REQUEST FOR ANSWERS TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
RAISED BY THE HOA BOARD MEMBERS
January 5, 2012
Note:
These responses are generated by the Crooked River Ranch Community Development
Organization and its Board members.
In
the last few days, members of the CRR CDO Board have met with the Jefferson
County Planner, Heidi Bauer as well as Rich Black from the Building Department.
Some of the information provided here comes from that meeting.
1.
What
is the status of the property being considered for a Community Center and can it
be developed without becoming part of the Ranch?
A.
There
are several large parcels of land within the Ranch borders that are owned by the
MacPherson family and the Federal Government, specifically the BLM; but these
parcels are not currently a part of the HOA. These parcels pay some taxes to the
County but they do not pay dues to the HOA.
B.
Regarding the MacPherson property that is being offered as a potential site for
the Community Center and a possible master plan with other uses; it has always
been the intent of the CDO to make sure when this property is approved for the
intended uses proposed that the entire parcel would become part of the HOA. As
far as the CDO is concerned, this is non-negotiable for the following reasons:
a.
Part
of the goal of supporting this master plan is to increase revenue for the HOA.
b.
Secondly, we want it to be clearly identified as a part of the HOA since all of
the development will be serving and benefiting those who already are members of
the HOA.
c.
By
including this parcel into the HOA there will be consistency regarding how the
roads, water and other development on the property is handled.
d.
The
bottom line regarding this subject is that the property, if approved would
become a dues paying part of the Ranch just like every other parcel. The
property would also be subject to every other requirement that is placed on any
other property that is part of the HOA and each property owner would be a member
of the HOA.
C.
In
talking with the Jefferson County Planner, who is also a Lawyer, she agreed that
there is a mechanism for incorporating the new parcel into the HOA. We do not
believe “Annexation” is the right term, but rather a formal agreement to be
signed by all parties that make this parcel the next Phase of the HOA; would
that be Phase 18? Anyway, this legal document would be between the HOA and the
MacPherson family and would be part of the agreement or package that would
accompany the approval of the master plan by the County, LCDC and any other
parties required to approve this plan.
D.
Saying it in another way; the CDO is committed to making sure that if the master
plan is approved; the approval will benefit the HOA financially and place this
property and any roads created under the same rules and regulations that apply
to every other property which is already part of the HOA. We do not believe it
is legally possible to put more restrictions and financial requirements on the
development of this property than any other property on the Ranch.
2.
What
infrastructure such as sewage, water, etc. would be required for this
development and who would be responsible for paying for these improvements?
A.
Each
property developed would be responsible for its own sewer and water
improvements.
B.
The
residential lots would have standard septic systems with a connection to the CRR
Water Company. NOTE: It has yet to be determined if the development of the
entire Master Plan would require an on-site water storage tank for adequate
water pressure to the development. Most assuredly for the larger buildings such
as the community center a water storage tank would need to be built in order to
provide adequate water for fire protection. Any and all of these development
costs would be borne by the company or individuals that would be developing the
property. There would be no cost to the HOA!
C.
The
larger buildings such as the Community Center would require a hybrid septic
system. We have consulted with a sanitation Engineer and the system required for
the Community Center could be accommodated on the site with little or no
problem, except the expense. This again would be underwritten as part of the
development cost of the site and no money would be required of the HOA.
D.
The
Roads built within the site to serve the master plan development would be built
and paid for by the Developer or property owner. The HOA would not be required
to pay for any of the new road construction costs. Rich Black of Jefferson
County did indicate an interest in looking at making this through road a part of
the County system under certain conditions. Of course, no promises other than
just talking about various options.
3.
Would
the cost of traffic surveys, street lighting, and traffic control lights if
required be paid for by the Developer?
A.
Within the boundaries of the master plan for this site the developer would pay
for all traffic studies required by the County or State for approvals. Street
lights and other requirements placed on this site by Jefferson County would also
be paid for by the developer.
B.
There
will be many Surveys and Studies required by the County and State before this
master plan is approved. Whatever those requirements the developer will pay for
those studies and there will be no cost to the HOA.
4.
What,
if any, type of financial involvement is expected of the CRR HOA?
A.
None
is expected or required by the CDO.
B.
The
HOA will have legal expenses as your attorney crafts a document for the
inclusion of the property to become part of the HOA.
C.
It
would be a very positive, helpful and beneficial thing if the HOA were to donate
some money to the efforts of the CDO to build the Community Center. This would
be a donation, not a requirement and would come only after the CDO has acquired
the Master Plan approval from the County and the State.
5.
Would
there be adequate office space for the possibility of the HOA office staff to be
able to relocate to the Community Center?
A.
Once
the Master Plan is approved; then we can begin working on what the Community
Center will actually contain or house.
B.
It
has always been the desire of the CDO to have a section of the Community Center
dedicated to office space for a myriad of uses. It is very possible that an
agreement could be reached with the HOA for offices to be placed in the Center.
C.
All
spaces and uses in the Community Center will be revenue generating in order to
pay for the ongoing operations of the facility. In short, the HOA would be able
to rent space within the building under some type of lease agreement.
The
following comments are directed at questions or issued raised by the report
offered by Gail Day.
6.
The
CDO understands the current zoning laws and Comprehensive Plan Map of Jefferson
County as it affects this property. We understand that there are many obstacles
to overcome and this will not be an easy journey nor a swift one. It will take
the combined efforts of all groups on the Ranch in order to make this a success.
I hope in the process a respect will grow for the work that is being done by
this volunteer group called the CDO. As has been said earlier; this property
could be developed by the Owners without the property being included in the HOA
however, it was clear at the County level that the County would not be
interested in supporting that approach. It
could also be developed without the generous donation of 10 acres of land for
the Community Center; but the MacPherson family has stated and proven their
commitment to this being a win-win situation for all parties. Thus you have the
commitment of the CDO that nothing will move forward without this property
becoming a part of the HOA.
7.
Though the HOA does not have the authority to approve or disapprove of this
Master Plan; it goes without saying that we will not get far with the County or
the State if the governing body of the HOA does not support the “CONCEPT”.
It is important for everyone to understand that we do not have all the
answers yet; the process is in its infant stages. Not even the County or State
can predict all the things that will arise in the deliberations that follow. So
we are not asking for a one time approval that covers all foreseen and
unforeseen issues. We are asking for approval of the Master Plan Concept. Your
input is invaluable and every concern will be addressed in a timely manner.
8.
Gail
is referring to the process to bring this property into the Ranch as an
“Annexation” but we do not believe that is the correct term. You are not a City
or a Township and do not have the power to “Annex” property. Heidi Bauer agreed
that the process is simply a legal agreement between the HOA and the property
owner to accept this property into the HOA and thereby put it under all the
rules, regulations and By-Laws that apply to the HOA. However, the Articles of
Incorporation that Gail quoted do call it “annexation”; I would submit that it
is a legal question to be determined by lawyers. Whatever the process is called;
it will be a part of any approvals and the record of approvals at both the
County and State levels.
9.
There is a suggestion that the HOA Board
might require additional Road Maintenance Agreements, assessments or other
requirements which would benefit the HOA in order to give their approval to this
plan. We believe this would violate the By-Laws of the HOA and State laws
regarding the consistent treatment of all properties included in an HOA. We do
not believe you can levy any special assessment, etc. on one property than you
have on all the others. Furthermore, you cannot levy any special assessments
without the voter approval of 66% of the members of the HOA.
10.
The
questions as to whether the Macpherson’s and the CDO are being represented by
legal counsel. The MacPherson family maintains a relationship with the same
attorney that helped do the legal work on the original CRR founding. As for the
CDO; we have sought legal advice but have no permanent legal counsel.
11.
It is
suggested that the developer commonly contributes land for parks, schools, etc.
When a major development is seeking approval from the community. We believe the
family has done exactly that by giving 10 acres to the Community Center, setting
aside another 10 acres for a school. The master plan also contains a park,
walking trails and a 50 foot buffer on the east side of the property. It has
already been pointed out that the developer will bear the expense of the roads
and other infrastructure.
12.
There
are several trust issues raised; let them be answered under this one heading:
A.
The
CDO does not have an attorney representing them at this time and does not see
the need until we get a reading from the County and State as to the feasibility
of this master plan. We would be foolish to spend money on legal counsel when we
do not have a green light yet. But the CDO does have people familiar enough with
Land Use Laws and the process to feel confident we are operating in a “Safe
Zone” for now. Legal counsel will be hired when it is necessary.
B.
Regarding the issue of “Conflict of Interest”; following are sections of the
By-Laws of the CDO. An opinion from the Attorney General confirms that though
doing business with a Board member is maybe not the best choice; it is not
strictly forbidden by law. More specifically let us here address Frank Wood and
his role with the CDO now and in the future. Frank Wood is an invaluable part of
the CDO, especially in its current work developing a Community Center. Frank has
over 30 years of experience in developing similar properties and working with
government agencies to gain the necessary approvals. His work has been exemplary
and without reservation. His years of community work on the HOA Board, Long
Range Planning Committee and Ranch Chapel prove his desire to use his skills and
time for the benefit of the community. Frank owns a construction company and has
valuable knowledge in this field as well. At one point Frank allowed his company
to be used as the “Contractor of Record” so that Jefferson County would allow
the HOA to remodel and add onto the Pro Golf Shop. Frank neither charged for
this service nor received any benefit financially from this year long process.
The CDO Board understands its legal limitations and its commitment to the
community to operate at all times with integrity. We will move forward under the
law and if the occasion arises to take advantage of skills and expertise that
our Board members have; we will, with due diligence, hire the best man or woman
for the job.
Section 8.01: Compensation of Directors
No director shall be compensated for service provided the corporation as a board
member, except that the board may authorize the expenditure of funds to pay for
reasonable expenses incurred by the directors or officers in the performance of
the duties and purposes of the corporation upon submittal of a written request
for reimbursement with appropriate receipts of expenditures.
Section 8:02: Contracts with Directors or Officers
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of its
directors or officers except that the corporation shall be authorized to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered.
Section 8.03: Compensation of Employees and Consultants
The Board of Directors shall fix the salary or other compensation of the
employees or consultants of the corporation.
Section 8.04: Conflicts of Interest
In
accordance with ORS 54.361, no director or officer of the corporation shall
benefit financially, either directly or indirectly, in any contract or
transaction relating to the operations conducted by it, nor in any contract for
furnishing services or supplies to it, unless: (a) such contract shall be
authorized by a majority of directors present and voting at a meeting at which
the presence of such director is not necessary to constitute a quorum and the
vote of such director is not necessary for such authorization, and (b) the fact
and nature of such financial benefit shall have been fully discussed and known
to the directors present at the meeting at which such contract is so authorized.
Section 8:02: Contracts with Directors or Officers
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of its
directors or officers except that the corporation shall be authorized to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered.
13.
As to
whether or not other sites have been considered; this has been rehearsed many
times during many public meetings. After extensive research and consideration
the CDO agreed that the best location for the Community Center was on the
MacPherson property. We were pleased that the County also agreed that this is
the premiere site available.
14.
The
Water Company has had a representative in at least one of our public meetings.
Until we know what the scope of the master plan is we cannot predict the water
needs or how we might propose to address them. Water is available on Quail and
we are certain that either through an on-site pressure tank or other means we
can provide water to the various developments.
15.
We
know that the road system on the Ranch is of high priority to all property
owners. We also know that the development of this property may very well lessen
traffic rather than increase it. Because there will be services provided that
now are only available in Terrebonne or Redmond there truly could be a reduction
of traffic rather than an increase use of the road system. This thinking was
proposed by Rich Black of Jefferson County. As for charging some type of
development fee for the roads; our belief is that you cannot do that unless you
do it to all properties on the Ranch and you cannot do that without voter
approval.
16.
Regarding the balance of questions; they will be answered in due time. If HOA
Board members wish to become involved in the discussions related to the
development and details of the master plan, you are welcome to attend future
planning discussions. We regret that most of the HOA Board has not attended
previous public meetings.
In
conclusion the CRR CDO wants to thank the HOA Board for their interest in this
project and their desire to make sure we have thought through the issues. With
all due respect we ask for your trust in our efforts and your support of the
concept knowing that there will be opportunity for getting the devil out of the
details. There will be opportunity for you to explore the process for including
this property into the HOA and their will be many meetings, planning sessions,
conferences, and meetings with attorneys to hammer out the details. The question
is; do you want this community to have an opportunity to have a Community Center
built on donated land with government and private grants with NO COST to the
HOA?
We
will plan to have representatives at your January 23rd meeting. We
hope you will give us a place on the Agenda to address any further questions you
may have. We will also be able to report on a meeting we will have with the
State LCDC person assigned to this project which will take place on the 12th
of January.
Respectfully provided,
CRR
CDO Board
Hope
Johnson, Chair