A recent letter (Herald, Nov. 15) from a resident unhappy with the Dalton Ranch community’s decision to consolidate trash and recycling with a single contractor made many erroneous statements.
This subject was brought to homeowners’ attention last spring after completing a survey of our privately-owned roads. Consultants estimated a single concrete truck is equivalent to 5,000 vehicles, and a large waste truck, while not equal, is significant. Three contractors were putting 14 trucks per month on our roads.
Furthermore, there was a wide disparity in rates charged residents for the same services. Competitive bids indicated a significant savings to all residents, irrespective of which contractor was selected.
The board requested a vote on the issue with the understanding it would require a covenant change and a supermajority in favor to permit the board to act. The complaint letter stated the proposal was voted down, which is patently false. The vote was conducted by mail, and while the ballots received were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal, only 91 owners of 151 voted and thus the requirement to pass the covenant was not met.
When a second vote was held, over 90 percent of the owners voted and 82 percent were in favor of consolidation. This vote also allowed selection of one contractor by majority vote, and that company was awarded a contract.
The unhappy resident also stated there is no way to verify the vote. The HOA employs a bonded property manager to distribute, collect and record votes in an election and the results are a matter of public record.
Effective Jan. 2, we will have only six trucks a month on our roads, and all owners will realize a significant savings in trash and recycling collection fees.
Mike Kane, President, North Dalton Ranch HOA Board of Directors
Durango
