RHRC Meeting Minutes - 5/6/2013
Rancho Heights Road and Management Committee
Minutes
Date: May 06, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Temecula Pizza Company
In attendance were committee officers, James Szepkouski, Mary Anne Schetter, Jim Thomas, Dr. Charles Smith, Doug Eaton. Also in attendance were John & Jan Geller, Phil Bulfinch, Dennis Price, Jon Driscoll, Sherry Simmons, Bradley Lee, Phil Burke.
Meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM by James Szepkouski.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. It was announced that the two seats vacated by resignations had been filled. New officers were Doug Eaton and Dr. Charles Smith. These two gentlemen will serve as committee representatives until the general election of officers in October.
Jon Driscoll addressed saying the Wolf Brothers patching was rough and not as proposed or expected. He felt the road value had been diminished. James Szepkouski said to wait until completion and there would be a typical review with the homeowner but wait until construction repair was complete. Homeowner only pays a share and that the site should be in better condition than it was previous to the repair. Sherry Driscoll had talked with Rainbow Water and the work should be completed in a week, they promised the site to be as good or better. James S. added that Peters Paving was to quote on road repairs opposite the work site. We will follow-up to ensure a quality job.
Jan Geller acknowledged Brad Lee for weed whacking and clearing the area around the mail boxes.
Sherry Driscoll commented on fire trucks on Sunset Peak, turn around area provided at Tom Bond’s property may not be large enough: future fire trucks will require larger turn around.
Chuck Smith brought up the issue of the intersection of Rancho Heights Road and Magee Road. He suggested a stop sign because the sun can blind view of oncoming traffic. Because heavy trucks would have a more difficult time stopping, Brad Lee commented one sign gives a false sense of security and perhaps an approaching sign would help, stopping traffic from both directions. Dennis Price also suggested a convex mirror to provide a visual of traffic. Cost of a mirror to be investigated.
Bylaws. The Bylaw sub-committee has completed their work and submitted copies to the attorney. Doug Eaton commented that we have to resolve the question of whether or not we are a common interest development. We will get an attorney opinion on that issue as well as the Bylaws. It was stated by Doug Eaton that our Bylaws would be in effect only if we are not a common interest development.
Mr. Bulfinch commented that a prior case with Tim Prince indicated we are not a common interest development and there is a list of questions unanswered.
Attorney Kevin Johnson has withdrawn as legal counsel because he also represents Ron Barbanell in a suit that could potentially involve our roadways. Because of possible conflict of interest he has removed himself as an attorney. There are issues that could involve or require court resolution.
Road Repairs. 18 potholes have been repaired we are now looking at sealing the steeper slopes of Rancho Heights and Magee to extend the life of those road surfaces. Sealing of the asphalt roadway will cost $.09/sq. ft. (a savings from the quoted $.10/sq. ft.) During roadway sealing we will have to use cones or flags to control and establish limited access during repairs. Signs will be placed on the gate to advise dates and times of repair work. Temporary detours may be necessary.
Sunset Peak – Selective grading so as not to disturb the good sections already showing progress. Future focus will be on weed abatement with some attention to wash-out ruts.
James Szepkouski commented that Rancho Heights Way and Lost Horizons are not in good enough shape to seal. Those roads would require a larger expenditure; committee will have to examine roadway conditions to determine priority for repairs according to available funds. Phil Burke added that some areas may need a double layer or caulking for eventual repair work.
Financial officer Mary Anne Schetter read her report indicating that all but 48 owners have paid their assessments. We now have a reserve account of $25,000 and operating funds of $42,000.
Brush and tree trimming sub-committee, Phil Burke and Jon Driscoll, have scheduled work for June 29 and 30 to remove excess foliage blocking line-of-site or causing a fire hazard. Mr. Bulfinch asked for an insurance rider to cover the work on that day. We may use a written and signed disclaimer of liability for injury for those working on those two days. We will use cones and flags to indicate work in progress to passing traffic. A notice will be placed on the entry gate to advise of the dates when work will be in progress. If there are reluctant land owners not wanting trimming on their property, we can use fire officials to pursue where needed.
Bond for road repairs – Jim Thomas will chair the sub-committee dedicated to obtaining funds to make large scale road repairs. A business plan or grant request type of approach would be used. Anyone with experience in obtaining grants and/or preparing business plans is urged to contact Jim with a resume. This sub-committee is expected to take several months and probably exceed a year in finalizing prior to submission for funds. There has not been a number set for how many committee members will be used. Our attorney will work with us to ensure papers are in proper legal form.
Jim Thomas moved that the meeting be adjourned, Mary Anne Schetter seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15PM
Jim Thomas
Date Minutes Meeting Held: Monday, May 6, 2013