Hondius Water Users Project Committee – 10/2/14 Meeting Minutes
Present: Jim Redman, Tim Breiding, Tony & Vi Burroughs, Beth Coulson, Bill Rawsky. Absent: Ernie Diedrich, Thurman Williamson and Brandy Flanagan.
Previous Meeting Minutes.
Moved by Tony and seconded by Beth that the September meeting minutes be approved with previously identified changes. Approved. Jim will forward them for posting onto the website.
Funds Collection Update.
$8,950 of the necessary $12,000 has been received. Jim sent a second request via email to those who haven’t yet paid and for whom we have an email address. Below is a summary of the process that was discussed via email and implemented prior to tonight’s meeting:
Jim was not able to set up a bank account as we anticipated. An EIN or SS# is required to set up an account (tax purposes). Jim consulted with an attorney and was advised that the best thing to do would be to set up a nonprofit organization. Jim communicated with the committee previous to the meeting and no one had any disagreement or better ideas. Jim set up the organization and named it the Hondius Water Users Group, the same name we requested checks be written to. Ernie will remain a required second signor for the disbursement of any funds from the account. Jim explained there will be annual filings with the State required for the Organization as well as State and Federal Tax returns.
If excess funds are collected, the committee will discuss whether the expenses incurred and paid by Jim are reimbursable before refunding to those who paid into the fund.
High Drive Homeowners Directory.
Bill found an old High Drive Homeowners directory. Historically, the Hondius Water Users was a subgroup of the larger High Drive Home Owners Group. It was proposed we use this directory to communicate with homeowners as it is more inclusive of the homes in the area. The committee desires to have everyone involved and informed but this needs to be balanced with our ability to manage the project and its complexities. The project was started with only the Hondius water users for that reason. Included in the discussion was how waterlines through property owners is affected, how costs are allotted and paid, especially when ownership changes etc. The committee lacks understanding from the County on how these issues are handled and the engineering study will begin to give some clarification on these questions. No action on the proposal taken at this time.
MOU between Hondius Group and Larimer County and Grant Letter prepared by Larimer County Commissioners.
Committee reviewed the MOU prepared by Ed Schemm of Larimer County Dept of Local Affairs. Approved with the change in wording in the third “Whereas” from “…The Group proposes to abandon its past source of water…” to “…The Group desires to receive potable water from the Town of Estes Park…”.
Committee reviewed grant request letter from the County Commissioners to the state requesting the matching grant funds – No action necessary.
Alternate Committee Member Proposal.
Bill requested that in the event he cannot attend some meetings he be replaced with Don Piegras. Don’s High Drive residence is above Upper High Drive and so provides representation of that area and he has experience with public utilities. Approved.
Closing.
Committee agreed that if they want to add an agenda item they could notify Jim only rather than all members.
Next Meeting: November 6th, 6:00 PM MST.