UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

 

President Arnold Martin called the meeting to order at 7:34 A.M.

Board Members present were:  Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Don Jensen, Nell Ann Hunt, Paul Oldham, Chandra Muenster, Jim Wells, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Chris Khatib, Kass Prince, Mary Oberlin, Don McGee and Scott Glover.  Those not present were: Molly Kahn and James Spriggs.  Guests present were: Irving City Councilman and UH resident Joe Philipp, Tom Kormondy and Silas Wright from Verizon, Catherine Lisenbee, Utility Franchise Coordinator and Tom Strange from the City of Irving; Rick Bidne from TLCA and University Park residents, Bob and Cwistia Palmer.

 

Because of time constraints, Tom Kormandy, community communications manager from Verizon, addressed the board first.  He presented an overview of Verizon’s investment into our future—Fiber Optics.  He explained every home in University Hills will have an inground FO line to their property line.  The minimum of one fiber optic strand of glass, which is impervious to water or weather, will provide 4 phone lines, plus one data line.  Unlike present service there is no degradation of sound.  Some report it is too loud.  It is not mandatory that residents change to FO.  Copper wiring will be available until Verizon installs 100% of residences in Irving which are using the new technology. The cost of copper service or FO is the same.   Data and voice communication for up to 4 phone lines will be available for $34.95 per month.  

 

Mr. Kormandy explained that installation of FO was cost restrictive in the past, but it has been used for years in Verizon’s office transmissions.  Now, they can offer small businesses and homeowners a cost effective, top of the line service. 

 

The homeowners will need to provide an electrical outlet plug—a technician comes into the home to complete the installation to our satisfaction.  

 

The company doing the in-ground installation, Fishel, is a national organization.  They  will put a yellow door hanger on doors in the areas to be serviced next.  At this time they are installing FO service to UH, south of Northgate to the railroad tracks. If anyone has concerns regarding these changes call 817-925-3182.  If you have not had your concerns answered and/or met, call 972-318-8825.  

 

One person interjected that Cottonwood had received a special price because everyone converted to FO.

 

Catherine Lisenbee from the City of Irving asked anyone with unresolved

problems or questions to call her at 972-721-7877 or e-mail her at clisenbe@ci.irving.tx.us.

 

Esther Nachimson  passed out the minutes previously posted on the website. The minutes were approved.

 

Treasurer Don Jensen reported a total of $13,598.52 in assets.  He also presented a proposed budget for 2004 and 2005 and had suggestions for the board to consider.  He said the proposals are “doable.”  He reported that we are well within budget for this year.  We will increase the amount of our money market certificate to $6,000.00.   The amount of money for the Great Flag Caper will be increased next year. 

 

Don McGee reported on the progress of the new historical and archive committee.  They have had unusual success in gathering information and pictures taken of University Hills from the very beginning.  They are putting together articles and information to include in a time capsule to be opened in 2025. 

 

Don Jensen reintroduced from the October meeting the subject of a UHAOH sponsored Valentine Dance in 2006.  Mary Oberlin voiced the opinion that a party of that scope needed it’s own budget and needs to be partially underwritten by the association; however, Mary and others felt the attendees should pay for part of it.  Joe Philipp suggested that members should pay less than non-members as a way to improve more participation in the association. 

 

A motion to investigate how to fund a project like that was made by Arnold Martin.  Charles Schultz seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

The Yard of the Month was awarded to the residents at 3920 Acapulco.  The photo-op was canceled because of the rainy weather.  The December Yard of the Month will be the winner of the Christmas decoration contest.  The board decided that the Yard of the Month will continue through the winter months to encourage maintenance throughout the bad weather. 

 

Martin Kahn inquired about the lack of landscaping at the new grade crossing.  Rick Bidne from TLCA assured the board that the landscaping and stonework is in the pipeline to begin in January.  Martin was also concerned about the lack of dedicated bicycle lanes and that the people in charge are not paying attention to what we should be doing. 

 

Kass Prince reported that the flyers were sent for the annual meeting and the signs will be put out tomorrow after the election is over. 

 

Scott Glover is all set for  the  Deck the Hills celebration at Pea Patch Lake on Monday, November 29 at 6:30 P.M.  All the electrical outlets have been improved and we have four new displays.

 The candy canes will be concentrated around the ponds and not be, as in the past, scattered throughout University Hills.  9 A.M. Saturday, November 27 volunteers will meet to put out the canes.

 

Chandra reported that the Boys Choir will sing and also the Farine School Chorus.  The Holts who live on Wingren have a new baby who will play the Baby Jesus.  The parents will be Mary and Joseph.  Charles Schultz will again be a Wise Man. 

 

 

Robin Beggs is in charge of the committee to judge the best decorated home in UH.  There will also be an award for the block that is decorated the best.   For those of us who may need a source for decoration or ideas several web sites were suggested:  www.lightup@christasdonebright.com and 1-800-549-1003 and 1-888-453-0599. 

 

The annual meeting for UHAOH will be held Tuesday, November 9, at

7:00 P.M  at the Las Colinas Country Club.  We are hoping for a large turnout to encourage the board.  We have wonderful plans for next year and great things to talk about.  Invitations are being extended to our new police chief, the policemen assigned to the UH beat and our local firemen. 

 

Other presentations will be a recycling table, a table for volunteers for the Spring Fling.  Don McGee will have a table to display historical artifacts and will be happy to receive anything anyone has to add to the collection or things of interest to include in the time capsule. 

 

If anyone has any changes to be made in the directory the association needs to know please bring them to the attention of the assigned person  at the meeting. 

 

Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 A.M. at the Las Colinas Country Club. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 A. M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Esther Nachimson

Secretary