Donner Summit Area Association

I’ve added links to the Serene Lakes Zoning (Big PDF file) map and the USFS Property map, which shows which parcels in our region are owned by the USFS and which are privately held.

A new T-Mobile cell tower was just erected adjacent to the Soda Springs Ski Resort maintaining shed. The tower is designed to look like a tree, similar to the one behind Safeway in Truckee. Although this is below the ridge leading into Serene Lakes, it should help improve reception both in Van Norden/Soda Springs and Serene Lakes (according to the non-T-Mobile contractor who was sitting in his truck next to the pole).

All of the holdings of Royal Gorge and all of the Rancho Monterrey land and the Ice Lakes Lodge have been sold to a new company headed by Todd and Mark Foster and Kirk Syme. It is unclear, but it seems that this same group also may be in negotiations to purchase the Soda Springs Ski Resort and additional commercial property in Soda Springs. The Fosters also own a house in Sugar Bowl.

Royal Gorge, Ice Lakes Lodge and Rainbow lodge will continue to be open under the current management for the foreseeable future.

The Fosters are grandsons of Jack Foster of Foster City and manage Foster Enterprises while Kirk Syme manages Woodstock Development in Burlingame (no website!).

The Rancho Monterrey properties include large parcels of land adjacent to Soda Springs Road leading up past Bogus Basin to Crow’s Nest and down into Van Norden. It also includes land to the west of Hilside adjacent to the Summit Station and going down toward Long Lake. In total, the purchase includes approximates 3000 acres.

The DSAA is trying to set up a meeting with these new owners to hear a bit more about their plans. Over the next year, the DSAA is developing a Community Development Plan which will try to express the desires of the community to help guide new projects. We hope to work with developers, residents, and business and homeowners in this process with the goal of improving our region in a manner that benefits everyone.

More details and conjecture to follow after the next DSAA board meeting on Thursday, October 6th at Ice Lakes Lodge (open to the public). Just the facts for now. The Sierra Sun has an article on the deal as well.

DONNER SUMMIT AREA ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting, September 1, 2005
Ice Lakes Lodge, 6:30 P.M.

Attending: President Dan Wexler, Treasurer Ron Kolbe, Secretary Pat Malberg,
Members Starr Walton, Sara Taillon and Jim Thomson

Articles of Incorporation
Rewritten articles were signed by the three officers present. Still to be signed by Carrie, as Vice-President, and given to Pat to submit to the Secretary of State.

Insurance
Carrie was to follow up on this topic.

Serene Lakes Day Report
Sara reported that DSAA was the only organization represented and giving out information. DSAA booth was a table loaned by Carrie and set up by the barbecue. Many passers-by took the brochure and one interested party gave $20.00 for membership.
Note: a sign-up sheet would have been a good addition.

This weekend is the local open-house cabin tour. Ron will post the DSAA sign and give out available flyers.

Funding/Fundraising
A. Truckee grants are currently in the application phase.
Suggested topic for DSAA to consider applying for a grant: a newsletter
Jim will look for the article written in the Sierra Sun to find out details regarding the
guidelines and time period for applying. Meanwhile, we might partner with SLPOA, as
they have offered in the past, to write articles in their newsletter, in addition to
continuing to post information on our website. Sara agreed to head up the newsletter
idea, but it will be a topic for next meeting’s agenda – may need a committee. This
might be the best medium to use to call for volunteers for any of our projects.
B. Another topic for grant application is to educate locals about forest health and
defensible space. The beetle and mistletoe are killing firs. A forester might come to
people’s lots to tag trees that should be cut. This could also be a topic for the
newsletter. The fire department will be collecting chip trimmings again this year.
C. Starr suggested that, as with other organizations, each Board member contribute
$100/year to DSAA as a measure of their commitment – this in light of the
approximate $1700 it will require each year for insurance alone. Obviously, this
would be optional, but something to think about.

Treasurer’s Report
Currently the DSAA treasury has $260, with $20 to come from Sara’s tabling during Ice Lakes Days. Ron will call those with outstanding checks to let them know that the bank account has not yet been established but as soon as it is, they will be processed.
Outstanding bills should be submitted for reimbursement, especially those accrued by Lori and Cheryl. When the Secretary of State has determined the organization’s number, Ron will open an account with Plumas Bank.

Logo Contest
Sara reported that the posting of the flyer is a work in progress, that it will be done this week at the store. The DSAA PO Box is 783, Soda Springs, 95728. Sara mentioned that if the Board members know someone who would like to contribute a logo, bring the drawing to the next meeting. The Board agreed on a deadline of November 1.

Donner Trail School
Dan reported that last week, the President of the School Board stepped down. She had been in favor of shutting the school. Dan will get an update and ask Anthea to attend our next meeting.

Meeting Invitees
Royal Gorge had been invited to this meeting, but there was no response from them. They will again be invited to future meetings.
It was suggested that the date of DSAA Board Meetings be posted on the website and at the store to encourage anyone with ideas/suggestions of topics that we might discuss to get in touch via email. Ted Owens has been contacted, but not invited to a specific meeting until we have more to report.

Lake Van Norden
There is nothing new on this topic, only rumors. Royal Gorge has completed a wide-spread survey of the area.

Next Meeting
The next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, October 6, 6:30 P.M. at Ice Lakes Lodge. Note: Dan will send minutes of our meetings to Ted Owens and Bruce Kranz, and then email the Board with any responses from them. On the next agenda will be the Newsletter and the Development Plan (discussed below).

The topic of a development plan was raised – this was the original reason for the formation of the organization and in concept, it would be good to spend some time, perhaps at the next meeting, discussing what the future of the area (from Cisco to Rainbow Bridge) should be – what should and should not happen, from our point of view.

We might start with a map of the area – this may be available from the Economic Development Plan that was studied by Nevada County. It may also be available from the Forest Service or the US Geological Service – the County is our best resource. Dan will contact Ted Owens to determine who at the county is the best contact for this information. We can let him know that we have formed a group and are now working to formulate a plan.

Mainstreet.com, and books about development may be available and a template already in place. Pat will contact Rocky Mountain Institute, which is known for helping small communities create viable development plans.

Whatever we take on needs to be a small enough project to be manageable and doable. We can’t address all of the issues covered in the development study in detail, but we may be able to respond to some of the most important issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. Notes submitted by Pat Malberg, Secretary.

The train crossing is finished. Here are a few snaps:

We are getting a new Grade-A railroad crossing on Soda Springs Road! This new concrete crossing should greatly improve the accessibility to Serene Lakes by avoiding the massive potholes that we get each winter. All of the materials are in place including new track and concrete sections.

Work is expected to commence in the next couple of weeks. I’ve heard that the installation will take approximately three days to complete. It is unclear whether the road will be closed during the installation. Tom Appelbaum believes that they should be able to keep it open. The alternative is that we will be forced to use the county road (dirt) to access Serene Lakes during construction.

DSAA Board Meeting
July 26, 2005 – DSPUD, 6:30 P.M.

Minutes

Attending: President Dan Wexler, Vice-President Carrie Hoyt, Secretary Pat Malberg, Board Members John Kirrene and Sara Taillon. Guest: Emily Wexler

Note: Next Meeting: Thursday, September 1, at Ice Lakes Lodge, 6:30 P.M.

501(c)(3) Status: Articles of Incorporation were taken into the Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento and the response was to return them with a directive to provide addresses and signatures of each director named. Dan will re-format the articles, both separated from the bylaws and including the bylaws, and he and Carrie will get the needed signatures within the next two weeks. Pat will return from a trip on August 15 and will be in touch with Dan to obtain the signed papers and re-submit them to the Secretary of State. Dan will also provide Pat with an unsigned copy via e-mail.

Board of Supervisors: Dan has been contacted by Supervisor (Nevada County) Ted Owens who is interested in attending the next meeting of DSAA Board. Dan proposed to invite him to our next meeting, and in the meantime, Board members might prepare questions to ask and issues to raise, such as: affordable housing, especially for employees in the area (and possible consequences) – this was one of the questions raised by the Economic Development Report; sheriff/animal control and other services response time; traffic control.

Grants and Contacts: Dan has been in touch with Jack Schwartz from SLPOA who had received mail in regards to grants for forest health. In future, DSAA will be on the same mailing list. Anne Chadwick, VP of SLPOA may want to attend a future meeting to update us on this issue (forest health). On another note, the Cedars folks are not interested in being involved with DSAA, but Susan Goetner from there wants to be kept informed of DSAA activities, as does Jim Wiggins from the Rainbow Mutual Water Company Board. John will keep the PlaVada folks informed.

Insurance: Carrie has been in touch with HRH Insurance – they write policies for non-profits. They recommend General Liability insurance for the organization, which costs about $1000 per year and, in addition, Directors and Officers Insurance (D&O) which costs about $700 annually.

Logo Contest and DSAA Flyer: Sara has put together a flyer, which the Board members approved, with minor edits (8½ X 11 maximum size, send entries to the PO Box, etc.). She will post them around town and at Ice Lakes, and the General Store (and PO Box) will be the collection point for entry submissions. Entries can also be sent to wex@flarg.com. Sara has also created a flyer which met with the Board’s approval, with minor changes (add: PO Box and the fact that DSAA coordinates regional issues that affect the entire Summit area, from Cisco Grove to the Rainbow Bridge; add to issues: Traffic Management and Signage and Resource Management). It was suggested that DSAA literature always be printed on the same color paper to make it recognizable. Sara has also drafted a membership form, which the Board approved with minor changes/additions (eg., add PO Box, Date, email)

Serene Lakes Days: The celebration happens this Saturday and Sunday; Carrie has arranged to have a table for DSAA – when no one is available to “man” the table, the literature will be left for people to pick up, they can also put their contact information on a sign-up sheet. Carrie, Sara, Emily and John volunteered to staff the table, at least in the mornings. Carrie will call Ron to see if money can be collected, and Dan will call Jim to see if he’d be available to help. There will be a Happy Hour on Friday, which Carrie will be attending.

Other Issues:
Donner Trails School Task Force: Anthea will propose at their next
meeting that a representative from DSAA attend in future.
Signage: Share the Road and Historic Highway 40 signs are up. The
Soda Springs sign is very large, so has not been planted as yet. A smaller sign may be made available in the future.
Railroad Crossing: will be upgraded sometime in August, possibly as soon
as August 3-5, which means traffic will have to be diverted via the Sugar Bowl road.
Van Norden: A survey of the entire valley is being conducted (no one
knows for which company). $9 million has been invested to
upgrade the sewage treatment plant.
Big Bend Ranger Station has maps which show which parcels are public
lands.
COVAD will soon be contacted by a concerned resident to find our if
they’re interested in wiring the area for broadband.

8. Next Meeting: Thursday, September 1, at Ice Lakes Lodge, 6:30 P.M.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

Submitted by Secretary Pat Malberg.

DONNER SUMMIT AREA ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEETING, July 7, 2005
6:30 P.M., Donner Summit Public Utilities District

Note: next Board meeting is Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 PM at DSPUD

Board Attendees: President Dan Wexler, Vice-President Carrie Hoyt, Treasurer Ron Kolbe, Secretary Pat Malberg, Jim Thomson, Starr Hurley, Sara Taillon and John Kirrene.

Guests: Lori Van Meter, Ed Hurley and Michael Rogers

501(c)(3) Status: Lori present the update and reported the next step is to file papers with the State; Starr Hurley and Pat Malberg volunteered to follow up. As a public interest corporation, DSAA will not be able to support any political issue or campaign, but must be limited to gathering and disseminating information about issues.

Insurance: Carrie Hoyt will research Directors and Officers coverage for the group.

Duties of Officers: Secretary: keeps all records, types up and sends out agendas and minutes to the Board members and to post on the website. Treasurer: A full treasurer’s report will be included in the annual report, but periodic updates will be provided to the Board; Ron Kolbe will research the possibility of opening a bank account prior to incorporation. If donors are looking for a deduction in the interim, they can “loan” the organization the money, get paid back when the non-profit status is finalized, and then donate the money back for IRS purposes. President and Vice-President: President conducts meetings with Vice-President filling in when the President is unavailable.

Logo Contest: flyer will be posted at the Store and on the website. Details, such as guidelines and timeframe, will be worked out by the committee: Sara Taillon, John Kirrene and Lori Van Meter.

Fundraising: several suggestions were put forward, including the need for a business plan, base level funding via memberships, attendance at local events such as Serene Lakes Days to disseminate information flyers with tear-off membership forms; flyers/membership forms available at the store and on the website and spreading the news about the organization whenever possible. Carrie Hoyt and Sara Taillon will draft the flyer, Dan Wexler will help with layout. Carrie will also check with Jack Schwartz at Serene Lakes regarding the booth and the flyers.

Relationship with County and Locals: DSAA can provide a service to the local residents, letting them know of events of importance to the area and acting as a conduit between the area and the county officials. Jim Thomson will monitor the Board of Supervisors agendas on their websites and notify DSAA when an issue of importance to the area is on the agenda.

Signage, Roads, Train, etc: The railroad crossing at Soda Springs will be upgraded in August to Grade A – Carrie Hoyt will post dates of three-day road closure. The “Soda Springs” sign is scheduled to be planted soon and that there will also be 4 “Share the Road” signs posted in different locations along highway 40.

Donner Trail School: Michael Rogers reviewed the history of the school (a neighborhood school since 1936, not a charter school) and the controversy around its proposed closure. Board considered the following points: because of the school’s reputation, there is limited enrollment; in addition to the task force formed by the School Board, a parent task force has been formed; the school represents the heart of the community – property values, recruitment/retention of local employees, emergency shelter, community activity center, are some of the concerns outside connected with the school’s continued existence, outside the immediate issue of the education of the area’s children; this is a tax-supported entity, so the taxpayers/residents have a stake in its future; Royal Gorge and Sugar Bowl have offered to raise funds to help the school continue, but there are no specific sums being discussed; options for solutions include annexing the school to Nevada County schools and raising the age to 8th grade, to include only Summit area children; currently the school is managed by the Placer County Board of Education but is included in the Truckee Unified School District. Michael agreed to keep DSAA Board members updated on the issues related to the school. It was agreed that Dan will request that DSAA have representation on the Unified School District Board’s Task Force.

DSAA can act as a conduit to communicate information to residents of the area. Ideas for DSAA involvement in the school, and other issues as well, are: conduct a survey, circulate a questionnaire, or facilitate a forum to give a voice to the vision of area resident in regards to the school’s future; help bridge the gap between the two counties; gather information; facilitate activism by community members; and act as the organizer of the community voice; use as a membership recruitment/talking point the need for a voice for the Donner Summit community.

A goal DSAA might pursue is to get the County to spend some of the TOT monies on promoting the Donner Summit area; ideas to consider are a Donner Summit Visitors Center and a Summit branch of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of getting a train station for Amtrak and possibly other passenger trains at Donner Summit is three-fold:
1) Economic development, including ski resorts, current and future businesses, and
various types of overnight accommodations;
2) An alternative to Interstate 80;
3) Complete the Capitol Corridor passenger rail system (eventually to Reno/Sparks).

The eastbound and westbound California Zephyrs already pass through our area, and so does the Reno Fun Train. These are all Amtrak-related trains. The Capitol Corridor commuter trains will eventually go all the way to Reno, starting with two train sets per day, eventually increasing to four. Other future possibilities may include a ski train, one or more charter trains, and Union Pacific excursion trains. By the way, a siding right-of-way just east of the Soda Springs crossing and next to the double-track mainline still exists, and I believe the property is still in the hands of the railroad. Of course, in decades past, many passenger trains stopped in our area, as it was a prime destination point long ago.

I’ve spoken with representatives from Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, and Royal Gorge ski resorts, and all have expressed interest in the station. Sugar Bowl, specifically Greg Murtha at the resort, has participated for several years in meetings with the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, an agency set up to further the influence of the Capitol Corridor trains. There has been progress, and money spent, to a certain point, but an impasse has been reached for a couple of reasons.

The main reason nothing has happened recently is because Union Pacific has stated very clearly that they are absolutely not interested in adding either a siding or more capacity to their right-of-way for any passenger trains. They are currently building a new route through Reno which will increase their capacity for freight, not passenger, movement. Also, they are still recovering economically from two recent mergers that hit them pretty hard in the pocketbook. There’s no extra money for anything other than freight development.

Another reason is that funding for Amtrak is not on the Bush priority list. In fact, the Bush administration’s latest proposal was to deny Amtrak any money for the current fiscal year, a strategy that ultimately failed. This yearly uncertainty, however, has spooked Union Pacific even more, and has left Amtrak with very little money for even basic maintenance.

The only way this will get off the ground is by a concerted effort from our group, the area’s businesses, and support from state and local politicians. It would also help to have an Amtrak-friendly federal administration. California is one of only two regions where passenger railroading is doing relatively well, and that’s a very positive aspect for realizing a station at Soda Springs. However, at this point in time, we’re playing a waiting game. Money talks.

Stay tuned. As Jeanne and I progress to moving up to the area permanently, I’ll be spending more and more time on this issue. Please call or e-mail me with any comments.

Thanks,

Tom Appelbaum
(510) 816-7720
appelbaums@aol.com

The annual membership meeting was held this morning at the Doner Summit Lodge from 10am to Noon. The current board presented a summary of our progress since October and we nominated and elected a new board of directors for next year. We are fortunate to have four new board members join with five of the previous board members:

• Daniel Wexler (President)
• Carrie Hoyt (Vice President) New
• Ron Kolbe (Treasurer)
• Pat Malberg (Secretary) New
• Jim Tompson
• Cheryl Paduano
• Star Hurley New
• Sara Taillon New
• John Kirrene

We had a wonderful summary of the current status of the Royal Gorge Van Norden project from Martin Bern of SLPOA, an update on the railroad crossing from Tom Appelbaum and John Kirrene and an update on the transition in the Fire Department.

The board had a quick meeting to elect new officers and set the next meeting date as July 7, at 6:30pm.

The residents of the Donner Summit support all the teachers of the
TTEA and recognize the value of their contribution to our community.
The teachers at all levels in the TTUSD are the critical component to
our children’s education. As the cost of living in our region
continues to outpace the state average, it is deplorable that in a
region with a strong tax base, our teachers are not at salary parity
with other districts within our state. The school board must develop
a strategic plan to guarantee future funding for the highest caliber
of teacher.

We implore the School Board to explore alternative strategies to
finding funds to pay the high quality teachers we currently employ and
to provide the wages necessary to make it possible for new teachers to
join our district and live in our high-cost area. The school board
has failed to plan for the future, and there is no reason why our
teachers should bear the brunt of this failure. We all know the cost
of a strike, both to our children and to the district’s coffers, is
much higher than a reasonable compromise.

The community of Donner Summit wants to extend our hand in support of
all the teachers of the entire district and help spread the enthusiasm
that helped save Donner Trail school. We believe that the school
board should apply the same logical thought processes and forward
thinking that was part of the decision to delay closure of Donner
Trail toward finding a solution to the negotiations with the teacher’s
union. All involved know that we must find a way to reward our
teachers with the respect they deeply deserve.