Summer 2024 Newsletter
- Dec 26, 2024
- 11 min read
ZAPATA ZEPHYR
“Zephyr”
. A breeze from the west, a gentle breeze. In Greek mythology, the personification of the West Wind
Dear Zapata Neighbors,
We believe this year’s summer newsletter provides our community with relevant updates and resources. You will find committee updates, helpful resources, members-only details, the annual meeting notice and agenda, the financial report and voting proxy form.
IN THIS ISSUE
Summer 4
Mark the Dates
Members Only
Did You Know?
Committee Updates
Remember,If you see something amiss in Zapata, please contact zapatahoainfo@gmail.comFor committee-specific contact information see the website.
You must first log in to the website using your “Forum” account. This can be found in the dark grey toolbar in the top right side of the website. Then use the red toolbar to navigate to:
About Zapata HOA > Board Contacts
Financials
Annual Meeting
Real Estate Scams
Members Only
www.zapatahomeowners.org is home to the most up-to-date meeting announcements, community clean-up dates, and any other HOA events.
MARK THE DATES Board Meetings
ZHA board meetings are held six times per year: in August, September, November, February, May and June. Meetings are held on the third Friday of the month, starting at : p.m., at the Mosca Community Building located next to United Methodist Church, Lane , Mosca CO . Meetings are open to the membership and anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The all-volunteer ZHA Board is made up of neighbors and we welcome your involvement and interest any-time. All committee meetings are open to any ZHA member. Meeting information is posted on the website.
Please be aware, there has been an uptick of real estate scams in the subdivision. According to the FBI, more than , people were victims of real estate fraud in alone. These scams play out in various ways, but they usually involve scammers impersonating real estate agents or lenders with the goal of taking your money. The best way to protect yourself is to learn some of the common warning signs.
Beware of a lack of proper documentation, pressure to act immediately, and unrealistic guarantees.If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.A popular scam is unsolicited emails or text messages asking homeowners if they’re interested in selling their home. Scammers will use this interaction as an attempt to steal personal information.
Real estate scams are an unfortunate reality, but you don’t have to fall victim to one. Only work with qualified professionals you trust and familiarize yourself with some common signs of mortgage fraud. If you believe you’ve been involved in a real estate scam, make sure to contact the authorities immediately.
Current Gate Code: Website Protected Access Code:
Check out the Zapata Welcome Letter!You will use the Members Only Website Code to access this packet filled with all of
J U N E t , h e “ m u s t k n o w s ” f o r l i v i n g in our wonderful community.
Did You Know?
Save Your Trees!
We have a website!
On our website you can find notices of committee meetings, board meeting agendas, community resources, HOA governing documents and policy, and more! Check it out: www.zapatahomeowners.org
If you encounter hunters, hunting dogs or anyone that you are uncertain about in Zapata, take a picture of their license plate, call the ZHA Chair - Ken McEachern at -- or call No -wheelers or motorcycles allowed on greenbelts.
No discharge of firearms in the Zapata.The ZHA respectfully reminds property owners that the dumpster is for residents’ use only and its uses are limited. Household trash only, please. Recycling is encouraged and Alamosa has a large recycling facility, Rickey Recycling Center, Old Airport Road (th Street), Alamosa, CO . Wood Recovery Lot - The wood recovery lot is only for natural wood/shrub materials that are free of nails, screws, wire, etc. It is not for lumber or any
other material that may or may not burn.As a reminder, the ZHA has a year-round OPEN FIRE BAN. This can be found in our
Policy Index, available on the ZHA website: Policy # .: NO burning or open fires of any kind will be permitted on the Zapata Subdivision. The only exception is the controlled burn of the wood recovery lot as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Help save your valuable trees from the scourge of tree-killing bark beetles by checking them closely for possible infestation. You can help protect your valuable trees by treating them. There are several ways to do that before it’s too late to save them.
According to the Colorado State Forest Service, “Infested trees usually have several masses of resin exuding from a hole that’s been chewed into the bark by a beetle... Following a successful attack, Spruce needles will turn a pale yellowish- green color, and Douglas-fir needles will fade to reddish-brown.”
Check the Zapata Website for more resources on how to protect your trees!
SUMMER 2024
COMMUNICATION
Dear Zapata Neighbors,Your Communications Committee has been very busy since being expanded and
revitalized last September. We’ve met regularly, always with the underlying theme of improving how we, your HOA, can better communicate with you.
Please note that the Zapata website, not the Zapata Facebook page, remains the
“official” means of communication for our HOA and is the “go to” place for board and
committee meeting notices, minutes and community events.
Our projects since September have included, but have not been limited to:
1.Review of the requirements according to our governing documents of how and what we communicate with you. We’re happy to report that we are in compliance.
2.Revision of the Zapata Welcome Letter. You can always find current (last updated May 2024) and future revisions on our website. Note that we’ve committed to doing regular reviews of the letter to make certain it is up to date with current community information and practices. This letter contains useful information for both new and long-time Zapata members. Please check it out!
3.Updating the Zapata website to insure all content is current and has ongoing changes to improve ease of use. Here you’ll find Zapata News, Governing Documents, Welcome Letter, Maps, Community Forum, Classifieds, Weather and more. We’re looking to add content beneficial to all members. Send us your suggestions! Please note that some of the information under “About Zapata HOA” is accessible without signing in should you choose not to be a registered user. However, we would like to have you register. Let us know if you need help.
4.Revision to Zapata Policy 029.01 to bring the policy current with the times to encompass social media.
5.Updating the Zapata bulletin boards located to the left of the mailboxes near our entrance.
6.Creating 3 inserts for the Zapata dues mailing to better communicate the new gate code, website information and obtain your updated contact info. Thank you to the number of you who provided us with your current information! (FYI...the numbers indicated that the majority of you prefer to be communicated with by us via paper rather than via email.)
7.In the not too distant future, watch for our new neighborhood “little library” box in which you will be able to leave a book and/or take a book. (Final location still to be determined.)
Please join me in thanking your Communications Committee members for their good work. Thanks to Suzanne DeVore, Amanda Koth, John White, Erin Smith and Jack Zeman! And last but not least, thank you to Tony Oswald for his ongoing dedication as our volunteer webmaster.
As always, we welcome your comments, input and questions. Let us know how we’re
doing, and what we can improve. We hope to hear from you!
Wendolyn Michnay, Chairperson comcomchair@zapatahomeowners.org
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Spring Grading Rolling
PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS
Since we received significant snow this winter and some spring rain, the major roads were graded and rolled in May. The roads included the entrance and exit ring road, Lake of the Falls to the upper lake, Mill Run to Yuma Court as well upper portions of Big Bear Road and Cedar Ridge and a portion of Navajo Road.
Road Base
The areas recommended for road base by the committee include a portion of the exit road just outside the gate, a portion of Mill Run above Hampton Run and as much of Lake of the Falls from the entrance to Hampton Run as the budget allows. The road base that we have been using the past few years has an excellent clay binding composition and significantly reduces maintenance costs.
Volunteer Caretakers
The “old guys” and Adam continue to provide volunteer caretaker duties.
Trash Service
We have a new provider, Mountain Disposal. We also have done some initial work to
move the roll-off on the north side of exit road.
Snow Removal
Snow removal this season was problematic. We have coordinated with our contractor to provide a truck mounted with a snowplow to clear major roads for next year. We also will provide a list of residents with snowplows that can assist with resident driveways as requested.
Ditch Cleaning and Culvert Cleaning
The three culverts at the bottom of Mill Run south of Lake of the Falls have been cleaned out by hand labor. We also are cleaning the various section of South Zapata Creek primarily between Big Bear Road and Hampton Run and Mill Run.
Signs and Security
We have prepared a list of road signs that need to be replaced or repaired with gabions. The plan also is to repair the stone monuments and rails at the entrance with gabions. We have prepared a list of items to order and install including cameras, motion sensor lights and install at various locations that may change from time to time.
SUMMER 2024
COMMITTEE UPDATES
GOVERNANCE
The Governance Committee of the Zapata Homeowners’ Association met quarterly plus other times in 2023-2024. Meetings were conducted via Zoom until June 15. Major topics of discussion include the committee description and mission statement, bylaws, short-term rentals and plats.
We expect to have the bylaws revision ready for a vote at the ZHA’s annual meeting on August 3.
There has been considerable discussion on STRs and a community meeting to develop a policy was set for June 15 but the need to submit this article in time for printing for the newsletter required it be in to the publisher before that date. It is hoped that a draft of a proposed policy results from the meeting. It will take three readings before it can be approved, probably in September, so there will be plenty of time for input.
The mission statement is expected by September.The committee will be focusing on policies this next year.
--Erin Smith, GC chairman
ARCHITECTURE
The Architecture Committee met in April with Kim Jatkowski in attendance. There are a few things that are still being worked on still including updating the language in the Regulations and Guidelines. There are two projects pending: one being a storage shed at 28 Valley Loop and the other a new home and garage at 15 Lake of the Falls.
Please keep in mind the camping regulations have been updated to reflect Alamosa county regulations.
We also have adopted the International Dark Skies Program. This allows us to have the best views of the stars and night sky without light pollution.
Looking forward to a great community summer filled with fun. Best regards,
Jennifer NellingerVP Zapata HOA Board Member, Chairwoman Architectural Committee
COMMITTEE UPDATES
FIRE
We had a successful burn of the wood recovery lot and have updated our burn procedures.
We were able to issue a "grant" to one member for the significant mitigation they did on their property. We still have funds available and will announce another project cycle by the end of June.
We also removed beetle-affected fir trees along Hampton Run between Big Bear and Mill Run. Pheromone pouches were hung in the area to protect the remaining trees, and also in the vicinity of Arrastre and Cedar Ridge.
We have completed the second fire trailer tank and held a wildfire response training June 9.
The mitigation work on greenbelt AA has been completed and we are beginning handwork on greenbelt G in preparation for significant contractor work clearing aspens to begin in the fall.
We are working on subdivision emergency response guidelines and have successfully tested our siren from here and from the CSP dispatch center. The next scheduled test is August 3 at 10 a.m. We also evaluated the south emergency exit road and will continue to try to keep it accessible. We continue to post educational material to the website.
Upcoming projects include updating the defensible space structure map for the fire department and finding a contractor to begin a weed mitigation program.
We have three firefighting backpack pumps ready to go in the trailer at Sunset place. Some residents may prefer to have one of their own. These can be purchased from Amazon and other sources. Contact the Fire Committee if you have questions about this equipment.
SUMMER 2024
COMMITTEE UPDATES
FEES AND BUDGET
January through May 2024 ZHA operating margin was positive at $74,056 (vs. $523 Budgeted).Income is tracking ahead of budget mainly because of successful dues collection (~$125k in collected dues).
Expenses are tracking under budget for Administrative, Communications committee, and Physical Improvements committee expenses.Expenses are tracking over budget for Fire, Governance and Water committee expenses, mainly due to legal fee expenses ($8,561) from both the Water and Governance committees and dead tree removal expenses ($12,884) from the Fire committee.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Continues on next page...
FINANCIALS
FINANCIALS Continued
SUMMER 2024
ZAPATA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 2024 PROXY
I hereby constitute and appoint ____________________________________ (must be given to an individual property owner who is a member in good standing) as my attorney-in-fact and agent for me and in my name, place and stead, to vote as my proxy at the Annual Meeting of the members of Zapata Homeowners Association, scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2024, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, upon any questions which may be brought before such meeting, according to the number of votes I should be entitled to vote if then personally present, with full power to my said attorney-in-fact to appoint a substitute in his or her place.
Name (Please Print)______________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________Date____________ Number of Lots Owned__________________
OR_________ I ABSTAIN FROM ALL VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
Mail To:
Zapata Homeowners Association PO Box 1282Alamosa, CO 81101
(PLEASE MAIL IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO REACH THE ZHA OFFICE BY JULY 27, 2024 OR SCAN IN AND EMAIL TO ADMINISTRATOR @ zapatahoainfo@gmail.com).
Mail To: Zapata Homeowners Association PO Box 1282
Alamosa, CO 81101
YOUR PROXY MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS BY JULY 27, 2024, TO BE COUNTED
ZAPATA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
Board of Directors
Ken McEachern, ChairmanJennifer Nellinger, Vice-Chairman Erin Smith, Secretary Leeza Kuznetsova, Member Wayne Ross, Member Wendolyn Michnay, Member John White, Member
Dear ZHA Property Owner:
This letter is your notification and reminder of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Zapata Homeowners Association. The meeting will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Bruce Breckenfeld (Jim Jones) residence at 214 Big Bear on the Subdivision. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. The business meeting will be followed by a potluck picnic lunch. The meat, drinks, and tableware will be provided by the Board of Directors. We will not be renting a tent, so it is recommended that you wear sunscreen or wear a large brimmed hat to protect against the sun. You may also consider bringing a chair and don’t forget bug spray.
At the meeting we have two 3-year board positions up for election; these positions belong to Leeza Kuznetsova and John White. Please consider helping your community grow by serving on the board. If you are interested in running for a position, please contact Administrator Anna Ciezki by email to zapatahoainfo@gmail.com as soon as possible. It is very important to fill these vacancies. To be eligible for office, you must be a property owner of record and in good standing, i.e. up to date on fees, etc.
If needed a New Member Orientation will be offered at 9:00 a.m., prior to the Annual Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to acquaint new ZHA members with the governance of the Association and to welcome them to the Zapata subdivision. Please RSVP by email to Administrator by July 27, 2024, if you plan to attend this orientation.
There is one important item we need back from you by July 27, 2024:
►PROXY assignment if you are unable to attend. This proxy must be given toan individual property owner who is a member in good standing. Do not assign your proxy to the Administrator as she is not an eligible proxy.
PROXY ASSIGNMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 27, 2024, TO BE COUNTED. SEND TO: ZAPATA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 1282 ALAMOSA, CO 81101
If you have any questions, please contact any ZHA Board Member. Please see website for contact information. Many thanks from the ZHA Board of Directors.
Comments