UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

November 6, 2007

The meeting was called to order by the president, Arnold Martin, at 11:31 A.M. in the President’s Lounge of the Las Colinas Country Club.Board members present were:  Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, John DeMarco, Bob Kitzman and Barbara Hull. Board members not present were: Kass Prince, Don Jensen, Don McGee, Jim Wells, and Nell Anne Hunt.Committee chairs present were: Pat Andres.  Committee Chairs not present: Jennifer Davis, Linda Oliver and Anna Walther.

The minutes from the last meeting were posted on the UH website and read by all board members.  John DeMarco asked for a correction of a typo in paragraph 3 of the word "aspect."  Esther motioned that the minutes be approved as corrected. John seconded the motion. The motion passed.

The treasurer, Kass Prince was not present.  There was no report but it will be presented at the annual meeting on Tuesday, November 13.

Charles Schmidt has been working steadily with TLCA to get the Green Neighbor program off the ground.  They have developed a checklist of suggestions for homeowners to evaluate their property to see the ways we can help make our homes energy efficient and environment friendly.  The list has been distributed to all homes in UH. Those completed lists returned to Charles or Arnold before general meeting time, on Nov. 13, will receive a special medallion that can be displayed on their homes. Charles also mentioned that two persons have checked the tank-less water heater option.  There is a $300 tax credit for their installation before Dec. 31.

Charles stated that of the 69 homes that are 40 years old or older as of this year hence eligible for a Homes of Distinction award, only 18 qualified.  These homeowners will be recognized at the general meeting later this month and given a yard sign to display on their property.

Arnold noted there will be persons from the City of Irving at the Annual Meeting to explain the pick up of large items and heavy brush that can not ordinarily be handled on routine garbage collection days.

In the absence of Don Jensen, Charles outlined the Rotary flag display program whereby a large-sized flag is placed at individual homes, 5 times a year on patriotic holidays by members of the Boy Scouts of America. Charles stated that Don would like to man a booth at the up-coming Annual Meeting to familiarize homeowners with the opportunity to participate in this program. Charles motioned that the association allow such a promotion as it was for a charitable cause and it would serve to enhance the beauty of our UH neighborhood.  Arnold seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  Charles will notify Don accordingly.

The list to enhance property values has been in a state of inactivity and, for the absence of recommendations, languishes in "old business."  Martin Kahn suggested that there be a consensus from the board before presenting it to the general membership. Arnold agreed that it was not ready for presentation and should be put on the agenda for our Dec. 11th meeting.  The importance of this being brought forward may make it necessary to postpone upcoming subjects, such as the condition of our sidewalks and who is responsible for repairing them.

Bob Kitzman addressed the future of the Las Colinas development and its implications for UH homeowners.  With the expected increase in the hotel/motel tax being decided today by the voters, he was concerned that we have seen no progress since the spade turning for the new development.  It is his opinion that there is no vision for Highway183. Any proposed changes to 183 should be monitored by UHAOH to influence the way development occurs.  We need to form opinions and keep abreast of everything going on in our corridors as they do affect us. 

Barbara Hull reported on the Deck the Hills extravaganza to be on Monday, December 3 at 6:00 PM.  New additions to the party will be a posting of the colors by the Boy Scouts of America, a barbershop quartet along with the traditional manger scene, real live camel, wise men and maybe even real reindeer, if they can be located.  The glow necklaces are available for the "children."  Charles suggested that, because of our warm weather, the grounds should be checked for fire ants. 

John requested Arnold to obtain a waiver from the city and from TLCA to post signs outside for the general meeting and to post signs reminding everyone that there will be no garbage pickup the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Pat Andres announced the home of Dr. John and Linda Wollenman, at 608 Balboa, was selected to be Yard of the Month.  All board members are asked to participate in a photo opportunity immediately following adjournment of this meeting.

The next regular board meeting will be on December 11, 2007, in the Presidents’ Lounge of the Las Colinas Country Club at 11:30 A.M.  For those desiring to eat lunch, we ask that you arrive at 11:OO.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Nachimson, Secretary.