R A N C H U P D AT E S
New board members announced at Annual Meeting The Ranch Association Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m. on zoom. This important meeting will provide residents with an overview
of key projects and policy changes the Ranch Association undertook in 2022, updates on developments in and around DC Ranch, as well as the announcement of newly elected directors. New directors will each serve a three-year term to represent community residents, create and amend DC Ranch policy, and attend monthly meetings and events. To vote on behalf of their neighborhood, Neighborhood Voting Members must cast their ballots by April 3 at 5 p.m.
Maintenance Services Department
This professional management team is responsible for initiating, planning, executing, and completing reserve projects. In 2023, there are $2.9 million in neighborhood and Association Reserve projects. Some projects will get deferred due to timing and if life expectancy of the assets can be extended longer than anticipated. Listed here are a few of the planned projects:
Firewise Defensible space clearing is occurring in Country Club, Windgate, Terrace Homes East, Terrace Homes West, Park and Manor, The Estates and Montelena. The Ranch Association has applied for a hazardous fuels grant through the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to assist with funding of the program. In cooperation with the City of Scottsdale Fire Department, the Ranch Association has applied for certification as a Firewise Community. Road Maintenance and Sidewalk Replacement The Ranch Association is responsible for maintaining approximately 50 miles of private roads. Pavement maintenance requires the use of a third-party consultant to develop a plan and a budget to repair and replace roads as needed. This includes patching, crack filling, seal coating and repaving of the streets. Increases in oil and supply costs have resulted in necessary budget adjustments, in some cases more than double the original estimate. The Ranch Association is working with a consultant 4
Ranch News | April 2023
to come up with a revamped plan on how to proceed without exhausting all of the reserve funds.
Camera Technology Equipment Replacement and Upgrades Replacement of cameras at Arcadia and all the unmanned gates are currently slated for this year. For some unmanned gates, camera replacement may be deferred to complete the road work that is needed. Older computers at the gatehouses are also up for replacement as they have exceeded their life expectancy. Playground Structure Renovations As part of preventative maintenance on all park playground structures and equipment, a safety inspection is conducted twice per year. During these inspections, safety compliance is reviewed and recommendations are provided for any needed repairs.
Plant Enhancements and Tree Replacement The Ranch Association Landscape Team maintains all of the landscape in the common areas of DC Ranch. There are significant plant enhancements and tree replacements scheduled for this year.
Mailboxes Mailbox kiosk replacement is scheduled for Camelot, Desert Haciendas, Terrace Homes East, and Terrace Homes West. These replacements will be done in phases through 2024 due to road maintenance being a higher priority in some neighborhoods.
Path and trail safety With the spring weather upon us, the community’s
path and trail system provides a pleasant place for all to enjoy the outdoors. Please be courteous of others and practice open communication to keep everyone safe and enjoying these amenities.
Per the Community Standards, DCR-09, vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs and motorized skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks or the path system for the safety of all residents. The only exceptions are maintenance vehicles and battery-operated toy vehicles for children seven or younger that may be driven on paved sidewalks under supervision of a responsible adult. Be extra alert for snakes that are awakening out of hibernation. Should you encounter a snake, stay clear and contact Community Patrol at 480.397.9659 to assist with snake removal.
Desert living with javelinas and bees
Spring is a popular time for desert wildlife to emerge in search of food and
water. Javelinas are social animals that travel in packs, therefore seeing one peccary infers a nearby group. Keeping attractants like pet food and garbage contained will prevent these keenly nosed mammals from entering residential areas. Classified as big-game animals, state law protects javelina against capture and harm. Encounters with javelinas are strongly discouraged. Arizona Game & Fish Department recommends scaring off animals by making loud noises (bang pots, yell, stomp on the floor, etc.); throwing small rocks in their direction; or spraying with vinegar, water from a garden hose, or large squirt gun filled with diluted household ammonia (1 part ammonia to 9 parts water). With the desert in bloom, honeybees are on the go from sunup to sundown. A vital part of the eco- and food-systems, honeybees are gentle creatures that are focused on their work and should remain undisturbed. Should you encounter a swarm in a common area, please call the Maintenance team at 480.800.3589.