Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - August 1, 2022 Edition!
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"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
~ Mark Twain
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Q: What is your role here at Westcreek?
A: Administrative Assistant in the front office
Q: What brought you here/what makes you stay?
A: I wanted to work close to my home and be of service to the beautiful community of Westcreek. What keeps me here is the team environment is great. It makes it easy to come to work.
Q: How long have you been with Villages of Westcreek?
A: I started working here in February 2022, about 5 months ago, but I have been a homeowner here for 21 years.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
A: I like to travel and explore the world around me. It could be to an adjacent town or out of the country. Either way, I am happy. I also like going to concerts and spending time with my parents, 2 sons, and boutique shopping.
“We are so proud to have you as part of our team!”
Submitted by: Brian Bush, VWOA Assistant Secretary
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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We are continuously experiencing a problem with illegal dumping in various easements located in our community. Dumping unwanted items in these areas, such as landscape debris, unwanted furniture, mattresses, old fences, etc., creates an ideal environment for attracting snakes, rodents, and vectors. Every time there is dumping in these easements, the VWOA has to spend time and financial resources to clean these areas up.
There are a large number of easements located in our community. A majority of the easements are owned and maintained by the VWOA. The county and private owners own several others.
You can report illegal dumping in the VWOA-owned easements by calling 210-679-8761.
For illegal dumping in the county or privately owned easements, you can call Code Compliance at 210-335-6664. You can also email them at CodeCompliance@Bexar.org.
Click here for a complete listing of all easements and responsible parties.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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STAGE 2 WATERING RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN EFFECT |
San Antonio Water System uses watering rules and restrictions, established by city ordinance, to proactively manage the region’s water resources. The rules & restrictions limit water use based on specific levels of the Edwards Aquifer.
We are currently in Stage 2!
Click here to learn more about each stage of watering rules and drought restrictions!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair
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Qualifying items can be purchased tax-free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 5, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 7.
Click here for a complete list of qualifying items and additional details.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair
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The 2022 Texas General elections will be held on November 8, 2022.
Signs expressing support for an individual political candidate or party or local bond issue or referendum may be placed in a private front yard no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to a primary or general election and must be removed no later than ten (10) days after the election unless the candidate is involved in a runoff election.
Such political signs shall not exceed five (5') square feet and must be professionally produced. Homemade signs are not permitted.
The limit for political signs is one (1) per candidate or ballot item per lot.
Note: Banners may be approved by the ARC on a case-by-case basis.
References:
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair
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STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Strategic Planning Committee is critical for long-term planning of using the Association’s reserve funds. The Association has two savings accounts, referred to as reserve accounts.
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The Repair and Replacement Fund is for maintaining existing Common area items in the community.
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The Capital Improvement Fund can only be used to add new items.
The Association contracts with a firm every few years to do a Reserve Study. The purpose of a Reserve Study is to list the things the Association must maintain, itemize their useful life, and give a schedule of repairs or replacement. The Reserve Study also lays out a plan for funding the reserve account. The Reserve Study also ensures that we have enough money saved to meet the repair and replacement obligations.
The Association is looking for volunteers to serve on this critical committee.
The committee will:
- Use the Reserve Study to list short-term and long-term projects for the Board.
- Create a 5-year plan for itemized reserve projects.
- Take suggestions from the community and committees on requested amenity additions and improvements.
- Make recommendations to the Board based on the committee’s projections.
This is your opportunity to have a voice in planning the future of the Association’s common areas and amenities. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email our community manager at CM@VillagesofWestcreek.com. The committee will meet via zoom.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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OFFICE CLOSURE
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Friday, August 19, 2022, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for Staff Development.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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Splash Pad- TABLED until 2023 due to the cost of the project.
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Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-OPEN- The Community Manager spoke with a representative from TXDOT, and they informed her that TXDOT does not typically allow any type of construction within their right of ways.
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Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-TABLED- The Board has decided to table this project until the construction on Talley Road has been completed.
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Mountain Bike Trails-CLOSED—The Activities Director informed the Board that the initial trail is complete, and this will be an ongoing project. The Board made the decision to close out this item.
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RFID Cards at Dog Park-TABLED- This is tabled at this time due to the estimated cost that includes electrical work, fence work, and the installation of the RFID system.
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Pointe Monument-OPEN-The Board has approved Lonestar Kustom Construction’s proposal to do 4 monuments at the cost of $4,300 per monument for trenching (The Pointe, The Hollows, Willowbrook, and The Oaks at Westcreek Oaks). The Board also approved the proposal provided by Urban Dirt in the amount of $2,350 for landscaping to be completed in September/October 2022.
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The Park Monument Electric-CLOSED- This has been completed and the new lighting has been installed and working.
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Maintenance Shop Replacement -OPEN- The contract for this has been signed and the deposit invoice paid. This project is currently scheduled to begin after completion of the concrete pad and electrical installation.
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Maintenance Shop Concrete Pad-OPEN- The vendor has provided the survey for the concrete pad installation and is working to file all paperwork with the county for permitting.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager |
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Contract and Facility Rental Information links are below!
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, August 13, 2022
- Sunday, August 14, 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
SPECIAL NOTE: At the May 19, 2022, Board meeting, it was discussed and decided to no longer charge food trucks to set up and serve our homeowners unless it is an event in which case, the $25 fee still applies. This was decided in order to have more food trucks visit our community and serve our homeowners.
CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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SOLAR PANELS
As more homeowners explore the options and benefits of solar panels, we at the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), would like to remind you that a Property Improvement Application (PIA) is not required as long as the system meets the Federal, State, and Local guidelines for installation and meets the local energy company’s requirements. Although this major improvement may be seen as a required authorization, it is one of the few home improvements that does not require ARC approval. For additional guidelines see the From the Standards paragraph below.
From the Standards:
8.11.1 Solar Panels; Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, commonly known as Solar Panels, mounted on the roof do not require ARC approval. Installation must be done according to Federal, State, and local laws, and installation must comply with local energy companies' requirements.
Note: Prior ARC approval is required for any of the following:
8.11.2 Solar Hot Water Systems; Solar hot water systems should be installed by a licensed and qualified professional. For maximum benefit, the proposed location of the collector is most efficient where the sun is most prevalent.
8.11.3 Ground Mounted Collectors; Ground mounted collectors must be placed behind the fencing, and screening may be required to minimize visibility from the street or neighboring properties.
8.11.4 Wind Turbines/Windmills; Wind turbines or windmills must be: 1) ground-mounted behind the dwelling; 2) no taller than fifty (50') feet, and 3) no closer than two (2') feet from the fencing.
8.11.5 Ground Mounted Transformers and Air Handling Equipment; Ground mounted transformers and air handling equipment must be installed 1) behind the fencing; and 2) screened if visible from the street. For screening suggestions, refer to Section 6.11.2.
Submitted by: Victor Estello - Architectural Review Committee
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HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION |
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The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year. Please click on the following link to see the latest information about these programs:
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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YOGA CLASSES - IN PROGRESS |
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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SWIM LESSONS STARTING - MONDAY, AUGUST 1st
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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PET VACCINE CLINIC - SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th
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For your convenience, the Prosper Paws Vaccine Clinic will be providing services at the VWOA Community Center on Saturday, August 6th, 2022. If you are interested, please click on the link below for pricing information:
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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ENJOY BINGO - TUESDAY, AUGUST 9th
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE DEADLINE - TUESDAY, AUGUST 9th
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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CASINO NIGHT - FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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KID'S DANCE CLASSES START - WED, SEPTEMBER 7th
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager |
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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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WESTCREEK SPORTS FALL 2022 SOCCER PROGRAM |
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Coed, ages 3 through 16
Registration Dates:
Early bird - June 27th 2022 through July 10th 2022
$60.00 per child & $45.00 for additional children
Coach- $45.00 per child
Regular - July 11th 2022 through July 24th 2022
$70.00 per child & $55.00 for additional children
Coach- $55.00 per child
Late - July 25th 2022 through August 7th 2022
$80.00 per child & $65.00 for additional children
Coach- $65.00 per child
Proposed Schedule:
Practice begins the week of August 29th 2022
Practice day and time determined by the coach
First game is September 10th 2022
Last Regular Season Game is October 29th 2022
End of Season Tournament November 12th and 19th 2022
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
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Printable Summer Coloring Pages
Printable Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Printable Pre-school Activities
Word Search Puzzle
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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Buy, Bump, Plant, and Protect Method for
Fall or Spring Tomatoes
July brings fall tomatoes to local plant nurseries. It might seem too early, but the folks at Rainbow Gardens recommend their BBPP Method as a game plan for local gardeners.
B is for: Buy
Tomatoes need to be purchased early in both fall and spring. The biggest reason is the relatively short window for tomatoes to grow and produce before a winter frost when growing in fall or the summer heat when growing in spring. Another reason is selection. Tomato plants sell out quickly. And since they know that tomatoes won’t produce when planted too late, the nurseries also stop ordering after a certain timeframe.
B is for: Bump
The next step is to bump up the smaller tomato transplants to a gallon-sized container and set them outside in a shadier area in early fall or a morning sun area in early spring to allow them to grow a larger root system and before setting them in the garden. This larger root system creates a stronger and more resilient plant and eases transplant shock.
P is for: Plant
Hopefully, the tomato plants in these bumped-up containers will be producing, or close to producing, flowers by the time they head into the garden in mid to late August through early September for fall tomatoes and early to mid-March for spring tomatoes. These timeframes are good guidelines. While the weather will always play a role in the correct time for planting, you should try to avoid planting later than those recommendations. If you plant too late in the fall, you risk a frost damaging your plants before your tomatoes develop. If you plant too late in spring, the heat will arrive and shut down any production or setting of fruit.
P is for: Protect
When planting your tomatoes during the recommended timeframe, you will most likely find that the weather is still not at the ideal temperature that tomatoes prefer. Protecting your tomatoes from the harsh summer sun or the freezing cold of winter is of utmost importance. Shade cloth is great during the transition from late summer into early fall and frost cloth is best during the transition from late winter into early spring.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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