Download - 1st Thinking Out Loud - Poudre Property Services · PDF filePublished 4/2/2016 page 3 Thinking Out Loud Newsletter 1st Quarter 2016 Duties of Our Board of Directors Our Board of Directors

Published 4/2/2016 page 1

Thinking Out Loud Newsletter 1st Quarter 2016

Thinking Out Loud Our quarterly community newsletter

1st Quarter, 2016 New Board Edition

River West is a community organization (HOA) within the town limits of Windsor, Co. and part of Larimer County. Our River West Community was established to appeal to homeowners wanting a blend of open spaces with town amenities such as paved streets and sidewalks, town water, and sewer as well as the protection of town law enforcement. We have 212 homeowners and more than 152 acres of open space owned and controlled by our association, complete with all the wildlife indigenous to northeast Colorado.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Steve Everett

President’s Report 1

Meet Our Board 2-3

Contributions from Members, General Information

and Related Articles 4-6

River West Real Estate Market Activity 7

Board Minutes 8-11

Contact Information 12

A new year always brings changes and challenges. This year will not be different. Let’s start with the changes. I am the new HOA president, but no stranger to the board. At our February meeting, we were trying to decide how many years I have served in total. We couldn’t come up with a definite answer without searching the records!. I think it is 10 or 11 of the 16 years I have lived here. I originally joined the board with Mac McDowell in 2002 because of

a front ponds problem that Mac spearheaded in solving. I decided I enjoyed being an active member of our community. First of all, I want to welcome the two new members to our board, Steve Fischer and Jim McIntyre who graciously volunteered to be on the board. We lost 3 long term serving members this year. Steve Bullard, Rick Smith, and Mike Kauffman served many years and all served as president. They were key drivers for many of the positive things that have happened in recent years- things like long term contracts with our providers to control and predict costs, and dealing with the major flooding damage from 2013. They worked tirelessly for us and will be missed. This year’s projects include initiation of updating and beautifying our entrance. Also, there are still some problems to be resolved from the past flooding, but much of the work has been done. Windsor has plans to reroute the Poudre River Trail and extend our entry sidewalk to join the new trail route. When done, the trail will cross directly west from the trail entrance on the east side of CR 13. The complete board contact information is found at the end of this letter. However, there is a very important point regarding problems of an immediate nature. Poudre Property Services (PPS) is the property management company for our HOA. They should be contacted if there is an issue that needs timely attention. Our volunteer board meets 6 times per year and as such, we cannot address a time sensitive issue. The information for PPS is at the end of the letter. Our HOA manager is Sandra Oldenburg, and she has a lot of experience with our HOA. Please call or email PPS when there is something they should know or correct.



Meet Our Board Bob Jonckowski, Treasurer

Regarding the previous year I can't say enough about the efforts of Rick Smith, Mike Kauffman and Steve Bullard. It seems every term the President and board has a mine field of "cowpies" to navigate. Last year was no different as they managed to guide us through the field without stepping in it. The erosion issues were particularly daunting and my hat is off to you all for you perseverance and dedication. Going forward the issues of maintaining the subdivisions

ascetic appearance and open spaces care in the most cost effective way will always be a balancing act.

Amy Goeden, Secretary

I have lived in River West since 2002 and I've been on the board since 2010, if memory serves me. I've enjoyed being an active part of our neighborhood by collaborating with fellow board members and other home owners to not only maintain our subdivision, but to also improve it. I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful ar-ea, and to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends. I feel we are so much more than a subdivision, we are a communi-ty.

Steve Fischer, Member at Large Steve and Shandi Fischer. 2104 river west drive. We have 4 kids and 2 grandkids. They are spread around the country from TX to Fla. Our hobbies are camping and outdoor activities and of course the Broncos! Looking FWD to adding what I can to our wonderful neighborhood...



Duties of Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is charged with maintaining, preserving and enhancing the common

assets of our association. In order to perform those duties our Board depends upon the ad-

vice and counsel of experts in various fields of community association management: our

management company, attorneys, landscapers, insurance specialists, etc. When making

decisions regarding our community, the Board is expected to consider all the facts and

factors involved in the issue and make the best business decision possible. Sometimes those

decisions may not appear to be in the best interests of all of the owners, however if each own-

er understood all of the underlying issues that go into making the decision, they would

understand that the Board's choice of action is usually the most practical and well thought

out. In addition to dealing with insurance, maintenance, financial and contractual decisions,

the Board must also balance their positions on the Board with their role as a homeowner. If

assessments are increased that means they are increased for them also. If rules are enacted,

that means they have to obey them, too. Being a board member does not grant one immunity

from the responsibilities of living in an association. In fact, serving on the Board reflects just

how seriously they take that responsibility. So, please keep in mind that our board members

are actually doing "double-duty" for our community: they serve as board member and neigh-

bor...and they deserve a heartfelt "thank you" for all of their contributions to our community!

Meet Our Board Mary Adams, Member at Large & ACC Liaison Spring is almost upon us, at least according to the calendar. It's that time when we start getting ready for all the home and landscape improvements we planned while shoveling snow or passing time during Bronco half-times. If you are planning any outside changes such as repainting, additions, major landscaping projects, or fence building, etc., please remember to submit your plans to PPS for ACC approval. The ACC meets once a month usually on the 4th Tuesday. Please get your plans to PPS in ample time for the paper-work, blueprints, paint samples, etc. to be sent to the ACC. Thank you for all you do to make River West such a great place to live.

Jim McIntyre, Vice President I have always been a strong believer in volunteering to help my communi-

ty. I have served on both public and private boards and committees in every

community I have lived.. Most recently the Board of Adjustments and

Appeals for the Town of Windsor.

I believe the past boards of our HOA have done a good job and look forward

to studying the issues that are before us. I have relocated my office from

Denver to downtown Windsor which will enable me the time to help the

board and members of our HOA.



Protect Your Home You can deter thieves while you're away.

While you're away from home, make sure your personal property doesn't end up in the hands of a burglar. Protecting your home can be as easy as making it look occupied while you're gone. Here are some simple measures you can take that can pay off in security and peace of mind:

Leave drapes and shades open. If closed, it's a sign you're gone.

Don't stop all deliveries. Instead, have someone you trust pick up mail and newspapers every day.

Leave a radio on. It signals to a burglar that someone's home.

Also, turn the volume adjustment on your telephone bell (if you still have a land line) down so a prowler will be less likely to hear the ringing of an unanswered call.

Use automatic light timers. Set them to turn lights on and off in different rooms at different times.

Park a car in your driveway or park it street side. If you plan to be gone for just a few days, park your second car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park a car there. This not only gives the im-pression you're home but also stops burglars from backing up a van and loading your possessions.

WOULD YOU LIKE OUR NEWSLETTER AND IN COLOR?

Join your neighbor and have your “Talking Out Loud” association quarterly newsletter delivered electronically via e-mail attachment. Our newsletters are in universally accepted PDF format, vi-rus scanned and they view and print in color. In addition to the newsletters, the Board occasional-ly sends out important notices that are too time sensitive to go out via snail mail. Not only is it efficient, but it saves our association (and ulti-mately you) printing costs and is environmentally friendly. It is as simple as e-mailing me at [email protected] and ask to be included on our electronic mailing list. Please note that we take your privacy very seriously and we do not share your personal information with anyone. Also, we do not accept advertis-ing . Mac McDowell, Editor

Spring Planting Tips As spring comes, bulbs are the first to appear in the garden. Move any mulch away from the bulbs, but leave it nearby so that if a frosty night might threaten, the mulch can be

placed over the bulbs for protection. It is important to leave mulch on perennials as long as possible. Once the temperatures are above the freezing point and the perenni-als are actively growing, the mulch can be removed. Throughout the winter, ornamental grasses add much texture to the winter garden. In the spring it is essential to cut down the ornamental grass to about 6 inches or just above the green growth that starts to grow in the early spring. Be sure not to prune any spring blooming shrubs such as azaleas, spirea or lilacs. If you are really anxious for spring, force a few branches of forsythia or pussy willow for a fresh look in-doors! Don’t till the ground when it’s wet.

mailto:[email protected]



Monthly Assessments Don't Get Behind - It Costs More!

Everyone goes through tough financial periods when the bills start accu-mulating and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting dimmer and dimmer. But, as is most often the case, those times pass and through determination and careful financial planning, we are able to get back on our financial "feet" once again. During those challenging periods it is often tempting to avoid meeting certain financial obligations in order to meet others. However, when deciding which bills to "juggle" and which to pay remember that your annual association dues are just as important as your mortgage payment. If you don't pay your mortgage, you will eventually lose your home. Likewise, if you

don't pay your HOA assessment, the association has the right to put a lien on your property, making it much more difficult to sell. More importantly however, is that should you let your assessment become delinquent, in order to bring your account current, you will have to pay more than the original annual assessment amount. Late fees, interest charges and if applicable various administrative and legal fees must also be paid. The bottom line: Don't juggle your HOA assessment payment. Pay on time and avoid paying more (and possibly losing more!) in the long run.

Herbs, Fragrant, Tasty, and Beautiful Plant Them Outdoors or Indoors

Patches of garden that seem to sprout nothing but weeds should not be written off. “If you can’t grow anything else,” says gardening and food writer Sally Freeman, “herbs are the answer.” Herbs have a long, noble history. They’ve been used to fla-vor food, prepare medicinal brews, beautify gardens — even line the pockets of mer-chants, as they tried to fill the demand for herbs and spices during the Middle Ages. Growing herbs isn’t difficult, as Freeman, author of Herbs for All Seasons (Penguin, 1991) and Every Woman’s Guide to Natural Home Remedies (Holt, 1997), explains here.

Essentials For An Herb Garden: Ideally, there are three essentials for an herb garden: good drainage, plenty of sunlight, and light soil enriched with compost. Try to keep your garden away from trees; the roots rob soil of moisture and nutrients. But many herbs will do well without all three. Rosemary doesn’t mind some shade. Basil, fennel, dill, Italian parsley, and chives do well in soil suitable for growing vegetables. Peppermint doesn’t mind wet conditions. Thyme tolerates acid soil, while lavender requires more alkalinity than most herbs. Indoor Herb Gardens: If your windows face south, you should have adequate light for even sun-loving herbs, such as dill, coriander, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. If your windows face in other directions, you should be able to grow rosemary, sweet woodruff, or bay laurel in natural light. You may have to augment natural light with special lighting. Be sure to place herb containers as far as possible from radiators and other heating appliances, in a room that is cool, moist, and well ventilated. On very cold winter days they should be placed away from windows. Growing From Seed: Most herbs will grow easily from seed, germinating in five to seven days. There are exceptions. Lavender can take up to a month to germinate. Rosemary is best propagated by cuttings, and French tarragon, which is more flavorful than the Russian variety and preferable for cooking, must be propagated by root division. Parsley can be very difficult to germinate. Italian parsley is easier to grow than regular parsley, and, to my mind, tastes better. Fertilizer of Choice: Compost is best because it won’t burn the tender roots. Enrich your compost pile by including some weeds, especially dandelion, whose long roots bring up minerals from deep in the soil. A layer of mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds in the summer. Watering Herbs: Water herbs as soon as the soil feels dry. Rosemary, especially, should never be allowed to dry out. You may need to water every day. Your herbs will also appreciate a daily misting.



ATTENDING A BOARD MEETING There are three different phases in a Board meeting: (1) the Business Meeting, at which the board discusses and makes decisions based on a pre-established meeting agenda, (2) the Resident Open Forum, where residents (like you) can address the Board with your ideas, comments and/or suggestions pertaining to our community, and (3) the Executive Session, which is conducted without homeowners present in order to discuss issues related to legal issues, personal issues and/or non-compliance hearings. Residents can attend the Business Meeting, but they are not allowed to speak to the Board during this portion of the Board meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend in order to observe only. During the Resident Open Forum, residents are permitted to address the Board for a limited time. An important point to remember is that although important issues may be brought to the Board’s attention during Open Forum, don’t expect the Board to act on these issues at this time. Many issues are turned over to management for research and to determine the options available. The more prepared the Board is before making a decision, the better the decision will be. Homeowners are not allowed to attend the Executive Session. Sensitive legal, personal and/or hearing issues are dealt with during Executive Session. The California Legislature passed legislation requiring residents be given a period of time to address the Board at the regularly scheduled Board meeting. RESIDENT’S FORUM Although Board Meetings are in place to conduct the business of the Association, the Board would love to hear from you. This enables residents to hear the discussion and decision making of the Board. If you have something of concern that you would like the Board to discuss in Regular Session, please call management at least 10 days prior to the meeting to request your item to be placed on the agenda.

Making Any Changes? Don't Forget To Obtain Approval First!

Our governing documents require that the Association approve all proposed architectural changes before any work is started. The importance of this requirement cannot be overstated when you consider the reason for such a restriction. Membership in a community association requires compliance to pre-existing conditions and regulations. One of the biggest advantages of these conditions is the protection of our property values.

The value of your home is directly related to the condition, appearances and aesthet-ics of our community as a whole. By regulating the kind and types of architectural changes that can be done, our Association is better able to maintain our property values. Getting our Association to approve all proposed architectural changes is not just a good idea to protect your investment, it is a requirement! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Association Manager.



River West Real Estate Market Activity

Homes Currently on the Market

Address Style SqFt/Bsmt List$ Days on market

1989 Rivers Edge Rd Ranch 1897/1892 414,900 2 - Sale Pending

2088 River West Dr 2 Story 2479/1527 426,000 14 - Sale Pending

Homes Sold in the last 6 Months

Address Style SqFt/Bsmt List$ Sold$ Days to Offer

1914 Hillside Pl Ranch 1590/1590 299,999 250,000 30

595 Lakeside Pl Ranch 1966/1966 410,000 400,000 63

627 Poudre Pl 2Story 2707/954 425,000 417,500 61

1912 Reflection Pl Ranch 2174/1441 458,000 443,000 32

Average days to an offer = 47 List price vs Sales Price = 95%

This information was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed

by Steve Bullard, Member at Large



The River West Board of Directors meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm. A quorum was present with Board Members in attendance. Approval of Agenda: The Board review the agenda and a couple of agenda items were added. The agenda was approved as amended. Homeowner Forum: None Committee Reports: Lakeside Patio Homes: None ACC Report: This month there were three submittals for items that were already completed. They had re-viewed the items that were completed and compared them to the ACC guidelines. It was emphasized that these items needed to been approved prior to completed the work. Check on trash can violations on Re-flection place. Mary discussed if there is something the HOA can do to put teeth behind the ones who con-tinue to violate when it comes to the ACC. Mike discussed the fining process that was done in 2007, there was a discussion at change the fines for those individuals who don’t submit for approval prior to doing the work. The Board will work on the resolution which will be voted at the next meeting. Social Committee: Amy hasn’t heard about any sleigh ride plans for this year. She will follow up and see what the plans on for now. Approval of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes from the August meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes with as amended. Financials Reports: The Board reviewed the August-October Financials. A motion was made and seconded to approve the financials as presented. Motion passed 100%. Delinquency Report presented to Board and discussed. Violation Report: PPS presented the violation report. There was discussion about trash cans. PPS will follow up on the violations. 2143 River West Drive, letter about hitch on west side of property, chicken wire hang-ing over side. Updates: Cobble Channel Contract: The work was started today. It should be completed by the end of week. Old Business: Erosion Control: Rick wanted to Board to make a discussion about burying the dams next year. Two of the dams need a long term fix. Rick is going to reach out to PRC about getting the dams buried. Mary made the motion and Bob seconded to approve the 10K to bury the dams. Motion passed 100% Legal Waiver: Steve E has had two informal conversations if someone wanted to do something in the open space is the HOA liable. The HOA should always have a waiver of liability for any of this work. PPS will look at getting one for the Board.

River West PUD Community Association

Board Meeting Minutes November 19, 2015



River West PUD Community Association Board Meeting Minutes

November 19, 2015 cont.

New Business: Open Space Bids: The Board reviewed two bids for open space spraying. The Board would like PPS to contact Swingle to get a bid. The Board will finalize the decision at the December’s meeting. Lakes Patio Special Assessment: Mike stated that the two associations need to be treated separately since the Lakes have specific maintenance for their homes. For the year end, there is a projection of $6,000 in the red. This would be an assessment to the homeowners of $144 per home. There is a discussion about just working their reserves down to zero dollars. Lakeside Dues Increase: There was a discussion about using exact expense figures in the budget and only increasing the dues by $75. There was also discussion about splitting the lakes payments twice annually. The Board will finalize the budget in beginning of January 2016. Grass Clippings: Decorative grass at the corner of Reflection was not supposed to be trimmed down in the fall only the springtime. Annual Meeting: The annual meeting will be on the 4th Thursday in January at the Windsor Recreation Center at 7 pm. The River West Board of Directors Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2015 at Rick’s. Respectfully Submitted, Sandra Oldenburg

Vice President Poudre Property Services




December 17, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 6:22 pm. A quorum was present.

Homeowner Forum: None

Approval of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes from the November 19, 2015 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed 100%.

Financial Reports: The Board reviewed the financials from November 2015. A snow removal adjustment was made to financials. A motion was made and seconded to approve the financials as presented. Motion passed 100% The Board also reviewed the delinquency report. A homeowner’s bankruptcy was discharged. The owner has been sent a letter from the attorney for the remaining balance that is owed on the account.

Old Business:

2016 Budget: The Board reviewed the finalized budget. There was discussion about the retained earnings as opposed to cash flow which some owners from the Lakes would rather use. The Board is proposing to in-crease the Lakes budget by $65 per home in order to decrease the Lakeside retained earnings. The Lakes budget is a maintenance budget and should be more of a break even budget. Bob made a motion to approve the Lakes budget and Mary seconded. Motion passed 100% The Board re-viewed the Common budget line items and projected costs for next year. Mike suggests that the Board take $10,000 to create an accrual to spend in next year’s budget. It can be spent in any way. Mary made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Steve seconded. Motion passed 100%. Open Space Bids: No additional bids were received from additional contacts. There were two previous bids sub-mitted. There was a discussion about the difference between the two companies and quality of service. There was discussion about keeping the contract for 3 years with an option for 30 day termination. Mike made a motion to accept Hired Gun for a 3 year contract with a 30 day termination clause to cover all 155 acres of the HOA open space. Mary seconded. Motion passed 100%

Snow Removal: There was a discussion on the snow removal triggers, and what the Common pays for and what the Lakeside pays for? The Board has always had a policy that the snow is removed when the snow stops fall-ing. There was further discussion on what should be done. The Board confirmed that the snow removal poli-cy is that the snow is to be removed 2 inches or more when the snow stops.

New Business:

Erosion Repair: Rick reported that the company came out and drove the excavator out there and couldn’t even move the dams. There is now a muddy mess out there. Rick talked to John and it would take a jack hammer to break out sections of those walls. $1444.50 which includes delivery. $50 an hour for their hours which would be $1650 total. PRC is willing to do additional work if the Board would like in the Spring. Rick made a motion to reimburse Poudre River Contracting for $1650. Motion passed 100%




December 17, 2015 cont.

Recycling Can Issue: A homeowner received a letter from PPS concerning the storage of their trash can in view. She claims that PPS was the one that ordered the recycling cans when they didn’t want one. She claims it is the HOAs responsibility to call and cancel the recycling can for her? PPS asked for advice from the Board. PPS will contact Gallegos to pick up the bin. Carriage Ride Reimbursement: The check has been issued to the Lutkin’s per the request of Amy. Shed: The owner who has a shed that it not in compliance and the ACC denied their request. PPS send them a violation notice for the non-conforming shed. The Board is recommending that the Board has declined their written appeal. If she wants to have a formal hearing she may do so. PPS will notify the owner of the denied written request.

The River West HOA Board of Directors meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Sandra Oldenburg

Vice President

Poudre Property Services



BOARD MEMBERS STREET ADDRESS PHONE # E-MAIL ADDRESS

Steve Everett, President 1901 Reflection Place 686-5388 mailto:[email protected]

Jim McIntire, Vice President 570 Lakeside Place (303)880-3290 mailto:[email protected]

Amy Goeden, Secretary 1935 River’s Edge Road 686-0594 mailto:[email protected]

Bob Jonckowski, Treasurer 540 Lakeside Place 686-2200 mailto:[email protected]

Mary Adams, Member at Large &

ACC Liaison 2102 Meander Road 686-7315 mailto:[email protected]

Steve Fischer, Member at large 2104 River West Drive 690.-5409 mailto:[email protected]

Social Committee

Amy Schmidt, Chairperson 830 Panorama Place 686-7410 mailto:[email protected]

Amy Goeden 1935 River’s Edge Road 686-0594 mailto:[email protected]

Bethany Ocken 1939 River’s Edge Road 674-0025 mailto:[email protected]

Architectural Control

Mary Adams 2102 Meander Road 686-7315 mailto:[email protected]

Terri Jonckowski 540 Lakeside Place 686-2200 mailto:[email protected]

Carol Smotherman 1904 Reflection Pl 674-1844 mailto:[email protected]

Amenity Ponds liaison

Mac McDowell, Ponds Liaison 515 Lakeside Place 231-1221 mailto:[email protected]

Open Space liaison

Steve Everett, OS Liaison 1901 Reflection Place 686-5388 mailto:[email protected]

Lakeside Patio Homes Lead

Mac McDowell, LPH Lead 515 Lakeside Place 231-1221 mailto:[email protected]

Newsletter Staff

Mac McDowell, Editor 515 Lakeside Place 231-1221 mailto:[email protected]

Sharon McDowell, Helper Person 515 Lakeside Place 231-1220 mailto:[email protected]

RIVER WEST HOA CONTACT INFORMATION (KEEP THIS PAGE FOR HANDY REFERENCE)

We’re on the web at http://www.poudreproperty.com/hoa/river-west-

homeowners-association/

Property Management Provided by Poudre Property Services

706 South College Ave. Fort Collins, Co 80524 Ph# 970.224.9204

Sandra Oldenburg, Community Mgr. [email protected]

Lee Oldenburg, Landscape Mgr. [email protected]














mailto:ailto:[email protected]











http://www.poudreproperty.com/hoa/river-west-homeowners-association/

http://www.poudreproperty.com/hoa/river-west-homeowners-association/




Download - 1st Thinking Out Loud - Poudre Property Services · PDF filePublished 4/2/2016 page 3 Thinking Out Loud Newsletter 1st Quarter 2016 Duties of Our Board of Directors Our Board of Directors

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