Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - February 1, 2022 Edition!
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"Animals don't lie. Animals don't criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do."
~ Betty White
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The annual meeting to elect some of our Board members is in April. The Association is looking for civic minded volunteers to fill 3 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 Director's term is two years. After each annual election, the Board members conduct an organizational meeting to determine which officer position they will fulfill.
Please consider submitting your nomination. To ensure your name is included on the mailed ballot, the deadline to turn in a Candidate Bio is by end of business day Friday, February 11, 2022.
Submitted by: Francis Lomax - Chair, VWOA Communications Committee
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NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE INFORMATIONAL MEETING
In accordance with the VWOA Bylaws and Administrative Resolution 48, the Board
President appointed Board Member Elaine Maurer to chair the Nominations Committee for election year 2022. The committee will consist of at least 3 homeowners to serve as voting committee members, also appointed by the Board. Anyone interested in serving may join the committee after being appointed by the Board.
The primary responsibilities of the Nominations Committee are:
- Determining the number of nominations needed.
- Ensuring that deadlines for nominations are met.
- Overseeing the posting of nomination forms using the prescribed form.
- Ensuring the accuracy of the information when it is presented to the community.
- Reporting to the Board monthly updates on the candidates.
- Assisting the Board in conducting Meet the Candidates meetings, before the Annual Meeting.
With the 2022 Annual Membership meeting coming in April, the committee must begin its work very soon to ensure a smooth nomination and election process. Therefore, if you are interested, please contact Maria Robinson, the community manager, at cm@villagesofwestcreek.com
If you wish to serve and assist with preparations for our 2022 Board Election process, please contact the community manager no later than February 4, 2022. The names of those who wish to serve will be presented to the Board for appointment at the February 17th Board meeting.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer, Nominations Committee Chairperson
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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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OFFICE CLOSURE
Westcreek office hours will be 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday, January 31st through Wednesday, February 2nd, and closed 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM each day for lunch.
The office will be closed Monday, February 21, 2022, in observance of the President's Day Holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Reminder: The office is closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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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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AFTER A VERY LONG PAUSE! VWOA BINGO STARTS
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 8th, 2022
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on January 20, 2022, here is a recap of some of the projects discussed.
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Splash Pad- TABLED until scope of work is determined. The Community Manager has provided the Board with the proposals for labor and parts to review.
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Clock Tower Landscape Design- OPEN-The Board has reviewed the two proposals and has made the decision to move forward with the Summit proposal in Spring 2022. A refreshed proposal will be needed at that time as they are only valid for 30 days.
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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- Jason Dunbar informed the Board that he would be meeting with the homeowners on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, to discuss the trail and mark trees that need to be trimmed.
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New Pool Furniture and Shade Options-OPEN- The furniture has been ordered and the side tables have been received. The delivery time from ordering was estimated at 16 weeks.
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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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Holiday Lighting/Decorations-CLOSED- The Community Manager informed the Board that the holiday lighting had been installed and removed except for the wreaths that are scheduled to be taken down Friday, January 21, 2022, weather permitting.
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Pointe Monument-OPEN- The old monuments have been removed and the electric is being installed. The inspection was approved by CPS, and they are working to install the remaining electric.
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Bulk Trash Drop-Off Day-OPEN- The county updated us on January 14, 2022, that they are waiting for the purchase order to go through and they will let us know when it has been approved.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager |
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COVID-19 AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS |
The Board understands the effect on the community that COVID-19 has had and the financial hardships it has created.
If you have been affected and unable to make your HOA assessment payments, please email the office staff or Community Manager with your request for relief of the late fees assessed. We will review each request on a case-by-case basis and communicate back to each homeowner individually.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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We are happy to announce that capacity limits were raised to 100% starting June 1st.
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 but 6 per household.
The basketball court still has a capacity limit on the court and spectators/non-players need to stay outside of the fence.
We will also be asking all staff, volunteers, and homeowners to wear a mask when you're in the office, until further notice, due to the recent surge of COVID. Protecting one another is of the utmost importance, and we thank you for your cooperation!
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 1, 2022
EARLY VOTING & ABSENTEE BALLOTS
EARLY VOTE PERIOD: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
There are two (2) ways to vote early in Texas: in person and by mail/absentee ballot. Either option will eliminate waiting in long lines on Election Day.
IN PERSON
Registered voters may vote early at a convenient polling location within their political subdivision. Unlike early voting by mail, you don't need to state a reason for voting early in person. Polling locations will be posted on the Bexar County Elections Department homepage. www.bexar.org/elections
CURBSIDE VOTING
If you are physically unable to enter the polling place without the need of personal assistance or the likelihood of injuring your health, curbside voting is available. Please call ahead to the Elections office so that the early voting clerk at your vote center can be notified that you want to vote from your car. All polling locations in Bexar County have the Express Touch voting unit for curbside voting use.
BY MAIL/ABSENTEE BALLOT
Voting by mail/absentee ballot has been available to elderly voters and voters with physical disabilities in Texas for decades. Applications for a ballot by mail may be submitted to the Bexar County Elections Department anytime in a calendar year but no later than 11 days before Election Day. The Last Day to submit a Ballot by Mail Application (received, not postmarked) for the March 1, 2022, Democratic & Republican Primary is Friday, February 18, 2022, by 5:00 P.M.
Applications to vote by mail may be requested from the Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacquelyn F. Callanen at 210-335-(VOTE) 8683 or by mail at: Jacquelyn F. Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator, 1103 S. Frio, Ste. 100, San Antonio, TX 78207. You also can visit the following web address: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/forms/5-15f.pdf
Please read all the instructions, be sure to indicate what election you want to vote in, and be sure to sign the card. If you wish to vote in the primary election, you must select a party on the application so they can mail you the correct ballot. Your selection will not affect any election other than the primary or primary runoff of the calendar year. The Elections Department will verify the information when the application is returned and mail the ballot to you when it is available.
YOU MAY VOTE BY MAIL/ABSENTEE BALLOT IF YOU ARE:
- Going to be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting
- Sick or disabled (a sickness or physical condition that prevents you from appearing at the polling place on Election Day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring your health)
- 65 years of age or older on Election Day
- Confined in jail, but eligible to vote
The early voting clerk must receive your marked ballot by 7:00 PM on Election Day. For further information, call 210-335-0362 or visit the Elections Department website: www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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POLITICAL SIGNS
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: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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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, February 12, 2022
- Sunday, February 13, 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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TIME TO ORGANIZE!
With Spring cleaning just around the corner, you may be considering building a shed. Whether it be for garden tools and supplies or out of season things like pool toys or Christmas decorations, sheds are a great way to nicely store things away.
The request for prior ARC approval must be submitted on a Property Improvement Application (PIA) along with all supporting information/documents and a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey showing the proposed location. Please refer to the PIA checklist and form on the Villages of Westcreek website. All submissions must be complete to be considered for approval.
Here are some guidelines from the Standards that will help your PIA submission move quickly through to approval process.
- No structure, permanent or temporary may be placed in such a manner as to change the grade (i.e., change the drainage originally designed by the builder).
- You may only have 1 shed on your property
- Size limitations are limited to one hundred twenty (120’) square feet external dimensions and ten (10’) feet in height.
- Must be made of wood, wood composite, or resin materials; compatible with the type, texture, materials and color of the siding or trim of the dwelling; and, compatible with the same type and color of the dwelling’s roofing.
- Metal roofing may be considered but cannot be shiny or reflective.
- A manufactured product may be approvable if: the colors are compatible with the dwelling; the sturdiness and durability match or exceeds that of a wooden shed; it has the appearance of wood grain; and the roofing type and color are compatible with that of the dwelling.
- Whether the shed is temporary or permanent, it must be placed behind the dwelling but no closer than two (2’) feet from any fencing to allow space for maintaining the fencing and the building/structure.
- If any permanent structure is proposed for placement in/over a utility easement as shown on the Plat/Lot Survey, written authorization from all applicable utility companies must accompany the request for ARC approval.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair Architectural Review Committee
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2022 Spring Soccer Starts Saturday, March 5th
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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Winter Craft: How to Make Paper Snowflakes with Coffee Filters
12 Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
Printable Mazes (three levels of difficulty)
Black History Month Word Search
Valentine’s Day Word Scramble
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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WEED PREVENTION, CONTROL AND TREATMENT
Weed control is usually high on the to-do list for spring gardeners in San Antonio. While a regular schedule of fertilizing your turf can help immensely in choking out weeds, sometimes extra help is needed for these pesky lawn invaders. Treatment for weed control and prevention is a timely garden task. Weed pre-emergents prevent seeds of weeds from germinating. Applying pre-emergents is one of the best ways to eliminate weeds and prevent them from stealing your turf’s vital nutrients out of the soil.
Pre-emergents are products used to prevent new weed seeds from germinating. They do not treat/get rid of the existing weeds in your turf. Be sure to read the label of the product you are purchasing to know specific weeds targeted and application directions (some require follow up, or extra bags to cover your area).
When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control Products
Mid to Late February: If cold weather is prolonged, you’ll need to wait a while for a warm break to apply for spring. Apply pre-emergent granular herbicides that are formulated for preventing the common grassy weeds.
May to Early June: Another application of a grassy pre-emergent product can keep fall weeds at bay.
Mid-September to Early October: After the first decent rain in September, you can apply a pre-emergent granular herbicide with ingredients meant to ward off broadleaf weeds that pop up in spring.
Post Emergent Weed Control
Weed control post emergent products are applied after the weeds have already developed. These products usually consist of a liquid form applied by a spray applicator. Generally, these types of products are not recommended except for spot application to weeds.
Be very selective when choosing a post emergent. Make sure the label clearly states that it is safe for your variety of turf. Even if it is labeled safe for your turf, keep in mind that you shouldn’t be spraying these products in the heat of the day as they could still cause your lawn to burn. Only spray during early morning or late evening.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Silver King Euonymus -
Euonymus japonicus 'Silver King'
Silver King Euonymus is an attractive evergreen shrub that is perfect for use as a privacy hedge or screen. Its leaves have silvery white margins around the glossy green centers. This adds unique color and texture to the landscape planting. Can be used as a low hedge or privacy screen.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from monrovia.com !
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