At the HOA meeting September 17 a prepared statement was read outlining  recent activity on Golf Course negotiations with the owners.  A copy of the statement appears in the following link.

Sep 17 2019 Golf Course Status Report

The take away is that negotiations with the owners which were terminated in January were restarted in June.  The owners continue to reiterate the course must show a path to profitability.  financial information to that end was offered by them, but to date has not been received.  The owners state they will continue to pursue development of the property for homes, an approach the HOA has continually stated it is adamantly opposed to.  The HOA was told that a development plan would be submitted to the County in August.  To date none has been in evidence.

Putting the rumor mill to bed, Walt mentioned some preliminary discussions with Sierra View Country Club were held.  They are in a similar position as we are as to defining the future of their course.  The idea would be for them to sell/trade their property, perceived as valuable and develop-able real estate, and acquire/improve Morgan Creek.  They were encouraged to contact the Golf Course Owners to explore this if they desired.  This could be a three way win assuming the current owners as well as Sierra View membership were interested.  We have received no further  information on this.

At the HOA meeting, September 17, we had a presentation by the Placer County Sheriff’s Department on neighborhood safety.  Valuable information was provided.  Also Lorenzo Harris, HOA Safety Committee head, provided information on their thinking with respect to speed bumps, installation of speed cameras and running stop signs.  Highlights  follow:

Sheriff’s Presentation.

A handout of Neighborhood Watch Basics was provided.  Here is a link to the handout.  We encourage you all to review it.

Neighborhood Watch Basics

The following are some highlights from the talk.

• We live in a relatively safe community.  There were only two burglaries reported in the last year.  We were encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities to the Sheriffs office.  They will respond.  The more incidents reported, the more staffing will be devoted to policing the neighborhood.  To report non-emergency incidents or obtain dispatch call 530-886-5375.
• Setting up a private chat app for neighborhood watch was encouraged in order to share  suspicious activity or coordinate with neighbors on such things as vacations or mutual video camera coverage.  He suggested an app called Groupme.  Whatsapp could also be used.  Local areas could have their own groups.  Perhaps the board or a volunteer could facilitate this.  Interested?
• Installing hi-res video cameras and ring cams was strongly encouraged.  The Department does welcome and use homeowner footage when incidents are reported. Signs which announce presence of these is also a deterrent.
• Lock your electrical utility cabinet.  Also consider locking back yard access gates to make access more difficult.
• To the extent practical use yard lighting at night to discourage prowlers.
• The Sheriff will perform vacation checks on residences if asked to do so.  Call the number above to arrange this.
• Register your surveillance cameras with the Department so that if an incident occurs at a neighbors, the Sheriff will know to check your video for possible evidence.
• Door to door solicitors are prohibited without a permit.  You can report them to the Department who will take action.
• Citizens arrests are discouraged but the Department can’t stop you.  Be aware of potential liability.

Safety Advisory Committee.

The newly formed committee held its first meeting Monday night.  The principal topics presented as a result of that meeting were:

• Speed bumps for the Pinehurst side were revisited.  Pros and cons were discussed.  One commenter thought we need fire department permission.  Another said no.  This is a controversial topic needing more input.
• The suggestion was raised about installing portable speed cameras to record cars, drivers and plates.  It was pointed out that speed limits are imposed by the HOA which has the authority to levy fines for resident violators and warn outsiders or vendors of violations.  Cost is nominal at about $6,000 for each side plus whatever administrative costs would be required.  Comments welcome.
• Running stop signs was again raised as an issue.  Lorenzo commented that the speed cams probably couldn’t help with this.  This issue will be dealt with as well.

As always, COMMENTS WELCOME.

Last night’s well attended HOA meeting featured some great information and dialogue.  This post highlights the main topics of discussion.  Two separate posts have been made concerning Safety and the Golf Course.  This will allow more focused comments.

• Safety:  The main emphasis and time of the meeting was spent on safety.  The Placer County Sheriff’s department gave a talk containing much useful information.  There was also much discussion of our own Safety Advisory Committee activities.  We believe the safety topic is important enough that we are putting it in a separate Post.
• Golf Course:  The golf course status was briefly discussed.  The Board delivered a status letter.  Likewise, we consider this important enough to be covered in a separate Post.
• Lorenzo Harris was introduced as the latest Board addition, replacing James Shelby who resigned.  He gave a brief bio of his experience in the commercial building industry.  He lives in the lake community.  His principal responsibility will be to head the Safety Advisory Committee.
• Compliance:  Chris was absent but sent a note reiterating priorities.  Nothing new here beyond those topics discussed at the last meeting.
• ARC:  Deb gave a brief update indicating the new streamlined procedures seem to be working well.  The coordination of paint and colors with Kelly Moore seems to be an excellent marriage.  They continue to offer 20% discounts for Morgan Creek.  As one homeowner attested to, the discounts are easy to get and apply not only to exterior paint and fencing, but to interior paint as well.
• Financial:  Mike, the Treasurer missed the meeting.  Thus, no financial report was made other than a few highlight numbers such as bank balances and collections which were mentioned by Angie of Associa. Those of you who read this BLOG are aware with our extreme disappointment at the sparse financial information presented.  We continue to need a high level discussion of such items as receipts, reserves  where our money goes, e. g. legal fees history and trends/plans, utilities costs and plans such as the proposed lake well, adequacy of reserves, the gate program costs and savings, and many more.  Most of us are not accountants and need not just balance sheets and income statements, but interpretations. Surely someone at Associa can step up!
• Golf Tournament:  There will be the 7th Annual Morgan Creek Golf Tournament to be held October 13.  The following flyer explains the details.  Morgan Creek Golf Tournament

Please contact Linda or Neal for more information or sign ups, 916-599-7704.

As always, COMMENTS WELCOME.

A regular open HOA Board meeting is being held next Tuesday at, 9/17.  In addition to the open forum and  business meeting  Placer County Sheriffs will be on hand to discuss how we can expand and improve our Neighborhood Watch programs.  We’re sure most of you are  aware of all the recent car burglaries and sightings of trespassers who do not belong.  Here is your chance to hear first hand about what’s happening and how we can better protect ourselves.

United we are stronger.  Please attend.