April
2, 2005, Juniper Acres Road Meeting
The
meeting was opened by Lee Smock with close to 40 people in attendance.
Lee
apologized for any confusion or dissension caused by comments made in the “J/A
Newsletter”, he wanted everyone to realize we need to get the most out of money
used for road repair. Lee reported the majority of letters received were
opposed to road improvements, however to smooth the road seems acceptable, a
good country road with good country neighbors.
Dana
brought to our attention the garbage that was carefully placed down the center
of the road, as if in direct opposition to road issues. Dana, Jeff Cushman,
(and probably others) managed to get most the garbage picked up before arriving
at the meeting. Questions arose as to how we may be able to gain respect of
those who don’t care. Answer: We can’t!
Dan
mentioned his concerns of drivers using the wrong side of the road; there have
been 3 head on collisions in past years. It’s a real safety issue that needs
addressing, speed is also a problem, too many go too fast, he felt 25 MPH was
fast enough. Lee mentioned with the speed comes dust, those on the east side of
Cascade receive the worst amount.
Faye
brought up that someone deliberately shot a dog? Why? Lack of respect!
Neighbors do not need to be turning in neighbors or reporting issues for just
any old thing.
Mary
Pedersen brought up leveling and drainage, no one seems to want to take on the
liability. To make the road smooth enough for delivery trucks and the
ambulance, this would be to our advantage. The cost of water has gone up to
$85.00 a load, because of wear and tear to Ron’s trucks.
Dan
questioned costs, a figure of $240,000 was mentioned, and he felt it might be
realtors that were encouraging improvement
The
cost of the roller was mentioned. Who authorized the road committee to purchase
a roller?! Lee explained the Hagers bought and paid for the roller. Someone
mentioned the County take on the road. Rod Hager said there have been several
counties that approved Measure 37. Lee mentioned the cap of 150 homes would
rezone after the soil survey to a cap of 300 homes.
Glen
stated he went to the courthouse and talked to several there wanting to be as
well informed as possible. Both Scott Cooper and Jeff Wilson indicated they see
no plans for our area within the next 10 – 15 years. Glen felt the roads were
better 8 years ago, although they were narrower they were smoother. Speed and
dust also being mentioned.
Lee
mentioned taxes, if we gravel our roads the taxes could go up; but not if we
just smooth out the bumps.
Faye
suggested a shovel, adopt a pothole and take care of what is in front of your
own place. It was mentioned we have many absentee owners.
Paul
wanted to clarify the lots that were recorded before 1985 can be issued a
building permit. Cutting trees along the road is at the owners’ discretion. His
concern came when he realized we are 2 years behind on our road agreement with
BLM. The road work done was with the approval of Penny our County Road Master
and BLM.
Jeff
mentioned gravel would help keep the dust down.
Shawn
asked about the cost of gravel. Lee answered; with a 6’’ base, 4 ¾
miles long, the cost would be approximately $250,000.00. It was
mentioned that this was like buying a lot next to an airport and complaining
about the noise. It seems no one has a clear cut idea, each has their own
opinions.
Questions
again as to where the money went. Lee explained all the money given to Ed went
to Harney Rock, and Bend Oil for fuel. We still have 150 gallons diesel marked
for BLM road improvements, all bills have been paid, rock, fuel, water, etc.
Bev
Prothro mentioned the roads are 25’ on each side, and the easement is dedicated
to the subdivision. Several disagreed. Bev said she would do further research.
Paul mentioned he was told the county wanted 30 – 32 feet for road way and
leave the balance for coming utilities.
Darrel
asked if we could just grade the road, not make “improvements” just smooth it
out?
Kelly,
stated that improvements and maintenance on our roads is a safety issue. We’re
all out here for a nice lifestyle and should allocate resources to maintain the
roads.
Lee
asked if we could maintain to a condition that would:
Shawn
mentioned a lack of trust issues in our area. It was agreed trust is a problem.
Karin
brought to light, we are all out here for the same reasons, a happy life with
peaceful manners on all sides.
Harold
wondered who would want to be on the committee as someone would be sure to hate
you. A lot of agreement to that.
Dan
said he would be willing to fill in potholes. Rod mentioned we have equipment
available: Cat, Grader, Dump Trucks, Tractors, and Roller to help make it
smooth, but some areas need repair.
Lucy
suggested we are ALL members of the committee and perhaps we should get
together every 60 days with information.
Someone
mentioned the use of Luthy Way and they
do not need a committee. If anything needs done, you get out of your car and take care of it. Lee informed us Luthy Way
was to be reseeded, restored and removed as part of the BLM road
agreement.
James
asked for a show of hands of the owners along Cascade way, as he lives on Palm
and Cascade. Approximately ½ dozen hands raised.
Sue
offered dirt from her property if needed to fill holes. She received a
gratifying round of applause.
Lee
read several letters form absent owners, some feeling that road improvement would affect the quality of their lives,
others stated they did not want any improvements.
A
discussion between Lee and Dan brought about the idea of a rolling committee,
no one would be on the committee more than 30 days.
Marti
made a motion for such a committee; it was seconded. Lee suggested 5 people for
30 days, they report back and a new committee selected. All meetings would be
open.
Jeff
suggested we need to accelerate during the summer months, slow down during
winter months, focus on Birch Hill, then move on.
Karin
gave thanks to Lee and Marilyn for their efforts in the community.
Apologies
were made for any misinformation. A maximum speed was again addressed, 20 MPH
seemed to be the agreed speed, with signs for reminders.
A
committee of 5 was selected; Shawn Kissler, Faye Barnes, Don Pedersen, Jeff
Cushman, and Kay Stewart. The next meeting to be scheduled in approximately 30
days, perhaps the first or second weekend in May.
Jim
asked if we had any surveyors stakes available, some seem to be wrong or
misplaced. No clear answer was given.
A
motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Leaving some questions unanswered.
Submitted
by Kay Stewart