Village Condominium Association at Bolton Valley,  Inc.

 


Village Condominium Association Annual Report

2006 Annual Meeting Minutes

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................ 1

Attendance................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Village Association Business....................................................................................................................... 3

Approved the acceptance of 2005 Village Annual Meeting Minutes.................................. 3

Village 2007 Annual Meeting........................................................................................................................ 3

Solicit Directors to Board and Owners Committees:................................................................ 3

Property Agent Contract Renewed........................................................................................................ 3

Snow Removal Contract Renewed.......................................................................................................... 4

Lawn Care Contract........................................................................................................................................ 4

Before We Address Concerns, Lets Talk Successes....................................................................... 5

Property Insurance Coverage:................................................................................................................... 5

Regularly Scheduled Owners Memos to Proactively Address Reoccurring Issues: 6

The Numbers:.......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Owner committees needed to reduce Assoc. operating cost:............................................... 9

Village Assoc. Web Site and Owners Forum:.................................................................................... 10

Village Mission Statement......................................................................................................................... 10

Village decision making process............................................................................................................ 10

Roles and Responsibilities........................................................................................................................... 11

Village Treasure Update................................................................................................................................ 12

2006/2007 Village Budget.................................................................................................................................. 12

Special Assessments and Raising Assoc. Fees................................................................................. 12

Unit Carbon Monoxide Detectors.......................................................................................................... 12

Painting of Ramp/Tower Railings and Decks.................................................................................. 12

Vinyl Siding Contingence Plan.................................................................................................................. 13

Village Bylaws, Declaration Amendments and Rules & Regulations.......................... 14

Grills are expressly prohibited:.............................................................................................................. 14

Owners need board approval to modify anything in the common areas or exterior of building:                15

The Board of Directors are empowered to impose reasonable fines............................ 15

Village Maintenance Updates..................................................................................................................... 16

Proposed Major 2006 Projects.................................................................................................................... 16

Inappropriate Use of Trash and Recycling Sheds:....................................................................... 17

Village Maintenance Task List............................................................................................................... 17

Unit Window Replacement Project:...................................................................................................... 18

Hot Water Heater Aging Report............................................................................................................. 23

Village Owners Forum Open Issues List.............................................................................................. 24

Bolton Valley Updates................................................................................................................................... 29

State of the Mountain Update................................................................................................................ 29

Bolton Valley Fire District Update...................................................................................................... 31

Bolton Valley Presidents Council Update....................................................................................... 32

Appendix A – Village Financial Statements...................................................................................... 34

 

Village Association Annual Meeting Minutes

Date: June, 24 2006

Time: 9 AM ET

Location: Bolton Valley Lodge, Bryant Room, Bolton Valley, Vermont

Chair Person's: Kurt Ries, Village Director

                          David Parot, Village Director

                       Mike Nielsen, Village Director

     Joseph Kareivis, Village Director

                            

Please note the following information is presented by subject matter and not in chronological order.

 

 

Unit#

Owner

% of Vote

Status

123

Steven McLeod

5.94

Not Represented

124

David Parot, Alicia Apgar

4.01

Present

125

Scott Hempey  

4.01

Present

126

Darlene Autery

5.94

Present

127

Heidi Hale

3.3

Present

221

Terese Ayers

6.83

Not Represented

222

Colleen Malloy

6.83

Present

223

Joann Schleman, Susie Dodge

5.94

Not Represented

224

Steve Silberg

4.01

Not Represented

225

Michael & Noranne Nielsen

4.01

Present

226

William Donahue

5.94

Present

227

Kurt Ries

3.3

Present

228

Mike McKenna / Rose-Mary Gillis

6.83

Not Represented

321

Charles McManus

3.3

Not Represented

322

Mary Francis Arnold

3.3

Proxy

323

John & Emily Johl

5.94

Proxy

324

Phillip McCullough

4.01

Not Represented

325

Joseph Kareivis

4.01

Proxy

326

Anthony Foti

5.94

Present

327

Heather Thibault

3.3

Present

328

Mina Isham

3.3

Not Represented

 

Per by-laws, a quorum is established by the “majority of owners” present, defined by twenty five percent (25%) of the votes present or represented by proxy in accordance with the percentages assigned in the Village declaration.

·         Quorum established at 59.83%


 

 

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Approved the acceptance of 2005 Village Annual Meeting Minutes

·         Minutes were unanimously approved

 

Village 2007 Annual Meeting

Next year's 2007 meeting is scheduled for the last Saturday of June.

 

·         June 30th, 2007 9:00 AM ET

 

Solicit Directors to Board and Owners Committees:

Welcome Mike Nielsen to the board, replacing Dan Plimpton

·         Mike was unanimously approved

 

Anyone interested being on  the board of directors or any of the much needed owners committees, please contact Kurt Ries. The difference between a director and a committee members is the commitment of your volunteer time and the duration of your responsibilities.

 

Director responsibility:

Directors terms are a two year commitment and directors are assigned weekly actions to complete that will require around four to five hours week.

 

Committee responsibility:

Committees are a short term projects and commitment is finished once the individual task is completed.

 

Property Agent Contract Renewed

Boylan Property Management Village Property Agent 2007 contract was discussed

 

·         Boylan Property Management 2007 contract unanimously approved

 

Boylan Property Management property agent contract 01/01/07 through 12/31/07 contract cost will be $7,200 annually, same as 2006.

·         Many positive and appreciative comments were expressed for Joe’s services.


 

Snow Removal Contract Renewed

Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating 2006/2007 contact was discussed

 

·         Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating 2006/2007 contract unanimously approved

 

Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating, Todd Fourier 2006/2007 snow removal contract costs may increase $5, from $65 to $70 per incident.

 

Discussion Topics:

It was discussed owners are generally pleased with Todd Fourier’s Quality Touch Landscaping snow removal services. Dave Parot is our point person for snow removal and lawn care. Contractors work with Dave as to when their services are needed. Dave has saved the Assoc. a substantial amount of money by only deploying these services when needed.

 

It was discussed that the ramps/tower can get quite slippery, to augment snow removal and sanding by contractor

 

·         Assoc. to place sand buckets at entrance to ramps for owners to use

 

 

Lawn Care Contract

It was discussed that Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating, Todd Fourier, did not renew his 2006 lawn care contract with Village and the Village board secured a contract with Custom Homework’s, John Herr.

 

Custom Homework’s, John Herr 2006 contract cost for mowing and trimming are $60 per incident. Raking, liming, fertilizing, mulching, ect, $22/hr, plus materials.

 

·         These cost are actually less than Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating 2005 costs of Mowing $80 per incident

 

·         Big thank you for Joe Boylan quickly reacting to secure Custom Homework’s lawn care contract after late notification from Quality Touch Landscaping and Excavating was not renewing

 

Discussion Topics:

Dave Parot is our point person for snow removal and lawn care. Contractors work with Dave as to when their services are needed. Dave has saved the Assoc. a substantial amount of money only deploying these services when needed.


Before We Address Concerns, Lets Talk Successes

·         Maintaining and verifying an accurate owner contact list, ie your questionnaire

·         Keeping owners informed of Assoc. actions with memos, email and newsletters

·         Controlled cost on budget, while Insurance cost tripled and funded $90k vinyl siding project

·         Wentworth II condos assessing one bed room $5k for new vinyl siding

·         Bills are getting paid and on time, no delinquent fees, contractors actually want to work for us

·         All delinquent Assoc. fee owners are on payment plan

·         Property Agent has keys for all units, continue to monitor

·         Tracking Aged Hot Water heaters replacement

·         Revised Bylaws, updated declarations and created Rules and Regulation doc

·         Continue to address renters Code of Conduct issues

·         Fire Sprinkler alarm and low temp monitoring installed

·         Propane fixed pricing acquired, with Blue Flame

·         Removed Water/Sewer from owner assessments 05/01/04

·         Managing trash/recycle bin costs

·         Up to date on Income tax, we were not with past management

·         Filed taxes $35 dollars, no payment, verses $1k in past

·         Continue to solicit competitive bid on insurance

·         Proactive annual maintenance on laundry machines tune-ups, waste drain lines snaked, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors and Chimney cleaning scheduled

·     Regularly scheduled memos for reoccurring issues

 

 

Property Insurance Coverage:

 

In 2004 the Village Directors took the initiative to solicit five insurance agencies in the area for quotes on "Special Form Property Coverage" (risk) insurance. Village was being required to hold this type of policy, at an increased premium rate, because of the magnitude of the insurance fire damage claim on 05/16/04. Based on the twelve plus quotes we received the Village Directors unanimously selected David Schramm, of Mullen Financial Services, as our insurance agent using Nationwide as their broker.

·         About triple the cost of 2003 fiscal year

 

As of May 2005 we are off high-risk insurance and lower our premiums by $2,674.56. Village will need to continue to be claim free for additional discounts. We as an Association need to demonstrate due diligence in eliminating as much risk as possible; therefore, the following action plans are in place:

 

·         Fire Sprinkler alarm and low temp unit monitoring installed

·         Annual unit Smoke alarm, Chimney and Fire extinguisher inspections

·         Insulating of building, water supply and drainage pipes to prevent freezing

·         Tracking and replacing unit’s aged hot water heaters

·         Continue to enforce no heating exclusively with firewood

·         Addition of an outside ash disposal can for unit fireplace ash

·         Clearly defined unit owners responsibility in by-laws, declarations and Rules and Regulations

·         Property Agent checking units for potential hazards during annual inspections

·         Strictly enforcing grilling ban and VT fire codes

 


 

2006/2007 Insurance costs:

Insurance cost increase of $1,400 annually went into affect with the March 2006 premium renewal. Owners new insurance rate will take affect starting July 2006, the start of Village fiscal year.

 

·         Total policy is $ 12,352.00 first payment of $3,706.00

·         8 installments or $ 1,081.00 plus $ 5.00 service charge

 

Statement from our Insurance agent:

This is not due to a rate change but a coverage increase.  One of the concerns in the insurance industry is that because of property value and construction cost increases many buildings are underinsured.  That was the case with VCA.  The new re-construction values are 1.1 and 1.3 million.  That is up from 945K and 850K. Unfortunately this is one of the downsides to our property values increasing and there's not much you can do.

 

Board continues to solicit for less costly property insurance:

03/02/06 Kurt solicited Hickok & Boardman, Inc.

Agent would not complete quote without a 2nd means of egress from second and third story units. In addition because of the magnitude of the insurance claim on 05/16/04, if Village has another claim the company may decline to quote once again.

 

In 2007 we will be three years claim free, hopefully can get better rate.

·         Owner suggested we solicit Cool Insurance Agency for 2007 renewal

 

 

Regularly Scheduled Owners Memos to Proactively Address Reoccurring Issues:

Winter/Pipe Freeze Owner Memo:

Reminders to head off reoccurring winter issues of heating units during extreme cold snaps, snow removal, parking lot etiquette and no primary heating with firewood.

 

·         Mailed to each owner in November

 

Unit Maintenance Memo:

Unit owners to yearly check plumbing; ie, washing machine, dishwasher, garbage disposal supply/waste lines and make necessary repairs.

 

·         Part of insurance claim mitigation action plans

 

Spring Memo:

Memo reminder clean-up after pets, trash/recycling and schedule of maintenance activities.

 

·         Mail in April

 

 


The Numbers:

The number one comment at our 10/25/03 annual Association owner meeting was the high Association assessment fees owner’s pay and the lack of service they receive. Our Association addressed these concerns by engaging a new board of directors and hiring a new Property Agent to provide reliable service at a reasonable cost.

 

In 2003 a complete clean sweep, property agent, contractors, insurance; all new

·         Using John Herr as our primary general contractors

·         All Cycle trash removal is about the only contractor left

·         Plenty of growing pains and many, many hours spent by your directors

 

To assist in quantifying and prioritizing repair needs to the Village Condominium complexes A and B, an independent contractor was hired to perform a building inspection on 05/28/03 and 05/30/03. To this end, a Village Condominium Association Advisory Committee was formed to assist in facilitating the repairs and address concerns of communicating the Association actions with the unit owners.

 

To regain a handle on our budget, while financing major expenses such as vinyl siding, we started from a zero based, no frills, budget. We incurred major expenses in the following years to bring our building back to a maintainable state. The Directors continue to closely monitoring and scrutinizing our budget.

 

The following summary of accounting information is derived from financial reports handed out at the 10/25/03, 10/23/04, 06/25/05 and 06/24/06 Village annual Association owners meetings.

 

Summary of accounting information since 2003:

 

As of October 25, 2003

Profit and Loss Net Income = $16,358.89

A/R Indicating Delinquent Assoc. Fees = $29,297.60

Balance Sheet indicating Checking Account = $10,287.16

   -01/12/04 when Bolton turned over = $7,637.38

 

Actual Operating expense = $86,416.49

2003/2004 Budget Net Income = -$14,739 negative

 

 

As of October 23, 2004

Profit and Loss Net Income = $33,697

A/R Indicating Delinquent Assoc. Fees = $9,860.48

Balance Sheet indicating Checking Account = $23,911.17

 

These actuals include funding of the major repairs needed, see maintenance task list for details, along with insurance cost tripling.

 

Actual Operating expense = $51,138

2004/2005 Budget Net Income = $14,630

   -This does NOT include siding and bank loan payments


 

As of May 31, 2005

Profit and Loss Net Income = $20,711

A/R Indicating Delinquent Assoc. Fees = $3,720.71

   -This is a low as it has ever been

Balance Sheet indicating Checking Account = $43,288.88

 

These actuals include funding of the major repairs needed, see maintenance task list for details.

 

Actual Operating expense = $50,565

2005/2006 Budget Net Income = $2,512

  -This includes Siding and Bank loan payments

 

We have cut the 2002/2003 operating expense by $35,851.49 (41%) !!!

We reduced 2002/2003 Delinquent Assoc. fees by $25,576.89 (87%) !!!

 

All this with insurance cost tripling while completing major repairs including vinyl siding with no special assessments or increases to Association fees.

 

·         Folks if this does not impress you nothing will…

 

 

As of May 31, 2006

Profit and Loss Net Income = $9,801.92

A/R Indicating Delinquent Assoc. Fees = $1,475.24

Balance Sheet indicating Checking Account = $39,738.58

These actuals include the complete set major repairs needed, see maintenance task list for.

 

Actual Operating expense = $56,944.90

Proposed 2005/2006 Budget Net Income = -$10k negative

This includes:

   -Siding and Bank loan payments

   -Ramp Tower Repair

   -Grade Parking lot

   -Railing, Porches, paint/repair

   -Ramp foot surface sanding/staining

 


 

Village operating expenses are flat:

As you can see by our Village operating expenses are pretty flat between last fiscal year and this one. This is mainly due to the tremendous amount of tasks your directors handle at no cost to you. Our directors are swamped and are unable to take on any additional tasks. To continue to reduce/maintain operation costs, ie your Assoc. fees, the Assoc. will need to either hire additional contractors at a direct cost to owners or…

 

Owner committees needed to reduce Assoc. operating cost:

·         Clean laundry room

·         Clean grounds

·         Blue flame gas fixed pricing / coop

·         Participation in Assoc. board

·         Participation in the Fire District

·         Participation in the town of Bolton Planning Board

·         Assist in keeping trash and recycle rooms clean

·         Monitoring inappropriate use of trash and recycling shed

·         Committee needed to manage storerooms

·         Committee needed to solicit condo insurance

·         Committee needed to solicit unit water meters

·         Committee for roof over mail boxes

 

 

Owners Committee formed to propose a plan, to the board, to manage storerooms

·         Scott Hempey, Darlene Autery and Anthony Foti

 

Owners would like to use common area storerooms:

Typically what happens is Assoc. ends up paying to have storage sheds cleaned out and dispose of trash. As a result the Assoc. has paddle locked the common area storage rooms. A few issues that will need to be addressed in managing storerooms:

·         Not enough sheds for 21 owners

·         Divide storage sheds up for individual owner use

·         Not much room to store bicycles, sporting equipment, etc…

·         Managing Locks and Keys

·         Theft, cannot go against Assoc. insurance

·         Unit owner insurance cover theft and damage

·         Should not be property agent cost to manage

·         Deposit to cover damage or trash removal costs

·         Need Owner committee to manage

 

 

Owner committee formed to organize Village party

·         Darlene Autery, Heather Thibauit and William Donahue

 

It was discussed to help promote a sense of community and to assist in address owner conflict issues getting the Village owners together for a gathering outside of Assoc. business would be very beneficial.

·         Proposing gathering after 2007 Village Annual owner meeting

·         Cost should not be covered out of Assoc. budget

 


 

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Current Village financial reports, along with everything you need to know about our Assoc. activities and community, are conveniently available at our web site or by request from the Owners Forum.

 

http://users.adelphia.net/~kries/

Password is ‘garth’

 

Village Mission Statement

·         Control operating costs, with continuous property improvements

·         Keep Assoc. cost to owners at a minimum, no frills budget

·         Follow approved decision making process

·         Keep owners informed, Village web site, email list, newsletters and memos

·         Insuring owners’ wishes and concerns, are addressed with Owner’s Forum

·         Continue to promote a sense of community

 

Village decision making process

The Village Owners Forum, maintains two lists, posted to our Village web site, if your concerns/suggestions are not on these lists it is not being addressed and you need to notify us.

 

Committee Action Items/Owners Forum Open Issues List:

 

·         A list of concerns, suggestions and solutions from the unit owners

 

Maintenance Task List:

 

·         A list of building maintenance task needs for our complexes

 

On a weekly bases the Village Directors discuss these tasks with our Property Agent, Joe Boylan and because of the quantity, available resources and costs we:

·         Prioritize the tasks

·         Balance the action with the finances available at the moment

·         Assign actions to board/committee members and/or property agent

 

 


 

Roles and Responsibilities

To reduce operation expenses the Village board and committee members, at no cost to you, have taken on much more responsibility than in the past, including:

 

Mike Nielsen --- Village Director

   -Replacement window inventory

   -Exterior building light inventory

   -Communal Grilling area plan

   -Regularly scheduled memo to head off reoccurring issues

 

Dave Parot --- Village Director

   -Bolton Fire District

   -Building/Unit Surveillance

   -Maintenance Task items point person

   -Lawn maintenance point person

   -Snow removal point person

   -Renters Code of Conduct action

   -Propane Fixed Pricing

 

Joe Kareivis – Village Director

   -History of Assoc. and prior maintenance tasks

   -Past minutes and budgets

   -Kept us from repeating our past mistakes, insuring our continued success

   -Renters Code of Conduct action

 

Kurt Ries – Village Director

  -Chairs Association meetings

   -Provides meeting minutes

   -Solicits Insurance agencies for quotes

   -Works with legal resources

   -Revise/updates bylaws, declarations, and Rules and Regulations

   -Aged Hot Water Heater replacement

   -Maintains Village Maintenance task list

   -Maintains Owners Forum action items

   -Maintains Owners Forum website

   -Manages vinyl siding bank loan

   -Keeps close eye on Village budget

 

Joe Boylan – Village Property Agent

   -Maintains Village administration records  

   -Delinquent Assoc. fee success story, right balance of compassion and forcefulness

   -No more late fees on bills like prior management

   -Using competent and owner respected contractors

   -Very receptive to working closely with the board

   -Assoc. management experience has proven invaluable

   -Manage Trash collection costs

 

Owners Committee formed to propose a plan, to the board, to manage storerooms

·         Scott Hempey, Darlene Autery and Anthony Foti

 

Owner committee formed to organize Village party

·         Darlene Autery, Heather Thibauit and William Donahue


 

 

 

Kurt Ries, Village Treasurer

 

2006/2007 Village Budget

·         Proposed 2006/2007 budget was reviewed, discussed and unanimously approved

·         Village Fiscal year is July 1s t  2006 through June 30th 2007

·         See Appendix A – Village financial statements

 

Special Assessments and Raising Assoc. Fees

The Assoc. is not planning on any special assessments or raising Assoc. fees at this time. The Village Assoc. fees have not gone up in 5 years despite successfully completing major maintenance projects needed to bring our building back to a maintainable state. Because needed repairs could exceed our 2006/2007 maintenance budget for the year special assessments and raising Assoc. Fees were discussed at the 01/31/06 directors meeting.

 

Rising Assoc. Fees:

It was discussed rising Assoc fees, a reasonable percentage, would not yield needed funds for 1.5 to 2 years and repairs are needed this summer.

 

Special Assessment:

If a special assessment were to be imposed on the owners, there is a high probability the Assoc. would have problems collecting all the assessments in timely manner and could contribute to delinquent Assoc. fees increasing. It is not so much some of the owners will not pay, it is more of an issue they cannot afford to pay.

 

Unit Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It was discussed to have property agent, during September 2006 annual unit inspections, install plug into wall outlet style Carbon Monoxide detectors for around $25-$30 in units that did not already have detectors. The cost of the Carbon Monoxide detectors will be bill directly to owners and the Assoc. would absorb the cost of installation.

·         The installation of Carbon Monoxide  was unanimously approved

 

Painting of Ramp/Tower Railings and Decks

It was discussed that the board felt uncomfortable, without approval from the owners, in authorizing these repairs that would need to be funded out of Assoc. cash reserves and probably could not be covered in annual owner’s fees.

·         The Painting of Ramp/Tower railings and Decks was unanimously approved

 

 

Vinyl Siding Contingence Plan

As a reminder it was discussed that a contingence plan was unanimously approved at the 2004 Village Association Annual Owners meeting approving the board for an owner special assessment up to $20,000, only if needed.

 

The Assoc. is cutting the budget very close with the vinyl siding loan payments, however barring any unanticipated major expenses the board believes the vinyl siding loan payments can be funded without the need to raise owner Assoc. fees or an owner special assessment.

 

As a contingence plan to insure the Assoc. does not default on the vinyl siding loan a pre-approval for up to a $20k owner special assessment to cover any Assoc. unforeseen major expense was sought and approved at the 2004 annual owners meeting. It was discussed that the pre-approval would be in place for duration of the vinyl loan payments and the board would not feel comfortable moving forward with the loan without this contingence plan in place.

 

Note, the board would not assess owners the $20k unless there was an unforeseen major expense the Assoc. could not cover. The thinking is $20k assessment + $20k in cash reserves would about pay off the $43,438 bank loan.

 


 

 

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Grills are expressly prohibited:

The use and the storage of charcoal and propane grills are expressly prohibited on balconies, wood patios or in common areas.  Barbecue grills may only be used in designated grilling areas approved by the Village Association board of directors. Owners should recognize that in accordance to Vermont Fire Codes, NFPA 1 3-4.7 and NFPA 1 30-3.3.8.2, all types of barbecue grills and their storage in and around public buildings are subject to regulation as to size and usage.

 

Communal Grilling Area

 

·         Topic was discussed and unanimously decided not to pursue grilling area at this time

 

Communal Grilling Area concerns include:

·         Cost to construct, how elaborate

·         Cost to maintain

·         Allocate cost in Assoc. budget

·         Location, between buildings

·         Approval from owners adjacent to the area

·         Hours of operation

·         Enforce hours of operation

·         Propane and/or charcoal

·         Lawn chairs and grilling paraphernalia

·         Waste container

·         Who will police the area

·         How does the Assoc. address complaints

·         Noise ordinance

·         Fire hazard, fire extinguishers

·         Comply w/ VT fire codes

 


 

Owners need board approval to modify anything in the common areas or exterior of building:

To address concerns with common look, voiding siding warranties and water infiltration issues all owners need approval by the board to modify anything on the common area / exterior of building.

·         This includes Windows, doors, propane gas lines, etc…

 

10. No improvements, alterations, work, painting or other activity affecting the exterior of the buildings covered by the Declaration, including but not limited to alteration of Units windows and doors, shall first be approved by the Board of Directors.  Approval shall be requested in writing sent to Boylan Property Management, P.O. Box 3135, Burlington, VT 05401, or such other address as is provided in writing to the Unit Owners.  The request shall set forth the work the Unit Owner proposes to perform, any anticipated impact on common elements or limited common elements, any diagrams of carpentry work, paint samples of any change in paint color, and the name, address and phone number of the contractor who is proposed to perform the requested work.  The Board of Directors, or their designee, shall, within twenty (20) of such request, inform the Unit Owner, in writing, of its decision on whether the request is GRANTED or DENIED.  If the Unit Owner disagrees with the decision, the Unit Owner may request a hearing in front of the full Board of Directors, which shall be held within ten (10) days of the request.  The Board’s decision shall be final, and enforceable as if it were an obligation created by the Declaration or Bylaws.

 

 

The Board of Directors are empowered to impose reasonable fines

To change negative behavior and assist in enforcing approved Bylaws, Declarations, Rules and Regulations the ability to fine an owner after due process was added to Rules and Regulation document.

 

Guidelines for board to fine owners for non compliance

·         After due process, minor infractions could be $20-$50 dollars a day

·         Gross infractions a $100 a day, but recommended not to go any higher

·         When fines hit a substantial amount of money a lien is place in the property

 


 

 

 

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Proposed Major 2006 Projects

   1.) Village Building B Ramp / Tower Repairs

            -First priority of repair, safety hazard

            -Pretty much ate our entire budget

            -2005 repair estimates were $5k - $6k

            -2006 repair estimates escalated to $20k - $30k

            -Budget can only support about $10k/yr allocated to tower repair

            -Looking at alternatives including spreading out cost over 3 years

            -Joe B working with several contracts for viable alternatives

-Jim Woods Lake View construction, tmp fix bid $1,500 approved

-Tmp repair to last 4-5 years

 

   2.) Grade Parking Lot

            -01/26/06 Received quote from Fourier

            -2" reclaimed asphalt, $2,700 / regrade driveway plus 15 yrds gravel $1,500 = $4,200

            -05/19/06 Dave to work with Todd to finalize and make recommendations to board

 

   3.) Ramp Railings, Porches Paint and Repair

            -Would like to use remaining maintenance budget

            -Owners number one requested task

            -Dependant on Tower repair cost may not be able complete

            -Repair and patch painting est. Tower $3k and Porches $6k

-Getting quotes from John Herr, for full repairs

-Unanimously approved at 06/24/06 owners meeting

 

   4.) Ramp foot surface repair/replacement

            -John Herr quotes

               -$3-5k for Decks, includes brown railing trim

               -Ramps and stair case $3k

 

   5.) Gutters replacement

            -About $4/$5 dollars a foot

-Estimate Bldg A & B installed 3rd floor only w/ down spouts $4-$5k

            -This is probably not in the budget for 2006

 

   6.) Building B rock wall

            -This is probably not in the budget for 2006

            -Joe B and Todd will continue to repair as it falls down

 

   7.) Laundry Room Improvements

            -Joe B has done several improvements already

            -Any major improvements probably not in the budget for 2006

            -Will evaluate budget 08/06 for funding spruce up repairs

 

   8.) Trash/Recycling sheds Improvements

            -Joe B has done several improvements already

            -Any major improvements probably not in the budget for 2006

            -Will evaluate budget 08/06 for funding spruce up repairs

 

   9.) Move & Replace/Repair Village Condo sign

            -This is probably not in the budget for 2006

            -Will have sign posts painted with the rails/trim

 

   10.) Carbon Monoxide Detectors

            -Directors felt this was important even though no funding for 2006

            -Plug into wall outlet, $25-30

-Unanimously approved at 06/24/06 owners meeting

 

Board propose, and owners approved, at annual owners meeting to have property agent install during September 2006 annual unit inspections. For units that did not have detectors already bill owners for the cost of the detector. Assoc. would absorb the cost of installation.

 

 

Inappropriate Use of Trash and Recycling Sheds:

It was discussed that the Assoc. pays several hundred dollars a year for trash contractor to pick up items owners inappropriately disposed of in and around trash/recycle shed, ie dishwashers, tires etc…

 

·         Assoc. continues to monitor trash/recycle shed, along with annually distributing memos to all owners in regards to proper disposal of garbage and recyclables.

·         Assoc. currently does not have a viable plan to further address these issue and would appreciate owners assistance in monitoring

 

It was discussed to assist owner I doing the right thing, to have a bulk item trash day, where an owner with pickup could haul items to dump and charge owners accordingly.

·         Assoc. looking for committee members to plan and execute

 

 

Village Maintenance Task List

Current versions of the Village Maintenance tasks and Village Owners Forum lists were provided.

·         See Village web site or contact Owners Forum for the most current versions

 


 

Unit Window Replacement Project:

Mike Nielsen, Village Director

 

Window inventory was provided to all owners with Annual Meeting notification and agenda. Mike is maintaining an inventory of windows in our buildings that have not been replaced.

 

The Assoc. is going to keep focused on owners to replace these windows to insure our building are weather tight. Please be certain to update Mike, when your windows are replaced.

·         10/26/02 Village Association annual meeting approved the mandatory window replacement

·         03/14/05, Dan Plimpton completed window inventory update

·         02/28/05 Kurt discussed w/ All Season a bulk window installation date and cost

·         03/17/05 Dan Plimpton memo went out to all owners on bulk window replacement

·         05/17/06 Not many unit owners took advantage of the reduced cost bulk window replacement

·         2007 Memo needed to owners on replacing windows

 

06/25/05, approved Rules and Regulation clause that owners will need approval from Assoc. for any modifications done to exterior of building or common areas. This includes exterior windows, sliding doors and door replacement.

 

Important Note:

For windows and doors owners replace after vinyl siding was completed in spring of 2005, the Assoc. is not funding the expense for vinyl siding contractor to return and complete window installation; including replacement of aluminum clad on exterior window trim or window trim. Unit owners will be billed for these types of expenses.

 

Village Exterior Doors and Window Replacement Policy:

To insure uniformity, proper operation and that the integrity of the vinyl siding, insulation, and trim are not compromised, only materials and contractors approved by the Village Association Board of Directors are permitted to install exterior doors and windows, including sliding glass doors, at the Village Condominiums.

 

If an owner would like to use materials or contractors for exterior doors and windows, including sliding glass doors, other than what is approved by the Village board of directors, the owner must acquire written approval, prior to any work being performed from the Village Board of Directors.

 

Explanation:

The Board of Directors of Village Condominium Association at Bolton Valley strives to improve the quality of life for all Village condominium association owners.

 

In doing such, the owners at the October 26th, 2002 Village Association annual meeting voted and approved to have all original exterior doors and windows replaced, including sliding glass doors, at the owner’s expense, to help insure our buildings are weather tight.

 

Per Village Bylaws and Declarations owner are responsible for repair and replacement costs associate with the exterior doors and window.

 

In the spring of 2005 vinyl siding was installed that included insulation and aluminum clad to the trim on the exterior of buildings A & B.

 


At the 06/25/05 Village Association annual owners meeting the Rules and Regulation clause that owners will need approval from Assoc. for any modifications done to exterior of building and common areas was approved. This includes exterior window, sliding doors and door replacement. This clause was needed  to insure window and door uniformity, proper operation and that the integrity of the vinyl siding, insulation, and trim are not compromised by a variety of unmonitored contractors performing work on the exterior of our complexes.

 

Approval Process:

At the sole discretion of the Village Association board of directors bases their material and contractor approvals on, but not limited to, the following:

 

·         Competitive cost on materials and labor

·         Quality of workmanship

·         Warranty on materials and labor

·         Ensure that the exterior siding is not compromised.

·         Ensure replacement windows and doors are uniform

·         All Season honoring vinyl siding warranties performed by another vendor

 

Village Association Approved Window and Door Materials and Contractors.

 

As of 06/25/05 the Village board of directors has approved the following vendor only as the Village Association contractor for windows and doors:

 

All Season Siding, Contact Donna Hatin

57 River Rd. Suite 1033

Essex JCT, VT 05454

Tel 802-872-9727

Fax 802-879-4444

 

The Assoc. is also looking to approve other contractors, be certain seek approval before committing to contactor.

 

Approved Materials:

Vinyl new construction Simonton, Prism Platinum windows


 

Village Condominium Window Replacement Project

 

Windows are listed by unit number, location in accordance to the interior and floor if applicable (for two floor condo units only). Measurements were not taken. North Side refers to the side of the building facing the parking lot. All windows listed are old windows and need to be replaced.

 

Village Condominium Window Replacement

Unit Number

Windows to be replaced

123

North:

1 – kitchen

1 – entrance

South:

1 – triple pane

124

North:

2 – bedrooms

West:

1 - sliding glass door

South:

1 – sliding glass door

1 - deck facing DR

125

North: NONE

East: NONE

South:

1– bedroom

1 – triple pane

1 – sliding glass door

126

North:

1 – entrance

1 – kitchen

1 – bedroom

South:

1 – Bedroom

1 – sliding glass door

127

North: NONE

South: NONE


221

North:

1 – 2nd floor entrance

East:

2 – 2nd floor small bathroom

222

North:

2 – 1st floor bedrooms

1 – 2nd floor entrance

1 – 2nd floor kitchen

South:

2 sliding glass doors (1st and 2nd floors)


 

223

North:

1 – kitchen

1 – entrance

1 – bedroom

South:

1 – LR

224

North:

1 – bedroom

West:

1 – bedroom

1 – LR

South:

1 – sliding glass door

1 – deck facing DR

225

North: NONE

East: NONE

South: NONE

226

North:

1 – entrance

1 – kitchen

1 – sliding glass door

South:

1 – bedroom

1 – triple pane

1 – sliding glass door

227

NONE

228

North:

1 – 1st floor bedroom by 127 entrance

1 – 2nd floor entrance

West:

2 - 1st floor small bathroom

1 – 1st floor triple pane

South:

1 – 2nd floor LR

321

1 – small bathroom

322

North:

1 – entrance

1 – Living Room (LR)

South:

2 – LR

1 – sliding glass door


 

323

South:

1 – triple pane

324

North:

1 – bedroom

West:

1 – bedroom

1 – LR

South:

1 - sliding glass door

1 – deck facing DR


325

North: NONE

East:

1 – LR

1 - sliding glass door

South:

1 –deck facing LR

326

North:

1 – entrance

1 – kitchen

1 – sliding glass door

South:

1 – bedroom

1 – triple pane

1 – sliding glass door

327

South:

1 – sliding glass door

1 – triple pane

328

None

 

 


Hot Water Heater Aging Report

Green Mountain Power Rental Electric Hot Water Heater                                                  

   -05/11/06                   

 

In an effort to mitigate water damage to your unit and curtail insurance claims against our Association, we are tracking electric hot water heater in our units for being past their manufactures suggested end of service to be flagged for replacement by the unit owner. Hot water heater are either purchased by the owner or rented from Green Mountain Power. If rented by Green Mountain Power they will be replaced at no charge with the signing of a three-year rental lease. However, the Village Association is requiring a drip pan be installed at the owner’s expense for about twenty-five dollars.                       

 

Unit #

Orig

Installed

Age
Yrs

Replace
Y/M/N

Gals

Model

Owner

Replacement
Date

#125

4-Jan

0.6

 

 

Marathon

Hempey

 

#225

3-Feb

1.5

 

50

Marathon

Nielsen

 

#325

Apr-95

9.4

M

80

Bradford & White

Kareivis

6/17/2004 

75 Gal

#126

Apr-98

6.4

 

50

Bradford & White

Autery

 

#226

Nov-81

22.8

Y

80

Vaughn

Donahue

07/09/2004 50 Gal

#326

N/A

 

 

 

 

Foti

 

#127

1-Aug

3.1

 

80

Bradford & White

Hale

 

#227

Nov-81

22.8

Y

80

Vaughn

Ries

6/17/2004 

50 Gal

#327

Nov-81

22.8

Y

80

Vaughn

Thibauit

6/17/2004 

50 Gal

#228

Jul-97

7.1

 

80

Bradford & White

Mckenna

 

#328

N/A

 

 

 

 

Isham

11/17/2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#221

N/A

 

 

 

 

Ayer

 

#321

Dec-81

22.7

Y

80

Vaughn

McManus

07/09/04

75 Gal

#222

N/A

 

 

 

 

Malloy

 

#322

Dec-81

22.7

Y

80

Vaughn

Arnold

Replace already est 2002

#123

Aug-99

5.1

 

80

Bradford & White 

Mcleod

 

#223

3-Oct

0.9

 

75

Marathon

Dodge

 

#323

Dec-97

6.7

 

65

Bradford & White

Johl

 

#124

3-Jan

1.6

 

50

Marathon "shorty"

Parot

 

#224

3-Sep

1

 

 

Owner Purchased 

Silberberg

 

#324

Dec-81

22.7

Y

80

Vaughn tank

McCullough

Owner purchased 03/2003


 

 

 

 

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Owners Forum Open Issues List:

   -05/06/06

 

1.) 04/22/06 Several Owners inquiring about owner use of storage rooms

Typically what happens is Assoc. ends up paying to have storage sheds cleaned out and dispose of trash.

   -Not enough sheds for 21 owners

   -Divide storage sheds up for individual owner use

   -Store Bicycles, sporting equipment

   -Lock and Keys?

   -Theft

   -Should not be property agent cost

   -Owners committee was formed to make proposal to board to manage

 

2.)  01/17/06 The number of FT occupants in a one-bedrm. unit, two-bedrm. unit, etc.

 

Pls elaborate on the FT acronym and the concern or issue? There are currently no restrictions/guidelines on the number of residents to number of bedrooms. Any restrictions must be carefully balance with all twenty one of our owner’s needs and wishes.

 

Kurt>>The Village Condominiums has four types of owners:

   Full time residents

   Weekenders

   Investment/long term renters

   Investment/short term renters

 

These types of owner's requirements differ depending on owner needs and wishes and are quite often diametrically opposed.

 

The Assoc. has many legal restrictions, ie The Vermont Statutes, Title 27: Property, Chapter 15: CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP ACT. and our Bylaws and Rules and Regulation documents are written in such a way as not to infringe on these owner rights. Residents and the Assoc. need to respect an owner’s right to rent their units and to be very careful not to hamper/restrict an owner’s ability to rent their unit.

 

   -As of 05/09/06 no response from owner


 

3.)  01/17/06 According to VC bylaws lessees aren't allowed to keep pets.  

 

Kurt>>This is true, in our Village Rules and Regulations section D, number 4, states Lessees are not permitted to keep pets on the premises.

 

Is there an issue or concern?

   -As of 05/09/06 no response from owner

 

4.)  01/17/06 Recent warm weather reveals piles of dog poop on & near VC property. 

Feces contain e.coli, & poop drains into mtn. brooks & streams which eventually flow out of taps.  Why isn't there strict enforcement of waste removal? 

 

Kurt>>Please advise of suggestions for more strict enforcement of waste removal.

 

This is an ongoing issue with ours and other Assoc. on the mountain and of course without catching the pet in the act and a convincing way correlating the infringement with the pet owner, the violations are very difficult to enforce. The Assoc. empirically can really only appeal to the pet owner's to be responsible.

 

The Village Assoc. has addressed with the following:

   -Signs posted on each Village complex to clean up after your pets

   -Revamped Bylaws and Rules and Regulates to better clarify Assoc. polices

   -Regularly scheduled memos to all Village owners reiterating Assoc. polices

   -Continue to work with other Assoc. to help curtail the issue

   -Continue to review Assoc. policies at Annual Owners meetings

   -Plastic bag dispenser for pet cleanup mounted in recycle shed

 

In addition, via the BV Pres Assoc Pres Console, Bolton Animal Control officer was notified of issues with pets running loose and these types of associated issues. Prompting a 02/16/05 memo from the Town of Bolton to be postal mailed to all owners on the mountain.

 

All the Assoc. on the mountain are encouraging their residents to call the Bolton Animal Control officer to help enforce town ordinances on these types of infringements.

 

We are looking for someone like yourself to head up an Assoc. committee to, make recommendations and see if the issue can be further addressed.

   -As of 05/09/06 no response from owner

 

 

5,)  01/17/06 The USPS in Richmond, Vt. suggests BV assns. build a roof over mailboxes. 

 

The mailboxes are on Bolton Valley resort land and are shared by multiple residents on the mountain. The issue of the roof structure over the mail boxes was discussed at the 2004 BV Pres. console meeting and the resort indicated despite their best efforts to anchor the roofing structure several times the high winds on the mountain keep blowing over and the decision was made to remove the roofing structure.

 

Kurt>>If this is big enough concern with you and other residents, we would be looking for someone like yourself to head up an Assoc. committee to pursue with the various Assoc. on the mountain, the resort and post office.

 


 

6.)  01/17/06 The gutter above my entry door needs the attention of a professional roofer.&n! bsp; (On the phone a roofer told me it sounds like flashing is required.)  Snowmelt & rain splashes against the door which now closes poorly.

 

Kurt>>As you and I discussed in October, the Assoc. is currently getting estimates on gutters professionally installed, and if approved at the owners annual meeting we will pursue.

 

10/17/05 Joe B installed gutter over door

11/05/05 Owner mentioned no issues

 

I am currently working through the analysis of our budget to present a viable business case for the gutter installation and to prioritize all our improvement efforts for recommendations at our 01/31/06 directors meeting.

 

7.) Unit Water Meters

  -Would insure owners paying fair share of water/sewer costs

  -Water/Sewer cost no longer managed by Assoc.

  -Keeps coming up

  -Not aware of any of the Associations that have meters on the mnt

  -Owner committee needed, if owners would like to pursue

 

8.) Quality Touch Landscaping spreading small rocks

I called Joe the other day regarding Quality Touch Landscaping spreading small rock out of their spreader opposed to a salt/sand mix, I am not thrilled about my car getting hit, not to mention it really doesn't do much for traction. Joe told me to call the company directly which surprised me b/c I was under the impression that I was paying him to deal with these issues through assoc. dues, am I wrong? I did however call the company just asking for an explanation on why they chose small rock and have heard nothing back. I just don't want to watch my car get hit with rocks again, it really does a number on the paint.

 

Kurt>>I am terrible sorry about your vehicle getting hit with rocks being spread on the parking lot for traction by our contracted snow removal agent. Of course this is not acceptable and needs to stop immediately.  We contacted Todd of Quality Touch Landscaping to be certain this does not happen again and mentioned he could not return the phone call as no return phone number was provide on the answering machine.

 

We went to coarser aggregate of rock this snow season because the sand and salt of past seasons was not staying in place very well. The larger aggregate rock appears to working for better, for the most part, by staying in the parking lot and not getting washed out to the sides. I will also insure the topic is discussed at our up coming Village directors meeting.

 

9.) Bldg B, unit owner had mice concerns

   -Joe B consulted with Ron Hier of L/R  PEST ELIMINATION SERVICE

   -Buildings are about at sealed as they can be with the installation of ext installation and siding

   -10/15/06 Unit owner refused entry into their unit

   -10/24/05 Poison was distributed in Bldg B common attic space

    -01/31/06 Added to Maintenance task list

   -As of 05/09/06 no mice concerns have been reported

 

10.) Bldg B owner concerned with cluster flies

   -01/31/06 Joe B took action item to consult with exterminator

   -01/31/06 Added to Maintenance task list

   -05/09/06 Pest Pro mentioned use strips, spraying does not last more than a few days

 

11.) Several owners had concerns about laundry room etiquette

   - It was discussed 01/31/06, owners leaving clothes in for hours after machines completed cycle

   -Greatly inconveniencing other owners from using the facilities

   -Joe B took the task of sending memo to all owners and placing sign on machines

            -Wash takes 25 minutes and Drier takes 40 mins

   -05/08/06 No additional complaints to date

 

12.) 01/31/06 Parking Issue, Long term renters using to many parking spots in lot

It was discussed the MOD Rules and Regulation document being mounted in units that are in the MOD rental pool does have provisions for limiting parking. However the Village Bylaws and Rules and Regulations does not limit the number of vehicles occupants from an owner rented unit can have in the lot.

 

From Village Bylaws

Section 5.08 Restrictions on Use of Units: Rules and Regulations.

8) Unit Owners shall have priority regarding use of parking spaces, and the executive board shall promulgate such rules or regulations relating to parking as to further the purposes of this section.

 

From Village Rules and Regulations

E. Vehicles:

1. Each unit is entitled to one parking space near the unit. Specific locations may be designated by the Board of Directors if authorized at an annual meeting of the Association. All other cars will park in the unreserved parking areas of the resort. No additional motor vehicles or trailers, boats or recreational vehicles (registered or unregistered) are to be parked in condominium parking lots, except temporarily and for short durations, but then only with prior written approval of the Board of Directors.

 

It was discussed 01/31/06 that there a several actions the board could take, but will need several hours of at least one director’s or committee members time to take the lead on the task from beginning to end. Property Agent can assist in such matters but should only be taking action prescribed by the board.

            -No directors or owner committee members were willing to take on task

            -Including in spring memo to all owners

 

13.) Satellite Dishes Placement

   -12/01/05 Owner mounted Satellite Dishes on roof chimneys of complex, since been removed

   -12/22/05 Village legal resource responded to Kurt’s FAA questions, Assoc. OK to enforce 

     unit deck only mounting

 

14.) Associate to solicit other condo insurance company for cost savings and less stringent restrictions

 

03/02/06 Kurt solicited Hickok & Boardman, Inc., would not complete quote because of magnitude of Claim and without 2nd means of egress from second and third story units and magnitude of the insurance claim on 05/16/04.


 

15.) Inappropriate use of trash and recycling shed

It was discussed 2005 Annual Owners meeting that the Assoc. pays several hundred dollars a year for trash contractor to pick up items owners inappropriately disposed of in and around trash/recycle shed, ie dishwashers, tires etc…

 

Assoc. continues to monitor trash/recycle shed, along with annually distributing memos to all owners in regards to proper disposal of garbage and recyclables.

   -Assoc. currently does not have a viable plan to further address these issue and would

    appreciate owner’s assistance in monitoring

 

16.) Can a ground floor unit owner install ground level patio on the common area off their unit’s deck.

It was discussed at the 06/24/06 Annual Owners meeting the board would probably not be able to approve request, because the common area is actually owned by twenty other owners and would not be fair and equitable for second and third floor unit owners not to have same privileges.

 

17.) Unit owner conflict issues

06/06/06 Recent belligerent behavior and vandalism only helps to perpetuate problems and diminishes quality of life. Please, let’s all be responsible for our own destinies and have open friendly communication with our neighbors and discuss conflicts openly and politely. With a little give and take mentality, most if not all conflicts can be resolved to the mutual agreement of all involved.

 

The Assoc. is in the process of contacting our Assoc. legal resource for the third time now, with these latest altercations. Two actions items came out of the Annual owners meeting on the topic:

·         Other owners to help, a support group approach, you have several friends at the complex including your directors willing to help

·         Assoc. sponsor a letter to offender from the owners, with the numerous list of concerns, Assoc. legal resource to review


 

 

 

Bolton Valley Updates

State of the Mountain Update

Bob Fries, Owner of Bolton Valley Resort

 

Business plan is on track 

   -Skiers attendance down 18% from last season

   -Martin Luther and Presidents weekends were disappointing

   -According Burlington Free press other VT resorts are down about the same

 

Opening day ski season 

   -Traditionally Day after Thanksgiving 11/24/06 and close first week April

   -Weds – Sat night skiing

   Adding mon & tues 4-6 pm night skiing for ski teams

 

Resort improvements 

   -New lift made a big difference

   -Proposing a progressive snow park with low to the ground ramps/rails

   -Remodeling main lodge Ladies bathroom, maybe mens

   -New wedding pavilion completion end of August

   -First wedding September 20th

   -Eventually going to need to replace Wilderness lift, parts are becoming scarce

   -Proposing to extend Mighty Mite to flat area between midstations

   -Maybe proposing snow making on Wilderness, maybe able to grandfather permits

 

Mountain Biking again this summer

   -1st & 3rd weekends of the months

   -Not using on new lift, $10k to add bike holders

   -Using Wilderness another year

 

New Ski Instructor Ed Gill

   -Rated in the top 100 ski instructors

   -Worked at Stowe

 

HWY 89 ramp exit

   -Nothing in the plan

   -Town has no money

   -Effort is on the town

   -Not being driven by resort, could be considered self serving


 

Redstone development updates 

   -Still no firm plans at this time 

 

Picnic loop is zoned as single housing dwellings

   -Could be develop in 10 to 20 years?

 

Town Rezoning

   -Broadway Forest District

   -25 acres per dwelling

   -19 lots, conceptually

   -Possible development as soon as this summer

   -Cannot build above 2,500 feet, ie just below lift one mid-station

 

Time share update 

   -Their activity seems to have slowed down a bit

   -Buyers are using the units and they are continuing to sell

 

BV/Redstone Nordic trail improvements 

    -Proposing to hire full time groomer for Nordic trails

 

Summer events, Mnt Biking, BAC, etc. 

   -Busy Summer

   -Pow Wow next to sports center/Village - July 9/10

   -Mtn Biking 1st weekend of each month

   -Disk Golf on picnic loop

   -Doe camp

   -Off road Land Rover events on Wilderness

 

1984 storm water permit lapsed update 

   -Nelson Minerly, engineer and Mel Croshier working together on plan

   -Better to renew/grandfather in than get new permit

   -Affects resort and six condo Assoc., prior to LCA

   -Estimate cost for various Assoc. , $150 renewal and engineering, along with $55 each year

   -Several permit requirements the resort needs to complete by Village property


 

Bolton Valley Fire District Update

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Ken Richards, previous owner of Black Bear Inn was the primary person driving the Fire District

   -Nelson Minerly has a keen interest but is not a resident

    -Ken has sold the Black Bear, there is a good chance this is a dead initiative, unless residence react

     now to join the Town committee

 

Folks if you do not step up now and assist the Fire District it will not come to fruition !!

   -Contact Fire District board member Dave Parot if interested

 

05/20/06 Pres meeting

   -Lynda M. DesLauriers is chair of water district now, has not been very responsive

   -Dieing from lack of interest

   -Have to be full time BV resident to vote, about Timberland to Broadway

   -3 wells dug at BV area

 

What are the benefits of Fire District verse privately held corporation?

   -Fire District may not reduce resident’s costs, but can control costs

   -Currently the most profitable entity of mountain

   -Fire District municipality would be non-profit, and owned by residents

   -Currently Redstone has 10% profit margins

   -Fire District would have control over rates

   -Fire District Municipality can obtain low interest grant monies from state

   -Fire District can obtain rebates for residents on water saving devices

   -Residents have control over future development and tying into system

   -Fire District has no business plan for fixing infrastructure or insuring potable drinking water

 

Emanate domain presiding still on hold for Fire District to purchase infrastructure

  -Hoping Redstone will come to their senses

 

Roger McCormick and Ken Richardson have law suite pending against Hamilton’s

   -Excessive rising of sewer rates

   -Not aware of any movement on these case in quite some time/years

 

Redstone is making repairs to the septic system

   -New wells have been drilled

   -Current water is surface, well water is better

   -Usage went from seasonal to 80% year around residents

   -Redstone has control to tie into waste water treatment plan this side of Joiner Creek

 

Village Assoc. has taken Water and Sewer cost out of your assessments 05/01/04

   -The above mention turmoil was a primary driving factor

   -Along with artificially inflating Village Assessments rates to perspective buyer

   -Bolton Water quality report and research posted to our Village web site

 

Steve McLeod Drinking Water Quality Report

   -Assoc. not going to be involved, as unit owners we are involved

   -Steven McLeod discussed his finding and write-up

   -Steve’s write-up along with the Bolton water quality report is posted to our Village web site

   -Darlene’s water quality findings are posted to the Village web site ad well

 

Bolton Valley Presidents Council Update

Kurt Ries, Village Director

 

Propane Costs:

There are several options including Propane Coop that shows good potential in lowering our heating cost, however for Village, the board is unable to find resources for a committee to explore lower pricing for our owners.

   -Black Bear pays .89 w/ Agway and Associations pay 1.49 -- 2004/2005 pricing

   -06/22/05 Blue Flame memo fixed pricing going up $1.49 to $1.80

   -07/27/06 Blue Flame memo fixed pricing going up $1.80 to $1.95

 

Village, Wentworth, Courtside I & II and Bear Run Condos are all at special Blue Flame fixed pricing of $1.95 per gallon until end of June/July 2007. The $1.95 fixed rate offered to the Associations on the mountain are less than Blue Flames standard prebuy pricing.

 

Village units use an average of 200 - 400 gals a heating season

Standard Blue Flame 2006/2007 Prebuy pricing is as follows:

   -400 gals - $2.79

   -500 - 700 gals - $2.19

   -1000 gals - $2.14

 

Propane Coop:

   -One supplier for all Assoc. should be able to offer better price point

   -If supplier is not Blue Flame Assoc. Assoc. will need to buy propane infrastructure

   -Village has 20 out of 21 units heating w/ propane

   -Village 3 bedroom unit 2003/2004 uses about 750 gal’s propane

   -Village propane infrastructure buy-out total 3,779.86 - 2004 dollars

   -A Coop would tie all the Assoc. into single vendor contract

 

2004/2005 dollars:

1.49 - .89 = .60 cents Gal saving

19 units x 750 gals = 14,250 gals x .60 = $8,550 total savings

3,779.86 cost / 8,550 saving = .4 years to pay off infrastructure costs

 

Courtside Owners Meeting May 2006:

Courtside I reacted favorably to purchasing the propane infrastructure. An internal committee will be formed to determine how to pass the costs (and savings) along to the gas users in the association if this proposal passes.

   -Still working out how to distribute charges as not all units have propane heat

   -$11k for infrastructure, have buried tank

   -Agway had no interest

   -Paterson very interested

 

Pres. council has $980 in checking

   -Donated by each Assoc.

   -Kurt is encouraging not to spend/waste on legal fees for the water sewer disputes going on

 -Nelsen looking into how distribute funds back to Assoc.


 

Pets, Associations getting many complaints about pets running loose

   -Town has lease law, however clause of under voice control

   -Could jeopardize Assoc. master policy

   -Believe Village is covered w/ our revised Bylaws and R&R

   -Nelson wants to hold meeting with Assoc. and resort

   -Kurt suggested this is not a resort or Assoc. issue to enforce

   -Per Town of Bolton letter 02/16/05 call Animal Control Officer

   -Assoc. having a common R&R doc would help in these types of situations

 

05/20/06 CC1 implemented penalties for pet clean up

   -Penalties for not cleaning up pet droppings, $25 first offense, $50 second offense

   -John Herr Prop Agent using camera

   -CC1 changed bylaw/RR voice control is not an option

 

 

Storm Water Permit Explanation:

Mountain Operations and Development (Bolton Valley Resort) has received a letter from the State of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division.  It states that one of our storm water systems is currently discharging without a valid permit in violation of 10 V.S.A. $1264.     Your Association was part of the original permit that expired in 1986.

 

To continue further with this permitting process we will need signatures from each duly authorized representative of the following Associations on the Notice of Intent To Discharge Storm water:  Courtside I, Courtside II, Village, Liftline, Sports Club Condominiums, Wentworth I, Wentworth II, Wentworth III, the Sports Center, LDI, Base Lodge Condominiums and perhaps the LCA. 

   - Permit belongs to the resort

   -1,400 expired permits State did not notice

   -All needed Assoc. signatures obtained in 2005

 

What has been done?

BVR/MOD obtained an extension until 15 September 2005.

07/06/05 Bernie Chenette indicated he does not see any problem with certifying that everything was installed according to the original design and has been properly maintained.

 

What do the Assoc. need to do?

Well before permit extension runs out:

   1.) Assoc. read the following information and understand the issue

   2.) Assoc. representative sign the attached NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI)

   3.) Pay cost of reinstating old permit

 

Early estimates, one time $150 for engineer and annual cost of $55 per impervious acre and $50 file fee per Assoc.

   -Do we want to use are Pres console funds ($980) for the cost of renewing the permits?

 

Update on renewing Storm Water Permits:

Melody Crosier asked me to thank all of you for your cooperation in the process of renewing the original permit. Chenette Associates will bill each association $ 150. for his engineering inspection and doing the “leg work”. The following is a breakdown of total impervious acreage permit fee due the State of Vermont from each entity. MOD has paid the fees already so we owe them. If anyone wants the breakdown between roof and parking lot impervious acreage please send an email to me. MOD 6.3 / $ 345. , CC I  .53 / $ 29. , CC II .16 / $ 9. , LL .25 / $ 14. , Sports Center  .32 / $ 17. ,  Base Lodge .14 / $ 8. , Sports Club Condos .19 / $  10. , WW I .17 / $ 9. , WW II .2 / $ 11. , WW III .29 / $ 16. , LDI .15 / $ 8. , Base Lodge Condos .25 / $ 14. , LCA .34 / $ 19. , Village .65 / $ 36. We are renewed at the original rate which is 1/6 of the new rate. This buys us time to investigate other options for next year.


 

Appendix A – Village Financial Statements