LAUREL CREEK July 2016
Official Newsletter of the Residents of Laurel Creek
LAUREL CREEK
Volume 3, Issue 7
Report by Board President at the Annual Meeting At Laurel Creek Neighborhood Association, Inc.’s annual meeting, Board of Director’s President, Agnes (“Ann”) Murphree, gave a report of activities which transpired over the past twelve months. Valerie Phelps was elected to the Board of Directors at the 2015 annual meeting, and the board selected Nathan Overstreet to fill the unexpired term of Jody Deluca who resigned. One of the first major projects taken on by the Board of Directors was the trimming of the trees located in the common area. The first phase of the project started in March of 2015 with the trimming of the trees at Gazebo Park, Shadow Gate Park and around the pond. It was initially thought that it would be necessary to wait another year to complete the remainder of the trees. However, the Board of Directors carefully watched the budget and obtained many quotes before deciding on Texas Tree Team, which provided an excellent price. Trimming the trees freshened up the appearance of Laurel Creek and also improved the health of the trees. Several incidents of high wind since the trees were trimmed left no significant debris. The Board of Directors finally obtained approval from three different pipeline companies which hold easements across Laurel Creek’s property to install a fence boarding the neighborhood along Winfern. The metal fence was installed by Southland Fence Company to secure the basketball park on Thursday, June 25, 2015. However, Exxon Mobil contacted the management company the day after the installation claiming that they were not notified through the “One Call” system that the fence installation was about to take place and the fence was not properly located. In response, the Board of Directors negotiated with the pipeline companies to reach an amicable resolution. The pipeline companies agreed to allow the fence to be moved, and the Board secured an agreement from the contractor to move the fence at its own expense. The fence is something that many residents have wanted for several years. Another very significant project approved by the Board was the replacement of several cracked and uneven areas of concrete in Shadow Gate Park, around the pond, and the common walkway between Desert Cloud and the basketball park. This work eliminated several major hazards. Again, a number of quotes were obtained Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
before settling on a contractor. All of the fire hydrants were recently painted. As part of the project, the MUD had all of the hydrants first inspected to make sure they were in good operating order. A number of problems were discovered and repaired before the hydrants were painted. As a result of Laurel Creek’s HOA requesting that the MUD paint our fire hydrants, the project was expanded by the MUD to include many other hydrants in the general vicinity of Laurel Creek. The new painted hydrants look much nicer, and more importantly, are fully functional. MUD, rather than Laurel Creek, absorbed the entire cost of the project. The board also authorized many irrigation repairs that were needed to keep the system functional. Our system is now about eighteen years old, and it is necessary to fix leaks and replace broken sprinkler heads from time to time. It was noted last September that our water bills were unusually high, which led to the discovery of several significant leaks that have now been repaired. The board is also now monitoring the water bills on a monthly basis. As a cost saving major, a key was obtained from the landscape company so that the Board now has the ability to manually turn off the system in periods of heavy rain to further save money. The Board replaced all six of the flood lights at the main entrance with LED lights late last year. At Christmas, two new wreathes were purchased for section 5 and two swags for Section 4. The two wreathes at the main entrance were remade. In addition, for the first time in many years, the gazebo was lit with icicle lights. Recently the Board solicited volunteers to stain the playground equipment and benches at the three parks. Thus far, volunteers completed the staining for two of the three parks. Having volunteers do the staining saved a great deal of money for the HOA. The savings from having volunteers stain the playground equipment were used to have drainage issues addressed at the basketball park and on the green belt leading from the park to Desert Cloud. In addition, the three rose beds on the greenbelt between the pond and (Continued on Page 2) Laurel Creek - July 2016
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LAUREL CREEK COMMUNITY CONTACTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ann Murphree......................................................... President Greg Magness................................................... Vice President Linda Pirtle-Porras................................................... Secretary Nathan Overstreet.................................................... Treasurer Valerie Phelps............................................................ Director
NEWSLETTER INFO NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER Peel, Inc............................888.687.6444, www.PEELinc.com Advertising....................................
[email protected]
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Crest Management.................... www.crest-management.com .........................................................................281.579.0761 Association Manager Jennifer
[email protected] Assistant Manager Victoria
[email protected] .........................................................................281.945.4623 Call Before You Dig ...................................................................1.800.344.8377 Street Light Outage www.centerpointenergy.com (Have light number) ......................................................................713.207.2222 Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Service ............................................. http://records.txdps.state.tx.us Police Information If you witness a crime or suspicious activity call Pct. 4 Constable
......................................................... 281.376.3472 or 911 Police Emergency..............................................................911 Constable's Office Precinct 4.............................281.376.3472 ......................... Laurel Creek has a contract for faster response Cy Fair Volunteer Dept. (Ambulance) ........................................ (Non-emergency) 713.466.6151 Harris County Alarm (Permit) ..................................................................... 713-755-4660 TOPS (Water Issues) ......................................................................281.807.9500 Poison Center ...................................................................1.800.222.1222
Please remember: We do not live in the City of Houston but in Harris County. Inform the emergency operator of this to assure a more prompt response.
(Continued from Cover) Shadow Gate Park were refurbished for the first time in many years. This was necessary since a great many of the rose bushes had died in the last four or five years. The board switched to Crest Management in May of 2015 and the annual meeting marked their first anniversary. Jenifer Petras has been Laruel Creek’s manager since the switch, and Victoria Schoon recently became the assistant manager. Both Jenifer and Victoria have done a great job. Another major change made by the Board this last year was to switch law firms. Hoover and Slovack has made significant progress in collecting the delinquent accounts. Many contractors that come to Laurel Creek comment on how great the neighborhood looks at 18 years of age. Keeping Laurel Creek looking great though requires the joint effort of the HOA and the residents. In the last year, residents have installed what must be a record number of new roofs, painted their houses, trimmed trees, etc. This improves not only the individual residence, it adds to the overall appeal of Laurel Creek. The HOA would like to sincerely thank all of the residents that have contributed to keeping Laurel Creek a well maintained and vibrant neighborhood. Brilliant Energy Texas OUC #10140
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Special Resident
Tom Tamborello and his wife Nelda moved to Laurel Creek in October 2011. Since that time, Tom has been an active resident in our community. He served on the Board of Directors until 2014. Since then he has continued to help the board and the community. Tom can frequently be seen around the neighborhood on his bike. He checks the pond almost daily for issues in between regular maintenance. He also can be found fixing swings, replacing broken padlocks, turning off and on the irrigation system to save water, staining playground equipment, replacing burned out light bulbs and hanging wreathes and lights on the gazebo at Christmas time. Over the years Tom has saved the board thousands of dollars by voluntarily taking on jobs the board would have had to have contracted out. Thank you Tom for all that you do!
Thank You!
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Dog Etiquette This is not a popular topic with many residents, but it needs to be revisited from time to time. If you walk your dog on the common areas, please take plastic bags to pick-up after they do their business! Rolls of bags designed for this purpose that can be attached to the dog’s leash are readily available at all pet stores. Alternatively, plastic bags from places like the grocery store can be used. Laurel Creek has many residents that ALWAYS pick-up after their dogs. Unfortunately, there are other residents that NEVER pick-up after their dog! If you fall into this latter category, please be aware that many residents know your name and have complained to the HOA. Other residents pay attention when you do not pick-up after your animal. Many residents find it particularly upsetting when the dogs are allowed to go in areas where children play such as the parks and the owner does not pick-up. Not only is this inconsiderate on many counts, but it is also unhealthy. So, please, be a good neighbor and when you walk your dog take a plastic bag and pick-up after them! Also, dogs should always be walked on a leash. Some children (and adults) are frightened of dogs off leash and it could turn a pleasant walk into a stressful experience for them. Also, a leashed dog is unable to dash in front of moving vehicle.
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LAUREL CREEK
Free Document Shredding Identity theft has been in the news a lot in recent years. Most articles on the subject recommend shredding all documents with personal and financial information. If you only have a few documents to shred, a moderately priced shredder can probably handle the job. However, if you have a lot of documents to shred it can be quite time consuming and frustrating (i.e. frequent shredder jams, bits of paper creating a mess when emptying shredder). Vanish Document Shredding at 4846 Cranswick Rd., Houston, Texas 7704l offers free shredding on the following days and times (except for major holiday weekends): Tuesday: 11AM-2PM • Wednesday: 11AM-2PM Friday: 2PM-6PM • Saturday: 8AM-12Noon According to their website at www.VanishDocuments.com, you have the option of dropping off your documents or staying to watch them being shredded. The shredded documents are recycled. The website states the free shredding is for office quality paper (i.e. old bank statements, contracts, correspondence). Orange craft paper, hanging folders, dark brown, red or dark blue folders, magazines and newspapers are not accepted. Their office phone number is 713-682-6474,
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Storm Drains On April 18, 2016 there was widespread flooding in Houston. Fortunately for those of us in Laurel Creek our subdivision stayed high and dry. However, there were news reports of subdivision flooding for the first time. The primary defense Laurel Creek, and the entire metropolitan area, has against flooding is the storm drain system and bayous. Every resident is responsible for ensuring that only run off water from their property enters the storm drains. Leaves, grass clippings, kitty litter, paint, chemicals, trash, etc. do not belong in the storm drains. Sadly in the weeks leading up to April 18th a number of residents and/or yardmen were observed blowing or raking yard debris into the street or directly into the nearest storm drain. Blowing grass and leaves into the street is highly inconsiderate of nearby neighbors, plus the rubbish eventually gets washed into the storm drains. Blowing, raking or sweeping debris directly into a storm drain is also illegal. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality promulgates and enforces regulations applicable to storm drains. Sweeping leaves, grass clippings, yard waste, etc., into a storm drain may violate Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 330, Subchapter A, Rule §330.15 and carry civil penalties between $50 to $25,000 per day per violation. Criminal penalties, if pursued, are $500 to $100,000 per day per violation. Please do not sweep your yard debris into the street or storm drains. Sweeping garbage into drains repeatedly by multiple individuals over time can cause a blockage that could lead to flooding. Most of the yard companies properly bag yard waste. However, if you use a service that does not do so, please discuss this with them and insist that they start doing so immediately. Environmental violations may be reported to authorities by contacting 3-1-1. If possible a photograph should be taken and the date, time, location, name (if known) and address of the violator written on the back.
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Girl Scouts
REMINDER Summer is here and more children will be out playing during daylight hours. When driving, please be alert for children on bicycles and skateboards. Please use extra caution and keep your speed down.
From the time your daughter came into your life, you've only wanted the best for your girl. You want to see her feel happy and loved, be confident, make new friends, stay healthy, excel in school, and eventually rise up the ranks in a career she finds fulfilling. Girl Scouts gives girls and their leaders opportunities to share new experiences, make new friends and to become confident young ladies. In Girl Scouts, the volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Without our volunteers, there are no Girl Scout troops, no camping experiences, no cookie businesses, and no troop badges earned. As an adult, all of your experiences have brought you to where you are in your life today. As a Girl Scout leader, an adult has the chance to mentor a group of girls to help them reach their fullest potential through your shared experiences. Please consider volunteering with Girl Scouts so you can have a direct impact on the girls in your community. To volunteer, please visit our website at www.gssjc.org and click on “Volunteer Today.” Let’s show the girls in CyFair what’s possible!
NOBODY IS DROWNPROOF WATCH KIDS AROUND WATER
COLIN HOLST
37 Texas children have already fatally drowned in 2016 DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE THESE WATER SAFETY TIPS CAN SAVE LIVES
WATCH KIDS & KEEP IN ARM’S REACH
LEARN TO SWIM
WEAR LIFE JACKETS
MULTIPLE BARRIERS AROUND WATER
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFER
CHECK WATER SOURCES FIRST
PRACTICE DRAIN SAFETY
BE SAFER IN OPEN WATER
LEARN CPR
BECOME a Water Guardian for your child
TAKE the Water Safety Quiz PREVENT drowning www.colinshope.org/quiz LEARN more at www.colinshope.org Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
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LAUREL CREEK At no time will any source be allowed to use Laurel Creek'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 Peel, Inc. The information in Laurel Creek is exclusively for the private use of the Laurel Creek HOA and Peel, Inc. 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.
Emerald Ash Borer found in Texas Emerald ash borer, often referred to as EAB, is an exotic pest from Asia. This beetle is a serious threat to ash trees. Emerald ash borer was accidentally introduced into the United States and was found in Michigan in 2002. Four beetles were found in a trap located in NE Texas (Harrison County) in late April 2016. There are currently no confirmed cases of ash trees that are infested. The beetles will continue to be monitored throughout the state. Larvae bore into trees under the bark and cut off the water and nutrient conducting vessels. Larvae are creamy white, legless with a flattened body. Larvae are 1- 1 ½ inches in length when fully developed. As an adult, the beetle is elongated and cylindrical with the pronotum (a part of the thorax) extended back as a lobe towards the abdomen. Most notably, these beetles are bright, metallic green with reddish hues. Adults are about 1/2 inch in size. If the wings are removed or lifted, the upper side of the abdomen is bright coppery-red which can help differentiate this beetle from closely related species in Texas. In infested trees, canopy die back is often seen in the top one third of the canopy and then moves down until the tree is bare. Epicormic shoots (leafy shoots coming off the trunk of the tree) may also be seen. Vertical fissures may appear on the bark and galleries may be able to be seen through openings. If bark is peeled off, serpentine galleries packed with frass (excrement) may be seen. Adult beetles produce a d-shaped exit hole (1/8 inch diameter). Woodpeckers may cause damage to tees infested with EAB. Look for flaking bark and uneven holes caused by the woodpeckers feeding on larvae and pupae. If EAB activity is confirmed for ash trees within an area, it is recommended that a systemic insecticide treatment is given to ash trees of high value. If more than 50% of an infested ash tree crown remains, then treatment with a systemic insecticide may slow the attack. If less than 50% of an infested ash tree crown remains, the tree should be removed. For great information on emerald ash borer within Texas see the following site: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/eab/ This information is to have you watch for this beetle on ash trees in your area. Only 4 beetles have been found currently and only in NE Texas. No trees have yet been confirmed to be infested. For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at: www.urban-ipm.blogspot.com
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Color the drawing below and mail the finished artwork to us at: Peel, Inc. - Kids Club 308 Meadowlark St Lakeway, TX 78734-4717 We will select the top few and post their artwork on our Facebook Page - Facebook.com/PeelInc. DUE: July 30th
Be sure to include the following so we can let you know! Name: _______________________________ (first name, last initial)
Age:________________
Happ y 4th of Ju ly!
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