Vista de Oro Newsletter
Send Vista de Oro Guard payments
Vista de Oro Security
% National Bank of Arizona
101 La Mina Ave, Ajo, AZ 85321
Phone 520-387-7616 or 1-888-241-5550
REVISED
MINUTES ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 2008
VISTA DE ORO
Meeting called to order by Al Slawson. Other Committee members in attendance: Earl
Hazelwood, Mike Maurice, Jim Faltermeier and Lois Dunne. Consultants in attendance: Bill Marum and Carolyn Lowe. Dave Hinkle, not in attendance, has agreed
to be our second computer consultant along with Gary Lisciarelli.
Motion to suspend reading of the minutes of 2007 Meeting
offered and passed.
Financial Summary Report offered by Lois Dunne. (Copy follows these minutes.)
Latest information about Nayarit fence: Action still to be taken by City. Petition given to Sr. Munoz of ASPA Security
in hopes he can find an ear at City Hall.
Location and construction of the barrier is still under discussion. Rolling gates or swinging arms offered as
alternatives to a fixed chain-link gate.
Sewer Construction shared with Larry Large still in
abeyance because Sr. Large is unable or unwilling to finance initial
construction as agreed. Bill Marum
continued by offering choice of undertaking construction by ourselves now or
waiting until the cost can be shared at a later date. Majority vote was in favor of waiting for other developments
which may offset the cost to our members.
(Letter from Bill Marum to Prof. Figueroa at OOMAPAS follows the
minutes.) There was some discussion of water bills, and members were urged to
go to OOMAPAS and ask for a yearly rate in January.
Vista de Oro's website, vistadeoro.tripod.com, was
discussed by Lois Dunne in an appeal for member involvement to replace old
photos and to get additional help in keeping the website updated. Beckie Fennemore, at hotchpotch@cox.net,
offered her help with the latter.
Thanks Beckie. We are still
waiting for someone handy with a camera who can replace our photos.
Earl Hazelwood reported on the Electric Project which was
finalized with the last payment on November 14. December 5 is the scheduled date for CFE to return the paper work
to Dias Construction signaling acceptance of the Project by the City of Pto. Penasco. Construction cost overruns were absorbed by
our old Electric Fund leaving us enough money to have gravel brought in for all
of our streets that needed it. Total
cost was $29,295.34 for the Electric and $4,400.00 for the gravel. (Letter from the Committee to the members
regarding the cost of the Project follows the minutes.)
It was announced by Bill Marum that our security with
ASPA will continue at the same rate as last year: $170.00 quarter year, $340.00 half year and $680.00 per year even
though the cost will increase 4% because of anticipated State-mandated wage
increases. Sr. Munoz is earnestly
trying to give us the service we want, but there are still things we, as home
owners, can do to beef up our own security.
The Committee, which remains constituted as listed above,
announced the adoption of the following rules:
The ENTIRE
Committee must be notified and give majority approval of any expenditure
between $200.00 and $500.00.
Any
expenditure over $500.00 must be preceded by a SIGNED CONTRACT PROPOSAL
DISTRIBUTED TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND APPROVED BY MAJORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS.
Meeting was adjourned.
Thanks to Carolyn Lowe and Karen McDonald for recording
the minutes.
_______________________
Lois Dunne, for the Committee
FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR VISTA DE ORO - NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Delinquency #>$9 5 Total Delinquency $ 870.00
Net remaining in Electric $2,782.00
Net remaining in ASPA
2,580.44
To All Vista de Oro Homeowners November 25, 2008
The Electric Committee, through language problems and
miscommunication, under-estimated the total cost of the Project and therefore
the amount of each owner's contribution.
There was a solution as explained later in this memo.
To give you some history of what happened, the following
is a summary of events to-date.
The subdivision was built in the mid 1980's, basically as
a trailer subdivision. As time went on,
more and more homeowners added electrical appliances, full sized
air-conditioners and the like, significantly increasing the electrical load.
In 1999, Joe Dunne and others organized an upgrade to the
system. All homeowners participated in this project, however in an attempt to
minimize the total cost, the new system was not constructed to CFE (the Federal
Electric Commission) standards, and the homeowners assumed responsibility for
the ongoing maintenance and operation of the electric facilities. Through the security fund, a reserve fund
was created to pay for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the
facilities. Most, but not all, of the
homeowners contributed to this fund.
Over the years, monies were spent to clean the transformers, replace
electric line that was stolen and other related items.
At the November 2007 Annual Meeting, the majority decided
to hire a professional guard service, beginning in January of 2008. Since that time, no additional monies were
being directed to the Electric Fund, and it became apparent that we would
eventually run short of funds, especially if one or more of the transformers
failed and needed to be replaced.
The Committee, along with several other homeowners began
to investigate the feasibility of turning the system over to CFE. Through a series of meetings with CFE and
Electrica Veel (the contractor who rebuilt the system in 1999), it was
determined that CFE would accept ownership and responsibility for the system if
it were up-graded to their standards.
Veel was asked to survey our facilities to determine what
would be necessary for CFE acceptance of the system. In March 2008, we received a proposal from Veel for approximately
$21,000 USD but were still not assured that this would meet CFE standards. In April, we received another proposal from
Veel for approx. $43,000 USD.
This is where the problem begins.
It was approaching summer, and some of those involved
began to leave Penasco for the summer. Without determining why Veel gave us the
new proposal doubling their initial number, we asked Electrica Diaz for a
proposal. They responded with a
proposal for approx. $20,000 USD. The
Committee decided to accept Diaz proposal, and the homeowners were asked to contribute
$400.00 per active meter to cover the cost and a small contingency reserve.
All homeowners responded and a total of $24,400 was
collected. Diaz was told to begin
work. We received intermittent verbal
progress reports, including proposed schedules. Diaz missed most of these schedule dates and was asked to give us
a revised realistic schedule to complete the work, along with an up-to-date
cost breakdown.
This was received on Oct. 14th, and much to our surprise,
the new number was approx. $44,000 USD.
When asked why, they responded that the quantities that they bid on had
come from us in the form of Veel's original bid. The actual quantity of underground wire and conduit was
substantially higher, therefore the increased price.
On Oct. 16th, we met with Diaz, and they agreed that
there had been a colossal misunderstanding due to a failure in communication,
with both parties at fault and they agreed to accept approx. $34,000 USD as
payment in full.
This revised amount means that each active meter should
have been assessed $550 USD to settle the account.
The Committee decided to use approximately $10,000 USD in
the Electric reserve to make up the
short-fall, and paid Electrica Diaz in full.
However, due to the peso devaluation, there was enough money left in the
Fund to place new gravel on the streets that are now being used as our primary
access (Calle Alonso and Joe Dunne Way) to minimize the dust.
The Committee apologizes for its mis-handling of the
project, and has agreed to put certain mandatory procedures in place to
guarentee that something like this never happens again.
The Electric Committee
Letter regarding the sewer line:
OOMAPAS
May 5, 2008
Att: Prof Figueroa
Vista de Oro (VDO) was developed in the early 1980's by
Mr. Tom Juanarana. At that time very
little infrastructure existed in Puerto Penasco.
Mr. Juanarena constructed sewer lines within VDO,
connecting them to a sump from which the raw sewage was pumped northerly until
it reached existing City of Puerto Penasco/Oomapas sewer lines. Later he developed Playa Elegante RV Park,
connecting it to the same sump and pump system in the early 2000's. The RV Park and the trailer storage area
west of VDO were sold and a new RV park was developed on the storage area,
connecting their sewer lines into the same system. In late 2006 both RV parks were sold and then abandoned. At that time, all maintenance of the sump
and pump system ceased.
VDO has been served by that system since the beginning
and has paid sewer service fees to the City as part of our water bills. We believe that the City has an obligation
to continue that service. However, we
also understand the realities of the situation.
Therefore, we are willing to cooperate with the City and
the adjacent developers in order to construct a permanent solution. We only ask that the cost to our homeowners
be fair and equitable.
Both beachfront projects (Marazul and La Perla) have apparently
shut down and will not be participating in the ultimate solution. That leaves only VDO and Las Bugambilias.
We currently have a bid in the amount of 272,080.68 P to
build an 8" line in Matamoros to serve both projects, and have agreed to
split the cost 58.72% to VDO and 41.28% to Las Bugambilias.
Las Bugambilias will pay their share as the down-payment
and VDO will pay the balance. VDO will
collect from each of our homeowners their proportionate share, however should a
small number of homeowners either delay their payment or refuse to contribute,
VDO requests the City to bill each of those homeowners as a part of their water
bills, taking whatever means necessary to collect the debt, and forward those
payments to the contractor for his final payment. We need to have the contractor agree to accept this method of
payment.
Additionally, some pavement willl need to be replaced
after completion of
the sewer line.
However, both La Perla and Las Bugumbilias have already
destroyed most of the existing pavement, including the
curbs on the south
side of Matamoros.
VDO does not feel that we should be obligated to
repave the street to its original condition. However, again in the
spirit of cooperation, we will agree to collect 1000P
from each of our
homeowners, and pay that amount to the contractor at such
time as La
Perla and Las Bugum bilias actually reconstruct the
street.
provide sewer service to Vista de Oro by maintaining the
existing system.
Please respond in writing to this, acknowledging the City
and/or Oomapas'
acceptance of this solution.
Sincerely,
Bill Marum for Vista de Oro
wbmmarum@ledgewalkers.com
383-3149
638-110-3664
&a
mp;a mp;a mp;n bsp;
Last evening, Mike, Karen and I met with Sr. Munoz of ASPA and approved a
6-month contract for three watchmen, 7 days a week for 25,625
pesos/month.
With him was (our) prospective
day watchman who spoke English very well (used to live in Tucson).
We, all three, read it over
carefully, filled in the blanks, and Mike and I signed it.
Munoz will make a clean copy for
himself and for us -- English and Spanish.
Now the details. The time span of
the contract is good, both for us and
for ASPA. For us it is a trial
period in which we can test the terms of
the contract and the reliability of the watchmen. For ASPS, the rumored
increase in Soc-Sec will not have to be absorbed by them for longer than
6-mo. max., and they, also, can test the terms of the contract and
determine how REALLY determined WE are in doing what WE can to protect
ourselves. We told him of our
plan to sticker the vehicles and homes
with ID.
The contract cannot be changed during its life (I assume a mutually
agreed change could be made).
Rate increases can only be introduced at
the beginning of a new contract.
We may be getting the "low introductory
rate", but we'll see. The
agency assumes liability, after investigation,
of thievery and/or damage incurred while their watchmen are on duty. We
picked 6 to 6 for the shift change because it coincides with the time of
the watchmen at Las Gardinas, down on Sinaloa, and would save the
supervisor having to make an extra trip to this area. We will have one
day man and two night men at the beginning with, possibly, a change of
shift every two weeks giving us a chance to get acquainted with all of
our watchmen during the day.
Vista de Oro Homeowners Meeting November 2007
Thanks go to Lois Dunne for taking notes.
Carolyn Lowe announced that as of January 1, 2008,
she and Tom would no
longer be responsible for management of the security
for Vista de Oro. She
suggested that VDO should decide before January 1 if
we want to obtain the
services of a different security company or rely,
individually, on one of
the alarm security companies and/or whatever other
means we feel necessary
to safeguard our homes, because the current system
is not working
.
Following some discussion a motion was made by Bill
Marun that we suspend
further discussion until we had heard the report on
the status of our
electrical system.
This motion was seconded and passed.
Carolyn explained that CFE might be willing to take
over our electric
system. Veel Electric was hired to do the necessary
inventory, inspections, and
paperwork
required by CFE. When that is
complete, which should not be long, CFE will decide.
We are optimistic that CFE will decide in our
favor. When they agree, we
must agree to be responsible for one year's
maintenance from the date of the
agreement.
After one year, CFE will assume full responsibility for
everything up to each homeowner's meter. We will keep you informed of the
progress.
Returning to the discussion of Security, a motion
was made by Ron Smith,
seconded by Tanya Abrahamson, that every property
owner should secure their
own property in lieu of a watchmen service. After discussion the vote was
taken Yea 12
No 27.
A motion was made and seconded that VDO should
consider having both
individual security and group financed security
service. A vote was taken
Yea 27
No 12
Tom Lowe made the motion that we terminate Ramon
Bustamante's service as of December 31, 2007.
Seconded and passed unanimously.
Motion was made that a committee be formed to gather
the information from
local security companies to see if they can provide
the service we need.
With the authorization to agree and sign a contract
if something costing
under $1,000 per lot owner per year. The motion was seconded and voted on
and passed.
The committee of volunteers are Earl Hazelwood, Jim
Faltermeier, Mike Maurice, Al Slawson and Lois
Dunne.
Bill Marum gave a report on the status of the sewer
system. He said nothing
had changed in the last six months except that the city prefers to run
the
line down the easement behind the east wall of VDO.
The Potluck was very good. Lot's of food and drink.
Carolyn Lowe
383-5571
salsa2@prodigy.net.mx
Vista de Oro Homeowners Meeting November 24, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Jim Faltermeier.
Lois Dunne read the financial statement:
Security fund: 3,000.26
Electric fund: 9,024.84
Severance Fund: 7,023.20
Total 11/24/05 19,098.31
Nove 2005 Annual Meeting
If there is a problem with the transformers we have more than enough to
cover 2 being replaced. Should that happen the 5 non-paying residents would
have to either pay up or secure their own power.
The watchmen's shifts are as follows, Luciano is on day shift 7am to 4pm Monday
through Thursday. He also works 2 shifts on Sunday. Evencio and Eduardo work
the 4pm to 12 midnight and midnight to 7am shifts. They exchange shifts every 2 weeks.
There was a lot of discussion on the bonus for the watchmen. Last year we gave them a $100. dollar bonus instead of a raise. A motion was made that we give the watchmen $250 bonus this year. This was discussed and approved. Then a motion was made to assess everyone $20, due by first of year, for the bonus this year. This figures out to be $380 bonus this year. It was discussed that $380 was too much. So we will give the watchmen $250 dollars this year and will keep the balance in reserve for next year. A motion was made to take the money out of the Security Fund to pay the watchmen before Christmas and put back in with the money collected from the assessment. This was passed.
A statement was made that the first street, by Playa Elegente, is in bad shape
and needed to be cleaned. Someone had dumped a huge stack of cuttings along the
road and they needed to be moved and the bougainvillea needed to be trimmed and
cleaned around them. It was decided that a Saturday work party would do the work
and we would hire someone to haul off the cuttings. It was a windy, cold, fun day
and we all had a good time. The street looks good. Thank you to all who participated.
John Bellingham discussed where the sewer lines are and that Playa Elegente has the pumping
station that handles our sewage and that there are no clean outs in our area.
It was decided that we would leave this as is for now.
There was a discussion about the palm trees along Matamoras. They were trimmed
this month and look nice. Some of the trees have been adopted and will be taken
care of by their adoptive caregivers.
A motion was made to name the middle, east/west, street JOE DUNNE WAY. Discussed,
voted on and approved so a plaque will be made. More info on this when I have it.
Jim and Ralph are looking into a light for our Vista de Oro sign so that it
can be seen at night.
Ramon and his secretary were invited to talk about the water problem. He said that
the city plans to put meters in and read them. They will inspect the meters we do
have to see if they are working or need to be replaced. The replacements meters will
cost 30 to 35 dollars. The problem in our area is that some people are paying a
different rate then others. Will let you all know as this progresses. He did say that
question about water or lack of water must be taken to the water company. He had been working on the water rate problem with Joe and was continuing on with it.
Bill Mohler gave a presentation about putting security gates up on our roads.
He is going to pursue this and will let us know what the city says and how much
it will cost. We will then have to vote to see if this is really what we want to do.
John Bellingham gave a toast to Joe Dunne that was great. Lois made a collage of
pictures of Joe dating back to 1955. He had hair! We all miss him!
Here is the toast:
"I am a part of everyone I meet" We don't know the source of this statement,
but it is so true..especially with Joe. Joe will remain a very important part
of our memory of the community of Vista de Oro.
Fifteen years ago, Joe and Lois purchased their retirement homesite here and
here they planned to stay...even through many hot summers. Their commitment to
this community of Vista de Oro never faltered through the many trials the early
days presented as we homeowners worked to wean ourselves away from our site developer and form into a tight, caring community.
We'll face new challenges, we know, yet we can thank Joe and Lois for exemplifying
neighborliness, caring and leadership. If ever a person epitomized the words,
"Never give up" that person is Joe Dunne.
This toast is to Joe:
Our answer man;
Our problem solver;
Our welcome wagon;
Our man of all trades;
Our link with Penascos power that be;
Our caregiver to others less fortunate;
Our man for all seasons:
To Joe---our FRIEND
Potluck as usual was fun. Good food and drink. Ralph Vasquez fired up his Margarita machine
and they were very good.
If you have comments or questions about these minutes direct them to me
at salsa2@prodigy.net.mx
Carolyn
#120
Jan 2006
One of our watchmen has quit and another is planning to quit in 14 days.
In trying to employ other watchmen we have found that our pay scale is too low
and this makes it very difficult to find someone to replace these two watchmen
especially with 100% employment in Rocky Point. Our watchmen have not had a raise
since 2002.
We would like to increase pay for all watchmen according to the following schedule.
We feel that this can be accomplished without increasing our yearly fees if
everything remains constant. It is necessary for all homeowners to pay on time,
by the first of January, April, July and October, so that we have the funds
to pay Ramon 2 weeks before the first of each month, this is very important.
WE MUST HAVE A YES or NO RESPONSE FROM YOU BY THE 11TH OF JANUARY. If we do
not hear from you we will consider that a YES response.
VISTA DE ORO SECURITY SERVICE
Current and annual expenses based on 52 weeks salary plus individual vacation
expenses which vary depending upon years of service.
2 watchmen @ $85 per week each = weekly = $170
1 watchman @ $95 per week = weekly = $ 95
Total Weekly = $265
Total yearly $265 x 52 weeks = $13,780
Total yearly Social Security/Taxes @ 42% rate = $5,788
42 days (14 weeks) summer watchman = $845
2005 annual vacation pay = $543
Aquinaldo (Christmas bonus -15 days pay) = $662
Ramon yearly fee $1,200
ANNUAL COST = $22,818
PROPOSED 2006 Expenses
2 watchmen @ $95 per week each = weekly = $190
1 watchmen @ $105 per week = weekly = $105
Total weekly = $295
Total yearly 295 x 52 weeks = $15,340
Total Social Security/Taxes @ 42% rate = $6,443
42 days (14 weeks) summer watchmen = $944
approximate 2006 annual vacation pay = $550
Aquinaldo = $738
Ramon = $1200
PROPOSED ANNUAL COST = $25,215
Vista de Oro income
54 residences @ $500 = $27,000
3 residents @ 460 = $1,380
Total yearly income = $28,380
Electric fund @ $40 for 53 homes = $2,160
Total less electric fund = $25,760
Severance total through 12/31/06 = $820
Total = $25,400
Summary : Income through 2006 for Security service = $25,400
Projected salary expenses for security service = $25,215
balance in account = $185
The salary increase for 2006 plus the severance pay allotment will be paid for with no increase in annual fees, as long as everything
remains constant and everyone pays on time.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTION OR CONCERNS PLEASE GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Thanks to John Bellingham for all of his work in putting together the figures for this statement.
Carolyn