UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
MINUTES OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 6, 2002
President Arnold Martin called the meeting to order at 7:43 A.M. Board members present were: Don McGee, Mary Oberlin, Esther Nachimson, Don Jensen, James Spriggs, Martin Kahn, Molly Kahn, Charles Schmidt and Nell Ann Hunt. Not present were John Taylor, Jim Wells, Robin Filbeck and Scott Wilson of TLCA. Guests present were Jim Dunkley of the new Irving Heights Homeowners Association and Paul Oldham an interested UH resident.
Treasurer, Don Jensen, gave an extensive explanation
of his report. We have a money market
account of $3,732.52, checking account of $4,414.60 with total assets of
$8,147.12. We have 272 paid members
with 231 current members. Don stressed the
need to contact members who have not renewed their membership. Our activities committee will be unable to
accomplish all we have planed to do without full participation. Don reported that the TLCA agreed to
underwrite the $500 cost of the petting zoo we had for the Spring Fling.
Dues for each year are due on January 1 of that year.
Don explained there was a need to clarify how dues should be prorated if
everyone does not pay on January 1, when they are due. There has been some confusion among our members
when their dues are due. Many methods were debated and Arnold Martin said he
would appoint a committee to find an equitable solution.
The minutes of the last meeting were presented and
corrections were to be made.
The Neighbors Night Out was not observed officially by
our association as it was really too hot to hold outside activities this time
of the summer. Many residents are on
vacations at this time of year. A UHAOH
neighborhood evening meeting is being planned for a day in October.
The effort of Jim Wells, who manages our web-site, to
get breaking news to us concerning crime in UH has been astonishing. The board feels that E-mail is the best, the
fastest and, by far, the most economical method of communication.
Our board member, Nell Anne Hunt, was praised for the
Herculean effort she made to get the American Flags planted for the 4th
of July. With over 200 volunteers
turning out to help, a 4 day project was completed in just one day.
President Arnold Martin encouraged all UH residents to
read the Las Colinas Chronicle, which highlights and reports on subjects of
importance to those of us living in Las Colinas and also includes Valley
Ranch.
The city of Irving does not provide Las Colinas
homeowners a fair share of the park budget.
We are exploring ways to perhaps get some in-kind reimbursement for
water or to provide park area, which TLCA would maintain.
Mary Oberlin stressed the need for more strict code
enforcement. She explained how most
un-kept property, either residential or commercial, is owned by absentee
owners. The city of Irving does not do
an adequate job of enforcing codes that are on the books.
James Spriggs reported on the impact of the loss of
the Atmil Corporation and 300 jobs to France and England where they receive a
more favorable tax climate. No agreement could be reached with the City of
Carrollton and State of Texas to let them delay payment of taxes until they
were making a profit. He stressed that all of us should be concerned with the
30 per cent vacancy in Las Colinas and the impact on our schools and property
values.
The Atmil Corporation product is home security. It is feared the technology developed can
more easily fall into the wrong hands outside of the USA.
Charles Schmidt reported on the progress of the underpass and the recently denuded property at Rochelle and Northgate. There is much concern about the fate of the 5.6 acres across from our beautiful UH homes. Arnold assured us that, as of two years ago, the land was zoned for residential but a change in zoning could happen at any time. The present owners decided to ask for forgiveness for their unauthorized actions rather than to ask permission to do it. Several of our city councilpersons are considering the possibility of the city purchasing the land and giving it to TLCA whom would develop it and maintain it. We agreed this would be the best use.
We have a Red Wall situation. What affects one homeowner in UH affects us
all. It was agreed that all of
University Hills homeowners have a fiscal stake in how that property is
developed and whatever is the decision, our property should be enhanced. Our board needs to alert us and keep abreast
of any precipitative action by the owners or by the city. We will let our representatives do their
job, but we will be vigilant and ready to do our part.
Traffic at Northgate and Rochelle is greatly
diminished since the underpass project started. Some members believe lights should be blinking red all the
time. Others think they should work as
usual during early morning and in the afternoon when the people are leaving
work in Las Colinas.
There were no motions made. No votes were taken.
The next UHOAH board meeting will be on Tuesday,
September 10, 2002 at 7:30 A.M.
Visitors are welcome.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther Nachimson
Secretary