UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006

 

President, Arnold Martin called the meeting to order at 11:30 A.M.

 

Board members present were: Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Don Mc
Gee, Jim Wells, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Don Jensen and Nell Anne Hunt.  Also present was John De Marco. Board members not present were: Kass Prince, Craig Boleman and Chandra Muenster.

 

In the absence of the treasurer, Arnold Martin presented the monthly operating expense to the board.  Total assets and liabilities for the year, to date are total $24,875.63. There is a bank balance of $8,826.14.  Bank charges were accrued because of two returned checks and a late charge for credit card expense needed to maintain our website.  Don McGee motioned to authorize Arnold to ask the bank to auto pay our credit card balance as of the 25th of the month.  Nell Anne seconded the motion.  There were 4 yeas and 3 nays.  The motion passed.

 

The minutes of the last meeting were passed out and read.  After corrections were made, Martin Kahn motioned to accept the minutes as amended.  Charles Schmidt seconded the motion. The motion passed.

 

There was a discussion about posting the minutes on the website prior to the reading and final approval of the board. It was decided to post a disclaimer with the minutes, subject to modifications and approval by the board at the next monthly board meeting

 

In the absence of Bob Kitzman, John DeMarco discussed the project of the block captains to gather the information needed for our University Hills directory   Unfortunately, there are BC's who have dropped the ball and not returned their data to the sub chiefs.  This effort needs to be completed by the first of the year.

John reported that the committee has received $800.00 in advertising for the printing of the directory.

 

Charles Schmidt reported that he attended the quarterly homeowners meeting at the City of Irving.  The new city manager presented detailed plans and priorities for the City for code enforcement and neighborhood revitalization.  Charles reminded the board that application deadline for any matching funds projects is January 31, 2007.  The new fountains in Pea Patch Pond and the old Rochelle Park should be completed before Thanksgiving and the clock has been repaired and replanted.  Martin is not happy with the colors.  The trees are to be replanted at Northgate and the railroad. 

 

Several service organizations have been contacted to submit a bid to paint all of the house numbers on the curbs in the Hills to be paid for by UHAOH.   Scout Troop 508 offered to do it for $7.00 plus $2.00 for aluminum paint.  Upon investigation, this bid was within reason.  Martin suggested checking to see if this project could be eligible for the matching funds.  The house numbers would be uniform and easily readable by the fire and police departments in case of emergencies.

 

Pat Andres, our Yard of the Month chair, was appointed to choose the paint color.  Nell Anne suggested using the same green and white colors on our homeowner signs. 

 

Charles reported that 9 homes are eligible to receive the new "Homes of Distinction" sign to be displayed in their yard.  Fifteen homes were eligible but 6 of the homeowners were not members of the association.  In order to be a yard of the month or a HOD, one must be a member of UHAOH.  These awards will be given out at the annual homeowners meeting of November 14.

 

It was noted that 31 out of 46 the homes 40 years old failed to be considered for the Home of Distinction award.  Shabby lawns and terrible curb appeal were cited as the reasons for disqualification. 

 

Pat and Charles suggested expanding the 1st, 2nd and 3rd awards for the best Christmas and Holiday decorations.  This year we will have ten awards of the following  categories: (1) Creative Décor Award, (2) Outstanding Lighting Award, (3) Religious Theme Award, (4) Nostalgic Christmas Award, (5) Classic Christmas Award,  (6) Christmas Scene Award, (7) Traditional Christmas Award, (8) 21st Century Award, (9) Gaudy Award, and finally (10) The Grinch Award.

 

Wednesday, December 14 is the date the committee will judge the holiday decorations

 

The Annual Christmas Lighting Party will be Monday, December 4 beginning at 6:00 to 8:00.  Nell Anne reported Kent Piaciniti is the new choir director for Farine Elementary School.and was joyously excited to continue the tradition. Two more kings are needed.  Craig is doing a mailer.  The animals for the manger scene are $700.00.

 

There will be no candy canes placed around the ponds this year because of the danger of liability if someone fell or tripped on them.  There will, also, be no new displays because of the need for new outlets and more electrical power.  Plans are in the works with TLCA to install more circuits after the first of the year.  Don McGee suggested that we plan for 2X the amount of circuits that we anticipate needing and not to "band-aide" the project.  The old displays are being refurbished and new displays will be purchased for next year. 

 

Arnold reminded the board of the annual meeting of UHAOH at the Las Colinas Country Club on November 14 between 6:00-7:30.  Refreshments will be served.

Craig Boleman will be a mailing a reminder to our homeowners to attend.

 

The Yard of the Month award is the home of David and Linda Oliver of 3713 Cabeza de Vaca.  All board members are invited to come immediately following the board meeting for a photo-opportunity. 

 

The next board meeting will be at 11:30 on December 4, 2006 in the President's Lounge at the Las Colinas Country Club.  Those wanting to eat lunch are invited to come early to eat so that our meeting can start promptly.

 

Respectively submitted,

 

Esther Nachimson

Secretary

 

These minutes were approved by the UHAOH board of directors at the regular meeting on Tuesday, December 4.