UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
BOARD MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2008
The meeting was called to order by the president, Arnold Martin, in the Presidents’ Lounge of the Las Colinas Country Club at 11:34 AM.
Board members present were: Arnold Martin, Esther Nachimson, Charles Schmidt, John DeMarco, Jim Wells, Anna Walther, Barbara Hull, Nell Anne Hunt and Bob Kitzman. Also present were: Pat Andres and Laura Hosler.
Board members not present were: Don McGee, Martin Kahn, Kass Prince and Don Jensen. Committee chairs not present were: Jennifer Davis, Fred Odell and Linda Oliver.
The minutes of the October board meeting as posted on the UHAOH website were approved unanimously.
In the absence of the Treasurer, Arnold reported a balance of $9,902.58 in the checking account at Bank of the West on September 30. In addition, he was in possession of checks from five new members for dues for the year 2008. Martin reminded the board that dues, according to our bylaws, are not prorated. As our present treasurer, Kass Prince, has submitted her resignation to be effective after the General Meeting on November 11 a final report will be on November 12.
Arnold stated that he has been unsuccessful in securing a volunteer for the office of the Treasurer.
John DeMarco announced the “retirement” of Linda Korkmas and introduced Laura Hosler who will be replacing Linda as the Block Captain for Guadalajara Court. John, Esther, and Arnold noted that Linda has served our UHAOH family in so many capacities for over 13 years. She was on the Red Wall Committee and assisted with the closing of Wingren project, served as Block Chief for many years, and along with Jim Wells, published the 2006 UH Neighborhood Directory. The board applauded Linda’s service and welcomed Laura.
Arnold wants to remind everyone that the block captains are always encouraged to attend our board meetings along with any residents who would care to come.
Pat Andres advised that the Yard of the Month for November is the home of Jan and Tom Hopwood of 100 Balboa Court. The award was presented to the Hopwoods and the pictures were posted on the UH website prior to the meeting because the homeowners could not be present for the usual post-meeting photo opportunity.
Nell Ann was applauded for the article she authored about the residence of Felix
and Rae Fenter which was published in The Irving Journal to note last month’s
YOTM award.
Charles Schmidt has received confirmation from Scott Wilson that TLCA will commence development of Northgate Park this month. This is the area at the SE corner of Rochelle and Northgate that has been set aside by the City of Irving and TLCA as a neighborhood park. The present hold-up is an underground pipeline that needs to be located. New sidewalks extending from Old Rochelle Park to Northgate will be part of the project. These sidewalks are to be located on the east side of the pond.
TLCA is still trying to find a theft-proof sign for the stone box at the base of the Flagpole at Rochelle and Wingren. The hope is to have the sign installed within three months.
Charles reported that he is bewildered by the “no response” attitude of the Administrators at Farine Elementary School. He has lined up 8 volunteers who are willing to go into Farine and help to try to improve its accreditation, which according to one source just missed being downgraded by 1 point. There has been zero interest. Anna Walther suggested that, perhaps, they should start at a higher level in the school administration or work through the PTA president.
Charles noted that several more residents had qualified for the Green Neighbor award making UHAOH’s participation rate at 16%. He will award these at the AGM on the 11th and suggested the opportunity for some photos be taken during the presentation of the Green Neighbor medallions. He stated that this year’s winners of the Home of Distinction award also will be recognized at the annual meeting on the 11th. These are homes 40 years or older that have been maintained in an exemplary fashion.
Arnold asked for volunteers to put on labels and stamps for our yearly mailing of dues notices. Several people said they would help.
Barbara Hull is excited about her project, Deck the Hills. It will be held on Monday, December 1 at 7:00 PM. She has a lead on costumes for the wise men in the manger scene and the baby(s). She sadly reported that there would not be live animals this year because of the increase in cost. The honor guard from Nimitz ROTC will present the colors and the pledge of allegiance. Barbara tried to give the opportunity to the MacArthur ROTC, but alas, they did not return several calls she made. Arnold suggested that she call Fran Witte at the City of Irving for the Blue Bags that will be passed out for favors. Nell Anne confirmed that she had the Santa costume and that Santa would be passing out the candy.
Arnold reported that the Barnett Shale project has waxed and waned, more on the wane phase now. Chesapeake is having some troubles. Gas prospects located east of the airport (us) seem to be less attractive. The wells dug thus far have been capped. All are hoping for a favorable outcome. Things are just delayed. He applauded Microsoft for doing all the design for the new NEIAC website, which will be put on line as soon as an attorney can be retained and the legal aspects of the site be validated. Arnold advised that the Barnett Shale discussion at our annual meeting can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as 30 minutes.
Barbara Hull asked for money to make a large sign to put out to advertise our Deck The Hills event. She and Arnold were staying after the meeting to fine tune the project.
Pat Andres asked if the curb numeral painting project done in April 2007 came with a warranty. There are several properties where the paint has faded or come off completely. Charles suggested that any thoughts about repainting numerals be held in abeyance as the City of Irving is repairing sidewalks and curbs in our area, e.g. Coronado.
The next UHAOH board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, at 11:30 AM in the Presidents Lounge at the Las Colinas Country Club. Those who will be ordering lunch are asked to arrive at 11:00.
Pat advised that the judging for Holiday Lighting Contest will be done on Wednesday,
December 10. This will allow residents a weekend after the Thanksgiving Holiday
weekend for the preparation of their decorations. As mentioned earlier there will be ten
Holiday Spirit Award winners and one Over-All winner.
The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther Nachimson, Secretary