Weed Abatement Progress

Weed abatement continues with work this week on the North side of the Nellie Gail Ranch community focusing on trail easements using the handwork crews. Next week they will move to the South side also focusing on trail easements using handwork crews The following week they will begin clearing the larger open areas with tractors and the following cleanup crew on areas like Gallup Canyon, the toll road slopes and the slope above the Equestrian Center. Completion of annual Spring weed abatement is tentatively scheduled for the end of May. This work is consistent with the annual abatement required by the City of Laguna Hills.

Clubhouse Update

This week the concrete walkways were poured and the new entry trellis was installed. Next week we are looking forward to completing the parking lot concrete drainage swale and asphalt. The following week we near completion of the hardscape part of our project with the installation of pavers at our Clubhouse entry and in the parking stalls. The building exterior will commence following the hardscape and following that we are very hopeful we will be ready to invite everyone in for a long-awaited GRAND OPENING! 

Special Open Session Board Meeting – May 11, 2020 – 6:00 pm

A special open session board meeting will be held via Zoom conference call for the purpose of considering the adoption of Temporary Recreation Center Use Rules.  Rules will be considered for adoption on a temporary basis to allow for the timely re-opening of recreation center facilities. At this meeting, we will present and provide an opportunity for member comments. Nellie Gail Ranch homeowners are invited to participate as well as our Tennis, Pickleball, and Swim Center Club members. 

Draft Rules

Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85082051349?pwd=WkwvQWxnaXRGM0VHUDkxMHI4Z0pHZz09
 
Dial-in by phone:  669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 850 8205 1349
Password: 514736
 
If you wish to submit a comment in lieu of calling in you may do so via the following link:

Submit a Comment

Equestrian Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Moulton Ranch community has several planters at Bridlewood and Oso they have been trying to beautify. They recently installed Agave in a planter to fill in a bare area. However, some of our equestrians who use the nearby horse crossing expressed concern regarding the sharp thorns in proximity to the trail and crossing. Moulton Ranch quickly accommodated removing the plants. Now it is our turn to be good neighbors as they prepare to replant with something that will both complement the aesthetics of the monument and their community entry and not be a concern to our equestrians. Please take care when riding or hiking to stay on the trail and avoid short-cutting across planter areas to access the sidewalk or street. While we are highlighting this for our Moulton Ranch neighbors, it is equally important in our own community at our many trailheads.

Special Meeting to Review Plan to Reopen Recreation Facilities

We have been monitoring the state and county press conferences regarding ongoing business closures and reopening discussions. We have also reviewed reports of local recreation facilities who are making moves to reopen their clubs. We are currently preparing our own plan for a phased reopening and are scheduling a Zoom video/conference call on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 6:00 pm to review a draft plan and schedule for reopening the recreation facilities. We want our homeowners, Tennis Members, Pickleball Members, and Swim Center Members to review our proposed plan for reopening and provide an opportunity for you to provide input. We know many people are ready to start participating in their sports of choice again, while others remain concerned about potential public exposure. We want to create a plan that addresses both perspectives and provides you with an opportunity to give input.

Please put the date of May 11, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. on your calendar. We will send a link to the meeting next week. Meanwhile, please safely enjoy our trails and open space and what looks to be a beautiful weekend.

Annual Election and Special Ballot Measure

The ballots for the June 3, 2020, annual meeting for board member election and special ballot measure regarding mobile patrol security have been mailed by the Inspector of Election. Please keep an eye out for your ballot. Please take time to review at your earliest opportunity, complete the ballot consistent with the instructions provided and mail it in the envelope provided which includes pre-paid postage. We will have a ballot box at the office but it is more challenging to get in here due to the construction and reduced office staff so please take advantage of the free postage and mail it in.

Clubhouse Update

The excellent weather this week has allowed for some progress on the exterior of the Clubhouse. The first of the new concrete walkways were poured today as well as our new curbs. Trellis footings are complete as well as trenching for electrical and irrigation. It’s looking like another great weather week ahead with opportunities to continue forward.

We are not sure when the state and county guidelines will permit us to re-open but we are looking forward to seeing you all again!!

Nellie Gail Ranch Operations In Response to State Executive Order

Consistent with the stay at home Executive Order we are prioritizing essential services.  The Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis and Swim Center and Association office have been closed and will re-open upon approval of the state.

We request you defer submittal of architectural improvement applications and Notices of Completion until we resume full operations.

Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center staff are providing essential services in the care of our boarder’s horses and will continue to work. We will work with our Association vendors to provide service for urgent needs.  Anything that is not deadline sensitive, health and safety or property damage related will be deferred until normal operations resume.  The Executive Order did not provide an end date so we will be monitoring.

Many of our staff are performing critical time-sensitive functions from home and we are monitoring vendors to be sure that critical maintenance continues to be performed as needed. If you have any questions or concerns during our office closure you may reach me at bmitchell@nelliegailranch.org. If you have an urgent or emergency need you may reach General Manager Brian Mitchell by cell phone at 949-395-0742.

Nellie Gail Ranch Ducks

The Nellie Gail Ranch Gators have been temporarily replaced by the Nellie Gail Ranch Ducks.

Clubhouse Update  

 

Construction on the interior of the clubhouse is complete and we can’t wait to show it off to you when we are permitted to re-open! Our May issue of the Pony Express will have more photos and descriptive information on the improvements. Meanwhile, here are some “teaser” photos to show you the new lounge area and the main clubhouse which we look forward to your enjoying soon!!