May 10, 2008 Ponderosa Park Association Meeting

Allen Laudenslager, President, gave the Treasurer's Report stating there is approximately $5,094 in the account. Expenses included signs, picnic, and mailers regarding the meeting. He explained that the mailer went to all residents, but future mailers will only be sent to members, due to the cost. As of May 10, $460 was paid in dues for 2008.

Allen told attendees that Ray Sola noticed increased activity on the website after the mailers were received.

It was discussed and voted that we will have a dumpster on June 7th for members to dump their yard waste. Non-members are charged $5.00. The cost of the dumpster will be approximately $400.

June 14 is a garden show and resident, Richard Wise, has one of the gardens that will be viewed. Residents can expect a lot of traffic on that day due to the garden show.

Several neighbors are concerned that about the paving on Pine Cone. Their main concern is that it won't be paved properly for the run-off. Allen agreed to talk to Bob Woods at the county to get more information. Ross Dunbar stated that if the county is aware of medical problems such as asthma, or other medical problems related to the dust, they can possibly get funds from FEMA.

Aaron and Casey from the Forest Service discussed the plans for burns in the area. They said they have done the prescribed burns in the south park and it is in good shape. They will be burning the north side between Ponderosa Rd and Maripai Rd. Aaron explained that they are burning by known wind patterns. He discussed the advantages of using a "brush crush" on the trees and plants along Ponderosa Rd but said that it is very expensive and they aren't sure they can use it. They also said that it is hard to get the chipper into certain areas. After hearing our concerns about possible evacuations on Ponderosa Rd, Aaron said that our fire escape route would be Indian Creek or Wolf Creek, not Ponderosa. He explained that they are working Ruth Mine then east to Ponderosa Rd. and they will burn in the White Spar campground to the fire station area. He said they finished the Mt. Francis and Groom Creek burns in October. He said they have started on Ruth Mine and expect to have that completed by monsoons.

Jennifer, the fire prevention specialist, explained that due to the drought they cannot burn some of the oaks. She discussed their plan to possibly shut down some of the dispersed campsites off Ponderosa Road and open new ones off of already formed roads. She said they watch the homeless campers very closely and they have 7 days to disperse. She said they take down their license plate numbers and send them tickets if they leave trash or stay longer than allowed. She said they want us to contact their office if we see or are aware of any problems. They cannot be everywhere and they are short staffed. The phone number to call if there is a clean up required is 443-8000. Jennifer mentioned that years ago they had special dumpsters but there was abuse and they removed them.

There was a lengthy discussion on having someone walk the residents properties to check for fire prevention needs. Call Yavapai Central Fire District if you need an evaluation or advise on your property. If you hire someone for clean-up it was noted that they may reimburse you if you have the invoice. Or, call Allen at 443-1208 and be added to the list if you would like to have neighbor, Richard Wise, walk your property. If Ponderosa Park becomes "fire wise" we will be eligible for grants. Also, Allen will be contacting the Groom Creek fire chief for more information on grants and other available funds. Apparently there are limitless resources for fire prevention and we may even be able to get the dumpster and chippers for temporary use.

Forest Service representative, Jennifer, also explained that there are 40-80 lightening strikes per monsoon season and they respond to approximately 40 strikes. She stated that they will evaluate a property during a fire as quickly as possible, but they are doing the reviews under duress. Therefore, properties that are cleaned up and are as fire safe as possible, will be easier to save. She explained that if they are dropping fire retardant from the air, it is not as effective as it is on the ground. Jennifer reminded residents that they must look at the slope of their property to determine if their trees should be trimmed to 20, 30 or 40 feet because fire burns uphill.

There was a discussion to remind neighbors to take care of their pets by keeping them safe from wildlife, weather, and traffic. Some neighbors also complained of barking dogs. If you have a problem with neighborhood pets, please call the Animal Control or the Sheriff's Department.

Call Becky at 541-9611 if you have lost or found pets in Ponderosa Park. She is familiar with licensing and leash laws. She will also help return animals to their rightful owners when possible.

Esterly has been working on having Burma Shave signs made for Ponderosa Road. These signs will have fire safety slogans. We will also have fire safety boxes and there is a need for volunteers to form a committee.

One neighbor asked about having another neighborhood yard sale. The association will pay for the ad and post it online, if volunteers will come forward to set up the event. If you are interested in a yard sale, please contact Allen at 443-1208.

There was a discussion regarding "monthly gatherings" at the Park. Some residents thought that having one Saturday evening gathering per month, during the summer months, might be a nice way to meet the neighbors. Some ideas were dessert party, wine & cheese, or light snacks. The Association will provide soft drinks for these gatherings. If you are interested in planning a gathering at the park on a Saturday evening this summer, please contact Allen at 443-1208.

The Ponderosa Park Picnic will be held in early September. The date is to be determined.

The next general resident's meeting is scheduled for July 12th, 2008 at the Picnic Area.

[ Home Page ] [ Special Notices ] [ Newsletters ] [ Minutes ] [ Our Goals ] [ History ] [ Photo Album ] [ Picnic Area ] [ Road Cleanup ] [ Brush Dumpster ] [ Useful Stuff ] [ Join Today ]