Board Members attending: Ron Murphy, Brian Neth, Sue Garratt, Don Thorson, Nick Grace, Leslie Peterson, Gary Willard, Bill Webb, Jack Wedgwood, Gloria English, Eric Jung

President Morley introduced the Board members, and said that all members have assignments. It’s a very active board, with nearly daily dialogue on many issues, mostly by e-mail.

Treasurer’s Report: Neth said we have about $42,000 in the bank, down about $4,000 from last year. Neth and his helpers received an ovation for putting on a great picnic. Neth said that, thanks to a very successful raffle, BVRI will contribute $1,700 to the Bear Valley Early Learning Center.

Supervisor’s Report: County Supervisor Terry Woodrow said the Department of Public Works has scheduled extensive paving, patching, and sealing of Bear Valley roads and lots, including "A" lot, the North lot, "C" lot, the South lot, and portions of Bear Valley and Quaking Aspen Roads. She said the firehouse expansion project is underway, with 5 equipment bays to be added. She invited all to the annual Search and Rescue Picnnic later that day.

Firesafe Council: Supe. Woodrow said the Highway 4 Firesafe Council covers the area from Copperopolis to Bear Valley. One of its goals is to educate property owners regarding the 30 foot clearance law. The Forest Service will help us enforce the law.

Richard Herring asked if the Lake Alpine Bike Trail is open, and was told that it is.

Donald Ruch asked if erosion problems are to be taken into account when achieving the 30 foot clearance. Forest Service officer John Caldwell said that all flammable vegetation must be removed. There are fire-resistant plants which can be planted to combat erosion. Ruch asked about the importance of covering propane tanks to protect valves. Caldwell agreed that it was very important, and noted that tanks must be accessible to firefighters. Gary Willard asked how healthy the forest is in and around Bear Valley. Caldwell said that typical forests in our area have 5 to 7% dead trees, but didn’t have information specific to Bear Valley. Gary Carson-Hull asked what the law requires of owners of unimproved lots with unsafe fire conditions. Caldwell said the law is silent regarding unimproved lots, but suggested that good neighbors could volunteer to help owners of unimproved lots with clearing on lots adjacent to improved lots. John Ennals asked why some days are burn days and some are not. Caldwell said the State Air Quality Control Board makes that determination, based on air pollution index and wind conditions. Eric Jung asked if any progress was being made to get a new community burn pile. Caldwell said he was getting resistance from his District Ranger because of past experiences with dumping of non-burnable material in burn piles. He agreed to keep trying. He said that he needed Alpine County to sign an agreement with the Forest Service to allow him to enforce the 30 foot clearance law. Violators wishing to contest an enforcement action must appear before a magistrate at Yosemite, and Caldwell noted he has never lost a case. He described fires at our elevation and said the notion that we are immune to a big fire were incorrect. The Firesafe Council and the Forest Service are treating 3500 acres to achieve firebreaks around communities, and he will work to include Bear Valley in the program.

Architectural Review Committee: Ron Murphy said the ARC is very active, with 6 homes still under construction, 8 new starts, 3 reroofs, 5 restains, and 5 remodels. Richard Herring asked about the rules for ARC approval re dead trees. Murphy said it was mostly a formality, but owners should contact the ARC about it.

No Swimming: Brucie Orvis of the Lake Alpine Water Company said the State Department of Health Services is asking the Water Co. to enforce a state regulation forbidding bodily contact with drinking water sources. He must post "No Swimming" signs. He told the state that they would likely be ignored. He said we may be able to get a waiver by writing to our legislators. The Board agreed to spearhead a letter campaign.

Ann Wolff suggested that people should use appropriate swim diapers or suits for their children at the Lake. Pres. Morley noted the importance of the "No Dogs" rule, and said everyone must help with enforcement. Nancy Goddard said we should get statistics from the Water Company to bolster our case for a waiver. Lura Francis asked whether more chlorination would help. Brucie said no. Ann Wolfe asked if there were alternatives to chlorination. Brucie said the Water Company will soon install a membrane filtration system. Donald Ruch asked about the apparent incompatibility between the Water District’s request that we not put excess water into the sewer system and the Water Company’s recommendation that we run our faucet a while after not using the plumbing for a while. Brucie said in houses with lead solder in the pipes we could run the water into a jug and pitch it over the deck. He said countertop filters work well to remove lead and chlorine. Richard Herring asked how our water supply is holding out. Brucie said we will need to develop more water sources to complete the Master Plan, and noted that the Water Company is working on it. Brian Thurston asked if the Lake would be drawn down more as the town builds out. Brucie said yes.

Snowmobile Storage: Pres. Morley said the numbers of inappropriately stored snowmobiles are down, and explained the rules regarding storage: store out of sight wherever possible, use a brown tarp rather than a blue or purple tarp.

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