|
Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - October 1, 2022 Edition!
View as Webpage
| | |
|
|
"When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy."
~ Samuel Goldwyn
| |
|
SAFETY CONCERNS & TOWN HALL
Sheriff Javier Salazar, Commissioner Rebecca Clay Flores, and many others from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office came out to speak to the community at our town hall meeting held earlier this week. Several families shared stories of things happening in our neighborhood that I feel were very impactful! Here is some valuable information that was passed along and a few suggestions on how you can protect your home!
Beginning last month, you should have seen increased patrols from various Bexar County agencies, including Bexar County Constable, Bexar County Sheriff's Office including the Mounted Patrol Unit, and Bexar County Environmental Agency. These are in addition to the paid off-duty BCSO patrols and Choice Security company we pay to patrol our community throughout the week.
Two of these agencies are the Environmental Agency & Code Compliance which deal with code compliance issues, such as illegal dumping, abandoned and leaking vehicles, overgrown lawns and sidewalks, and areas that would promote bugs, mice, and rats to propagate, amongst other things. If one of these items applies to your home, please get it taken care of immediately before you receive a citation from the county. They have begun their patrols and will be issuing citations on-site. If you live near an area of concern, please email standards@villagesofwestcreek.com with the address and details so we can forward that information to the county for further investigation. You may also report them directly to Code Compliance by calling 210-335-6664
The HOA Board is making every effort to clean up areas that are lacking and has enlisted the county's help on various levels. We will be pursuing action using all means the law allows us to keep the Villages of Westcreek to the standards agreed upon when you moved in.
We are aware of homeless camps in our area, and the county is actively pursuing every means possible to evict and remove people from those camps and get them help from various organizations. Last month they were able to close down encampments behind the Shipley Donuts at Potranco & Empresario, and last week they closed down the very large one behind Planet Fitness, we’ve been trying to get that done for two years and are very happy they were successful!
The HOA Board is doing what we can; however, it takes all of us to help lower crimes of opportunity; essentially, it is your job to protect your property. In the coming months, we will be publishing newsletter articles that bring you the statistics and additional information on how to protect your property, until then adopt the 9 p.m. Routine and let’s start making it harder for the criminals to get the things we work so hard for!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
-
Lock your vehicles, and remove all valuables from your car nightly. DO NOT LEAVE GUNS IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, and keep items out of clear site. Remove garage door openers from your car or lock your garage door.
- Check your gate latches to be sure they latch properly. You can get combination locks for gates for additional security, and combinations make it so that you don't have to have a key every time you need to pull out the trash or recycle cans.
- Lock the doors of your house even when you are home, and set the alarm when away. Some automatic home door locks can be set to lock after 5 minutes, in case you forget. Check windows to be sure they are locked. Keep garage doors closed and doors from garage entry into home locked.
- Turn on your porch lights nightly. A new smart light bulb is inexpensive and can be purchased through Amazon, and these will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Get a motion spotlight installed over the garage to light up vehicles if movement is detected.
- Have neighbors check on your house & park vehicles in your driveway when your out of town.
- Have a neighbor pick up packages or have them delivered to a more secure location, so they don’t have to be left on your doorstep.
-
If you have cameras, double-check that they are functional and register them with Bexar County SafeCam Program so you can share footage when necessary.
-
Check your mail every day! If boxes are broken into, please report it to the BCSO, the Postmaster at 1-800-275-8777, and your Congressman Joaquin Castro's office at 210-704-1080. Also, notify the VWOA Office, so they are aware of the mail theft and box location. You can send your report of mail theft to the Front Office via email at Frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com.
The HOA is not responsible for replacing or maintaining the boxes, but we are keeping a list of boxes broken into as we look at ways to prevent this from continuing in the future.
If you see OR hear something, call the Bexar County non-emergency number 210-335-6000 or 911 if you feel imminent danger. Reporting IS making a difference!!
As we contemplate whether we choose to be proactive or reactive, I am reminded of this quote from the author of "7 Habits of Highly Effective People!"
"Being proactive is more than taking initiative. It is recognizing that we are responsible for our own choices and have the freedom to choose based on principles and values rather than on moods or condition. Proactive people are agents of change and choose not to be victims, to be reactive, or to blame others." — Stephen Covey
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - VWOA President
| |
|
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH!
Go Purple Day is Saturday, October 15, 2022, and Texans are encouraged to wear purple, bringing awareness to Domestic Violence.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, on average, they have more than 40,000 family violence-related calls per year.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s office, aggravated family violence arrests have increased exponentially over the past two years.
The National Domestic Hotline offers confidential support 24/7/365. If you or someone you know is the subject of family violence, please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911.
For more information on what Bexar County is doing to combat this problem and additional resources, check out the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence at ccdv.org.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - VWOA President
| |
TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID ROAD RAGE | |
Submitted by: The SCORE Officer for BCSO, via Maria Robinson, Community Manager | |
|
In July, after a thorough review of the budget and the 2020 Reserve Study, the Finance Committee recommended a 10% increase in assessments. The Committee forwarded their recommendation to the Board for review and debate.
The Board spent the next several months reviewing the committee recommendation, making adjustments to the budget they believed necessary, and gathering community input. During the September 15, 2022, Open Board Meeting, the treasurer presented to the community the small, suggested changes to the budget, the status of the Reserve Accounts, the 2020 Reserve Study Funding Plan, and the current Reserve Project List. In summary, if the assessments do not increase, the Association will not be able to fund the Reserve Accounts according to the 2020 Reserve Study Funding Plan. Ensuring the Reserve Accounts are adequately funded is essential for the long-term maintenance of the community.
The Board determined that an increase in assessments was necessary at this time. Kevin Drummonds, Vice President, motioned to increase the assessments by 9.09%, with $10,000 going to the Capital Improvement Reserve and $239,752.89 going into the Repair and Replacement Reserve account. Assistant Secretary Brian Bush seconded the motion, and no Board members opposed it.
The assessments for 2023 will increase to $108.00 per quarter ($432.00 per year). Please note that this is the first increase in assessments since 2017 and was only undertaken due to necessity.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
| |
DIFFERENCES - COURTESY AND DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATION NOTICES
A “Courtesy Notice” is a friendly notice of a violation on a homeowner’s property during the most recent drive-by site inspection. If the resident resolves the identified violation by the next inspection, no action is needed, and the violation will be closed out. If more time is required to fix the violation, it is essential to contact the Standards Manager to request an extension.
If communication is not received and the violation remains active, it will escalate to a “Deed Restriction Violation Notice” and, at times, be sent by both regular and certified mail. Regardless of where a homeowner is in the process of a deed restriction violation, it is imperative to communicate with the Standards Manager if an extension is needed.
You can contact the Standards Manager by calling 210-679-8761 or via email at Standards@villagesofwestcreek.com.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
| |
|
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 holiday decorations forty (40) days prior to the holiday thru the following 16th of January (which corresponds to the last day that the New Year's decorations may be displayed). At the 11/18/2021 Open Board Meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the request to change the standards to allow 45 days for Halloween decorating.
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 as you decorate for the upcoming Holiday Season!
Halloween
- Decorations Up - September 16, 2022
- Decorations Down - November 15, 2022
Thanksgiving
- Decorations Up - October 25, 2022
- Decorations Down - December 9, 2022
Christmas
- Decorations Up - November 15, 2022
- Decorations Down - January 16, 2023
New Year's
- Decorations Up - December 2, 2022
- Decorations Down - January 16, 2023
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
CLICK HERE to view the Standards!
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair Architectural Review Committee
| |
|
Here are some important dates concerning the upcoming General Election to be held on November 8, 2022.
- Last Day to Register to Vote: October 11, 2022
- Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: October 28, 2022
- Early Vote Period: Monday, October 24, 2022 – Friday, November 4, 2022
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 (7 am-7 pm)
Click here to visit the Bexar County Election Department for additional information!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair
| |
|
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: The ARC may approve banners on a case-by-case basis.
References:
Standards for Architectural Design and Maintenance, Section 9.1 and 9.6
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair
| |
|
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE COMMUNITY FUTURE
The Reserve Study gives the Association a complete itemized listing of all the Association’s common area items, their life expectancy, and estimated cost of repair/replacement, which helps guide the Board in planning reserve funding. The last Reserve Study was conducted in 2020 and is available in your Spectrum Portal.
At the September 15, 2022, Open Board Meeting, the Board and homeowners viewed the forecasted projects with estimated costs according to the 2020 Reserve Study. By 2023, the anticipated expenses from the Repair and Replacement Reserve Fund are listed at $185,878, according to the Reserve Study. In the next year, the Board will evaluate the items scheduled for repair or replacement according to the Reserve Study, and the Community Manager will obtain bids to conduct those repairs. The current proposed project list includes the following items:
- Color Coat the Basketball Court
- Sports Park Fountains Repair or Replacement
- Community Center Flooring
- Community Center Stucco Walls
- Repainting the Sports Park & Tot Lot Fencing
- New Pool Furniture Sports Park Pool
- Resurfacing and Remulching Tot Lot
- Power Washing and Painting Monuments
- Pool Lights Replacement (both pools)
- Kiddie Pool Cover Fix (both pools)
The Board also viewed the Capital Improvement Fund and Project List during the September Board Meeting. The balance of the Capital Improvement Fund at the beginning of 2023 is projected to be $81,926.58. The cost to convert the Sports Park kiddie pool into a splash pad was $117,000, and the estimate to build a freestanding splash pad outside the pool area was triple that cost. It was determined that there would be insufficient funds to construct a splash pad in 2023. This item and adding RFID at the dog park were closed off the agenda simply due to the estimated costs. Both the Splash Pad and RFID at the Dog Park will remain long-term goals for our community and can be revisited in the future when funds allow.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Strategic Planning Committee, please email our community manager at cm@villagesofwestcreek.com This is an excellent opportunity to have a voice in planning the future of the Association’s common areas and amenities.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
| |
The VWOA office will be closed, Monday, October 10, 2022, in observance of Columbus Day and will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Friday, October 21, 2022, from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM for staff development.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
| |
|
TRICK OR TREAT RECOMMENDED HOURS
The VWOA Staff would like to wish all residents a Very Safe and Happy Halloween.
The suggested times for trick or treating on Monday, October 31, 2022, are 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
| |
MAKE THIS HALLOWEEN MORE INCLUSIVE
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick or treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions.
Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick-or-treaters.
Help us make this Halloween one to remember!
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
| |
-
Splash Pad-CLOSED- A motion was made by Elaine Maurer to close this item due to the cost and funds available, Heather Mallia made a second, and all Board members present were in favor. This item is now closed and will be removed.
-
Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-TABLED- This item has been tabled until more information can be obtained regarding the Right of Way from TXDOT.
-
Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-TABLED- The Board has decided to table this project until the construction on Talley Road has been completed.
-
RFID Cards at Dog Park-CLOSED- Brandon Schuler motioned to close this item due to the project's cost and available funds. Brian Bush seconded the motion, and all Board members in attendance were in favor. This item is now closed and will be removed.
-
Pointe Monument-OPEN- The Board reviewed a proposal from SAT Energy to install solar lighting at The Hollows, Willowbrook, and The Oaks at Westcreek Oaks. The total for the installation per the proposal is $4,660.16. The Board also requested a proposal to add solar lighting at the other monuments that need lighting.
-
Maintenance Shop Replacement-OPEN- This contract has been signed, and the deposit invoice paid. This project is scheduled to begin after the concrete pad and electrical installation is completed.
-
Maintenance Shop Concrete Pad-OPEN- The Board has decided to move the shop's location to behind the Community Center as that location is platted and will be more cost-effective.
-
Notification of New Covenant Violation AR-CLOSED- The Board decided to have this AR be number AR-53, which is the following number, and filed with the county. This will now be reflected in the manager report until completed.
-
2023 Budget Review-CLOSED- The Board reviewed and approved the 2023 budget with a 9.09% increase and the allocation of $10,000 of the reserves line item for Capital Improvements and the remainder to be put in Repair and Replace.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
| |
Contract and Facility Rental Information links are below!
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, October 8, 2022
-
Sunday, October 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
| |
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
| |
THE MARKET IS BACK!
We are excited to announce that the VWOA is hosting a Farmers Market every Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. till 1:00 P.M. and every Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
The market is located in the overflow parking lot adjacent to the Community Center. They accept Cash and Credit Cards.
Please support our Local Farmers!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
| |
|
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
| |
|
PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT APPLICATION PROCESS
As the ARC Committee is working on updating the Standards to provide clarity and add new content, we would like to share with you the process of submitting a Process Improvement Application (PIA). So when you begin planning your project, we highly recommend you check out the link below for detailed and helpful information that will help you file a successful PIA application.
PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT APPLICATION FORM AND PROCESS | Villages of Westcreek - San Antonio, Texas
If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Standards Manager by calling 210-679-8761 or via email at Standards@villagesofwestcreek.com
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Architectural Review Committee, Chairperson
| |
|
If you're planning a property improvement project outside your house that involves digging, be sure to locate electric, natural gas, cable, and phone lines by calling 811.
Allow 48 hours (two full working days) for a team to come to your property and mark utility lines before your project begins. It's the law.
For additional information, call CPS Energy at (210) 353-2970.
You can make a locate request online at https://www.texas811.org/
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Architectural Review Committee, Member
| |
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION | |
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager | |
ZUMBA CLASSES - IN PROGRESS | |
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager | |
AVAILABLE VENDOR SIGN-UPS - IN PROGRESS | |
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager | |
KID'S DANCE CLASSES START - IN PROGRESS | |
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager | |
BLUE SANTA TOY DRIVE - IN PROGRESS | |
HALLOWEEN DECORATING CONTEST
OCTOBER 3rd thru OCTOBER 18th
| |
|
To enter the HALLOWEEN DECORATING CONTEST" you can register at the VWOA Office or by sending an email to: FrontOffice@villagesofWestcreek.com.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
| |
ENJOY BINGO - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11th
| |
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager | |
PET SHOT CLINIC - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15th | |
FALL FESTIVAL - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5th
| |
|
To enter the "CHILI COOK-OFF CONTEST" you can register at the VWOA Office or by sending an email to: FrontOffice@villagesofwestcreek.com.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
| |
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
| |
|
When you thought you were done with grubs, Green June Beetles start showing up in our area. They lay their eggs in the soil and as the eggs hatch, the larvae begin happily munching away at the roots of our turfgrasses, veggies, and ornamental plants too. Adult beetles love to target thin-skinned fruits (like figs) and other fruits. It’s a little frustrating that just as we’ve come through summer and fighting off regular June Bugs, these new pests appear.
4 Signs You Have Green June Beetles
- Small, unearthed piles throughout your turfgrass or in your gardens that could be mistaken for earthworm casting or little ant hills. The mounds are about 2″-3″ in diameter and have a distinct burrow opening that is about the diameter of your thumb. The length of the burrow channel usually runs around 6″ – 12″ deep into the soil.
- The Green June Beetle itself. This 1″-1.5″ long beetle will zip past you and have you thinking a bumblebee has buzzed you. They practically make the same sound. The females are early risers and you can find them hovering above turfgrass in the wee morning hours, while males will shuffle out around mid-morning. They have a shiny, metallic-green hue.
- Larvae feeding at night. Grubs are c-shaped and are usually found tunneling into the top 4″ of soil. The larvae will burrow up from the soil to feed at night. You can find them doing something pretty strange in the evening. They have a peculiar way of crawling along on their backs instead of using their very capable (but small) legs.
- Spots and damage on your thin-skinned fruits. Adult Green June Beetles love to feed on ripe stone fruit crops, figs, raspberries, and quince. They burrow inside the fruits and leave their waste behind.
Control of Green June Beetles
Control of Green June Beetles is the same as the control options for their cousins, the coppery colored June/May Beetle:
- Beneficial Nematodes can be applied to your affected areas and effectively control these pests, as long as you can keep the soil moist. Beneficial nematodes need to be watered in well in order to be able to swim down through the soil and do their dirty work.
- Chemical control with a product containing the active ingredient imidacloprid is also very effective. Bonide Insect & Grub is a commonly purchased product for Green June Beetles. These products will also need to be watered in after applying them.
Once the weather truly cools down, Green June Beetles will head back into the soil and overwinter in its depths. When spring arrives, the stinkers will emerge again in spring to feed and mate, so if you have an abundance of them, you might think about getting rid of them now.
| |
|
Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
| | | | | |
