UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING: OCTOBER 2, 2007
The UHAOH monthly board meeting was called to order by president Arnold Martin at 11:33 AM in the Presidents’ Lounge at the Las Colinas Country Club. Board members present were: Arnold Martin, Don McGee, Kass Prince, Jim Wells, Bob Kitzman, Barbara Hull, and John De Marco. Committee Chairpersons and Deputy Block Chiefs present were: Pat Andres and Anna Walther. Board members not present were: Esther Nachimson, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Don Jensen, and Nell Anne Hunt. In lieu of our UHAOH Secretary, Esther Nachimson, John motioned that the minutes of the September 10th meeting which were posted on the UH website be approved as posted. The motion carried.
Kass Prince, Treasurer, presented the latest financial reports for our association. Kass went on to explain these are unchanged essentially from the reports issued on September 10th as there had been no new income or expense items. The reports were accepted as presented.
Jim Wells, Web Master, reported on UHAOH communications. At the request of Jim, John advised that there were some positive results from the first month’s test program for distributing THE BEACON in Area C by our Block Captains. Seven new email addresses were obtained and these parties will be switched over to electronic delivery. Arnold requested a copy of these new email addressed be provided to Linda Oliver and himself in order to keep the membership listings current. On another as of THE BEACON, Jim iterated again his plea for more contributions to the editorial content so that this monthly newsletter may become even more informative for our residents in UH. Arnold stated that he has some plans afoot for this and will be meeting with Jim separately in the next few days. Jim drew everyone’s attention to the rising sales prices for homes in UH as measured in the Real Estate report on our UH website. Although The Irving Journal carried a figure of $100/Sq Ft for YTD sales in UH, Jim reckons the figure is actually $107/Sq Ft. In either case this is a substantial improvement over the valuations recorded earlier in the year.
Pat Andres asked about the two homes in UH which appear to be in a state of complete disrepair. Arnold noted that there were many complications attending to these properties but that the responsible parties are aware of the situation and are taking appropriate action.
In the absence of Charles, Jim made reference to the list of 21 Possible Actions for Enhancing UH Values that Charles passed out at our last meeting. Some comments were received but more would be welcomed so as to reach a consensus. Arnold remarked that, although the efforts of those who created the listing were most commendable, at this stage the matter could be considered as a work in process.
On behalf of Charles, Arnold reported that the Village Presidents of Las Colinas had endorsed the Green Neighbor Program at their September meeting. Accordingly TLCA will be rolling out the program in October.
Anna Walther apprised the meeting of an email message just received from Susan High, Director of Community Relations for TLCA. Susan will not be able to attend today’s meeting as there was a problem encountered with the Green Neighbor Program signage that requires her immediate attention. Nevertheless Susan advises the letter from Rick Bidne, President of TLCA, will be ready for distribution tomorrow.
Bob Kitzman provided a detail report on the activities of the UH Infrastructure Program Committee. Over the past several months, Bob, Charles, Arnold, and various TLCA staff have been closely examining all curbs, sidewalks, and alleyways in UH with purpose to identify those areas in need of repair or replacement. These data specific to each location were compiled through the good offices of TLCA into an Excel spreadsheet. Also included were the results of TLCA surveys conducted in years 2000, 2001, and 2005. This resulted in a impressive array of infrastructure repair needs for UH and the changes over time. In addition Bob elaborated on the City of Irving’s approach to these infrastructure needs. Unlike the gated villages of Hackberry Creek or Cottonwood Valley, the maintenance and repair of curbing, sidewalks, and alleyways in UH are a responsibility of the City and not of the homeowners’ association. Our UHAOH officers meet with the City’s PWD staff on August 24th in conjunction with TLCA to register the infrastructure repair needs for UH. These were also brought to the attention of the Mayor and to other members of the City Council. Bob was of the opinion that we should not raise false hopes about an immediate response from the City. Nonetheless it is important that our needs were made known, these needs were presented in an organized fashion, and that UH is logged onto PWD’s list. Bob also noted that infrastructure repairs and code enforcement are two separate isssues. The latter will require some effort as well. All at the meeting were glad to hear that this effort had been made on improving our infrastructure. Arnold suggested a committee of sorts be maintained to keep a close watch on this issue.
Barbara Hull advised that the preparations for Deck the Hills were well underway. The electrician had reviewed the lighting displays and had made recommendations as to repair and replacement. Also, Barbara and Arnold met with TLCA about electrical requirements. A spotlight to illuminate the choir will be needed. Don McGee offered to select something appropriate. Barbara confirmed the date and time for Deck the Hills as Monday, December 3 starting at 6 PM.
Barbara brought the meeting’s attention to a problem with the over-feeding of ducks at the ponds along Rochelle. This can be deleterious to the ducks in their migration as well as give rise to a health hazard. Don suggested TLCA be apprised of this problem as they might have their patrols monitor this area to prevent recurrence of any wanton over-feeding. Bob mentioned that he had noticed a great increase in the fishing activity at our ponds. Arnold stated that fishing was not prohibited by TLCA, although TLCA had some rules and regulations about debris, fishhooks, and other aspects of fishing at these ponds.
Pat announced the Yard of the Month winners for October, Anita and Frank Porco at 3712 Guadalajara Court. Immediately following the meeting there will be a photo op at our YOTM winner as Mr. Porco had made special arrangements to be there at 1:15 PM. Arnold noted that the Callaway’s sign associated with our YOTM program was not being displayed. Apparently it is still with Callaway’s. Accordingly Arnold asked if anyone were planning to go to Callaway’s store in Grapevine, it would be appreciated if they would collect the sign for us.
Don McGee remarked that too many lawn-mowing contractors in UH were blowing the grass clippings into the streets (and not bagging them). This is a violation of City &/or TLCA ordinances. If not stopped, the situation will only become worse when the leaves start to fall. Arnold suggested a reminder notice be included in THE BEACON as these contractors are hired by individual homeowners. John noted our Directory page on Keeping UH Safe and Beautiful carries this request not to blow grass clippings into the street.
In the matter of the UH Directory for 2008, Arnold advised that he is working to form a committee to produce the directory for next year. More about this will be forthcoming at the November meeting.
Arnold mentioned, in the absence of Linda Oliver, that an up to date listing
of UH residents indicating those paid and unpaid for 2007 had been prepared.
This will be given to Linda who will use it as basis for her efforts in
encouraging membership support.
Barbara suggested that she be authorized to accept dues payments from any
new-comers to UH she will be visiting over the next few months as a pre-payment
of their dues for 2008. It was generally agreed this would be an appropriate
gesture.
Arnold reaffirmed that the 2007 Annual Meeting for the University Hills Association of Homeowners will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 PM at the Las Colinas Country Club. Preparations are being made for a full program and everyone in UH is invited.
There being no further business to discuss Don motioned the meeting be adjourned. John seconded it and the meeting closed at 1:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
John De Marco in lieu of Esther Nachimson, Secretary