Just wondering what would be the appropriate amount for the CSS to pay for the ranch…

Some refer to Zillow’s listing and current value. Real estate values are still relatively high, but what would happen if it was the opposite and the ranch’s value had dropped from the time it was purchased by its current owners, would the CSS acquire it for less and have owners accept a loss? That does not seem right. So I am just asking, without knowing the answer…

• For the current situation where values are high, should the owners be offered by CSS the current market value? If they want to sell now, they can refuse a lower CSS offer than the market allows.
• Disregarding market value, would current owners be satisfied with CSS offering the original investment, upgrades and some interest on the initial investment? Let’s refer to this as the “Investment+Interest” price.
• Should CSS wait/hope for a market adjustment such that the market value matches the above “Investment+Interest” price, realizing that there is a risk of the property selling to someone else before? But maybe we are near this situation if Zillow correctly states the January 27 2006 sale price of 525 k$.
• Could the CSS buy the property and to avoid a big mortgage, offer shares of ownership? I have seen this at another flying site, and one can expect share owners later seeking resale with interest. Proper share owner contracts can avoid future squabbles.

Good luck in the negotiation, I hope everybody can agree and be comfortable.

Thank you for posting the above detailed message Jai Pal.

I encourage the board to continue sharing their planning and options considered (about any topic) on this forum, and resume posting minutes of all meetings (board and general). Otherwise a portion of the membership will attend meetings but afterwards: Every time info is repeated it gets further from the original, amplifies concerns, feeds rumors. By sharing planning, members will appreciate more the work going on “behind the scenes” and identify areas where they can help. Win-Win on both sides (CSS board and members).

Related: Facebook comments.

I’m not on the CSS board, nor aware of their internal discussions, so the following is from an independent perspective…

Members should vote on any significant decision to be made. At the same time, no harm for board members to investigate options before formally presenting them.

Len and Owen are awesome, and should not suffer a financial loss for having acquired the ranch. When the ranch is sold (it will at some point in the future):

• Hopefully the landing approach patterns will be a pre-existing condition/risk that new owners cannot complain about.
• Losing access to the training hill to the NE of the LZ, could be compensated by improving the shape of the SW corner of the LZ, to provide a smoother transition at the top.
• The pond is a fun/party feature, but unrelated to flying.
• Tractor can be stored in a locked shed after sunset to minimize risk of vandalism. Vans (more mobile than the tractor) can be parked at a secure off-site location when not in use.
• For the club to purchase the ranch property, seems like an extreme solution to address moderate problems. The club would also have to pay yearly tax and insurance on the acquired property, in addition to house/building maintenance (likely covered if rented).

Tim got a quote for covering the whole LZ, but we only need to cover the most used portions: Cost-Effective Surfacing of the LZ. Plus it would not last forever (expect 20 years), so best to minimize the area needed. Also, no need to duplicate the appearance/feel of grass and strands (which act like riffles to trap dust/dirt) and instead use smoother outdoor carpeting (needs proper anchoring to the ground, inverted U “staples” will not snag lines) that is easier to clean (with a leaf blower for example).

Happy exploring of options, and hopefully a good plan for the future will be established, which is considerate of past efforts.

Related Facebook discussion.

“Helicopters will be working the power lines up the mountain”.

It felt like flying in the Alps… Forward launch + Wider and smoother edged thermals.

I will take more of that anytime. And it was great to see all the happy people.