Volume 9.1 Newsletter of the Mapleton Home Association [MHA] March 2004

Mapleton Mobile-izers

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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 9.1 Newsletter of the Mapleton Home Association [MHA] March 2004

Inside this Issue:


Mari Haas #161 Loses Battle with Cancer Inside this Issue:

Former MHA Secretary Will Be Missed
by Mark Reeder
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Park Resident Mari Haas passed away in February, She was instrumental in the growth of the MHA, serving as the home association’s secretary and on the Management Committee.
Mari moved to Mapleton in April 2000 from Branding Iron where she had lived for approximately ten years. She lived in Ohio where she worked as an elementary school teacher. She also taught in California and London, England. After retiring from teaching, she worked in various clerical jobs. Until March 2001, she was employed in the micrographics department of a small local business.

Mapleton Home Association Quarterly Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2004 5:30p.m Unity Church

by Lori Anderegg

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President Debbie Feustel called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
Debbie announced the death of former MHA Secretary Mari Haas and asked for a moment of silence to remember and honor her.
MHA will be going before City Council in April concerning three ordinances that are critical to the future of the Park and it is highly, highly encouraged that residents attend. (The date previously known by TCH/MHA for the hearing before city council for the three ordinances was in April. It has now been changed to May. Eds. note.)
Officers were nominated for the positions of Treasurer and Vice-President. Mark Reeder nominated Sylvia Gentile for Treasurer. The nomination was seconded by Ben Jensen and Keith Ainsworth. Alex Wilson stated that Tammy Lynn volunteered for the position of Vice-President. Mark Reeder seconded the nomination. Nominations remain open until April. Anyone who wished to seek a position on the Executive Board should contact V.P. Alex Wilson, #58.
Report from the Community Coordinator- Kathryn Alexander. Kathryn Discussed the sewer lines that were previously installed by the City at an angle that is too shallow for the contents to move much considering the depth difference of the MHA sewagelines and the connecting lines at Mapleton Avenue. There is a possible need for a lift station or flushing system.

Report from Thistle Community Housing.

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The Affordability Plan was submitted to the City after approval from both the MHA Executive Board and the CLT. The final plan is expected to be completed in the next two weeks. The closing of the Park is estimated around April or May. Etta summed up the preparation/acquisition process from here until closing as follows:
-Finish negotiations with the city
-Go forward with income certifications: Residents choosing the highest affordability tier and willing to sign off on the resale restrictions do not need to income certify. Residents wanting a lower affordability tier need to income certify. Residents choosing market rate rents do not need to income certify.
-A list will be going out stating the exact documents needed to determine qualification and will include requests for 6 months worth of bank statements and verification of employment. Thistle will be managing all of the income information collected and it will be kept confidential.
Ben Jensen advised residents to get their rent tier qualification information gathered so as not to hold up the process. (Included in this issue is a list of the documents needed for income verification. Eds. note.)
Aaron thanked the volunteers and residents for their work and dedication in the process of acquiring the Park and stated that Thistle is so committed to the Mapleton Park project because of it.
Mark Reeder signed up for comments. He urged residents to send letters to Housing and Human Services and City Council members to speed up the process of the sale of the Park to Thistle Community Housing.



Housing and Human Services Update We’re Getting Closer…
by Jeff Yegian

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 As we approach the sale of the Park to Thistle, the remaining issues are getting plenty of attention.
Funding: Thistle was awarded an additional $70,000 in 2004 affordable housing funds to help pay for its predevelopment costs. The City and MHA have also agreed to provide $30,000 from Park revenue to help Thistle cover its staff costs for this project. Following discussions between Public Works and the Division of Housing, the interest on the $1.75 million Park debt was reduced 2% for the first six months of 2004.
Affordability: In mid-February the City proposed taking a fresh look at how to keep the Park affordable into the future. Thistle, MHA and the City have begun exploring if it’s worth pursuing this idea further, or if it would be better to negotiate the final resale formula.
Project Approvals: FEMA has communicated that it has all the information it needs and should issue its final approval of the flood map changes within 60 days. The revised Site Review application (to allow for replacement of homes) will be submitted for final approval once Thistle, MHA and the City resolve the remaining issues. The two most significant ones have to do with Thistle’s desire to improve the design of the new sewer system and the City’s desire to have a public access easement through the Park. Once these issues are resolved, the rezoning (approved by Planning Board in November) and new legal description of the Park can be completed by City Council.

Exec Speaks Out
by Debbie Feustel
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Elections, Affordability Certification, and Spring are coming are you ready?
April is the month for Elections, Affordability and Spring. At our last quarterly meeting (see minutes) Alex Wilson and Tammy Lynn will be stepping down in their office of Vice President and Treasurer. Tammy Lynn has put forth her interest in being Vice President and Sylvia Gentile has agreed to run for Treasurer. If you wish to nominate someone else, now’s the time since we will be holding elections in April. Please contact current V.P. Alex Wilson in #58.
Have you decided on that rent tier you considered a while ago? Remember the video you got? The details are still being worked on as I write this. We will soon have agreement on the process but in the meantime, we need to begin the Affordability Certification process. Tax time is here so you probably have the rudimentary documents at your fingertips.
Do you have an original title to your home? Have you paid your property taxes on your home? These are questions you need to answer and be prepared to submit. We have researched what is required to obtain a duplicate title for the normal process. Of course, there are always unusual circumstances that cannot be covered. Two things we do know: you’re required to have proof of ownership and that your taxes are current. A good place to start is that drawer where you keep your pertinent documents.
The MHA continues to work hard on those issues that affect our community. This last week MHA representatives, (Mark Reeder, Ben Jensen, Katherine Alexander and myself) met with Frank Bruno the City Manager, John Pollack and Jeff Yegian from Housing and Human Services, and Aaron Mirapol, Etta Habegger and Jim Harrington from Thistle to address those concerns which are felt to be important to our community. This meeting brought about various questions and a ‘to do’ list, needed prior to closing, that will be addressed over the next few weeks. I personally want to thank all those involved for their commitment and dedication towards resolution.
I also wish to thank all the MHA volunteers for their tireless efforts in bringing about closure for our community. Your efforts are truly remarkable. Alex, we're glad you plan on staying on the Management Committee and thanks again for your past service as Vice President.
On a more personal note, Rick Hernandez #5 got the call Tuesday at 8:30 that there was a lung coming to Denver. The surgery, though slightly delayed, was successful. Rick was sitting up in a chair the next day. This is still a relatively new procedure (only 10 years old) and Rick has a long road ahead of him. He sounds good and the doctors are amazed at his progress. And no the birds will not be returning to Mapleton this summer. Keeping them out last year helped Rick to be approved for the transplant. Thanks to Enzo and Julie and those exuberant pot bangers that kept them away.
The passing of Mari Haas was certainly unexpected. I have a special place in my heart for Mari. She was very precise in her actions - chairs had to be placed just so as well as items left for her on her stoop. Mari stepped down as past Secretary and as a member of the Management Committee because she needed to take time for herself. I remember when she called to tell me she wasn't feeling well because she'd eaten some especially hot peppers. I now realize that her dignified choice of handling her illness was her way of maintaining her privacy and protecting me from worrying about her as she knew I needed to focus on the MHA. She still amazes me and I certainly miss her.
Hmmmm an all woman Executive Board, now that’s an interesting concept. Hope to see a full house at our next Quarterly meeting.




COMMITTEE REPORTS
By Kathryn Alexander

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 The time everyone has been waiting for is all most here. While there are still things to work out the sale seems eminent. This is what all of the Committees have been working so hard toward, but the real work is still to come. Self-management is no small task! The Management and Finance Committees will be responsible for a budget of many hundreds of thousands. They will be working, with Thistle over sight, to ensure that the money is spent wisely and well. The Management Committee is looking to ensure that both resident manager and the management company are performing in ways that meet resident needs. Finance is creating processes and procedures to ensure that MHA works well internally and that the long-term needs of the park are met.
The Business Committee has done yeoman’s work on Affordability (Many thanks to Paul Keaton who never lost sight of the need to meet ALL residents long-term needs.) and on the Land lease. While the focus has been on creating a strong MHA infrastructure and strong processes and clear understanding with Thistle, all committee’s will be changing their focus soon.
The Management Committee is moving from a focus on creating policies and procedures to management company over sight. They will also become much more focused on serving the residents by: welcoming new residents, developing community (parties and other events), and taking the community pulse (annual resident survey) to make sure resident needs are being met satisfactorily. If you would like to help with any of these tasks (hey, parties aren’t bad) let any of the current members, the President or the Community Coordinator know.
The Business Committee will pass on its work to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is moving from a concern about the MHA budget to management company over sight in the areas of long-term financial viability. They will be working hand-in-hand with the Management Committee to ensure the park is well run from a financial point of view. They will also be working with Thistle to create mechanism’s to support our low income residents.
This park – YOUR park is being looked at as a National model. You are the very first park to: join a CLT; and be resident managed. Become park of this historic event by volunteering – do it TODAY!




Speed Bumps to be installed in the Park
by Jonathan Machen
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The Park's Management committee, along with Hast Management, are planning on installing speed bumps at four locations within the Park to make our streets safer from speeding motorists. The speed bumps will be relatively unobtrusive; made of applied asphalt, approximately 1 and 1/2 inches high by 15 inches wide. They are targeted to go in four locations: near home #158 towards the north-east junction of 26th st. and Valmont; near home #72 on that same stretch of street further south (closer to the wash house) ; at the north-east side of the Park near home #178, and on the stretch of road near the south-east dumpsters, near home #29. These locations have been chosen to maximize safety on particular stretches within the Park. If you have comments or concerns about the installation of speed bumps, please contact any member of the management committee.
Ideas for individual trash pickup for the North side of Park has been dropped. Also, ideas for an alternative trash-pickup system for the north end of Mapleton Mobile Home Park, near the Valmont entrance, have been disbanded. An alternative solution to the noise and visual mess of this dumpster area included individual pickups of trash and recyclables. This slightly more costly and complicated solution elicited no comments, so the status quo will remain for now.

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Community Foundation Gives the MHA
a Nice Boost
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The Community Foundation has awarded the MHA a $2000 grant. Morgan Rodgers and our very own Community Coordinator, Kathryn Alexander, worked very hard to make this come true. A big thank you to the Community Foundation and Kathryn.

Neighborhood Watch
 Don Lucas is continuing training for the neighborhood watch. He is attending classes at the Police station, learning how to organize and maintain a neighborhood watch. This is a good thing for the community as it helps residents keep in touch. If there are problems someone can look out for your home and for you forestalling any problems. If you have any questions please contact Don in #35A.

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Do You Know Where the Title to Your Trailer Is?
by Debbie Feustel
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With the transfer of Park ownership to Thistle Community Housing, regardless of your choice in rent tier, residents will need to have copies of their financial information as well as the title certificate to their mobile homes to give to Thistle Community Housing. Please check your records to see if you have a current title to your mobile home. If not, it is an easy process of going to the County Clerk’s Office and obtaining one. Please do so as soon as possible since the process may take a couple of weeks.
In order to be qualified as resident owners in Mapleton, we must have proof of ownership, so we will need to provide an Original Title for our Mobile Homes. If any resident currently doesn’t have a title, it isn’t too difficult to get one. Everyone’s situation will be a bit different, but the steps are similar for everyone and aren’t too difficult, though they may be time consuming. Go to the Motor Vehicles Office (1750 33rd Street) and ask for a duplicate title for your mobile home. You will need to bring some form of I.D. with you. The state requires a United States form of citizenship identification, birth certificate, passport, etc. and the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for your home. Usually, the State of Colorado computerized system will be able to locate your title at a cost of $8.20 and provide you with a title over the counter. If they aren’t able to provide immediately, the process can take up to six (6) weeks to be mailed to you. NOTE: Foreign Status takes longer.
Some residents may first need to obtain a transfer of ownership, if they are living in a home that originally belonged to someone else and they did not get a title transfer at the time of purchase from that person. This process is a bit more involved and will take more time. The steps are these:
1. Go to the County Clerk’s Office (in the old courthouse on Pearl Street Mall) and get a statement of paid ad valorem taxes. These are the annual property taxes that we all pay for our trailers.
2. Then go to Motor Vehicles Office (1750 33rd Street) and present the previous owner’s title transferring the home into your name. Cost of Transferring Title, depending on circumstances, is usually $9.20. After getting the Transfer, the resident will have to get a new title issued in his or her name at a cost of $8.20. The new title will be mailed to your home.
The whole process can take up to six weeks to receive your new title, so please act quickly.
Finally, If you have a loan on your home a duplicate title cannot be provided because your lender has title. However, the State can issue what is known as a Title Receipt Duplicate for the cost of $2.20.

Membership Renewal
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It is that time of year again to begin thinking about renewing your membership in the Mapleton Home Association. Everyone’s membership expires on April 30, 2004 and membership for 2004-2005 needs to be renewed by that date. Membership is only $5.00 per year. Dues can be given to Lori Anderegg, #185; Tammy Lynn, #16; Mark Reeder, #14; Alex Wilson, #58; and Debbie Feustel, # 6. You can visit any one of these members and pay them your dues. Please make checks payable to the Mapleton Home Association.


Mapleton Murmurs
by Mark Reeder
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Seems like the MHA could be in for an all female executive board; A tip of the editor’s hat to you, ladies; I’ve always maintained that men are only good for cooking, cleaning, laundry and keeping the bed warm...Mari Haas has left us, she will be sorely missed...Small dogs and cats were seen flying to Kansas in that last wind storm; just a reminder that it’s March and everything not tied down will blow into your neighbor’s yard; please be considerate and tie lids to garbage cans, clean the debris out of your yard and take it to the dumpsters so that your neighbor isn’t tripping over it the next morning; let’s make Mapleton Park a beautiful place to live...Residents tend to take sides in the issues connected with Mapleton becoming part of the Thistle Community Housing’s CLT; such polarization can be detrimental; at a recent meeting of MHA, Thistle and HHS, City Manager Frank Bruno reminded all the delegates that seeing the issues in black and white makes it impossible to resolve them. There’s a gray area in the middle where problems can be solved and it’s important that all sides look to that gray area for resolution--AMEN, Frank...Comments? Ideas? Please send them to Mapleton Murmurs via mreeder@indra.com.

Membership Form

Hand write this information or link to a printable form and return with $5.00 to Tammy Lynn #16, Alex Wilson #58, Mari Haas #161, or Mark Reeder #14

Name:_____________________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Lot #: ____________

Office Use Only:

Amount paid: _______     check or cash    Date paid: __________

MAPLETON DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
-- Please keep this page for your records --

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Soon you will receive an income and asset certification packet from Thistle Community Housing as part of Mapleton joining the Thistle Community Land Trust (CLT). To income and asset qualify for one of the lower affordable rent tiers, you will need to complete that packet. A second option is that if you agree to the resale provisions, you can choose to be in the moderate affordable rent tier without doing the income and asset certification. A third option is to be in the market rate rent tier, and you will pay a market rent and have no resale restrictions. Please begin collecting all the documentation that applies for you and the rest of your household if you plan to go through the income and asset certification process with Thistle this Spring. Thistle follows federal guidelines regarding income and asset certification; the required documents are listed below.

() A completed employer verification form (this form will be in the Thistle packet) OR a letter from your employer, on letterhead, indicating your annual gross wage, start of employment, pay schedule, expected wage increases and any overtime, bonuses, tips or commissions. [for all household members 18 years or older]

Copies of one month’s worth of your most recent pay stubs [for all household members 18 years or older]
Verification of all other sources of income (Social Security, Social Security Disability, pension, etc.) [for
all household members 18 years or older]
Complete copies of two years of your most recent Federal income tax returns, all corresponding W2’s and all attached schedules (do this if you are not self-employed) [for all household members]

If you are self-employed (full or part-time), submit a year-to-date profit/loss statement AND three years of federal income tax returns. Please also submit your estimate of the income you will receive for the next 12 months and an explanation as to how you came to that number. [for all household members 18 years or older]

A statement from your bank/financial institution with the 6-month average balance of your checking account OR copies of 6 months of checking account statements [for all household members]

A copy of your most recent savings account statement, including the interest rate [for all household members]

A copy of the most recent statement from all other assets (IRA, 401K, cash value of life insurance policy, etc.) verifying the current balance and interest rate or annual dividend payment [for all household members]

If you have been separated or divorced within the past three years, submit a copy of your divorce decree AND verification of the division of marital assets, court-ordered custody arrangements and child and/or alimony payments (this information is often documented in your separation agreement)

If you currently own a home (the home you live in and/or any other for investment purposes), submit a recent appraisal of that home or most recent County Assessor’s statement (whether or not you’ve have paid it yet) and your most recent mortgage statement (if you have a loan on your home) [for all household members]

A copy of the Title to your mobile home (see enclosed tips for getting a duplicate copy or for getting added to the title)

If you had joint ownership in a property within the last 3 years and are no longer on the Title, submit a Quit Claim Deed showing the termination of your interest in the property [for all household members]

* If you currently own other real property, such as vacant land and/or commercial property, submit a recent appraisal or Assessor’s statement and a recent mortgage statement [for all household members]

Completed certification packet, signed and dated (you will receive this packet from Thistle)

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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.