BVRI General Meeting September 4, 2011

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order:

Meeting called to order at 4:05 pm by BVRI Board President Dave Morley in the Perry Walther Building in Bear Valley, California.

Board Introductions

Treasurer’s report – Jack Wedgwood                                                                      

Jack Wedgwood reviewed the financial report.

Highlights include:

Our picnic raffle was less successful this year than it was last year.

Memberships are about 70 behind where we were last year at this same time. Insurance policy looks more expensive this year because we changed our renewal date. Cost isactually level with the last 3 years.

We are in sound financial shape.

President’s report – Dave Morley                                                      

There are a lot of things happening in Bear Valley and the board has been very busy. Dave’s additional report can be found in the forest management section.      

LAWC status

Katherine Aitken-Young reviewed the report that Kimi Johnson gave in the BVRI board meeting. Question about water shut offs in BV will be addressed by this Board to Kimi Johnson for response.       

Development Update – Jim Gentling / Mark Phillips

Jim provided an update on the development.

EIR took nearly 2 years to complete and was certified by Alpine County Supervisors in 2009.

County planning commission approved the plan for dev. The plan then went to county supervisors for final approval. There was a 30 day comment period during which only one comment was received from Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center (CSERC) who was concerned about greenhouse gas, wildlife habitat impact and other things.

Forest service addressed these issues in the EA. We are still awaiting the final approval on the EA.

Forest service won’t approve the lift project until the EIR and the EA (which are inter-related) are approved.

Jim reviewed some additional planned activities for the development.

Jim reviewed some ski industry statistics.

Mark discussed the water hookup issues that are being addressed and indicated they’re working closely with BVWD to come to resolution. Mark presented an excellent spirit of cooperation between the partnership and the BVWD board.

Bear Valley Music – Ann Hicks

Ann Hicks gave the following report:

Thank you to all the supporters of the BVMF this year. Every business in Bear Valley played a major role in the success of the festival this year.

Fiscal year end is 9/30 so this is a projection:

We’re $23K short of covering bills and $21K short in contributions. Ticket sales is not an issue but they only account for 35-40% of the budget.

Budget has been reduced to $350K (from $500K a few years ago). Board funded this year’s startup out of personal funds.

The festival can’t continue with this budget and this situation.

Income has to be aligned with expenses.

Exploring other models for operations and fund-raising.

Ann reminded the general meeting attendees that this festival belongs to the community. If we want the festival here then it will be here—but that support has to be demonstrated in order for the festival to continue.

BVMF invited BVRI to form a committee to find ways we can work together to build support within the community.

Bear Valley Water District status – Barbara Goodrich                

Barbara provided an update on current activities and development status.

Barbara concurred that the BVWD has been working well with the development partners.

See BVRI meeting minutes.

There is a BVWD election coming up. There are 5 candidates running for 2 seats on the board. There will be a candidates night October 1^st in Perry Walther Building at 7:00 pm.

ARC Report – Ron Murphy                                                                               

Ron pointed out the architectural review log on the BVRI website. It includes everything that is in review or has been reviewed during the last year. Ron reviewed a summary of what is currently on that report.

In 1998 there were 273 homes in Bear Valley. New home permits have been declining since then: 3 in the last 6 years - 23 in the 6 years before that.

Low Income Housing – Eric Jung

Eric Jung is exploring means to facilitate the development of “granny units” to provide housing that might be appealing and affordable to mountain employees.

Eric outlined his findings so far and asked the attendees to provide him input about this idea.

2011 Fire & CC&R Inspection Update – Dave Morley

Dave wrote 137 letters this year. 15 lots have been turned over to the Sherriff due to lack of response/action.  Of those 15, two people have received a citation.

Report from the Board of Supervisors – Terry Woodrow                     

Terry Woodrow reported that the Chipper program is available and forms are available at the general store, library, sheriffs office or they will be available online. Forms are to be turned in to Terry Woodrow.

Common area clearance is funded ($35K is available from 3 grants) for common area and dead and dying trees. Areas have been identified and will be marked for clearance as soon as crews are off fires.

Caltrans road project will continue through mid- to late-October.

The Governor signed AB29 establishing a fire protection and prevention fee of $175 per primary structure and $25 per secondary structure. This is not yet final but has no benefit to us. The money goes to the general fund—not to fire prevention.

Fee only applies to structures in the SRA (State Responsibility Area) for wildfire protection.

This is being called a “fee” but appears to be a tax on those of us who live or own property in a rural area.

If you have comments about this assembly bill you should address them to: Senator Ted Gaines and Assembly person Beth Gaines.

Terry provided a note of interest: Sierra Heritage magazine had a nice write up on Bear Valley in the current issue. Copies of the current issue are available in the Lodge. If you are interested in subscribing you may do so here: http://www.sierraheritage.com/subscribe

Beach Operations Report – Tom Fraser summarized Paul Petersen’s report          

Beach management is going well. Sand was delivered in early August – dust free was secured. Upper gate pathway was smoothed. Boat rack has been replaced and is larger and we will remind boat owners to remove their boats in October. Vegetation around small beach will be removed to facilitate proper boat launch.

Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm