Highland Ranches Property Owners Association

P.O. Box 1039 Virginia City, Nevada 89440 

June 15, 2002  Annual Property Owners Meeting & Elections

Please note:  Approved at June 25, 2002 meeting

 

 1.     Established Quorum of the members.  (127 or 25% needed per bylaws)

Proxies (113)  + Lot Owners attending (53)  = 166

 

 2.      Meeting called to order by Gary Brownwell, President at 10:10 AM     Board Members Present:  Gary Brownwell, Jim Russell, Lou Tassone,  Kelly Morris, Kay Dean.

                   Review and approve Agenda for June 15, 2992 Annual meeting & elections.

M – Jim      S – Kay      V – Unanimous

 

3.    Board of Directors welcome to all property owners made by President Gary Brownwell.

 

4.     A brief explanation was given by Lydia Hammack about the fact that the Association is operating under State N.R.S. 116 guidelines.  This law supersedes our bylaws.  The election process was explained and with the quorum of members present by proxy and in person, the election committee was instructed to open and count the ballots received.  The results were announced later in the meeting.

 

5.     Jeanne Gribben, the Weed Lady, talked about white top, a noxious weed, and her eradication efforts in the Highlands.  The VRWPA equipment and proper herbicide is available to homeowners.  Also the flashing signs on Highway 341 to warn of the wild horses was mentioned.  The recent aerial survey indicated that there are 1100 horses on the range; with 400 in the Highlands.  VRWPA still rescues horses, and meets at the fire station the last Monday of each month at 7 PM.

 

6.      Gary Hames, Storey County Fire Chief, informed us that brush additions to the burn pile by the fire station are allowed.  Seasonal employees have been hired.  Soon to have 3 full time firemen on duty, for 24 hour staffing.  Open burn season closed June 1st.  Street signs were discussed, and updating map books so that fireman are more familiar with the Highlands.  The plan is to increase lettering size on the signs, and use reflective paint on the lettering.

Phil McKenna, the Highlands Volunteer Fire Chief, lost many volunteers, and now needs 13 more.  There are three volunteers living in home behind fire house.

Gary has given the Highlands two army 6x6’s, 1200 gallons each, valued at $2800.  Will give access to more difficult areas to reach.  Also, 14 water tanks have been buried in the Highlands, and are being filled with water.  Will have 248,000 gallons of stored water when completed.  Still working on locating additional helicopter landing areas.

The annual spaghetti dinner will be August 24th.  This is the 25th Anniversary.  Nice prizes; get your tickets now!

 

7.         Pat Whitten, Storey County Sheriff, talked about issues including staffing.  Down two deputies, but have lots of good vehicles.  Dogs and kids on motorcycles are the biggest problems.  The Sheriff department tries to keep the good neighbor policy.  Praised help of VRWPA dealing with the horse issues.  Working on a system to monitor phone numbers and a locater.  A $57,000 grant was received, and working on a cad program.  He supports signs and proper markings to locate property.  Also emphasized importance of Highland vehicle stickers (available for $1), to identify property owners, especially in the case of an emergency.

 

8.              Chuck Haynes, Storey County Commissioner, discussed next years budget.  Storey County is still very solvent, and has a possible 1.8 million surplus.  Taxes have not been raised.  Hopefully, the county will be able to provide more services.

 

9.       Nancy Judson, for Fire Safe Highlands, gave an informative presentation.  Working on signs for the highway to educate tourists as to the fire danger levels.  Also working on Community Boards at the mailboxes to post information.  The local group is a member of  the Firesafe Council, and is hoping for additional grants.  There are two big brush clearing programs for brush pickup, and a lottery on lot clearing for 27 owners.  Meetings are held at fire station.  Website is www.firesafehighlands.org.  Check it out and get involved to make the Highlands more firesafe.  Any questions, please call John Christoferson at 847-2500, ext. 243, or Rick Jones at ext. 237.

 

10.       Lou Tassone, Board Treasurer & Secretary, reviewed current financial reports, and informed us we are in very good shape with collections.

 

11.       Gary Brownwell, President, gave intensive road report.  A Dodge pickup was purchased this year for snow plowing; now there are two snowplows which should speed up snow removal.  Is in the process of replacing culverts with a larger size, and will be glad to look at any road problems.  The paving of the second mile of Cartwright was approved at last month’s meeting.  Thanks to Rich Bacus for his cooperation and assistance with the paving.

 

12.        Kelly Morris, Architectural Committee Advisor, gave a recap of the years activity, which included the approval of 8 plans, 1 remodel, 1 garage, and 5 variance requests, some approved, some denied, and some still in process.

 

13.       Kay Dean, Architectural Committee Advisor, discussed the possible implementation of a fine structure for guideline violations, and also posting bonds before construction.  Would like to get owners input on the architectural guidelines that would make the area safer and more attractive.  It was decided that a survey will be sent to all property owners.

 

14.      Owners Comments, questions and suggestions.  No more parking at mail boxes.  Also, the zip code is changing to 89521.

 

15.       Election results:  Votes for Gary Brownwell – 167.  Votes for Jay Campbell – 123.  Votes for Michael McDonough – 67.  Votes for Lou Tassone – 162.  Votes for John Thompson – 53.  Three positions were open; thus Gary Brownwell, Jay Campbell, and Lou Tassone were elected.

16.               Meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM.             Thanks to the Delta for the use of the room!