Solterra News■ Fossil Ridge District items have blue titles
■ Solterra HOA items have green titles ■ Patio Homes items have purple titles
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Solterra RocktoberfestSaturday, October 7, 2023
3:00-7:00 pm Retreat at Solterra 15250 W Evans Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228 |
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Please join the Solterra Social Committee and fellow residents for the Annual "Rocktoberfest!" Not to be missed, family fun event of the year!
This is an annual Oktoberfest themed event with a Rock & Roll Twist! This year we will be rocking out to great live music from the "Ice-Jones Duo."
You'll flex your muscles and win some prizes in the "stein hoisting" challenge and more! Come dressed in your best lederhosen or German themed outfit (costumes optional).
This year food will be provided by food trucks: Devil Dog Grille and Kickin’ Chicken! Social Committee is providing cinnamon pretzels, beer, wine, non-alcohol drinks, and fun!
Please RSVP so we have an idea on how many to plan for!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8A829A6F4CE9-44533731-solterra
This is an annual Oktoberfest themed event with a Rock & Roll Twist! This year we will be rocking out to great live music from the "Ice-Jones Duo."
You'll flex your muscles and win some prizes in the "stein hoisting" challenge and more! Come dressed in your best lederhosen or German themed outfit (costumes optional).
This year food will be provided by food trucks: Devil Dog Grille and Kickin’ Chicken! Social Committee is providing cinnamon pretzels, beer, wine, non-alcohol drinks, and fun!
Please RSVP so we have an idea on how many to plan for!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8A829A6F4CE9-44533731-solterra
Mailbox Thefts
In response to recent reports of mail disappearing from the community mailboxes, FRMD has reached out to the Post Office. They informed us that a single pass key is used to access the community mailboxes in the 802xx zip code (which includes, among others, significant portions of Denver, Lakewood, and Morrison). The Post Office has identified resolution of this pass key compromise as a priority but advises that rekeying the affected mailboxes would cost in excess of five million dollars and require significant effort.
This theft problem is not unique to Lakewood, but rather is occurring across the county. While preventative actions are being taken, the Postal Service has provided the following tips to address mail theft:
This theft problem is not unique to Lakewood, but rather is occurring across the county. While preventative actions are being taken, the Postal Service has provided the following tips to address mail theft:
- Don't let mail sit in your mailbox. Retrieve it daily.
- Don't drop mail into a collection box at night. Take it into a post office.
- Sign up for Informed Delivery and the Postal Service will send you a preview of what mail and packages are coming.
- When you go out of town, sign up to have your mail held at the post office.
- Be involved in your neighborhood and tell others about mail theft and potential threats to mail carriers.
- Watch for your mail carrier, and if you see something that looks suspicious or someone following your carrier, call 911.
Task Forces to be appointed
Be Aware - Pond Flooding
Recent rainfall and the ground that has reached its saturation point have caused a flooding problem in our community. The rain eventually finds its way into the storm drains which follows a path to the various ponds in the community. All our ponds are at maximum capacity. By design the ponds should return to normal levels within 72 hours after the rain has stopped.
Please be aware that currently these ponds represent a safety challenge. Please avoid paths that adjoin ponds. These paths are either covered with water or present a mud hazard.
We appreciate your cooperation until we return to conditions that are safe for the community.
Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District Boards 1-3
Please be aware that currently these ponds represent a safety challenge. Please avoid paths that adjoin ponds. These paths are either covered with water or present a mud hazard.
We appreciate your cooperation until we return to conditions that are safe for the community.
Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District Boards 1-3
FRMD Sidewalk Update
June 20, 2023
Residents,
We have had an exceptional wet spring that has spilled over to the summer. With lower-than-average temperatures and daily rains, all the water is not being absorbed by the ground like in years past and causing areas of concern through our neighborhood. As we are working with the City of Lakewood on addressing the consistent wet sidewalk areas, the city has asked us to see how we can do our part.
The landscaping crews are checking all areas to address any leaks and we ask residents to do that same for your sprinkler system. Water will always flow downhill so we need to make sure the heads are not leaking after the zone is complete. We ask everyone to look at their sprinkler control panel to make sure each zone is set based on the city watering recommendations. Please see below as it lays out the amount of time recommended based on your sprinkler head type.
Residents,
We have had an exceptional wet spring that has spilled over to the summer. With lower-than-average temperatures and daily rains, all the water is not being absorbed by the ground like in years past and causing areas of concern through our neighborhood. As we are working with the City of Lakewood on addressing the consistent wet sidewalk areas, the city has asked us to see how we can do our part.
The landscaping crews are checking all areas to address any leaks and we ask residents to do that same for your sprinkler system. Water will always flow downhill so we need to make sure the heads are not leaking after the zone is complete. We ask everyone to look at their sprinkler control panel to make sure each zone is set based on the city watering recommendations. Please see below as it lays out the amount of time recommended based on your sprinkler head type.
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If your control box is broken or you want to upgrade your system, the following recommendation is provided by the EPA for new controllers. The newer control boxes have water sensors or connect to your WiFi to monitor the weather. If rain is detected in the area, it will either run a shorter cycle or skip the day to save on water consumption.
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-controllers
BEWARE OF SLIP HAZARDS ON SIDEWALKS
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Algae has developed on the sidewalks along sections of Iliff, Wesley, and Indiana, which has resulted in slip hazards for pedestrians. This is potentially attributable to runoff from sump pumps and irrigation systems compounded by the rainy weather. Caution is recommended when crossing these slippery areas. The FRMD Board is working with the City of Lakewood to resolve this problem.
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The areas identified in green are repeat areas of concern for the slippery concrete on the sidewalk areas. This does not include all areas that might be affected, so please use caution when traveling in the neighborhood. |
Click to view
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COMMUNITY UPDATE
April 20, 2023
As the Board previously updated, the Districts filed Motions to Dismiss Brookfield’s First Amended Complaint. On April 17, 2023, Brookfield filed its Responses to the Motions to Dismiss, links to which can be found below. Generally, Brookfield asks the Court to read the governing documents in a way that would allow Brookfield to dictate that the Districts bond to their maximum debt limit several years ahead of schedule and at a debt ratio that far exceeds what was ever contemplated in the Districts’ Financing Plan. The deadline for the Districts to file Replies to the Responses is April 24 (unless an extension for time is granted). Once the Replies are filed, the Motions to Dismiss will be fully briefed and ready for the Court to decide.
With respect to the separate litigation in which Brookfield moved to enforce the Districts’ Service Plan, the Districts responded on March 21, 2023 as described in the March 24 update below. Brookfield filed its Reply on April 7, 2023, which included new exhibits and arguments that the Districts should be required to provide sanitary sewer service to Brookfield’s unfinished development even though Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District is responsible for that service. Under the applicable rules, the Districts moved to file a Sur-Reply brief, which is an additional reply to a motion filed after the motion has already been fully briefed.
Brookfield’s Reply and the Districts’ Sur-Reply Motion and proposed Sur-Reply are linked below. Exhibits available upon request. Brookfield may oppose the Districts’ request to file a Sur-Reply, but once that issue is resolved, the Motion to Enforce the Service Plan will be fully briefed and ready for the Court to rule or to potentially hold a hearing.
As the Board previously updated, the Districts filed Motions to Dismiss Brookfield’s First Amended Complaint. On April 17, 2023, Brookfield filed its Responses to the Motions to Dismiss, links to which can be found below. Generally, Brookfield asks the Court to read the governing documents in a way that would allow Brookfield to dictate that the Districts bond to their maximum debt limit several years ahead of schedule and at a debt ratio that far exceeds what was ever contemplated in the Districts’ Financing Plan. The deadline for the Districts to file Replies to the Responses is April 24 (unless an extension for time is granted). Once the Replies are filed, the Motions to Dismiss will be fully briefed and ready for the Court to decide.
With respect to the separate litigation in which Brookfield moved to enforce the Districts’ Service Plan, the Districts responded on March 21, 2023 as described in the March 24 update below. Brookfield filed its Reply on April 7, 2023, which included new exhibits and arguments that the Districts should be required to provide sanitary sewer service to Brookfield’s unfinished development even though Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District is responsible for that service. Under the applicable rules, the Districts moved to file a Sur-Reply brief, which is an additional reply to a motion filed after the motion has already been fully briefed.
Brookfield’s Reply and the Districts’ Sur-Reply Motion and proposed Sur-Reply are linked below. Exhibits available upon request. Brookfield may oppose the Districts’ request to file a Sur-Reply, but once that issue is resolved, the Motion to Enforce the Service Plan will be fully briefed and ready for the Court to rule or to potentially hold a hearing.
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Solterra Friday Morning Book Club 2023Normally first Friday of every month
11 am-12 pm at the Retreat Please contact Cindy Licht at cjlicht721@gmail.com or Carol Kearney at ckearney53@gmail.com for more information. Posted December 28, 2022 |
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Current Status of the Yale Pond and Water Feature
The Consolidated Mutual Water Company (CMWC) has determined that the pond at the water feature (referred to as the Yale Pond) is not in compliance with CMWC’s Operating Rule 10.05 entitled “Lakes and Ponds” which prohibits the use of potable water to maintain (augment) the water level in the pond that feeds the water feature. It appears that CMWC may not have been made aware that potable water was planned for such use when the developer’s application was submitted. As a consequence, CMWC has directed that the line providing water augmentation be cut before irrigation season commences. At this time, the supply valve is closed and the water feature may not be operated unless an alternative is found and approved.
Brookfield is developing alternatives which include significantly reducing the size of the pond and reconfiguring the water feature. However, there is no assurance that a timely resolution will occur or how long the feature will have to remain closed. Additionally, the Colorado Water Commission has requested that Brookfield establish an augmentation plan for the water in the Yale Pond. It is FRMD’s understanding that the Water Commission requires that the storm runoff and lawn over-watering be released within a 72-hour period. Since the water currently in the pond is from these sources and if there is no other source to replenish the pond, it is possible that the pond will need to be drained and continue to remain virtually dry. It should be noted that the City has put the lower tributary from Wesley to Yale into Filing 16 and it is yet to be accepted by either the City or the Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District. The only City requirement is that the pond be retained to provide surge capacity in the event of a high precipitation event.
The District has requested that Brookfield keep the community informed of and work with the District to find solutions that are sustainable, steward potable water resources and are compliant with legal requirements.
The Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District Board
Brookfield is developing alternatives which include significantly reducing the size of the pond and reconfiguring the water feature. However, there is no assurance that a timely resolution will occur or how long the feature will have to remain closed. Additionally, the Colorado Water Commission has requested that Brookfield establish an augmentation plan for the water in the Yale Pond. It is FRMD’s understanding that the Water Commission requires that the storm runoff and lawn over-watering be released within a 72-hour period. Since the water currently in the pond is from these sources and if there is no other source to replenish the pond, it is possible that the pond will need to be drained and continue to remain virtually dry. It should be noted that the City has put the lower tributary from Wesley to Yale into Filing 16 and it is yet to be accepted by either the City or the Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District. The only City requirement is that the pond be retained to provide surge capacity in the event of a high precipitation event.
The District has requested that Brookfield keep the community informed of and work with the District to find solutions that are sustainable, steward potable water resources and are compliant with legal requirements.
The Fossil Ridge Metropolitan District Board
FRMD District Billing Update Changes
Photo by rupixen.com on Unsplash.com
Please visit the Pay Online tab to view how to make Solterra HOA payments, and below to see how to pay FRMD and Sewage Billing.
In the past, two bills were sent from the Metro District to its residents: (1) operation and maintenance fees and (2) sewer bill. The operation and maintenance fees were billed quarterly in advance, typically sent the week prior to the beginning of the new quarter. Sewer fees were billed in arrears for the past quarter, typically sent the first week of the new quarter.
CRS has been working with Green Mountain W&S to create a file that can be easily uploaded into the billing system, thus eliminating the necessity for manual entry of sewer charges into each account. With this automation, CRS can now send one bill during the first week of the quarter that includes all the fees – operation, maintenance, and sewer fees. This option is more cost-effective to the District and its residents by decreasing postage, printing, and bill preparation costs in half. In addition, it is a benefit to the residents to just process one payment.
In the past, two bills were sent from the Metro District to its residents: (1) operation and maintenance fees and (2) sewer bill. The operation and maintenance fees were billed quarterly in advance, typically sent the week prior to the beginning of the new quarter. Sewer fees were billed in arrears for the past quarter, typically sent the first week of the new quarter.
CRS has been working with Green Mountain W&S to create a file that can be easily uploaded into the billing system, thus eliminating the necessity for manual entry of sewer charges into each account. With this automation, CRS can now send one bill during the first week of the quarter that includes all the fees – operation, maintenance, and sewer fees. This option is more cost-effective to the District and its residents by decreasing postage, printing, and bill preparation costs in half. In addition, it is a benefit to the residents to just process one payment.
EVENTS CALENDAR
10/5 - Empty Nesters Mahjong
1:30 pm; Contact Marlene Walker
1:30 pm; Contact Marlene Walker
10/6 - Friday Morning Book Club
11:00 am-12:00 pm at the Retreat
11:00 am-12:00 pm at the Retreat
10/7 - Rocktoberfest
3:00-7:00 pm at the Retreat
3:00-7:00 pm at the Retreat
10/12 - Empty Nesters Bunco
1:00 at the Retreat
1:00 at the Retreat
10/18 - Empty Nesters Wine Down
6:00-8:45 pm at the Retreat
6:00-8:45 pm at the Retreat
11/14 - HOA Annual Meeting
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
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Visit the website calendar for more Solterra events and details.
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Fossil Ridge Metro District EMERGENCY GUIDE |
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SolterraNEWSLETTER |
SOLTERRA WILDFIRE RISK
A Wildfire Risk Map created by Colorado State Forest Service, a service and outreach agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, provides the natural fire dangers for the community.
https://coloradoforestatlas.org
https://coloradoforestatlas.org
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCY
Police / Fire / Medical
Call 911
Animal Control
Jeffco Animal Control
303-271-5070
Jefferson County
Jeffco.us
303-279-6511
Electricity/Gas
Excel Energy
1-800-895-1999
Fire Rescue
West Metro Fire Rescue
(Non-emergency)
303-980-7300
Management Company
CRS
303-381-4960
Police
Lakewood Police
(Non-emergency)
303-987-7111
Post Office
Lakewood Post Office
800-275-8777
Retreat
Community Clubhouse
303-980-5450
School District
Jeffco Public Schools
303-982-6500
Police / Fire / Medical
Call 911
Animal Control
Jeffco Animal Control
303-271-5070
Jefferson County
Jeffco.us
303-279-6511
Electricity/Gas
Excel Energy
1-800-895-1999
Fire Rescue
West Metro Fire Rescue
(Non-emergency)
303-980-7300
Management Company
CRS
303-381-4960
Police
Lakewood Police
(Non-emergency)
303-987-7111
Post Office
Lakewood Post Office
800-275-8777
Retreat
Community Clubhouse
303-980-5450
School District
Jeffco Public Schools
303-982-6500