Monday, 15 February 2010 20:00
SnoCap Caucus Board Meeting, February 15, 2010
Board Members in Attendance: Michael Kinsley, Ken Smith, Barb Sullan, Steve Child,
Tim McFlynn, Brad Zanin, Patsy Batchelder, Kate McBride, Rick Heede, Kathy DeWolfe
Guests: Sheri Spykerman, Little Elk Creek HOA President.
The meeting was called to order by Tim McFlynn, as President, and the following business was conducted:
I. Approval of December Meeting Minutes.
Steve wanted to add four topics that were brought up for future meetings.
Motion: Steve moved to accept the minutes as amended; Patsy seconded. All approved.
II. Treasurer’s Report – Brad
For 2009, contributions were at $70K, expenditures at 15K. As of the end of Jan,
there is $110K in the bank.
III. Misc. Code Issues
The Board discussed Christmas lights, exterior lights on homes, junkyards, and energy. Tim suggested we find out what the process is to handle complaints, and put this on the website.
IV. Party for Mike
Katie Kitchen, Donna McFlynn, Julie Wycoff and P.S. Keran are working on party for Mike, our Old Snowmass Postmaster, who is retiring. There will be a party on Saturday, March 13, from 5-7 pm at the Snowmass Cottages. Attendees are asked to bring sweets or appetizers to share. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided by the Caucus. Donations to Mike’s retirement are being accepted by the Caucus. We are trying to raise $1,500 for his gift. Invitations to the party will be placed in post office boxes.
V. Story poles.
Questions were brought up at the last meeting as to when story poles are they required. along with PV panels and ridgeline reviews. Tim will e-mail the county and ask for one or more people to come to our next meeting. They will discuss story poles, enforcement issues, lighting. energy and junkyards.
VI Code Provision Committee Update.
There were seven county staff at the last meeting. They were very receptive to the Caucus
Committee members’ input.
VII Energy Committee Update
Ken, Barb and Rick were invited to meet with the County prior to the energy round table meeting scheduled for March 3rd to explore the issues with them. We’re trying to fact-find now…not taking a position at the moment.
VIII Sherri Spykerman, Little Elk Creek HOA
Sherri gave a presentation on what’s happening in LEC with the increasing use of solar panels on residences. She had enlarged photos showing the negative impacts (glare) of some recent solar installations on surrounding neighbors. Michael suggested the County needs to deal with this problem. There must be a technical fix. It was suggested we take action as soon as possible to prod the County to take responsibility for the regulation of solar panels.
Motion: Michael moved that a letter shall be written to Pitkin County with the following language: “Recognizing the critical importance of solar panels, the Snowmass Capitol Creek Caucus requests that Pitkin County develop regulations protecting neighbors from direct glare from solar panels. These regulations should make solar-panel owners responsible for designing solar systems to minimize significant glare on nearby homes. Because homeowners have already been impacted by blinding glare – for example, in Little Elk Creek subdivision – this action should be taken forthwith”.
Kate seconded the motion; the Board unanimously approved. An officer of the Caucus will send the letter to the County.
Steve brought up the use of micro hydro technology for energy savings. Steve has been dealing with micro hydro issues and the County has developed excellent regulations. Steve is incorporating these into his conservation easement. He suggested that Pitkin County could come up with great regulations in this area that could be a model for others.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.