Spur Ranch Road Schedule Update

Dear Neighbors,

 

Bob Sherwin phoned me this afternoon with a revised schedule of the road rework. Basically, the schedule has slipped a few days so that Michael McDermott, CEO of RP International, can oversee the work. McDermott is flying here from Manila and is scheduled to arrive on Monday, Jan. 9.  Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the planned work, as of this afternoon, and I’ll let you know if there are any further changes.

 

Monday (1/2): A grader will scoop the dirt currently piled on the sides of the road, use it to fill in ruts and potholes in the road,and make the road as driveable as possible. (This is the same as the previous plan.)

 

Thursday (1/5) to Saturday noon (1/7): 1200 tons of the new clay mix will be delivered, piled in a 4 ft wide swath along one edge of the road. There will be five or six dump trucks delivering the mix throughout this 2.5 day period. The remainder of the road will be open for traffic.

 

Monday (1/9): Reconstruction of the road will begin in the morning, to last 4-5 days. Michael McDermott, CEO of RoadPacker Int’l, will be here from Manila to oversee the work. Flaggers with walkie-talkies will be needed for this period only. Let’s hope the weather holds out.

 

Regards,

Jim

 

 

Spur Ranch Road Update

Dear Neighbors,

The RoadPacker distributor, Bob Sherwin, wants to take advantage of the warm dry weather to start rebuilding our road immediately. Today, as you may have noticed, a grader began this project by clearing the dirt out of the side ditches. This is the material that was scraped off the road surface after our recent rains. This material is now piled temporarily along the edges of the road, but soon will be mixed into the newly purchased clay, along with the top three inches of the existing road subsurface.

 

The real work will begin Monday morning and will take most if not all of the work week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, dump trucks will deliver 1600 tons of the new clay to the site, which is about four times the amount of that was previously imported. This new clay comes from Espanola, has been lab tested, and looks to be excellent, with an actual clay percentage of 48% (roughly twice the previous clay mix) and a CEC (measures stickiness) of 28, well above the 15 required minimum.

 

Thursday and Friday will be spent mixing the new clay into the existing surface (to a depth of 6 inches), adding more RoadPacker product, followed by grading, sculpting, and rolling of the new surface. At that point the road will be completed, ready to drive on, and – knock on wood – waterproof. Assuming everything goes as planned, this long saga will be finally behind us.

 

During the roadwork next week, it would be helpful to minimize trips along the road to the extent possible. Avenue de Los Compadres is currently IMPASSIBLE, based on a test drive this afternoon in a large 4WD truck. Don’t even think about trying it. Instead, the contractor will keep one lane of SRR open at all times, with walki-talkie bearing flag persons coordinating traffic at each end of the road. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but there doesn’t seem to be any alternative.

 

Volunteers from the community are needed to help coordinate traffic, beginning Monday. (We’ll supply the walki-talkies and organize shifts.)  I’d really appreciate it if you could lend a hand in making things go as smoothly as possible. Kerry Armour is our SRRA traffic czar (czarina?), and so if you can help please give her a call at 983-4055, or email her at kerry_armour@hotmail.com.

 

Thanks very much, and Happy New Year to all.

Jim

 

Road conditions

NM 285 south is very slippery at the Spur Ranch Road turnoff. Slow well in
advance.

I just drove SRR and a safe and prudent speed is no more than 20 mph.

I also just drove Ave. de los Compadres - slippery and rutted beneath the
snow with the two puddles drivable in a high clearance vehicle - the
turn-outs around the puddles are drivable. Safe and prudent speed is no
more than 15 mph.

Al

Status Report on Spur Ranch Road Improvements

Dear Neighbor,

Here’s an update on the SRR road improvement plans. Bob Sherwin, of RoadPacker Southwest, plans to redo completely as soon as possible (at company expense) the road segment between Rte 285 and the RR tracks. The original treatment used a faulty batch of clay from a local supplier which resulted in the road surface dissolving in the presence of water. As a stopgap measure, Mr. Sherwin’s  contractor has repeatedly graded the top surface of the road, as necessary, to remove the slushy coating. Underneath the surface, where it is dry, the road is very hard and stable, which is why there has been no noticeable washboarding or other deterioration.

 

Here is an excerpt of a letter to me from Mr. Sherwin, which contains specifics:

 

As you know I have been testing a number of soil samples, looking for a quality clay source to add to Spur Ranch Road when we rebuild the road. The attached sample (an analysis was attached to his letter) shows you an example of the results of what we are seeing as we look for the perfect source.  We need the three requirements below regarding the soil in order for RoadPacker Plus to work 100% of the time.

1. We need a pH of 7 to 8
2. A clay content of 15% to 50%
3. The quality of clay is determined by the CEC test (Cation Exchange Capacity) We need 15meq / 100g or greater from this test.

The attached sample is close to what we are looking for however the CEC is 12.2meq / 100g and not quite high enough as we need at least 15 meq / 100g. As you can see the clay content and pH are perfect. I have 5 more samples being tested from 5 different sources of clay from Santa Fe, Cochiti and Espanola this week. Once we find our clay source then all we need is 4 days in a row of day time temperatures above freezing. It doesn’t matter at night time if it is below freezing as our needs have to do with the ability to mix the soil properly during the day time. Once it is enclosed and sealed, the night time temperatures are irrelevant according to Mr. McDermott.

Michael McDermott (CEO of RoadPacker International ) will be arriving here around the 7th of January. He has to go to New Zealand after Christmas for a job, then will be here in Santa Fe after that trip. We do not need to wait for him if we have the right clay source and at least 4 days of decent weather above freezing. Weather permitting however, I think it is safe to say that we will be done with this road by at least mid January or sooner.

We have continued to rent the grader to keep things at least passable and safe for you and your neighbors until you get you new road completed for your for the New Year. Thanks for hanging in there with us. Please know that we are doing our best and Spur Ranch Rd is our #1 priority.

 

Other information: Following the solicitation of bids, SRRA has signed a contract with Durant Sand and Gravel, to plow the road after a snowfall. Here is the text of the agreement:

 

This will confirm that for snow plowing of Spur Ranch Road from NM 285 to the end of Spur Ranch Road (approx. 3 miles in length) from December 10, 2011 through December 10, 2012 the Spur Ranch Road Association will pay Duran Sand and Gravel, Inc. the sum of $350 each and every time snow plowing is necessitated.

Snow plowing will commence when the level of snow has reached a depth of 6 inches. If snow has reached a depth of 12 inches or greater the sum to be paid to Duran Sand & Gravel will be $450 for snow removal from Spur Ranch Road.

Snow will be removed down to but not into the roadbed, the road bed having been treated with Roadpacker Plus materials which must not be disturbed by plowing.

The width of the road cleared by plowing will be from edge-of-road to edge-of-road not to include the ditching on either side of the road.

Snow plowing will commence no later than 7.00 a.m. if there is at least 6 inches of snow on the roadway and no later than 4.00 p.m. if there is 6 inches of snow on the roadway. This will allow residents who are going to and returning from work to safely use Spur Ranch Road.

Duran Sand & Gravel Inc. will provide for its own liability and property damage insurance.

 

Finally, the SRRA directors will be meeting in January to develop a proposed operating budget for the coming year, along with the dues and fees needed to implement the budget.  Following the budget proposal, a community meeting will be held to give residents an opportunity to consider and vote on the proposal, as per the SRRA bylaws. Once an approved budget has been obtained, then SRRA will submit formal requests for contributions from the SRR homeowners’ associations and from individual residents along the road.

 

I and my fellow directors wish you all safe and happy holidays. We also welcome your comments and suggestions, which you can easily post on the SRRA blogsite by emailing them to srra1.lamynm@blogger.com. You can view the blogsite, which contains road conditions, weather information, comments from residents and other useful information, at http://spurranchroad.blogspot.com/

 

Regards,

Jim

Spur Ranch Road 9:30pm Update_ Monday-12_19

Dear Neighbors,

My wife, Carole, just now drove the length of the road (I rode shotgun) in our Toyota Sequoia, using 2WD, and limiting her speed to 15mph. The temperature was 28F with light snow flurries. At this time, the road surface was hard and covered with less than an inch of packed snow.

 

Carole had no trouble driving the road, despite slippery road conditions in many places. The worst area was the asphalt section adjacent to the RR tracks, and the next worst was the “old” part of the road west of the tracks. She braked every few yards to test the road conditions in all three sections. Accelerating is definitely more slippery than stopping, but you will skid a few yards if you brake suddenly. 

 

If you’re apprehensive about driving in winter conditions, then my advice is to stay home if possible. Otherwise, slow and easy does it, use common sense, and observe usual winter driving caution.

Regards,

Jim

 

 

Spur Ranch Road 4:00pm Update_Monday_12_19

Dear Neighbors,

I just checked out our road (using 2WD) and it is driveable but slippery, with about an inch of slushy snow. If you need to drive, then just keep to the center, use 4WD if you have it, and drive very slowly. 

 

The larger concern is that the temperature has now dropped below freezing (currently 31F) and is falling, with lows expected tonight in the mid-teens. The water currently on the surface of Rt 285 and I-25 (which is closed to the north) will likely turn to ice and make very hazardous conditions. A few more inches of snow are possible tonight. This is a good evening to put in a fire, make some popcorn, and curl up with a good book.

Regards,

Jim

 

RE: Spur Ranch Road Update - 6:15pm Wednesday

To All,

 

Just came in and the road is dry and in good shape. No issues at all.

 

Fred

 

 

From: Jim Garland [mailto:4cx250b@muohio.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 6:28 PM
To: 4cx250b@muohio.edu; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com; maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com; ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com; ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net; janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com; kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com; danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com; nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com; iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com; pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com; luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us; carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; fredwrichardson@gmail.com; don@donhalljr.com; nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com; galanrobinson@comcast.net; speterson@ecfin.com; sandeep.patel@state.nm.us; natyork@yahoo.com; lmparker3@gmail.com; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com
Subject: Spur Ranch Road Update - 6:15pm Wednesday

 

Hi Everybody,

I just drove the road (Rte 285 to the RR tracks) to check out the condition, and it seems to have significantly improved since the previous reports. Outside temperature was 33F, and I was driving a Toyota Sequoia SUV, deliberately using 2WD, and applying brakes every 50 yards or so. There were a few somewhat slippery but manageable spots, and I never felt like I was losing control. I’d estimate 95% of the road is quite driveable at this time.

 

Clearly, it is advisable to stay to the center of the road, which is crowned, and to slow or stop if you have to move to the side because of an oncoming car.  Basically, however, I found the road acceptable if one exercises appropriate caution. I’ll report back in the morning, but certainly welcome other reports from residents.

Jim

Spur Ranch Road Update - 6:15pm Wednesday

Hi Everybody,

I just drove the road (Rte 285 to the RR tracks) to check out the condition, and it seems to have significantly improved since the previous reports. Outside temperature was 33F, and I was driving a Toyota Sequoia SUV, deliberately using 2WD, and applying brakes every 50 yards or so. There were a few somewhat slippery but manageable spots, and I never felt like I was losing control. I’d estimate 95% of the road is quite driveable at this time.

 

Clearly, it is advisable to stay to the center of the road, which is crowned, and to slow or stop if you have to move to the side because of an oncoming car.  Basically, however, I found the road acceptable if one exercises appropriate caution. I’ll report back in the morning, but certainly welcome other reports from residents.

Jim

Re: Spur Ranch Road - 7:30AM Update (Wednesday)

Out yesterday at ll back at 12noon.....no problem driving...I just took it slow and aimed for the driest part of the road.....at any rate, it is still one heck of a lot better than the road it was before.

----- Original Message -----

From: Kerry Armour

To: Jim Garland

Cc: bob@bobholzer.com ; linhdill@yahoo.com ; maryannestickler@gmail.com ; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com ; ppreston@cybermesa.com ; ejbuilder@yahoo.com ; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com ; ahvassallo@aol.com ; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com ; shortcreek1995@hughes.net ; janderson@anderson-realestate.com ; w_f_davis@msn.com ; Robertaa@cnsp.com ; elliebeth@aol.com ; danielbethune@mac.com ; willstrong@gmail.com ; victoriawshepard@aol.com ; nathanbc@impulse.net ; lebettis@gmail.com ; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com ; nor@cybermesa.com ; laespuela2@msn.com ; annbitter3@gmail.com ; iraniaveliz@aol.com ; bprothro@aol.com ; sevenbears@cnsp.com ; pangiagreg@hotmail.com ; rdera@aol.com ; bob@bobborden.me ; marzad2@yahoo.com ; ernst@esedona.net ; gdoven@aol.com ; luthier@cnsp.com ; wingedvictory@mac.com ; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us ; carolbernal48@yahoo.com ; scottrivers@yahoo.com ; fredwrichardson@gmail.com ; don@donhalljr.com ; nemmiller@yahoo.com ; orbital@rothritter.com ; galanrobinson@comcast.net ; speterson@ecfin.com ; sandeep.patel@state.nm.us ; natyork@yahoo.com ; lmparker3@gmail.com ; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 8:41 AM

Subject: Re: Spur Ranch Road - 7:30AM Update (Wednesday)

I experienced a very good reality check last night. My husband and I went to a friend's for dinner way down into the far end of Eldorado. Once the pavement ran out the road conditions were much worse than what we are seeing here on Spur Ranch. If we hadn't been driving a Jeep Wrangler, we most definitely would have had a big problem.

At this point, I am thankful for the road we have and I know that it will be a great road once it's fixed.

Kerry Armour

SRRA Board

On Dec 14, 2011, at 8:08 AM, "Jim  Garland" <4cx250b@muohio.edu> wrote:

Dear Neighbors,

The two inches of snow last night actually seemed to improve the road conditions, at least in the morning hours.  SRR is now easily passable, although 2WD vehicles should drive with particular caution to avoid sliding. Obviously, 4WD is preferable if you have it. Please avoid using Compadres.

We'll keep our eye on the road as the day warms up and let you know if problems develop. Bob Sherwin (RoadPacker) has rented a grader for the week ($7,500) which is parked beside the road, in case additional rain calls for remedial attention.

We can't give you a definite date yet when the complete redo of the road will take place. Bob Sherwin is awaiting test results on a batch of clay that he has reserved, in order to verify that the composition and plasticity is appropriate for the RoadPacker treatment. Another consideration is the weather. The daytime temperature needs to be above freezing (in order to ensure adequate mixing), and the surface should not be saturated with water (which delays curing). His goal is to take advantage of the first suitable period.

With respect to snow removal, SRRA has contracted with Duran Sand and Gravel to plow the road in the event of a snowfall of six inches or more. The terms of the agreement call for an early morning (7AM) plowing if snow falls during the night, and a late afternoon plowing (4PM), if necessary to clear the road before people return home from work.

Regards,

Jim

Re: Spur Ranch Road - 7:30AM Update (Wednesday)

I experienced a very good reality check last night. My husband and I went to a friend's for dinner way down into the far end of Eldorado. Once the pavement ran out the road conditions were much worse than what we are seeing here on Spur Ranch. If we hadn't been driving a Jeep Wrangler, we most definitely would have had a big problem.

At this point, I am thankful for the road we have and I know that it will be a great road once it's fixed.

Kerry Armour

SRRA Board

On Dec 14, 2011, at 8:08 AM, "Jim  Garland" <4cx250b@muohio.edu> wrote:

Dear Neighbors,

The two inches of snow last night actually seemed to improve the road conditions, at least in the morning hours.  SRR is now easily passable, although 2WD vehicles should drive with particular caution to avoid sliding. Obviously, 4WD is preferable if you have it. Please avoid using Compadres.

 

We'll keep our eye on the road as the day warms up and let you know if problems develop. Bob Sherwin (RoadPacker) has rented a grader for the week ($7,500) which is parked beside the road, in case additional rain calls for remedial attention.

 

We can't give you a definite date yet when the complete redo of the road will take place. Bob Sherwin is awaiting test results on a batch of clay that he has reserved, in order to verify that the composition and plasticity is appropriate for the RoadPacker treatment. Another consideration is the weather. The daytime temperature needs to be above freezing (in order to ensure adequate mixing), and the surface should not be saturated with water (which delays curing). His goal is to take advantage of the first suitable period.

 

With respect to snow removal, SRRA has contracted with Duran Sand and Gravel to plow the road in the event of a snowfall of six inches or more. The terms of the agreement call for an early morning (7AM) plowing if snow falls during the night, and a late afternoon plowing (4PM), if necessary to clear the road before people return home from work.

 

Regards,

Jim

Spur Ranch Road - 7:30AM Update (Wednesday)

Dear Neighbors,

The two inches of snow last night actually seemed to improve the road conditions, at least in the morning hours.  SRR is now easily passable, although 2WD vehicles should drive with particular caution to avoid sliding. Obviously, 4WD is preferable if you have it. Please avoid using Compadres.

 

We’ll keep our eye on the road as the day warms up and let you know if problems develop. Bob Sherwin (RoadPacker) has rented a grader for the week ($7,500) which is parked beside the road, in case additional rain calls for remedial attention.

 

We can’t give you a definite date yet when the complete redo of the road will take place. Bob Sherwin is awaiting test results on a batch of clay that he has reserved, in order to verify that the composition and plasticity is appropriate for the RoadPacker treatment. Another consideration is the weather. The daytime temperature needs to be above freezing (in order to ensure adequate mixing), and the surface should not be saturated with water (which delays curing). His goal is to take advantage of the first suitable period.

 

With respect to snow removal, SRRA has contracted with Duran Sand and Gravel to plow the road in the event of a snowfall of six inches or more. The terms of the agreement call for an early morning (7AM) plowing if snow falls during the night, and a late afternoon plowing (4PM), if necessary to clear the road before people return home from work.

 

Regards,

Jim

Re: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

I exited this morning from Camino Rosa Linda via Compadres, I returned 2
or 3 hours later via Spur Ranch Rd. at about 11:30. Spur Ranch is at least
easier to negotiate than Compadres but far worse that the well constructed
(and much more expensive section) near Spur Ranch. I think I'm seeing the
road reject a lot of water, that is the water stays on the surface rather
than bleeding though the base coat as it does in conventional well made base
coated roads. Certainly the road is performing better now than after our
first light rain exposure. This seems cautiously optimistic to me. Now
when the road work was being done I did notice that the crowning was minimal
and that a low crown didn't seem compatible with the verbal description of
the ionic functionality. Perhaps, if any rework is done a higher crown
could be tried. Of course if that doesn't work then we face a higher
probability of winding up with our cars in the ditch.
A few of us near Compadres have looked at it with an eye to improving
its wet weather performance and have some ideas relevant to that end. Jim,
feel free to call if you think I might help. We dare not wind up without a
way out of here this winter as some of us face health issues that might
require immediate exit. I have a fairly well functioning 4 wheel drive
vehicle that could be used in emergencies to cross fields if necessary.
Jim, perhaps we should set up our own emergency evacuator network? It takes
4 or 5 times as long to get an emergency vehicle into Camino Rosa Linda,
under good conditions as would to get a person to the El Dorado fire
station.
Bill Davis

----Original Message-----
From: sevenbears@cnsp.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 12:54 PM
To: Patel, Sandeep, DOH
Cc: 'Fred Richardson' ; 'Jim Garland' ; bob@bobholzer.com ;
linhdill@yahoo.com ; maryannestickler@gmail.com ; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com ;
ppreston@cybermesa.com ; ejbuilder@yahoo.com ; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com ;
ahvassallo@aol.com ; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com ; shortcreek1995@hughes.net ;
janderson@anderson-realestate.com ; w_f_davis@msn.com ;
kerry_armour@hotmail.com ; Robertaa@cnsp.com ; elliebeth@aol.com ;
danielbethune@mac.com ; willstrong@gmail.com ; victoriawshepard@aol.com ;
nathanbc@impulse.net ; lebettis@gmail.com ; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com ;
nor@cybermesa.com ; laespuela2@msn.com ; annbitter3@gmail.com ;
iraniaveliz@aol.com ; bprothro@aol.com ; sevenbears@cnsp.com ;
pangiagreg@hotmail.com ; rdera@aol.com ; bob@bobborden.me ;
marzad2@yahoo.com ; ernst@esedona.net ; gdoven@aol.com ; luthier@cnsp.com ;
wingedvictory@mac.com ; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us ; carolbernal48@yahoo.com ;
scottrivers@yahoo.com ; don@donhalljr.com ; nemmiller@yahoo.com ;
orbital@rothritter.com ; galanrobinson@comcast.net ; speterson@ecfin.com ;
natyork@yahoo.com ; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com ; 'Al Webster'
Subject: RE: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

Everyone served by SRR, as well as the folks who provided the treatment,
is disappointed in the way the road has turned out. If you have thoughts
about what ought to be done, kindly share them with the folks on the SRRA
board so your ideas may be considered.

Jake Greene
TCHA President

> I completely agree with the assessment below. My wife in her AWD car
> almost slid off the road this morning. Please provide an update as to
> what the company and committee is doing to resolve the problem with Spur
> Ranch. We sincerely appreciate your help.
>
> Thank you.
> Sandeep Patel
> 5 Vista Estrella S
> 505-577-3316
>
> From: Fred Richardson [mailto:fred.richardson@lpl.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 11:13 AM
> To: 'Jim Garland'; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com;
> maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com;
> ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com;
> ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net;
> janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com;
> kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com;
> danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com;
> nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com;
> iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com;
> pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com;
> luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us;
> carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; don@donhalljr.com;
> nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com; galanrobinson@comcast.net;
> speterson@ecfin.com; Patel, Sandeep, DOH; natyork@yahoo.com;
> srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
> Subject: RE: Spur Ranch Road Update #2
>
> To road committee and neighbors,
>
> My wife almost did not make it to work this morning for Spur Ranch is
> deteriorating rapidly as more people drive on it. Now the back route is
> also deteriorating as more people avoid Spur Ranch and drive that way. In
> two more days we have another storm coming. We need a plan or we are going
> to have a major disaster when none of us can get to our homes.
>
> Help,
>
> Fred
>
>
> Fred Richardson, AAMS(r)
> President & LPL Financial Advisor
>
> Zia Financial Group
> 7 Caliente Road, Suite A-7
> Santa Fe, NM 87508
> 505.819.5914 Phone
> 866.719.6119 Fax
> www.ziafinancialgroup.com
> Fred.richardson@lpl.com<mailto:Fred.richardson@lpl.com>
>
> Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC
>
>
>
>
> From: Jim Garland [mailto:4cx250b@muohio.edu]
> Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 8:53 PM
> To: 4cx250b@muohio.edu; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com;
> maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com;
> ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com;
> ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net;
> janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com;
> kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com;
> danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com;
> nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com;
> iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com;
> pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com;
> luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us;
> carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; fredwrichardson@gmail.com;
> don@donhalljr.com; nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com;
> galanrobinson@comcast.net; speterson@ecfin.com; sandeep.patel@state.nm.us;
> natyork@yahoo.com; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
> Subject: Spur Ranch Road Update #2
>
> Dear Neighbor,
> Four of the SRRA directors met this afternoon with Bob Sherwin, president
> of RoadPacker Southwest, to express our concern with the road condition,
> following the 0.15 inch rain that began in the early morning.
>
> We were assured by Mr. Sherwin that he, too, is very concerned about the
> condition of the road, as is the corporate office of RoadPacker
> International, in Calgary. The CEO of RP International, Michael McDermott,
> is presently in Asia, overseeing a large project there, but is flying back
> to Santa Fe from Manila to study our situation and recommend corrective
> action. He is expected to arrive sometime within the next two weeks. The
> directors were assured that the condition of the road surface (this
> morning's rain impacted roughly the top inch of the road) is very unusual,
> if not unprecedented. RoadPacker's promotional literature asserts that the
> treatment results in "a water repellent, rock-hard, maintenance free
> surface for dirt roads," and also that the product has been used "for over
> 23 years in 22 countries outside the U.S., to solve problems of dust,
> wash-boarding, never-ending maintenance, and mud associated with dirt and
> the deterioration of asphalt." To illustrate his point, Mr. Sherwin showed
> us before-and-after photographs of an airport access road in Campeche,
> Mexico that had been completely submerged in a torrential downpour but
> which was fully drivable the next day. (I can email you the photos on
> request: file size is 5MB).
>
> So what is causing the difficulty with our road? Mr. Sherwin believes
> there have been two problems: (1) in the initial treatment, the western
> part of the road (between Silver Saddle and the RR tracks) was too wet
> when it was compacted. Evidently, when this happens, the curing period is
> extended considerably. And (2) there were problems with the chemical
> properties of the hundreds of tons of clay which were brought in and added
> to the road material. Without getting overly technical, the clay was too
> alkaline, with a ph of 8.8, well outside the desirable range of 7-8. Also,
> it had a "Cation Exchange Capacity" that was far too low. (In the language
> most of us speak that means it wasn't sticky enough.)
>
> The ultimate fix for these problems won't be known until after CEO
> McDermott and his technical staff analyze our situation. Mr. Sherwin,
> however, has assured us verbally and in writing that "we remain committed
> to making this the road that we all intended for you and your residents."
> This has obviously been a costly learning experience for him, as well as
> a very trying experience for all of us. However, at this point the
> directors believe that the company genuinely wants to correct these
> problems, whatever it takes, and so we continue to call for patience from
> our community. (Incidentally, the roadwork you may have observed this
> afternoon is just a temporary measure to restore the road's drivability).
>
> Please feel free to email or phone me or any of the directors if you have
> additional questions.
> Regards,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

RE: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

Everyone served by SRR, as well as the folks who provided the treatment,
is disappointed in the way the road has turned out. If you have thoughts
about what ought to be done, kindly share them with the folks on the SRRA
board so your ideas may be considered.

Jake Greene
TCHA President

> I completely agree with the assessment below. My wife in her AWD car
> almost slid off the road this morning. Please provide an update as to
> what the company and committee is doing to resolve the problem with Spur
> Ranch. We sincerely appreciate your help.
>
> Thank you.
> Sandeep Patel
> 5 Vista Estrella S
> 505-577-3316
>
> From: Fred Richardson [mailto:fred.richardson@lpl.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 11:13 AM
> To: 'Jim Garland'; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com;
> maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com;
> ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com;
> ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net;
> janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com;
> kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com;
> danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com;
> nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com;
> iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com;
> pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com;
> luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us;
> carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; don@donhalljr.com;
> nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com; galanrobinson@comcast.net;
> speterson@ecfin.com; Patel, Sandeep, DOH; natyork@yahoo.com;
> srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
> Subject: RE: Spur Ranch Road Update #2
>
> To road committee and neighbors,
>
> My wife almost did not make it to work this morning for Spur Ranch is
> deteriorating rapidly as more people drive on it. Now the back route is
> also deteriorating as more people avoid Spur Ranch and drive that way. In
> two more days we have another storm coming. We need a plan or we are going
> to have a major disaster when none of us can get to our homes.
>
> Help,
>
> Fred
>
>
> Fred Richardson, AAMS(r)
> President & LPL Financial Advisor
>
> Zia Financial Group
> 7 Caliente Road, Suite A-7
> Santa Fe, NM 87508
> 505.819.5914 Phone
> 866.719.6119 Fax
> www.ziafinancialgroup.com
> Fred.richardson@lpl.com<mailto:Fred.richardson@lpl.com>
>
> Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC
>
>
>
>
> From: Jim Garland [mailto:4cx250b@muohio.edu]
> Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 8:53 PM
> To: 4cx250b@muohio.edu; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com;
> maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com;
> ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com;
> ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net;
> janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com;
> kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com;
> danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com;
> nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com;
> iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com;
> pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com;
> bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com;
> luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us;
> carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; fredwrichardson@gmail.com;
> don@donhalljr.com; nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com;
> galanrobinson@comcast.net; speterson@ecfin.com; sandeep.patel@state.nm.us;
> natyork@yahoo.com; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
> Subject: Spur Ranch Road Update #2
>
> Dear Neighbor,
> Four of the SRRA directors met this afternoon with Bob Sherwin, president
> of RoadPacker Southwest, to express our concern with the road condition,
> following the 0.15 inch rain that began in the early morning.
>
> We were assured by Mr. Sherwin that he, too, is very concerned about the
> condition of the road, as is the corporate office of RoadPacker
> International, in Calgary. The CEO of RP International, Michael McDermott,
> is presently in Asia, overseeing a large project there, but is flying back
> to Santa Fe from Manila to study our situation and recommend corrective
> action. He is expected to arrive sometime within the next two weeks. The
> directors were assured that the condition of the road surface (this
> morning's rain impacted roughly the top inch of the road) is very unusual,
> if not unprecedented. RoadPacker's promotional literature asserts that the
> treatment results in "a water repellent, rock-hard, maintenance free
> surface for dirt roads," and also that the product has been used "for over
> 23 years in 22 countries outside the U.S., to solve problems of dust,
> wash-boarding, never-ending maintenance, and mud associated with dirt and
> the deterioration of asphalt." To illustrate his point, Mr. Sherwin showed
> us before-and-after photographs of an airport access road in Campeche,
> Mexico that had been completely submerged in a torrential downpour but
> which was fully drivable the next day. (I can email you the photos on
> request: file size is 5MB).
>
> So what is causing the difficulty with our road? Mr. Sherwin believes
> there have been two problems: (1) in the initial treatment, the western
> part of the road (between Silver Saddle and the RR tracks) was too wet
> when it was compacted. Evidently, when this happens, the curing period is
> extended considerably. And (2) there were problems with the chemical
> properties of the hundreds of tons of clay which were brought in and added
> to the road material. Without getting overly technical, the clay was too
> alkaline, with a ph of 8.8, well outside the desirable range of 7-8. Also,
> it had a "Cation Exchange Capacity" that was far too low. (In the language
> most of us speak that means it wasn't sticky enough.)
>
> The ultimate fix for these problems won't be known until after CEO
> McDermott and his technical staff analyze our situation. Mr. Sherwin,
> however, has assured us verbally and in writing that "we remain committed
> to making this the road that we all intended for you and your residents."
> This has obviously been a costly learning experience for him, as well as
> a very trying experience for all of us. However, at this point the
> directors believe that the company genuinely wants to correct these
> problems, whatever it takes, and so we continue to call for patience from
> our community. (Incidentally, the roadwork you may have observed this
> afternoon is just a temporary measure to restore the road's drivability).
>
> Please feel free to email or phone me or any of the directors if you have
> additional questions.
> Regards,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Update December 13th

Hello All, I have just heard from Bob Sherwin at RoadPacker. They are still in process of doing the testing needed to find a proper batch of clay to use in redoing the road. Unfortunately, that means that when weather happens we have a mess. However, he is going to bring out a blader to scrape off the current batch of slimey stuff which is our only fix for the moment.

Re: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

If the contractor can't get Spur Ranch into a safe and usable condition quickly, how about having him gravel the mud sections of Compadres as soon as possible to provide at least some safe access for residents and emergency vehicles.

 

L. Bettis

 

 

On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:19 AM, Patel, Sandeep, DOH <sandeep.patel@state.nm.us> wrote:

I completely agree with the assessment below.  My wife in her AWD car almost slid off the road this morning.  Please provide an update as to what the company and committee is doing to resolve the problem with Spur Ranch.  We sincerely appreciate your help.

 

Thank you.

Sandeep Patel

5 Vista Estrella S

505-577-3316

 

From: Fred Richardson [mailto:fred.richardson@lpl.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 11:13 AM
To: 'Jim Garland'; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com; maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com; ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com; ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net; janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com; kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com; danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com; nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com; iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com; pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com; luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us; carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; don@donhalljr.com; nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com; galanrobinson@comcast.net; speterson@ecfin.com; Patel, Sandeep, DOH; natyork@yahoo.com; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
Subject: RE: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

 

To road committee and neighbors,

 

My wife almost did not make it to work this morning for Spur Ranch is deteriorating rapidly as more people drive on it. Now the back route is also deteriorating as more people avoid Spur Ranch and drive that way. In two more days we have another storm coming. We need a plan or we are going to have a major disaster when none of us can get to our homes.

 

Help,

 

Fred

 

 

Fred Richardson, AAMS®

President & LPL Financial Advisor

 

Zia Financial Group

7 Caliente Road, Suite A-7

Santa Fe, NM 87508

505.819.5914 Phone

866.719.6119 Fax

www.ziafinancialgroup.com

Fred.richardson@lpl.com

 

Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

From: Jim Garland [mailto:4cx250b@muohio.edu]
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 8:53 PM
To: 4cx250b@muohio.edu; bob@bobholzer.com; linhdill@yahoo.com; maryannestickler@gmail.com; rjmcmillan53@yahoo.com; ppreston@cybermesa.com; ejbuilder@yahoo.com; bonnie.marie25@gmail.com; ahvassallo@aol.com; kirst-millspaugh@msn.com; shortcreek1995@hughes.net; janderson@anderson-realestate.com; w_f_davis@msn.com; kerry_armour@hotmail.com; Robertaa@cnsp.com; elliebeth@aol.com; danielbethune@mac.com; willstrong@gmail.com; victoriawshepard@aol.com; nathanbc@impulse.net; lebettis@gmail.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; nor@cybermesa.com; laespuela2@msn.com; annbitter3@gmail.com; iraniaveliz@aol.com; bprothro@aol.com; sevenbears@cnsp.com; pangiagreg@hotmail.com; rdera@aol.com; doreen.hutchins@cnsp.com; bob@bobborden.me; marzad2@yahoo.com; ernst@esedona.net; gdoven@aol.com; luthier@cnsp.com; wingedvictory@mac.com; sandeeppatel@state.nm.us; carolbernal48@yahoo.com; scottrivers@yahoo.com; fredwrichardson@gmail.com; don@donhalljr.com; nemmiller@yahoo.com; orbital@rothritter.com; galanrobinson@comcast.net; speterson@ecfin.com; sandeep.patel@state.nm.us; natyork@yahoo.com; srra1.lamynm@blogger.com; 'Al Webster'
Subject: Spur Ranch Road Update #2

 

Dear Neighbor,

Four of the SRRA directors met this afternoon with Bob Sherwin, president of RoadPacker Southwest, to express our concern with the road condition, following the 0.15 inch rain that began in the early morning.

 

We were assured by Mr. Sherwin that he, too, is very concerned about the condition of the road, as is the corporate office of RoadPacker International, in Calgary. The CEO of RP International, Michael McDermott, is presently in Asia, overseeing a large project there, but is flying back to Santa Fe from Manila to study our situation and recommend corrective action. He is expected to arrive sometime within the next two weeks. The directors were assured that the condition of the road surface (this morning's rain impacted roughly the top inch of the road) is very unusual, if not unprecedented. RoadPacker's promotional literature asserts that the treatment results in "a water repellent, rock-hard, maintenance free surface for dirt roads," and also that the product has been used "for over 23 years in 22 countries outside the U.S., to solve problems of dust, wash-boarding, never-ending maintenance, and mud associated with dirt and the deterioration of asphalt." To illustrate his point, Mr. Sherwin showed us before-and-after photographs of an airport access road in Campeche, Mexico that had been completely submerged in a torrential downpour but which was fully drivable the next day. (I can email you the photos on request: file size is 5MB).

 

So what is causing the difficulty with our road? Mr. Sherwin believes there have been two problems: (1) in the initial treatment, the western part of the road (between Silver Saddle and the RR tracks) was too wet when it was compacted. Evidently, when this happens, the curing period is extended considerably. And (2) there were problems with the chemical properties of the hundreds of tons of clay which were brought in and added to the road material. Without getting overly technical, the clay was too alkaline, with a ph of 8.8, well outside the desirable range of 7-8. Also, it had a "Cation Exchange Capacity" that was far too low. (In the language most of us speak that means it wasn't sticky enough.)

 

The ultimate fix for these problems won't be known until after CEO McDermott and his technical staff analyze our situation. Mr. Sherwin, however, has assured us verbally and in writing that "we remain committed to making this the road that we all intended for you and your residents."  This has obviously been a costly learning experience for him,  as well as a very trying experience for all of us. However, at this point the directors believe that the company genuinely wants to correct these problems, whatever it takes, and so we continue to call for patience from our community.  (Incidentally, the roadwork you may have observed this afternoon is just a temporary measure to restore the road's drivability).

 

Please feel free to email or phone me or any of the directors if you have additional questions.

Regards,

Jim