Member Updates

Posted on August 1, 2024 2:10 PM by Amy Karcher
Categories: General
The Bear Lake West POA Board of Directors is pleased to announce it will be holding its 2024 annual meeting on August 10, 2024, in conjunction with the annual POA and Amenities meetings. It will be held at the Sunrise Event Center located at 865 N, Harbor Village E Dr, Garden City, UT 84028 in Moose Hollow Room at 10:00 am. The HOA and POA will converge in Sunrise Hall for the Amenities meeting at 11:30 am after refreshments. 
 
Mailings were sent to the mailing address on file for every member.
 
We have four Board positions expiring in 2024.  Three were filled by previously voted-in Board members or Board appointments to fill pre-mature vacancies- and all three requested to be on the ballot.  The fourth position was an unfilled vacancy- and we had 1 member complete our online form to request to be put open the ballot.  
 
Please complete the 2024 Ballot - Each lot may vote for 4 candidates (each lot gets 1 vote for 4 candidates, so you can write-in up to 4 candidates).  Please be sure to include your LOT NUMBER on your vote for it to be properly counted by our Accountant.  You may return your ballot at the annual meeting or by August 24th via email to accounting@bearlakewestpoa.com or mail to 
 
Bear Lake West POA
PO Box 281
Garden City, UT 84028
 
NOTE: The best option is to email your ballot, as it will be independently handled by our accountant, Tiffany.  Due to timing concerns with mail delivery (Fish Haven mail does not route directly to Garden City), our Accountant will keep member voting open for 2 weeks after the annual meeting to allow for any late deliveries of mailed ballots. The Board is calling a special meeting on 8/24/24 to count the ballots.
 
Candidate Biographies
Nate Cason
Nate is a seasoned professional in the construction and real estate development industry, with over 27 years of experience under his belt. His impressive credentials include 15+ years of expertise in land use rezoning and permitting across the United States, as well as 10+ years in the supply and importing industry. His portfolio spans from large-scale projects to smaller, home-based ones. Nate's extensive knowledge makes him an invaluable asset to work with property owners and government entities, especially in resolving land use issues.  Although Nate and his wife, Rebecca, are new homeowners in Bear Lake West as of 2022, they have been enjoying and exploring Bear Lake for over 35 years.  In 2022, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the POA Board of Directors.
 
Ralph Lewis
Ralph is currently retired, but has had an illustrious career in customer service, starting in retail where he managed several stores for various companies. He later transitioned into the medical field, where he worked as a wound care technician and provided direct care to patients.  Ralph and his wife, Michelle, have three grown sons. They have owned a cabin at Bear Lake (POA) for the past nine years and are currently part-time residents, spending most weekends at their cabin.  Ralph has been an active member of the Amenities Beach Committee since 2022. In 2023, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the POA Board of Directors.
 
Marty Phipps
Marty has established a strong professional background throughout his years of experience working for Rio Tinto, where he held various roles and positions that required extensive travel. Additionally, he previously owned and operated the Shell/Bears Den gas station and store in Garden City.  Marty is a part-time resident of the POA and is currently constructing a new home in Island Park.  Marty has been serving on the Board of Directors of the POA since 2019.
 
Bryan Sievers
Bryan has been a member of the POA since purchasing his home site in July of 2021. Construction started the following summer, and his home was finished in the summer of 2023. Bryan grew up in Orange County, California but moved out to Colorado and eventually Texas. For the majority of his career, he worked in the IT field focused on selling services to both commercial clients and government agencies. During his time in Colorado Bryan was a board member of his townhouse association in Colorado Springs. Over the last decade Bryan has been a licensed real estate agent in the state of Texas focused on investing in and selling home sites and acreage.  Although Bryan’s primary residence is currently in McKinney, Texas he is anxiously waiting for his son to finish his senior year of high school in May of 2025 when he will move up to Idaho to live full time. Bryan loves the mountains and enjoys camping, fishing, riding his off-road vehicles and just sitting on his deck taking in the views of beautiful Bear Lake.
Posted on July 13, 2024 8:00 AM by Amy Karcher
Categories: General
Posted on June 29, 2024 7:15 PM by Admin
Categories: General
A message from a group of Bear Lake West POA community members:
 
Hey, Bear Lake neighbors
Isn't it magical to look up and see our beautiful night sky full of stars? ✨ Our valley has always been an amazing place for stargazing, but lately, all the bright lights from our homes and cabins are dimming the view. Let’s work together to bring back the wonder of our dark skies!
Here are a few simple steps we can take:
1. Turn off outside lights 
2. Use motion sensors or timers to reduce the duration lights are on ⏲️
3. Install shielded fixtures on any outside lights to direct light downward 
By reducing light pollution, we can continue enjoying the stunning starry nights and save on energy costs. It’s a win-win for everyone! 
Let's help keep the Bear Lake Valley place for everyone to see the stars. Thank you for doing your part! 
#darksky #bearlakeidaho #bearlakeutah #stargazing
Please share your stargazing pics and tips below! ✨ 
- Ben Godfrey, Amy Karcher, Rod Miles, Lowell Howlett
 
Visit https://darksky.org/ for more information
 
 
Posted on May 8, 2024 5:47 PM by Amy Karcher
Categories: General
Bear Lake West POA is looking for members with interest in our Board- whether it be to participate in committees, fill interim vacancies, or for future ballots. If you are interested, please complete this Board Position Interest form.

Posted on November 12, 2023 2:39 PM by Admin
Categories: General
The POA installed a “little library” at 9 Dutch Canyon Road- at our well house. Anyone is welcome to leave a book and take a book. Please be respectful of the property.
 
Posted on October 14, 2023 1:55 PM by Admin
Categories: General
Dues (per lot)
Every property owner is required to pay annual POA Dues & Amenities Dues, to be paid January 1st every year.
POA Dues - $310 per year (Due January 1st)
Amenities Dues - $310 per year (Due January1st)
Total:  $620 per year
NOTE: The POA dues for 2024 increased from $265 to $310 per lot to offset a macroeconomic increase in labor costs (roads & water).  We have not had a dues increase in over 20 years, so thank you for your patience and understanding.
 
Water Fees
Every POA property owner with a functioning water meter is required to pay the following for water usage: 
$175 base fee + $2.50 per 1000gallons of water used up to 100,000 gallons.
If usage is above 100,000 gallons, the rate for the additional water is $5.00/1000 gallons.
NOTE: We have 3 grandfathered Associate Members who pay 2x the above rates
 
One Time Fees
Transfer of ownership (immediate family is exempt) -$50
Cabin/Home Building Application - $1000
Small Project Building Application - $500
Refundable Bond for Large Building Projects - $10,000
Refundable Bond for Small Building Projects - $2500
Water Hook-Up Fee - $6000
 
Special Assessment
To cover the cost of the water tank relining project, residents should expect a special assessment of $135 per lot for two years (2024 & 2025).
 
Our new mailing address for payments is:
PO Box 281
Garden City, UT 84028
 
All other mail should be sent to:
9 Dutch Canyon Road
Fish Haven, ID 83287
Posted on October 14, 2023 1:47 PM by Admin
Categories: General
All surface disturbances from the natural contour of the lot require Board approval.

Please be sure to contact the Board for all ground disturbing activities, including paving or making changes to lot access.
Posted on April 8, 2023 11:59 PM by Admin
Categories: General
Please remember that if you have a culvert associated with your BLW property or driveway, you must keep it clear and flowing properly, not the County or the HOA/POA.
 
Damages caused by plugged culverts could/may be charged back to the owners in question.
Posted on March 11, 2023 2:27 PM by Admin
Categories: General
Fires can and do happen.  Bear Lake West is considered to be a a brush fire risk by many insurance companies.  Also, our evacuation routes are very limited, especially during the Winter months, so it is imperative that we use extreme caution to prevent fires.  
 
What can you do to help?
 
1. No burning of wood, garbage or other combustibles outdoors in the subdivision.  
2. No fireworks, no shooting of firearms, no fires and no playing with matches.
3. Create a defensible space around your home.  This increases the chance of your home and structures surviving a wildfire.  Firewise USA has helpful tips to get started.