UNIVERSITY HILLS ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
October 7, 2008
The board meeting was called to order at 11:30 AM by Vice-President Charles Schmidt in the absence of the President, Arnold Martin.
Board members present were: Kass Prince, Esther Nachimson, Don McGee, Jim Wells, Charles Schmidt, Martin Kahn, Nell Anne Hunt, Bob Kitzman, Barbara Hull and John DeMarco. Committee Chairs present were Linda Oliver, Pat Andres, and Anna Walther. Also present were Rick Bidne and Kathrine Pennington from TLCA, Felix Fenter, a member of the bylaws committee, and Laural Hosler. Board members not present were Arnold Martin and Don Jensen. Committee chairs not present were Jennifer Davis and Fred Odell. Charles noted the absence of Arnold Martin and asked all to keep him in their prayers.
Charles asked Don McGee to give the board an overview and an explanation of the proposed changes to the association’s bylaws. These proposed new bylaws were sent to the board members by Jim Wells on September 25th. The members of the committee for the revision of the bylaws were Martin Kahn, Jesse Orsini, John Hogue, Felix Fenter, and Don McGee as chair.
One of the changes proposed is a plan for staggering the election and/or re-election of directors rather than the election of all of the board every two years. Under the new bylaws there would be an election of a third of the board each year. The elections will be somewhat similar to the pattern used by TLCA with the fine details yet to be decided. Term limits are thought to serve no purpose with elections each year. This method would retain experienced members on the board.
The issue of errors and omissions insurance for the board of directors was addressed in the proposed new bylaws. It could be an optional provision. Many qualified persons are reluctant to serve in organizations that do not have E&O insurance.
John was concerned that the role of the past president should be defined in a more concise manner.
Don McGee motioned to approve the bylaws as discussed. Esther Nachimson seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Rick Bidne of TLCA was present to address the subject of the Barnett Shale and its impact on our area and UH specifically. He announced the organization of a committee made up of volunteers named NEIAC (North East Irving Area Coalition.) This coalition includes an executive committee who have met on a regular basis for the last 6 weeks. The third group is all the residents at-large. The purpose of NEIAC is to find out how all property owners can maximize their advantage in dealing with the Barnett Shale. Three meetings were held last week under the auspices of NEIAC: one for homeowners associations, one for apartment owners, and another for commercial property owners. They were amazed and pleased by the attendance at all three meetings.
Mr. Bidne said the website for NEIAC (www.neiac.org) will be up and running in about 7 days. There will be a non-binding document for interested parties to sign so that we can take advantage of pooling. The organization has enlisted the help of an attorney to oversee and validate the documentation.
Mr. Bidne stressed there was no urgency for anyone to be in a hurry to make a decision about entering a gas lease for their property. The most profitable action in the long run will be to wait and let the companies compete for our contracts. As to the gas prospects in this area, one company official when asked if they were satisfied with their exploration efforts to date in a nearby location replied, "they were not disappointed."
Charles referred to the minutes of the September 9th board meeting which are posted on the UH website. Martin motioned the minutes be approved. John seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously.
The treasurer’s report was passed out by Kass Prince. She noted that there were several checks for dues and a check from the City for $400 from the Community Grant that were not reflected in today’s report and stated they would appear on next month’s report. John objected to approving the minutes until it was clarified that the transfer of funds from the maturing CD earlier this year did not reflect negatively on the present treasurer’s report. Charles motioned that the treasurer’s report be approved. Martin Kahn seconded the motion. The motion passed with 2 objections from John DeMarco and Nell Anne Hunt.
Kass expressed the hope that, in the future, we should be able to go on line and check for transactions in our money market account and checking accounts.
Linda Oliver and Kass went over their records and concluded we have a total of 301 members who had paid dues to date with several checks to be deposited.
Barbara Hull excited the board with her plans for our upcoming Deck the Hills event (a.k.a. Celebration of Lights). She said we would dedicate this year’s celebration to our "hot cocoa lady," Alice Martin, beloved wife of Arnold Martin who recently passed. Alice made the cocoa every year for this event as well as all the splendid costumes worn by the characters in the Nativity Scene.
Barbara said the lighted train display is being replaced by a new one purchased from JC Penny’s. Also, she is buying more lights for the stage. An impressive ROTC unit will be asked to lead in the posting of the colors and pledge of allegiance. Barbara has a record of Elvis Presley singing "God Bless America." She showed the board "green" bags obtained from the City of Irving to pass out to the children in place of the toys given last year. A blue bag will be added to promote our "Green Neighbor" program. Last but not least, Barbara was happy to announce that we have a "Baby Jesus" and that the parents are delighted to have their bundle of joy participate.
Esther Nachimson invited everyone on the board to become members of the Irving Heritage Society and asked permission to extend an invitation to all of University Hills to join. She asked if perhaps a notice could be sent out via the internet. Don McGee asked that the motion be tabled until the next meeting.
Kathrine Pennington reported on the Annual Meeting of the Las Colinas Association held On October 6th. Messrs. Tichy and McKee were re-elected to the board. Kathrine also noted the property at the SE corner of Hwy 114 and MacArthur had been given the award of excellence at the meeting. At one time this area did not seem to hold much promise but with all the efforts by the developer in earth-moving and landscaping it has become quite attractive with several businesses erecting buildings on the site.
Pat Andres announced the Yard of the Month was earned by Felix and Rae Fenter who live at 4114 Wingren, next to the golf course. The Fenters have been recipients of several holiday decoration awards. A photo op at their home immediately followed this meeting
Pat proposed to award 11 general winners for gaily decorated homes in this year’s Holiday Lighting Contest. This contrasts with the ten special categories used last year. That made judging especially difficult as there was too much overlap between categories. One overall winner will be awarded an overall winner sign. The other ten winners will be given signs that will all say the same thing "Holiday Spirit Award". The judging for the HLC will take place in the evening of the second Wednesday of December (the 10th.)
Martin Kahn motioned that $500 be approved for the purchase of the signs. Bob Kitzman seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The annual general membership meeting will be Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM at the Las Colinas Country Club. A large turnout is anticipated. Updates will be given about the Barnett Shale issue.
The next board meeting will be November 4 at 11:30 AM at the Las Colinas Country Club. Persons who want to have lunch should arrive 30 minutes early.
Don McGee motioned the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed and the meeting was duly adjourned at 1:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther Nachimson,
Recording Secretary.