Solterra News■ Fossil Ridge District items have blue titles
■ Solterra HOA items have green titles ■ Patio Homes items have purple titles
|
|
Reminder: FRMD University
October 27, 2021
6:30 PM
Zoom
Board Member Terry Larson and Finance Committee Member Gerry Reese will discuss the Solterra Assets and our strategies to maintain them.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98995896393?pwd=SEk3NS9ZZENQNDJ4NkFqT2l0RVh2UT09
Meeting ID: 989 9589 6393
Passcode: 651234
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,98995896393# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,98995896393# US (Houston)
6:30 PM
Zoom
Board Member Terry Larson and Finance Committee Member Gerry Reese will discuss the Solterra Assets and our strategies to maintain them.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98995896393?pwd=SEk3NS9ZZENQNDJ4NkFqT2l0RVh2UT09
Meeting ID: 989 9589 6393
Passcode: 651234
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,98995896393# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,98995896393# US (Houston)
|
Shred Day EventA free community shred day event will be held at the Retreat on October 30th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Sponsored by resident Dennis Sullivan. Please click here for additional details.
|
We're launching a NEW activity club in our community!
|
Club Solterra All Inclusive |
WHAT IS IT: This activity club is open to all Solterra Residents. Club Solterra has reserved use of the beautiful Solterra Retreat on the last Wednesday of every month from 6pm-9pm. The purpose of this club is to provide opportunities for our community to gather, meet new people, and enjoy the Solterra Retreat. This is an independent, non-funded activity club similar to the Empty Nesters. Club Solterra All Inclusive activities are not funded and not planned by the Solterra Social Committee. Depending on the activity planned, participants may be asked to contribute to the cost.
WHEN IS THE FIRST EVENT: October 27, 2021 from 6pm-9pm
WHAT IS THE FIRST EVENT: Bill Vidal, the former Mayor of Denver and author of the book 'Boxing for Cuba' will join us at the Retreat via Zoom to discuss his book starting at 6:30pm.
WHERE IS THE FIRST EVENT: The Solterra Retreat
COST TO ATTEND: Free
WHAT OTHER EVENTS TAKE PLACE AS A PART OF THIS ACTIVITY CLUB? We're taking suggestions! This club is meant to serve our community, so please send your suggestions for events to clubsolterra@gmail.com. Our November event will be November 24th. Right now we were thinking of having a chili cook off and perhaps a touch football game (1 for adults and one for kids). If you would like to offer a different suggestion for November or going forward, please send your ideas to the email above.
VOLUNTEER: We need volunteers and would love to have you join us in organizing events. Please send an email to the address above if you would like to be involved.
WHEN IS THE FIRST EVENT: October 27, 2021 from 6pm-9pm
WHAT IS THE FIRST EVENT: Bill Vidal, the former Mayor of Denver and author of the book 'Boxing for Cuba' will join us at the Retreat via Zoom to discuss his book starting at 6:30pm.
- If you would like to order the book 'Boxing for Cuba' and have it signed by the author, please email clubsolterra@gmail.com by October 20. The cost of the book will be between $15-$20. If the signed books arrive before the October 27 we will bring them to the Retreat. If they arrive after October 27 we will deliver them to your house.
- This is a pot luck & BYOB event, so feel free to bring a dish to share and your favorite beverages (alcohol is allowed).
WHERE IS THE FIRST EVENT: The Solterra Retreat
COST TO ATTEND: Free
WHAT OTHER EVENTS TAKE PLACE AS A PART OF THIS ACTIVITY CLUB? We're taking suggestions! This club is meant to serve our community, so please send your suggestions for events to clubsolterra@gmail.com. Our November event will be November 24th. Right now we were thinking of having a chili cook off and perhaps a touch football game (1 for adults and one for kids). If you would like to offer a different suggestion for November or going forward, please send your ideas to the email above.
VOLUNTEER: We need volunteers and would love to have you join us in organizing events. Please send an email to the address above if you would like to be involved.
FRMD Updates 10/15/2021
- Online Payments for FRMD should be paid to CRS. Please note Overlook Management only controls the HOA and does not have financial ties to the FRMD districts payments.
- The beautiful autumn weather has provided opportunity for all Solterra residents to join the Rocktoberfest social committee event tomorrow Saturday 10/16 from 4pm-7pm. This is an annual Oktoberfest themed event with a Rock & Roll twist! This year we'll be rocking out to great live music from the "Ice-Jones Duo". You'll be able to flex your muscles and win some prizes in the “stein hoisting” challenge, costume competition and more. So, come dressed in your best lederhosen or German or Halloween outfit (costumes optional, but encouraged!). Giant pretzels, food, beer and wine will be provide as well as non-alcohol beverages for the kiddos while supplies last. See you there!
- The next FRMD district board meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm on 10/18/21. If you would like access to view the meeting packet, please contact Mat Birkeness mbirkeness@crsofcolorado.com with your name, email address and Solterra residence address (this information is required in order to verify that you are a Solterra resident). Mat will provide a reply with your packet attached.
- The Finance Committee of the Fossil Ridge Metropolitan Districts Nos. 1-3 has completed the draft budgets for each of the three districts.
A change this year: We are mindful of comments provided last year regarding the difficulty in obtaining a copy of the draft budget. This year, if you desire a copy, send an email request to mbirkeness@crsofcolorado.com with your name, email address and Solterra residence address (this information is required to verify that you are a Solterra resident). Mat will provide a reply with your copies attached.
Please note: These are in draft form, which means they have not been approved by the FRMD Board of Directors and are subject to change.
A big question for all of us is: With the increase in valuation of our properties, what’s going to happen to our property taxes? The draft budget contains a revenue neutral amount for proceeds from property taxes. This means, based on preliminary property value estimates from the county, and a corresponding decrease in our anticipated mill levy, FRMD will be collecting the same total property taxes for 2022 that we did in 2021. You should pay roughly the same tax for 2022 that you paid for 2021. FRMD can only control the mill levy. Beyond that, differences will depend on your individual property valuation change. This applies only to the FRMD portion of your property tax.
Quarterly fees: The draft budgets keep the quarterly fees the same for the third year.
Again, the drafts are subject to change to include information we are still gathering. Example: the final property valuations from the county.
During the December 6th Board meeting and prior to a formal board vote, residents will have an opportunity to comment on the draft budget. Notice of the meeting will be posted on Solterra Connect and a blast email will be sent to residents.
|
Schedule of Fees |
FRMD and Brookfield Landscaping Responsibilities
Until the build-out of Solterra is completed landscaping responsibilities will continue to be divided between the FRMD and the developer, Brookfield. In that regard it’s important the residents understand who has responsibility for what parts of the community.
In an effort to better clarify these responsibilities, the following information is provided and the attached map (click here) will better identify where each of the referenced filings is located
Filings 1-12 have been accepted by the Fossil Ridge Metro District, while filings 13-16 & 17-21 remain a Brookfield responsibility, within the community.
Filings 1-12 have been accepted by the FRMD are maintained by our contractor Schultz Industries.
The unaccepted filings, (generally west of the tributary) are the responsibility of Brookfield. However, the townhomes built by Cardel in filings 15 and 16 will receive both in-lot and out-of-lot services from the FRMD, although Brookfield will reimburse the FRMD for out-of -lot work.
Plants provided in Filings 15 and 16 remain under warranty with Cardel and FRMD does not have responsibility for the plants condition or upkeep. Brookfield is aware of this issue and is working with Cardel to get them to comply with the warranties.
Issues arising in filings 1-12 should be addressed to communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com and those pertaining to the unaccepted filings 13-16 (with the exception of the Cardel townhomes) should be addressed to the current Brookfield field manager - Matt Haley at
matt.haley@brookfieldrp.com
In an effort to better clarify these responsibilities, the following information is provided and the attached map (click here) will better identify where each of the referenced filings is located
Filings 1-12 have been accepted by the Fossil Ridge Metro District, while filings 13-16 & 17-21 remain a Brookfield responsibility, within the community.
Filings 1-12 have been accepted by the FRMD are maintained by our contractor Schultz Industries.
The unaccepted filings, (generally west of the tributary) are the responsibility of Brookfield. However, the townhomes built by Cardel in filings 15 and 16 will receive both in-lot and out-of-lot services from the FRMD, although Brookfield will reimburse the FRMD for out-of -lot work.
Plants provided in Filings 15 and 16 remain under warranty with Cardel and FRMD does not have responsibility for the plants condition or upkeep. Brookfield is aware of this issue and is working with Cardel to get them to comply with the warranties.
Issues arising in filings 1-12 should be addressed to communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com and those pertaining to the unaccepted filings 13-16 (with the exception of the Cardel townhomes) should be addressed to the current Brookfield field manager - Matt Haley at
matt.haley@brookfieldrp.com
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
Fossil Ridge Metro District Billing Update
The Quarter 1 Sewage and Sanitation bill along with the Quarter 2 District Metro Fees will be on the same bill. This bill was sent as early as 4/2/2021. This is a billing change from in the past. No longer will there be two bills going forward. The bills are combined to save fees for the community. If there are any questions regarding district or sewage bills, please call CRS at 303-381-4960.
As a reminder HOA bills are different and are still to be sent to Overlook.
As a reminder HOA bills are different and are still to be sent to Overlook.
FRMD District Billing Update Changes
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.
Orchard Park Dog Waste
There have been complaints about inappropriate disposal of dog waste at one of the receptacles in Orchard Park. As shown on the map below, there are four waste containers in close proximity in the park, and the one shown is the only one that is frequently overfilled. Replacement of this container with a larger one like those at the picnic pavilion and tennis court could potentially cost the community $1500 and would detract from the park’s appearance. If one of the containers is full, request you walk the short distance to another waste receptacle or take it home to dispose of there. Depositing pet waste bags on the ground is not necessary with the other options available.
Request you do this out of consideration and respect for your fellow residents.
Request you do this out of consideration and respect for your fellow residents.
Yellow Star = Large waste receptacles
Green Star = Dog waste station that is used correctly
Red Logo = Problem dog waste area
Green Star = Dog waste station that is used correctly
Red Logo = Problem dog waste area
EVENTS CALENDAR
10/27 - Club Solterra All Inclusive - First event
6:00-9:00 pm at the Retreat
10/27 - FRMD University
6:30 pm via Zoom
10/30 - Shred Day Event
10:00 am-1:00 pm at the Retreat
11/24 - Club Solterra All Inclusive - Event
The Retreat
6:00-9:00 pm at the Retreat
10/27 - FRMD University
6:30 pm via Zoom
10/30 - Shred Day Event
10:00 am-1:00 pm at the Retreat
11/24 - Club Solterra All Inclusive - Event
The Retreat
Visit the website calendar for more Solterra events and details.
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