TLPOA ANNUAL MEETING 2019

Meeting called to order at the Bridgeport Elementary School gym, Friday, July 5, at 9 am, by Treasurer John Hicks, standing in for President Rockey Reed (who was recovering from knee surgery). Members of the board in attendance: John Hicks, treasurer; Wendy Marcus, secretary; Chris Moody, member at large. John Hicks led the Pledge of Allegiance. About 75 members were in attendance.

Welcome to new members
Daniel and Sue Cayan, at 200 Parker Drive, from Ramona, California

Community guest speakers

Jan Cutts, District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service, discussed the following topics:

• Wildlife education: Our office received an internal grant, for about $10,000, to do some more education and put helpful wildlife information out there, working in collaboration with the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and some folks from Mammoth.
• Wild animals are not as tame as we think. We need to make sure we do our part by not feeding them actively or passively — by not locking our cars, not storing food properly, and being careless with our trash, for example.
• If you have any issues or concerns regarding the Forest Service, you can reach me at the Bridgeport Ranger District (760-932-7070).

Jed Rudelbach, a field specialist for the district, provided an update on the clearing and burning of the Forest Service land around Twin Lakes: 

• Last year was tough with the government furlough and the amount of snow we got up here. But we were able to cut and pile and thin out 27 more acres. You see piles on the ground. We anticipate burning them this fall or winter, depending on curing and weather conditions.
• If you have question about fuel reduction, you can contact me (760-932-7070).

John Hicks added this: 

• If you’re not receiving notices of burns or potential burns, make sure I have your correct updated info (email). A lot is done in the wintertime when you’re not up here. It’s nice to know what’s going on, and I can still share that information as the former committee chairman of the Fire Safety Council.

Sheriff Ingrid Braun, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, discussed the following topics:

• The department has a new fleet of cars (only three old ones left). Most of them have radar, and they catch speeding drivers on Main Street in Bridgeport.
• In answer to a question about patrol cars at Twin Lakes: My two or three deputies for the entire county are patrolling the best they can. With new GPS tracking devices, we know where they are at all times, for their safety. If you want to see a deputy in your neighborhood, just call us (760-932-7549). Or call 911: The person who answers our emergency line also answers our nonemergency line. Pretty soon we’ll have texts to 911. You’d think that wouldn’t be necessary, but you could be in a situation in which you couldn’t talk, but you could text for help.
• In answer to a question about speeding in our subdivision at Twin Lakes: The 10mph speed limit is TL’s, not the county’s. The Sheriff’s Department can enforce anything we consider to be dangerous or reckless driving. Two things we’re serious about in Bridgeport: educating international tourists about our driving laws; and drivers crossing over the double yellow lines and causing fatal accidents.
• In answer to a question about the prison in Bridgeport: It’s a jail; that’s local. Prisons are state. The new county jail at the old hospital site has been delayed — it’s supposed to be done by 2022, but I don’t see it before 2023 — because the county is focused on constructing a new county administration building in Mammoth. The new jail — the only one in the county — will be a better space, with a medical clinic, we hoped staffed with a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner, with outside access so it’s accessible to the community.
• In answer to a question about how long the stays are at the jail in Bridgeport: It varies. But California laws changed criminal realignment. Usually we just hold people who have committed misdemeanors or are pending trial. So nobody was there for more than a year. Now we have felons who could stay theoretically 5, 10, 15 years. That means we have to provide educational, medical, and other kinds of programs, and we haven’t had the space in our tiny jail. 
• Regarding safety of personal property: Even bad people go on vacation. Keep that in mind. Lock your doors. Lock your car for no other reason than bears have figured out how to open car doors. Sometimes the car door closes behind them. They can’t figure out how to open the door from the inside, so they shred your car trying to get out. The trick is to open the door and run because they want to get out of there so bad they’ll run you over.
• Regarding code enforcement about short-term rentals: It’s not under the Sheriff Department’s purview; it’s a civil issue. If you have violations of code-enforcement-type things, you need to deal with Nick Criss in the Mono County Community Development Department (760-932-5420). [We shared this short-term rental information in several printouts at this meeting. The website links are at the end of these minutes.*] But we would still respond if you have a neighbor dispute or have an unruly short-term renter who’s leaving out trash, or playing music too loud, or being inconsiderate.
• In response to a question about whether the bridge that went out on Summers Meadows Road a couple of years ago has been repaired: Yes, it’s been fixed.

John Peters, District 4 County Supervisor, was invited and expected to speak about the proposed Eagle Creek campground, but he didn’t attend the meeting.

In remembrance
Lisa Wike, at 176 Hunewill Drive (Ron’s wife)
Richard Sheltren, at 160 Parker Drive (Robbin’s husband), in 2018

TLPOA business

Minutes of the 2018 annual meeting

John Hicks asked for approval of the 2018 minutes of the annual meeting (which we emailed to all members last year and did not have the time to review here). Wendy Marcus made the motion to approve the minutes of the meeting. Chris Moody approved the motion.

Treasurer’s report for 2018

• I want to thank Glen Sittel, past president, for setting up the books so well. It was very easy for me to maintain. I applaud what you’ve done.

Starting balances July 1, 2018
Savings account (a CD)	$18,296.58
Checking account	$3,400.06
Business directory account	$157.23
TOTAL balance as of July 1, 2018	$21,853.87

Income (member account) Dues	$3,514.48
Income (business account)	$160.00
TOTAL income	$3,674.48

Expenses (member account)
Meetings, annual picnic	$225.79
Administrative costs (printing, etc.)	$26.28
Charitable donations	$1,000
Directors and officers insurance	$1,150
Travel to the RPAC meeting	$299.34
Road sign materials	$55.57
Total Expenses	$2,756.98

Expenses (business account)
Website	none
TOTAL member and business expenses	$2,756.98

Additional notes about items in the Treasurer’s Report

Charitable donations
Five organizations at $200 each: Bridgeport Elementary School, Bridgeport Fire Department, Bridgeport Historical Society, Friends of the Library, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue

Directors and officers insurance
It’s usually $1,150, but this year, it’s going to be $1,050. I’m saving us $100.

Travel to the RPAC meeting
RPAC = Mono County Regional Planning Advisory Committee. Rockey attended the RPAC meeting in April to talk specifically with John Peters and members of the Mono County planning board about the proposed Eagle Creek campground. We thought it was wise to have our president there to lobby on our behalf and get a feel for what was going on with the campsite. More than 50% of members whom we queried opposed that campsite. We need to have strong presence at these meetings.

Road sign materials
There were some expenses for the installation of some new road signs, with committee chair Greg Eisele. But there were no big expenses for these signs, thanks to the generosity of Member Carlos Gomez and his friend, who donated several signs, including the big one before the bridge.

Total balances June 30, 2019
July 9 is when our CD comes due; we can refresh it. We get a small amount of interest on it.

Budget estimate / Annual dues

First, John pointed out how we’re not in the red, but we’re close. He wants the TLPOA, an active organization, to reach out to more residents to become members, to increase the association’s budget. But regardless of the number of members, he broached the subject of raising the annual membership dues. It could help cover chipping day (with Rick Edney and his crew from Smith Valley), more signs, maybe road repairs too. 

“I’d like to see it raised. Someone asked how much. I’d like to see it go to $50.” Lillian Schwarz moved to raise it. John Hicks seconded. More than half the members approved. John declared the motion passed. Effective for next year: an increase in dues to $50.

Board member nominations

Chris Mooney is stepping down as member at large and Mona Reed as vice president. They both served their two-year service.
Glen Sittel: We don’t want all five members up for election in the same year. The VP fills in for the president when necessary and is the contact for local business, reaching out, more proactive. Member at large, bylaws don’t say much. Can help with fundraising, but not really specific. Makes it an odd-number board to avoid impasses on issues.
Pat Ulm nominated David Lawrence to fill one of those two jobs. Lillian Schwartz seconded. He has experience running a business. David Lawrence chose member at large. John Hicks motioned. New member at large, on the north side!
There was no nomination for a new vice president.

Further discussion about annual donations

Pat Ulm move to approve the $200 donations to the five we’ve already donated to. Vivian Schwartz seconded.
Glen Sittel: Last year we lowered from $250 to $200 and dropped one (fish). Been longstanding receivers of our charity.
Someone asked if there might be other charities we might consider donating to. No one volunteered any. John Hicks renamed the five: Bridgeport Elementary School, Bridgeport Fire Department, Bridgeport Historical Society, Friends of the Library, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.
Glen Sittel: The school helps us with the venue for this meeting and the potluck picnic. All in favor. None opposed.

Committee reports: What our association has done and can do to help the community

• Adopt a Highway

It requires cooperation with Caltrans. Rockey Reed says it’s too late to work with Caltrans this year. For those who have participated, it’s a lot of fun.

Therese Brady: Where is this stretch of highway?
On 395 North out of Bridgeport about 4 or 5 miles, after Buckeye Road, on the north side, maybe a mile or mile and a half. Amazing what we’ve picked up in the past. Afterward there’s a group breakfast.

Therese Brady and Ron Vilarino volunteered to be co-committee chairmen.

Glen Sittel: We didn’t do it last year because of construction. Long ago the commitment was four times a year. Caltrans agreed to once. Caltran provides training for the organizer. It’s very simple.

John Hicks: I will get the details.

Kim Marcus: Is a Caltrans person out there with you?
Glen: No. They’re supposed to provide signage that a cleanup is in progress. And wear vests.

Beverly Carter: Can people distinguish us from a convict crew?!
Glen Sittel: There are rules. Six feet off the road, etc.

• Lake cleanup

There’s currently no chairman.

Greg Eisele will head this committee too!

John Hicks: September 1 is when we have our potluck picnic, so earlier in the day would work. It’s only a couple of hours. Or September 9 — we’ll work it out with your schedule.

Glen: It’s always done on a Sunday. That’s when the dump is open. The more people who show up, the less time it takes.

Diane Wilson: It’s still important to pick up cigarette filters and fishing line. They are dangerous for birds and wildlife.

Polly Potocar: How difficult would it be to put a trash can near the main bridge?
Answers: Bears would be a problem, and who would be responsible for picking it up?

Where to meet: at the bridge. Info to come in an email message.

• Road signs

Chairman: Greg Eisele

John Hicks: We took photos. Bob Wilson did some research about a specific ordinance regarding no parking at Twin Lakes Estates. There is some teeth to it being enforced if people are parking on your property.

JH: Where shall we spend the money? What are our priorities? A 10mph warning sign? No parking? The big sign at the fishing parking area is weathered, stained, faded. We can replace it, for $550 to $600, first, and maybe next year work on the no parking and speed signs.

Diane Wilson: The one by the bridge is the worst. Maybe we can have a bulletin board on the back so people don’t post on the front. The private property signs are all over the place, with rocks up in front of those signs. Let’s take some of the signs and move them to where people are continually parking. 

Greg Eisele: There are 28 signs. Some are in good shape, but where no one parks, we can move the signs to where people are parking.

JH: I talked with Dave Holcomb about those signs, where they’re located. Rockey Reed talked with Norm Annett. He’s supportive. But I can’t say we’ll relocate those signs.
Member [Next year, we must have people state their name first when they speak!]: Why don’t we vote on his proposed budget for signs?
JH: What’s the priority?
Member: Is Norm on board with either option?
John: Both. Can replace them all, but not now with our budget.
Member: Boil it down to one recommendation?
Another member: Before Norm was Norm’s grandfather. Shouldn’t some of that be the responsibility not of this group?
JH: No, it’s our responsibility. He gave us permission, but we pay for those signs. I make a motion to allocate $625 in the budget for road sign improvements. We can do the small signs first, then the speed zone signs.
Kim Marcus seconded. Approved.

• Fire Safe Council / Chipping day

John Hicks is the chairman. 

JH: Motion: $2,600 for chipping day. Kim Marcus and Vivian Schwartz seconded. All in favor. Aye.

JH: Members pay $35, nonmembers pay $75 — so you can save money by becoming a member.
Glen Sittel: You’re saying $2,600 from the budget and collect an additional $35 from members?

JH: Normally if you’re a member, you don’t pay. But now you would pay $30 extra.
Wanda Hicks: We don’t need to vote on this now.
Motion: Members don’t pay an additional cost for chipping day. But approve the $2,600 budget. Seconded and approved.

Chipping day this year: Oct. 15 and 16.

Member: Are there any special rules? Can you send us information about what you need to do?
JH: Yes. I will send out info.

Ron Vilarino: is someone in charge of chipping day?
JH: Yes. Me.

• Annual picnic: Board members

• Website: Helene and Randy Frakes volunteered to be the co-committee chairmen.

Announcements / Open discussion

Proposed campsite: Right now it’s kind of dead in the water. Might be something going on behind the scenes we’re not aware of. There was nothing about it in the last meeting. It’s not on next agenda.
Glen Sittel: If you want to develop anything in this county, you approach the committee with ideas, etc. It’s the first step, the first place you go. The Annetts walked out of that meeting with “OK, let’s move on to the next step.” Who knows how much of it is political? Of course, Norm is totally opposed to it. Not everyone has to be actively involved, but we’re looking. We’ll know if it’s on the agenda, if it hits the next level. They can’t hide that.

Helene Frakes: I was the one who brought this matter to everyone’s attention. What Annett is proposing at this time: 20 campsites, etc. It’s a major change. It would probably require a general planning amendment. They’re using two access roads. It’s a complicated project. We really need to stay on top of it.

John Hicks: Rockey Reed is very active, communicating with John Peters. We’re very active in following the agenda.

Glen Sittel: Can we post info on the website? Copies of letters Rockey Reed and John Hicks, as the person in charge of the Fire Safe Council, send can let people know a lot. 

Member: It’s good to continue to email a summary to keep the fear level down.

Another member: Where is it? I don’t have that info.

Glen Sittel: It’s included in an email, with a map.

JH: We will put all that info on the website. Make sure we have your contact information. Check your spam.

Diane Wilson: A backhoe has been running on that property. It’s a bit disconcerting.

Road conditions

John Hicks: Specifically leading up to the bridge on Patterson. Can the Association improve it? TL Enterprise, Norm Annett, owns it. Maintenance is each homeowner’s responsibility for half the road in front of their property. Nobody is responsible for the common areas. We’d like to fix the pothole. Talked with Member Robert McClure — he’s in the contractor business. He gave us a very rough estimate, not from local contractor. Robert volunteered his expertise. We’re not proposing anything right now. Trying to get a feel for the situation. We want to consider our options.

Pat Ulm: The Annetts live on Patterson between Twin Lakes Road and the bridge. Our little group on the north side banded together and paid to have Glacier Place improved, without the Association or the Annetts.

Another Member: We also did it ourselves. Norm approved it.

Another Member: Norm digs up the road to slow down traffic. Not our road. It’s a mess on both sides.

Another Member: Why can’t we improve Patterson from Twin Lakes Road to the bridge?

JH: Norm is supportive of bridge fixes, but not near him. He wants to keep the speed down. But it’s bad around the bridge.

Member: Can’t we just put down gravel? [Many people shot down this idea.]

Glen Sittel: What does that mean, half of the road? Then that’s Norm’s property! If they’re using that definition, then — I’m not saying he should pay, but….

Member: What about chipping materials for filling in roads?

David Lawrence: Who owns that property? Unless there’s some agreement…

Beverly Carter: My property is at Lake Shore and Patterson. That area is always full of people, children, and animals.

Member: If something is unsafe, then the sheriff can get involved. I propose that we go to the sheriff. Improve potholes, but don’t make it so it’s so smooth that speed increases and safety decreases. Still make it so people can’t speed.

Member: He wants us to spend our money on maintenance, not his money.

Member: Will it be our responsibility? If we give money now, will he expect us to pay for everything?

JH: TL Enterprise abuts each side.

Dave Paules: Our responsibility… 

Glen Sittel: Not sure the association is ready to spend money even on the potholes.

Member: Road base, not gravel.

Member: What about partnering with Norm?

JH: I will pursue this with Rockey and Norm and look at possible ways to fix the potholes. We’re not ready to make a decision now. The important thing is to reach out to Norm and figure out how to move ahead.

Diane Wilson: The lawyer’s conclusion was that this situation is not clear-cut. We should all figure out how to work with Norm and get along.

Miscellaneous

JH: Let’s table this discussion. I will pursue this matter with Norm and Rockey and come back with info. Seconded. Approved.

Larry Schwartz: We’re looking at putting in a backup generator on our property, through SCE. Has anyone done this process? Could you please give us pointers?

Kim Marcus: They’re running cattle on Sheep Meadow.
Other member: There’s a meeting coming up, about replacing sheep with cattle. In the Inyos. People should attend. Next Wednesday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Member: There’s a growing problem with homeowners insurance. Will they cover us in the Twin Lakes area? We were canceled and had to scramble to find another policy. It’s particularly difficult for new owners. There’s strength in numbers. Talk about it further at next meeting?

JH: It’s an ongoing problem. Maybe from the Fire Safe Council we can get some info.

JH: Do you want your chimney sweeped? There’s a guy who wants to bundle appointments. See me if you’re interested. 

MEETING ADJOURNED.