By Jackie Burhans
The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on June 26 to discuss fire safety and hear director reports.
Fire prevention and resident responsibility
With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, many of the discussions at WIA revolved around fire safety. Homeowners Association Administrator Denise Cagliaro sent emails to every registered short-term rental in Woodmoor to remind them that they are responsible for guest behavior and that fireworks are never allowed in Woodmoor. WIA also reached out to its sub-associations to ask that they remind their members.
Director of Public Safety Brad Gleason said an extra duty officer will be available specifically for fireworks patrols and will issue fines of $5,000.
Gleason also noted that open fires are subject to the same fine and that only approved, commercially constructed firepits with spark arresters are allowed. He asked that residents not park cars on the grass, as the heat can spark a fire. Board President Brian Bush encouraged residents to cut down tall grass, which, along with pinecones, increases fire risk.
Board highlights
- Bush reported that the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) is looking for people to join its board, noting that Director of Forestry Cindy Thrush had agreed to look at the land use position. He suggested that NEPCO should exercise its political clout by testifying in front of state or county political bodies.
- Bush noted that state laws limit the ability to prohibit home businesses, but the board can regulate those businesses under its covenants, including its nuisance clauses.
- Bush introduced Director of Covenants Sue Leggiero, who is serving out a vacant term ending in February 2025. Leggiero reported 20 covenant items in May, three of which resulted in violations. The remaining 17 were resolved with a courtesy communication and did not result in a violation.
- Gleason noted that Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) had received complaints about solicitors. While WPS cannot prohibit access to public roads, it will respond to complaints about trespassing. Gleason cautioned residents against signing contracts with roofing contractors as they can have expensive cancelation clauses.
- Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported that WIA maintains a 100% approval rate of the 244 projects submitted to date. Seventy-six projects were submitted in May, with 66 approved in the office and 10 approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
- Director of Commons Area Steve Cutler reported that the Barn sprinkler system was started, and flowers were planted in early May. Working in conjunction with adjacent neighbors, noxious weed spraying in common areas was completed by the end of June, and prairie dog removal is scheduled for early August.
- The board unanimously approved refinishing the floors in the Barn for a cost not to exceed $8,000, and WPS was directed to track any damage that occurred after Barn rentals.
**********
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 July 24.
The WIA calendar can be found at https://www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at https://www.woodmoor.org/meeting-minutes.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Other WIA articles
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 25 – Board seeks community support for wildfire mitigation grant (10/5/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug 28 – Change to prairie dog elimination causes delay (9/7/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 24 – Board confirms plans to eradicate prairie dogs (8/3/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 22 – Board fills vacancy, explains approach to forestry (6/1/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 24 – Board member passes away (5/4/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Feb. 28 and March 27 – Tri-Lakes Women’s Club donates defibrillator (4/6/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 29, 31 – Annual meeting and reorganization (3/2/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 13 – Board changes fencing standards, parking limits, election process (1/6/2024)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 15 – Board approves 2024 budget and increased dues, hears residents’ concerns (12/2/2023)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 25 – Board president explains WIA approach (11/4/2023)