MAIL ROOM REMINDERS 

The News in Hidden Springs #167

February 14, 2023

USPS is typically on-site (in the mail room) delivering mail and packages Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm. Package Alert slips are left in mailboxes if 1) there are no parcel lockers available or 2) the parcel is over-sized and too large for a locker. Residents are notified with a Package Alert slip if there is a parcel or letter that needs attention. If the postal carrier is in the backroom, just bring the notice to his/her attention. USPS only holds mail and/or packages on-site for 10 days. This is a standard USPS practice. If it is not picked up, it is returned to the shipper. Residents can call the Garden City Post Office (208-323-8271) to request package(s) or letter(s) be returned or held at the Post Office for pick up Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Association staff is exploring the cost and options associated with adding more parcel boxes in place of the lost and found cupboards as well as designated short-term parking spaces. 

VEOLIA VAULT AND PIPING IMPROVEMENTS – 2/20 

VEOLIA will be replacing the lid on a PRV Vault in Hidden Springs and as well as making some piping improvements on Andy’s Gulch Rd. The current lid will be replaced with a safer square hatch model. There will be some disruption to the asphalt walking path which will be repaired following the completion of the project. VEOLIA will strive to disrupt homeowners as little as possible during construction. Question or concerns should be directed to, Scott Pierce, VEOLIA (208) 362-7329 

FEBRUARY TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – 2/21 

This month’s Town Council meeting is Tuesday, 2/21 at 7:00pm. Attend in person at the Community Barn or online via ZOOM. To attend via ZOOM, register and login on 2/21. Sewer Company business will be first and open to both Hidden Springs and Cartwright Ranch residents. Association business will be second. An executive session will be held following the meeting if needed. 

TOWN DESIGN REVIEW IMPROVEMENTS & REVIEW DATES – 2/21 

Reminder, ALL proposed exterior improvements (new or changes to existing) to home and landscaping must be reviewed and approved by the Town Design Review Board per the governing documents, Residential Design Guidelines, Section 5.0 and Master Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions 6.1 and 10.47. This is not a new process or procedure and has been a requirement since the governing documents were drafted in 1997. 

The Town Design Review Board meets monthly with the next meetings scheduled for 3/14 and 4/11. Review dates, checklist and submittal forms can be found on the website and/or emailed upon request. 

TOWN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD OPENING 

There is currently an opening on the Town Design Review Board for a Landscape Architect. If interested, please contact the Town Manager (hsta@hiddensprings.com). 

WILDLIFE REMINDERS 

There are natural predators in the foothills, hawks, large owls, badgers, coyotes, cougars and bears. A reminder from Idaho Fish & Game, coyotes are mating now and will give birth in March into late April. Now through late June, coyotes may become much more territorial particularly when pups are vulnerable and dependent on them. If you see a coyote during this time frame, the den could be nearby and consider exercising a little more caution. If a coyote shows hostility, like standing its ground with aggressive vocalizations if you try to scare it off at close range, following humans at close range, or charging at humans and/or domestic dogs, please contact IDF&G (208-465 8465). Other helpful tips regarding predators, 

  • Don’t feed wildlife, including deer, raccoons or other small animals. 
  • Feed your pets indoors if possible. Pet food left outdoors may attract wildlife. 
  • Manage garbage to avoid attracting wildlife. Don’t leave garbage out at night, use cans with tight fitting lids. 
  • Avoid overgrown landscaping which provides hiding places. 
  • Close off spaces beneath decks, porches, or sheds that can be used by prey species. 

  • Keep outdoor animals in a secure pen that includes a wire roof. 
  • Keep small pets indoors, especially from dawn to dusk. 
  • Supervise children when they are outdoors. 

We can all help protect our native wildlife by paying attention to our pets. Dogs or cats are NOT allowed in either of the wetlands or along the Dry Creek trails from March 1st to June 1st. This necessary restriction helps protect the nesting birds and smaller animals that call these areas home. Wildlife is a wonderful amenity to the community and will only remain as long as we put forth the effort to keep them protected. 

TOWN OFFICE RESTORATION UPDATE 

The office restoration is almost complete! We are planning to move from the Clubhouse to the office 2/22-2/24. If all goes well, we plan to be open for business-as-usual Monday, 2/27. The Town Office space is rented from the commercial property owner, who maintains a property insurance policy. All costs associated with repairing the damage in the office is being covered by the property owner’s insurance policy. No HOA funds are being spent on these repairs. All costs associated with the move from the office to the Clubhouse and back, are covered by the owner’s insurance policy. Any loss of Clubhouse rental income during the time the Office is in the Clubhouse will be reported to the property owner and submitted as part of the insurance claim. There has been a ZERO net loss to the HOA as a result of the water damage. 

WINTER FITNESS ROOM USE 

It’s important in the winter to do our best not to track mud and ice melt into the Fitness Center. It is very damaging to the equipment. The cost to the community each time a belt or deck needs to be replaced is very expensive. Please bring an extra pair of work out sneakers in case you forget your “inside shoes” there is a shoe scraper at the front door of the Clubhouse. Thank you for helping us keep the fitness center and equipment in optimal working condition. 

WINTER TRAIL USE 

Wet weather conditions often mean muddy trails! We encourage residents to make responsible decisions when hiking and biking community trails. It is very easy to find yourself on trails that you shouldn’t be on during the winter. If you are leaving tracks, walking off-trail to avoid mud or finding a lot of “trail” stuck to your shoes, boots or tires, it is too muddy. Please, turn around to save trails from damage, erosion and countless volunteer hours in repair. Current trail conditions are available daily at www.ridgetorivers.org. 

SEASONAL WILDLIFE TRAIL CLOSURE 

Reminder, Landslide Loop Wildlife Management Seasonal Closure is in effect until 3/31. Signs are posted and coincide with Avimor for consistency in the region. Thank you for respecting the trail closures. These closures are agreed upon by all the trail and land managers in our area including: HSTA, Avimor, BLM, Ada Co. IDF&G and R2R and will really help wintering wildlife in our area. Honoring the closures will also help our efforts for future trail corridors through important wildlife areas. 

Working on your behalf, The Hidden Springs Town Association Town Council and Staff