Rimrock Meadows Association
Board Minutes
September 26, 2009
Members present: Bill Cook, Judie Sarff, Mike Campbell, Dave Mayer, Scott Rukke, Fred Durbin and John Koppang. Manager Kevin Danby and Attorney Michael Wyman were also present.
Meeting called to order by Bill Cook at 9:15 AM
Committee Reports
· Planning Committee: (Pete Saflund) First Manufactured Home has been installed – all covenants and requirements were fully met.
· ATV Committee: (Fred Durbin) There is concern for ATV’s being ridden in the campground area without regard for the helmet rule. Offenders need to be reminded of the rule and continued violations reported to the office. ATV riding in the gravel pit is not permitted and signs are needed to remind riders of this fact.
· Communication and Conflict: (Judie Sarff) Recent instances of domestic violence in the campground plus unruly behavior by young people in the clubhouse require action. In the case of domestic violence, if normal neighborly suggestions to the offenders to curtail the behavior fail, the activity should be reported to the sheriff by calling 911. The sheriff will respond and take appropriate action. Concerning the unruly behavior of young people in the clubhouse, it is suggested that the clubhouse be locked after a certain hour on busy weekends in an attempt to curtail this disruptive activity.
· Activities: (Mike Campbell) Labor Day weekend was highly successful and included great music by the band “Red Means Go,” a horseshoe tournament, the Barbeque and an all member yard sale.
At 10:00 AM a motion to go into Executive Session for 30 minutes was made by Mike Campbell, seconded by Scott Rukke and unanimously passed by board.
At 10:30 AM the Executive Session ended and the regular session resumed.
Old Business
· Fire Annexation: This process is a work in progress and continues to move through the different levels of government that are involved. Kevin monitors the process and continues to prod the respective entities when appropriate.
· Fire Season 2009: In light of the very dry season and high fire danger, we have been very fortunate to have avoided any fires for the last two years.
· 2009 season report:
Tent camping area was very busy this year and over-all behavior was good.
There were a few outbreaks of domestic squabbles, probably liquor induced, but these were pretty well contained and handled.
Tom and Wenda performed their duties well and have received many compliments from the members.
There was a rash of break-ins in July and August. This hasn’t happened before and was odd, not only because they occurred during the peak season with so many people around, but the scenario was odd. The initial break-ins took high budget items but subsequent break-ins took food and cooking supplies.
Report from Douglas County Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal
· Subsequent to the July/August burglaries Kevin met with Sheriff Gjesdal to discuss Douglas County Sheriff presence at Rimrock.
· Sheriff Gjesdal’s office is in East Wenatchee with a secondary office in Waterville.
· There is one deputy assigned the portion of Douglas county that includes Rimrock. This area extends east and south from Rimrock to the Grant County line and north to highway 2.
· The deputy is responsible for calls at Rimrock. Additionally, a volunteer group, also driving marked vehicles, has been assigned to patrol Rimrock.
· Patrols are a proven means to put pressure on an area and generally problems decrease or cease altogether when patrols are involved.
· Sheriff Gjesdal assured us that his office is well aware of our circumstances and is prepared to work with our issues.
· Concerning the recent burglaries there are no leads, however a suspect was arrested for another reason and the burglaries have stopped.
New Business
· Budget Report: Lot sales have been slower than anticipated, but since the Labor Day weekend sales have picked up. Contract payments are estimated at 70% for the year. We probably won’t quite make budget in this area due to the general state of the economy.
· Dave Billingsley - The Watershed Planning Association: There is a concern by the Department of Ecology, Fish & Wildlife and related Federal agencies that wells at Rimrock could adversely affect the water flow of McCartney Creek. As a result, there are ongoing studies on this matter. However, the science underlying the decisions that pertain to our well use and the resulting effect on McCartney creek is vague and subjective at best. The Watershed Planning Association is a non-governmental group that is working with the State and Federal agencies to monitor this issue. The Watershed Planning Association is concerned that fair and reasonable decisions be made that will preserve the character of Douglass County for future generations. Since there are many very complex factors involved that could impact future well installations by Rimrock owners it is in our best interests to have an organization like the Watershed Planning Association keeping tabs on the decisions being made by government agencies. In addition, Kevin has made it a point to attend the association meetings to make sure that our best interests are considered in their discussions. Considering the expense of putting in a well, a visit with Kevin for the latest information on this subject should be a priority.
Cattle grazing this fall: After deer hunting season ends (October 26th) Dave Billingsley will graze an estimated 300 head of cattle at Rimrock until the 1st or 2nd week of December.
· Pool Status/member request for Modified Adult Hours: There has been a request to eliminate the Adult Pool Hours on the weekends. Following discussion a motion to eliminate the Adult Pool Hours on the 3 major weekends (Memorial Day, July Summer Potluck & BBQ and Labor Day) but retain the established adult hours all other days made by Dave Mayer, seconded by Judy Sarff and unanimously passed by board.
· Camp Hosts: Marv is planning to come back again next year for the July – September period. We will need new host for the May – June period. Interested candidates should contact Kevin.
· Staff Update: Tom and Wenda received many compliments from membership.
· Check-in times/Upgrade fees: Kevin and the staff have had problems with some users of the hookups and campground trying to cheat on the payment of appropriate fees.
· 180 day stay rule: The on-going problems with certain individuals who are determined to violate the 180 day stay rule has created a situation that requires legal action to enforce Rimrock Association rules. A motion to start appropriate legal action made by Fred Durbin, seconded by Mike Campbell and unanimously passed by all board members.
· Domestic Arguments in campground: Report to Sheriff by calling 911. A deputy will respond.
Motion to adjourn made by Judie Sarff, seconded by Dave Mayer and unanimously agreed to by the board.
Meeting adjourned at 12:30 PM
Respectfully submitted
John Koppang
Secretary