HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE
IRRIGATION WORK IN KEN-CARYL – UPDATE
The following is an update and clarification on the community space irrigation issues that were previously announced in the e-News and on Facebook. Due to the numerous problems with the community’s aging irrigation system, we hired an irrigation contractor to assist our staff in addressing the issues more promptly. We are happy to report that most issues have been fixed, but it will take time for the grass to improve. In the previous announcement, it was noted that there are main line breaks, and we would like to clarify that those breaks are related to the irrigation system and are not affiliated with the Ken-Caryl Water & Sanitation District’s main water line. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
RECYCLING SURVEY
HEY KEN-CARYL RESIDENTS! HELP US STAY CONNECT WITH YOU!
In today’s world of digital communication and updates, staying connected with your HOA is more important than ever. We want to ensure you are informed about important news, community matters, policy updates, and all things Master Association related. You know how to reach us, but we need your up-to-date contact information to keep you informed. Please take a moment to complete a quick online form to provide us with your current contact details.
Have You Recently:
• Gotten married or changed your name?
• Changed your phone number?
• Opened a new email account?
If so, help us update your contact information by filling out the online form today! Thank you for helping us stay connected!
*Please note this will not update or change your contact information with the Metropolitan District.
JULY 17 LIFE AT KEN-CARYL WILL BE AVAILABLE DIGITAL ONLY
The Master Association has been recently advised that the printer responsible to printing hard copies of Life at Ken-Caryl will be closing next month. Printing houses in the state of Colorado are very limited. While we are working to find an alternative printer within our budget, residents are advised that the paper will be available in digital format ONLY until a new printer can be secured. Please note that we understand that many residents enjoy receiving the paper in their mailboxes every other week and we are doing our best to find a cost-effective alternative. We encourage all residents to enjoy Life at Ken-Caryl digitally and at your fingertips online via our website. You will be able to access the July 17 issue, when available, and archived issues by clicking on the button below.
Thank you for understanding and patience while we find an alternative printing press to be able to continue to deliver quality content online and in print to all residents.
Questions? Contact Life at Ken-Caryl Editor and Communications Manager Allison Rager at allisonr@kcranch.org.
IRRIGATION WORK IN KEN-CARYL
Irrigation Work in Ken-Caryl Ranch You may have noticed dry, brown grass in various community spaces. The Parks Department takes pride in our parks and wants to get this resolved as soon as possible. There have been many factors contributing to the issue, including broken sprinklers, main line breaks, lack of rain, and staffing shortages. We are dedicating additional resources to alleviate the problem, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to restore the lush, green appearance of our community spaces
INTRODUCING ELK MEADOWS!
Drum roll, please… Parcel A will now be known as… Elk Meadows! Congratulations to resident Genesee Mullin whose suggestion truly resonated with the team to perfectly encapsulate the essence of the area. Genesee’s creativity has added a meaningful touch to our beloved community, and we are excited to see how Elk Meadows and its future residents become a meaningful part of the of the Ken-Caryl community!
In addition to the ultimate bragging rights, Genesee will also receive a $100 Amazon gift card for her magnificent moniker!
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HARDEN YOUR HOME AGAINST WILDFIRE THIS SUMMER!
Residents are encouraged to continue to mow 10-foot swaths around all homes that border open space
Mowing around your home can help harden it against wildfire by reducing ladder fuels that can cause fires to rapidly spread. During much of the year, grasses ignite easily and burn rapidly. Tall grass can quickly carry fire to your house. Mowing grasses low in the inner zones of the defensible space of your home can help protect it against wildfire.
In the past, the Ken-Caryl Ranch Rangers and contractors have conducted 10-foot swath mowing operations along the perimeter of open space behind residences that directly border Ken-Caryl’s open space. However, this year, the rangers will be focusing their wildfire mitigation efforts on strategic fire break mowing in adjacent open space areas. This strategic approach is aimed at enhancing community safety by creating defensible space and reducing the risk of wildfires spreading throughout our community. This is part of the Master Association’s commitment to helping keep our community as safe as possible by further enhancing and building upon the perimeter mowing that was completed over the past two years.
While the rangers are working to concentrate their efforts on firebreak mowing, we strongly recommend that residents take initiative by continuing to mow and maintain a 10-foot swath behind their homes a couple times this year. In fact, according to Ken-Caryl Ranch’s Open Space Use and Parks Use Rules, residents “…are encouraged to mow/trim up to a 10-foot swath in the open space parallel to your property boundary line to a height of no less than 4 inches. Mowing/trimming beyond that point is prohibited. Removal of woody vegetation greater than 1 inch in diameter at the base is prohibited unless you get advance approval (contact Open Space Department)…”. And after two years of staff and contractor area preparations that include clearing and mowing, resident upkeep and maintenance of these swaths should be easier than ever!
Your cooperation in maintaining the perimeter behind your homes is greatly appreciated and will also help reduce costs and allow the ranger staff to better focus their time and resources on community-wide fire mitigation efforts. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community for years to come!
CONGRATS NEWLY ELECTED MA BOARD MEMBERS!
Congratulations to Randall Flint and Katie Bolling on their election to the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association Board! A huge thank you to all of the candidates who ran this year!
Proxies Received: 39.60%
Election Turnout: 44.78%
Candidates
Randall Flint: 1,326 votes
Katie Bolling: 1,136 votes
Philip Varley: 697 votes
Rilla Reinsma: 676 votes
Carrie Scott: 261 votes
Write-Ins: 7
Community Composting Collection Resident Feedback Survey
In June 2023, The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association conducted a community survey to gather resident feedback on bringing residential composting collection services to Ken-Caryl Ranch. The survey opened on June 5at 9 a.m. and ran for two weeks, closing on June 16 at 5 p.m.
The goal of the survey was to gauge resident interest a community-wide composting service with Compost Colorado, an established Denver-area commercial composting facility and registered Public Benefit company.
Rules and Regulations Updates to Ken-Caryl’s Landscaping, Garden Placement and Trash Enclosures
As a result of Senate Bill 23-178, which supports water-wise landscaping and non-vegetative landscaping alternatives for water conservation, Ken-Caryl Ranch is in the process of updating its current rules and regulations in relation to homeowner yards, turf and gardens. Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association is updating the Gardens and Xeriscaping rules and regulations to be in compliance with the new house bill. In an effort to satisfy requirements of the house bill and provide residents with more tools for updated landscaping, the Architectural Committee will be creating three xeriscaping design templates. Residents are advised that all exterior improvements, including landscaping, are required to be submitted for Architectural Committee approval.
In addition, new rules regarding the construction of trash encloses are being updated by the Architectural Committee. While these new rules and regulations are independent of SB 12-178, residents are also encouraged to review them regarding the construction of trash encloses to house trash/recycling totes outdoors.
Click the links below to view the current drafts for revised rules and regulations.
This survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation!
Land Development Update: Digging in the Dirt
North American Development Group to begin contracted earthwork construction for the new housing development in the Ken-Caryl Ranch Plains
North American Development Group (NADG) purchased land for a new home development in the Ken-Caryl Ranch Plains in 2020. A total of approximately 700 units (single-family, townhomes and multi-family) are planned for development over three parcels of land, including Parcels A and C, located east of C-470 and north of Ken Caryl Ave., and Parcel B, located at the southwest corner of Ken Caryl Ave. and Chatfield Ave. NADG hired earthworks contractor Bemas Construction to begin soil work in Parcels A and B in the coming weeks. All work will be done outside of Jefferson County’s quiet hours. Work will typically take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Bemas will begin moving soil from Parcel B to Parcel A with an estimated start date of mid-June.
To provide an idea of the project’s scope, more than half a million yards of dirt will be moved from the Parcel B development across from King Soopers to the Parcel A and C developments between the RTD bus station and Foothills Golf Course in preparation for the new housing development. A total of 2.5 million yards of dirt will be moved upon completion of this project. Bemas will be using Ken Caryl Avenue as a primary means to transport the dirt beginning in mid-June, and will be working with traffic engineers to establish a movement pattern that accommodates residents during this 8–10-month process. Closures along Ken Caryl are not anticipated, but residents should be aware that outgoing traffic from Safeway along the Alkire intersection ONLY will not be permitted during this time.
The trail to the north of Sunset Ridge that connects the Plains to the Safeway complex will not be disturbed in the initial phases of construction. Any changes or reroutes that may occur in later phases will be communicated to residents in advance to ensure public safety, and it is Bemas’ intention to minimize the duration of any possible closures.
Part of the earthworks project will involve using water to cure and temper soil, which will also aid in dust suppression during construction. Tracking pads, rock retainers and recycled asphalt will be placed around the job site to minimize dirt and mud on streets. Bemas is also contracted to perform periodic street sweeping to help keep our community clean of dust and dirt, and work will be suspended in windy or unsafe conditions.
During construction, Bemas will be properly maintaining safety barriers throughout the project’s duration. We ask that residents respect the borders of designated construction areas during this time to ensure public safety.
The Master Association and the Metropolitan District are in continued communication with Bemas, and any updates or pertinent information will be communicated across Ken-Caryl’s established communications channels, as it becomes available.
Feel free to check the dedicated New Housing Development webpage, located under the Community & News tab of our website at www.ken-carylranch.org for all updates related to this project. For additional questions, please contact Master Association General Manager Brian Yowell at 303-979-1876, ext. 113 or via email at briany@kcranch.org.
Trash or Recycling Issue or Question? Here’s Who to Contact
- Need a new recycling or trash tote? (See below for additional info about totes.)
- Want to schedule and pay for pick-up for a bulk item (mattress, furniture, etc.)?
- Was there a missed pick-up (and your trash was out by 7 a.m.)?
- Have a question, compliment or concern?
You can contact Waste Connections in any of these ways:
- Send an email to kencarylco@wasteconnections.com
- Visit https://www.wasteconnections.com/contact-us/ and choose from their options (bulk item pick-up, missed pick-up, etc.)
- Contact Waste Connections by phone at 303-288-2100. We highly recommend using email or the website – the response time is much faster!
Russian Olive Tree Update
The KCRMA Open Space Department currently does not have a plan in place to target Russian olive trees in the open space for removal. There is a low number of Russian olive trees found in the open space and KCRMA is prioritizing List A noxious weeds for eradication first.
If a Russian olive trees is deemed hazardous or causing damage to a residents’ property boundary Ranger staff will review and act accordingly. In addition, if a Russian olive tree is within the ten-foot interface adjacent to a property, the tree may be removed in accordance with the current woody vegetation management procedure for fuel mitigation in the open space. Staff is aware of the locations of Russian olive trees in the open space and near homes. Please do not email or call staff asking for a tree to be placed on a list unless it is a hazard tree. Staff will be evaluating this procedure annually and may make future changes and will publish updates to the newspaper and other media outlets as needed.
The Operational Relationship Between the MA and the MD
By Traci Wieland, Metropolitan District Manager
Over the course of the last several months of editions of Life at Ken-Caryl, we have been discussing the unique relationship that the Master Association and Metropolitan District have in providing services to the Ken-Caryl Ranch community. Many of these articles have been about the differences, or similarities, in structure and mission. Today’s article focuses on a component of the operational relationship between the two organizations.
In 1988, the Master Association and Metropolitan District entered into a Reorganization Agreement that first outlined the District’s responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and associated costs and expenses for the Master Association’s park and recreation amenities, such as greenbelts, playgrounds and parks. This first agreement provided the initial structure for how the two organizations worked together to serve the community. A Letter of Understanding followed in 1996 that further clarified and defined the working relationship and services provided by each of the organizations. Almost two decades passed before a need was identified to amend the original agreement. The First Amendment was executed in 2014 to outline the use of District bond funds for capital improvements, and the Second Amendment in 2019 outlined which organization is responsible for specific water fees.
Operations and Board leadership changed, providing the impetus for the current draft of a Third Amendment to the Reorganization Agreement. This Amendment has been discussed by the Boards since the summer of 2020 when staff took a deep dive into insurance coverage for all Ken-Caryl Ranch amenities, developing a detailed list and plan for coverage. In addition, the Boards expressed the need for consistency and structure when discussing and employing its many boards, committees, work groups and task forces. The Third Amendment to the Reorganization Agreement also provides additional context to the ongoing efforts to streamline operations between the two organizations. When available, staff utilizes certain cooperative cost-sharing opportunities. The Amendment will define those opportunities.
The Boards have discussed the process and components of the Agreement at numerous Joint Study Sessions; however, a draft document is now available for further review and community feedback, with hopeful adoption by both Boards in August or September. The draft Agreement will be reviewed at the September Joint Study Session on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Ranch House.
Disc Golf Course Update
The Ranch House Disc Golf course dates back to the 1970s and is one of the oldest in the state. It was designed by Ed Headrick, who is referred to as the “Father of Disc Golf”. It is a very popular amenity in the community that is widely used by a variety of age groups.
While the disc golf course is very popular, staff also receives some feedback from nearby neighbors about ongoing negative behaviors, including night-time use, drugs, noise and alcohol. Staff has worked with the residents to mitigate the behaviors as best as possible with additional signage, additional security cameras, targeted patrols and engagement with the Jefferson County Sherriff. Staff also engaged a local disc golf design consultant. The following maintenance and improvement items were discussed and/or implemented:
- Tee signs (installed)
- Additional programming (ongoing)
- Ongoing tree removal and trimming (ongoing)
- Entrance sign (in design)
- Redesign of Hole 5 (under consideration)
- Tee box reinforcement (under consideration)
- Additional fencing (under consideration)
Staff developed an internal survey that was available May 23 – May 31 to get a broader sense of usage and impact of the course. The survey provided a forum for all residents and users to provide feedback giving the Boards a general sense of use and the associated issues. We received more than 600 survey responses, and about 325 of those were residents. Highlights from the resident responses to the survey include:
- 80% of resident respondents utilize the course.
- Approximately 50% of the resident users are ages 24 and younger.
- Smoking and drug use were the behaviors mentioned most often when describing negative behaviors on the course.
- 252 resident respondents have not been negatively impacted by the course.
When asked about a preferred course of action to minimize behavior concerns while meeting the needs of the community, respondents ranked the following in order of preference:
- Keep the course as is.
- Keep the course as is and increase security.
- Keep the course as is and increase signage.
- Close the course permanently and leave space as open park space.
- Close the course permanently and replace with another amenity.
The full survey results, including the 305 non-resident responses, mirrors many of the themes identified above, including the preferred course of action. Full survey results can be found on the Parks page.
Staff presented these survey findings to the Master Association and Metropolitan District Boards at the July 5 Joint Study Session. Members of both Boards are supportive of keeping the course open, but also want to mitigate concerns. Staff will be exploring increased patrols, ambassador programs, signage, cameras, Neighborhood Watch and increased programming opportunities. Do you have additional ideas for course improvements? We would love to hear from you! Email Metro District Manager Traci Wieland at traciw@kcranch.org and Master Association Executive Director Victoria DeSair at victoriad@kcranch.org.
Crime Prevention Presentation
Deputy Mark Bybee, from the Jeffco Sherriff’s Office, gave a presentation on crime prevention in Ken-Caryl on June 22 . The presentation included crime stats for Ken-Caryl and Jefferson County and discussed crime prevention tips, which include lighting, cameras and CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) ideas. He covered situation awareness to help keep you safe whether at home, in stores or out walks. The 30-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session, can be viewed below.
