REMINDER TO ALL OWNERS:
November 24th , 2008
Dear Fellow Owners:
Winter is upon us. The Board would like to take this opportunity to update you on several topics concerning your community.
At the board meeting held on November 15, 2008, the Board considered a request for an extension of the effective date for the Amended Protective Covenants. The Board voted to extend the cutoff date for the use of homes as short-term rentals within the community until July 1st 2009. This is a six month extension. There are several reasons for this extension. One reason is the impact of current economic conditions. The Board understands that the real-estate market is in a severe slump and those that want to liquidate their investment properties in order to comply with the covenants need time to do so. It is not the goal of the Board to force anyone into financial ruin. It should be noted however, that the Board is very aware that a majority of owners have voted not to allow short term rentals. The decision to extend the deadline was not unanimous. There will be no further extensions. This stipulation was the only reason the extension passed. It is suggested that owners using their homes as short-term rentals do everything they can to bring their properties into compliance with the amended covenants. Additionally, every effort should be made to minimize the impact of these properties to the community during this interim period.
The owner-formed covenant committee is also beginning to take shape. The committee will be responsible for receiving and investigating complaints by other owners. They then will report to the board and letters will be sent to these owners. Some of the issues include over-sized signs, refuse, and new construction. If you have old cars or trailers that are not in useable condition or refuse that is visible from the road, please make arrangements to have it removed. If you need assistance, please contact the board as there are several organizations that will remove these unusable items for you.
(“All garbage and refuse shall be stored on the owner’s lot, in sanitary containers obscured from public view, and shall be regularly hauled by or for the owner to public dump or other suitable dump site not within the area subject hereto.” See Protective Covenants, Section 5)
Additionally, siding is required to be finished within one year after the start of any new construction.
(“Progress of construction shall be steadily progressed and exterior to be completed within twelve (12) months from commencement of construction.” See Protective Covenants, Section 4)
Lastly, the size of signs is limited to 3 foot square (1′ X 3′) or 6 foot square (2′ X 3′) if selling or renting.
(“No sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any lot, tract or subdivision thereof in the plat, except one sign of not more than 3 feet square giving the names of the occupants of the lot, tract, or approved subdivision thereof, and one sign of not more than 6 square feet advertising the property for sale or rent.” See Protective Covenants, Section 6).
The blog page is growing. Please be sure to check it out www.chiwawariverpines.wordpress.com We encourage you to log on and submit comments, ideas, and concerns.
The Chiwawa Well Field project is also coming along nicely. Pipes are in the ground and the building is up and taking shape. A big thank you to Evan Woods, Mike Standley and Jerry Kelly. They have all put in much time and effort to make this project happen.
A reminder as winter approaches that the speed limit in the Association is 25 MPH. This limit applies to all motorized vehicles including snowmobiles. Please remember that the use of the county roads for snowmobiling is a privilege, not a right and it can and will be taken away if we misuse it. Also, parking on the county road is illegal. Please make arrangements to have your rigs off of the road so the plows can do their job.
We are currently looking for owners who would like to run for board positions. If this is you, please contact the Board. We will be voting for three positions in April.
The next two board meetings are scheduled for December 13th 2008 and January 10th 2009. Both meetings will be held at 10:00 am at the water building. If you plan on attending or have items to add to the agenda, please contact the Board.
You will be receiving your 2009 billing during the first part of January 2009.
Have a great winter.
Board of Trustees, Chiwawa Communities Association
