PIKE TRAILS RANCHES IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
PTRIA – PO BOX 45 – GUFFEY, CO 80820
May 31, 2012
2011 ANNUAL MEETING. The August annual meeting ushered in new Board Members and officers. Bernie Mann, President for 14 years, decided to retire. The Association and members all appreciate the countless hours of his service, including grading roads, grader maintenance, snow plowing and many hours on the phone fielding questions from current owners as well as prospective new ones. Tell him “thank you!” when you see him! The new main grader operator and Vice President is now Dick Horne. Mary Maxson remained as Secy/Treasurer. Jon Klima continues on the Board with new Member Kathy Mikesell. As Past President, Bernie continues to advise the Board with his wealth of experience on many issues.
TREASURER’S REPORT. Summary shown below. Details are available upon request to Mary Maxson and also at the annual meeting in August. Balance as of 8-28-11 was $16,188.84. This was before receiving the bill for the 465 tons of gravel in excess of $5,000 which was paid later. 50 people attended the annual meeting, representing 29 property owners. Dues were paid by 89 of the 149 owners for a total of $11,944, slightly down from the last few years. Thanks to all who have contributed, especially those who added above and beyond requested dues!
PTRIA ROADS. The roads again stayed in fairly good shape over the winter due to little snow. This will also help our budget with less gravel being required this year! The few times plowing was required, our volunteer force of Larry LePage, Barry Anderson, Jon Klima, Peggy Larson, Eric Kellogg, Doug Skellenger, Don Rocksted, Leslie Thomas, Bob Erickson, Bernie Mann and myself were able to take care of it. As you are aware, winter plowing is not included in your dues as we simply do not get enough financial participation to afford formal winter maintenance!
Last year’s work session brought out about 20 volunteers for painting road signs, mending snow fences and trash pick up. In addition, special attention was paid to road culverts. Fourteen were dug out and staked for future re-finding in case of re-burial. The low point of Coyote Lane by the curve was successfully excavated by hand and a long small pipe opened up a channel which allowed a follow-up session utilizing the fire truck pumper to later flush clean. The now working culvert should eliminate the big puddle which would otherwise take over the road at that point. Dick Horne successfully widened parts of Deer, Antelope and Coyote to better accommodate two way traffic and provide “run outs” for heavy rains. Great job Dick! In addition, Mark Iverson was kind enough to trim his tree near the road at Antelope and Stream, coming down from Thornton twice to complete the job and eliminate any more dead limbs dropping onto the roadway. As usual, I ask you to contact me if you notice anything requiring maintenance since I don’t see all the roads daily! A reminder, county unposted speed limits are 40mph, private roads 30. Please be courteous and slow down for walkers and horse riders!
PTRIA WEBSITE. Have you visited our PIKETRAILS.ORG web site It is constantly updated by Jon Klima and is a great place to contribute photos, temperatures and news. It is an ideal contact to check the local road conditions if you are planning a visit to the Ranch, especially in winter!
FISH/PONDS. About 90 trout were stocked into the Trout Lane lower pond in mid-May. They range in size from 9” to 16”. The upper pond was not stocked because we are planning to remove the bottom muck in the near future. Fishing is open to those Pike Trails property owners who have paid their Association dues. Catch and release fishing from the bank only is encouraged. Our liability insurance forbids boats, floats or being in the water. It is OK to take a couple home for supper, especially if the fish has swallowed the hook and wouldn’t survive. Have fun with your family and guests!
GENERAL. This was another mild winter and so far, a relatively dry Spring. With the recent deadly fires in the Denver area, a timely reminder on fire abatement: Trees should be a least 30 feet from structures. The bottom six feet should be trimmed to prevent grass fires from climbing into tree tops. Firewood should be stored 30 feet from structures. Even if you have no structures on your land, your neighbors may, so trim away! More fire information on the web site
It has come to my attention that many of our residences have either no street numbers or ones not readily identifiable at night, when of course, most emergencies occur! Dave Tilton, of the Fire Department Auxiliary, has some great ones available for $10 one sided or $15 two sided. (Editors note: I’ve been informed that these signs are in fact $15 for the one sided signs and $20 for the two sided signs.) His phone number is (719) 479-2205. A number of new volunteers at the fire department and EMT’s means they may not know where you are located even if the “old timers” did!
Please remember, your dues pay for all the Associations materials, grader maintenance, gravel, fish pond stocking and web site listing. Last year only 89 of 149 owners paid dues. This is only 59%! If you are experiencing economic hardship, volunteering is a good way to contribute.
2012 ANNUAL MEETING. It will be held on Sunday August 26th at 2 pm in the Fire Station on Co. Rd 88 near Cougar Lane . Come see your neighbors and voice your concerns!
See you in August,
Bill Harper – President
Pike Trails Ranches Improvement Assoc.
(719) 479-4142
e mail Grandharps@Yahoo.com
PS We are trying to get all of our property owners, resident, and non-resident’s phone numbers and e mail addresses to facilitate emergency contact –only if necessary! Please fill in and return with your dues payment form. Thanks!
ANNUAL DUES. Dues will remain the same as last year, and are assessed as follows:
Single lot with driveway on PTRIA road $125.00
Single lot with driveway off of CR 88 or Hwy 9 $50.00
Second (or more) unimproved lot (each) $50.00
Second lot with home on PTRIA road $125.00