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 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 |
Fossil Ridge Metro District Business Plan |
Results of the Town Hall meeting focused on Graffiti October 26th
A Town Hall Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 26th to update the community on actions being taken to counter the recent acts of graffiti vandalism within Solterra and to seek community input on further actions that should be considered. Below is a recap of on the information provided at the event:
Graffiti is a growing problem in Lakewood and should be immediately reported to the Lakewood Police. If you see a vandalism in progress, immediately call 911 to report the incident. If the crime has already been committed, it should be reported by either contacting the police’s non-emergency number at 303-980-7300 or report it online using the following link: https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Police/PD-services-permits-registrations/Submit-a-Non-Emergency-Police-Report
Our Community Managers, Mat Birkeness and Phil Schneider, are also available to offer assistance or information at the Retreat Monday through Friday from 10-4. They can also be reached at communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com if you have pictures of new vandalism or a description of the potential vandal. Responsibility for clean-up of graffiti involves multiple activities which include:
Removal of the graffiti on buildings, walls, and landscape material is a priority, and our contractor Wash on Wheels will expeditiously remove the graffiti from our buildings. We ask that you let these professionals handle the work and not seek to assist them with home remedies. Currently they have been able to handle our requests and minimize damage to our facilities.
The Lakewood Police and city officials are aware of the damage we have experienced and have been provided with pictures of the vandal’s graffiti tags. The police have also agreed to provide additional patrols on weekend nights and are seeking to determine if there are any gang affiliations or similar vandalism in neighboring communities.
We also encourage the initiation of the Neighborhood Watch Program. This requires coordination and dedication by residents, but it is a proven program in confronting crime. The following link provided by the Lakewood Police, addresses how to get the program started: https://www.lakewood.org/files/assets/public/police/pdfs/lakewood-pd-neighborhood-watch-packet-2022.pdf
Lastly, we feel further dissemination of this information is key and encourage residents to share this information on the social media sites they use (i.e. Solterra Residents Facebook, Empty Nesters Facebook. Next Door, Ring, etc.) to communicate with each other. This document will be emailed out using Solterra Connect to reach subscribing residents. If you are not receiving community notifications, please email
communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com to add your contact information to email blasts.
Graffiti is a growing problem in Lakewood and should be immediately reported to the Lakewood Police. If you see a vandalism in progress, immediately call 911 to report the incident. If the crime has already been committed, it should be reported by either contacting the police’s non-emergency number at 303-980-7300 or report it online using the following link: https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Police/PD-services-permits-registrations/Submit-a-Non-Emergency-Police-Report
Our Community Managers, Mat Birkeness and Phil Schneider, are also available to offer assistance or information at the Retreat Monday through Friday from 10-4. They can also be reached at communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com if you have pictures of new vandalism or a description of the potential vandal. Responsibility for clean-up of graffiti involves multiple activities which include:
- Fossil Ridge Metro District - the Retreat and pool building, gate house, south arch, retaining walls throughout the community, playgrounds, certain sidewalks, signs, and accepted filings.
- Brookfield - the tunnel running under Alameda to the Green Mountain Hiking Trail, marketing signs throughout community, unaccepted filing landscaping, and retention ponds in the tributary.
- The City of Lakewood - the tunnels running under Indiana, Yale and McIntyre, as well as street signs, pavement, and certain sidewalks.
- Xcel Energy - utility boxes.
- TBD: Water Tower off McIntyre
Removal of the graffiti on buildings, walls, and landscape material is a priority, and our contractor Wash on Wheels will expeditiously remove the graffiti from our buildings. We ask that you let these professionals handle the work and not seek to assist them with home remedies. Currently they have been able to handle our requests and minimize damage to our facilities.
The Lakewood Police and city officials are aware of the damage we have experienced and have been provided with pictures of the vandal’s graffiti tags. The police have also agreed to provide additional patrols on weekend nights and are seeking to determine if there are any gang affiliations or similar vandalism in neighboring communities.
We also encourage the initiation of the Neighborhood Watch Program. This requires coordination and dedication by residents, but it is a proven program in confronting crime. The following link provided by the Lakewood Police, addresses how to get the program started: https://www.lakewood.org/files/assets/public/police/pdfs/lakewood-pd-neighborhood-watch-packet-2022.pdf
Lastly, we feel further dissemination of this information is key and encourage residents to share this information on the social media sites they use (i.e. Solterra Residents Facebook, Empty Nesters Facebook. Next Door, Ring, etc.) to communicate with each other. This document will be emailed out using Solterra Connect to reach subscribing residents. If you are not receiving community notifications, please email
communitymgr@crsofcolorado.com to add your contact information to email blasts.
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

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
2/3 - Friday Morning Book Club
11:00 am-12:00 pm at the Retreat
11:00 am-12:00 pm at the Retreat
Visit the website calendar for more Solterra events and details.
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To register for the Solterra HOA Portal and to view your account online please click the button below.
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