TIMBER TRUMPET
October 14, 2009
PO Box 94, Norden, CA 95724
530-426-3980
Presidents Message
Chik Brenneman
As we move through the month of October, we continue to make progress on all aspects of the water project. To recap the work to date, two new water pipelines have been installed and tested, the tank site has been leveled, prepared, and the foundation poured. The tank is under construction as of this writing and will be finished in about two weeks. Once completed, our contractor can come in to finish the job. Completion per our documents is scheduled for December 5th. This date is a little behind schedule, but is the result of a necessary change order that came about as a result of some changes required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The total amount of the change order was $6673 increasing the total project cost for Phase I to $567,673.
We are in final discussions with Bank of the West for a construction loan that will secure funding for the entire project. This loan would be converted to a mortgage when construction is completed. The bank specifies terms of repayment for a period of seven years, which could be extended to ten years if necessary. The net financial impact to the Association and individual members is still yet to be determined, but the goals of repayment, are to protect our reserves and minimize regular assessments, as well as avoid special assessments. Considerable thought has gone into this funding strategy and I feel that this is best for our members for a project that was mandated by outside agencies, with no recourse to help us with funding. Our project is too small for any federal dollars being doled out under the current stimulus plan.
The plan for the construction loan is to cover the costs of Phase I and Phase II plus any contingencies that may arise. We will incur some additional engineering costs for Phase II as a result of delays from the county permitting process. There is still considerable work to be done next year with respect to construction of a new pipeline from our existing wells 3 and 4, as well as the construction of the arsenic treatment plant. I will continue to provide major updates through the Timber Trumpet and/or the website. The info on the website is a little outdated, but hopefully, by the time you receive this, I’ll have it updated.
After seven years of getting this project rolling, it gives considerable relief to see significant progress. I never promised that this would be an easy task, and by now, after seeing the logistics involved in these first phases of construction, I hope that all see that this is a complicated project requiring the expertise of qualified engineers and construction firms. Thanks to all for your understanding and support, and especially to those property owners who are adjacent to the construction areas. We will continue to move forward toward completion of Phase I, and the engineering, design, planning and permitting for Phase II. Our staff, Terri and Brian, has put in a considerable amount of time to understand the process, and needs required for the Association, once the systems are integrated into the existing distribution lines. Thanks to them for keeping the lines of communication, open between the engineers, contractors, inspectors, and myself. I look forward to the day, that we can look back and say, “We did it!”
Water and the Winter Months
By
Chik Brenneman
Every winter we have problems with broken pipes and significant water loss. Some of these problems are the result of an aging distribution system and difficult to prevent. We are working on those issues, but other problems exist on the ‘other side of the valve’. Many of these problems are preventable with a little action on your part prior to closing your cabin when cold weather is imminent.
I am including here some generalized guidelines, on how to prevent frozen pipes in your cabin. However, before I list them, it is also important to note, that running your water all winter to avoid freezing pipes is not acceptable and actually leads to increased costs to the association via extra pumping.
First, prepare your house or cabin for the winter season by ensuring that your ‘stop and drain’ valve is functioning properly. All homes should be equipped with this type of valve.
Secondly, whenever you leave your cabin for two or more days, turn off the water and open the drain. Do this even if you heat your cabin. In the event the heat somehow shuts off, you can rest easy that your pipes are empty and will not burst.
Once the water is turned off, for your toilet/drain traps, to prevent them from freezing, use a toilet/drain plunger to push most of the water through and then add some RV antifreeze to the traps. Make sure that the entire trap is full with antifreeze. Your average drain will take a cup or so, the toilet about a pint. Be sure to use the RV water system antifreeze that contains ‘Propylene glycol’. It is potable and will not pollute our sewer system. This again is available at the local hardware store.
Cycle the dishwasher and the clothes washer through a drain cycle to ensure any residual water is expelled from the pump reservoirs. A thirty second shot at the appropriate time in the cycle should be sufficient. Then put about a quart of the propylene glycol in the machine and cycle just enough to mix the mixture in the pump. When opening your cabin, be sure to run the machine through a short rinse cycle to expel the antifreeze
In the event of water crises, the membership is notified via signage at the bridge or by door-to-door notification. Call the number listed to get details on the emergency. When there are significant leaks, we need everyone’s help in locating them. Take a walk around the houses in your immediate area. If you see any water leaks, please report them immediately to the office at 426-3980.
In closing, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect their property from needless water damage and to conserve the community’s precious water resource. These simple guidelines take less time than would be required for locating the leak, major plumbing repairs, and increased costs of pumping. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Thanks in advance for everyone’s help. PlaVada is truly a special place. Let’s keep it that way.
Terri McGuigan
General Manager
Office Hours: The office is now open Wednesday, Thursday and the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. As I have previously stated in the past if you need me for something and cannot wait until schedule office hours I am available by appointment, e-mail or phone.
I want to bring everyone’s attention to the new web site that was redesigned this last summer. If you have not seen it, I do recommend that you look at it. We have a lot of information like meeting dates and time, water project updates, CCR’s, By-laws and several other documents for your use. Visit the site at www.plavada.com .
As Chik mentioned we are in the final stages of obtaining a loan to help pay for the water projects. A financial committee has been formed and is going to have the first meeting October 24th. The purpose of the committee is to oversee how the proceeds of our loan are to be spent and most important how the membership will pay back the loan. This committee will report to the Board of Directors with recommendations on the payback.
Cabin Keys: In July of this year the board made a motion to return all the keys, we have on file to reduce Pla-Vada’s liability. For the keys we have in our possession, you are welcome to pick them up or we will arrange to return them to you upon your request. ALL KEYS WILL BE DISTROYED December 1, 2009.
New & remodel Construction: If you are considering any type of construction, I want to advise you of the revised construction handbook, which is available on our web site (www.plavada.com). Please call Mike Anderson the chairperson of the Architecture Committee for instruction and approvals. Mr. Anderson’s contact information is e-mail - manders6350@jps.net , phone contact 916-624-0120, Alternate phone 916-300-0351
Trimming of Branches: If you have trimmed the branches of your trees and they are still lying on the side of the road please call TRUCKEE FIRE @ 530-308-2705 to schedule removal.
I hope all of you have a wonderful winter season!
Caretakers Notes: Brian Silsby – As we get into the snow season, it is important to note what to expect with respect to plowing on storm days. Please note the following plow routes.
Please note that these are general guidelines and the dynamics of any given storm may necessitate last minute changes.
Winter reminders – Jim MaGee
As winter seems to be approaching sooner this year with the 4 inches of snow received on October 4th. I want to give all of you some reminders of things you should do to have a safe and problem free winter.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable.
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
THIRD CALENDAR QUARTER 2009 NOTICE
|
PlaVada Community Association Has Levels of Arsenic Above the Drinking Water Standard |
Our domestic water system recently violated the new drinking water standard for arsenic. Although this is not an emergency, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
What happened?
The USEPA standard, enacted January 2006, and the California Department of Public Health standard, enacted November 28, 2008, lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of arsenic from 0.050 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 0.010 mg/L (or 10 ug/L) based on the running annual average of test results.
Wells 3 and 4 have enough arsenic test results to indicate that the current running annual average levels are 16.6 ug/L and 34.3 ug/L, respectively.
These levels are above the MCL, so you will be notified quarterly until the violation is corrected. The PlaVada Community Association is also now subject to an administrative order dated September 30, 2008, from the USEPA which requires compliance with the arsenic MCL.
What should I do?
What is being done?
The PlaVada Community Association (PVCA) is evaluating options to comply with the new standard. PVCA has drilled a test well to determine if an alternative low arsenic source can be utilized and is looking at treatment options. For more information, please contact Terri McGuigan at (530) 426-3980.
Secondary Notification Requirements
Upon receipt of notification from a person operating a public water system, the following notification must be given within 10 days [Health and Safety Code Section 116450 (g)]:
SCHOOLS: Must notify school employees, students, and parents (if students are minors).
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR MANAGERS (including nursing homes and care facilities): Must notify tenants.
BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS, OR OPERATORS: Must notify employees of businesses located on the property.
This notice is being sent to you by the PlaVada Community Association.
State Water System No. 2910011 Date Distributed: _____________________