(December 1999 Newsletter)

Another Water Project Snag: As many of you know, our water project hit a snag last month when bids came in for its construction. The lowest bid was $227,000 higher than the estimated construction cost, as compiled by the engineering firm of Giersch and Associates. The County arrived at this figure after subtracting a contingency provision of about $150,000 from the total bid. Our assessment of $1,431 per lot (payable immediately or financed over 40 years) was based on the estimated cost of the project. That means we now have a $227,000 gap between the money that's currently available and the money we will need if the low bid is accepted.

What Happened: Last Thursday, your Board, the Water Committee and a handful of former Board members met with County Engineer Mike Kirn, water engineer Joe Beck, Giersch and Assoc. owner Garold Giersch and Giersch project manager Jerry Herman to find out why this happened and what we can do about it. Mr. Giersch was very candid about why his firm's estimate missed the mark by so much. He said the engineers who gathered the data for our assessment (neither of whom works for Giersch anymore) failed to consider some costly changes to the project when they worked up the final figures. Compounding this problem is an extremely hot market for water projects statewide, Giersch said. Bids were solicited in all major California newspapers as well as in the construction industry "Green Sheet." Fifty contractors requested specs, and 15 qualified contractors called for more information. Sealed bids came in from four qualified contractors. The low bid of about $1.2 million was $170,000 below the next highest, which prompted Giersch to speculate that it is a "good bid."

According to both Mr. Giersch and Mr. Kirn, assessments for large water projects like ours are usually based on actual bids. If this were the case, our assessments would have been based on the $1.2 million low bid, and we wouldn't be faced with this problem. The estimate-based method of assessing the project was adopted for expediency, due to the deteriorating condition of our water system, Mr. Kirn said.

What Next: County officials have proposed that we accept the low bid and get an additional low-interest USDA loan of $227,000 to pay for the difference. They propose we pay for this loan by increasing our regular water bill $8 per quarter (that equals $2.67 per month) to $72. Within a week or so, the County will send out a letter notifying property owners of this proposal. Full details will be in the letter, so please read it carefully. If you agree with the arrangement, you don't need to do anything at all. But if you are against it, you must file a written protest with the County. If a majority protests, the current plan will be scrapped, and the water project cannot be implemented.
Other Water Issues per Water Committee Chairman Ted Weller: Our new well came in at a hefty 150 gpm. Water testing results won't be known until January. The new pump and equipment for Well #5 will also be installed in January. Joe Beck, our water engineer, attended a seminar on Y2K issues for water systems. He assures us our equipment will be OK.

Lake Issues: In response to residents' concerns about trespassing, County Counsel Jeff Kuhn has drafted an ordinance that essentially makes it a crime for anybody other than Indian Lakes Estates property owners/residents and their guests, accompanied by owners/residents, to use our lakes and recreational property. It also forbids use of the lakes after dark. We were advised that the latter provision gives deputies more teeth when going after vandals or loud parties, and should not discourage residents from taking moonlit lakeside strolls, etc. Mr. Kuhn, Supervisor Gary Gilbert and Sheriff-Coroner John Anderson deserve our praise for stepping in and solving what seemed to be a thorny problem. The ordinance won't take effect until the Board of Supervisors has held a public hearing on it and voted the issue.

Casino Issues per Casino Committee Chairwoman Cathy Nash: There is definitely some activity going on, but we have not been able to make contact with tribal council members. If we learn anything new, we will pass it along. A 60-acre plot across the road from the planned casino site was recently purchased by what may be an investment company. Cathy advises any residents who are concerned about the impact this planned casino would have on the quality of life in ILE to write their state officials. For information on how to do this effectively, please contact her at 642-2285.

Development Issues per Development Committee Chairwoman Nancy Flynn: The Almiki Ranch project on the north end of our subdivision is alive again. On Dec. 17, project developers submitted a check to the County to cover the cost of an Environmental Impact Report. Last year, they submitted a preliminary map proposing 357 residential lots on 908 acres, extending from just north of Cheyenne Road to up near the CDF fire station. The project seeks ingress/egress off of both Chickasaw and Cheyenne in our subdivision. Our main concerns are traffic, damage to our roads, noise and light pollution, effects on wildlife, etc. Concerned residents will have a chance to comment on the EIR during its public input phase. Nancy will keep us posted.

Donations Welcome: If you haven't made your FY 2000 donation yet, we urge you to do so. The ILE Property Owners' Association is unique in its non-profit status. Your contributions let us watch out for your interests and keep you informed.

Usual Stuff: Please don't let your dog run around loose, bark incessantly, or otherwise get into trouble. J.B. Overstreet, who owns the large ranch to our east, had many of his sheep killed by packs of roving dogs that likely came from ILE. He says he will have to reluctantly shoot any dogs running loose on his property. Speeders beware: The CHP has increased its presence in ILE, and they are already making things safer for kids, pets and wildlife. We thank them for their efforts! We also thank the Sheriff's Department for their high visibility in ILE.

Attention Internet users: Minutes of ILEPOA Board and CAPA (Coarsegold Area Plan Association) meetings are now posted on the Internet at www.coarsegold.com, which is owned by Board VP Franks. An Indian Lakes Estates "frequently asked questions" list for newer residents is posted there, too.

Assistance is always needed: Are you interested in ILE issues? Would you like to be on a committee or run for the Board next term? If so, contact any Board member.

Next Regular Board Meeting: Jan. 22. Please contact a Board member for location.