UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS

BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

The meeting was called to order by president, Arnold Martin, at 7:38 A.M. in the 5^th floor board room of The Las Colinas Association on Highway 114.  Board members attending were: Arnold Martin, Don Jensen, Esther Nachimson, Charles Schmidt, Mary Oberlin, Craig Boleman, Jim Wells, Nell Ann Hunt, Paul Oldham, Don McGee, Chandra Muenster, Susan High, Peggy Hayter and Rick Bidne.  Robin Beggs was also in attendance.  Board Members not present were:

Minutes of the last meeting were posted on the internet.  There were no changes.

Arnold Martin thanked Susan High and Rick Bidne for arranging our meeting at the association headquarters.

Don Jensen presented the treasurer’s report with total assets of $$14,364.39.  A proposed budget for the 2005 fiscal year was also presented.  Don reported a total of 265 household memberships in the UHAOH.  These reports may be seen on our website. 

Charles Schmidt, our public works liaison, reminded everyone of the importance of voting in the September 10th referendum on beer and wine sales in Irving.  He and Pat Andres announced the Yard of the Month of September to be the home of Richard and Deb McLaughlin who live a 3221 Hidalgo.  The award was presented at 9:15, after we adjourned our board meeting.

There was a discussion regarding the concerns one of our UH homeowners had about the questionnaire we were asked to fill out by TLCA about the various monitoring systems used by our residents. They are gathering information so they will have the latest update on all systems they monitor.  They want this info to  be all in one place.  Some commercial and home systems block the ability for TLCA to monitor their property and they want the owners to know who they are.  There are no planned charges to be assessed. 

There was another concern by a resident concerning a clause in the paperwork for the Aesthetic Committee at the upcoming TLCA annual meeting in October.  The homeowner was concerned that TLCA would have too much authority and would over-inforce the restrictions.  Rick Bidne stated they were trying to make the process more user friendly in that residents would now be invited guests to the process and would be allowed to speak to the issues at hand when they were in attendance at meetings.  He stated TLCA has a 40 year history of working in harmony with Las Colinas homeowners.  This will continue.

In the past, there has been only one way to handle homes in violation of the codes and that was to go to court.  This has proved to be costly and not always satisfactory.  They are now asking to give the board authority to make a direct charge to the homeowners in violation of TLCA codes. 

Another concern was the wording in one of the paragraphs in regard to the homeowners assessment for dues.  The change in the wording to allow TLCA to assess up to $0.30 per $100 valuation.  The present assessment is at $0.12 per $100.  The dues is not being increased. 

Chris Wallace will leave TLCA on October 5^th to become the president of the Irving/Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, replacing, our own James Spriggs.  We will miss him at our meetings.  Chris has been with TLCA for just under 5 years. 

Arnold Martin suggested the UHAOH donate a book in honor of Nell Dean, one of our residents who is in a very grave condition.

The book would be placed in her church library.

Arnold Martin said he would consider a motion to give another $500 to the Great Flag Caper effort that was under-funded in July.  Paul Oldham seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The money for the GFC will be included in the proposed budget.

Rick Bidne stated that anytime a neighbor has issues, TLCA wants to know about it.  Arnold stated he was concerned  the UHAOH would be bypassed and would like to have the homeowners notify the block captains who in turn would notify UHAOH who would call TLCA.  He felt there should be an “avenue of assistance.”

Jim Wells reported that Rochelle has become a race track again.  We need to call the city and ask the IPD to patrol more carefully.  He was hopeful the new police chief who will come on board in November will recognize the necessity of installing cameras at intersections to catch speeders and light runners.  Studies completed so far do not warrant traffic lights at Rochelle and Hidalgo and at Santa Clara and Northgate.

Craig Boleman is extremely concerned that the city has not been more pro-active about the West Nile virus present in UH.  One of his neighbors is infected with the disease and has been very ill. 

Craig and his committee is planning to make up packets to include a recycle bag with the schedule of recycle pickup, a letter addressing the West Nile problem (check your computer for this report), the requirements and guidelines to be eligible for the Yard of the Month awards.  These packets will be passed out by the Block Captains.

Don McGee was welcomed back and gave us an update on the golf course revamping.  It is on schedule and expected to reopen around the first of the year.  He stated new fencing was on the docket but not on the clock.  There is a question of weather they will use screening or wrought iron for the fencing.  To be able to use wrought iron on Rochelle to replace the chain link, they will need to get a variance from the city----it is not a TLCA call.

We are getting ready for our Christmas display at Pea Patch Lake.  There will be a meeting at Craig’s home on September 20 at 7:00 P. M.  Bring a snack.  The holiday event will be on Monday, November 29---that’s the Monday after Thanksgiving.

The Las Colinas Country Club has been reserved for  November 9

for our annual UHAOH meeting at 7:00 P.M.

The next board meeting will be in the grill of the LCCC, Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00 A. M.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Nachimson, Secretary