UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
MONTHLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING – MARCH 4, 2008
The meeting was called to order by the president, Arnold Martin, promptly at 11:31 AM in the Presidents Lounge at the Las Colinas Country Club. Board members present were; Arnold Martin, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Don McGee, Esther Nachimson, Jim Wells, Kass Prince, Bob Kitzman, and John De Marco. Absent board members were; Nell Anne Hunt, Barbara Hull, Anna Walther, Don Jensen, and Kent Smith. Committee Chairs present were; Pat Andres and Linda Oliver. Absent Committee Chairs were; Ann Aghassibake, and Fred Odell. In addition, Kathrine Pennington, Community Relations Coordinator of the Las Colinas Association (TLCA) graced the meeting with her presence.
Arnold referred to the minutes of last month’s meeting which are posted on the UH website and asked for any comment or correction. There being none John, acting Secretary for the meeting while Esther is recovering from her surgery, proposed they be accepted as posted. Charles seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Kass distributed the UHAOH financial reports as of March 3rd comprising a Balance Sheet and a P&L Statement. Kass noted the P&L report has been enhanced by including an “Estimated Budget for 2008” column in addition to the usual comparison with the prior year figures. Lively discussion ensued about some of the estimated expenditures for 2008. But all agreed the enhanced format developed by Kass was a welcome improvement as a much better understanding of our financial situation, current and forecast, could be obtained.
After clarifying several items in the Balance Sheet, Kass proposed these reports be accepted. Esther seconded and the motion passed.
Jim confirmed that soon after last month’s meeting the UH website had been returned to service. Operations have run smoothly since then and no content was lost. Jim noted, however, that there is some question about our ability to carry the Real Estate Report. As this is a most popular and informative feature on the website, Jim is making efforts to continue its presence.
Jim remarked he had yet to receive any comments on the proposed marketing brochure for UH sent around to interested parties at the last meeting. Those parties were chagrined and promised to provide their critique shortly. Esther asked if she might receive a copy of the brochure as well.
Arnold requested Jim to include an item in The Beacon important to all UH residents. A community meeting will be held tonight at the Civic Center to gain input from residents in the vicinity of the 5.4 acre plot at Northgate and Rochelle that is to be acquired by the City of Irving in conjunction with TLCA. This is part of the process of developing a master plan for the park-like amenities that will be installed there. Attendance by UH homeowners will be most beneficial in guiding the development of this plot toward something of which we all can be proud.
Jim responded to a query from Arnold about a prayer breakfast meeting notice by stating that the UHAOH email service should not be used in the promotion of business, political, or religious interests. Further discussion around the table found that most of those at the meeting had received this notice already. There was a consensus that UHAOH should not be seen as endorsing this sort of message, no matter how worthy the cause.
Don made a motion not to circulate this item or any others like it. This motion was seconded by Kass and was carried with one in dissent.
Linda reported that 285 members already had remitted their dues for 2008 which was well ahead of previous years. All regarded this as an excellent effort by Linda.
Arnold added that Linda was assisting Betty Ratteree in soliciting ads and sponsorships for the 2008 UH Directory. Through their endeavors several new entities have come on board and it was anticipated that directory advertising might bring in as much as $1,000.
Charles informed the meeting about a plethora of activities in his liaisons with other civic and community organizations.
Charles advised that the City of Irving has awarded $400 in community grant funds to UHAOH. Our application was for much more and Charles explained that the applications received were for more grant monies than the amount available from the City under this program. Also, it is understood that the City does not award funds for capital projects.
After much discussion Bob motioned that we accept the grant with the funds being used for our printing, postage, and re-production needs. Kass noted that UHAOH expenditures for these supplies are greatly in excess of the grant monies. Esther seconded the motion and it was passed.
A Leader of one of the Six Action Items for Year 2008 Charles briefed the meeting on our offer of assistance to the Farine School in an effort to improve the ranking of its students. Representatives of the other neighborhood associations, i.e. Woodhaven, Cardinal Village, and Northgate Heights along with Charles met with the Principal of Farine School. Some insights were gained and it is understood that a list of projects, most likely in the area of reading, will be forthcoming from Farine School. These volunteer requirements will be for both daytime and evening activities because the Principal saw a need to cater to the parents of the students, too. All were impressed with the progress Charles has made and were grateful for his efforts.
Charles also pointed out that the fountain in the lake on Rochelle closest to Sonora has been removed by TLCA. A new fountain with larger capacity will be installed in about a month. Other beautification projects in the common areas of UH currently underway by TLCA are the installation of flowerbeds at Coronado and Mesa. In addition, Scott Wilson is expanding the Vinca beds in Old Rochelle Park and at Flag Pole Hill.
Charles mentioned that the curbing and sidewalks along Coronado had been repaired by the City of Irving. Most assuredly the pains-taking work done by our UH Curb Survey Team in pinpointing these deficiencies last September had to be the impetus for the City’s action in this area.
Charles also advised that another wet/dry referendum was likely to be held this year in Irving. A petition is now being circulated to obtain the necessary signatures.
Respecting the Green Neighbor Program, Charles reiterated his request for arrangements at the Spring Fling to include a manned booth. In this manner UH resident could learn more about the benefits of environmental consciousness in their won homes and could enroll in the program. Charles also saw a need for other booths &/or displays at the Spring Fling to advertise the many opportunities for volunteers in support of the association’s activities.
Bob recapitulated highlights of information obtained at the recent DART public meeting on the Orange Line held at UD, from the City of Irving’s Transportation Committee meetings, and through his discussions with various public and private officials about the many projects being unfolded in and around the Las Colinas Urban Center (LCUC).
The most exciting aspect among the transportation developments is that the APT (Area Personal Transit) will be made an integral part of the DART light rail system running through the LCUC. The number of riders on the Orange Line is sure to be increased. With the APT connection commuters will have many more option for traveling to their ultimate destination without resorting to the use of automobiles. In addition, traveling around the LCUC will be facilitated and will not be dependent on the Orange Line schedule.
Arnold echoed Bob’s comments and added that the BNSF rail line traversing the SE sector of the LCUA provides another mode of transportation. Delbert McDougal, the City’s nominated developer of the Olde Towne project in South Irving, has seized upon the concept of a passenger rail service from Main Street in Irving to areas in the far north such as McKinney using the BNSF tracks. This juxtaposition of passenger rail, light rail, and the APT would be unique.
Arnold remarked further about the importance of transportation by noting a group of Irving officials were off to Washington, D.C. this week for meetings and discussions with various government agencies there.
Respecting the Spring Fling, Jen Davis was not able to continue as Spring Fling Chair for another year. Her production of the Spring Fling each year has been superb with the level of success ever increasing. Jennifer’s resignation from the board was accepted with regret and all wished her well on her new endeavors.
Arnold announced that Fred Odell had kindly volunteered to chair the Spring Fling this year. Unfortunately circumstances did not permit him to attend today’s meeting, but Arnold assured everyone that Fred was already at work on the project with finding a date suitable to everyone as number one priority.
Pat Andres declared 3821 Acapulco Court as Yard of the Month for March. The owners are Craig and Amy Ruhl. Pat mentioned that their pool has been artfully integrated into the landscaping. A photo op will be held there at the conclusion of today’s meeting.
Jim reported on the 2008 UH Directory effort. The information packets were to be returned by the Block Captains by 3rd March. Areas A and B had achieved 100 % return, although it is not yet know how many residents fully completed the questionnaire. Ann Aghassibake will be collating the data over the next week or so. Jim reminded Arnold of his obligation to provide the non-data sections of the directory by next Monday. The ad copy is due one week later. Minuteman Press was at the ready and Jim opined that if all went well the directory would be out by the end of the month.
John made the observation that the number of properties in the directory (477) was higher than the number of dues notices sent out in January (447). This implied that 30 residents or property owners might be unaware that UHAOH collects dues each year. There was some discussion about how best to reconcile the two databases, one of which was proprietary. Don made a suggestion and Kathrine offered to assist. John was hopeful that Jim, Ann, and Linda might be able to pinpoint the differences in the course of their efforts.
Arnold repeated his plea for everyone to attend the hearing on the development of a park at the corner of Northgate and Rochelle which meeting will be held this evening. Arnold also mentioned the Irving Archives Exhibit at the Old Red Museum (formerly Court House) in Dallas.
There being no further business to conduct John made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded and passed and the meeting concluded at 1:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
John De Marco on behalf of Esther Nachimson