Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - April 1, 2022 Edition!
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"What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
~ Confucius
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In accordance with our governing documents, the Treasurer will order an annual audit or review of the Association’s books. The Villages of Westcreek Board of Directors has contracted with the firm of Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates, P.C. to perform the audit of the HOA financial statements for the fiscal year of 2021.
Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates, P.C. will have a representative present at the Villages of Westcreek Annual Meeting on April 21, 2022, to present their findings and answer any questions homeowners may have. The audit report will be uploaded to your Homeowner Spectrum Portal following the meeting.
As a reminder, the Association’s budgets, audits, reviews, and financial statements are always available through your Homeowner Spectrum Portal. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Board. Our email address is Board@VillagesofWestcreek.com.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia - Treasurer, VWOA Board of Directors
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Click on each Candidate's Name
to view their Profile/Bio
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Watch for details in upcoming announcements via Constant Contact and the VWOA Website!
Submitted by: Francis Lomax - Chair, VWOA Communications Committee
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The 2022 Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom and the Nomination Committee wanted to ensure that all information regarding the meeting is distributed. The Board along with the Nomination Committee have been working to accommodate all homeowners, as well as abiding by state law in regard to requirements for HOA annual meetings and due to the recent changes in COVID Protocols, the following options for voting and attending will be available.
Voting Options:
- Voting in Person via Ballot Box in the office, can be dropped off during office hours.
- Ballots can be dropped off at the Community Center until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022, for those who would like to hear the candidates speak prior to voting.
- Electronically via VoteHOA Now and these emails are being sent out multiple times per week to encourage votes to be placed.
In order to accommodate homeowners without internet or Zoom access, the Community Center Hall will be open for the annual meeting for homeowners to listen to the Zoom call and/or drop off ballots and ask questions. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m.
Please understand this is not a live in-person meeting, just a place for those without web access to be able to attend the meeting. All other attendants will need to participate via Zoom from their venue as there will not be anyone present in the Community Center with the exception of the Board President, staff members, the Nomination Committee and possibly 5 homeowners chosen by candidates to observe the counting. These people will be attending solely for the purpose of counting votes and to facilitate the Zoom call for those in attendance.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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The annual meeting to elect some of our Board members is on April 21st. The Association is looking for civic-minded volunteers to fill three positions on the Board of Directors this year. A good Board of Directors is essential for a great Association - one that its members can be proud of and want to live in. Each Board of Directors' term is two years. After each annual election, the Board members conduct an organizational meeting to determine which officer position they will fulfill.
The deadline for getting your photo and profile/bio on the ballots to be mailed has passed. However, you can still submit them, and they will be updated in the VWOA March Newsletter and on the VWOA website.
Submitted by: Francis Lomax - Chair, VWOA Communications Committee
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC REGULAR MEMBER
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill a Regular Member vacancy on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
Additional duties and responsibilities are outlined in the "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (Article IX - Architectural Review Committee)" and "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance."
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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SAWS PIPELINE CONSRUCTION PROJECT |
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As we reported last month, the SAWS pipeline construction project began in the Sports Park the week of February 28th. The area shown above in blue was fenced off and closed for use while the work is in progress, and the rest of the park will remain open.
The pipe has been laid and covered in the "field portion" of the Sports Park Field. We are just waiting for them to lay the grass back down, and it will remain closed for an additional four weeks.
They are currently working on the "parking lot area" and should be through there next week. The Contractor has been moving very quickly and keeps us abreast of their progress.
We respectfully remind all residents to stay out of the construction zones' fenced-off areas, materials, and equipment. We will let you know when these areas are ready for use.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
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REPORTING STREET LIGHT OUTAGES COULDN'T BE EASIER |
CPS Energy maintains streetlights throughout the Greater San Antonio area and will repair damage to existing street lights including bulb replacement or light/pole damages.
Submitted by: Kim Dixon - Homeowner
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OFFICE CLOSURE
Good Friday: The office will be closed Friday, April 15th.
Reminder: The office is normally closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training. Because of the holiday, the April staff training will be held on the following Friday, April 22nd.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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COMMUNITY CENTER POOL OPENING
We are excited to announce that starting Friday, April 1st, 2022, the Community Center Pool will be opening to Villages of Westcreek residents. The Community Center Pool will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 AM - 8 PM and closed Mondays for cleaning. Valid RFID will be required for anyone 12 and older to access the pool with a maximum of 3 guests per adult ID and 6 guests per household.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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GETTING READY TO KICK OFF OUR 2022 POOL SEASON |
The 2022 Pool season is here, and the Recreation Department has been hard at work getting the pools ready. The first change you may notice is we are starting the year with fresh new furniture at the Community Center Pool! The Board of Directors voted to update the Community Center Pool’s furniture this year and the Sports Park Pool's next year. The revamp will consist of all new lounge chairs, regular chairs, small side tables, and mounted umbrellas (arriving soon) to allow for more shade options on the far side of the pool. The total cost for this project was $23,834.70.
The ADA chair at the Community Center Pool was also repaired at a cost of $1,574.21. Repairing vs. replacing saved the Association $2,645.79. A new cover was ordered for the chair at a cost of $180 to help protect the electronics from the elements.
The Sports Park Pool also required plumbing repairs to the showers and masonry. The cost for those repairs totaled $5,490.44 and the work was completed in March.
The Board has looked at adding new water features at the kiddie pools in the future. The cost of water features and a splash pad were more than the budget would allow for this year. With the Community Center mortgage soon to be paid off, it will free up more funds in the budget toward the end of 2023 and into 2024. The Board will be able to revisit adding a splash pad and/or fun features at the kiddie pool at that time. Our goal is to continue to maintain and update the amenities while also keeping annual dues low for our homeowners.
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Submitted by: Heather Mallia - Treasurer, VWOA Board of Directors
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We have many new homeowners in the Villages of Westcreek, so this is a great time to remind everyone about the Homestead Exemption in Bexar County. Filing your Homestead Exemption is very easy and may reduce your property taxes. The Homestead Exemption only needs to be done once and it’s on your account for as long as you own the home.
Many homeowners in our community can reduce their property taxes further by claiming and qualifying for other exemptions. Some people even qualify for $0 in property taxes based on their specific situation.
CLICK HERE to download a Residence Homestead Exemption Application Form.
CLICK HERE to see a summary of the other types of exemptions that will lower your property taxes.
It’s also that time of year that homeowners will begin receiving their Bexar County Tax Appraisal. As a reminder, protesting your tax appraisal is another way to lower your tax burden. It’s a good rule of thumb to protest every year no matter what. The entire process can be completed online through the online services portal at BCAD.org. In most cases you have to file your protest by May 30th, so don't wait.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia - Treasurer, VWOA Board of Directors
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Launched in February 2003, Ready is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
There are many ways to take action and prepare before a disaster occurs. Some of the most important ways to help yourself, your family, and your community increase your preparedness can be found on Ready.gov (an official website of the Department of Homeland Security).
Simple actions at home and in our neighborhood can make a big difference!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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In the spring it is not that unusual for San Antonio to be hit with storms producing high winds. We thought it would be helpful to provide you some tips to keep your trampoline secure.
To prevent your trampoline from flying off in the wind, you can anchor it with wind stakes or an anchor kit.
Wind stakes are U-shaped pegs that you place over your trampoline’s legs and hammer into the ground. You’ll need at least one for each trampoline leg, but if you live in an area that tends to get strong winds and storms, use 2 or 3 per leg.
Trampoline anchor kits come with 4 augers, which are corkscrew-like pegs, and 4 straps. These are more effective than regular pegs, but they’re also a little more expensive. To use an anchor kit, all you need to do is screw the augers into the ground about 1 foot inwards from each trampoline leg, and fasten the straps between the augers and the frame of your trampoline.
CLICK HERE for a printable guide on How to Anchor your Trampoline!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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More and more Westcreek residents have installed Security Cameras on their home as one measure to help deter crime. Did you know that the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has a “SafeCam Program” where you can register your camera not only to help prevent crime but also to help identify suspects and increase a proactive approach to crime fighting in our community?
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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Did you ever wonder what happens to your lawn and garden debris when you blow it into the streets?
The answer is that this debris usually ends up in the stormwater drainage system where, over time, it can clog pipes, resulting in street flooding. The water can also back up into homes. When the water flow in the drainage system is impeded, it also creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed and flourish.
You can help our community by keeping the streets and drainage areas around your property clean and clear of litter, leaves, and grass clippings.
Here are some tips on how to dispose of your garden waste:
- Compost your leaves and grass clippings.
- Invest in a mulching mower during the mowing season and leave your mulched grass clippings/leaves on the lawn.
- For significant accumulations, you can bag and dispose of them on your trash collection day.
Let's work together to keep the Villages of Westcreek beautiful and safe!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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Enjoy Some BINGO on TUESDAY - April 12th, 2022 |
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There has been an uptick in theft all over the city. The VWOA itself has also been a victim of thieves in recent months. According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the best defense is to deter the thieves and make it harder for them. Here is what they have suggested.
Lock your vehicles and double check that they are locked nightly, just like you do with your front door. Use a steering wheel lock (The Club) and locking lug nuts, as well as a tail gate lock for trucks. Remove ALL valuables from your car. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE FIREARMS in your vehicle at any time.
Check your gate latches/locks and lock the doors to your home. Many smart locks can be programmed to lock automatically nightly at a certain time. Be sure windows are locked & check them regularly.
If your street is dark, turn on your outside lights nightly. You can get simple dusk to dawn bulbs that will turn on automatically. Light up both the back and front yard, but be courteous and ensure your lights don’t shine on your neighbor's home or in their windows.
If you have cameras, double check that they are functional and that parameters are set to capture your entire yard.
Check your mail daily. Thieves can’t steal anything if the box is empty!
Get to know your neighbors. If something doesn’t look right, call the sheriff's office. If you're going out of town, have a neighbor collect your mail and check on your house.
Please Be Safe!
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on March 17, 2022, here is a recap of some of the projects discussed.
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Splash Pad-TABLED until 2023 due to the cost of the project.
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Clock Tower Landscape Design-OPEN- The deposit has been paid to Summit to place this project on their schedule to begin within the next week. The Board reviewed a change order due to a change in plants used and approved the change order in the amount of $488.24.
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Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-OPEN- The Community Manager is still working with TXDOT to obtain a more current map of the Right of Way at this location.
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Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-TABLED- The Board has decided to table this project until 2022 due to the construction on Talley Road now being completed.
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Mountain Bike Trails-OPEN- The Communities Activities Director was informed that the trail is ready to be cleared and this will entail trimming trees.
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New Pool Furniture and Shade Options-OPEN- The Community Manager has followed up with the pool company to get the status on when the furniture will be delivered and at this time, they are estimating a shipping date within the beginning of April 2022.
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RFID Cards at Dog Park-TABLED- This is tabled until after the clock tower landscaping has been completed in Spring 2022.
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Pointe Monument-OPEN- The slabs have been completed and all sign pieces have been built and the last base is curing. They are anticipating a delivery date of Monday, March 21, 2022.
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Cacti Removal/Tree Trimming/Shredding-CLOSED- This project has been completed and signed off by the VWOA Maintenance Supervisor as of March 4, 2022.
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Maintenance Shop Replacement-OPENED- The Board is reviewing options for the replacement of the maintenance shop and the location of the shop.
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Concrete Pad for Maintenance Shop-OPEN- The Board is reviewing contracts provided by 3 vendors for this project.
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Fence for Maintenance Shop-OPEN- This will be reviewed further once the maintenance shop has been installed.
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Approval of Wahoo’s Contract-CLOSED- While discussing the pool schedule, Wahoo’s pool contract was solidified and the contract has been provided to the Board President, Kevin Drummonds, for signing.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager |
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We are happy to announce that capacity limits remain at 100% since June 2021.
Guests are now allowed in the fenced areas (Children’s Tot Lot, Basketball Court, Tennis Court and the Pool) in the Sports Park. NOTE: 3 guests per ID with a maximum of 6 per household.
The basketball court has a capacity limit on the court and spectators/non-players need to stay outside of the fence.
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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Contract and Facility Rental Information links below!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION
The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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CLICK HERE for information on how we are addressing safety precautions while conducting business at the Community Center!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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Our next scheduled Community-Wide Weekend Yard Sales will be held between the hours of 7:00 am till 7:00 pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 9, 2022
- Sunday, April 10, 2022
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the VWOA website, the day prior to the event.
During the week leading up to your yard sales, the Association will place signs at the major intersections and entrances to the Villages of Westcreek that state: Yard Sales this Weekend.
If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan.
Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
If you know of a Food Truck that you think would be interested in joining the "StrEATS of Westcreek," have them contact the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 during our normal business hours. There is a small $25 fee for each truck that participates in the program. We only allow one truck per evening.
CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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UTILITY EASEMENTS AND SAFETY
As you are planning improvements around your property, one thing that is very important to keep in mind are utility easements.
Other than seasonal plantings*, anything of a permanent nature generally should not be placed on any utility easement. To determine if there is a utility easement on the property, refer to your Plat/Lot Survey.
However, if you are planning on placing a permanent structure within the utility easement, written approval from all applicable utility companies is required, and must be submitted along with your Property Improvement Application (PIA) and a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey, to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for approval.
Also, keep in mind safety when an improvement requires digging.
From City Public Service (CPS):
Are you planning a home improvement project? Installing a new fence or deck? Or just doing some landscaping like planting a tree or digging a few holes for new shrubs?
The next time your project involves digging, be sure to first locate electric and natural gas lines, as well as cable and phone lines, by calling 811. Allow 48 hours (two full working days) for a team to come to your property and mark utility lines before your project begins. It's the law.
*Utility companies may remove or damage any permanent planting in utility easements.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Chair, Architectural Review Committee
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BOARD APPOINTS NEW ARC MEMBER |
The Board of Directors approved the appointment of Victor Estello as a regular member of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
We welcome and thank Victor for submitting his name for consideration to serve on this vital committee.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the work of this committee.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Chair, Architectural Review Committee
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2022 Spring Soccer Starts Saturday, April 30th
CLICK HERE to see more about the various VWOA sports programs.
Contact:
Jason Dunbar
VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
Phone - 210-748-2245
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
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SPRING FUN FOR KIDS
April Word Search Puzzle
Printable April Mazes
Printable Spring Ad Libs
Easter Crafts
Connect the Dots Worksheets
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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LAWN FERTILIZATION SCHEDULE
For warm season southern grasses in South Central Texas including St. Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia
Fertilizing your lawn on a regular schedule is your best defense against weeds, fungus, and insect damage. Rainbow Gardens recommends fertilizing your turf at least twice a year, in spring and in fall. However, if your lawn is badly damaged, you may benefit from the additional feedings listed between the spring and fall recommendations.
The following dates are guidelines. Keep in mind that the weather is really what we need to go by. It can dictate an earlier or later application time.
Late March - Late April for Spring Feeding Grass must be actively growing to absorb fertilizer properly. After the second mowing of the season, apply a simple 19-5-9 formula for an early green-up. Rainbow Gardens’ premium lawn fertilizer is specially formulated for our region.
Mid May - Early August for Summer Feeding (if necessary). Apply slow-release 3-1-2 or 3-0-2 fertilizers or a liquid lawn fertilizer like Medina’s Hasta-Gro lawn food.
June-September Chelated Iron Application (if needed) - When turf grass looks yellow (iron chlorosis), use apply a granular or liquid iron supplement. Every second or third month during the warm season should be enough. Hi-Yield Iron Plus granules and Dr. Iron are two excellent choices. Stay away from Ironite since it doesn’t have much effect in our alkaline (high PH) soils.
October-November for Fall Feeding - Apply winterizing formulas for winter hardiness. Ratios vary, but make sure they are “winter” or “fall” formulas designed for southern grasses. Rainbow Garden’s 18-6-12 winterizer formula is a great choice These formulas will make lawns winter-hardy and provide for early spring green up.
When applying fertilizers, try your best to keep it on the turf. Avoid over-spreading onto sidewalks, driveways, and streets, as this leads to run off. Fertilizers with iron can stain concrete. Nitrogen and phosphorous are great for the lawn but not for our water supply.
The numbers on the bag are the ratio of nitrogen (N) to phosphorous (P) to potassium (K). Nitrogen is responsible for making turf green, phosphorous (slower-acting) promotes root development, and potassium works to feed turf and keep it strong during drought or other stressful conditions.
Both organic and synthetic fertilizers contain active NPK ingredients. It’s the source from where those ingredients come from that is different. Synthetic fertilizers get their NPK from chemicals. Organic fertilizers get their NPK from naturally derived elements, like manure or biosolids.
Which to use depends on the homeowner. Here are a few differences:
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Synthetic fertilizers offer quick turn around and fast green-up as their chemical ingredients are more readily available to be used right away in the fertilization process. Synthetic fertilizers are usually less costly.
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Organic fertilizers take a little longer to work as their ingredients must be naturally broken down and processed in order to be used. However, most organic fertilizers actually increase the health of your soil by improving its ability to digest and absorb the fertilizer ingredients.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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