Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - May 1, 2022 Edition!
"A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories."

~ Honore de Balzac

2022 VWOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION RESULTS

Congratulations to our newly elected Board members: Brandon Schuler, Brian Bush, and Heather Mallia.

Thank you to outgoing Board member Richard Riggie for all your hard work and dedication to our community over the last several years! 

President - Elaine Maurer
Vice President - Kevin Drummonds
Treasurer - Heather Mallia
Secretary - Brandon Schuler
Asst. Secretary - Brian Bush

Thank you to everyone in the community who took the time to vote and who attended our annual meeting.

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - President, VWOA Board of Directors

Board Statement Regarding Mr. W Stand


The VWOA Board stated this via a Constant Contact, "What's the Buzz" email on April 28th. Please click on the link below if you would like to read it:

Submitted by: VWOA Board of Directors
Per the Association’s governing documents, the Treasurer will order an annual audit or review of the Association’s financials. The Board of Directors chose the firm Armstrong, Vaughan, & Associates, P.C. to conduct the audit of the Association’s 2021 Financial Statements. Mr. Phil Vaughn, CPA, presented a brief summary of the results at the Annual Membership Meeting on April 21, 2022, via Zoom.

Mr. Vaughn reported that the Association’s books are in order and no issues were found. The report states that the firm is “not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” 
 
Mr. Vaughn provided a comparative overview of the Association’s financial statements. Despite not raising membership dues in 2021, income increased over 2020 by $125,122.00. This increase was due to facility rentals and sporting programs. The expense side also saw a slight increase over 2020 which was due to the expenses associated with running the sporting programs. As of Dec. 31, 2021, the remaining balance on the note payable on the Community Center was $167,490.00. This note should be paid off in 2023, several years ahead of schedule. 

Mr. Vaughn further stated that our Reserve Funds (savings for required repairs) have a healthy balance. Based on the 2020 Reserve Study conducted by Reserve Advisors, the Association’s anticipated reserve balance at the end of 2021 was $528,826.00. The Association’s actual reserve balance as of December 31, 2021, was $573,783.00.

Once the Association receives the signed finalized copy of the CPA’s audit report, it will be uploaded to your Homeowner Spectrum Portal in the Documents section.  

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
VWOA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Volunteers are a vital component of the success of the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association.  Being a volunteer can be rewarding by knowing that your efforts make a difference in our community.  When you share your unique talents and expertise as a Board member, serve on one of our various committees, or help with our many community events, you help us build a better family-centered community.  Also, by volunteering, you help us keep costs down, enabling us to do more for our members. 

The Board of Directors is happy to announce that we have selected Francis Lomax as our “2022 Volunteer of the Year” for his contributions while serving on many Committees over the years, including but not limited to: The Architectural Review Committee, Finance Committee, Fence Committee, Historical Research Sub-Committee, Safety Committee, Election Committee, and Communications Committee. Francis is the current Chair of the Communications Committee and oversees the publication of "Westcreek Living" and updates on our website.

Thank You, Francis, for sharing your expertise and community spirit!  You exemplify that our volunteers are the “heartbeat” of the Villages of Westcreek!

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - President, VWOA Board of Directors
BRIAN BUSH STEPS DOWN FROM THE ARC
Due to the passing of Senate Bill 1588, starting September 1, 2021, Board members, their spouses, or members of their households cannot also serve on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). 

Since Brian Bush was elected by the members to serve on the Board of Directors, he stepped down from the ARC on April 21, 2022. The Board of Directors would like to thank Brian for his service as a regular member of the ARC.

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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 - President, VWOA Board of Directors
SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER SARC CHAIRPERSON
As work is set to begin on the Clock Tower Island Beautification Project, I’d like to thank the committee responsible for all the legwork involved in the design process. The Suggestion and Recommendation Committee (SARC) worked extensively determining plant layouts, designing plans for bidding, interviewing potential landscapers before bringing this project to the Board. Due to the 2020 shutdown and budget constraints, this project took longer to implement than initially planned but we are extremely pleased that the contract has been awarded and work is set to begin this month.

The Board wishes to thank all those who have served and dedicated their time to the Suggestion and Recommendation Committee. Michael Alsop, the former chair of the SARC, has moved out of the Villages of Westcreek and thus has stepped down as chair. Therefore, the Board needs a new chairperson for this very important committee.

The primary responsibility of the Suggestion and Recommendation Committee is to advise and assist the Board in making creative suggestions in the planning of future projects. The SARC performs functions which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  1. Hold regular meetings on a date set forth by the Chairperson.
  2. Evaluating current common area needs and present it to the Board in a prioritized manner.
  3. Evaluating future needs for common areas.
  4. Working with the Board to stay in line with the Reserve Study and other Budget guidelines.
  5. Assisting the appropriate committees to implement plans approved by the Board.
  6. May perform other functions as directed or approved by the Board.

If you are interested in chairing this committee and getting it back up and running, or have questions about what it takes to chair a committee, please email us at Board@VillagesofWestcreek.com.

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
OFFICE CLOSURE

Memorial Day: The office will be closed Monday, May 30th.

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.  

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
Fences Along Talley Damaged by Construction
Any homeowner who has experienced damage to their fence along Talley due to the construction taking place during the expansion project (that has not been repaired at this time), please file a complaint with Texas Sterling's insurance company by visiting: https://texassterling.com/contact-us/ and choosing their South Texas Office.

It is best practice to provide before and after photos when submitting your claim. 

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
SAWS PIPELINE CONSRUCTION PROJECT
As we reported last month, the SAWS pipeline construction project began in the Sports Park the week of February 28th. The areas shown above in blue have been fenced off and closed for use while the work is in progress, and the rest of the park will remain open.

They are still working on returning everything back to the way they found it. This will be done in phases but will take a few months to be completed. 

As for now, Soccer will start on May 7th. The parking lot will be put back together and usable by then. The main field will be cleared of rocks and filled with topsoil for now, so we can at least have games on the field. The walking trail will be the last thing to get fixed and will happen after soccer season in late June.

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
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
YOUR VOTE . . . YOUR VOICE!
Just a friendly reminder that there will be a Joint Constitutional Amendment, General, Special, Charter, and Bond Election on May 7, 2022.

The early Vote Period ends on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Election Day: Saturday, May 7, 2022

CLICK HERE for the latest information about this upcoming election from the Bexar County Election Department.

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
The TX-HAF Program is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Funds for the Program come from the U.S. Department of Treasury, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The Program provides assistance to eligible homeowners in the form of Principal Reduction Assistance for a modification or Reinstatement of delinquent payments, inclusive of Property Charges such as Taxes and Homeowner’s Association (HOA) fees. The program’s goal is to aid homeowners in avoiding foreclosure on their primary residence by providing mortgage assistance.

Your lender’s agreement to participate may be required since mortgage assistance is provided directly to lenders on the homeowner’s behalf.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this program!

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
At the Annual Meeting of the members held on April 21st, representatives from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office shared the following tips.

Basic Tips to help prevent your vehicle from being burglarized or stolen: 

  • Never leave your car running or with the keys in the ignition unattended, not even for "just a minute." 
  • Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it's in front of your home or apartment. 
  • Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight. 
  • Park in busy, well-lighted areas. 
  • Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
  • If you have a stereo system in your vehicle, DO NOT drive into the property with it playing loudly, displaying what you have. 
  • When walking to your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and look around for anything suspicious.
  • DON’T take matters into your own hands; leave it to Law Enforcement. To report a crime or suspicious activity Call Bexar County Sheriff’s Office 210-335-6000. For emergencies Call 911. 
  • If you are a witness to a crime, write down a description of the person(s) observed committing the crime. Be sure to record the type of clothing they are wearing, their race, height, weight, hair, body type, any distinguishing marks (or scars, tattoos), vehicle license plates, etc.

Crime has no ZIP code, nor a special face. Be aware of strangers and your surroundings at ALL times!

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
HOW DO I GET A POTHOLE REPAIRED?

ON VWOA COMMON AREAS:

The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is responsible for the repair of Potholes located in any of our common areas such as the parking lots in the Sports Park and Community Center, in addition to the private streets in "The Gardens."

You can report potholes in these areas to the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761.


ON COUNTY MAINTAINED STREETS AND ROADS:

The Public Works Division of the Infrastructure Services Department is responsible for the maintenance of all county-maintained streets and roads. This includes streets and roads that are:

  • Outside the incorporated limits of any cities or towns in Bexar County
  • Not maintained by the State of Texas (Federal and State highways, Farm to Market roads, and Interstate highways)
  • Not privately owned (in gated communities or other roads not accepted for maintenance by Bexar County)

Call 210-335-6700 with a specific location and a work order will be generated.

ON STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEMS:

Please note that TxDOT is responsible for the state highway system, not city- or county-maintained roads. Contact your local authorities for all repair requests. Submit a separate report for each request. For road conditions requiring immediate attention call 1 (800) 558-9368. 

CLICK HERE to report potholes on State Highway Systems

Submitted by: Kim Dixon - Homeowner
Enjoy Some BINGO on TUESDAY - May 10th, 2022
VWOA Early Age Activity Time
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager


  • Splash Pad-TABLED until 2023 due to the cost of the project. 
    
  • Clock Tower Landscape Design-OPEN- The start date has been updated to April 28, 2022, plus or minus a day. The project is estimated to take two weeks from start to finish pending weather. 
   
  • 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.  

  • 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.  

  • Mountain Bike Trails-OPEN- The Communities Activities Director was informed that the trail is ready to be cleared and this will entail trimming trees.

  • New Pool Furniture and Shade Options-OPEN- All new pool furniture has been delivered and the umbrellas are set to be installed.

  • RFID Cards at Dog Park-TABLED- This is tabled until after the clock tower landscaping has been completed in Spring 2022. 

  • Pointe Monument-OPEN- The monuments have been installed and look amazing. The electrician is working to complete the installation of electrical to the other side of the road and the second monument. 

  • Maintenance Shop Replacement-OPENED- The Board has approved Infinity to construct and install the maintenance shop in the overflow parking lot. The contract was recently signed, and the Board is waiting on the invoice for the deposit.

  • Concrete Pad for Maintenance Shop-OPEN- The Board has approved Lonestar Kustom Construction to pour the concrete pad and install the electrical for the building. They are waiting on the engineering plan from the maintenance shop company.

  • Fence for Maintenance Shop-OPEN- This will be reviewed further once the maintenance shop has been installed.

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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 - President, VWOA Board of Directors
Contract and Facility Rental Information links below!


Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION

The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year.

CLICK HERE for the latest listing of all classes! 

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

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, May 14, 2022
  • Sunday, May 15, 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
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
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.

SPECIAL NOTE: For the month of May 2022, the Villages of Westcreek is running a great promotion of no permit fee for food trucks! If you know of a food truck that has been wanting to visit the community, please have them contact the Community Office at frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com. 

CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

FENCING
We have received many Property Improvement Applications (PIAs) for fence replacements recently. Be advised that if you are replacing it with the same materials, there is no need to submit a PIA for approval.
From the Standards:
Any change to previously approved fencing that surrounds residential properties, other than the exceptions explained below, requires prior ARC approval. Fencing located on adjoining property lines is the responsibility of both Homeowners, thus the repair or replacement expenses should be shared on a 50/50 cost basis. (This is not enforceable by the Village of Westcreek Owner’s Association - VWOA). Fencing may not be placed any closer than five (5’) feet from the front corner of the house and five (5’) feet from the front corner of the garage. Pickets, boards, and posts that are broken, rotted, warped, leaning, or missing, must be replaced. If replacing with the same materials, size, and/or stain as previously approved, further ARC approval is not required.

From 6.5.2 Wood Fencing:
  • Wooden fencing, on residential properties, requires:
  1. Six (6’) foot vertical pickets and posts such as cedar, redwood, oak, cypress or treated wood (not mixed);
  2. Picket dimensions be either 1”x4”x6’ or 1”x6”x6’, but not mixed;
  3. Posts to be 4”x4”x6’ or 6’ galvanized steel, rust coated steel or aluminum, but not mixed; and,
  4. All posts and framing must be installed inside the fencing that face any street.
  5. A manufactured product that has the graining appearance of wood will be considered for approval on a case-by-case basis. (Refer to VWOA-CC&Rs, Article XIII, Section 13.03 h.)
  • Wood is subject to premature rotting if landscaping materials such as soil, grass, raised flower or vegetable beds, trees, bushes, etc. come into direct contact with the wood. It is recommended that a barrier is installed between the landscaping and the fencing using materials such as removable timbers/masonry or other manufactured products.
  • A minimum of six (6”) inches of space is also recommended between the fence and any plants to allow fresh air and sunlight to minimize mold from forming on the fencing.
  • Fence and gate stains must allow the original texture of the wood to be clearly visible. Cedar, redwood or cypress stain colors are preferred to provide continuity throughout the community. Prior to staining, a PIA along with the proposed color sample(s) must be submitted to the ARC for approval. When replacing any portion of the fence that is currently stained, as approved by the ARC, new wood must be stained with the same color. Re-staining the fencing with the same color as previously approved is allowed without ARC approval. Note: If staining is proposed for wooden fencing that is weathered/discolored, pressure washing is an excellent method of reviving the original appearance of wood before applying the stain.
  • Painting wooden fencing is not permitted.
  • Attaching electric wiring to shared fencing is not permitted unless approved by the ARC.

Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Chair, Architectural Review Committee

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






Printable Hidden Pictures

Mother's Day Word Search

Printable Mazes

Printable Coloring Pages

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
Tips and Hacks for Vegetables

Sprinkling a handful of horticultural cornmeal around the base of each vegetable plant can help prevent fungal diseases that are brought on by cloudy, wet weather. You can also make an anti-fungal brew with horticultural cornmeal to spray your vegetable plants with after extended rainy periods. Soak 1/2 cup of horticultural cornmeal in a gallon of water overnight, strain, and pour into a sprayer.

You may need to add some support to keep plants from breaking in strong winds or toppling over from being heavy with fruits. You can gently tie vegetable plants to a stake, fit a wire tomato cage around them or make a teepee out of bamboo poles. Supports also free up areas in your garden if you are tight on space.

Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz.

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary