TCHA Newsletter Sept.&Oct.2015finaltimbercovehomes.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/3/6/77365475/... · 2020....

Timber Cove Homes Association 22098 Lyons Court

Jenner, CA 95450 www.timbercovehomes.org

707. 847.3062

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding of timber cove

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Tom Giacinto, President: [email protected] Tim McKusick, Vice President: [email protected] Susan Moulton: Secretary: [email protected] Sylvia Todd, Director: [email protected] Sue Ellen McCann, Director: [email protected] Sal Culcasi, Director: [email protected] Joe Pearson, Director: [email protected] •NOTICE: Our Deputy Sheriff is Mark Provost. His contact numbers: Sheriff’s 24 Hour Dispatch: 707-‐565-‐2121; Business: 707-‐565-‐2650; Residence: 707-‐847-‐3116; and FAX: 707-‐565-‐8811. If he is at his TC residence he will answer; if not, call 24-‐Hour Dispatch: 707-‐565-‐2121. •Timber Cove Security: Nicholas Lee (707) 847-‐3108

Dates to Remember and Upcoming Events:

•TCHA Board Meeting, Monday, October 19 2015, 9:30 am –TCHA Office, Lyon’s Court.

•TCCWD Public Hearing, October 24, 2015, 1:00 pm at Fort Ross School: Resolution 2014-‐001: Proposed Fixed Water Rate of $65.00 Base Rate plus $0.07 per gallon of Potable Water Delivered to the customer. This rate stabilization is needed to cover the costs of delivering high quality potable water to our customers, effective January 1, 2016.

•Every Sunday from 9-‐10 a.m. there is a weekly “Quiet Hour” coordinated by Eric Tamm at the Office/Clubhouse at 22098 Lyons Court. Last week they had folks doing

yoga on the deck under the redwoods. Everyone is welcome to quietly share the space together. Contact Eric if you have questions at [email protected] or (707) 847-‐3304.

•Next Trail Work Session tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. at the Lyons Court Clubhouse. For more information call Hannah at 847-‐3125 or email [email protected]. Notice for October trail work will be posted on Yammer and our Web site or email [email protected].

ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY:

Given the reports from those attending the September 5, 2015 Annual Meeting, it was a big success. We are very grateful to Timber Cove Inn for letting us use the Ansel Adam’s Room and for catering the affair. About 65 people attended with much audience participation around all the issues and reports offered. John Howland remembered John Sperry and asked, on behalf of the property owners, that we name his favorite trail after John who was integrally involved with the Trails from the beginning. John Howland described John Sperry’s many contributions in his remembrance remarks:

John Sperry continues to be a great inspiration to us, he was a, mentor and teacher to many in the community. As a teacher he provided constant tutoring by his example. He was patient, always interested, excited and curious and untiring in finding the answer. Best of all he always had a good sense of humor. John was interested and active in all the community organizations in the area. Here are just a few of his recent activities: Fort Ross Built a replica of a Bidairka Organized the Russian Bidarka Races Worked on the Bicentennial Committee, the 200 year anniversary of the fort Led hiking tours of the San Andreas Fault for visiting Russian Students Made Regular trail improvements Organized Call Memorial Grove improvements Fort Ross School Taught math classes as a volunteer Tutored many students, including my own daughter Cyrene

John Sperry Atop the Haleakala Volcano, Maui

Provided fire wood to teachers Coastal Hills Community Project and Community Market: Helped Organize and run Timber Cove HOA: served on the board and as an advisor Timber Cove trails

Cleared the trails Explored and surveyed existing and new trails .

Timber Cove Water District Served on the board Repaired the system when operator could not Supervised construction project John never had to be asked to help on any project, he would just go out and do it. He would go hiking with a chain saw and clear debris as he had seen that was needed. He always chopped his own firewood because he said it “kept him in shape.” John was a friend to all who knew him. He would be the one person we could depend on to be fair, to help, to be honest, and to give good advice.

A typical John Story Tank# 2 is on my property. The valves made the sound of a jet engine at take-‐off 20 years ago. When I took my concern to the Operator is said he didn’t know how to fix it. I talked to the system engineer and they told me that these systems make that noise and nothing could be done.

I took my concerns to the Timber Cove Water District Board; John was on the Board and sat quietly while, the President said there was nothing that could be done to fix the loud noise. I didn’t know John at that time.

2 months later I got a call from John. He explained that he had taken a similar check valve apart and determined what was creating the noise. He said it was back pressure on the gate inside the valve body. He asked if he could come over and fix the problem. He came over with a screwdriver and within 5 minutes was able to adjust the back pressure and the sound was gone.

John Sperry will be missed. Capital Improvement Plan: Sylvia Todd introduced the process for developing a CIP and with Susan Moulton, hopes that we can engage the membership later in the meeting to help us plan our collective future. Tom Giacinto then presented a draft CIP for Roads over a ten year period of time. (See power point). Communication: Susan Moulton reported that we have developed a regular newsletter, are updating our website, have a FACEBOOK page, a blog on Yammer and that property owners may contact us via any of these lines of communication, by email or by regular mail if they have concerns or need information. We have posted Agendas and Minutes on our webpage and will continue to make information as available as possible. As Secretary, she writes more detailed minutes so that property owners can get a sense of how the issues develop and the concerns and people around them.

TCHOA Facebook Page under "Timber Cove HOA": https://www.facebook.com/pages/Timber-‐Cove-‐HOA/138115242942020?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Minutes from our meetings, agendas, announcements, policies, etc. are all posted here for your reference.• YAMMER blog site where property owners from both Unit One and Unit Two post comments. You can download a YAMMER application or go to https://www.yammer.com/tccommunity/. • We request that all comments on our sites be respectful and constructive.

Mailboxes and Keys: Sharon Lynn now has the keys to the remaining mailboxes. If anyone does not need a box, but has been assigned one, please return the keys to her so that people who need one can have access. The new boxes seem to be working well and we are identifying larger boxes for packages. Thanks to Kathryn Holmes for her donation of rock walls and the overall beautification of the mailboxes.

Beach Access: TG, working with the board, has revived the promised beach access that TC residents used to have. He is hopeful that we will be able to find an access to the water near the Inn where TCHOA has a “floating easement.” They will be speaking with the Inn’s new owner soon about the possibility. Becoming Involved: Sylvia Todd and Susan Moulton introduced the areas you have said you would like to become involved in: CLUBHOUSE USE, BEAUTIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE

– LOCAL HISTORY – FIRE ABATEMENT AND FOREST MANAGEMENT – EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS; SECURITY – MANAGEMENT OPTIONS – TRAILS – FUNDRAISING AND GRANT WRITING – COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES – WATER CONSERVATION

– COMMUNICATIONS: FACEBOOK, WEBPAGE DEVELOPMENT, YAMMER, NEWSLETTERS, MEETINGS, ELECTIONS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, HOSPITALITY

– COASTAL ACCESS – OTHER:

We hope to develop these in the months ahead. If you are interested please contact Sylvia Todd [email protected] or Susan Moulton [email protected].

TRAILS REPORT:

Hannah Clayborn reported on the Pacific Coast Trail Extension along HWY 1 and the progress of the Trail Committee in finding the easement markers before we pay for a trail survey. The committee has been working diligently every month with over 50 members assisting in one way or another. They have done an initial search for markers for a number of our trails which they have identified with painted green and white stakes (see above) and hope to complete this part of the trail marking soon. On September 19, 2015 Hannah reported that four volunteers (Eric Tam, Joe Pearson, John Howland and Hannah) proceeded (sans metal detector) along our

pedestrian easement from Timber Cove Road to Timber Cove Creek, along the northern border of our subdivision. Starting from TC Road, the trail was already fenced between Timber Hills Ranch and our reservoir, so it was easy to find. We just had to wind around the plant debris piled there by the Water District. We will group and burn off that debris this winter. Past the reservoir we ran into brush and trees and so became true trail

blazers, clearing a way through into more open wooded areas, and then down a steep slope to the creek. Without the metal detector, finding survey markers was more difficult, but we still found three out of six. We will come back with the detector to try again on those we didn’t find. Although our small group was weary by noon, we made this trail along the boundary fence with Timber Hill Ranch passable for the surveyor or others who wish to see it. Once again, the steep portion can be made more accessible with switchbacks along the 20-‐foot wide easement. Our last survey marker found, the terminus of that trail, is just above the creek, a quiet and restful place, and it would not be difficult to make that a resting area. Hannah apologized for accidentally leaving two of our newest members, Giuseppina Conti and her husband Luciano Moretto, off the last notice for this work session. All lists have now been updated.

She will notify everyone of the next work meeting as soon as they get a date with the Metal Detector. Thanks to all for your help and support.

Tim McKusick showed parcel maps with the dedicated trails identified on them. HC showed a map with the trails identified.

Tom Giacinto showed pictures of Ninive and Timber Cove 20 years ago where it was a coastal prairie and within the last 10 years has been completely planted with trees. Discussion of the Board’s authority and responsibility regarding trees, their planting and removal. Homeowner’s must obtain approval before planting trees and cannot obscure the view of others by planting tall trees that will grow to over 70 feet like those on Ninive. These not only obliterate the view for all those behind them, but are a fire hazard. (See PPT) Ninive 1972 Ninive 2015

Note the growth of trees in 50 years that completely block the view of those above.

WATER DISTRICT REPORT:

Introduction of Brian Todd, President of the TCWDD and engineer. He reported that we have adequate water to meet our immediate needs. Work has been undertaken to remove noxious plants in the reservoir. There will be a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed Fixed Water Rate of $65.00 Base Rate plus $0.07 per gallon of Potable Water delivered to the customer (Resolution 2015-‐001). The rate stabilization is necessary to cover the costs of delivering high quality potable water, effective January 1, 2016. You may request a copy of the Resolution by emailing [email protected]; written protests may be delivered at the Hearing or mailed in advance c/o: Board of Directors, TCCWD, P.O. Box 204, Cazadero, CA 95421. Water Customers will receive a copy of this Public Hearing Notice with their July/August 2015 Water Bills on September 9, 2015.

•

Since the new Water Board began its work last Fall we have undertaken a number of new projects for the Water District and accomplished the following: : • •Provided: months of trucked-‐in water during the time of extreme drought when

the reservoir ran dry, financed by a grant. • •Located and began development: of a new water source and well to insure the

future water supply; acquisition of Caltrans excess property which is our well location and contains our diversion structure.

• •Reinstatement of the Fire Safety Plan: Tom Giacinto and Brian Todd, plus new board members, voted to re-‐instate Resolution 96-‐16, our Fire Safety Plan and make the HOA its agent.

• ·Repair, replace or restore old, non-‐functional equipment: New Well Project, pumps, and upgrades to all electronic components at the weir site; this will conserve water that would be otherwise lost during the diversion process.

• ·Increase water flow for fire safety: Install a new water line from Reservoir to top of Koftinow. This will not increase water pressure and it will meet the needs of fire

Invasive w ater plants include short wire grass, rush, tules, etc. The areas of bare soil between the rock rip rap and the waterline is where Kris Kilgore and a crew of volunteers have removed them by hand (SEE: http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/Firewise_Waterwise_Trees_Shrubs_&_Flowers.pdf)

flow. Since the location is also part of our trail system, it will serve as both a PUE and walking trail with a bridge, planned and financed by the Water District.

• ·Install: 16 new hydrants throughout the community. • ·Install: New filtration system at the Reservoir, as well as new electronics. • ·Install: New emergency generator. • •Install: New waterlines to upgrade for fire flow in several locations in the District

to replace under sized pipes • •Replace: 1300 feet of broken water line on Amanita circle with two new hydrants

and under-‐grounding of overhead power. The water line is Transite (asbestos-‐cement) and undersized at only 4” in diameter. The break is 10-‐20 feet long.

• •Assume responsibility: For development of shared office with the HOA . • •Write: Grant proposals for outside and State funding of these projects, particularly

the under-‐grounding of what are now dangerous overhead power lines. • •Develop and implement: strategies and methods to reduce water rates. • • Develop and implement: a solar project for the reservoir. • •Install: A cover for the reservoir to minimize evaporation. • •Replace: asbestos transit water lines on Cypress and Pine, and add fire hydrants.

Photo of the reservoir now with enough water for the near future .

BUDGET:

This 2015-‐16 Budget framework reflects a 20% adjustment due to the loss of income from Unit 1 and numerous cost cutting measures adopted by the recent Board. We are committed to finding ways to cut costs, maximize efficiency and provide even better service and opportunity to our community. We welcome any and all suggestions for cost efficiencies, fund raising, or other activities that will help enhance our

infrastructure. If you have skills to share, let us know.

FIRE ABATEMENT AND FIRE PROTECTION CONTACTS:

This is a very high fire danger year. The recent Lake County fire was believed to have been started by a sparking PG&E line. Please respond quickly to our notices if your property needs to be cleared and made fire safe.

• Fire Marshall: [email protected] • See his handout:

: http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/CALFIRE_Handout_09_14_2013.pdf

• Free Chipping by the County http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/FES/Fire-‐Prevention/Chipper-‐Program-‐Guidelines

• • For fire safe, drought resistant plants see: • http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/Firewise_Waterwise_Trees_S

hrubs_&_Flowers.pdf • For the eradication of invasive or unsafe

plants: http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/Eradication_of_Invasive_Plants_2013_10_22.html

• These two refer to Disaster Preparedness: • http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/Disaster_Preparedness-‐

An%20Update-‐September_2013-‐final.pdf • http://timbercovehomes.org/documents/Disaster_Preparedness_Timb

er_Cove2010_051710.pdf

• County Chippers at work in Timber Cove. Call immediately if you have work to be done! County http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/FES/Fire-‐Prevention/Chipper-‐Program-‐Guidelines

YOUR HOA BOARD IS COMMITTED TO:

– Hearing and addressing your concerns and maximizing communication with you via detailed minutes, our website, FACEBOOK and personal conversations;

– Protecting your privacy and use of your land while also enforcing the CC&Rs fairly and according to the law;

– Cutting costs whenever possible; creating an efficient management/oversight structure;

– Developing, implementing and maintaining Fire Safety and Forest Management to keep you and our eco-‐system safe and healthy;

– Creating a system for including your input in volunteer activities on a variety of topics and setting in place a protocol for maintaining and recognizing your valuable input;

– Developing and maintaining sites for community building and shared use such as the Office/Clubhouse and Trails;

– Creating working Capital Improvement Plans with budgets and infrastructures to guarantee and safeguard our investment in Roads, Safety, Management and Communications;

– Having open and frequent meetings of the Board and of Committees with published reports for transparency and to guarantee you are as informed as possible about our activities in Timber Cove;

– Making the community as harmonious and peaceful as our natural surroundings and fostering respect and courteous interactions among all.

ELECTION RESULTS: Joe Pearson, SueEllen McCann and Susan Moulton were elected to serve on the HOA Board. Finally, the Board wanted to express its gratitude to some in the community who have given tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of us all: To Fred Leif, retiring after years of dedicated service on the HOA as Treasurer and on the Water Board. His attention to detail and continuity over the years have been invaluable. To Tom Giacinto, on his 25th anniversary of service to Timber Cove, also on the HOA and the Water Board. His contributions of service and donations to the community exceed tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours. He has authored the first Forest Management and Abatement Plan, the Capital Improvement Plans, he functioned as one of those with vision to create the reservoir, and much more. To Grace O’Malley, tireless coordinator and repository of TC history. Photographer extraordinaire, Developed and coordinated Emergency Preparedness.

To Brian Todd who has functioned as a full time unpaid professional employee this past year on the Water Board; who has shepherded us through the drought, writing grants for trucked in water, finding ways to renew and rebuild equipment. To Tim McKusick who has spearheaded efforts to fundraise for our water and forest management; who is always there to help clear fallen trees or solve local problems; whose attention to details and integrity has helped guide the community. To Nicholas Lee, our Security Guy on the job for almost two decades. He knows all our “secrets” and is always there to help us. To Kathryn Holmes for rock walls, and mailboxes and amazing beautification. To Susan Moulton for her detailed minutes and work on the Newsletter and communication To Sylvia Todd for being an avid listener and seeking the advice and counsel of the community on all sides of every issue. To Sharon Lynn our new Administrative Assistant who keeps us all on track. -‐-‐And to the many, many other neighbors and friends, too numerous to mention, for their volunteer service, their caring for neighbors and their work on behalf of the community.

AND THANKS TO THE TIMBER COVE INN FOR HOSTING OUR ANNUAL MEETING!

It was a glorious day in a lovely setting. We look forward to a productive and fire-‐safe year.

TCHA Newsletter Sept.&Oct.2015finaltimbercovehomes.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/3/6/77365475/... · 2020....

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