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Christmas Newsletter from the Board of Telluride Pines

Dear TPHOA Homeowners,

Season's greetings from the Mesa. We're enjoying a real winter so far, with great skiing and an above average snowpack. With the New Year rapidly approaching I want to share a few bits of news relating to the Pines Community:

As discussed at last summer's Homeowner meeting, the Pines has begun a water supply enhancement effort. Thus far we have added an additional 2 gallons per minute (gpm) to our low flow (winter) supply, bringing us up to a total supply of 4.2 gpm measured as of 12/22/07. Last winter we managed on 1 gpm with a major leak, which has since been repaired, so things look solid for water in the coming months. That said, we must remain committed to aggressive water conservation. To that end, the Pines has begun regular water meter record keeping for each home. We are also working with Finnegan Ranch to establish a metering system for their segment of the line.

Our water supply has been increased through the reconstruction of the existing Pine’s springs. This Fall we rebuilt Spring #3 and added 2 gpm. Further investigation strongly suggests Springs 4 & 5 have the potential to deliver even more water to our system, so they will be the focus of our initial reclamation efforts next summer. Spring #1 continues to deliver 2+ gpm and will also be re-developed. The immediate goal is to reach Wright Water Engineer’s calculation of 8 gpm for an average daily demand at the Pines at full build-out (38 lots x 300 gallons per lot/ day). Wright suggested we shoot for a target water supply of 21 gpm to meet “maximum” water demand. The Pines actually has this supply through a much of the year, but winter flows at this level are very likely beyond the capacity of our springs.

The cost to redevelop our springs turns out to be quite reasonable. We gained 2 gpm for an investment of $7000.00. To drill a well by Alder Creek, which by no means guarantees hitting a 21 gpm supply, and install a pump for delivery, has been roughly estimated to cost $100,000.00. So, we should probably continue to pick the low lying fruit before pursuing well development (and the associated assessment). With reasonable conservation, 8+ gpm can take us well into the future. We also plan to increase our water storage this coming summer with the installation of additional tanks by the treatment plant.

On the water quality front, we are in the final stages of receiving State approval for the installation of a new, state-of-the-art water filtration/ treatment system called “Homespring”. We hope to have it installed sometime in January. Homespring will bring the Pines into total compliance with the State and reduce the amount of chlorine required to disinfect our water—meaning less CL at your tap. It’s based on a self-backwashing filter, and will knock down the spring run-off particulates (with the use of less expensive pre-filters). Total cost: $7000.00.

Both the supply enhancements and water quality work have been accomplished without the need for a homeowner assessment. We do not foresee a need for assessments any time soon, but will keep you advised of our progress.

Finally, a few other issues the Board is working on:

We are talking with Finnegan Ranch Homeowners about how to most efficiently work together on the management of water supply and road maintenance.
We are making final touches on Bylaw changes which are required by the State. These will be the only bylaw changes adopted by the Board and a copy will be sent to all homeowners. We have also received some comments regarding the interpretation and enforcement of existing homeowner rules and regs which will be discussed and refined at the next homeowners' meeting.
We intend to fully enforce the covenant which requires "1. Each subdivided lot or tract within the subject property shall be used for nothing other than ONE single family private dwelling or residency designed for the occupancy of and by one family. In connection therewith, however, the owner may also construct a guest house and/or servant's quarters..." (Emphasis added). This position has been overwhelmingly supported by homeowners.
A reminder-- there is no parking permitted on the subdivision road. If you want to have your driveway plowed, we are using Mark Bush for snow plowing on the Pines road, his cell is 708-0661.

It seems like we have made some significant progress since our last homeowners meeting. I hope you agree, and certainly welcome any feedback to the above actions and positions. We have the water necessary to grow responsibly as a community-- good news. On behalf of the Board I want to wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Best wishes,

Mike Friedman

President

TPHOA

All the water for Telluride Pines comes from Natural Springs which are gravity fed to Telluride Pines and are located across the valley which is of a much greater altitude.

Please note, I have been a homeowner here since 1988 and it is to the best of my knowledge that the Community of Telluride Pines has never run out of water due to a supply issue or natural causes. When we did run out of water in the past it was mostly due to HUMAN ERROR, and naturally occurring system issues i.e. broken pipes, water line leaks etc. and a degree of incompetence on the part on those responsible at that time. It is my honest opinion that Telluride Pines will be one of the last ones on the mesa to run out of water. We fortunately, and again in my opinion have some of the richest water rights around. We also have un-tapped springs and a 40 acre greenbelt that our water line passes thru which we can easily drill a well there. Most of the upper mesa springs naturally drain right thru our greenbelt area leaving us with an excellent opportunities to drill a well into them. If and when water is needed in the future this is one place we most likely could get it. Electricity is standing by at that location if necessary. We have not drilled in our greenbelt because we still are getting enough water from the higher springs at this time. There are also current plans in motion to increase our existing spring flows and water quality as well from these springs. Water conservation is practiced by TPHOA as needed. The minutes of a 2003 HOA meeting reflect to strive for a usage of 75 gallon per day, and a recent proposal on the table suggests to use up to 200 gallons a day. I sincerely hope and think the usage will wind up somewhere in the middle depending on how the development of our upper springs turn out. Honestly, Telluride Pines might well indeed have the last laughs when it comes to water. The Telluride Pines Water System is State Approved and monitored by licensed professional water operator. I am terribly afraid some folks speak and just don't have all the facts!

Incidentally even when there were water line problems due to leaks Hawk Ridge only lost some pressure. If you had to pick a location in a gravity fed water system you definitely would want to pick this one.

It is my sincere belief that water for Telluride Pines should not be a problem if managed correctly.