Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - January 1, 2022 Edition!
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"Scarves, mittens, and hats are a great way to express your personality in the cold weather."
~ Brad Goreski
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The Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers wish all our Residents a Very Happy New Year! |
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ANGEL TREE SUCCESS
Thanks to those residents and staff who helped make the 2021 VWOA Angel Tree Program a success. You have brought cheer and enjoyment to children who were going through some challenging times.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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2021 CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST
There were many Christmas decorations to enjoy as we traveled through our villages this past holiday season. Please CLICK HERE to see the winners of the 2021 VWOA Christmas Light Contest.
Submitted by: Francis Lomax, Communications Committee Vice Chairman
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OFFICE CLOSURE
Monday, January 17, 2022, the office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The office will reopen Tuesday, January 18, 2022, for normal business hours.
Reminder: The office is closed 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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REMINDER - ASSESSMENTS DUE
January is one of the months where the VWOA Assessments are due. CLICK HERE to see the details.
Submitted by: Francis Lomax, Communications Committee Vice Chairman
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on November 18, 2021, 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 requested additional information from the vendor on the cost-effective way to install the potential splash pads and once she has more information, will present it to the Board.
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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 permission to place a monument in the right of way.
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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 the homeowners working on marking the trail have been informed that the overflow parking lot is approved to be utilized for parking. He did let everyone know that soccer season has slowed down the progress, however it will pick up again once soccer season is over.
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New Pool Furniture and Shade Options-OPENED- The Board has voted and approved the purchase of new pool furniture at the Community Center pool for the 2022 pool season. The Board also approved the purchase of sunshades for the monitors that will be purchased from Lowe’s or Home Depot.
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Community Clean Up-CLOSED-The Board has approved a proposal from Summit Landscaping to clean out the easements at the cost of $6,472.45 before tax. This will take place in January 2022.
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Landscaping at Monuments-CLOSED-The Board has received a proposal to add landscaping at the newly renovated monuments and approved the proposal from Summit in the amount of $5,645.42 with tax included. This is set to start immediately.
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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-IN PROGRESS-The Community Manager presented the Board with two proposals for holiday lighting. They approved Gleam Team if they retain possession of any lights used at $3,913.24. This will include the office, clock tower, and both entrances at Westcreek Oaks and 1604.
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Pointe Monument-OPENED-The Board reviewed the proposals for adding electric to the monument and replacing The Pointe monuments at the cost of $11,700.
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.
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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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, January 8, 2022
- Sunday, January 9, 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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PIA (Property Improvement Application) Denials
In November, 21 out of 24 PIAs were approved. That is an 88% approval rate!
The primary objective of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. For PIAs that are denied, the following sections in the Standards outline options, however these exceptions and variances are not common.
5.3 VARIANCES: The Board of Directors (BOD) may grant a variance to the Covenants, Condition and Restrictions (CC&Rs) if the Homeowner or builder submits a PIA to the ARC showing that the proposal will be beneficial and consistent with the general architectural style and design of the community and compatible with the natural and built surroundings. A copy of the Plat/Lot Survey must also be included to show the location of the proposed change. The ARC will forward the PIA along with their recommendation to the BOD for final decision. Such requests, however, are exceptional and are not routinely approved.
5.4 MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVERS: All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis; therefore, exceptions can be made to the Standards. The ARC may, but is not required to, grant modifications and waivers to Article X (General and Use Restrictions) of the CC&Rs and the ARC rules (i.e., Standards not covered in the CC&Rs) if the Homeowner submits a PIA showing that: 1) the modification is necessary due to an undue hardship; and 2) that a modification or waiver will not be detrimental (aesthetically or economically) or disagreeable to Homeowners of any other residential properties including the neighbors. The PIA must include a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey or other documentation acceptable to the ARC showing the proposed location. A wheelchair access ramp or wrought iron railings at the main entry of the dwelling are examples of a qualifying modification.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair Architectural Review Committee
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WHY WE NEED THEM
Deed restrictions have been successful in many residential and mixed-use developments. These protective covenants are the basis for ensuring a quality environment as well as assisting residents in maintaining the property values. Deed restrictions cover things such as: allowed land uses, setbacks, utility easements, materials, colors, etc. to be used plus the procedures for dealing with non-compliance.
Generally, their purpose is to:
- preserve, so far as possible, the natural beauty of the properties;
- avoid harsh contrasts between structures and landscape;
- guard against the use of unsuitable materials and the erection of poorly designed or proportioned structures;
- encourage and secure the erection of attractive improvements that are harmonious and compatible with their sites; and,
- enhance and maintain the environmental quality and economic value of the Homeowner’s property.
Contact our Standards Department , 210-679-8761, if you have any questions on any of our Deed Restrictions or Standards.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chairman
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HOLIDAY DECORATION SCHEDULE
As we approach the Holiday Season, we thought it would be a good time to review the timelines on when you can display your outdoor holiday decorations!
Holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises, without ARC approval. Under our current guidelines, you can display your Christmas/New Year's holiday decorations forty (40) days prior to the holiday but they must be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday.
For all other holidays during the year, the decorations can be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed no later than 15 days following the actual holiday date.
Special event decorations such as birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, returning veterans, etc., may only be displayed on the premises for three (3) days without the Standards Department's approval if the number of decorations are minimal and, the decorations and signs are not placed anywhere else within the Villages of Westcreek, including the properties fronting any entrance to the Villages of Westcreek.
We hope you find the chart below helpful!
Christmas and New Year's
- Decorations Down - January 16, 2022
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
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 Activities Director
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Winter Word Search
Winter Mad Libs
Winter Word Scramble
New Year’s Word Search Printable
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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6 Winter Plant Protection Tips for San Antonio
All it takes is one really cold night without winter protection and your favorite plant might not have a Happy New Year. Here are some winter freeze plant protection tips:
1. Watch Winter Weather Forecasts: There are multiple weather websites, and local and national TV channels. Keep an eye on the forecast and you will be able to plan when it's necessary to protect plants.
2. Bring Plants Inside for Winter: You have two options for protecting your plants in winter. You can bring them in or cover them up. If you decide to bring in your plants, take time now to clear space so you won’t be frantic at the last second. Your plants still want the sun, just not the cold; you’ll need an area in your garage or home that still receives plenty of sunlight. Plants might drop leaves as they adjust to a climate change. Keep an eye out for any bugs that tag along. Put pots on rolling stands or load multiple pots in a wagon to make fewer trips.
3. Covering Your Plants Through Winter: You can purchase N-sulate, Plankets, and other garden weather protection that comes in prepackaged bags, or by the roll, or use old blankets, sheets, and plastic. Get your gear together and have it easily accessible for when the forecast predicts a freeze. Other things to remember:
- The major rule to remember is to cover plants with sheets or blankets first, and then a layer of plastic. Plastic by itself is NOT good, and you risk freezing your plant by trapping condensation underneath it. Plastic is cold and can transfer cold to the plant as well. NEVER cover plants with plastic first.
- Watering plants on the morning a freeze is predicted gives extra protection because it warms the soil and helps to protect the roots.
- Covering your plant before sunset will make use of the heat that has been in the soil throughout the day. Uncover your plants the following day if the sun comes out and the temperatures warm up. If you leave them covered during the day, you’ll end up cooking your plants from the heat that will be trapped inside.
- A unique way of making your own little “greenhouse” effect is to wrap some incandescent Christmas lights around your plants, then cover with fabric and plastic.
- Some gardeners choose to build a DIY cold frame around their gardens so they can easily, and quickly protect them from the elements.
4. Mulch Plants for Winter Protection: Even plants that are more cold-hardy will benefit from a good layer of mulch added to the soil. Both in ground and potted plants will appreciate this extra layer of protection. A 2″– 3″ layer of mulch around the base of your plants to protect the roots can be the difference of a plant that survives winter and one that doesn’t.
5. Wait to Prune Plants Until After Winter: If your plants happen to get frost damage, resist the urge to hack off the ugly parts. Although unsightly, freeze-damaged ends of plants offer some protection from additional future freezes.
6. Buy Cold-Hardy Plants: San Antonio’s plant hardiness zone is 8b – 9a. Look for plants that are cold hardy to about 20°F. Late fall through winter is a great time to plant many cold-hardy shrubs and trees to establish a strong root system and prepare them for spring growth.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Catmint - Nepeta cataria
There are many cultivars. Nepeta cataria is the classic catnip; Faasen's catmint (Nepeta x fasseenii) is a Dutch hybrid that has bloomed all summer long, even in the Texas plains - making it a favorite for not only cats but butterflies as well.
Chemical attractants in the stems and leaves keep cats excited and (hopefully) too distracted to use the landscape as a potty.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
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