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PAGOSA LAKES NEWS Winter 2021 Vol. XLVIII

In This Issue: Budget Approval Notice & Call

IN THIS ISSUE: Notice & Call 2020 Board Election

Photo MiahAragon Pitcher Photo:by Jacque

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PAGOSA LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION 230 Port Ave. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 www.plpoa.com

plpoa.com • 970-731-5635 M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

970-731-5635 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

O ur Vision: To be the best POA in the state by enriching the lives of our residents, protecting property values, providing sound financial management and creating a harmonious, well-maintained and beautiful community. Our Mission: To protect property values, further and promote community welfare, protect and

enhance the civic, social, and recreational interests of PLPOA Owners. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe Margraf, President Bruce Jones Jr., Vice-President Marilyn Stroud, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Candice Kelly, Secretary

Bruce Jones, Jr., President (2021) Steve Schwartz, Director

Patrick Donovan, Vice President (2023) John Janowski, Director

Lars Schneider, Treasurer (2022) Patrick Donavan, Director

Daniel Musgrove, Secretary (2023) PLPOA COMMITTEES

Dan Mayer, Director (2023)

Finance Committee, Al Jenab, Chairperson

Steve Director (2022) Kurt Raymond, Chairperson Parks,Schwartz, Trails & Outdoor Recreation, Chris DirectorCommittee (2021) LakesTanner, and Fisheries Lakes & Fisheries -Roger Recreation Committee, JoshFlynn, Potter,Chairman Chairperson

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SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING The General Assembly of the State of Colorado has passed House Bill 18-1342 which became effective July 1, 2018. This statute added a section to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA”) Section 303(4)(a) which requires that pre-Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA”) communities, i.e. communities formed prior to July 1, 1992, comply with the budget veto process now added in CCIOA. The statute contains a budget ratify/veto process that requires the board adopt a budget, provide a copy of this budget to the owners and set a meeting with the owners within 90 days to provide an opportunity to ratify/veto the budget. If the veto fails then the budget passes. However, if the budget is vetoed the last budget that passed will remain in effect. In order for the budget to be vetoed, a majority of all owners must attend and approve to veto the budget at the meeting. For PLPOA, this means that a total of 4,133 owner votes are needed to veto the budget at the meeting. The PLPOA Board of Directors approved the 2021 budget during their December 10th meeting. In order to comply with the above mentioned state statute, PLPOA has set an owners meeting for the opportunity to veto the budget on January 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the Clubhouse on 230 Port Ave., Pagosa Springs, CO. Owners can view the 2021 budget on the website at www.plploa.com. A budget summary is included in this newsletter. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may vote by proxy. Proxy forms are available on the website or at the administration office. You must sign-in on the website and then click on the Resource Center. If you do not have an account set-up, please contact Jen at 731-5635, ext. 210.

SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING AGENDA: Owners have opportunity to ratify or veto the 2021 budget Presentation of the 2021 budget & PLPOA Financial System Question & Answer Period

WHEN: January 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. WHERE: PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave.

PUBLIC DISCLOSURES The Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act 38-33.3-209.4 requires all associations to make certain public disclosures to owners. This information can be found on the Association’s website www.plpoa.com . Go to the Resource Center tab, click and then choose the Public Disclosure Tab which will take you to all the required information to be disclosed to the owners of PLPOA.

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2021 Bu d g e t Su mma r y By General Manager Allen Roth, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® As required by the Bylaws, the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Board of Directors adopted the 2021 budget for the association at their regular meeting on December 10, 2020. The 2021 annual assessment will increase by .83 cents a month increasing the dues by $10/ year to $265. The total operating budget is $2,169,024. The Reserve expenses are set at an additional $370,309 and the Capital Improvement Funds are at $265,000. The budget amount for the Operating, Reserves and Capital funds is $2,804,333. Property owner’s assessments account for $1,634,785, or 67% of the income. Timeshare owner dues account for 12% while a myriad number of other methods of income including funds generated from our recreation amenities, community events and service fees account for the remaining 21%. This is down 9% from the previous year due to the negative impact COVID-19 has had on the Association’s revenue. The loss of revenue from the recreation center, permits, filing and inspection fees, community activities and events and late charges, plus others is the reason for the need of a $10 assessment increase. Fiscal Year 2020 experienced an anticipated deficiency of over $300,000. In order to make-up for the deficiency, the Association made emergency cuts to operating expenses and held the transfer of capital and reserve funds. COVID-19 cases continue to increase and with this the Association anticipates revenue not to return to the levels of 2019. Thus needing additional assessment funds to offset the decline in revenue. This budget was adopted after 3 separate Board meetings and hours of work by the Staff, Directors, and Finance Committee members. The Finance Advisory Committee worked closely with staff during the formation of the budget and they provided specific and sound recommendations to the board.

The 2021 budget break-down is as follows: •Capital Improvement and Reserve Funds (for improvements to and major repairs and replacement of existing capital assets, such as our buildings, recreation center, lake improvements/docks and parks and trails and new construction) = $567,100 •Administration (overall administration and accounting, Insurance, human resources, legal, property owner

records, market fund accounts, licenses & certifications, elections, computer tech and postage) = $697,500 •Community Standards (administration of property owner applications for improvements/construction, covenant enforcement and community enhancement) = $351,600 •Property & Environment (management and maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the lakes, parks and trails) = $574,900 •Recreation Center (management, maintenance, utilities and programming for the recreation center campus) = $456,950 Lifestyle & Communications (recreation programs and events, clubhouse rental, clubs, website, newsletter, e-blasts, brochures, software programs, Board packets & Annual ballots) =$39,774 •Utilities (electricity, natural gas, telephone, internet and waste collection for all property other than the recreation center) = $48,300

So what does my dues assessment pay for? Department of Community Standards Department of Property & Environment Department of Administration Department of Lifestyle & Communication Department of Recreation & Amenities Utilities minus the Rec Center Cover the cost of Delinquents General Reserves Trails Reserves Capital improvements

$35 $57 $69 $3 $4 $7 $11 $42 $7 $30

PLPOA continues to use the Strategic Plan as a guide and strive to meet its goals and objectives each year. This budget is a result of that planning and every dollar has a purpose to meet the objectives and to secure the Association’s financial standing for the future. The Association makes every effort to be efficient as possible when developing a budget yet continue planning efforts to grow and improve with the community.

PLPOA is no different than any other organization in that it is subject to rising costs each year to maintain its operations. Inflation is rising and with that costs. Insurance has increased 19% the last several years even with bidding it out. Utilities, supplies, services, equipment and more continue to increase. Lumber prices have doubled for an example. Lot consolidation has reduced the number of lots paying dues. The Association has decreased by over 100 lots over the past three years. The population is increasing rapidly with almost 300 new homes approved for construction since 2017. This means more use and demand on facilities and services. The PLPOA, like other common interest communities, is required under state law to do certain things, and under our Declaration of Restrictions is obligated to preserve, protect and enhance the community assets. The PLPOA is a large community (21 square miles) which has within it a number of community assets that need to be maintained and when their useful life ends, replaced. The Association is also contractually obligated to safeguard the quality of the entire community by upholding the standards developed to enhance and improve property values. When developing a budget, every association must identify mandatory expenses as well as those that are discretionary. When considering those that allow the Board to determine the level of service, the Board is required by law to consider the welfare of the community as a whole - today, next year and in the years ahead. You will notice in the 2021 budget, a large expense for reserve projects. As previously mentioned above, this is to preserve, protect and enhance the community’s assets. These projects are identified in the Reserve Study and are recommended for repair or replacement in 2021. The Reserve Study provides for more consistent budgeting, deters or minimizes special assessments, reduces long-term costs of maintaining common property and increases curb appeal. This is why it is so important to continue to contribute funds to the reserve fund each year so when major components—like a roof, furnace or piece of maintenance equipment—will need to be replaced, the Association will have set aside each year to pay for the various components at the necessary time.

equipment rooms. The existing rooms are substantially undersized causing safety concerns and efficiency of equipment due to lack of space. The piping systems will be redesigned for more efficiency and to “code” specifications. Sanitation equipment will be replaced or upgraded as well as control devices will all be replaced. The electrical breaker box will be replaced along with the electrical lines throughout the new equipment room. This project was scheduled in 2020 but did not receive any bids. Our planned schedule is to have a contract awarded in February, 2021 with construction beginning in April. This project will require the pool to be shut-down for a minimum of a month or possibly two months. The capital projects consist of the installation of a pedestrian bridge and walkway across the dam of Village on N. Pagosa Blvd. This project is being done inconjunction with the County’s work on the road bridge. This project received a $200,000 grant from Colorado Parks and Trails offsetting almost 50% of the cost. A gravel trail extension from Hatcher Circle to Highlands Park will be constructed. There will also be a new picnic gazebo constructed on Lake Hatcher near the dam parking area and the expansion of the Village Lake fishing dock. We recognize that our community is very diverse in terms of types of properties and economic means. Since Colorado law requires that owners must share the cost of operating the association equally, we are doing everything we can to keep the annual assessment as one of the lowest in the nation for an association of our size. You can review a copy of the 2021 Budget online at www. plpoa.com. Also we will be doing a budget presentation during the owner meeting on January 16.

Two of the larger reserve projects scheduled for 2021 are the seal coating and crack fill of the Lake Forest Trail, gravel replenishment on the Hatcher Trail and the Rec Center Pool Mechanical Room upgrades. The pool project will involve expanding the mechanical and chemical plpoa.com

E nvi r on me n t a l Ne w s By Larry D. Lynch As I work on my winter newsletter article here in November I’ve been reflecting on the drought conditions that were in place for the western United States this year. Colorado is no exception with the National Drought Center listing most of the state in D3 or D4 extreme or exceptional drought for much of summer and fall. The drought has affected everyone, has led to record breaking wildfires, economic losses in the agricultural industry and a tough year for recreational river rafting companies. When you couple the drought with Covid-19 it has been a year we won’t forget even if we’d like to. Here in Pagosa Lakes the drought has definitely affected our community. We were very fortunate that severe wildfires did not hit southwest Colorado, but just to our north things were raging. We saw high numbers of owners utilizing the Association’s brush collection and processing facility at our maintenance facility. Many owners were working to reduce wildfire fuels on their property. That was especially the case during the early spring Covid-19 lockdowns where people were stuck at home and taking the opportunity to do home and property improvement projects. We also observed a lot of dry, stressed landscapes and lawns this summer. A lot of people lost trees and shrubs this year, especially newer plantings. Even our long established natives like Ponderosa Pines and Firs were stressed this year. We saw an uptick in Mountain Pine Beetle and may see it again next summer where this year’s beetles moved into trees that won’t brown out till spring. We’ll have to keep an eye on that..

the lake with copper algaecide and were able to get it under control after about 10 days and lift the advisory. The algae was also tested for toxicity and came back negative. Sometimes blue-green algae can contain toxins, but most often does not. The question we need to understand is will these types of dryer, hotter years be normal for us? Is this what we need to plan for and expect? Recent trends in weather seem to indicate that the answer is yes. A search of the NRCS Snotel data for the region indicates that 7 out of the last 10 years we’ve failed to reach our average annual precipitation and snow packs, and in fact several of those years we have experienced periods of significant to severe droughts. Only one of those years did we actually exceed averages, which was in 2019. So, moving forward things like water conservation, drought tolerant landscaping and watershed protections are going to be important for our community. Our website has some great information on xeriscape ideas for your home, a list of native trees and shrubs that actually thrive in our area while using little water once established, and suggestions for hard-scape and drought tolerant ground cover. From a regional standpoint there are some community efforts that are being done to help our forests and watersheds. The San Juan Forest Health Partnership is a group of local leaders, community members and professionals that are working closely with the US Forest Service to develop long range planning efforts in our region. Collaborative efforts on Jackson Mountain and in the Turkey Springs area have resulted in a number of very successful forest health prescribed treatments utilizing creative methods (such as the production of usable bio-char from the harvested materials). Additionally, thinning and forest health projects were planned and implemented in cooperation and support from PAWSD to improve the forest and reduce wildfire fuels near the main diversion of Four Mile Creek. The diversion is our ultimate primary drinking water supply for the community.

The lakes were definitely impacted as well. We lost the Dutton Diversion water early in the spring this year. Since then, it has been a slow steady water reduction, especially at Hatcher Lake where most of our potable water is stored. As a result the lake dropped nearly 6 feet which has only occurred a couple times in recent memory (only the severe drought of 2002 was worse). The hot summer also contributed to some excessive aquatic weed growth in the lake which became very evident as the lake level dropped. The Association is working with PAWSD to develop a more aggressive aquatic weed control plan next summer, expanding treatment areas in the lake with a safe, potable drinking water labeled product. We also experienced a blue-green algae bloom in Lake Pagosa in August that resulted in the Association issuing a lake advisory to limit contact with the water. We have always had some level of late summer blue-greens in the lake, but this year it was much more severe. We worked with the PAWSD to treat 8

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Parks and Trails Project Updates

Winter Recreation

The Association completed a number of trail maintenance projects this summer including the planned and budgeted resurfacing of the Park Avenue multi-purpose paved trail, the crack fill and seal coating of the North Pagosa Blvd trail, re-painting of the cross walks and the construction of a new trail access from the north end of Highland Park out to North Pagosa Blvd. These are projects that are built into the budget from the reserves for long range planning of maintenance of park amenities and trail systems.

As we move into the winter months here in Pagosa Lakes many of our owners will be looking to be outdoors, especially in light of the pandemic where outdoor activity is a safe way to exercise and visit with neighbors from 6 feet away on the local trails. The Association will be working hard to keep the paved trail systems in Pagosa Lakes cleared of snow this winter, not always an easy task but one we take pride in. The frozen lakes will probably be a popular spot for winter ice fishing, please make sure there is at least 6 inches of solid ice in place before venturing out. The lakes were stocked in early October as well as a late load of smaller sized rainbows in mid-November that we anticipate will grow into nice sized fish by next summer.

The premier trail project planned for this year was delayed due to Covid-19 concerns and possible impacts of the pandemic to Association and County budgets. The project includes the pedestrian bridge and concrete trail across the Village Lake Dam at North Pagosa Blvd, at $460K estimated cost. However, we do anticipate that this project will be completed this next summer. The $200K State Trails grant award is still in place. We have been working with the county and our engineer to finalize designs and plan for project bid release this spring. Additionally, there are plans to extend the gravel trail in the Hatcher area down to the Highland Park north entrance next summer. A 4-foot wide gravel trail extension from Hatcher Circle southerly to the park. This will allow for better foot traffic access to the Highland Park and National Forest access gate. There is also some funding set aside to add some gravel and improve drainage to the existing gravel trail up to Saturn Dr With these two projects scheduled for completion next year, a good portion of the projects in the Pagosa Lakes Parks and Trails 7-Year Master plan developed in 2013 will have been achieved. Some examples of trail and park projects remaining are: new trail construction extending east on Park Avenue to Holiday, as well as a couple additional park area improvements in North Village Lake and near Vista Lake. The Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation Committee will be working this winter to update the plan, looking at the next five years. Look for updates and information on this in the coming months. A chance for owner input and suggestions will also be welcome in this process. Another potential project that the Association has been in discussions with the town and county is a jointly funded southerly extension of the North Pagosa Blvd trail from Village Drive, to the highway and across to South Pagosa Blvd perhaps to the hospital area and eventually connecting to the Town to Lakes Trail near Pinon Causeway. This may be a few years down the road, just in the early planning phases, but it is something that is generating a little steam. It would be in conjunction with a planned re-construction and realignment proposal in this area of North Pagosa Blvd where traffic issues are a concern.

There are ample nearby opportunities for outdoor hiking, skiing and snowshoeing this winter as well. Many owners utilize the numerous gate locations to access the National Forest, especially on those sunny winter days. We will be keeping the Gate 5 parking area cleared and open all winter, a small parking area will be cleared at the Highland Park and gate access near the road, and of course the main Turkey springs and Coyote Hill parking areas will be cleared and plowed by the Forest Service. The Vista Lake access road and parking area near the gazebo will also be accessible all winter with regular plowing. The Forest Service will be grooming several miles of set track at Coyote Hill this winter, it is recommended that dog owners walk dogs off to the side of the groomed ski trail and please and pick up dog waste. This is becoming a popular attraction and trail courtesy is appreciated. The Pagosa Nordic Club will be grooming ski trails at Cloman Park this winter along with several other area trail systems in our area. See Pagosa Nordic Club website for more information on trails, conditions and to sign up as a member.

Additional projects planned for next year that were approved by the board and were recommended by the Lakes and Fisheries Committee as part of the long range planned capital improvements near the lakes will include the construction of a covered picnic gazebo near the dam parking area at Hatcher Lake, the expansion of the Village Lake fishing dock and additional graveled parking spaces at the Piedra boat ramp at Hatcher Lake.

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PAGOSA LAKES REC CENTER TAKES BIG STRIDES TO KEEP MEMBERS SAFE Another winter is upon us in Pagosa Lakes and as everyone is aware, this is not a normal winter. We have been living in a pandemic since early spring and all our lives have been impacted in one way or another. Regular physical activity is necessary for a healthy immune system and mental and physical well being. Wintertime is when many people move indoors for their physical activity. Unfortunately, during a pandemic, exercising indoors is something that makes many people uneasy. As we navigate these difficult times, Pagosa Lakes Recreation Center is doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our members. See below for what we are doing to give you the safest experience at the recreation center.

PLPOA installed a Global Plasma Solutions Ionizer system in our HVAC system which kills airborne virus, bacteria and mold spores purifying the air at the recreation center. The benefits of this system are: • Removal of viruses and bacteria, keeping harmful pathogens out of the air that circulates at the recreation center. • Research shows Global Plasma Solutions Ionizers reduced SARS-CoV-2, achieving a 99.4% inactivation of the virus within 30 minutes! • In addition to removing viruses and bacteria, this system also removes allergens like dust, mold, and pollen, reducing irritants for those who suffer from asthma and allergies, providing an overall air quality improvement within the facility.

Staff disinfect all high touch areas and exercise equipment with a state-of-the-art electrostatic disinfectant sprayer every hour. The benefits of using an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer are: • Entire surface coverage for complete disinfection of all high touch areas and exercise equipment. • All disinfectants are OSHA, EPA, and CDC approved and compliant. • Safer and more consistent application with quick kill time and no residue. • Reduces the time it takes to cover and disinfect all surfaces and hard-to-reach places by 50% compared to conventional cleaning methods.

Here are a few additional precautions the recreation center has taken to ensure your safety: • The recreation center requires members to wear a mask while at the recreation center. You may remove it temporarily if you need to catch your breath or safely perform an activity, but we ask members to wear a mask as much as feasible. • We adjusted our HVAC unit to allow more outside air into the building to increase fresh air circulation. • All cardio equipment at the recreation center is spaced at least 6 ft. apart and if equipment can not be spaced adequately, members are asked not to use equipment adjacent to other members. • We implemented a reservation system in the pool area to minimize the number of members in the pool area at a given time and to allow adequate social distancing while swimming.

T O p K n A D o y A a t d w b

K S p K p a f

PLPOA WELCOMES KATHERINE BENOIT

COLORADO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SURVEY RESULTS The Community Associations Institute (CAI) examined the community association housing model in four states this year (2020). One of the four states was Colorado. Listed below are some of the data highlights specific to Colorado community associations.

The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association is pleased to announce Katherine Benoit as the new Comptroller for the Association. Katie replaces Don Arries who retired on December 31 after 20 years of service to the Association. Don has been a tremendous asset to the organization and will definitely be missed. We wish him and his wife the best in retirement.

• The majority of Colorado residents say clean / attractive and maintenance free are the best things about living in a community association. • Colorado community association members spend an average of $100 - $300 per month for homeowner association dues assessments.

Katie comes to PLPOA from an accounting firm in Colorado Springs, where she was a senior accountant. She is a certified public accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Accounting. Katie is familiar with community associations as she has performed numerous audits on community associations across the state. We welcome Katie and her family and look forward to her working with the team.

• 87% of homeowners say their association’s rules protect and enhance property values. • 83% of Colorado homeowners rate their overall community association living experience as very good or good.

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Winter Weather Safety Living in the PLPOA By Keith Cramer, Department of Community Standards Manager

Snowstorms & Extreme Cold While the number of residents in the PLPOA go down during the winter, our owners must realize that winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. A winter storm can: • Last a few hours or several days; • Knock out heat, power, and communication services • Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk

What our owners should know about Winter Weather in the PLPOA

• Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm • Listen to local officials • Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car • Stay off the road during a winter storm and until the roads are safe • Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices • Use safe heating devices

The PLPOA and snow Snow removal in the PLPOA has a few rules to consider: • All snow plowed, shoveled or blown on your property must remain on your property • You are NOT allowed to plow your snow across the road from your driveway • It is against Archuleta County ordinance to park any vehicle or trailer in the roadway and you can be cited and your vehicle towed. If the plow driver cannot get around your vehicle, he will stop plowing and turn around • Archuleta County is responsible for snow removal. They plow all school bus routes first. You are responsible for removing any snow berm or pile left across your driveway entrance as a result of them plowing your road. • If you have a fire hydrant on or in front of your property, YOU are required to shovel it out for emergency services • All homes are required to have an address visible from the street no smaller than 4” with a ½” stroke so emergency services can quickly find you in an emergency during a storm • If you utilize boards or plywood to cover your windows to prevent damage from show-shed or ice buildup, you are required to submit for a (free) seasonal permit for approval and the materials used must be painted to match the home. It is a violation to make your home look like it is boarded up for a hurricane all winter

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS: Prepare NOW • Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave our community without utilities or other services for long periods of time • Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.• Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave our community without utilities or other services for long periods of time • Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts • Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights • Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full • Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia. • Make a plan to connect before a winter storm by text, e-mail, social media & cell phone understanding our limited internet and cell phone coverage in the PLPOA: www.ready.gov/plan • Learn how to stay safe before, during, & after winter storms & extreme cold by visiting: www.ready.gov/winter •Talk with your family about how to get prepared for extreme cold weather:www.ready.gov/kids/know-the-facts/winter-storms-extremecold • Before a winter storm, know what to do “When the Sky Turns Gray.” Watch this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVpGJ_Xl__w • Follow weather alerts in up to 5 locations using the @fema app. Learn more: https://youtu.be/DtF18YHjG-I • Stay safe during winter weather. Monitor weather alerts and have a preparedness kit ready. www.ready.gov/kit • Snow Prep tips: check on neighbors, charge cell phones, find flashlights (check batteries) and follow local officials online • Talk to your job *before* it snows about weather policies and procedures plpoa.com

Have an Emergency Kit

Remember your pets

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation) • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food) With the COVID crisis, store shelves are already bare right now • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert • Flashlight with extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle (to signal for help) • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) • Manual can opener (for food) • Local maps (remember those?) • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery. Note: old cell phones that are not hooked up to service can still dial and reach 911 • Get ahead of winter storms by making sure your emergency kit for your vehicles is fully stocked with an emergency supply kit in your car with these extras: • Water • Non-perishable food • An extra set of warm clothes • Jumper cables • Flares or reflective triangle • Ice scraper • Car cell phone charger • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction • More: www.ready.gov/car

• Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures get below freezing! • More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets. • Wipe dog’s paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal • Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since the spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu. Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs: • Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces • Prescription medications. Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Cash or traveler’s checks • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically and hard copy in a waterproof, portable container (in case of a long term power outage) • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes • Fire extinguisher. • Matches in a waterproof container • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils Paper and pencil, books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Short Term Rentals (VRBO’s) during the winter months If you rent your home to vacationers during the winter, the PLPOA has a few rules you need to consider: • All Short Term Rentals must be registered with the PLPOA and the Count. • Short Term Rental property owners are liable and financially responsible for all actions of their tenants • Owners must provide all renters a copy of the PLPOA’s “Rules for Vacation Rentals” • Owners must abide by the PLPOA’s “Short Term Rental Owner’s Responsibilities” • Most violations from Short Term Rentals during the winter involve the following: • Parking in the roadways blocking neighbor’s access or the plow trucks • Leaving trash or poly carts outside resulting in animals spreading the trash • Leaving trash or poly carts by the roadside beyond the 12 hour limit • Leaving exterior lights on • Letting their dogs run at large • Leaving dogs behind resulting in continuous barking. Excessive noise

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(970) 585-4386

��e �� space for our event... spacious and high-end feeling, yet so a�orda�le - �ith a �ar, too! And plenty of room for social distancing.”

Photo: Jacque Aragon

Community Association Living All community associations have three things in common: 1. Membership is mandatory 2. Buying a home in a community association automatically makes you an association member according to law 3. The governing documents are binding. Association governing documents can be compared to contracts They specify the owners’ obligations such as following the rules and paying assessments. They also outline the association’s obligations such as maintaining common areas and preserving home values. The governing documents consist of the Declaration of Restrictions, recorded map, plat or plan, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations and Board Resolutions. Associations have a legal right to place a lien on your property if you don’t pay assessments or a violation fine for that matter. Your property is under a legal contract where owners must abide by these documents. However, keep in mind, Associations also have three realities they can’t escape. Associations have an obligation to provide three broad categories of service to residents. ●

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Community services. For example, these can include maintaining a community website and newsletter, orienting new owners, pine needle pick-up, brush drop-off site or organizing social and recreational events and activities. Governance services. For example, establishing and maintaining design review standards, enforcing rules and regulations and recruiting new volunteer leaders. Business services. For example, managing the budget, competitively bidding maintenance work, investing reserve funds responsibly, developing long-range plans and collecting assessments.

By delivering these services fairly and effectively, community associations not only protect and enhance the value of individual homes, but they provide owners an opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their community and quality of life. Those are realities we can live with. 16

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“A collection of our best films from the past 15 seasons, Backcountry Film Festival's "Best of Fest" will bring

us all together to get stoked for the upcoming tour and winter. While we wish we could engage you all in a binge-watching fest of all seasons past in a cozy theatre in your hometown, we figured this would be the next best thing. We hope to see you “here” soon. “ Colorado Mountain Club Presents: Backcountry Film Festival - Best of Fest VIRTUAL Screening

December 10, 2020 - January 1, 2021 Individual $10 | Household $20 Proceeds support Colorado Mountain Club and Winter Wildlands Alliance as 501c3 nonprofits serving the outdoors Tickets: https://bit.ly/cmcbestofbcff

For more info Contact Colorado Mountain Club, office@cmc.org ,303-279-3080 plpoa.com

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230 Port Ave. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-9486

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S t a t i s t i c s b a s e d o n M L S v o l u m e s a l e s , 2 0 0 6 - 2 0plpoa.com 19, in cooperation with other Brokers. This Is not an attempt to solicit your listing If you have a relationship with another Broker.