Forbes Park Coalition Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2, 2013 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1

I am so sorry that landowners have to be part of the internal struggle our association has undergone - again. I have been a member for over 10 years and the strife just seems to never end in governing this park. The officers who now serve the association were not elected by the membership. However, I remain an elected member of the Board for 2 more years and I will do the best I can with 20% of the vote on how our association is managed. I will do my part to make the FPLOA function in a legal, open and transparent manner to the best of my abilities. Laura Barth, Director, FPLOA
The e-mail, shown above, was sent to one of the landowners shortly after the election this year. It expresses a sadness we all share -- that Forbes Park neighbors have had and continue to have problems getting along. It seems as though we will never be able to overcome our differences so that we can focus on what we all have in common a love for Forbes Park. Some believe we can operate any way we choose. We can make up our own rules. Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. Association members are subject to our Covenants, Article of Incorporation, bylaws, policies and rules. However, we must also abide by Colorado laws governing community associations and non-profit corporations. We must abide by Costilla County laws governing land use, building codes, fire restrictions, etc. This newsletter will be sent to all landowners on a regular basis to help educate and inform them about happenings and events that affect your association and your investment as well as new legislation which will apply to all community associations within Colorado. You will be able to read editorials from our contributors which may present a view different than your own. However, we believe that knowledge is power and that we can gain strength and understanding by listening to the views of others. We will also be asking you to submit your questions, your ideas and your concerns as a new way to become acquainted with your neighbors and for them to hear from you. It is not our intention to irritate or annoy anyone with this project. Therefore, you can unsubscribe by simply replying to the newsletter with unsubscribe as the subject and your name will be removed. In the meantime, we hope you will appreciate and look forward to each and every up-coming issue.

Conflict in Associations: TIP # 1BE REAL ABOUT WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU Conflict can bring issues out into the open to be constructively reviewed and resolved. By bringing these concerns into the light, the parties have an opportunity to talk about their feelings in a constructive and open manner which will hopefully make it possible for them to move forward in a positive direction.
Molly Foley-Healey www.cohoalaw.com

Want Surveys?? Send us YOUR ideas!

News:
Pamela Anderson, FPLOA Office manager has offered her resignation effective, Sept 4, 2013. She sought other employment after Atkins, Mercier and Waters moved to fire all employees at the August 8, 2013 Board meeting and the subsequent hostile treatment by FPLOA officers. Eric Shiveley, FPLOA assistant Office Manager, was fired by President, Gene Fix, on Friday, August 23, 2013 without cause & without Board action after the Board had voted, unanimously, on 8/8/13 to retain all employees through the end of the fiscal year. Tony Moore, FPLOA landowner, has offered to loan his backhoe, skid steer, dump truck and other equipment to the FPLOA for road & culvert repairs at no charge. The Board is still waiting for the President to provide them with a copy of the proposed agreement that was submitted by Mr. Moore on 7/22. The ECC has transferred gate duties/gate access/gate cards from the management team to a volunteer who will manage them from his residence. The FPLOA has hired Steve Atencio as attorney to represent the FPLOA in water court to clarify water rights within Forbes Park. All, but one, committee chairman and committee members have been replaced without their resignations. An online petition is posted asking for the resignation of Donna Atkins and Marie Mercier for cause. It can be accessed & signed electronically by going to: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/call-for-resignation-of-atkins-andmercier/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send% 2Bto%2BFriend

Interested in Blogs? Go To: http://www.forbe sparkfriends.blogs pot.com/

Need to File a Complaint? Go to: http://cdn.colorad o.gov/cs/Satellite /DORADRE/CBON/DORA /1251623736434

Current Legislation:
Colorado HB 13-1277 Beginning on July 1, 2015, community association managers, management company CEOs and executives of management companies (those who supervise managers) are required to be licensed in Colorado. To obtain a license these individuals must hold one or more of the following credentials: CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations), AMS (Association Management Specialist), PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager) and any other designation required by the Director of the Division of Real Estate. In addition to holding one or more of these credentials, the manager must certify completion of educational requirements, as determined by the Director, and pass an examination related to Colorado law and the governing documents of associations. Prior to obtaining their license, they must pass a criminal background check.

Fact Check:

Forbes Park is not out of money

On July 1, the FPLOA showed a net income of over $205,000. As of August 22, 2013, there was $16,500 in Alamosa State Bank and $18,100 in San Luis Valley Bank for a total of $34,600 in operating funds and an additional $123,000 in the 2012/13 Repair and Replacement fund (current reserves) that is supposed to be spent in the next 6 weeks according to the approved budget.