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OCN > 2406 > Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 22 – Board fills vacancy, explains approach to forestry

Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 22 – Board fills vacancy, explains approach to forestry

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on May 22 to announce it had filled its vacancy, address a resident’s concern about prairie dog infestation, and explain its approach to forestry and fire prevention.

Board vacancy filled

Board President Brian Bush started the meeting by announcing that the board had held a special meeting on May 15 to fill the vacancy left by Per Suhr, who recently passed away. The new board member, Susan Leggiero, will serve for the remainder of Suhr’s term, which ends in February 2025.

Prairie dog infestation

Resident Mary Ann Schroeder, who lives on Leggins Way near The Preserve common area in South Woodmoor, expressed concern that prairie dogs are invading and destroying her property. She said the same thing is happening in open space. She recently moved into the area and spent over $30,000 on landscaping. She asked the board to address the infestation and offered to be involved.

Bush said he had discussed this earlier with Common Areas Director Steve Cutler, and they have received an estimate of $4,290 to treat six acres with an estimate of 480 holes. He said he was prepared to recommend to the board that some mitigation of the prairie dogs be done, but he recognized that with all of the construction around the area, prairie dogs are going to go to places that are not disturbed. Bush said he would ask Common Areas Administrator Bob Pearsall to do a general survey to confirm that the estimate is reasonable.

However, Bush emphasized that the community’s involvement is crucial in tackling this issue. He likened the situation to noxious weeds, stating that the board’s efforts in the open space are ineffective if the neighbors who border the area do not act. He requested that Schroeder act as a special emissary to the neighbors, providing them with the name of the contractor WIA would be using. Schoeder, who had already begun speaking to neighbors, expressed her willingness to assist. Bush said the board would consider this request at its next meeting on June 26.

Public Safety Director Brad Gleason asked what would stop the prairie dogs from returning. Bush said nothing would prevent it, but the board would have to address the issue at some point. Gleason asked if the recommended product was something WIA could use. Pearsall explained that exterminators must be licensed and certified to use the product, which is environmentally friendly and will not harm pets.

Pearsall asked if Woodmoor Water and Sanitation (WWSD) would be willing to treat its property and whether he should approach WWSD District Manager Jessie Shaffer. Bush said that would be a good place to start and to tell Shaffer that the WWSD president (Bush) thinks it’s a wonderful idea.

Approach to Forestry and Fire Mitigation

Bush reported getting a call from a resident concerned that others were cutting down too many trees and that the WIA board has a clear-cutting policy in Woodmoor. That is not true, Bush said and asked Forestry Administrator Justin Gates to talk about the factors that go into decisions on tree removal, including fire mitigation, insurance, risk management, and community appearance.

Gates said he consults WIA’s Covenants and Rules & Regulations and weighs that against fire risk, forest health, and insurability. He said another factor is appearance, noting that people have moved to Woodmoor for the forested look. He indicated that he must consider the state regulations and input from the state foresters when applying for grants, but that WIA had pushed back on some of the state standards. WIA provides information on Firewise and state forestry office guidelines.

Section U of the Rules & Regulations document states that WIA covenants require approval to remove evergreen trees with a diameter greater than 4 inches. Felled and dead trees and trees infested with mountain pine beetle must be properly disposed of. Gates said the WIA does not force homeowners to do basic fire mitigation but fosters conversation and partnership. Recently, WIA focused its grant offers for mitigation on opening an evacuation corridor on Woodmoor Drive. Gates will write an article for the upcoming WIA newsletter to address any misconceptions.

Gleason emphasized that everything Gates does aligns with federal and state recommendations, including those of FEMA and Firewise organizations, which are invested in protecting communities from wildfires.

Board highlights

  • Bush reported on behalf of Community Outreach Director Rick DePaiva that the board was aware of opposition to the Monument Junction East development and requested that one or two board members attend the upcoming community meeting at The Barn on June 4 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Bush reported on behalf of Treasurer Connie Brown that the board is ahead of the curve on interest income but behind on Barn rentals and office space. The board is also behind on revenue from covenant fines, which is OK with Bush. Staff members are holding down expenses, he said.
  • Homeowners Association Administrator Denise Cagliaro said that WIA is filing 50 liens on properties with unpaid dues. WIA has been contacted by El Paso County to use The Barn as a voter polling and service center for the upcoming presidential election, she reported.
  • Gleason noted that school is out and asked residents to watch their driving speed.
  • Architectural Control Director Ed Miller reported that 71 projects were submitted to the Architectural Control Committee for approval in April, which is 18.3% higher than last year. Although projects have increased, revenue has decreased as most of the projects have no administrative fee, said Pearsall.
  • Board member Cindy Thrush confirmed that chipping days have been set for June 29-30 and July 27-28 at Lewis-Palmer High School. Chipping is free to residents and open to non-residents for a nominal fee. Bush asked Thrush to write a letter of thanks to the new D38 superintendent and the high school principal for their support.
  • Bush, who also serves as WWSD president, said site work on Well 22 on County Line Road would be done soon and the transmission line to Misty Acres would be done by November. WWSD is building a new tank in South Woodmoor next to its existing tank, he reported.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in The Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on June 26.

The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes can be found at www.woodmoor.org/meeting-minutes/ once approved and posted.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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