie-in rights to our treated water system. Negotiations are still ongoing, but there have been several significant developments since our letter to owners of January 20, 2003.
First we have discovered the Water Augmentation Plan filed in Colorado Water Court by the Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District that defines our legal rights to the water from the Jaklich Ditch and to a portion of the water in the Meridian Lake Reservoir. In both these cases, our water rights are well protected. The Board continues to feel there are adequate water reserves to meet the domestic needs of MLPC at full build-out.
The Board also understands that since we do not "own" the additional water in the Reservoir, beyond our reserves, that water will eventually be used by the Water District with or without our consent. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the choice of how to use a portion of this water as it relates to the Smith Hill development.
On February 24th, Smith Hill withdrew their development from the Large Parcel Incentive Process and re-filed under the provisions of the 35-acre parcel process. This reduced potential home sizes from eight 12,500 sq. ft. (plus 2500 sq. ft. guest houses) to eight 5,000 sq. ft. homes. Projected water demands also have been scaled back proportionally. Since we have been unable to reach agreement on what a fair price might be to tie into our system, Smith Hill has asked the Water District to consider allowing them to access water in the Reservoir downstream of our system. They would then build their own treatment plant and operate an independent system. The Mt. CB Water & Sanitation District has not yet voted on this request. A public hearing will be scheduled to allow for input. Your Board strongly opposes this option.
Smith Hill will also consider using private wells as a water source, and they continue to request tie-in rights to our system. The MLPC Board is still willing to consider a fair and equitable agreement that is in the best interests of MLPC Owners.
As stated in our letter of January 20th, the MLPC Board will communicate directly to Owners at the conclusion of this process.
Chuck McGinnis2003-04 Budget
As MLPC begins a new fiscal year, the Board is pleased to announce that there will be NO INCREASE in dues. We had unexpected expenses in the last year, but we had adequate funds in reserve to cover them. The board feels that we do not need to boost these reserves at this time, so there will be no dues increase.
The increases from Waste Management for waste collection were also small enough that there is no need to increase the dues charged to homeowners. Financial details will be included with the annual meeting announcement. Sherron Green
Snowmobiles
This winter it was very noticeable that almost all of the snowmobile traffic in the subdivision and along Washington Gulch Road was traveling at a very much slower and considerate speed. We would like to thank all of the riders for their observance of lower speeds and more courteous behavior when encountering pedestrians and other vehicular traffic.
You have succeeded in making Meridian Lake Park a safer place while still enjoying your chosen winter pastime. Thanks again. Gordon Reeves
Family Potluck / Barbeque July 5th?
A Family Potluck and Barbeque will be held at our tennis courts where there is plenty of parking starting at 4 pm Saturday afternoon after our Annual Meeting. The date is tentatively set for July 5th to accommodate a convenient time when many of our residents are here. We will need volunteers in many areas including side dish and desert planning, tables & chairs, cooking, and cooking equipment.
MLPC treasury has budgeted funds again in 2003 to contribute to the cost. Last year's potluck dinner was fun for everyone. Roger
New Board Members Needed
This coming summer four of the current Board members terms are due to expire. We of course would like to have the four continue on the Board, however as we are staunchly democratic we would encourage other members to put their names forward to serve on the Board.
If you have an inclination to be a part of the decision making for MLPC please let me know by e-mail: Gordon@wildernessways.com Gordon
Water Usage In the Drought
Even though our MLPC water supplies are well protected for domestic usage, this does not mean we will have unlimited water available this summer for landscaping and gardening. Colorado has experienced five consecutive years of below average statewide snowpack, and it is likely this year's snowpack will continue this trend. However, some good news is that this year's apparent water supply is substantially improved over last year's record drought conditions. Sherron Green has learned the snow pack is 80% of normal which is better than last year. But because the ground is dry the expected run-off will be only 70% of normal. This good news is offset by the fact that our local water storage reservoirs, like Blue Mesa, Taylor & Crystal, were significantly depleted last year and contain only a fraction of their full capacity.
The bottom line of all this is that there will likely be "water calls" by more senior downstream water right holders which will put strains on our local water supplies in early April and after mid-July. Sherron reports the usual water restrictions by the Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District (W&S) may take effect May 1st and that we can expect to get the details soon. MLPC Owners should make their gardening plans for this summer based on this probability. For new homeowners, we would encourage you to consider planting natural and drought resistant plants, with a minimum of high-water use lawns. Drip watering systems should also be considered.
Domestic water usage includes showers, toilets, clothes washing, food preparation, dish washing, spas, tooth brushing, and a host of other things done inside your house. Domestic water use does not include lawns, grazing animals, and other outdoor systems with sprinklers.
The MLPC Board will keep in close contact with the Mt. Crested Butte Water & Sanitation District to monitor the effects of our continuing drought conditions. But please do not be alarmed about your domestic water supplies. MLPC is well protected. ChuckNew Pumping Station
The Jaklich Ditch, our primary water supply, more than meets our needs (and those projected at full build out). The problem is that the flow does not meet these needs each and every day of the watering season. We need to use the water stored from the spring run-off to supplement it during the lower flows and higher demands of dry summer days.
We expect that W&S will install a pump and pipe from the reservoir to our water treatment plant by the summer of 2004. This will let us use the reservoir water as a backup to our primary water source. W&S has already accumulated funds, so there will not be an increase on your bill for this capital project. SherronYour Water Bill & Conservation
Most water companies charge customers for their usage in increments of 1000 gal or 100 cu ft (750 gal) depending on the meter calibration. In times of drought conservation would help the entire community as well as your pocket book (until rates are raised). But in Meridian Lake Park every household pays the same amount for using 100 gallons as for using 11,000 gallons in any month for domestic usage. That figure was determined through the State usage standard of 100 gal per day per person times 3.5 people per household times 31 days per month with Mt CB W & S. This is a very generous figure, especially considering that 3.5 people per household far exceeds typical occupancy.
Roger Cram
How to Handle Dog Problems
If you are having problems with stray dogs or a neighbor's dog, please try to work out the situation in a friendly manner with your neighbor or the owners. All dogs should have tags.
If this doesn't work call the Mt Crested Butte Police Department. They are paid by our to handle these situations.
Any packs of threatening dogs should be immediately reported to the police and to our Managers, Angela & Gordon at 349-2002. Roger
Help Wanted - Volunteers for Work Days
Volunteering for our workdays is fun and doesn't have to be a "guy thing." It's a way of giving back to the Community, as well as a chance to meet your neighbors.
Some things we will need help with this year are:
Repair of our cattle fence in early July
Build and install the dumpster enclosure in June
Planning for the Family Potluck Picnic
Every year in early July we schedule a workday. The primary focus is on mending the cattle fence around the entire subdivision.
If you are interested in volunteering call our phone 349-2002 and leave a message for Gordon Reeves or leave a message on our web site. Gordon & Roger
By-laws Update
If you are wondering what happened to the effort to update our Bylaws, it got pushed aside by the Smith Hill Water issue.
This is a lower priority project that can wait for a sunny day to take up again. The newly revised Covenants and Design & Construction Guidelines are far more critical to our successful operation of our community. RogerAccess Paths Across the Meadows
Several owners in the Meadows have requested we notify everyone about the proper use of the access paths in the Meadows. One is along the north side used to reach the Forest Service Land and the other is to gain access over the Allen Ranch to the Snodgrass Trail for
North Access to the National Forest
A designated 20 foot wide permanent public access to the National Forest has been "platted" along the west side of 465 Meridian Drive, the Ganz home built on Lot 50. A wood stile is in place to get over our cattle fence.
Over the past year or two, some residents have begun to use a path over lot 48. Please take the time to walk just a little further and use the designated trail that runs from Meridian Lake Drive to the stile at the back of the Ganz's House (Rhonda View). The trail does not go through the entryway but runs from the telephone utility box to the stile in the Aspens. If we don't use it we lose it!
For the life of our development our residents have established an access path from the parking circle at the end of Meadow Lane across Lot 42 to reach the Snodgrass Trail. This trail, which is at the top of the Meadows, is used for many recreation purposes including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or an old-fashioned nature walk in the woods.
Now that there are permanent residents at 732 Meadow Lane, the Ronais, who also own Lot 42 we must make increased efforts to respect the proper use of this path.
First of all, not parking in the circle would be important to both residents of the circle. Careful use of the path to minimize damage to the vegetation is very important. Keeping noise down to avoid disturbing the residents is always important. Lastly, maintaining the cattle fence is extremely important. A "three staple" design enables a hiker to lower and raise the barbed wires easily in a few moments. Roger
Jean's Wildflower Festival Poster
Be sure to see the Wildflower Festival poster this year. Jean Gartner, our very own long-term resident on Slate Lane, won the poster contest for 2003. What an honor for someone who "doesn't consciously think about rules of photography and simply 'makes photographs' when an idea gets stuck in her head."
"The poster image is of a lavender Pasque flower, shot early in the morning before any breeze arose. Jean used a black velour cloth for a backdrop so as not to produce a reflection from the sun." Sounds simple but "This was tricky, frustrating business, needing constant adjustment" as the C.B. News reported.
And the "News" reported that Jean was an Olympic athlete in track and field in Rome and again in volleyball in Tokyo. Wow!! RogerWild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Available
Jack Hughes, a Meridian Lake Park resident, has been a commercial fisherman in Alaska for more than twenty years and now he's sharing his saltwater catch with folks in land-locked Colorado. You can purchase fresh-frozen vacuum-packed "Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon" fillets direct from Jack, and he'll deliver to your home.
Jack catches the fish aboard his boat the Smoky Bay out of Homer, Alaska. He knows how to care for the fish and get it to you in a way that preserves wild Alaska sockeye salmon's wonderful flavor, rich natural red color, and omega-3 health promoting nutrients. Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon is far superior to farmed salmon in taste, quality, texture and appearance. This is a great opportunity to purchase exceptional quality fish.
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Call Jack or Eileen Hughes-Smoky Bay Fisheries at 349-6550 or email ejhug@rmi.net.
New Dumpster Enclosure & Location
This June we will have a beautiful enclosure for our dumpster for part-time residents that leave before garbage collection day. Presently there are two possible locations along Washington Gulch Road in our Common Area. The dumpster is available during the summer through September and returns for the Christmas / New Years Holiday time. Roger
Containing Your Dog
Underground Fence
If you would like to restrict your dog on your property the underground or hidden fence may be the answer. And they work for all seasons.
One of our residents is the local representative for the line "DogWatch" hidden fences. They have systems tailored for the size of your yard. They even have an indoor system.
Contact Joe Buckel, Crested Butte Canine Boundaries at 209-2760 or P O Box 2680, Crested Butte for more information.
Fencing Your Yard
The Board recently approved construction of our first fence for containing owner's dogs for prospective buyers at 310 Meridian Lake Drive. It will be a split-log fence, which fits well into our rural design guidelines. Fences don't work in the wintertime once the snow accumulates. RogerApril 1st C B News Issue
Many of our lot owners probably never see the April First Issue of the Crested Butte News. It contains many unusual stories like:
Mt Crested Butte To Attack Crested Butte With Ad campaign
Local Drunks Threaten to Sue BOZAR over Similarity of Homes
Norton Admits Base Area Gay Bar Idea Led to Loss of Sheraton
Tourism Association to Direct New Promotions to the Insane
Cloud-Seeding Causes Area Man to Lactate on Elk Avenue
And the Advertisements are just as bizarre. It is always a fun and creative issue to read. In a Letter to the Editor a Project Development Manager wrote:
" We contacted the fine folks over at Canon City and have reached an agreement whereby we will be joint venturing a time-share development for a portion of their historical prison. We will be constructing a facility that will host their maximum security and high-risk inmates. Lots 3-4 offer outstanding views for the observation guard and gun towers. Our designers have put together some truly magnificent plans for the 400-cell facility. As a special consideration the multimillion candlepower spotlights will be downlit and will use a pleasing natural light. The 800-foot radio tower will be fitted with the latest laser technology so we can provide a nightly laser show for all visitors to the valley.
"Three hundred year-round employees will be provided housing in double wide trailers on lots 5-7 overlooking the lake. With careful planning there should also be room for 100 affordable housing units as well. All the trees on these ridgeline lots will be removed to facilitate solar heating and power. The south end access to the lake will provide recreational facilities such a jet ski rentals, water ski boats and sailboats.
"The remaining lots 1 and 8 are suitable for multi-use. On these lots we plan more recreational facilities such as a domed ballpark, snowmobile and motocross tracks. The motocross track will be night lit so racing can take place after dark. To alleviate noise concerns, the special use permit we have applied for with the County requires that all racing must stop by 2 a.m.
For us residents familiar with city life, none of the above will be missed. RogerGirl Skis Through Condo Window
A few pages later in the real section of our newspaper was this article about a girl skier from out of town that ended up inside a slope side condo unit after skiing through one of it's windows. The ski patrol responded to the scene and transported the victim to the Ski Area Clinic, which released her (thank goodness) after attending to minor injuries.
So much for excitement in our ski town. Roger
Ice Build-up in Roof Valleys?
If you had a problem with ice buildup in any of your roof valleys, there is a practical solution. Hiring a roofer with a sledgehammer to pound off the ice is one remedy, but this could do further damage and shorten your roof life.
Many Bylin Engr. systems will have been installed in the Park over the past few years. Reports are that they are doing a good job. Contact Kenney Marks at Avalanche Roofing in Gunnison (641-2099) to find out more information and cost.
Anyone designing a new home should consider a free consultation with Avalanche. One of the significant costs involves providing convenient electrical circuits, which is much cheaper and easier to do during construction. Roger
Meadows & Pristine Point Boards
On the Meadows Board are President Peter Kennel, Vice Pres Sam Ganz, and Sec/Treas Chuck Tutor plus Curt Wilker and Bill Ronai.
On the Pristine Point Board are President Chuck McGinnis, Treasurer Alan Wolff, and Secretary Kurt Giesselman.
Your MLPC Board Information
MLPC Phone & Fax: 349-2002
Web Site: www.MeridianLake.com
Angela & Gordon Reeves, Managers
E-mail: MLPC@WildernessWays.com
Roger Cram, Pres., 349-6464; (415) 924-2839
Doug Wiley Vice Pres & ACC Chair 349-1128
Sherron Green, Treas/Sec., 349-6577
Joe Buckel, ACC 349-5986
Chuck McGinnis, 349-1503
Lash Hansborough, ACC 349-1227
Curt Wilker 349-1345
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