UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OFHOMEOWNERS            PROVISIONAL COPY
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
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The board meeting was called to order at 11:30 A.M. by president Arnold Martin.
Board members present were: Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Don McGee, Jim Wells, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Bob Kitzman , and Barbara Hull.  Board members unable to attend were: Kass Prince, Don Jensen, Nell Anne Hunt,  and John DeMarco.  Committee chair present was Pat Andres. Newest Deputy Chief, Anna Walther also was present.
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Esther Nachimson motioned that the minutes be approved as posted on the UH website. Bob Kitzman seconded the motion.  The motion passed.
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There was no report from the Treasurer for this meeting.
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Jim Wells reported on further progress with our new electronic Auto-Dialer for UHAOH communications by telephone.  Over the past two weeks some difficulties were experienced because of a virus that had contaminated his system.  The good news is, the virus has been removed and everything is up and running again.  The problem of some persons receiving more than one call also has been successfully resolved.  An interesting, and perhaps useful bit of information regarding the automatic calling system is that one may have to say "hello"  2 times to receive the message.  The delay for the message to start may seem to be inordinately long. If we only say "hello" one time and then hang up the message will be recorded on our telephone answering machine.  .
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Charles Schmidt advised that the Green Neighbor Program for all the villages of TLCA is progressing nicely.  Charles will be meeting with Susan High of TLCA again next week to decide on the final details of the design and type of designation for Green Neighbors and how they will be identified. Charles showed the design of the community plaques by Chris Bidne that will be prominently placed in each of the 15 participating Las Colinas villages.  Arnold mentioned that some of the communities did not feel they could afford hard plaques for each home and were thinking that a decal for windows and doors would be more affordable.  Barbara Hull asked if we could expect TV coverage for this effort.
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Bob Kitzman led a lengthy discussion with Charles respecting their inquiries of the City of Irving and TLCA about the role each has in the area of code enforcement. University Hills is an aging community and we have immediate needs to be addressed at the earliest time possible.  Of the 64 homes in UH south of Northgate, only 9 qualified last year for the criteria to earn a medallion for property maintenance.  ( 8 others otherwise qualified, but had not paid their UH Dues) Many of the UH homes north of Northgate are nearing 40 years old.  Some homes are on the "slippery slope" to be brought to the attention of both city and TLCA code enforcers.  Several properties have already been brought to the authorities attention and, at least, the yards have been mowed.  A question was asked if this would be a regular service by the city and/or TLCA or would it be necessary to report these on an ongoing basis.  They posed the question how we, UHAOH, could participate in the process.   
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Bob further related a requirement for the board to think beyond our Yard of the Month and become actively involved in staving off neighborhood blight that can overtake us if we don't act soon.  Bob, Charlesand Arnold have had two meetings with Rick Bidne, President of TLCA, and three members of his staff about what is planned for the maintenance of property and what protocols will be needed for code enforcement.   This is a learning process, with macro and micro views to be addressed, and will require working more closely with the city to see how to dovetail the meeting of our specific needs.   
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Bob stated that when a very long list of deficiencies was rolled out, the list did not distinguish between commercial and residential properties.  He questioned how strictly and/or harshly they would be administered; i.e., some of our residents are elderly and may not be able to physically nor financially meet stringent demands.  
( To view these deed restriction requirements, one can gotowww.lascolinasassociation.com and click on article 6. )
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Bob proposed the formula of: TLCA + City of Irving + UHAOH  as "An Extra Set of Eyes" =  improved observation.   
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Chares noted the City of Carrollton has instituted a very successful program that focuses on specific neighborhoods in relation to code enforcement. Code violations have been reduced by 70% and property values have increased 5%.   
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Arnold stressed that the above issues are "serious business" unlike the  fun and
friendly activities usually promoted and accomplished within the neighborhood.   We are fortunate that we have a new and aggressive city manager who is anxious to work hard to help solve as many of these problems as possible.
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Barbara Hull mentioned the recent graffiti scrawled on the Northgate side of the Red Wall of University Park.  Arnold noted that it was still within the 10 day window to be removed by the city.    
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Arnold praised Nell Anne for her hard work and efforts in another successful Great Flag Caper. This year's event far surpassed our fondest expectations and Arnold asked that we all read her written report which is posted on our website.   
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Don McGee requested the board take responsibility to seek out and ask younger residents of UH to become involved in committees and chairing events. He stated that there is a compelling need to groom new leaders to take our place for board positions in the future.
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Barbara Hull, our Deck the Hills chair, was asked to evaluate the condition of the holiday displays in relation to acquiring new displays, and to get with Don McGee to assess the electrical needs of existing and future displays. Don said the frmer could be determined at the storage facility. More plugs are needed to expand the sound systems and mikes for the performers. We need to determine what and where they are needed.  A possible flood light may be needed. ( The Mayor & Council honored
and recognized Nell Anne Hunt and the University Hills Assn for the excellent
Holiday lighting ceremony & presentation each year, with the presentaton of a
plaque and certificate @ the July 19 Council meeting)
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The Yard of the Month Home is the residence of Pat and Don McGee, 200 Balboa Court. A photo opportunity followed immediately after adjournment of this meeting.
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The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, August 7 at11:30 A.M in the Presidents Lounge at the Las Colinas Country Club.   
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The board meeting was adjourned at 1:00 P. M.

Respectfully submitted,


Esther Nachimson, Secretary