Spring 2006 Newsletter

The snow is slowly melting away as spring comes to the valley.  The pass looks to be open towards the end of April as a result of a more normal winter and snow pack.  Several items of interest to member will be discusses in this newsletter, so read on.

Bathhouse:  Bathhouse and pool maintenance for the coming season was put out to bid as requested by several members.  The request for bids was advertised in the local paper for 4 weeks.  The only bid received was from Sandi's Clean Sweep (Ranch Club members Steve and Sandi Smith).  The Board awarded the bid to them at its March 13th meeting.  Our attorney drew up a contract which has been signed and it in effect until October 31st.  Any complaints or concerns about the condition of the bathhouse or pool will be submitted to a Director and not to Sandi's Clean Sweep.  The complaint will be in writing detailing the nature of the complaint, the date, and signed by the member.  It is the Board's responsibility to deal with any complaints or concerns.

As requested by numerous members in the survey responses, two independent inspections were conducted at the bathhouse.  Both indicated that the timbers and roof were sound.  However, the interior, electrical, and plumbing raised concerns with both inspectors.  A lack of compliance with ADA/handicap access was also identified.  Director Dave DeVoe and his committee are evaluating the  results of the inspections.  They will bring their recommendations for dealing with these issues to the Board.

Roads:  Members Jerry Johnson and Al Jensen have volunteered to co-chair the Road Committee. The immediate issue for the committee is repairing winter damage to Ranch Club roads.  The committee will be looking at a long term program for road maintenance and upgrades.  The roads in Rodeo Trails will have high priority in this program.

Another issue was a lack of road signage at the south entrance.  The County was contacted with a request to put up signs identifying both Twin Lakes Drive and Quaking Aspen.  Rather than putting two signs, the County suggested renaming Quaking Aspen to Twin Lakes Drive from the intersection of Twin Lakes Drive and Quaking Aspen to the south entrance.  The portion of Quaking Aspen north of the intersection would remain Quaking Aspen.  This issue will be dealt with at the next Board meeting.  It was also discovered that the portion of road from the south entrance to Twin Lakes Road is Ranch Club property, and we are responsible for maintaining it.

ATV usage in the Ranch Club was a source of numerous complaints last year.  Members are reminded that TV's are to be keep on the established roadways within the development, and their own property.  Members will be held responsible for any damage caused by ATV's ridden by themselves or their guests.

Architectural Committee:  Just a reminder before you do any developing (building) on your lot you need to get the plans approved by the Architectural Committee.  County building permits are also required for buildings over 12o sq. ft. or if the building is going to have either water/electricity.  Contact Vice-President Joan Bassen, committee chairperson, at (509) 996-3353 for the proper forms.

Twin Lakes Aquifer Coalition:  The Coalition is continuing to work to restore Twin Lakes to their prior levels.  Money was appropriated by the state legislature for this purpose ($750,000).  Now all they have to do is work their way through all the hoops to put in front of the by DOE.  It will probably be a long process.

SMRC Website:  For those of you that requested your Board Meeting minutes by e-mail, please be patient.  We are working with our consultants to solve some problems that have prevented us from this this as well as making our website more user friendly.

A copy of the Sun Mountain Ranch Club Rules has been included with the newsletter just as a reminder for all of us.

As always, feel free to contact any of your Board members with concerns, complaints, ideas or if you would like to volunteer for any of the committees.