NCA MEMBERSHIP 2007-2008

Time flies and it is again time for the renewal of NCA membership dues and community assessments. The NCA receives the vast majority of its income from membership dues, community service assessments and donations. NCA membership is $50 per year for one person and $85 per year for two. Your annual voluntary community service, environmental, and legal assessment is $125 for the first lot and $25 each additional lot. By being a member you are showing your support for our community. This money is used to fulfill our long-standing commitment to our community and our quality of life.

The mission of the Nosara Civic Association is to preserve the total environment of the Beaches of Nosara by protecting against improper use of its assets, careless pollution and irresponsible development. The NCA promotes an understanding of the environment and careful community development through advocacy, conflict resolution and dissemination of information.

This mission encompasses protection of the entire environment, as dictated by the by-laws of the association. We consider the flora and fauna major factors in our total quality of life, which is what has attracted the majority of us to the area. We also recognize the need to protect individual propertiesfrom squatters, noise and light pollution and development concerns as they affect neighbors and the natural resources, as well as protecting the 175 hectáres of “Parklands”. At times, this includes involvement in legal actions. We remain vigilant and realize we must be prepared for any future legal issues that may arise.

Lastly, the NCA cooperates with other local associations in the maintenance of the airport, police assistance, assistance for the garbage dump, emergency road repair and provides humanitarian aid.

Don’t forget the benefit of the discounted group rate for medical insurance that members receive.

Your prompt payment of the enclosed will be appreciated, as is your support for Nosara.
Payment may be paid by check or transfer to our Banco Nacional bank account #200-002—013-000835-1. Please put your lot # in “concepto”. The water company has agreed to accept check payments or call a board member if cash.
One does not need to be a property owner to become a member of the NCA, only someone who appreciates Nosara.

Annual dues and assessment payments do not include payment of your municipal taxes. Nicoya does not send tax bills to owners. It is your responsibility to make sure that your taxes are current. Please contact us if you need help with this process.

ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
The Annual General Assembly Meeting of the NCA will be held January 22, 2008 at 9:00 am at the NCA office. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending. The main item on the agenda will be the election of a new Board of Directors of the NCA for a one year term. If you are unable to attend the meeting and will be in Nosara some time before this date, you can give your proxy to another member. Proxies are available at the office or from any current board member. If you are outside of Costa Rica, you must have a proxy notarized by a Costa Rican Consulate. Any member in good standing is more than welcome to run for the board, so don’t forget to join now. It is a thankless job, but one that needs doing. New officers take office April 2008.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CURRENT MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY THE 39 BUSINESES, FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL THIS COMING YEAR

WATER REPORT
All of the ASADAs (water companies) of Nosara have joined forces to secure a study of the aquifer. Remember, water is our most valuable natural resource and needs to be protected.
February 6, 2008, there will be the election of a new board of directors of the ASADA. If you are not a member of the ASADA, you have a responsibility, as a water user and member of the community, to participate and protect and control our water. Please contact the ASADA office to join.

www.NosaraCivicAssociation.com
The NCA’s website is getting a “face-lift”. Business members will be displayeds, in rotation; the calendar will be current and more. Keep checking for up-dates

Did you know that there are 125 businesses in Nosara?

LEGAL REPORT
Parklands Dispute-In 2004, Richmond Phipps filed legal actions against 10 individuals and put “liens” on 45 properties, 7 NCA Parklands and 38 private properties. The courts have twice ruled that Phipps’ claims have no justification. The first decision was appealed and lost and Phipps will probably appeal again. We are not celebrating yet.
Gas Station-The gas station is not doing is pumping gas. But that’s about all they aren’t selling. Whether or not legal permits are in order is still under investigation.
John Fraser-John has claimed that the Hotel Playas de Nosara was forced to cancel all reservations and close the hotel because the NCA removed his directional signs from NCA Parklands. He is suing for the destruction of his signs and damages. A trial date has not been set.

RAINY SEASON
With the 38” of rain in August (way over average) 18” in September and 51” in October, one of the bridges in Garza on Route 160 partially collapsed, closing travel to and from Nosara for a number of days. The river below stream was passable, unless there was a deluge. The buses were having passengers walk across the remaining portion of the bridge to catch a bus on the other side. MOPT (road ministry) hired a private contractor to install a portable “bailey” bridge on top of the collapsed bridge, so we can now leave, though access is like a rollercoaster. We’ll just have to wait to see how long it takes to get a permanent fix. Hopefully, there will be enough rain to replenish the aquifer, but we are all concerned about the adverse affects of filling of lots, removal of all vegetation and new water right-of-ways that are preventing the rains from penetrate the ground.

The ¢300,000,000 spend by the National Emergency Commission earlier this year to “dike” the Rio Nosara, has pretty much washed away, creating problems further down river. The money certainly could have been put to better use.

ROADS
Thousands of dollars were donated by the local associations, businesses and individuals to keep the high road, our ONLY EMERGENCY route, to town accessible when the Subi y Baja is flooded and the main road between the high and low roads to Pelada.
Many people argue, when asked to donate, that we shouldn’t be doing jobs which are the responsibilities of the federal and municipal governments. This is a valid point, but not realistic. If we want something done and done immediately, as was necessary with both these road repairs, we need to take it upon ourselves to resolve the problem now. We can’t afford to wait.

La gente dice que preparations for the paving of National Route 160 are to begin in Jan. 2008. Vamos a mer.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW
THINGS DONE & DOING

The board of directors has taken a much more active participation to accomplish our mission.
* Relations with all other community associations have improved and we are working together to address the issues which affect the entire area.

• Roads
• Beach Protection
• Water
• Crime
• Sustainable Development
• Garbage
• Health issues

AGM JANUARY 22, 2008-9:00 am
Information meeting January 15, 2008-9:00 am
Your participation is important
THE NCA CARES-SO SHOULD YOU

ASADA AGM FEBRUARY 6, 2008

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