February 2009 Official Newsletter of the Heatherwilde HOA Volume 1, Issue 2
HeralDHeatherwildeHeatherwilde
Heatherwilde News From the Board of DirectorsThe association will need to receive around 350 affirmative votes
before a decision can be made about the future of this land. We have posted the information and a ballot for download on our web site. If you haven’t sent in a ballot please take the time to do so. We would like to remove the liability from the association members. For more information go to our website www.heatherwilde.org or contact Marilyn at Goodwin Management 512- 502-7509
Budget 2009At the board of directors meeting on November 5, the budget of
the HOA for the year 2009 was discussed and approved. Based largely on the income from the dues paid by homeowners, expenses have been carefully planned as detailed in the spreadsheet. A large part of our expenses are fixed costs from our contractors for pool maintenance ($42.5k), landscaping ($11.4k), and association management ($19.5k), as well as taxes ($1.1k), insurance ($4.8k), and utility payments($22.8k). Besides routine costs associated with the management of the HOA, additional major expense items are used for legal costs ($5k) for dues collection and other legal matters, and maintenance and repairs to our amenities (~17k). Based on this budget, there will be no increase in the dues for 2009; they will remain at the current level of $240. The whole amount is due on Jan 1, 2009, but as usual, the board provided several payment plans to ease the burden on the homeowners of coming up with the whole amount at the beginning of the new year: you can choose to pay all your dues at the on Jan 1, or in 2, 3, or 4 installments starting in January. You should have already received an invoice in the mail, which includes a description of these plans. The last payment under these payment plans is due April1, 2009, late fees will accrue to all accounts delinquent after May 1. Remember that your pool card will not be reactivated for the pool season for any lot owner with a delinquent account.
One major project planned for this year not reflected in this budget is the replacement of the aging playground equipment at our park. To have your input considered on this project or any other new projects, please plan to attend the annual meeting in April.
Last summer you should have received a ballot for voting along with a letter from The Home Owners Association concerning an HOA land dedication to the City of Pflugerville. The land we are considering to deed to the City is behind the clubhouse and extends all the way to Gilleland Creek, including a drainage culvert behind the houses on Cactus Blossom. Since this land is mostly within the flood plain, it cannot be developed and is thus commercially not usable. So far, the maintenance of this land has been the responsibility of the HOA; we have cleaned the culvert a couple of times in the past at a cost of several thousand dollars each time, while the mowing of the land immediately behind the clubhouse costs us about $600 each time. Additionally, Travis County intends to route a hike and bike trail through this land (and adjacent neighborhoods). A transfer of this land would remove the liability and the expense for maintenance of the transferred area from the Association. We urge you to download the ballot from our Website (if you lost your mailing) and vote for the transfer of this land to the City.
The City has agreed to accept this land for park land use only. Per our association’s governing documents, it takes a 2/3 vote of our membership to approve the transfer. Of the 514 residences only about 150 home owners have responded so far. (Continued on Page 3)
Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Heatherwilde Homeowner's Association newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Heatherwilde residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-263-9181 or [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter.
President ............................................................. Thad YouslingVice President ........................................................Paul HenleyTreasure .............................................................. Jo SchambachSecretary ................................................................. Joan WhiteMember at Large ..........................................................Van Hill
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 in this publication, 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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“Lots of satisfi ed customers”
Classified AdsPersonal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Heatherwilde residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail [email protected] classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office at 512-263-9181 or [email protected].
Let us make sure yourbiggest investment is structurally sound.
TUCKERENGINEERING1311 Chisholm Trail, Suite 303
Round Rock, TX 78681Phone (512) 255-7477Fax (512) 244-3366
www.tuckerengineering.net
STRUCTURAL REPORTSStructural reports can be furnished in any of the following areas:
• Structural design of houses and apartments including superstructure, foundation and drainage.
• Structural inspections of houses and apartments including drainage, foundation, superstructure, as well as decks, pools and other structures.
• Identification of problems• Recommended Solutions• Estimated Costs• Inspection and Certification for structural repairs
Our reports are concise, easy to read.
We keep your information confidential.
Fees for services are based on the type of structure to be inspected and where it is locatedSPECIALIZING IN
RESIDENTIALAND COMMERCIAL
STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS
Serving Central Texas Since 1979
Jeffrey L. Tucker, P.E., a registered professional engineer in Texas, has been involved in structural design, inspection and repair of houses and apart-ments since 1965. He is uniquely qualified to perform structural analyses of wood frame structures and slab foundations; to inspect and offer assurance of structural integrity and/or repair recommendations and details.
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Heatherwilde Hearld's contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc..
Holiday LightsCongratulations to the winners of the
Congratulations to those families, who celebrated the holidays in grand fashion. Thank you to everyone who decorated their beautiful homes, making Heatherwilde a great place to come home to!
Please remember to take down your holiday decorations soon in order to avoid notification.
INCOME
Owner Dues 122,880.00$ UTILITY EXPENSESINCOME FROM DUES 122,880.00$ Electric 16,500.00$
Telephone 650.00$ OTHER INCOME Trash 400.00$
Ecc Fee Water & Sewer 5,200.00$ Miscellaneous Income 450.00$ TOTAL UTILITY EXPENSES 22,750.00$ Legal Reimbursement 2,500.00$ Late Fees 2,000.00$ PROPERTY EXPENSESViolation Fines 1,500.00$ Park & Greenbelt Maintenance 2,300.00$ Clubhouse Rental 1,200.00$ Extermination 500.00$ Interest Income 3,250.00$ Grounds & Yard Maintenance 11,400.00$
TOTAL OTHER INCOME 10,900.00$ Pool/Spa-Maint & Supplies 42,500.00$ Rec Courts/Equip 1,000.00$
TOTAL INCOME 133,780.00$ Pool-Furniture/Major Repairs 8,500.00$ Misc. Property Expenses 500.00$
Please note that all dogs over 9 months of age must be spayed or neuteredand the coupon is not good over major boarding holidays
Teenage Job Seekers Baby Pet House YardName Age Sit Sit Sit Work PhoneDoe, John ..................... 15 .........• ......... • ........• ...................111-1111
*-CPR Training +-First Aid Training
Attention Teenagers The Teenage Job Seekers listing service is offered free of charge to all Heatherwilde teenagers seeking work. Submit your name and information to [email protected] by the 9th of the month!
SAMPLE
Club HouseDon’t forget when you are ready to have a party and don’t want to
have it at your home, the Heatherwilde Clubhouse is available for rental by the homeowners of Heatherwilde H.O.A.. Reservations can be made by contacting Thad Yousling at (512) 698-3168. Reservation dates will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Clubhouse Rental shall include a check for the fee of $50 per day and a check for the deposit of $175, both due at the time of reservation. Please note that homeowners with outstanding Heatherwilde H.O.A. dues are ineligible to reserve and/or rent the clubhouse until all dues have been paid in full.
Board MeetingsThe board members of Heatherwilde are home owners just like you.
We live here in the subdivision as well. We are genuine in the interest and well being of the neighborhood. The board members and the association’s sole purpose is to maintain and improve neighborhood integrity and value by enforcement of rules, regular maintenance and capital improvements when possible. If you are interested in serving with the board or have a comment or complaint, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Heatherwilde clubhouse. We also post the meeting minutes on our web site.
For additional concerns, you can also contact the City of Pflugerville. They have information and department contact numbers to assist with questions you may have at their website: www.cityofpflugerville.com
Five Big Changes Coming to Air Travel in 2009Submitted By Marina Byrum
fare structure. Economy fares are bare-bones, no-frills tickets; Classic fares include seat assignments, checked bags, DirecTV, and frequent flyer miles; and Classic Plus tickets are fully refundable and changeable with lots of extras.
If these new ventures from Frontier and American prove successful, other airlines may adopt similar fare structures, similar to the avalanche of new fees that were introduced in 2008. Whether that will be a good thing for travelers remains to be seen.Airport Security Update
Travelers, say good-bye to your plastic baggies and tiny bottles of shampoo. The 3-1-1- rule may be discontinued in 2009, as new X-ray technology is introduced at airports around the country. The new technology can detect differences between benign liquids such as hair gel or juice boxes and potentially dangerous liquids used in bombs.
The TSA expects to have as many as 900 machines in place by the end of the year, so the 3-1-1 rule will be phased out and eventually halted altogether in the near future. This is good news for travelers frustrated by limitations on such items as toothpaste, hair sprays, etc.In-Flight Internet Service Expands
Expect Internet access to be available on many more flights in 2009. American, Delta and Virgin America all introduced Internet service
Big changes in the world of air travel are coming in 2009. From merger mania to airport security adjustments, here’s what’s on our shortlist of important changes in the year ahead.Merger Mania
Late in October, Delta Airlines’ proposed merger with Northwest Airlines was approved by the Department of Justice, and the two airlines will enter full-blown merger mode in early 2009. The tie-up may not be fully complete until 2010, but you can expect Northwest’s name and brand to be phased out in 2009. The two airlines’ frequent flyer programs will be merged towards the end of this year.
There is also the possibility of more mergers in an industry that clearly has excess capacity, is adding surcharges despite a retreat in fuel prices, and is facing international competitors that are expected to consolidate in the coming year.”Airlines Introduce A-La-Carte Pricing
Despite protests from passengers, American Airlines and Frontier Airlines are set to introduce a-la-carte pricing in 2009. As of the time of this writing, American had not announced full details of its new fare structure, although it may use Air Canada as a model. For more information, you can go to www.aa.com and click on About Us, and then Press Releases.
In December, Frontier announced details of its new AirFairs
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some flights in 2008, and will likely expand the service to more planes this year. Delta plans to add service to a new plane every few days, with the goal of outfitting all its aircraft with Internet by the end of the year, and will also begin to add the service to Northwest’s planes.
Other airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest plan to test Internet service this year as well.Paperless Boarding Passes
Paperless boarding passes are the wave of the future, and will become more widespread this year. You’ll soon be able to download a boarding pass to your PDA or cell phone, and scan the barcode at an airport security checkpoint scanner, eliminating the need for a physical printout.
Continental Airlines was the first U.S. airline to test paperless boarding passes in late 2007, and has since expanded its Mobile Boarding Pass option for departures from Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, New York’s LaGuardia airport, Newark, San Antonio, and both Reagan and National airports in Washington, D.C.
Other carriers, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta and Northwest are also beginning to introduce paperless boarding options for travelers.
So it goes that the only thing that never changes in the airline industry is they are constantly undergoing changes. Stay tuned for further developments in 2009 and 2010.
5 Big Changes Coming to Air - (Continued from Page 5) SudokuThe challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appearonly once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box.
February is American Heart MonthSubmitted by Karen Behrend
III. Other contributing Factorso Diabeteso Stress/Tensiono Hormonal Factorso Alcohol
Primary Risk Factors have the strongest relationship to heart disease (family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and physical inactivity), when two or more of these are present, the likelihood of heart disease greatly increases.
10 TIPS TO HELP DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS AND PREVENT HEART DISEASE IN YOUR FAMILYTake care of your heart and your children’s hearts by:1. Regular daily physical activity (walk, bike, hike together)2. Participate in age-appropriate sports, lesson or clubs. Let kids
try a variety and find what they like3. Participate in household chores (the physical kind)4. Follow a healthy diet; low in fat and high in complex
carbohydrates. Be supportive. Focus on positive instead of negative. Praise for a job well done!
5. Don’t reward kids with food…find other ways to celebrate!6. Be supportive. Focus on positive instead of negative. Praise
for a job well done!7. Limit TV, video game
and computer time…disconnect from it! 1-2 hours a day max!
8. Be a positive role model and practice what you preach
9. Set goals and limits. Daily activity, 1-2 desserts a week
10.Learn CPR. The next life you save may be someone you love!
February is American Heart Month! Here are some facts and tips to help you keep your heart healthy and help prevent Heart Disease.
COOL HEART FACTS:o The heart beats 2.5 billion times in a lifetime (65 yrs) (if you
take care of it, maybe more!)o It takes 23-24 seconds for a drop of blood to circulate through
the entire bodyo Your body pumps 1 million barrels of blood in a lifetime!o Your body has 60,000 miles of blood vesselso Every day over 650 Americans have coronary bypass surgery.
RISK FACTORS: I. Unalterable Risk Factors you CAN NOT change:o Family History (father/brother had heart disease before age
55, or mother/sister before age 65).o Gender (men have a higher risk)o Age (Men over 45 and Women over 55 are at increase risk)II. Risk Factors you CAN alter:o High Blood Pressure (three readings at 140/90 in a month,
see your doctor)o Smoking (#1 preventable cause of heart attacks in the US.
Smokers have a 70% great risk than nonsmokers). Tough habit to break, but sooner or later you will quit!
o Cholesterol (Blood cholesterol of 200 mg/dl is desirable, 239 mg/dl is borderline and 240 mg/dl+ is high) Know your numbers and get a complete breakdown of your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and Triglycerides. Have your doctor explain the numbers to you!
o Obesity (more than 30% of your desirable weight) Eating too much of the wrong foods can make you fat! Focus on 5 fruits or veggies a day for the next 20 days.
o Physical Inactivity (Choose to move! 30-60 minutes 3-4 times a week!)
