General Info

Dead Bushes, Dead Trees, Abundant Overgrowth. What Vegetation Do You Suggest Be Trimmed Back and Removed

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2 PM on Wednesday April 16 the board, along with interested community members, will be undertaking a comprehensive ‘village walk-about’, the purpose of which is to identify areas of ‘vegetation control and correction’.  The concern is both visual, improving landscape results, and functional, the elimination of fire risk ‘fuel’ potential.

  • Addressing an overall neighborhood aesthetic landscape goal will be focused on the removal of the overabundance of weed overgrowth, including dead and diminished berry vines.  It will also look at the removal of dead and dying trees and vegetation.  Consideration will be areas where vegetation ‘thinning’ in the common areas will further enhance the complimentary quality of a clean landscaped presentation.
  • Removing dead vegetation will not only clean up the overgrowth of dead vegetation that diminishes the overall clean landscape appearance we see bordering our individual streets throughout the village but will also remove a great deal of the potential fire risk.

The walk-about is intended to identify areas of and pockets of improvement.  If you and / or members of our community have a particular item or area you would like included in the collection of data, please let us know.  Write it up and send a return email to Roger at rogerblackthorn@gmail.com.  Do this by next week and before the 14th to be included in the walk.

Important.  We’d also like your input on how we address the implementing the pursuit economically.  Cost will be greatly reduced if we are able to field a volunteer effort.  Any volunteer focus will be intentionally short in duration and on a project-by-project basis.  So, as we have for past projects, hands-on participation will be an announced and scheduled community event.  If you want to help, please take a moment to note your interest on the return note.

Thanks all for adding to the foundation of putting this together.  We look forward to hearing back before the 14th.

Regards,

Roger

Timberton Village Homeowners Association Quarterly Board Meeting – March 24, 2025 MINUTES

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Board Members Present: Roger Bryan, John Sweet, Ann Maynard, Teresa Daugherty, and Tom Snelson

Others in Attendance: Gail DeLuke, Kathy Kubesh, Barb and Les Phillips, Terra Girard, Sharyn Tidwell, Peter Porter, Karolyn and Jim Kloetzel, Dan and Verba Abbott, Rich Durbin, Ruth Gribbin-Schmitt, Gary Daugherty, John Germain

 

The March 24, 2025 Quarterly TVHA Board Meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was held in the Bay Club classroom located at 120 Spinnaker Pl, Port Ludlow, WA. All members of the Board of Directors were present.

John Sweet moved, and Teresa Daugherty seconded, approval of the meeting agenda. The motion was approved. Ann Maynard subsequently moved, and Teresa Daugherty seconded, approval of the minutes from the December 10, 2025 Quarterly Board Meeting. This motion was also approved unanimously.

Members of the Board introduced themselves.

Reviewed ARC applications received during the past Quarter. The Daughertys had a dead tree removed from the common area bordering their property. The Tidwells completed trimming of brush on their property.

John Sweet noted that the Vegetation Committee was closely watching two leaning trees – both have rot at their base. John suggested that (as necessary) these trees could be removed by volunteer labor.

Roger Bryan and John Sweet discussed another tree that seems to be leaning over a house in the Village.

Ann Maynard presented the financial report. Budget continues to be in balance. There are no outstanding accounts payable or receivable. Ann anticipates that an additional $ 9600.00 in revenues will be received by the end of the fiscal year. There is a total of $ 65,000.00 deposited over three separate CD’s. Of this amount, $ 55,000.00 is dedicated toward capital replacement reserves. This represents 214 percent of the required reserve funding.

Ann explained that the most significant change in the TVHA finances (other than the increased interest received from the CD’s ) was rising insurance expenses.

She does not anticipate a need to increase TVHA dues for the coming year, and possibly for the foreseeable future.

Ann noted that the 2025-2026 budget needs review and approval.

She also moved that the monthly payment to TVHA bookkeeper Marcia Dreyer be increased to $ 200.00 from the current $ 150.00. Roger Bryan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Roger Bryan then reported on the status of the Firewise program proposal. A report will be soon available focusing on individual homeowner responsibilities. A walkaround with Fire Department representatives occurred the past week.

Roger noted that due to frustration within the Firewise Committee, further activity has been stopped, and the committee disbanded.

General discussion ensued.

Gary Daugherty was thanked for all his efforts in gathering and presenting Firewise materials and tips.

Gary noted that the fire department is available and willing to come out to individual homeowners’ homes and conduct fire risk assessments.

He also reported that the longstanding logging agreement between Jefferson County and the PLC is expiring. He suggested that the TVHA may wish to be involved in ongoing discussions concerning future logging in the community.

Roger Bryan gave an update on the status of the TVHA website. Sharyn Tidwell has volunteered her son, Jim Tidwell, to be our new webmaster.

Members were encouraged to come forward as candidates to fill three expiring Board positions.

John Sweet explained the role of the Vegetation Committee chairman.

Concerns were raised over the gardeners leaving debris in the woods. All debris should be removed.

Roger Bryan moved the meeting be adjourned. Teresa Daugherty seconded the motion, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.

March 24, Timberton HOA Quarterly Board Meeting  – Summary Report of Interest

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In addition to the normal committee reporting and financial status statements, two primary items of discussion were of specific interest:

  • The on-going Status of the Wildfire Advisory Committee; and,
  • The forthcoming concern regarding 3 Potential Vacating Seats on the Board!

Wildfire Risk Assessment:  

The recent issue of The Voice addresses “Wildfire Preparedness” with an all-important reminder that ‘wildfire risk’ is an entire community concern.  In the same issue, the idea of a community fire involvement interest is further complemented with a follow-on article regarding “East Jefferson Fire & Rescue ‘Firefighters in Training’.  Both timely articles.  

At the last December Board Meeting we started with an introductory discussion on “How to Prepare Out Homes and our Village for Wildfires”, and the establishing of our own Timberton Village “Wildfire Safety Advisory Committee.”  The intended focus was to be the mitigation of fire potential risk in preparing both home and common village areas and, the vital awareness of identifying village evacuation routes, and the when and which way out to find access in order to evacuate.  

Attached, please find a comprehensive summary report as presented by Sue Cross, Committee Chair.  

There are two primary focus points: (a)  the risk to homes and individual properties and, (b) the risks to common areas within TVHA control.  The report further invites a pro-active and involved interest by members of our community, and participation, a voluntary neighborhood participation, joining in with the committee effort.

Three Members of the Current Board of Directors are leaving the board.

Our current board is 5 members serving for two-year terms.  The members terms are staggered so that there is an overlap of continuing and newly elected members. By our CC&R guidelines, we can have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 members. 5 members is a workable standard.  Officers are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer with designated committee chair positions and participation.

Three current board members are ending their respective terms.  The election of replacement and new board members is in June.  It’s not a difficult effort but definitely anticipates a conscientious and actively involved effort.  This note is the first head’s up that we will be seeking candidates and their resumes by the May ‘candidate and budget ratification mailing.  May we suggest that we hear of a possible interest before May 1st.

Big Kitty Cat Sighting

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There are reports of a Timberton resident encountering a mountain lion on the street near the guardrail on Timber Ridge early Friday (22 Mar 2024) morning while walking their dog. The lion was scared away by loud noises and the throwing of rocks, according to a second-hand report.

Mountain lions are not uncommon in this area, and have a wide ranging area. But it might be useful to be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking alone or with your small animals. And to ensure your pets are kept inside at all times. Also, ensure that you do not leave any pet food outside your residence.

This guidance might also be helpful:

Encountering a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in an urban area can be a rare but potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps to follow if you encounter a mountain lion in an urban area in Washington state:

1. **Stay Calm**: If you see a mountain lion, try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Mountain lions are solitary animals and will generally avoid confrontations with humans if given the opportunity.

2. **Do Not Approach**: Keep your distance from the mountain lion and do not approach it. Give the animal space and try to move away slowly and calmly without turning your back on it.

3. **Make Yourself Look Big**: If the mountain lion approaches you or acts aggressively, try to make yourself appear larger by standing tall, raising your arms, and waving them slowly. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one to make yourself appear larger.

4. **Make Noise**: Mountain lions may be deterred by loud noises and yelling. If you have a whistle or other noise-making device, use it to scare away the animal. Do not run, as this may trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts.

5. **Back Away Slowly**: If the mountain lion does not leave or continues to approach you, slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the animal. Do not turn your back on it or run, as this may trigger a chase response.

6. **Protect Yourself**: If the mountain lion attacks, try to protect yourself by using whatever means are available. Use rocks, sticks, or other objects to defend yourself, and aim for the animal’s face and eyes if possible.

7. **Report the Encounter**: After the encounter, report the incident to local authorities, such as animal control or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action to prevent further incidents.

It’s important to remember that mountain lion encounters are rare, especially in urban areas, but it’s always best to be prepared and know how to react if you encounter one. Following these guidelines can help you stay safe in the unlikely event of a mountain lion encounter.

Home Security

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In a recent presentation on home security, Deputy Brian Peterson of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation on home security. He referenced a home security checklist that was available on their web site.

With their permission, the checklist is here. We suggest that you take some time to go through the checklist and see where your personal and home security can be improved.

The checklist is Residential Security Survey(PDF).