PMLA General Managers Message
Joe Powell, PCAM, CCAM-LS, CMCA, AMS GENERAL MANAGER
PML Annual Financial Audit and Report
Our independent CPA firm has completed the 2024 PML Annual Audit and copies of the subsequent Annual Financial Report have been mailed to the membership. I am pleased to report that the auditors have given PML a clean financial bill of health. A copy of the 2024 Annual Financial report from our auditors is posted to the Official PML Website for member review at their convenience at www.pinemountainlake.com. Look for the financial information section.
PML Roads Refurbishment Project
We received the bids for our roads refurbishment project and the board has awarded the contract to the J.B. Bostick company. The final contract was reviewed by Association General Counsel and updated accordingly.
The contractor is planning on starting the project this month and it is expected to last 7 days. The roads project areas are not in the same locations as the PG&E undergrounding project. Nevertheless, we are taking into consideration equipment and trucks and their points of ingress and egress in an effort to minimize impacts to the membership.
PML Administration Notary Public
For many years, a PML Admin employee has served as our in-house Notary Public, as we often have many documents that require signature verification. It is also a great service for our members.
The staff member who served as our notary retired, so Shari Pingree one of our current Admin employees stepped up, went through the training courses and became certified and sworn in as our new notary and she has already been providing this service to our members. We offer the service by appointment only during normal business hours.
The normal price for the notary services is $15 per signature, but PML members receive the discounted rate of $10 per signature. We would like to congratulate Shari and thank her for taking on the additional responsibility of assisting members with this important service.
Prepayment of election ads in the PML News
In the past some member candidates running in the board elections have refused to pay for the cost of election ad space after the advertisement or message was published in the PML News. It should be noted that none of these candidates have ever been elected to the Board.
To ensure that we collect the appropriate fee in accordance with our published rate schedule, we are initiating a new publication accounting policy that all PMLA election related advertisements are paid in advance before publication. If an election advertisement is submitted without payment in advance, it will not be published in the PML News.
Call for Candidates for PML Directors Election
Speaking of elections, the annual PML Directors Election Call for Candidates notice and candidates’ application information was mailed to the membership on April 14, 2025. There will be two open director positions coming up in August and the Annual Meeting of the Members and Election of Directors will be held here at the Lake Lodge on August 16th.
Manufactured/Modular homes in PML
Recently a manufactured home was delivered in two sections to a property on Tannahill Drive through the Main Gate exit lane and placed on the foundation. We posted a photo of the sections on social media during the delivery to warn members about the temporary vehicle traffic impacts for safety purposes. After the posting several members questioned or commented that they did not realize that PML allows manufactured homes under our governing documents. This has been the case for many decades.
To ensure that the manufactured homes look just like regular stick-built homes and blend in with the aesthetics of our community, there are certain requirements that must be followed in order to comply. Roof pitch and the length of the eaves, the installation of front entry decking design is taken into consideration as well as home placement and other factors. Regardless, the home is placed on a permanent foundation.
We recommend that members take the time to read their bylaws, CC&Rs, rules and policies to become more familiar with what is and is not allowed in our community. Brand new buyers are provided all of these documents when they purchase in PML and we maintain copies on our official PML Website for easy access by all members. Get to know the rules. These are your documents and they are important in maintaining property values and the environmental aspects of our community.
PML Access Gates Replaced with new Units
PML Access Gate 3 near the parking exit of the Grill and Golf Course has been replaced with a new unit. And the Main Gate property owner lane access gate has been replaced with a new unit as well. We are replacing our access gate equipment in phases two a year or as needed if the gate arm and communication system malfunction to a point that they are inoperable. The new gate equipment is less costly and more easily maintained than the decades old spoke wheel internal cable system of the past.
PML Advisory Committee Openings
We currently have openings on three committees, specifically, the Covenants Committee, Equine Advisory Committee and Long-Range Planning Committee. Members can apply online by going to the PML Website. We also have a PDF version of the form that you can fill out that is on the website. These are all voluntary position and a great way for members to get involved in the governance of our community.
Firewise Community Organization Meeting
The PML Crest Valley Firewise Community and the Clifftonites Firewise Community are sponsoring The Tuolumne Fire Safe Council who is giving a presentation on What is a Firewise Community and How to Organize one in your neighborhood. As an association we tried to create a Firewise community, but we have too many units in one large area. The parameters of the program are the creating of basically neighborhood Firewise communities on a smaller scale. Over time all of these smaller communities will make up the entire PML community. Cost savings of up to 10% on your insurance and help protect you during a wildfire.
The event is scheduled for May 31st at 10 a.m. to be held at the PML Lake Lodge.
First Responder Appreciation BBQ
The PML ROOFBB organization in conjunction with the Yosemite HWY 120 Chamber and GCSD are hosting the Third Annual Groveland/BOF First Responder Appreciation BBQ at Mary Laveroni Park on Sunday, May 4th from 11 am to 2 pm. Hamburgers and hot dots with fixings chips and cookies for $5 a plate
Until next month, wishing all moms a Happy Mother’s Day!
President’s Message
MIKE GUSTAFSON – PMLA BOARD PRESIDENT
They say that time flies when you’re having fun so I guess we must be having fun as it is getting close to our next HOA Board of Directors election! If you are interested in serving your association, this is your call to get your Candidate paperwork into the Director of Elections by May 22. See more details elsewhere in this publication.
Are you receiving the PML News Magazine? PML sends out a monthly link that takes you directly to the magazine, if you have signed up your email address. Signing up means you will never miss another issue of all the goings-on in your HOA. I highly suggest that provide your email contact info not just for the magazine but you will also receive eSnap announcements of important news and events.
As an example to things to come: PML is sponsoring a Flea market on June 7 at the Stables. Set up is at 11:00 and the “Doors” open at noon and close at 4:00pm. A 12x12 spot only costs $10. This is your chance to clean out all the really valuable stuff in your garage, make a little money and then park your car in the now empty space in the garage. A win-win to be sure!
Another important event coming up is the Tuolumne County Firesafe Council will be hosting a Firewise and Fire Insurance open meeting at the Lake Lodge on May 31 at 10:00 AM.
As spring moves towards summer, the images of Wildfires begin to stir in our community. Pine Mountain Lake is in Cal fire’s Highest Fire Hazard Severity Zone – “Very High.” You can investigate at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones and find your address.
Preparedness is the key to mitigating fire danger. In Pine Mountain Lake, we do this in several ways. First, PML spends almost $100,000 annually on fire abatement/mitigation efforts using contractors and our own staff to reduce fuels and clear fire breaks. Secondly, you can attend a Wildfire Preparedness Workshops – July 12, or August 23. We have experts from Calfire, Sheriff, OES, CERT, Animal Control, and Red Cross present to answer all your questions. Thirdly, you can join or start a Firewise Community in your neighborhood. PML currently has three. Contact Joe Milani, our PML Fire Safety Coordinator at fsc@pinemountainlake.com to find a group or start one. Further details are available at https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa
Note that due to the threatened Golden Mussel infestation, you will need a solid reservation to drop your boat into our lake! No exceptions. Call the Marina at 1-209-962.8631 to arrange your appointment. Staff will inspect your boat before you launch.
A heads up that PG&E will start their undergrounding project inside PML in the next few months. I guess that snow ball finally melted in hell! They will be starting at the Main Gate and go to Cassaretto Court. They will complete this portion of the project by July 1. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer. Another section is scheduled for next year.
Based on the old saw, “April showers bring May flowers,” I hope your spring flowers are all-a-bloom!
Community Standards Department
Suzette Laffranchi - Community Standards Director
The Community Standards Department is here to assist you with Pine Mountain Lake association’s governing documents such as the PMLA CC&Rs, Resolutions, ECC Rules, Guidelines and Construction Standards as well as the Enforcement Procedures. If you have questions on rental compliance, property use and restrictions or making improvements on your property, the Community Standards Department is here to assist our membership in their quest to develop a comprehensive understanding of PMLA Governing Documents.
A convenient way to get information, find links, review frequently asked questions, or continue to develop a better understanding of the rules and regulations, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is to visit the Pine Mountain Lake Community Standards web page. You will find our page at www.pinemountainlake.com under the resource tab, click on the Community Standards Icon or click the link for quick on the go access https://www.pinemountainlake.com/101637-2/
There you will find instructions on how to submit your construction project, view approved paint colors charts, get links to register your rental, and much more. We have streamlined and gathered all this information in one location for quick easy access.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our staff, we are happy to guide and provide you with the information you need to navigate our governing documents to maintain our beautiful community.
Architectural Control Specialist, Ashley Henderson
ECC@pinemountainlake.com or 1(209)962-8605
Community Standards Specialist, Carrie Harvey
Compliance@pinemountainlake.com or call at 1(209)962-1242.
Rental Compliance Coordinator, John Ferles
RCC@pinemountainlake.com or call 1(209)962-1245
Community Standards Director, Suzette Laffranchi
Communitystandards@pinemountainlake.com or 1(209)962-1241
ADDRESS SIGNS
Carrie Harvey- Community Standards Specialist
Summer is on its way, and that brings gardening, yard work, and freshening things up around the outside of your home. Part of the sprucing up is adding a new address sign. Many of you want custom signs. If you are looking to add a custom address sign, or the green reflective address signs that you see all over PML to the front of your home, there are a few requirements:
· Custom signs require approval from the Environmental Control Committee prior to installation.
· Custom signs must be designed in a manner that enhances the natural beauty and character of the properties.
· Reflective numbers and letters may be incorporated into the sign but reflective background is not permitted.
· No sign shall be affixed to trees.
If you are interested in the green reflective address signs, you can order them through the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Community Service Unit. You will find the order form at https://www.pinemountainlake.com/pmla-forms/ You will need to print the form, fill it out, and send it in, their address is located at the bottom of the form.
Address signs not only help your guests and renters locate your home easily, more importantly medical units are safely able to locate your home in case of emergency. If you have any questions, or need more information on adding a new address sign to your home, please do not hesitate to reach out. Give me a call at 1-209-962-1242 or send me an email at compliance@pinemountainlake.com I will gladly assist you.
Per PML Resolution 89.20 and Tuolumne County ordinance 12.12.080 any number not attached to a building shall be located at least four feet from improved shoulder of the adjacent roadway and shall be no higher than four feet from ground level and no lower than three feet from ground level, and be mounted on a pressure treated or decay resistance post. The sign shall be visible and legible from the road on which the address is located. Every property is required to be clearly identified in compliance with the Resolution mentioned above.
PMLA Money Matters
By Dan Szathmary, Association Controller
It’s springtime and the busy summer season is right around the corner. We have a lot to do and plenty of projects are in full swing.
The roll out of the new Point of Sale System is moving along nicely. This upgrade will enable us to replace a seriously aging system with a new one that will enable us to interface with our accounting software more efficiently, handle credit card payments more effectively, and allow us to use mobile devices that will dramatically improve our coverage area and level of service.
Improvements to our collections process is really starting to bear fruit. We are now able to address delinquent accounts more quickly and effectively. This has had a notably positive impact on cash flow and has reduced the burden of unpaid assessments on association. The rate at which we successfully negotiate and implement payment plans for those that are encountering difficulties is increasing, and the time and dollar amounts of delinquencies overall is decreasing significantly.
Though sales revenue leading up to the busy season is trending slightly below expectations, the management team has done an outstanding job managing variable costs. This means even though revenue is trending about $108k below budget as of the close of last month, the net subsidy for the association is tracking almost $116k or 5% below budget.
Of the year-to-date underbudget amount, almost $90k of that savings occurred within the last month, and as revenue picks up going into the summer season, the outlook is even more positive than what we have seen to date.
Making less, and also spending just enough less to keep our numbers moving in the right direction, all while keeping up our level of service; is even more challenging than is sounds. The team has done a great job hitting that sweet spot perfectly.
We are also in the final stages of selecting our reserve study specialist for the new year, and will have boots on the ground before summertime. We are vetting this new partner thoroughly and are going to select one of the top names in the industry. This new partner will help us continue to improve the precision with which we manage our assets and fund our reserves that support them.
Regarding the reserves, our fund is now at almost $4 Million, very close to our record high level a couple of years ago. At our current levels, we can fund almost three years of budgeted spending with what is in our bank account as of today. This is an outstanding accomplishment. PMLA has weathered some challenging times in the last few years, and is now in the best cash position we have seen in the last two decades. Another outstanding accomplishment, and hats off to the team that helped make it happen.
Thanks to the staff hard at work for the association every day, and all the members that invest their time to help it all happen. It’s a great community supported by a great team. We couldn’t do it without you.
Questions or comments? Feel free to contact me anytime at Controller@PineMountainLake.Com or 1-209-962-8606.
PMLA In-House Notary Services Continue!
We are excited to share that Shari Pingree is now a certified Notary Public! You may already know her as our Administration Office Member Relations team member. The Association has proudly offered in-house notary services for several years, but when our previous notary retired, Shari stepped up to carry on the tradition. Her commitment to our members made her the perfect fit to continue providing this convenient service.
Notary services are available by appointment only. The cost is $10 per signature for members and $15 per signature for non-members.
To schedule a notary appointment, please contact Shari at 1(209)962-8632 or via email at pmlmr@pinemountainlake.com.
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Congratulations to Raul, our Head Chef at The Grill, for 15 years of outstanding service to the Association. His passion for great food has helped make The Grill a favorite spot for our members and guests. Thank you, Chef Raul, for 15 wonderful years!
Pictured: Raul Melchor, Head Chef at The Grill, and Board Vice President, Brian Watson
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Congratulations to Tina on an incredible 10 years with the Association. Her hard work, attention to detail, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on our accounting team. We look forward to many more years of excellence. Thank you, Tina!
Pictured: Tina Parmalee, Accounts Payable, and Board President, Mike Gustafson
Recreation Update
Melody Wisdom – Recreation & Seasonal Operations Manager, CCAM
Bear-y Important News from the Marina!
Have you seen the Marina’s newest addition? No, we didn’t add a waterslide—we’re talking about the brand-new, shiny, bear-resistant trash enclosures!
These high-tech bins are smarter than the average bear (literally), and they’re here to help us keep Pine Mountain Lake beautiful. Feel free to get up close and personal with one the next time you need to toss out your post-lake-day sandwich wrappers, juice boxes, or that mysterious bag of trail mix that melted in the sun.
But let’s keep it clean—lake day trash only, please! These enclosures are not the place to sneak in your weeks’ worth of lasagna trays, empty kitty litter, or Aunt Carol’s expired Tupperware collection. Household trash has no business at any PML amenities, and your friendly Marina crew will sniff it out faster than a bear at a barbecue.
Let’s work together to keep our Marina pristine, our bears out of trouble, and our trash where it belongs; in the bear-resistant trash enclosure! Toss responsibly!
For more information contact Melody Wisdom at 1(209) 962-8604 or pmlfun@pinemountainlake.com
Maintenance Matters May
RICK LAFFRANCHI – MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
“Among the changing months, May stands confessed the sweetest, and in fairest colors dressed” - James Thomson
May has arrived and with it the vast array of responsibilities that the busy season entails. The Facilities crew will start its transition away from Fire Abatement and move into roads work, tree trimming, curb work and lake work. This month will bring continued work on the beaches as well as preparing swim areas for the onslaught of sun worshippers at the beaches. In addition to the beach and swim area work the team will be back at the dam doing repairs and maintenance. The primary work that will be taking place this month by this team will be preparing the Green Waste site for the summer. This includes final burning of the slash pile, pushing of leaves and compost and finally roads repairs. One thing that will be added this May is support of the PG&E undergrounding project on Pine Mountain Drive.
The Buildings and Grounds crew will be equally engaged. The construction side of the group continues to perform upgrades at the Stables to include, new concrete board siding, support beams, paint and heavy-duty panels, additionally the stables crew is busy staining and painting the interior breezeway as well as the paddocks bringing a clean high end look to what was an area that required upgrades. The landscaping team will be engaged at the stables as well completing and upgrading landscaping at the entry area as well as a facelift to the area memorializing Dave Balek a beloved former employee. The Technician team will be performing work at all locations in the association continuing painting and minor repairs, preparing the amenities for the busy season to come. Finally, a reminder that the Green Waste site is now open 7 days a week, no trash, construction debris or full-size logs additionally if you require compost, it is free but you will be required to load it yourself do to liability restrictions. I hope you all have a wonderful May and as always please slow for the cone zone.
