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Sudden Valley board ratifies emergency $40,000 allocation to remove unstable boulders and hazard tree
Summary
The Sudden Valley Community Association board ratified an emergency action by its executive committee to authorize immediate removal of a hazard tree and unstable boulders at a Sudden Valley lot, approving a preliminary allocation of up to $40,000 and authorizing selection of a tree service for mitigation and safety measures.
The Sudden Valley Community Association board of directors on April 2025 ratified an emergency action by the executive committee to address a life‑safety hazard at an association‑owned parcel, approving a preliminary allocation of up to $40,000 and authorizing immediate tree and slope mitigation work.
General Manager Michael presented photographs and engineering observations showing a large root ball on a steep slope that is washing out and releasing boulders. He described boulders “this size and larger” coming out of the root ball and said one could have rolled into a nearby house. Michael told the board the work is technically complex, may require jackhammering boulders and piecemeal removal, and could include temporary arresting straps to catch rolling material during the work.
The motion read into the record asked the board to ratify emergency action taken by the executive committee on April 4, 2025 pursuant to the association’s governing document (finalize article 6, section 6.3) and in accordance with emergency authority cited in RCW 64.38.0.0203 and RCW 24.0.3.a.0.65652, to approve a preliminary allocation of $40,000 from the CERC general ledger (GL#8003) with the understanding the final amount may be adjusted after invoicing, and to authorize selection of a tree service to remove the identified hazard tree, mitigate unstable boulders, and take other safety measures as required by qualified personnel.
Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the tree itself was unstable and about mitigation methods. Tom and others pressed about access constraints and the difficulty of working on the steep slope; Michael and other staff described the root ball’s condition and the inability to place a crane at the site. Michael said temporary arresting straps (described as similar to semitrailer tie‑down straps) could reduce immediate risk while removal proceeds.
When the motion was put to a vote the board approved the ratification and funding authorization; the meeting record shows the motion passed (members present voiced approval). The GM said final billing and scope will determine the final cost and that qualified personnel will determine exact mitigation measures.
The board and staff also discussed whether the parcel is marketable or buildable and noted the parcel’s status (density‑reduction/conservation designations may affect saleability). Michael said staff will investigate whether the lot is sellable and report back to the board.
The association will proceed with selection of a contractor to perform the immediate safety work and will adjust the final allocation to match actual invoices.
