Hello everyone,

The 2008 message attached is a little late in getting out.  I finally got some time while on vacation to proof read and send what I started in December.  Time really flies, doesn’t it?


We need some help.  Would you please consider becoming part of the governance of Bent Tree?   The Bent Tree Property Owner's Association is operated by volunteers from our community.   The tasks are light if spread over enough people.  The number of active neighbors is dwindling and those of us remaining could use an infusion of "new blood."  We really need some help on the Board of Directors staff.  We have two open positions on the board and several needs in the committees.

What help is needed?
Board of Directors.  Five elected directors have two primary functions.  First, to sustain property values through fair and consistent enforcement of the covenants.  Second, to protect our right to operate wells under permit by the State of Colorado.  We currently have 3 directors, just the minimum quorum to conduct business, and need 2 more to operate efficiently.

Architectural Control Committee.  Property owners elect 3 ACC members who, in turn, elect their chairperson.  The ACC enforces the covenants pertaining to real property (structures, driveway, fence, lighting, etc).  The ACC is currently fully staffed but Tom Hilfers would like to step down if another property owner would carry on.

Committees of the Board.  Bent Tree members with a particular talent or interest may work just that topic.  The Board appoints people to focus on specialized areas and structures them as committees <http://www.btpoa.org/btpoa/committees.htm> that operate under the supervision of the Board.  
Covenant Compliance
Water Augmentation
Engineering
Forestry Management
Beautification and Trails
Web and Database
Membership Records and Directory
Neighborhood Watch and Security
Welcoming

How long are the terms?  Elected positions are 3-year terms, the vacated positions have 2 years left.  Non-elected service on committees is indefinite.

What qualifications are necessary?  For the most part, the only qualifications are "soft skills" such as community interest, reasonableness, cordial deliberations, teamwork and kindness.  Some of the committee roles required specialized skills such as editing/publishing, engineering or web/database development.

How much time is involved?   The Board of Directors meets monthly on a the second Monday evening of the month.  The ACC and committees work in spurts as needed--sometimes busy for the project and then quite for weeks at a time.  Additionally there are the two annual meetings for the general BTPOA membership.

What are the benefits?  Becoming connected with neighbors and impacting our micro-community.  BTPOA's liability insurance covers volunteers serving in their Board-recognized duties.

Where would I begin?  For elected positions let any Board member know your interest and come to the Third Annual BTPOA Budget Meeting on February 21 where elections will be held.  If you cannot attend that meeting, please write a short statement about your qualification and interest that can be read at the meeting during elections.  For service on non-elected committees, contact the chairperson or any Board member <http://www.btpoa.org/btpoa/contact.htm>  anytime.   You are also welcome at any Board or committee meeting if you want to observe.

The last year was extremely successful for Bent Tree, we had a lot of people working on different issues, which made it all possible.  We need more help so the load will be smaller for each person.  Please consider giving a hand to help us.  Thank You.

Duane Fitch
President, BTPOA
1430 Burgundy Ct.
Monument, CO 80132
(719)337-6088