President's MessageI hope everyone had a great time at the End of Summer
Bash. After 45+ days of no rain and three weeks of 100F heat, we got lucky and it was only 97F! I had a wonderful time meeting new neighbors and catching up with current residents. Congratulations to our dessert winners and thank you to all the volunteers who helped with this event.
Kids are back in school, please be careful when driving thru the neighborhood. There are numerous cars I see every day that exceed 40 mph up and down Mt. Bonnell. There are also a handful of folks who are in such a hurry they feel it necessary to pass on Twin Valley Drive. However, there are walkers and joggers out after dark and before sunrise, some with strollers and animals. So, please keep your eyes open and please slow down.
Short Term Rentals continue to be a problem in the area. We are continuing to work with our district 10 councilmember Sheri Gallo and her team to resolve issues and improve the situation. While it is not an issue in Cat Mountain and never will be due to our Covenants, we seek to improve the Northwest Hills area and are working with NWACA to create rules that work for the betterment of the area.
The board is considering options to eliminate the HOA dues payments by coupon. We pay thousands of dollars to offer this as a means to manage our payments but feel this is an antiquated and costly system. Unlike many Associations we have a great community that pays their dues on time. One reason that our dues are so low, is that we make every effort to
control costs in our Association and one of the big annual costs has been the coupons and payment management. Currently only about 1/3 of our residents pay electronically. We would like to encourage everyone to pay electronically on a monthly or quarterly basis. Receiving 365 checks each month is a bit overwhelming for Jesse; we will always welcome a payment by check but urge you to make your payments directly online. For questions on how to pay your dues online, please contact Jesse.
Also, please let us know if your contact info changes. I had to reach out to a homeowner this month regarding an issue and all we had in our records was a name and address. It took several days when I could have called or sent an email in much less time. It is imperative that we maintain an accurate database with name, address and contact info (email /phone) for all homeowners in the Association. We need to be able to contact residents quickly in case of emergency. Please email Jesse at [email protected] and share this information. Any contact information you share will be private and used only for Association business.
Please review Jesse’s Manager’s Report in this issue for updates on the pool, dogs, tennis courts, roads etc. If you are new to the Villas, please do not hesitate to contact Jesse if you have questions.
Best Regards,Bryan HarterCat Mountain HOA | President
For Emergency after hours, during weekends & holidays, Please call 512.328.7316 (h) or 512.963.0940 (c)
• Bryan Harter, President...........Term February 2014-February 2016• Marc Dully, Vice President......Term February 2015-February 2017• Davison Grant, Treasurer........Term February 2014-February 2016• Ken Nirenberg, Secretary........Term February 2015-February 2017• Richard Schley, Vice President..Term February 2014-February 2016For questions or to contact any board member please email the HOA Manager at [email protected]
Photo by: Elijah Merritt, EDM Photography
Cat Mountain Homeowners Association Board of Directors
DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.
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SEPTEMBERMANAGERS REPORTSwimming Pool:The pool is for use of residents and their guests. Not just
their guests. Please do not share your keys with other family members (who don’t live with you) if you are not going to be using the facilities with them. We’ve recently noticed a group of non-residents using our pool (because someone in their family lives in the neighborhood), inviting other non-resident friends and having a pool party while serving beer in glass containers, ignoring posted rules and a polite reminder from a board member who was present that day. An hour later they were seen standing in the pool drinking out of glass bottles and eating pizza.
Please note the Pool Rules sign has been revised; please review the rules the next time you visit. Glass of any kind is not allowed at the pool. If you are asked to remove the glass you brought into the pool, and you ignore the request, you will lose your pool privileges. Please choose plastic or aluminum containers for everyone’s safety. Please do not eat in the pool. Food left around the pool attracts ants and bugs and can be a huge problem. Please take any trash home with you when you leave the pool area.
We would also like to remind dog owners that dogs are not allowed in the pool. There is also no smoking in the pool area.
Babies in the pool should be wearing swim diapers, please encourage all small children to use the pool bathroom before swimming. Pool bathrooms are around the side of the clubhouse and should be used by swimmers. The indoor clubhouse bathrooms are for use during events when the clubhouse is rented only.
Lastly, please double check you have all your items with you when you leave. We recently found hair ties, balloons, bottle tops, small toys, left over food and wrappers around the pool. These items can easily cause major costly damage to the pool drain if they are drawn in to the system.
Dogs:There has been a recent increase in the amount of feces noted
around the sidewalks and trails. Please pick up after your dog while walking. Also, there have been numerous complaints about dogs barking late at night after 1:00AM and around 4:00AM to 6:00AM. If you put your dog outside please monitor them, also don’t forget to provide plenty of water to any dogs left outside for even short periods during this heat.
Tennis Courts:We have recently repaired some cracks and the benches at the
courts. If you see anything that needs attention or maintenance,
please contact Jesse. Tennis court keys are available from the manager for a $10 deposit.
Road Work:We have had some residents express concern over the fact that
the cul-de-sac they live on has cracks or the recently filled cracks don’t match the asphalt. We have a long term plan to manage the streets we are responsible for paving. Sometimes we can justify the expense of a full new surface but more often we need to be conservative and deal with cracks or patch holes in the surface due to drainage issues that have arisen. This leads to a surface that is a mix of black and gray. We have found that our options to seal coat the roads are limited by the incline of many of the streets. Seal coating is very slippery when wet and is not approved for roads that are steep. It is a good preventative measure in some cases where it is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally a good seal against water intrusion. As always we strive to provide a level of fiscally responsible maintenance to all our long term capital assets. If you see anything that needs attention or maintenance, please contact Jesse.
We would like to thank everyone who came out to our Annual End of Summer Ba s h . T h i s y e a r ’s e v e n t highlighted what a great and diverse neighborhood we live in with so many wonderful people, friendly families and fascinating newcomers. It was great to see you all!
Congratulat ions to the Dessert Contest Winners, First Place went to Anita Costanzi for her fantastic pie recipe, Second Place was awarded to Vicki Rochstein for her chocolate brownie recipe and Third Place went to Anita Costanzi for her chocolate chip cookies, which were Bryan’s favorite of all the desserts. All winning recipes will be in an upcoming issue!
Thank you to our volunteers who put the entire event together including: Charlene Casillas, Social Committee Chair, for the set-up and decorations, Bryan Harter, for all the shopping, Dwight, Irina and Alex Granger for all the grilling; Jesse, who worked so hard on the pool and grounds, Lisa Castillo, Faye Van Haren, Marc & Gail Dully who are always available helping hands! No event would be possible without all your efforts!
Thank you to Cat Mountain Residents: Mai Barazi for bringing out her wonderful Aghabani “Threads of Hope” textiles which are described below.
HOA SUMMER BASH WRAP UP
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Description: The position includes marketing our community newsletters to local and area businesses. It is a flexible position that allows you to work from home and set your own hours.
Roles: Stimulate new advertising accounts in our community newsletters. Maintain current accounts assigned to you by Sales Manager. Service your accounts by assisting them from ad design to final proof approval.
Skills: Excellent communication through email and phone, with high level presentation and relationship-building skills. Strong prospecting and business development skills are a must. Previous sales experience preferred but not required.
Benefits: Commission Based Apply by sending resume to [email protected]
kicking off the fall season with two upcoming socials!
Our first social will be held Saturday, October 3rd and will be hosted by our welcoming committee co-chairs Faye Van Haren and Lisa Castillo. The theme will be “An Evening in Italy” featuring lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, cesar salad and
bread. Everyone is invited to bring a bottle of your favorite Italian wine such as pinot grigio, chianti, prosecco or pinot noir as well as an appetizer or dessert to share.
We will also hold a second social in November with more details to come in the next issue!
If you would like to join us and meet new neighbors at any of our Wine Socials please email Charlene Casillas at [email protected] to be included in all upcoming evite invites.
Updates will also be included in our future newsletters, Cat Mountain Community Facebook Page and NextDoor.com website.
Wine Club Socials were formed by residents who share a common interest. The clubs purpose is to bring neighbors together in a social setting.
Neighborhood YogaCharles Devany, Cat Mountain resident and trained yoga instructor,
has had a wonderful response from numerous residents joining him for his free yoga classes held on the patio of the clubhouse.
He is currently holding his classes Saturday mornings from 10-11AM and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 PM.
If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please email Charles at [email protected]
All Cat Mountain Residents are welcome!
THE THREADS OF HOPEAGHABANI FROM SYRIA
The story began in the winter of 2013, the story of Threads of Hope. Art pieces made by the hands of skilled artisans, from a wide range of ages. Pieces whose magical colors stood out, whose beautiful designs
and excellent craftsmanship and quality shone.
The work expressed the humiliation and injustice inflicted on a country, where men are absent and the remaining women have no savior or helper, until they joined arms with great determination around some coarse cloth and a rusty machine.
Since then, the machines have been updated, the ideas developed, the tablecloths painted. The secret is called Aghabani: a magical force that gathered women around it, roving them with work and a source of income. Many people have helped, providing painted cloths, contributing money or samples, others assisting with selling the product that had evolved into table covers, pillowcases, and handbags, among others.
These pieces of art are the product of innovative women and a bleeding country that waits for its sons and daughters to come to its rescue.
More than thirty Syrian women, some under siege and others living as refugees, continue on, weaving their threads of hope...
For any questions please email Mai at [email protected] or check out their facebook page at Threads of Hope - Khywt Alamal – Aghabany
All Cat Mountain Residents are invited to join the book club on *Thursday, September 17, 6:30 PM, at the HOA Clubhouse to discuss their latest selection, The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins. All Formats & Editions
A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?
“Gripping, enthralling—a top-notch thriller and a compulsive read.”~S. J. Watson, New York Times–bestselling author of Before I Go to Sleep
The next quarter books and dates are as follows and all meetings will be held in the clubhouse:
Tuesday, October 30, 6:30 PMThe Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah.
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 PMBig Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty.
Tuesday, December 15, 6:30 PMIf I stay, by Gayle Forman
The Cat Mountain Book Club, established in 2012, invites new residents to join them at any time and new members are always welcome and encouraged.
For more information contact Book Club Leader Adrienne Boer at [email protected] or look for updates on the Cat Mountain Community Facebook Page and on NextDoor.com.
Cat Mountain BOOK CLUB
The HOA Board would like to welcome Mark & Janet Heinen to our neighborhood!
We would also like to thank Jack Allen Restaurant’s for their participation in our welcoming packets.
If anyone else is interested in promoting their business to new residents please contact our committee co-chairs, Lisa Castillo at [email protected] and Faye Van Haren at [email protected] for more details.
If you have any additional information or questions regarding the neighborhood Home Owners Association please contact Jesse Chargualaf, HOA Manager at [email protected].
Welcoming Committee
CALL 3-1-1 FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ANY NON-EMERGENCY
ACTION BY THE CITY OF AUSTINThe City of Austin provides one number, 3-1-1, that citizens may call
for things like the following:• Coyote sightings or howling – provide an exact street address, so the
trapper can locate them• Reporting trees that have fallen and block roadways or sidewalks, or
those that drag on power lines• Reporting dead animals for pickup; they must be placed at the curb,
though; City personnel are not allowed to enter our yards to gather them• Problems with loose dogs or traffic signals not working• Reporting instances of people feeding deer• And more.
Call 3-1-1 or file a request at http://austin-p1csrprodcwi.motorolasolutions.com/Home.mvc/Index. The City also has a smartphone 311 app now. See this link for more information: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/311/smart-phone-app
CALL 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
The 9-1-1 emergency number gets you a response for a wide variety of issues:• Life-threatening issues – house on fire, person having a heart attack,
burglary in progress, etc.• Health-related crises – someone can’t catch their breath, incapacitated
person needs a lift out of the bathtub, and more.• If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution!
Call 9-1-1 and you will get a quick and kind response from EMS, APD, and Austin Fire Department personnel.
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School starts in August, so now is the time for drivers to pay closer attention to the school zones in the neighborhood. We want to remind you that the speed limit in a school zone is 20mph and traffic fines double!
Other changes to be aware of include;• Childrenbehavingunpredictably• SchoolBusStops• CrossingGuards–pleaseobeytheguards!Remember, they are there for the safety of you and your children• Newareasoftrafficcongestion• Bepreparedfordelays• Useofcellphonesinschoolszonesisprohibited!
Please give yourself extra time in the mornings and mid-afternoons and remember if you are traveling in a school zone to slow down.
