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July, 1999
Inside This Issue:
The following actions were taken at the June 19, 1999 Board meeting: EXPEDITED BUSINESS 9a) Soroptimist Home Tour 9b) Resolution – 25-Year Plan – P&E Reserve OLD BUSINESS 10a) Use of Commons Policy 10b) Board Election Procedures: 10c) Publication of "Draft" Association and Water Company Minutes 10d) Feral Cat Program 10e) Board Goals
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 2 nays. 10f) Educational Material – Planning Committee NEW BUSINESS 11a) Horicon School Site 11b) AB 885 (Jackson) – Sewage Treatment Systems 11c) Gualala Arts Studio Tour 11d) Directors’ Comments 11e) Evaluation of NTPZ Options 11f) Special Passes – Realtors 11g) Resolution – Water Company Litigation Advance The Board of Directors met in Special Session on June 26, 1999, to review bids for the construction of the Del Mar Center Pool and Bathhouse. The low bid was $1,312,658. The final construction budget approved by the Board was $1,231,709. To fund the project the Board approved recommendations from the Del Mar Center Facility Oversight Committee, which called for $131,000 in cuts from the project plus deferring $64,000 in expenditures until the next budget year. The Board also "froze" several capital projects to aid in funding the Pool Bathhouse project. Construction of this project is under way and the grand opening is expected for the Annual Meeting on Memorial Day weekend 2000. Purpose of Policy
Use of Commons must be conditioned by the premise that The Sea Ranch is a private residential community with an immutable commitment to the preservation of the natural environment. Each owner, by acceptance of the CC&Rs, acknowledges that there are limits placed on use, and that, while owners have a nonexclusive right to use of Commons pursuant to the CC&Rs, compromise must be made between use and preservation. Universal Provisions Users of Commons should respect privacy rights of property owners adjacent to Commons, and individual property owners should respect The Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) members’ rights to enjoy and use Commons. All events on Commons must have a TSRA sponsor. All TSRA rules and regulations apply to any Association, public or individual use of Commons. The Association may hold events on Commons subject only to requirements as imposed from time to time by the Community Manager (CM) or the Board of Directors. Policy Pertaining to Public Use of Commons Members will notify the CM or his/her designee, on a form provided by the Association, of any planned event as defined by this policy. Such notification will occur not less than 90 days prior to the event. Exceptions to this time limit may be made only when unforeseen circumstances make it impossible to schedule an event within that time frame. The CM will determine whether, in her/his judgment, the event has the potential to:
If the CM determines that a proposed public use has such potential, s/he shall exercise her/his authority to require specific mitigations, which may include but are not limited to: parking control, limitation on the number of guests or participants, movement of the event to another location or another date, or outright denial of permission to hold such an event. In determining whether a proposed event is an appropriate use of Commons, the CM will consider the following:
Policy Pertaining to Individual Use of Commons Except in sensitive areas designated for protection, members and guests may access Commons off trails, provided that such use is incidental and non-repetitive and does not cause material damage to the area or accelerate erosion. Members and guests may access beaches and the ocean across Commons, provided that such access is made without the use of ropes, anchors, or other climbing devices; does not materially injure or scar the bluffs; and does not contribute to erosion of the bluffs or trails. Expected Results
Association Responsibilities
Task Force Responsibilities:
Program Action Plan
Those members who are interested in being considered for appointment to the Feral Cat Program Task Force, please contact Darla Jackson, Administrative Assistant, at TSRA office, 785-2444, Ext. 235. TSRVFD Picnic a Great Success We thank the many businesses who donated goods and services, including Sunny Skies, Velvet Rabbit, Gualala Video, WestAmerica Bank, Gualala Sport & Tackle, Pacific Woods Video, Gualala Pharmacy, Village Cobblery, the ICO, Arch Richardson, Cakebread Cellars, Surf Supermarket, The Sea Ranch Lodge, The Sea Ranch Association, and the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. A BIG THANK YOU goes to Dick Warren who has coordinated the Memorial Day and Labor Day Picnics for so many years. It was such a pleasure to work with Dick and all the other wonderful volunteers who made the job of chairing this community event a great experience. Thanks to all of you! TSR Thespians Halprin Nominated for Award
The Barn Bash Join the fun. There will be snacks, drinks, music, souvenirs, and special historical exhibits, including the Barn Construction Video, Barn paintings, and Barn event posters. Most important of all, TSRA celebrates the publication of the Barn Book by George Rathmell and Jo Ann Ridley. Original Barn drawing by Duane Gordon, Sea Ranch artist. For information contact Jer Skibbins. General: In the first month of the fiscal year, there is usually not much to report. The auditors have completed their on-site work and we expect the final audit to be available in late July or early August. The Finance Committee and members of the Utilities Committee will review both the TSRA and Water Company audits.
Financial Statements
Trails Talk You will find yourself in a different world on the forest trails. No wind or ocean sounds but, instead, the quiet majesty of the redwoods, the brilliant green ferns and mosses, and the gentle sounds of the streams and waterfalls. You will notice huge moss-covered tree stumps from a forest of bygone days, now sprouting a variety of tiny plants. Recently a friend and I hiked a short way on the Chapel Trail, lovely as soon as we entered the forest at the north end. We sat beside the stream and listened to its song as it made its way over the rocks. Then the single note of a Pacific Slope Flycatcher called through the trees. A lovely quiet getaway on a windy day. Pick up a new 1999 Sea Ranch Trails Map at the Association office ($2.00) and discover for yourself a Sea Ranch forest trail. Next month look for details from Brian Regan about the Second Annual Sea Ranch Circumambulation being held on September 4, 1999. Schedule of Future Nature Walks – Held on Saturdays
Saturday Walks Biking at Sea Ranch: Schedule of Future Walks
(Above are weather permitting, and subject to change due to leaders’ schedules.) Photographic Safari During last year’s very successful photo safari, Bill discussed symbols as elements of communication. In this final year of the old millennium we will continue to examine the surprising ascendency of visual imagery in our increasingly shorthand world. Photography is only one means of expressing ourselves with images, but it is certainly the most effective and accessible. Bring your camera, film or digital, for a stimulating morning in a spectacular setting. Degree of Difficulty: Easy walking. History of The Barn Are you curious about The Sea Ranch before you arrived here? While we may be informed about our home towns, many of us would like to know more about our new home’s history. Susan Clark will demystify our Sea Ranch history when she tells us about our big, beautiful white Barn. She’s just the person to do it because not only is she an architectural historian, but she also earned her master’s degree with her thesis "The Del Mar Ranch: from the German Rancho to Sea Ranch, California, 1845-1965. (A copy is available at the TSRA office if you’d like to see it). Further, it was Susan who submitted the paperwork to Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to have the Barn designated a Sonoma County Historic Landmark. Also, in 1985 she submitted the National Register application to the California office of Historic Preservation to have the Barn added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you are a newcomer, you may not know that Susan served us as a Director of our Association from 1991 through 1996: one term she was Treasurer and for two terms she was our Chair of the Board. Come join her to learn about the Barn‚ and who knows what else lurks in our history: Russians, Indians, Architects, Ranchers, and even a Swindler. (Ed. Note: For $5.00 you can pick up a copy at the office Sounds of the Past: History Notes (written mostly by Susan Clark) which will give you more details of Sea Ranch’s older history.) Coordinator: Martha Wohlken Meadow Management Program Two additional projects scheduled to begin this summer include work in Unit 19 and Unit 28 meadows (see maps on pages 10-11). These projects will remove mostly Coyote Brush and seedling fir and pine trees as well as invasive eucalyptus in Unit 19. In addition to the Unit 28 map shown, Coyote Brush removal will also occur in other Unit 28 meadows. Benefits of the program include fuel load management, preservation of views, and retention of meadow character and wildlife values associated with meadows and riparian areas. If you wish to comment on the proposed removal program or if you wish more information about the program, please contact me at 707-785-2316. The work is anticipated to begin about mid-July. Prescribed Burn Program If you have any questions, please contact me at 785-2316. Roadside Desbris Disposal Program To encourage members to make their properties more fire-safe, TSRA has a program to make it easier for members to dispose of debris. During the months of April through September, TSRA crews will pick up debris placed on the roadside on the third Monday of each month. Please remember that the program is designed to make minor cleanup of fuels around your home easier. We do not have adequate crew time to remove large quantities of debris generated by major lot clearing or view restoration projects. Our crews will not pick up piles of debris that are more than two cubic yards in size. This is a pile 3ft x 3ft x 6ft, or about the size of an office desk. The Next Debris Pickup Days are Monday, July 19 & Monday, August 16
Volunteers Needed for Board Task Forces Election Procedures Task Force Feral Cat Program Task Force Board Meeting Minutes – April 24, 1999 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wohlken convened the Regular Session of The Sea Ranch Association Board of Directors on Saturday, April 24, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. in the Del Mar Center Meeting Hall, The Sea Ranch, California. Directors present: Joel Burdick, Ann Harriman, Alex Long, Toby Lovallo, Kate MacIntyre, David Metzgar, and Norman Wohlken. Also present were Community Manager Jerrold Gonce and General Counsel Dan Taaffe. 2. ADJOURNED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:05 a.m. 3. RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION: The Board reconvened into Regular Session at 1:13 p.m. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 27, 1999 - Item 10a) - Children's Playground Committee, line 123 change the vote to "5 ayes (Director Burdick, excused)." There being no further additions or corrections, it was so ordered that the minutes be approved as corrected. March 25, 1999 - There being no further additions or corrections, it was so ordered that the minutes be approved as written. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: There being no objections, Item 10c) Enforcement CC&Rs, was moved to Item 11a). There being no objections, The Planning Committee memo regarding educational materials, was added as Item 11h), and the fees for restructuring the Water Company, was added as Item 11i). 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS 6a) Board Members: Chair Wohlken reminded those present that at 5:30 p.m. today the Rotary Club was holding a fundraising dinner. 6b) Association Members: Cathy Cox reminded those present to attend The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department picnic at One-Eyed Jack’s on May 30, 1999, from noon to 3:00 p.m. 7. REPORTS 7a) Board Chair: Chair Wohlken reported that the Board of Directors met in Executive Session and discussed the following matters: The consulting engineers report regarding the water reservoir, a possible member foreclosure action, the vacancy on the Planning Committee was filled, recipients of special awards were selected, and Dorothy Wool was supportive of an Al Wool retrospective. 7c) Treasurer: Alex Long, Board Treasurer, presented the following report: General: Revenues for all funds exceed budget estimates by $89,570. Expenses in all funds are running under budget by about $152,552 or 7 percent. It is anticipated that by yearend, expenditures (including projects that will be rebudgeted) will be very close to the adopted budget. 7d) General Counsel: General Counsel Taaffe indicated that he had nothing to report. 8. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Del Mar Center: Director Lovallo reported that the Del Mar Center Oversight Committee met with the Director of Planning and Design, Director of Facilities and Resources, and the Community Manager to discuss the Del Mar Center bathhouse and swimming pool project. He noted that: plans for the site grading were complete, plans for the pool and bathhouse would be completed next week, and that shortly thereafter bids would be requested for these facilities. Design Awareness Program: Director Long reviewed a Design Awareness Program wherein Planning and Design would host a meeting of architects and designers who have worked, or are now working, at The Sea Ranch to discuss issues of importance to all parties. Also, a "siding" workshop would be held by the Planning and Design Department, where experts would be invited to discuss the preservation of existing siding and use of alternative siding materials. Special Hangtags - Realtors: Chair Wohlken noted that at the Board Workshop with Realtors and Rental Agents, a realtor had made a request that special hangtags be provided so as to protect against the "boot." He encouraged the Board to give timely consideration to this request. After discussion, the Board referred this matter to the Security Committee for review and report. 9. EXPEDITED BUSINESS: 9a) Developer's Settlement Fund: The Community Manager reviewed his memo dated April 13, 1999, wherein he recommended that the Board adopt Resolution No. 149 - Transfer of 1998-99 Developer's Settlement Fund Balance. Motion by Director Burdick, second by Director Lovallo, that Resolution No. 149 - Transfer of 1998-99 Developer Settlement Fund Balance be adopted. Motion past by unanimous vote. 10. OLD BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS) 10a) Assessments - Burbank Housing Development Corporation: The Community Manager reviewed his memo of April 13, 1999, noting that the Board had referred this matter to General Counsel to comment on options available for possible reduction of the assessment to the Burbank Housing Development Corporation. General Counsel Taaffe reported that after a careful review of the request he had determined there was no method within the Restrictions to provide for a differential assessment or deferred assessment to the Burbank Housing Development Corporation. Motion by Director Burdick, second by Director MacIntyre, to approve the request of the Burbank Housing Development Corporation. Motion failed by unanimous vote. 10b) Revisions - CEP Goals & Guidelines: Director Lovallo commented that the Planning Committee members had spent numerous hours reviewing the CEP Goals and Guidelines, and they should be complimented for their fine work. He then reviewed the memo from the Chair of the Planning Committee, responding to various questions raised regarding this matter at the previous meeting of the Board of Directors. Motion by Director Lovallo, second by Director Burdick, that the CEP Goals and Guidelines as amended by the Planning Committee and the wording from Director Lovallo be approved. Motion approved by unanimous vote. 10c) Petition - Children's Playground: The Community Manager reviewed his memo
dated April 15, 1999, wherein he reviewed the status of the project. He noted that with
the exception of receiving the final plans by the Design Committee the petition was ready
for approval. He further noted that the Project Director had informed him that the only
missing element for the final plans was the Grading Plan, which should be completed within
the next few weeks. Motion by Director Metzgar, second by Director Harriman, that the
petition for the Children's Playground be approved with the following conditions: Motion passed by unanimous vote. 11. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion Items): 11a) Enforcement - CC&Rs: Chair Wohlken recognized numerous Association members who spoke on this matter. One member, Don Kelly, reported that more than 651 responses had been received to the survey he had conducted. The majority supported the enforcement of the CC&Rs but did not want a system of fines included in any enforcement program. Director Long presented a draft charter for a three-member Board Subcommittee to formulate recommendations regarding the Enforcement of the CC&Rs. There being no objections, Chair Wohlken appointed himself and Directors Long and MacIntyre as members of the Subcommittee, with the understanding that six to eight Association members would be selected as a Working Group to participate with the Subcommittee. 11b) Use of Commons - Policy Recommendations: Director Lovallo apologized for not having the draft recommendations on the Use of Commons available for the agenda, due to the Subcommittee’s meeting schedule. He distributed copies of the draft recommendations to the Board and noted for the audience that additional copies were available at the back of the room. After discussion, it was agreed to carry this matter over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting. In the interim, the draft recommendations will be published in the Bulletin and copies will be made available in the Association office. 11c) Lot Consolidation - Unit 35D - Lots 27 & 26: The Community Manager reviewed his memo dated April 14, 1999, wherein he noted that all Association requirements for lot consolidation had been met, the neighbors notified, and approval received from the Design Committee. Motion by Director Long, second by Director Harriman, that the Board meeting rules be waived and that this matter be taken under consideration. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Motion by Director Burdick, second by Director Long, that the consolidation of Lots 26 and 17 in Unit 35D be approved. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 11d) Board of Directors Election Procedures - Revisions: Director MacIntyre reviewed her memo dated April 15, 1999, wherein she proposed that the Board appoint a Task Force to evaluate current election procedures. The Task Force would examine cumulative voting, the possibility of writein candidates, the required number of candidates, election spending limits, and filing procedures for candidates. There being no objections, this matter was carried over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting. 11e) Publishing Draft Board Minutes: Director MacIntyre reviewed her memo dated April 14, 1999, wherein she proposed that:
It was the consensus of the Board of Directors that the same consideration should be given to publishing the draft Water Company minutes. There being no objections, this matter was carried over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting. 11f) The Sea Ranch Association Feral Cat Program: The Community Manager reviewed his memo dated April 14, 1999, wherein he listed elements of a proposed Feral Cat Program. He recommended that: a Task Force be appointed to coordinate the program; funding of the program be $1,000 per year, and five (5) Havahart traps be purchased. There being no objections, this matter was carried over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting, with direction to the Community Manager that the proposed program be published in the Bulletin. 11g) Procedure - Board Goals: Director MacIntyre reviewed her memo dated April 15, 1999, wherein she recommended that the Board set goals using a process similar to that of the committees and using input from committees. She then outlined a process for consideration. There being no objections, this matter was carried over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting. 11h) Planning Committee Memo - Educational Material: Director Lovallo indicated that the Planning Committee had recommended that additional educational material be provided to The Sea Ranch members and prospective members to better acquaint them with The Sea Ranch Philosophy, the CC&Rs, and The Sea Ranch Rules. The Committee also requested permission to work with the Communications Committee on this project. Motion by Director Lovallo to waive the meeting rules and take action on this matter. Motion died for lack of a second. There being no objections, this matter was carried over as "Old Business" for the June 19, 1999 Board meeting, with direction that the Planning Committee provide more detail regarding the type of educational material being recommended. 11i) Fees for Restructuring the Water Company: Director Long commented on the Board's previous action of instructing staff to proceed with restructuring the Water Company from a for-profit corporation to a nonprofit corporation. He indicated that the Board had not provided funds for accomplishing the restructuring, and that funding would be necessary if the Board's request were to be accomplished. Motion by Director Long, second by Director Lovallo, that the Board rules be waived and action taken on this matter. Motion passed: Secretary 6 ayes, 1 nay (Chair Wohlken). Motion by Director Long, second by Director Lovallo, that $27,500 be provided to the Water Company as an advance for the first phase of the restructuring effort; but that first, staff should determine if the "restructuring" would result in a tax-exempt status for the Water Company. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 1 nay (Chair Wohlken). 12) MEMBERS' AGENDA: None. 13) ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board during the Regular Session, the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Minutes of Special Meeting – May 26, 1999 1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wohlken convened the Special Telephonic meeting of The Sea Ranch Association Board of Directors on Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at 3:30 p.m. Directors present: Joel Burdick, Ann Harriman, Alex Long, Toby Lovallo, Kate MacIntyre, David Metzgar, and Norman Wohlken. Also present was Community Manager Jerrold R. Gonce. 2) CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND: Directors MacIntyre and Metzgar, of the Children's Playground Subcommittee, reported on a recent meeting with Tom Warnock regarding the Children's Playground. Tom pointed out that the current budget provided by the Association was sufficient to complete both Phase I and Phase II of the proposed project. He also noted that it would be more costly to return at a later date to construct Phase II. The Subcommittee discussed the other requirements set forth by the Design Committee in its letter dated May 7, 1999. Tom agreed that the concerns of the Design Committee could be accomplished, and any playground equipment could be purchased, all within the existing Association budget and with those funds available from Matrix of Change. The Subcommittee recommended that given the information received from Tom, both Phase I and Phase II of the project be approved. Motion by Director Metzgar, second by Director McIntyre, that the previous action regarding the Children's Playground be rescinded, and that construction of both Phase I and Phase II be approved. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 3) CONTRACT - SALE OF WATER TO THE GOLF COURSE: The Community Manager informed the Board of Directors that the Director of Finance was now present for the teleconference to discuss the Contract of Sale of Water to the Golf Course. The Director of Finance reviewed the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement, noting that an increase in the cost for water had been included in the agreement, and that Golf Course representatives are in agreement with all the terms and conditions. Motion by Chair Wohlken, second by Director Lovallo, that the terms and conditions contained in the Contract to Sell Water to the Golf Course be approved and that the Community Manager be authorized to sign said agreement. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 4) ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board in this Special Telephonic meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
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