MINUTES

COMBINED ANNUAL MEETING

JONATA SPRINGS RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

BOBCAT SPRINGS MUTUAL WATER COMP

20 January 2018 at Andersen’s Pea Soup Restaurant, Buellton

Mike Adriansen (MA) called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM.  Other Board members present were Bob Cash (BC), Steve Kantor (SK) and Dennis Beebe (DB).  The sign in sheet verified that a quorum of homeowners were present.

 

The Board members verified that the previous Board meeting minutes had been reviewed, approved and distributed electronically.

MA made his opening remarks and highlighted the volunteer work performed by the homeowners, including Robin Wilkins (Finance Committee), Jim Powell (website), Jake Rabon (signs) and Bob Cash (meeting arrangements). See Attachment 1 for opening remarks details.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance – Budget Analysis, JSRHOA and BSMWC.  MA announced the Board’s decision to raise the water rate to $2.55 per unit in 2018.  The JSRHOA assessments in 2018 will not change.  See Attachment 2 for details.         

Roads – MA summarized Roads Committee Chair John Burnaby’s report.  Thanks John!

MA reminded everyone of a continual speeding problem on the Ranch. See Attachment 3 for details.     

Water – Chair Dave Clark introduced Water Master Dave Mexico who summarized the annual report and answered questions.  See Attachment 4 for Water Master report.

ARC – Chair Nan Freeman provided her report in Attachment 5.

Trails – Chair Jennette Webber provided a draft waiver proposed for trail users.  An advisory vote for the Board to adopt a final waiver was unanimous.

Local Planning Issues – MA summarized the various issues where he had represented the HOA at County meetings.  These included the winery tasting room ordnance, short term rentals, and the pot ordinance.  Supervisor Joan Hartmann complimented Mike and reminded everyone of his well-spoken statements before the BoS.  MA announced a successful lot split of the Zaca Preserve near the front entrance but that no sale had occurred. 

CERT - MA invited more participants to take the CERT training, the cost of which would be reimbursed by the Association.

 

Treasurer’s Report.  BC reported no problems.

 

Election under Revenue Ruling 70-604.  The Board voted unanimously to role excess funds from 2017 into the reserves.

 

Collections policy for both companies renewed.  The Board did so renew these policies without change.

 

2018 ELECTION of Board of Directors.  There were no nominations from the floor.  All of the 2017 Board stood for election.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

MA reminded all homeowners to maintain their fencing in good condition. 

 

Roadside clearing is not being done adequately by a few homeowners.  The Board will discuss and adopt a more hard-nosed policy at the next meeting, including ordering the clearing and charging the homeowner

 

OPEN FORUM

 

Gate lock at end of Cougar Ridge Road.  The Board will investigate and identify and means for homeowners to use this gate under emergency conditions.

 

Status of CC&R Changes.  MA stated that a few responses from lenders were still outstanding.

 

Handout cards for suspected trespassers.  The Board agreed to renew this issue and develop these voluntary cards.

 

Through an advisory vote, most of the homeowners present advised the Board to develop a new fee formula for BSMWC that would include more of the fixed expenses into future budgets.

 

 

ELECTION RESULTS – All sitting Board members were re-elected

 

 

ADJOURN -  MA adjourned the meeting at 12:00 PM.  The next board meeting will be 21 February 2018 at 6:30 PM at MA’s house.

 

Respectfully submitted, Dennis Beebe


                                                    

Attachment 1

 

President’s Remarks 2018

Welcome to the combined Annual Meeting of JSRHA and BSMWC. I would like to specifically welcome our new neighbors, Dave and Stephanie Cortese Lot II-14. Mitra Schoenborn Lot II-3, and Conrad Vernon Lot II-9.

We will begin with the committee reports, followed by the Treasurers report (Budget for 2018), the election of next years’ board, and lastly the discussion items  If you have anything you would like to discuss with your neighbors for the betterment of the community, please bring it up at that time.

I remind you, that the Board of Directors makes all the business decisions for this community, however your discussion and council are necessary for the Board to adequately discharge this responsibility. I urge you to speak your mind when appropriate, but please wait to be recognized by the Chair.

Before we begin the committee reports, I have a couple of housekeeping announcements. First, the Board has renewed the collections policies for both companies. No change to the HOA collection policy, the Water  Company policy was updated in 2015 to agree with new state law allowing us to place a lien on a property where funds are past due. Copies of the collections policy are available by contacting me. Secondly, While the Association may from time to time allow variances on fencing and landscaping, at no time are any trail easements being abandoned. This fact is reiterated for the minutes from time to time. Lastly, The Association again reminds all drivers within the Ranch to obey posted speed limits, and especially to abide by California Vehicle Code section 21759 as it relates to domestic animals along the roadway.

I would like to thank all the committee members for their hard work this past year, and I would ask that the committee chairs introduce their committee members before giving their respective reports. These are the people who keep our assessments and dues low by volunteering their time and expertise to one of the standing committees, and they deserve our heartfelt appreciation. If you can spare a few hours to help out, please see one of the committee chairs or any board member to volunteer. I would also like to thank Jim Powell for maintaining the website, and keeping the membership and community informed about our association. I would like to thank Bob Cash for arranging the location for our meeting.

Please take a look at your fencing, some areas need attention.


Attachment 2 Finance Committee Report

 

Jonata Spring Ranch HOA

Fees assessed for annual Operations:  $ 30.00 per lot per month for operating expenses; this rate is using savings from prior years. To cover annual expenses, this rate will increase to $47.50/mo. over the next few years when savings are used up.

Operating Expenses: There have been no significant changes in HOA annual expenses for several years. 

Capital Reserves Contributions:  $ 70 per lot per month for capital reserves; per the 2016 reserve study, with rebates of savings from prior years.  As the rebate for savings is used up over the next several years, the capital reserve contribution will be increasing; current estimate is that $120 per month per lot will be required.  The 2019 reserve study will determine the contribution needed for the years 2020 to 2023.

Capital Reserves Balance:  Due to road repair and maintenance savings over several years, the capital reserves balance currently exceeds the amount recommended in 2016 Reserve Study.  This excess balance is being used to reduce the annual contributions to capital reserves.  When the capital reserves are reduced to the reserve study recommended balance, annual contributions will increase, as noted above.  Required balances will be updated every 3 years in a new reserve study.

 

Bobcat Springs MWC

Water Sales: Water use has stayed consistent over the past few years, however, the billing rate per unit of water used has been increased so the revenue generated will cover all operating expenses.   The 2018 rate per unit of water is $2.55 an 8.9% increase over 2017.

Operating Expenses: The 2018 annual expense budget has increased by about 3%, primarily to cover projected expense of repair and maintenance.

Capital Reserves Contributions:  Capital reserve assessments are charged as outlined in the 2016 Reserve Study; the 2018 contribution is the same as 2017 - monthly: $84 per lot, $11 per meter.  Future reserve contributions are expected to increase annually by 3-5%.

Capital Reserves Balance:   Reserve Funds available are at the level recommended in the 2016 Reserve Study.  Required balances will be updated every 3 years in a new reserve study.


Attachment  3 Roads Committee Report

 

We’re starting out 2018 with all road surfaces in good condition. The patches on Bobcat, Cougar and Rolling Meadow, from the most recent roadwork by Ramsay Asphalt are all slightly convex (for drainage) and in good shape and the recent chipseal  is wearing well.

 

The right side of Bobcat, west of the 2nd speed bump, had formed a gutter and Bob Cash marked the edge with white spray paint as a caution. With the recent rain, the gutter has now filled with sand from the runoff, ameliorating any hazard. I’ll keep an eye on it during and after any more rain and in the meantime , stay on the roadway. A more permanent solution will be considered at roadwork time in the summer. If you see any other deterioration on your route to and from home, please let me know.

 

The gate system experienced several incidents with remote operation failure in the last two months. It was attributable to rodent damage which was repaired 3x. Finally I fabricated some mouse fences to restrict the rodent vandalism and they seem to be working well.

 

With life moving faster than most of us want, the one thing we can control is the speed of our car. Slow down and enjoy a meditative cruise through the incredible beauty and viewshed of JSR.

 

JB

 

 


Attachment 4

 

BOBCAT SPRINGS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

ANNUAL WATERMASTER’S REPORT 2017

 

01/23    Upper and lower Alarm Agent units were rebuilt.

 

02/03    Fisher Pump finished installing 2 new booster pumps with new piping

               in the pump house.  It was cheaper to have both pumps replaced at

               the same time and they were much more efficient on the electric usage.

 

05/24    Rebuilt the Well 5 Hypochlorinator.

 

05/26    Well 5 drawdown test @ 125 gpm

                        SWL 296’ (295’ 2016)

                        PWL 266’ (265’ 2016)

 

05/27    Partner Well drawdown test @ 175 gpm

                        SWL 223’ (224’ 2016)

                        PWL 266’ (265’ 2016)

 

All Bacti tests passed (monthly)

 

               2017 Production 32,249,475 gals

               2016 Production 31,363,160 gals

               2015 Production 32,630,720 gals

               2014 Production 36,909,145 gals

               2013 Production 50,203,865 gals

 

2017 vs. 2013 = 36% decrease

 


Attachment 5

 

JONATA SPRINGS RANCH

ARC 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

January 2018

 

This was a quiet year for the ARC; we handled three projects: sheds on Lot I-14, fencing and horse structures on Lot II-20 and a “tiny house” second dwelling unit on Lot II-16.  The aspects we continue to consider for any improvement is consistency with the overall feeling on the ranch, views from the road and neighbors, and meeting the guidelines set out in the CC&R's.  As always, please remember to check the ARC Guidelines posted on our website before starting household projects that affect the exterior of your property. 

 

Thanks again to  my fellow committee members Kathy Mann and Katie Candy, and please don't hesitate to call or send me an email if you have any questions about the ARC process.

 

Nan Freeman

ARC Chairman