Summer 2023 Community Newsletter
Board of Directors:
Brian Pettet – President Brian.pettet9@gmail.com
Chip Gerber – Vice President cgerber@me.com
Mitch Hoffman – Treasurer mshoffman16@comcast.net
Bill Neveu – Secretary Neveu191@aol.com
Andrew Yager andrew@cmkpromedia.com
Tom McDermott Globug249@gmail.com
Jeff Basler Jbasler99@gmail.com
Ranch Manager manager@ranchatroaringfork.com
Office Administrator office@ranchatroaringfork.com
Important Dates:
Next Board Meeting
Monday, June 5th at 4pm (Always a Dial-In for Residents)
HOA Annual Meeting
Saturday, July 22nd at 10:30am at the Ranch Office (Attendance Highly Encouraged)
Reminders:
• PLEASE be diligent in honoring our 10MPH speed limit (YES, this is very slow) , and especially through the condo area where we have young children at play.
• E-bikes are NOT permitted on the Common Recreational Reserve. The Board will approve e-bikes for credible physical needs. At present, there are 4 BOD-approved exceptions.
• Two Open Board Positions will be voted on this summer. Be on the lookout for directions on how you would go about registering to be on the ballot.
• Residents are HIGHLY encouraged to contribute comments to the BOD at the outset of every Board Meeting, and if time permits listen in on the meetings.
• Auto debit forms are available in the office for automatic monthly dues and Amenity Payments.
• Dog leashes are to be used by owners in the common areas other than the Common Recreational Reserve.
• No depositing any construction materials in the trash dumpsters.
• Please pick up your dog waste, and deposit it in the various receptacles around the Ranch Property.
• Any Change in Property requires approval. Please contact the Ranch office for information regarding the approval process for architectural applications.
• There is a Ranch at Roaring Fork Facebook Group with great photos, videos, and resources. There are currently 101 members.
• All rental homes & Condos must complete the annual lease registration process through the office, and pre-register all tenants. Fines apply for failing to do so.
2023 Board of Director Priorities:
1. Fire Mitigation / BOD Lead: Andrew Yager
2. Infrastructure Capitalization Plans / BOD Lead: Chip Gerber
3. Amendments to Governing Documents/ BOD Lead: Tom McDermott
4. North Parcel - Solar Farm Due Diligence / BOD Lead: Bill Neveu
5. Communication to Residents / BOD Lead: Jeff Basler
Ranch Project Updates:
• Condo Project “related to the buildings” has reached the punch list stage with an extensive list to be worked on this Spring. Owners will be given an opportunity to submit any open issues following the completion of the current checklist. Flatwork and second-floor balcony work will be worked on through the Spring and Summer.
• Condo drainage work was completed through dry wells coming off front side carport gutters.
• Ranch at Roaring Fork Website is being evaluated by the Board pertaining to functionality, user experience, and design.
• Last year the St. Finnbar Homeowners Association sued the Ranch at Roaring Fork Homeowners Association contending that St. Finnbar homeowners have a right to use an exclusive easement (located between the two subdivisions) to access a small Bureau of Land Management parcel located near the RRF main head gate. After thoughtful consideration, the RRF Board of Directors made the determination to fight the lawsuit. Legal proceedings are currently in the discovery phase and Court required mediation will be the next step.
• Board Member Tom McDermott has led an impressive level of work to bring our Governing Documents current with Colorado Law, and practical edits to make the governance of the Ranch sensible and adaptable to change when needed. Be on the lookout for a dedicated communications plan to inform all residents of the changes to the documents which will ultimately require a 67% approval vote from the 162 owners at The Ranch. See Tom’s overview attached to this newsletter.
• Board Member Jeff Basler has outlined a thoughtful Communications Plan Elements include: Seasonal Newsletter • Modest functionality and design improvements to the Ranch web site • Bi-Annual State of the Union Letter from the BOD President • BOD Meeting Notes emailed to all residents two weeks following each Board Meeting with a top line set of bullets • Further use of our Ranch at Roaring Fork Facebook Group to disseminate Ranch News and happenings.
• Thanks to Board Treasurer Mitch Hoffman the 2022 YTD financial report has been completed and is now on the Ranch website.
• Board Member Chip Gerber continues to lead a study of our infrastructure requirements at The Ranch over the next 5 years. We have essential and important projects in the years ahead including, but not limited to sewer lines, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, domestic water tank, street repairs, and the long-term need to responsibly build our Capital Reserve Fund. By early summer be on the lookout for more definitions of a planned schedule and estimated costs.
• The Board recently determined all RV Lot storage income would be set aside towards making improvements to existing lot, and the possibility to create more storage space given the demand in one adaptation or another. Stay tuned as this opportunity progresses.
Fishing & Waterways:
• April 1 st was the start of the Ranch fishing year. Be sure to get your new 2023 badges and Colorado fishing licenses. All proceeds directly support our CRR and Fishing related efforts.
• The health of our fish continues to be good. The different stocking regimen that we have used recently have added different species and sizes of trout. The most visible new fish are the Palomino Rainbow Trout, Snake River Cutthroats and Nisqually Rainbow Trout.
• Anglers are encouraged to fish the upper part of the Ranch including the new fishing water that replaced the old Patterson Pond. The stream flowing from the headgates as well as Upper & Lower Jakees provide anglers no less opportunity for netting great fish then Sopris Creek and New Stream. And. Let’s not forget all the access we enjoy along our private two miles of the Roaring Fork River.
• The Annual Stocking Day is now set for May 18th. Residents are encouraged to come out and watch the fish netted into the streams.
• Through badge sales and in-kind contributions our fishing and waterways fund this year tops $80,000
• The FWAC led by MJ Mastalir is responsible for making recommendations and management oversight regarding all aspects of the CRR including fish related, streams, flood prevention, and walking paths Thanks or all your time, effort and smarts MJ!
Golf Course:
• In a turnkey agreement negotiated and approved by the Board of Directors River Valley Ranch Golf is now managing all aspects of our golf operation including course maintenance and financials. The Ranch now owns all golf course equipment previously owned by Over The Fence LLC. RVR Golf brings new equipment to the effort including a green roller, ALL equipment maintenance, and are committed to further elevating the quality conditions of our golf course.
• No change to owner’s use of the course at no cost.. Simply sign up on the improved Ranch Golf website. Click Here or click the ‘Golf’ tab on the home page of The Ranch at Roaring Fork website, or visit ranchatroaringforkgolfcourse.com
• Be on the lookout for sign-up opportunity to participate in a weekly Owners Day where we organize a fun, but competitive team game played between foursomes followed by refreshments. If anyone is interested in running point to help organize the weekly golf social, please contact Jeff Basler. Jbasler99@gmail.com
Summer 2023
Equestrian:
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• We currently have 9 “registered” resident horses, and 2 “registered” non-resident horses residing at the Ranch.
• Please do not feed the horses.
• If you are interested in boarding your horse, or a non-resident is interested in boarding, contact the Ranch Office.
• Boarding Fees including hay. Resident: $245 | Non-Resident: $410
Tennis - Pickleball:
• The Board of Directors voted to approve $36k alongside $22k in owner pledges to resurface, paint and line the existing tennis courts into a dual Tennis Court – Pickle Ball amenity.
• Many logistics still to be determined by a just formed Court Committee, but we are hopeful to see the amenity open for play this summer.
• Be on the lookout for an important Resident Survey concerning your interest in using this amenity whether it be Pickle Ball, Tennis, or both. It is our intention to retain a basketball play area inside the fenced court.
• Updated communications to follow.
Building Community & Fun:
Are there volunteers at the Ranch that would like to join a grassroots team to foster more community, and social engagement through activities & events?
Ideas like a community garden, family night socials at the playground, monthly food truck socials in the summer, a welcome gesture plan to new residents, and of course a few signature events for the full community are but a short list of possibilities residents have expressed an interest in.
The collective effort of 40+ residents surrounding Pickle Ball – Tennis is a terrific example of how the community can partner “with” the Board of Directors to advance widespread community interests. If you’re interested in perhaps leading an effort, or simply willing to participate contact Jeff Basler.
Jbasler99@gmail.com
Summer 2023
Eco-Corner:
Thanks to Polly Tucker!
RRF is committed to doing what we can to properly recycle and contribute to a sustainable planet. We have single stream recycling here which means all recyclables can go in the same container, but please be educated about what goes into the container, and educate your guests. Here are some quick tips.
• Know what is and is not recyclable - download the Recycling Guide and print it and put it near your bin. This is especially important for rental units and has useful pictures to clarify. www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right/recycling-101
Follow 4 Simple Rules:
1. Recycle clean plastic containers (#1-6), cans, paper and cardboard (remove crusts and greasy liners from pizza boxes before recycling). Flatten Cardboard.
2. Keep food and liquid out of recycling
3. NO PLASTIC BAGS, loose or with bagged recyclables. Recyclables inside a plastic bag mean the entire contents must be treated as trash.
4. When in Doubt, Throw it Out - If you’re not sure whether something is recyclable, throw it in the garbage to protect the acceptable recyclable items in your recycling container!
MYTH:
Even if an item doesn’t belong in the bin, it will get sorted anyway.
ANSWER: False
Non-recyclable items contaminate recyclables. Recyclables stuck inside plastic bags are at risk of never making it through the recycling process. Conversely, recyclable items placed into garbage containers are hauled to a landfill and cannot be recovered effectively. The right thing to do is put the right recyclables in the recycling container and non-recyclables in garbage containers. Recyclables with the greatest impact are bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard.
MYTH:
All Plastics are Recyclable
ANSWER: False
Just because an item is made from plastic, or contains plastic par ts, doesn’t mean recycling facilities can handle it. Plastics marked #1-6 are recyclable. Plastic utensils, packing materials, and styrofoam, including “to-go” containers and wax-coated coffee cups, and their lids are not, regardless of whether they have recycling arrows.
Summer 2023
Summer Hike Reccomendation:
CAPITOL CREEK/CAPITOL DITCH (A.K.A. UPPER CAPITOL CREEK TRAIL)
At the start of this hike up the spectacular Capitol Creek Valley, you’ll face a decision: Opt for the ditch trail and you’ll parallel a high irrigation waterway, then gently climb through peaceful aspen groves before reaching high grassy meadows. Or choose the trail that descends steeply to the creek, then follows it along the valley floor while offering massive views of Mount Daly and of Capitol Peak’s commanding knife-edge ridge. Either way, the choice is right for this sweet, scenic passage into the MaroonBells–Snowmass Wilderness. The two trails meet up at the turnoff to popular Capitol Lake (4- plus miles away).
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Drive 14 miles west from Aspen on Highway 82 to Snowmass Creek Road. Turn left. At the T intersection 2 miles in, go right, and follow Capitol Creek Road for about 8 miles to the parking area. The last mile of the road requires high clearance and 4WD; you can park a passenger car in a lot 2.25 miles below the trailhead.
Good to know: The parking area fills up early, especially on weekends, as many climbers backpack from there to the lake for an attempt on 14,130-foot Capitol Peak.
Summer 2023
Roaring Fork Valley Calendar:
Here are noteworthy signature events happening in the Roaring Fork Valley this summer:
• Main Street Carbondale First Friday - May 5th
• Carbondale Dandelion Day - May 13th
• Carbondale Annual Plant Sale - May 20th-21st
• Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Series, June 1st – August 17th Home - Carbondale Wild West Rodeo (carbondalerodeo.com)
• Carbondale Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, June 7th – September 27th
• Carbondale Mountain Fair, July 28th-30th
• Carbondale Cowboy Up Dance & BBQ, August 25th – 4th Street Plaza
• Basalt Sunday Farmer’s Market, June 18th – September 24th
• Basalt Summer Concert Series – Every Wednesday, June – September
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• Snowmass Rendezvous & Concert, June 10th | 2-6p | Upcoming Events | Snowmass Rendezvous & Concert (gosnowmass.com)
• Snowmass Free Concert Series, Starting every Thursday, June 15 th | 5:30-8:30p
• Snowmass Art Festival, June 24th | 11a -7p
• Aspen Food & Wine Festival, June 16th-18th | FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen – June 16th-18th, 2023 (foodandwine.com)
• Aspen Market, June 10th – October 7th | 8:30a – 2p
• Aspen – Little Nell Culinary Festival, July 11th-15th | 7a-5p | The Little Nell Culinary Fest | Aspen (aspenchamber.org)
• Aspen Labor Day Music Festival, September 1st-3rd | 12N – 6p