UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 11:29 AM by the president, Arnold Martin.
Board members and chairpersons present were: Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Jim Wells, John DeMarco, Anna Walther, Charles Schmidt, Nell Anne Hunt, Martin Kahn, Don McGee, Pat Andres, and Bob Kitzman. Kathrine Pennington represented the Las Colinas Association. Not present were: Kass Prince, Don Jensen, Linda Oliver, and Fred Odell.
The minutes, posted on the UHOAH website were unanimously approved with corrections.
The treasurer’s report was deferred in the absence of Kass Prince, treasurer.
Bob Kitzman reported to the board about changes we will experience in the coming months and years. Building and development is planned in the Hwy 114/Loop12/Hwy 183 corridors that will be ongoing for perhaps 10-15 years. Arnold, Bob, and Rick Bidne of TLCA met with Jim Driscoll of the City of Irving with the concerns of the impact these projects will have on our neighborhood.
The change in traffic patterns is one major concern of the committee. They concluded complete elimination of unwanted traffic, such as tractor-trailers, won’t happen; however, they are asking the authorities to develop a plan to minimize the negative flow of traffic. Bob noted that we do have the ear of the City of Irving and the Chamber of Commerce.
Bob stated that before to any road construction can begin, utility conduits need to be relocated. This alone will be disrupting and time consuming. The first project will be to demolish the weir (dam) owned by DCURD where LCCC abuts Hwy 114 near the #5 tee box. Contracts for DART construction projects are to be let this month.
Esther Nachimson posed the question if the construction and development between the taxing authorities was being coordinated and timed in order to minimize repetitive and costly overlaps. No one had an answer.
Bob reported the overall plan for our area is very exciting. The Las Colinas Urban Center is to be something similar to the West Village at Lemmon and McKinney. We will have a new convention center anchored by a convention hotel plus a boutique hotel planned and constructed by a firm from San Antonio, Watermark Hotels.
Arnold asked Jim Wells to report on what the city is doing about wild animal control, namely coyotes and bobcats, in UH. Our pets are in danger. After discussions with animal control, Jim said he had no clues. Logic seemed to be lacking in the city plan.
Another problem is the proliferation of feral cats. These animals can spread disease, kill birds and should not be fed by well meaning homeowners.
Jim sent an e-mail warning each of us about the upsurge in vandalism (graffiti on fences and egging of cars) in UH. We are asked to please park our cars out of sight. Pictures were passed around.
Charles Schmidt reported on the newly released ratings of the public schools that UH students attend: Farine Elementary, Travis Middle School and Mac Arthur High School. The ratings were only and barely acceptable, Travis needed a boost to make "acceptable." Several people have been recruited as volunteers to go into the schools to help improve the numbers. A concentrated effort by volunteers who have something to contribute will be needed to upgrade our schools. It was recommended that these so-so ratings should not be covered up, but with the "truth," we can improve.
Charles said the mailing packets, containing information of interest to homeowners, has ballooned to 9 pages and will be mailed out within the next 7-10 days.
The committee of the board continues to gather information about the effects of the Barnett Shale project and its impact our community. Martin Kahn stated that we are only in the exploratory phase of this investigation to see if we are to support the leasing, drilling and the location of the pipeline. We will keep UHAOH members updated as needed. It is important that no one sign any contract, if approached individually, but to wait until we hear from TLCA and UHAOH.
Interesting and exciting facts about our area have come to light from the committee’s investigations. We are in a convergence of 3 different shale formations. One of the shales is "alive" and reproducing itself like a coral reef.
Kathrine Pennington, of TLCA, stated that she and Rick Bidne are in contact with Linda Romano who will meet with the committee in reference to the Barnett Shale. Bob Kitzman brought up the issue of the happenings in Flower Mound when people were marching around with signs and screaming not to allow drilling in their city. We would hope to avoid such behavior in Irving. There is no need for protests in Irving because Irving has a drilling moratorium in place, as we speak.
Scott Wilson sent word that the entry-sign on Rochelle that keeps having letters stolen is being replaced by one continuous sign which will be more difficult to remove. Esther Nachimson expressed concern that the "Duck Crossing" sign at Sonora Court had not been replaced and was sorely missed. Katherine Pennington said she would look in to the matter.
Martin reported that Linda Oliver, membership chair, as received 3 more memberships, raising our total to an all time high of 306 paid members. All, but two, advertisement monies have been collected.
Nell Anne Hunt was jubilant reporting on the huge success of the 2008 Great Flag Caper. Over 25 thousand of new and recycled flags were planted all over Irving. This amount was up from 22 thousand in 2007. This year, the total cost exceeded $10,000, but she had received more than enough funds from supporters, both big and small. The excess monies, $1,200, will be banked to kick-start the GFC next year.
Nell Anne has carried this project by herself since its inception. She said that at times it has been "difficult to see the forest for the flags." She shared a poignant story with the board about a family in south Irving and their efforts in planting flags in their neighborhood. They were invited and came to the party on July 3. Fifteen people have volunteered to form a board so in the future she will have the help and support needed during the year. The UHOAH board applauded her dedication to this cause. It reflects positively on our whole community.
Because the MLS has rules against posting real estate comps to a website, Nell Anne will no longer be able to furnish us with that information. Jim Wells asked if there is a rule about disseminating the same info on the net. Nell Anne said she will investigate that avenue.
Pat Andres and Charles are making a recommendation to change the awards being given out for our holiday decorations in December. They do not want to have a 1st, 2nd or 3rd prizes but give prizes for 10-12 winners. Signs are to be made up for them. Pat asked that we need publicity to let everyone know, in plenty of time, when the judging will take place (2nd Wednesday in December) so everyone can complete the decorations on time.
Nell Anne asked the board to explore the stocking of our ponds with fish to let our children have a fishing contest. University Park has such an event. The board agreed to explore the possibility.
National Night Out has been changed to the first Tuesday in October. We are expecting more of our neighborhoods will want to participate inasmuch as the weather should be pleasant for outdoor activity.
The annual UHAOH meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 at the Las Colinas Country Club.
The Yard of the Month is the home of Curtis and Marjorie Powell at 200 La Paz Court. There is a photo op immediately following this meeting.
The next board meeting for the UHAOH will be held Tuesday, September 9 at the Las Colinas Country Club in the President’s lounge. The meeting begins at 11:30 AM. Those who wish to eat are asked to come early.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:06 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther Nachimson
Secretary