Introduction

A ballot issue with a proposal to replace the current stockade fence with one similar to the new Hillcrest fence is targeted to be mailed to all HFII homeowners on July 5. There will be many opportunities for continued input from all homeowners and it is the opinion of the Fence Committee and the Board of Directors that such input engages the community in the process and ultimately contributes to an end-product in which the entire community of HFII is proud.

The board accepts their fiduciary responsibility to protect the real estate value of HFII property seriously and also understands that accommodating the individual opinions of each 401 individual homeowners is difficult, if not impossible. The decision to proceed with a ballot proposal for a new wood fence is based upon the best available information and extensive feedback from homeowners over the past several years, including the 2002 vote process, homeowner survey in 2003 and direct polling at the 2003 4th of July pancake breakfast.

Facts about the HFII Fence

bulletThere are 75 perimeter neighbors and 326 interior neighbors (401 total) and there are approximately 9,000 linear foot of perimeter fence.. A "yes" vote by 302 neighbors is needed to approve making the installation of a new wood fence part of the HOA property according to the bylaws of the HFII Homeowners Association.
bulletIt is currently the exterior owner’s responsibility to maintain this stockade style of fence and the new ballot would create the position whereby the new fence would belong to the entire Association and thus be the responsibility of the Association to maintain.
bulletThe style of fence proposed is similar to the Hillcrest neighborhood’s at the SE corner of Dry Creek and Holly. The Hillcrest fence is composed of treated lumber called CopperWood, containing the new ACQ chemical treatment which is non-carcinogenic. The Hillcrest fence has not received a coat of stain coloring. They are waiting for the wood to cure 90 days so the stain will be absorbed better. Any odor associated with the chemical treatment in new fence dissipates in a few months and the green appearance fades to a bronze/tan prior to staining. Other fence material being considered is Western Cedar but also in the same style as the Hillcrest fence.
bulletEstimates from two reputable fence companies put the cost of the proposed fence at $20 per ft. and $28.40 per ft. installed, respectively. Staining the fence on the exterior is estimated to cost an additional $3 per foot. This puts the total cost of the proposed fence at $207,000 and $282,600, respectively. Currently, the cost, quality and specific bid items are being investigated to understand the differences between the two bids. A 3rd quotation will be solicited.
bulletOther fence types that have been evaluated:
    1. Brick fence estimates: $1.8 million ($4,489 per home)
    2. Vinyl (HDPE) fencing is $48 per ft. or $432,000 ($1,077 per home)
    3. Concrete cast panel was deemed unacceptable by an overwhelming majority of homeowners that expressed an opinion and costs $46.00 per lineal foot.
    4. Cement Block style $100-$120 per lineal foot
    5. Putting brick columns every 100’ to enhance the fence appearance would cost an additional ~$108,000

Fence Type                                                                             Cost/ft.

Wood – Hillcrest design                                                         $23 – 31.80

Wood – Hillcrest design w. brick columns every 100’             $35 – 43.80

Concrete cast panel                                                                     $46

Vinyl (HDPE)                                                                                $48

Cement block                                                                              $110

Brick                                                                                            $200

 

bulletUpkeep (staining & structural repair) of the fence in future years would be included in your annual dues and is estimated to be and additional $23 per year.
bulletEnhancing of the landscape is planned for the perimeter and will include removing the grass/turf areas that are in close proximity to the fence, preserving the beauty of the new fence and conserving water at the same time.
bulletSetting up a General Improvement District (GID) whereby the fence would be paid for over time via a tax assessment by the city of Centennial would be expensive for HFII to implement ($ 20,000 - $30,000). Implementing a GID for a fence replacement doesn’t appear to be consistent with state statutes which view GIDs as a mechanism to be used only to improve public safety or protect the environment.
bulletThe proposal is to replace the perimeter fence on Holly, Dry Creek, Monaco, Jersey, and the entranceways but not the fence on the south side of the HFII and Foxridge border. All of the fence will be 6’ high, with the exception at the corners of streets where the covenants require a line-of-sight provision. (See the enclosed map for a detailed look at the new fence locations)
bulletWe are optimistic that there will be a 2 or 3 year payment plan for all homeowners, with the current reserve fund carried by the Association serving as collateral on the financed note. The payment would be timed so as not to coincide with HFII dues payment. A finance charge associated with the payments would exist but it would be minimal.
bulletCurrent reserves held by HFII Homeowners Association cannot be used to replace the fence because those funds were collected for other community property maintenance as clearly identified in the bylaws.

Conclusions Drawn about the HFII Fence and Future Action

bulletThe current stockade fence needs to be replaced in order to preserve the individual value of our homes and to collectively preserve the appearance of the HFII community and all positive value judgments that this implies.
bulletInstalling a new fence that matches the Hillcrest style and stain color would create a very attractive, seamless appearance to the geographic area bounded by Holly, Dry Creek, and Monaco.
bulletAssigning a reasonable portion of the cost of a new stained wood fence to each respective homeowner is still being evaluated and input is encouraged.
bulletVarious fence committee people have volunteered to serve as block chairpersons and will be visiting you to solicit your opinion and answer any questions you may have.
bulletAt least two dates in June will be set for any and all neighbors to gather and make any further contribution to the cooperative installation of the stained wood community fence.

As always, if you have any comments or suggestions at any time, please do so by calling anyone on the fence committee or send an e-mail via the web site www.HFII.org and clicking on the "Fence" tab on the left side of the page.

Thank you.

 

Matt Johnston, Fence Committee Chairman (interior owner) BOD member

Tony Patinella (interior owner) BOD member

Kathleen & Tony Mercado (perimeter owner)

Phil Rahrig (interior owner)

Gery Palmer (perimeter owner)

Jerry Moore (interior owner)

Bill Doyle (perimeter owner)

Mark Bird (interior owner)

Andy Jagger (interior owner)

Jeff & Annette Clemons (perimeter owner)

Patrick McCarthy (interior owner)

Lori Snow (interior owner)

Bob Moore (interior owner)

Next Communication – June 1

bulletSummary of feedback from homeowners collected via website e-mail and volunteer canvassing
bulletEstimates from appraisers and real estate brokers about value appreciation of HFII properties versus other neighborhoods in the area.
bulletExact total cost of the new stained wood fence
bulletProposed total dollars that each homeowner would contribute to support this much needed maintenance to the community.
bulletImmediate direct return on investment (ROI) for perimeter owners
bulletImmediate indirect ROI for interior owners
bulletGraphical representation of long-term impact of a new, stained wood fence to HFII property values.