May 28, 2020

June 3rd Board Meeting Canceled 

Due to the continued risks of COVID-19 infection, we are canceling the June 3rd Board Meeting for the Las Vegas Ranch Estates POA.   It is impossible to predict when we can safely convene an open meeting.  However, except for meetings, the pandemic has not impeded Board or Committee activity.  Here’s an update:

From HOAMCO:
Jennifer Lynch replaces Steve Buck as our HOAMCO Community Manager.  If you have any questions for HOAMCO or the Board, contact Jennifer Lynch at 928.776.4479, ext. 1172 or email her at jlynch@hoamco.com

Finances (Darrell Bryant, Treasurer):
There are no major projects scheduled for this year and so far no unexpected expenditures.  Through the first quarter, actual expenses were on budget.  Some of the gate equipment is showing signs of wear (e.g., keypads) and may require some attention this year. 

Design Review Committee (Dan Searer, Darrell Bryant, Kurt Wilkinson):
Dan reports the following DRC activity since our Annual Meeting in March:

  1. Approval of the Calabrese ranch fencing around their house area on Las Vegas Ranch Road.

  2. Approval of the Taber repaint of their House and Barn on Doric Way; there are no color changes.

  3. Corrections to the preliminary house plans for the Harris residence on Simmons Way.

There have been some violation issues with contractors not obeying the “rules and regulations” in the construction process.  The DRC has requested HOAMCO to send letters to the contractors with copies to the property owners.  The notification of violations is an initial warning and the second violation will result in a fine. 

Roads Committee (Ralph Istwan, Chairman):
Ralph and select volunteers continue their effort to keep our roads in great shape.  If you want a perspective on the fine road work done by Ralph and his team, drive around Crossroads Ranch.  It is understandable why their Board is seeking Ralph’s advice on addressing their problematic roads.

A contractor recently removed, at no cost to the Association, about 300 tons of sand on both sides of the road at the Hitt Wash Crossing.  We hope the reduction in the sand barriers on the east side of the road will mitigate both the pooling of water and increased sand accumulation on the road during runoffs.  Thanks to Mark Martucci and Dusty North for clearing the sand from the road as soon as possible after runoffs. 

County Paving will be on-site for a few days in the coming weeks to do some warranty work associated with last summer's chip-seal project.     

Landscape Committee (Jim Istwan, Chairman):
In April, Zebrascapes removed two dead pinyon pine trees from the Camp Wood entrance; both were impacted by repeated scale infestations.  In May, Zebrascape replaced the sprinkler heads in the grass circle at the Fair Oaks entrance; PVC guards were added to protect the sprinklers from mowers.  The improved coverage afforded by the new sprinklers should enhance both grass growth and weed control.  This work was budgeted and funds are still available for other landscaping needs during 2020. 

Other Issues:

Slow Down: 
Excessive speed on our roads by some homeowners and contractors continues to be a safety issue.  Please slow down.  You can expect to encounter people walking, kid(s) playing, the occasional biker, cows and calves, deer, cottontails, and jackrabbits.  And the annual tarantula male march starts soon.

In The Event of a Wildfire…
Due to the extended drought and extremely dry conditions throughout Arizona and the West, the threat of a wildfire in the vicinity of Las Vegas Ranch Estates has increased. It is important that you know what to do in the event of a local wildfire. For information on how to prepare for and respond to a threatening wildfire, click here.