ANNUAL MEETING & VOTE ON REVISED DOCUMENTS   MONDAY, FEB. 11TH AT 7:00 PM

January 14th Meeting -  RESIDENTS WELCOME!!  Monthly Board Meetings are at Homestead Elementary beginning at 7pm.

Future meetings: February 11th, March 18th, April 15th

ANNUAL MEETING is Monday, February 11th.  This is a VERY IMPORTANT meeting with voting on several key issues, dues and documents.  PLEASE PLAN TO BE HERE.  Remember: Only Dues-Paying members are eligible to vote.

CEN-CON UPDATE

By Mike Sutherland, FIA Board - Cen-Con

VEHICLE ORDINANCES:   The Centennial City Council and Mayor Pye have asked Cen-Con to review and comment on two proposed city ordinances dealing with the parking of over-sized vehicles and the control of nuisances within the city.  Cen-Con  will take up discussion of these ordinances at the January 7th meeting, and more on these will follow in the next Foxtales. 

HOME BURGLARIES:  At the December 3rd Cen-Con meeting, Captain Mark Campbell of the Arapahoe County Sheriff_s Department reported that home burglaries have increased recently in the city of Centennial.  Most occur when no one is home, there are no lights left on, and there are newspapers piled up in the driveway. The thief typically goes directly to the master bedroom and only looks for expensive jewelry and other valuable items that are easy to remove from the home.  People who are out-of-town are urged to ask neighbors to pick up papers, as well as to leave lights on timers while away.  These easy, common sense precautions may prevent a burglary in you home.

WELCOME TO 2002

by Paul Conkling, FIA President

First, I want to wish you and your family the best and safest of New Year�s! It�s great to have you as a neighbor. Some important changes are in the works!

Budget:  Dues:   Our budget committee met on January the 4^th and put together as concise a budget as can be accomplished when operating on �voluntary� income. Please note that 30% of our association income does not come from dues, but from hard working volunteer efforts to solicit sponsors for community events and advertisers for your Foxtales. (Foxtales is entirely a voluntary effort as well, and we have been told on numerous occasions by vendors that our newsletter is one of the most organized and highest quality community publications they have seen.)

A copy of the Proposed 2002 Budget will be mailed to all home-owners.  In order to meet this proposed budget, we will need to raise dues to $38 per year. Although this may seem like a proportionally large jump from $25, please consider these thoughts:

�          Dues have not been raised in over 10 years, so this represents a less than 5% per year increase.

�          We are hoping to increase community activities, and to step up covenant awareness and enforcement in a neighborhood - friendly way through communications and improved governing documents.

�          Dues are still voluntary, but if you choose not to pay, ask yourself how you think that a covenant-protected community can remain covenant-protected without a viable homeowner�s AAssociation. If nothing else, $38 is a really cheap insurance policy  to protect your valuable property investment.                          

Improvements:   New perimeter signage is getting underway.  Several old signs were in disrepair and new ones will give the neighborhood a greater sense of cohesion.  Improved landscaping in the spring will be one of the most evident improvements in the area.

Amended Documents:    We are unable to revise original Covenants, but we are able to better define critical procedures and issues through amendments and updates to our By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and Rules & Regulations.  We believe the community will be much better served in the immediate and long-term future with concise and clearly stated documents.  We greatly appreciate your support on getting these documents voted on and properly filed with the County and City.

Community Manager:   Our search for a Community Manager continues with several good candidates ready for interview. This manager will be our community�s cornerstone for identifying Covenant Enforcement issues and for working with neighbors on other issues that may affect property values or maintaining a consistent neighborhood appearance. 

These improvements, with your support and dues, will make 2002 a great year for all of FoxRidge.

ROOFING PRODUCT DELETION

The ACC has eliminated one of the asphalt shingle options: CELOTEX Ambassador Shake.  This shingle is being eliminated because Celotex is modifying the product for 2002 and making the shingle thinner, which will give it less of the profile of the cedar shake and less of a quality look.  Also, in the last eight months, almost nobody has expressed a desire to install this product.

(continued on page 7)

 

Whom to Contact:

For ANY EXTERIOR CHANGE:  requests should be In writing to: ACC Approvals, P.O. Box 4985, Englewood, 80155

Discuss your ACC request:  Call Ken Kwiecien  303 804 0192; Kim Williams 303 734 1157; or Tom Tamshen 303 589 4168

For FOXRIDGE QUESTIONS:

Call one of these volunteers or email:  [email protected]

F.I.A. President:  Paul Conkling  303 694 1057

F.I.A. Secretary:  Katie Barrett  303 721 9280

F.I.A. Treasurer:  Burt Elliott  303 694 2528

F.I.A. - South Suburban:  Jamie Debartolomies  303 779 4933

F.I.A. - Cen-Con:  Mike Sutherland  303 741 5783

F.I.A. - Covenants: Anita Joseph-Conkling  303 507 6740

F.I.A. - Trees Advisor:  John Riggs, 720 528 8602

G.I.D. Funding:  Bob Bardwell  303 771 9402

Report Covenant Violations or other Neighborhood Problems:  contact Anita Joseph-Conkling 303 694 1057

ACC Appeals: If you want to protest a Notice of Covenant Violation, contact  Bob Datson, Chairman  303 220 1779 or Bob Bardwell  303 771 9402  or Barbara Fischer 303 694 7385

FOXTALES Editor & Ad Sales - Anita Joseph-Conkling  303 507 6740

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS:

Centennial City Council Updates:  www.C-Watch-News.com

City of Centennial Citizens Service Center:  303 734 4567

Centennial Ward III Reps:  Jack Forhan & Andrea Suhaka

Arapahoe County Commissioner - John Brackney: 303 795 4630

Street Lights Out:  800 895 4999 Have Pole #; best time is early a.m.

Parks and Greenbelts:  Scott Grimes - S. Suburban 303 721 8478

Advice - Trees & Shrubs: Arapahoe County Extension 303 730 1920

Roads & Sidewalks:  County Highway & Engineering 303 792 5016

BOOK CLUB - will meet on Wednesday, January 16th at 7:00pm at  - 7723 S. Poplar St..  We�re reading �Life is not a Stress Rehearsal� by Loretta LaRoche.  February selection is �The Shipping News� by Ann Proulloux.  Newcomers Welcome!  Call Bev Gay at  303 220-0883 for more info.

BRIDGE CLUB - for more info, please call Dee Barcus on 303 773 2633

SOCIAL EVENTS - looking to get involved?  We need volunteers to help with organization and publicity.  Its fun and very rewarding!  Please call Anita 303 694 1057, Katie 303 721 9280, or Kim 303 734 1157 to join.

�       FoxRidge Home Show (March)

�       Spring Clean-up (May)

�       Annual Picnic (August)

WHO RUNS YOUR H.O.A.?

By Anita Joseph-Conkling, FIA Board member

YOU DO!  The FoxRidge Improvement Association, otherwise known as the homeowner�s association (HOA), is for and by FoxRidge homeowners.  YOU have the primary say in how actions are performed and how issues addressed.

One of the most important thing you can do as a homeowner is to support the growth and progress of our community by CHOOSING those Board members who will represent your perspective.  Your vote at the February 11th meeting is critical.  Remember, the F.I.A. is a corporation and we need a minimum number of votes for an election to be official. 

Your current Board is working many thankless hours to get organized and to maintain a level of professionalism that is befitting a great neighborhood of this size.  Please VOTE!!!

Ballots are enclosed for approval of two amended documents and there are 3 Board members up for Second Term Re-elections:

�  Katie Barrett - FIA Secretary  �I organize and take copious notes at all meetings and am a contact to the community to answer questions and gather information.  I am also responsible for maintaining official records with County and City authorities.  John Riggs and I have taken over landscaping and maintenance concerns for the neighborhood. Our goal is to update  the "face" of FoxRidge�.

�  Jamie Debartolomies -  At-Large (So. Suburban & County Line) � I am the liaison with C-Dot for issues regarding County Line Rd. and with South Suburban on improvements of their properties that surround FoxRidge.  We have many exciting changes planned for 2002 that will surely increase property values throughout.�

�  Anita Joseph-Conkling - At-Large (Covenants Consolidation)   �I am responsible for updating our governing documents, for getting legal interpretations when required, and budget committee.  One of our goals is to clarify Covenant issues and procedures through amended Rules & Regulations.  We depend on YOUR support!�

FOXTALES ADVERTISING & ARTICLES

Anita Joseph-Conkling (303) 507 6740

Classifieds - ONLY $10 for up to 250 characters/spaces.  Display Ads - Prices vary

Deadline 4th Tuesday of each month.

 

Residents Speak Out!

From Bryan Kramer, Foxridge West.:    During these cold Winter months - my wife and I suffer from our home being rather nippy.  She and I are frugal enough not to allow ourselves the luxury of turning up the heat in response - so this season I decided to look into a more efficient heating solution in the form of a Pellet-Stove.

These are fascinating and efficient little appliances that come in either a free-standing style or a fireplace insert.  We opted for the fireplace insert - fitting into the old masonry hearth in our living room we never use. My adventures learning about pellet stoves took me all over the Web as well as to the EPA, the Colorado Health Dept and the Building department.  We finally found a wealth of information at www.pelletheat.org.  We even found that pellet stoves are listed on the EPA's and Health Department's 'Exempt' list so they can be used even on Red-Advisory pollution days. 

Pellet stoves emit 1/10th the particles that an ordinary fire does - and burn very clean - leaving virtually no ash residue.  The fuel is inexpensive ($3.50 for a 40lb bag of pellets) and simple to store.  After working closely with the Building department, we opted for a Breckwell model that was on the EPA's list.  We bought it from a shop just South of Denver called 'Stone Image' and had a Denver firm called 'Chimney's West' install it for us. The Breckwell line is viewable at www.breckwell.com.

Now, we have an 85% efficient heat appliance that we can burn the whole Winter, and that produces heat at about 55% - 60% the cost of natural gas for the same level of BTUs.  When selecting, be sure the model you want is on the Colorado Health Department's list of Exempt Appliances before you buy!

 

 

What do you get from the F.I.A.?

Dues are being increased for the first time in 10+ years, and it�s a good time to recall what dues are doing for you.

�     Maintain a consistent look throughout the neighborhood -which maintains and increases property values.

�     Enforce Covenants and mediate between neighbors when an issue cannot be resolved face-to-face.

�     Coordinate improvements in common areas, such as new landscaping, utilities maintenance and clean-up.

�     Work with County, City, and other Agencies to improve perimeter areas and to resolve safety and traffic issues.

�     Facilitate use of G.I.D. funds for the overall benefit of the neighborhood, such as signage, trash cans, fencing, etc.

�     Help integrate neighbors through social activities, such as the Home Show, Spring Clean-up, Book Club, Bridge Club, Garage Sale, and Annual Picnic.

�     Communicate concerns and changing issues through the Foxtales newsletter and off-set costs through ad sales.

�     Having someone to call and complain to ... priceless!

   CLASSIFIEDS     To place a Classified or Display Ad - call Anita 303 507 6740

WANTED:  FoxRidge Resident Manager.  Must be very good with people & committed.  Works with Board on Covenant enforcement and resolving neighborhood Issues.  About 8 - 10 hrs/wk on average.  Very rewarding and good pay.  Call Paul Conkling 303 694 1057.

CLASSIC CAR FOR SALE - 1973 Mercedes 450SL. Convertible and Hard top.  Gun-metal Grey with black leather.  79,000 mi.  Gorgeous.  Runs well.  Needs minor A/C repair.  $12,500.  303 694 1057 eves & wkends.

 

RATS!!!

Mice and rats are a nuisance and can spread diseases to pets and humans.

Signs: shiny, dark-colored droppings, chew marks on food containers, nests, tracks and trails.  Also look for holes where rats have chewed their way into your home.

Tips to keep rodents away:

�     Keep trash in metal or heavy plastic cans with tight fitting lids.

�     Keep your yard picked up.  Keep wood piles at least 18� off the ground.

�     Pick up after your pets regularly.  Don�t leave spilled food out overnight.

�     Be sure to clean spilled food from remote corners in your home and around furniture.

�     Check cupboards for spilled food and dropping regularly.  You may want to store grains & cereal in sealed containers.

�     Seal up any cracks or holes in outer walls.

If you have a problem, call TRI-COUNTY HEALTH at 303 761 1340 for instructions.

WANTED:  FoxRidge Resident Manager.  Must be very good with people & committed.  About 8 -10 hrs/wk Very rewarding.  Call Paul Conkling 303 694 1057

GET IT IN WRITING!  

ACC WRITTEN APPROVAL for ANY  exterior changes will prevent future FIA enforcement efforts from MISTAKENLY coming after you.  The process is quick and painless. Simply mail your Name, Address, Phone, Contractor�s Name, and a detailed description of the changes you plan to make � include drawings, samples, and color chips to: ACC APPROVALS., P.O. BOX 4985, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80155-4985  or you can hand-deliver it to Ken Kwiecien 303 804 0192,  Kim Williams 303 734-1157, or Tom Tamshen 303-589-4168

You will receive an expedient written proof of approval.  KEEP IT WITH YOUR COPY OF THE COVENANTS.

            MEMBERSHIP IS MANDATORY

If you own a home in FoxRidge, you are a MEMBER of the Foxridge Improvement Association. Your membership is MANDATORY, with or without mandatory dues.

The original Covenants included a voluntary annual dues structure that causes your rights as an �active� member to be dependant on paying dues.  In short, if you do not pay dues, you can�t vote.

Voting Rights are important because it allows you to elect officers that will reflect your viewpoint.  This year, voting rights are particularly important because we are amending several documents that you will want to approve/disapprove.  The first set will be the Articles of Incorporation - with changes to bring current with non-profit corporation status - and the By-Laws - which help to better define the role, responsibilities, and procedures for conducting HOA activities.

All residents who paid 2001 dues by the end of December 2001 are eligible to vote (although all members will receive the documents for reference).  2002 dues should be paid at the Annual Meeting on Monday, February 11th (7pm at Homestead Elementary), and no later than April 1st to qualify for future voting.

More Options in Roofing Materials

By Ken Kwiecien, A.C.C. Chairman    

Many of you have been inquiring about lightweight concrete roofing options, and we have 3 manufacturers (6 colors)  to choose from.

Please note:  The A.C.C. approval process has not changed.  Homeowners can begin a roof replacement with an approved product and a verbal approval prior to receiving formal written approval from the ACC.  However, homeowners still need to notify the ACC - in writing - if a roof is being replaced � product and color. 

Also, there are a few limitations placed on contractors replacing roofs (or conducting any home improvement project).

1    Debris must be collected daily

2    If a dumpster is used by the contractor, it must be removed immediately upon the projects completion

3    No contractor advertising (e.g. signs or banners) are allowed to be displayed per our Covenants.

 

 

Approved Roofing Materials:

Lightweight Concrete

Westile Featherstone - Weathered Grey or Burnished Oak colors

Monier/Lifetile Duralite Shake - Charcoal or Walnut colors

Monier/Lifetile Duralite Split Shake - Smokey or Camouflage colors

Asphalt

Celotex Presidential Shake � Autumn, Bark Brown, Shadow Grey and Weather Wood colors.

Celotex Presidential TL � Autumn, Bark Brown, Shadow Gray and Weather Wood colors.

GAF Grand Sequoia Shake � Weathered Wood or Cedar Blend colors

GAF Grand Canyon Shake � Mission Brown and Stone Wood colors

 

ANNUAL MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

7:00PM - 9:00 PM

HOMESTEAD ELEMENTARY

 

�  VOTING ON TWO IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND OFFICERS.

�  HAND-OUT OF REVISED RULES & REGS FOR RESIDENT REVIEW.

�  2002 ANNUAL DUES SHOULD BE PAID BY APRIL 1ST. 

�   

VINYL SIDING

There are only two types of Vinyl Siding approved for use in FoxRidge.  The primary criteria are width and a solid backing structure. (Refer to December Foxtales for more detail). Amazing Siding & Crane brands offer a solid-backed product with a width of 61/2�. 

Also approved is Hardie Siding - a non-wood (not vinyl) product with 7� & 8� width, that can be painted.

NEIGHBORHOOD VOICES

Several residents have volunteered to help a few hours per month with homeowner association duties.  We believe the most important job of the association is to facilitate communications between neighbors.  Sometimes it is easier to bring up a concern with someone who lives on your street than to a Board member that you�ve never met.  And that�s just what we hope to achieve.

If you�re interested in working with the HOA, please call Anita Joseph-Conkling 303 694 1057 or Katie Barrett 303 721 9280.

HIGHLIGHTS - BOARD MEETING - DEC. 17, 2001

COMMUNITY VISITORS:  Eric Sorrin asked: 1) Rules and Regulation need HO vote? Response - Anita: no 2) What is the basis/authority for imposition of fines? Response: from Bylaws and elaborated in Rules and Regulations 3) Will all documents go out to HO, Response: yes, in January & February. 4) How can a voluntary organization impose fines on non-paying members? Response: Assn. Membership is NOT voluntary.  Legal precedent comes from covenants; membership in association is automatic by virtue of home ownership.  Paying dues is optional to become an �active member of association.� 5)  Will we replace Terry Riester with another paid person? Response: yes.  This is an enormous, time consuming position with many phone calls, and obligations.  Ad in �Foxtales� seeking a replacement.

TREASURER�S REPORT:  Checking  $1,443.27  Savings $9,146.35.    Budget committee meeting � Jan. 4, 2002.

SECRETARY:  FIA Board held committee meeting on 12/16 to continue work on documents.

COVENANTS:  Tom Tamshen has joined ACC.   ACC:  25 approvals, 70% roofing requests.  Approved variance for concrete tiles. Ken will research current manufactures, styles and colors.  Vinyl siding was never approved by Board.  Two vinyl sidings are acceptable: Amazing Siding and Crane with minimum 61/2� widths.  Hardie Board is also approved for siding.  Board agreed that houses approaching $300K value are not candidates for vinyl. ACC working on tightening the number of acceptable house and roof colors.

VIOLATIONS: Anita did not receive any prior records from Terry for violations.  Had 3 complaints from neighbors regarding trashcans, drainage and shrubbery.  Questions raised about a �fountain� in the front yard of house on Krameria Way.  We need to use care about asking neighbors to address violation issues with neighbors. The bond between neighbors is more important than violations.

CONSOLIDATION: Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are at the lawyers for review.  We are hopeful to have paperwork to HO by January for review and comment, and vote in February.

MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPING:  Katie will contact Tri-County Health to ask the best way to handle our rat problem.  Motion made and 2nd to research landscaping options at the Locust Way and Olive Court locations, and split rail fence on north side of Otero by Hillside.  Verify ownership w/ So. Suburban / Urban Drainage and acquire permission to install fence.

GID: Checks rec�d for Baldwin Landscaping and to begin sign project w/ Precision Sign Company.  Hillside sign will be first as it has a rat infestation.

COUNTY LINE ROAD:  Working with CDOT/Arap. Cty. and Centennial to find a solution to the huge walls and sight problems at the Niagara Way entrance to community.  Paul to write letter asking for speedy solution.

OLD BUSINESS:  How much should voluntary dues be in 2002? Discussed a range from $35-$75.  Motion made and seconded to vote on budget and dues amount by email proxy. 

NEXT FIA MEETINGS:  Jan 14th;  Feb 11th (Annual Meeting); March 18th

 

New Residents ONLY:  If you have moved into FoxRidge since August 2001, and not yet paid 2001 dues ... you may pay your 2002 dues prior to or at the Annual Meeting on February 11th and still vote.