Here are a few highlights from Board meeting

Projects Update

At Tuesday’s POA Board meeting, General Manager Chris Mitchell provided an update on projects currently underway in the community:

• Dog Park – Plans for the Dog Park made it through the City’s Planning Department and this week were expected to receive approval from Building and Safety. The Association currently is working with the landscape architect on final details with regard to plants.
• Solar Project – Staff is waiting for the draft agreement from Active Solar. After it’s received, Legal Counsel will look it over and make comments. The GM hopes to have it on the January agenda for Board approval.
• Campground – Staff has tentative approval from the Planning Department for desired changes at the Campground; and SCE has approved the transformer. Construction documents are being finalized; however, the restrooms still have to be addressed. The Board hopes to move forward on this project in April or May.
• Roadrunners Park Restrooms – The City has approved plans for permanent restrooms. As staff prepares the RFP, it will seek bids for both the new restroom and the new shade structure, which was previously approved.
• Security Cameras – Five vendors are providing camera demonstrations. The GM hopes to come to the Board with a recommendation on the January Board agenda.

Main Gate Project

All the spots for median trees were reserved this year and the decorated trees were being installed this week. The lights on these trees and in the other common areas will be turned on this Sunday, December 6, in conjunction with the Tree-Lighting Festival at the Lodge. Photo by Donna Kupke

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, POA President Bruce Yarbrough explained the Board’s reasoning in asking for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) on the Main Gate Project. Bruce explained that for many months, certain homeowners have accused the Board of violating the Bylaws, especially with regard the the $800,000 rule.

The Board believes the Main Gate Project is being handled properly and no rules are being violated; however, it was Bruce’s decision, supported by the Board, that getting a judge’s unbiased opinion in the matter would help lay the matter to rest.

In the evidentiary hearing held on November 10 in San Diego, the Board, represented by Corporate Counsel Scott Levine, and a committee of homeowners, represented by Lawrence Neigel offered documentary evidence for their positions.

The Arbitrator later announced his opinion that the project in its entirety is a Reserve Project, not a Capital Improvement Project. The Arbitrator further stated “In approving this project, the Board has acted well within its authority pursuant to California law and the Association Bylaws.”

The Arbitrator, Hon. J. Richard Haden (Ret.) provided a written decision that can be read in its entirety at www.canyonlakepoa.com.

Corporate Counsel Update

Corporate Counsel Scott Levine provided an update on recent legal activities with regard to the Lake Lease and the Main Gate Project.

He also responded to allegations made by those opposed to the Main Gate Project; then explained the history of the opposition and the people behind the opposition, including but not limited to former Board members Sean McDonald, Lawrence Neigel and George Middle.

Levine went into a lengthy explanation of what happened when the McDonald/Neigel Board decided to pursue a lawsuit against former Association managers and legal counsel Warrell, Johnson, Phipps and Racobs. He also went over recent actions by George Irvine. His presentation and the rest of the December 1 Board meeting can be viewed at www.canyonlakepoa.com.