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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - February 1, 2020 Edition!
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"Real, sustainable community change requires the initiative and engagement of community members."
~Helene D. Gayle
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Why should you get involved in your community and your HOA? Why should you attend a Board meeting? There are several benefits to attending Board meetings and/or committee meetings.
Stay Informed
- Meeting minutes are always posted online, but they are up to two months behind due to the approval process. Email updates and newsletters are great (if you are reading this, then you get the newsletter!), but these are just the highlights. Quite a bit of misinformation is shared on social media, so don't rely on that as a news source! By attending an HOA meeting, you can hear exactly what's going on first-hand. You hear the discussions, the debates, the recommendations from homeowners in the audience, and concerns that your neighbors are expressing. You can learn about the issues facing your neighborhood and the surrounding areas.
Be Heard
- The beginning of every Board meeting has a homeowner forum. This is your time to speak up and let your voice be heard! You can express concerns about things happening in the neighborhood, ask questions, or share an issue you'd like the HOA to address. You can also get involved by volunteering! The Board of Directors and the committees in the Villages of Westcreek are made up of your neighbors volunteering to better the community and support the HOA.
Understand the Finances
- Do you know how your dues are being spent? Do you know the amount the association is carrying in past due assessments? Association financials are reported at every Board meeting and posted on your Spectrum Portal. Board meetings are also when large community projects are voted on by the Board. By attending the meetings, you can gain more insight into where your dues are going and what decisions are being made for future expenditures. You can also volunteer for your association's Finance Committee. The Finance Committee puts together the yearly budget and recommends whether or not dues should increase to meet the association's financial obligations.
Understand the Rules
- Are you annoyed by the fact that you can't build something without approval? Or that your neighbor is throwing loud parties every Saturday? Or that there is an excessive amount of loose pets running the neighborhood? What's the HOA's role in these items? Can they be changed? There may be a very valid reason behind a certain rule that, once explained, makes perfect sense. Or maybe it's an old rule that just hasn't been updated to the changing times. The best way to understand the how's and why's is to get involved, attend a meeting, and ask questions.
Remember the HOA is All of Us
- Collectively we make the association what it is. Your Board of Directors and your committee members are all volunteer homeowners who want to make our community a better place to live. Stay informed, be heard, and get involved!
You invest a short amount of time and get a huge return. Unlike in past years, the monthly Board meetings now are usually only about 1 ½ hours and rarely last more than 2 hours. For less than 2 hours per month, you can stay informed, be heard, understand rules and finances, and be an active part of your community. Plus, as an added bonus, there is free food and drink at each meeting. If you're still not convinced, at least check the agenda (emailed and posted) before each meeting and go to the ones concerning issues that are important to you.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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Under Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code, residential subdivision HOAs are required to have 'open' board meetings, meaning that the members of the HOA (i.e., the property owners) have the right to attend, but not speak, at said board meetings. This requirement does not extend to non-owners (such as renters) or members of the public.
The HOA board does have the right to adjourn and reconvene in a
closed, executive session to consider the following matters:
- Personnel issues
- Pending or threatened litigation
- Contract negotiations
- Enforcement actions
- Legal advice and confidential communications with the HOA's attorney
- Matters involving invasion of privacy
- Matters that are to remain confidential at the request of the affected parties and by agreement of the board
Any decisions made in closed sessions must be summarized orally, in general terms, at the next open meeting and must be recorded in the minutes. This summary must also include a general explanation of any expenditures that were approved in the executive session.
HOA Meeting Notice Requirements
This open meeting statute also requires that HOA boards give owners advance notice of the date, time, location, and general subject of all board meetings, including a general description of any matters to be considered in executive session.
The board may take actions without having a board meeting, in which case the notice and open meeting requirements do not apply. However, all board members must be able to express their opinions and to vote, and the action
cannot involve any of the following items, which
must be considered and voted on at an open board meeting:
- Fines
- Damage assessments
- Initiation of foreclosure actions
- Initiation of enforcement actions (except temporary restraining orders or violations involving a threat to health or safety)
- Increases in assessments
- Levying special assessments
- Appeals from denials of architectural control approval requests
- Suspending the rights of an owner before the owner has an opportunity to address the board on the issue
- Lending or borrowing money
- Adopting or amending a dedicatory instrument (i.e., the HOA's governing documents)
- Approval of an annual budget or budget amendment that increases the budget by more than ten percent
- Selling or purchasing real property
- Filling a board vacancy
- Electing officers
- Constructing capital improvements (other than repairing, replacing, or enhancing existing capital improvements)
It is important to note that the open meeting statute that applies to HOAs is not the same as the Texas Open Meetings Act, which only applies to governmental bodies (such as town councils and zoning boards) and a small number of HOAs that are located in heavily populated areas and base their assessments, in whole or in part, on local property tax values (or have done so at some point in the past).
Understanding and complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the open meeting statute discussed in this article, is essential for every HOA board. It will give peace of mind to both board members and community members and can ensure that the board will not get into legal trouble down the road.
Source: https://spectrumam.com/texas-open-meeting-law/
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC MEMBERS
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC shall consist of 3 Regular Members and 2 Alternate Members. 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.
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: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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We are happy to announce that
Rick Riggie
has been appointed by the Board of Directors to fill a vacant position on the Board until the next Annual Meeting of the Members to be held in April 2020.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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The following Committee meetings will be held during the month of February. These are "Open Meetings!"
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Communications Committee
Monday, February 3, 2020, at 10:00 AM
Community Center Conference Room
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Suggestions and Recommendations Committee
Monday, February 3, 2020, at 6:00 PM
Community Center Conference Room
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Nominations Committee
Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 5:00 PM
Community Center Conference Room
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ARTIFICIAL TURF ... NO WATER, NO CHEMICALS, NO SWEAT!!!
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As warmer weather approaches, you may be considering replacing your turf that was damaged or killed by drought, insects, or disease. If you like the look of a green lawn but not all the maintenance requirements, one alternative you may want to consider is artificial turf.
Several homeowners in Westcreek have made that conversion over the past few years. The artificial turf grasses on the market today have greatly improved in texture, durability, and quality. There are pet-friendly artificial turfs available on the market. By making the conversion, you save not only on your water bill, but you no longer need to apply chemicals to your lawn that may be harmful to your family, pets, and the environment. Another added benefit is the time you will free up to enjoy your weekends with the family.
If you are considering making the change to artificial turf, you will need to submit a Property Improvement Application to the Architectural Review Committee. Along with your application, you will need to include a sample of the turf in addition to your property plat survey showing the proposed area for installation.
References:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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Please note the following office closures!
February 17, 2020 - Office Closed for Presidents' Day
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Your 1st Quarter Assessment of $99.00 was due on January 1, 2020.
On January 30, 2020, all accounts with outstanding balances began incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.
CLICK HERE
for more information about how to pay your assessments and our
Billing/Collection Policy
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NOTE
: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
- Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash!
- You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
- Cash is accepted in the office.
- Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
- Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).
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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.
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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!
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on February 8, 2020.
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the
VWOA website,
the day prior to the event. If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on the Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!
Date: 1st Tuesday of the month
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: VWOA Community Center Hall, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
To play you will need to make either a $2.00 or Prize donation!
For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!
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The Villages of Westcreek
offers a wide variety of Sports Programs
throughout the year. Visit our "Westcreek Sports Program" website for more detailed information about our specific programs and registration information for 2020!
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JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!
Your kids can get ready for Valentine's Day with fun (and free) printable coloring pages, crafts, and activities, courtesy of Raisingourkids.com. Just follow the link below and print the activities you like.
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FREE SEMINARS
Spring will be here soon. Rainbow Gardens is offering two free seminars this month to help you get your garden ready and learn how to keep your roses blooming. The classes are at Rainbow Gardens Bandera, 8516 Bandera Rd. They are free but you should register to ensure a seat. Call 210-680-2394 or visit https://www.rainbowgardens.biz/events-classes/.
Pruning Techniques for Roses - Feb. 15 at 11 AM
- Learn the correct way to prune your roses. Holly Hodgins, master gardener and certified rosarian, will give a pruning demonstration. She will also talk about fertilizing, insect prevention, and other care tips.
Spring Clean-up in the Landscape - Feb. 22 from 10 AM-11:30 AM
- Start your 2020 gardening season off right with tips from David Rodriguez, Horticulturist for Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Services of Bexar County. Join this local gardening expert for soil and landscape prep, a few gardening tips, and a whole lot of inspiration. Novice and experienced gardeners will learn at this seminar. Questions welcome.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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TEXAS BLUEBONNETS (
Lupinus texensis)
Bluebonnets are usually planted by seeds, however, you can transplant into the ground.
Germination is usually good if done in the fall.
For spring blooms, allow them t
o return every year by letting them go to seed before removing or mowing over.
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Water Demand: Well drained soil
- Flower Color: Blue and white
- Height: 12 to 24 inches
- Season: Blooms late February to early May
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If you're thinking about all the fun Valentine's Day possibilities like flowers, chocolates and a candlelit dinner prepared at home for a romantic evening with your valentine, we want to help make it special by offering some useful information and safety tips on using candles for this lovely day.
A candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn, so please "CANDLE WITH CARE."
Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn. If you do burn candles, make sure that you...
- Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily.
- Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
- Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
- Don't burn a candle all the way down - put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
- Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
- Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires - and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. If you have Kids, consider using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach, in a locked cabinet.
FACT: Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
Happy Valentine's Day from all of us here at Bexar County 2 Fire Department!
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SpotCrime is an independent, commercial site that provides crime mapping and incident information.
Official
Police Reports can be obtained from the BCSO Central Records Office. Contact information, fees, and hours of operation can be found on the
Central Records page
.
CLICK HERE to view SpotCrime mapping for the Villages of Westcreek.
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Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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YOU CAN NOT OUT-RUN YOUR FORK
We have all seen so many more people jogging around our neighborhood lately and seeing our friends posting pictures on social media of themselves at the gym or working out. You might even be one of them incorporating some type of workout regimen into your lives. You are taking one more step to improving your overall health, and I applaud you! There are countless ways to exercise and many benefits to doing so, including:
- Increased mood and decrease in feelings of depression, anxiety and stress
- Promote better blood flow
- Protect skin and delay signs of aging
- Better sleep, and energy throughout the day
The above are just some examples of the healthy benefits of exercise. But for many, the desired results of fat loss just haven't happened as quickly as you would have liked, or not at all. Before truly understanding how to eat right, I used to run 7 miles a week and then go make bad food choices with the mindset of "I will just burn it off later" or "I deserve this because I worked out so hard today." I was always tired, miserable, unhappy in my body, super inflamed, couldn't sleep well, and the scale would not budge! Have you ever felt like this? I was consuming way more calories than I was burning. To make things worse, I was consuming high fat, high sugar, and high sodium foods that made me feel even more miserable and low on energy. I needed a way for me to make my diet work for me instead of me working for my diet (or lack thereof).
For those who are exercising and trying to shed weight or lean down, you will not be able to reach your goals unless you have also changed your eating habits. Being healthy is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. Exercise alone is not an effective tool for fat loss, unless you are an elite athlete training 3-4 times a day. Research shows that the average workout burns 200-300 calories per hour (regardless of what your machine or tracker shows you). I have heard many people who work out get very frustrated that they can't lose any weight no matter how much they are exercising.
What if there is a better way? What you eat will have a greater effect on your body than how much you exercise. Focus on making your calories count by choosing healthy foods such as lean meats and complex carbs, like veggies, that will help your body work for you and not against you. Eat smaller portions several times a day to keep your body full of energy and metabolism high. I almost forgot, my favorite benefit of exercising is maintaining a healthy weight and muscle mass. Exercise is very important to a healthy lifestyle, and important to maintain what you have already achieved! Put nutrition in the forefront of your health goals, and you will achieve wonders!
Whether you exercise or not, proper nutrition will definitely help you achieve your weight goals. Everything is in moderation. If you already do eat very healthy but still can't shed weight, it could be that you are consuming too many calories for your daily energy expenditure.
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Here is a very tasty recipe that I hope your family will enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 6.34 ounces tomato
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup (1.06 oz) fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup (1 oz) low fat shredded cheese
Directions:
- Marinate sliced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar for 4-6 hours. Bake at 350 for about 7 minutes or a little tender.
- Meanwhile, sauté spinach and garlic with a dash of salt and lemon juice. Put spinach on top of tomatoes and sprinkle with cheese of your choice (I chose Italian blend) and broil until cheese is golden!
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SOMETHING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!
The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of
"Health and Fitness Classes" for our residents!
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