Mapleton Mobile-izers

Welcome to the archive of Mapleton Hollow's community newsletter!

The Mapleton Mobile-izer is issued quarterly, following the MHA membership meetings. Special editions are issued as needed, for example before a quarterly meeting where MHA members will be voting for executives or making an important decision...


MHA BLOG Volume 7.1 Newsletter of the Mapleton Home Association [MHA] February 2002

Inside This Issue

Exec Speaks Out
 by Interim President, Mark Reeder

At the Winter Quarterly Meeting of the Mapleton Home Association, the MHA’s Executive Board nominated me Interim President of our organization, and the members unanimously approved my appointment. I want to thank everyone for the their faith in me. I look forward to working with all residents as we march forward toward a resident managed mobile home park in the Thistle Community Land Trust.
Citing reasons of a busy schedule with work, school and family, MHA President, Ben Jensen announced his retirement effective January 27, 2002. At this time I wish to extend to Ben all of our thanks for the wonderful job he has done in leading our community effort in this landmark project. We wish him the best. We also thank him for continuing in a limited role with the project, working with the MHA’s Business Committee.
With my interim appointment, I am glad to note that the residents who are working for the community are doing a splendid job and I support their efforts wholeheartedly. I hope all the residents of the Mapleton Park, Boulder City Council members, Thistle Community Housing and City staff will acknowledge the time these volunteers spend working to make this project a success. For the residents and myself, I also wish to extend a heartfelt appreciation for the work done by Thistle, City Council, and City staff on behalf of the Mapleton Park Project.
I look forward to working with all persons connected with this one-of-a-kind project in the future.

News from the City
 by Jeff Yegian
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Goose Creek: We want to remind everyone that the Mapleton Home Association’s Community Coordinator, Debbie Kranzler, is handling communications between residents and City staff and workers at the construction
site. If you have concerns about the construction work, Debbie will work with City staff to resolve them. Debbie can be reached at 303-444-4140.

Park Management: Another reminder; you should take any concerns about park management to the on-site managers, Julie and Russ Morris 303-440-3315, or Loretta Milcarek at Hast and Company 303-444-7575.

City staff update: As of February, 1, Jeff Yegian will oversee the City’s contract with Hast and Company and overall park management. Jeff is the City’s Homeownership Programs Manager and has been working with MHA and Thistle to plan for the transfer of the Park. If after talking to Hast you can’t resolve a management issue, or have questions about the City’s affordable housing efforts, he can be reached at the Division of Housing, 303-441-3157.

Management Committee Members
Doug Bethurum #40 442-6349
Anne Crone #82 545-5470
Alex Wilson #58 447-8508
Ben Jensen #178 545-2672
Mari Haas #161 442-7544

MHA Executive Board
President: Mark Reeder #14 444-4140
V.-President:Alex Wilson #58 447-8508
Secretary: Mari Haas #161 442-7544
Treasurer: Silvia Gentile #142 447-2246

Minutes of the MHA Winter
Quarterly Meeting
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by Mari Haas, Secretary

Meeting called to order at 5:40pm by President Ben Jensen. Ben laid out the agenda and asked residents to save their questions until the end. Ben then acknowledged Gene Langlois, former Vice President of the MHA and longtime resident of Mapleton Park who moved to Longmont about a year ago. Gene spoke quietly of how his circumstances have changed and he is looking to return to Mapleton. he asked that residents please inform him of any homes that might be available. His number is 303-651-7994.
The next item on the agenda was an announcement by the MHA's Executive Board that they have approved membership of Mapleton Park in the Norbel Credit Union. Community Coordinator, Debbie Kranzler noted that the Credit Union is located close to Mapleton Park and offers banking services for Park residents with better interest rates on loans and savings accounts than banks. (Please see insert in this issue of the Mobile-izer. Eds. note)


Ben announced that as of January 2002, the Escrow Account is being phased out and all money plus interest will be returned to the participants within a month. The Account was useful and showed Thistle and City staff that residents were sincere in their efforts to create a permanently affordable, resident managed Mobile Home Park. However, with the inclusion of Mapleton in Thistle's CLT, the reasons for having an Escrow Account no longer apply, Ben explained. On behalf of the MHA and the Executive Board, Ben thanked all residents who participated in the Escrow Fund.
Ben then explained that the newly formed Finance Committee will have much work to do in the coming months as it gears up to oversee the financial arrangements of the MHA when it enters the CLT. Residents interested in serving on this committee please contact Interim President Mark Reeder, 303 444-4140, or Nick Tamm, 303 444-3789.
Ben announced that a monthly dues increase is the works for the MHA. With negotiations with Thistle and the City, more money will be needed for items such as lawyers fees. In addition, grants and lenders want to see evidence that residents are willing to make a commitment and support the project annually.
Ben next reported on the MHA’s relationship with the City. A new member of the City team, Jeff Yegian will be taking over Cindy Pieropan’s consulting role with the MHA’s Management Committee.
Larisa LaBrant from Thistle updated progress on work being done for the residents. Since residents voted to
become a part of the Thistle CLT, the concept study (aka Site Plan) has
been approved by residents; negotiations with City staff have resulted in work on infrastructure design and affordability covenants.


Debbie Kranzler then told the membership that as the new year gets underway, more input from residents is desired as we work toward solutions for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU is basically a rough draft of the sales contract with the City and outlines the points of the sale: transfer of ownership, payments, affordability provisions,and infrastructure upgrades to name a few. The MHA Business Committee--Paul Keaton, Ben Jensen, Debbie Kranzler and Mark Reeder--has been working with Thistle and City staff to complete the MOU. The MHA could use help from residents and all voices are welcome. People who are interested should come to nay of the MOU Committee meetings held at #14, on February 13, 10am and March 10, 4pm, and April 15, 7:30pm. More committee meeting times will be advertised in the Mobile-izer.


Douglas Sullivan then gave an update on the Goose Creek Construction. He apologized for the lack of warning on the starting date. Because of difficulties with the former owner, the City was delayed in getting the work started. When they finally got the go ahead, the contractors came in immediately. Because of the delay, the first phase of the construction at the Boulder Whiterock Ditch, won’t be completed until April. However, total time for construction should be around 12 months if all goes well, but could take up to 18 months if there are any delays because of construction problems.
In the future Douglas will be giving updates at the MHA Quarterly Meeting and writing a column for the Mapleton Mobile-izer. Douglas also reiterated what has been said in the Mobile-izer and in handouts: Please do not take problems to the construction crews. Any questions or problems please call Community Coordinator Debbie Kranzler, the Park’s liaison on all things Goose Creek.
The final agenda item was the announcement of upcoming election of new officers. Vice President and Treasurer will be up for election in April. Persons interested in running for those offices should contact Alex Wilson, #58, 303 447-8508.

With President Ben Jensen stepping down, the Executive Board, according to the MHA by-laws appointed Mark Reeder as interim President for the next three months. The membership ratified his appointment unanimously. During the next three months, the Executive Board elected to keep the position open to give residents time to apply for the office. Residents who wish to seek the office of the President should contact Alex Wilson, #58, 303-447-8508.
Ben Jensen handed over the gavel to Mark who thanked everyone for their support. He reminded everyone that the MHA is a grassroots organization dependent upon members for leadership and input. He encouraged everyone to participate.
In the final order of business, the question of the legality of home purchases or installation of new homes by mobile home brokers was brought up. Debbie Kranzler said she would look into it. However, according to the rules of the Park all homes must be owner-occupied. Moreover, any new homes must fit the footprint shown on the Concept Study.
Mark Reeder reminded residents that the MOU committee works on affordability issues and the site plan. If residents want input on these issues, then they should come to the MOU meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 7pm.

Peaceful Recycling
 by Dick Wilcoxen
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Many of our residents are pleased with the new dispersal of the dumpsters from Dumpster Park to four locations. The moves discussed in previous plans for the Park were necessitated by the start of the final phase of flood control work on Goose Creek. The new locations make the dumpster more accessible with shorter walks for a lot of us. They do
have a downside, however: NOISE!
The homes close to the new locations are now exposed to banging lids, clanging glass and rattling cans; especially late at night! Let’s be considerate of our neighbors with a few simple actions. We can close the lids of the bins quietly; don’t dump late at night unless really necessary. If it is necessary, please do it quietly without the clang and clatter.
Another consideration regards cardboard boxes in the paper recycle bin. It wasn’t such a big problem when we put our boxes in the big dumpsters. Now that we are recycling cardboard in the smaller bins, it really helps if we all breakdown our boxes. If we then place them in the bins in a compact manner, there will be space left for our neighbors. Peaceful and thoughtful recycling!

Mapleton Murmurs
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Goose Creek construction is underway! The crews will be our neighbors for the next twelve months or so. As my grandmother used to say, “Smiles take less effort than frowns.” Be considerate and careful. And parents remember: The drivers of those big rigs can’t see little children close to the ground. Keep your kids out of the construction site...Many thanks to City staff member, Jeff Yegian who is taking over as HHS’s liaison with the MHA’s Management Committee. Jeff brings experience in listening, working with people and problem solving...Teens were seen by Contractor running from the construction site where vandalism damaged some equipment. If you see anything untoward happening after work hours, please notify the Boulder Police immediately...Many thanks to Kim Ballard, #42, and Debbie Kranzler, #14, for organizing the construction site tour for Park children and their parents. Heard something interesting lately in Mapleton Park? Send it to <mreeder@indra.com>.

Neighborhood Watch
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Don Lucas is organizing a Neighborhood Watch Program for Mapleton Park.
He will be going door-to-door speaking with residents to gather support. The Boulder Police want to have 70% of a neighborhood involved before they will set up a Watch Program. Please help Don and give him your consideration when he comes by.

by Debbie Kranzler, Community Coordinator


Cats go to Kitty Jail

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There seem to be an increasing number of cats wandering around our Park. These cats will now be captured and taken to the humane society, kitty jail, where they can be “bailed out” by their owners, or adopted.
Wandering cats are a problem for several reasons. They often tangle with raccoons, who are generally bigger and stronger. The construction machinery working at Goose Creek can run over a pet cat without even noticing! (That’s gotta hurt. Eds. note.) There are wild cats living in the Park which carry diseases that can be transmitted to pets. Wandering pets disturb our natural wildlife and their habitats. Finally, Boulder law says that cats must be restrained from creating a nuisance such as leaving feces or spraying, yowling or damaging property. And our own Park rules state, “Cats are allowed as long as they are kept inside the home at all times.”
Many residents in the Park own and love cats. For the cats’ safety, please keep them indoors. Park Rules and Regulations were recently broadened, at the request of residents, to allow indoor cats. However, they still specify that cats must remain 100% indoors, for all the reasons cited above. This rule will now be
enforced more actively than it has in the past. If your cat is outside and wearing a tag, it will be returned to you and you will be fined. See the Rules and Regulations for de-tails on fines. Cats without tags will be taken to “kitty jail” (the Humane Society) where the owners will have to bail them out.

About the Humane Society:
2323 55th Street, Boulder, Colorado 303-442-4030
http://www.boulder humane.org/
Boulder’s Humane Society has placed 100% of its adoptable animals for the past 7 years. That means that no adoptable pets are euthanized or “put to sleep.” To reclaim your animal you must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and city license in order to avoid extra charges. You will be charged a $35 impound fee and $10 per-day room and board fee. After five days, the guardian forfeits all right to the animal which is then put up for adoption or humanely euthanized, depending on its health and temperament.

Para informacion en espanol dejar mensaje al numero 303-442-4030 x610


Your Ideas Needed For Negotiations With The City
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by Debbie Kranzler, Community Coordinator

MHA, Thistle and Housing and Human Services staff are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that includes all the different aspects of the sale of Mapleton to Thistle, including future management by the MHA. The MHA Business Committee needs input from lots of residents. The MOU Committee meets once per month to discuss different topics in the MOU. This is your chance to have your opinion heard! Everyone is welcome to attend. Each month the meeting is scheduled on different day of the week and different time of day to try to accommodate everyone's schedule. Most people will not be able to come to all of the meetings, so please come to any one-
or more-that you can! If you can't or don't want to, attend, write down your ideas and get them to Debbie Kranzler, Community Coordinator, #14, email to debbie@kranzler.com.
The next meetings, all at Debbie's house, #14:
2/13 Wednesday 10am
3/10 Sunday 4pm
4/15 Monday 7:30pm

Topics in the MOU: affordability and resale provisions; infrastructure design, timing and funding of improvements; management plan; legal documents (land lease between Thistle and MHA, lot lease between MHA and residents); and funding for the purchase and for improvements to the Park.
Questions? Call Debbie Kranzler 303-444-4140.

Finance Committee Looking for
Resident Participation

As the MHA moves towards management of the Park, we need residents who have budgeting or other finance experience to help out on the newly created Finance Committee. You do not need to be a financial wizard, just have a basic understanding of handling money. If you balance your checkbook every month, you probably have the skills. This will only take about 1 hour per month, with some months having no meetings.
Please contact Mark Reeder, President,#14, 303-444-4140; e-mail: mreeder@indra.com; or Nick Tamm, #41, 303-444-3789.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

It is the time of year again to renew your membership in the Mapleton Home Association. Everyone’s membership expires on April 30, 2002 and membership for 2002-2003 needs to be renewed by that date.
Membership is only $5.00 per year but your dues buy much more than this small amount indicates. 2002 marks a time of great transition for the residents of Mapleton Mobile Home Park. The Goose Creek Flood Project is underway and with its completion, the Park will become a member of the Thistle Community Land Trust. The residents, through the MHA Management Committee, will manage the Park. All of the tasks associated with becoming a self managing Park will cost money. Please support your home owner’s association by joining the MHA.
Dues this year will be collected by, Vice President Alex Wilson, #58, and Treasurer Silvia Gentile, #143, Secretary Mari Haas, #161, and Interim President Mark Reeder, #14. You can visit any one of these members and pay them your dues. Please make checks payable to the Mapleton Home Association.

More info

The Mapleton Mobile-izer is published quarterly by the Mapleton Home Association and is distributed free to all residents of Mapleton Mobile Home Park.