HWUA 2023 Membership – Annual Meeting Minutes
[DRAFT TO BE APPROVED AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING]
August 1, 2023 – 1:00 pm MDT
Type of Meeting: Regular annual meeting of HWUA Membership
Location: Estes Park Public Library
Meeting Facilitator: Don Piepgras
Board Members Present: Don Piepgras, Ralph Turner, Randy Hall, Beth Coulson, and Jim Redman
Call to order at 1:06 pm by Board President Don Piepgras
Agenda items:
1. Welcome Membership and Introduction of Board:
Don Piepgras introduced himself and the current board members in attendance.
2. Approval of the 2021 Annual Meeting minutes and the 2022 Annual Meeting minutes:
The minutes were distributed to the membership prior to the meeting, so the minutes were not read. Tom Kirsch moved to accept the 2021 and 2022 Annual Meeting minutes, Bill Rawsky seconded the motion. Motion passed. We had a total of 22 members in attendance, either in person or via zoom.
3. Treasurer’s Report:
Randy Hall reported that there is currently $20,925.01 in the Bank of Estes and $152,000 in a CD. A motion was made by Gene Barnett that was seconded by Steve Goddard to accept the treasurer’s report. Motion passed. Prior to the vote, a discussion was held in regard to the facility lease at Rocky Mountain National Park and whether we needed to worry about that. Don reported that there is another 9 years remaining on the lease and that there is no worry about being asked to leave.
4. Nomination of Members to Serve on Board of Directors:
The individual board members described their job on the board and the amount of time needed to fulfill that position. Attendees were asked to contact a board member if they are interested in helping on the board. The current board members have agreed to remain on the board for another year.
5. Election of Board members:
Tom Kirsch made the motion to elect the current board for another year, Bill Rawsky seconded the motion. Motion passed.
6. Cross-connection Compliance update:
Jim Redman has taken on the job of making sure that everyone is compliant within the Hondius Water Users Association. A flier from CDPHE has been handed out to everyone describing the requirements to be compliant. The board is working diligently to get compliant. We have had a 100% return on the questionnaires sent out.
Richard Hopp and Bill Harvey were introduced to those attending the meeting.
They are down to their last 3 properties to be inspected. There are only 10 properties that will need to be inspected on a yearly basis based on the surveys returned.
The state will be performing an inspection of the Hondius Water Users system to make sure that it is in compliance. This inspection is done every five years and the last one was done in 2017.
Richard Hopp stated that Hondius Water Users Assoc. owners may get a notice of deficiency this year, but that we should be up to snuff by the end of the year.
7. Update on System Performance and Water Quality:
Don Piepgras reported that Hondius Water Users Assoc. water is tested regularly and that every report has been satisfactory.
Jim Redman reported that there have been several leaks on the system this year including one within the National Park boundary. Matt from R&H Water & Wastewater was called in and the leak was repaired. There have been other leaks in the service lines as well.
Bill Harvey reported that there is 198 pounds of pressure on the system lines. This is taking a toll on the old lines and that this could lead to more leaks.
Both pumps are running and we have two (2) spares.
In regard to pipe replacement, the additional fees being collected are allowing for a system replacement possibility. We should probably look at a tank replacement first and get the tanks out of the park.
Jim Redman gave a brief overview of where the Hondius Water lines are run throughout the area.
Don Piepgras stated that Hondius Water Users Assoc. has a bulk water purchasing agreement with the town of Estes Park to buy water.
8. Reminder of Service Line Responsibilities, Including Shared Service Lines:
Service lines are the sole responsibility of the homeowners. Hondius Water Users Assoc. takes care of the main line and the homeowners take care of the service lines. Master meters were tested and replaced where needed. Master meters will be compared to those service lines past the meter to make sure people are paying their fair share.
9. Other Business:
There is a copy of the 2nd Amendment to the Bylaws dated January 2023 on the website.
You will be receiving notice from USPS regarding the name change to your property address. Please let us know when this occurs.
10. Adjournment – Motion made by Steve Goddard to adjourn the meeting, Bill Rawsky seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 2:02 pm MDT