Board gets updates on solar, security cameras

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Two presentations at Tuesday’s CLPOA Board meeting provided updates on the Association’s Solar Power Project and Surveillance Cameras Project.

In his presentation of the Solar Project, CLPOA Controller Bryan Knechtel explained that grant programs have decreased significantly in the past two years and leasing solar panels is now less affordable and sometimes not available.

With that in mind, those who have been investigating solar power over the past two years are recommending that the Association go with a Purchase Power Agreement. In addition, Southern California Edison (SCE) has approved the Association’s request for Aggregate Net Metering for three zones. With Aggregate Net Metering, all adjacent meters are considered one zone and the solar panels can be anywhere within that zone.

In Zone 1, solar panel shade structures would be installed at Happy Camp to provide power to the Campground, Lodge, Tennis Courts and six parks.

In Zone 2, solar panel shade structures would be installed in the parking lot at the Country Club and will provide power to the clubhouse and golf course.

In Zone 3, solar panel shade structures would be installed at Operations and will provide power to Gault Field and the Equestrian Center.

Highlights of the Solar Power Project highlights include

• No upfront investment
• First year projected savings of $32,000
• Total savings over 20 years projected at $7,000,000

* No Reserve Fund requirements

• At the end of 20 years, the Association can upgrade to newer technologies or buy the panels for approximately $477,000.

In the current proposal from Active Solar, the Purchase Power Agreement would be for 20 years. There would be no upfront cost, including standard installation. There would be no cost for normal repair and maintenance.

In addition, the price per kWh of $0.189 would be a 10 percent decrease from the current rate and there would be no rate increases for 20 years. The Association would pay only for the energy used, not for energy produced. The solar structures would provide covered parking with security lighting for Happy Camp, the Country Club and Operations. A buyout option is available any time at Fair Market Value.

Bryan said it is likely a contract will be ready for approval at the December Board meeting. Once the contract is approved, the timing of each installation will be finalized. Although the Operations Zone can be done anytime, the Happy Camp Zone will be coordinated with the upcoming renovation, and the Country Club Zone will be coordinated with the parking lot repaving.

Security Cameras

General Manager Christopher Mitchell provided the Surveillance Cameras Project update. Chris says the Association has been researching surveillance cameras and the ideal areas to place them.

In addition to the location of cameras, those researching this project are focusing on camera and image quality and the analytic technology to clearly see a license plate or a person’s features. They also are looking at the software that will be used in conjunction with the camera hardware. The type of software desired will assist with historical searches as well as notifying staff of suspicious activity.

The research also includes service and maintenance needs and costs, as well as the overall price of all systems. This project is expected to include 76 cameras located at Gault Field, Equestrian Center, Lodge and Pool Complex, Tennis Courts, Holiday Harbor, Sierra Park, Indian Beach, Outrigger Park, Eastport Park and Eastport Launch Ramp.

Chris says staff is evaluating vendor quotes and is targeting the December 2015 Board meeting to provide recommendations.

POA President Bruce Yarbrough noted that this will be a costly project; however, the Association has been allocating funds for security cameras and currently has $350,000 set aside for the project.

Dog Park

In other news, Chris reported at Tuesday’s meeting that the Dog Park Plot Plan currently is being reviewed by the City of Canyon Lake. The plan is to build the dog park along the full length of the Eastport boat launch parking lot, dividing it into two fenced areas for large and small dogs and including shaded areas for seating.

Main Gate ADR

At the September Board meeting Legal Counsel Scott Levine announced that an analysis conducted by the Association’s Reserve expert determined that the Main Gate Project does not violate the Bylaws and is a Reserve item. However, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to bring the issue to an arbitrator through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.

Six members have been preparing their opposition to the Main Gate Project under the belief that the project violates the Bylaws. Led by Lawrence Neigel, these members are Dennis Korte, Thomas Faia, George Middle, Sean McDonald and Brian Kouroubacalis.

The ADR is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, at 9 a.m. in San Diego. It is a closed session. Members are not entitled to attend.

Median Christmas Trees

Reservations are being accepted to place decorated trees in the Main Gate median. Reservations for clubs opened November 2. If space is still available after November 13, they will be made available to residents and businesses. To reserve a tree, contact the Activities Department at 951-244-6841, ext. 610.

New Menu at Country Club

The Country Club has introduced a new menu and new hours. Dining Room Hours are Monday through Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bar Hours are Sunday through Thursday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CLPOA Classes

The Association offers a variety of classes that can be purchased at the POA Office. Instructors cannot accept payments. For more information on classes, visit www.canyonlakepoa.com.