mountain lodge
september 2010
President's Letter Hello Mountain Lodge, I’d like to thank everyone who came out to our annual meeting last month. We elected four new board members for a total of seven board members. Over the next few months you’ll be hearing more about those that have stepped up and volunteered their time to serve our community. Interested in getting plugged in and helping our community? We are looking for a Social Chair and a Safety Chair. If you have any questions about what these positions entail please email mtnlodgeinfo@ gmail.com. I’m sure you’ve all noticed our new gate arms that have been installed at each entrance. This new system will alleviate the problem we’ve had with tailgating. We’ve also installed infrared cameras at each location so anyone who tampers with or disables the gates, either intentionally or unintentionally, will be fined and charged for the necessary repairs. Please take some time to visit and bookmark our new website, www.mountainlodgeinfo. com. While it is still a work in progress this website will eventually be one stop shopping for information relating to Mountain Lodge. Warm regards, David Heidenrich ML HOA President Copyright © 2010 Peel, Inc.
Volume 2, Issue 9
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS Four new Board members were elected at the annual HOA meeting on August 9th. Congratulations to James J. Romano and Jason Taylor who were elected to two year terms and Ed LeFebvre and Dave Bollinger who were elected to one year terms. As set forth in the First Amendment to the Bylaws of 281 East Homeowners Association, the three sitting Board members, David Heidenrich, John Fike and Joe Cochran retain their position for three year terms. The new seven person Board convened for the first time on Thursday, August 12th with the primary order of business being the election of a Chairman and Officers Each Board Member will act as liaison between the Board of Directors and the Chairperson of each of the existing six committees. They will assist each Committee Chair in resolving problems and insure they have everything needed to manage their committee. Control and daily operation of the existing committees will still be the responsibility of the individual Committee Chairs just as it has in the past. Duties and responsibilities were assigned to each Board member as noted below: John Fike - Chairman of the Board External Community Development Control of Board Budgets
David Heidenrich – President Admin. & Management Company Affairs Community Development & Information Legal Matters
J. J. Romano – Vice President Dave Bollinger – Secretary Architectural Control Committee Social Events and Seasonal Decorations Covenant Admin. and Violations Swimming Pools New Construction Playground areas Ed LeFebvre – Treasurer Joe Cochran – Director Parking Gate Management and Maintenance Street Lights Security Street Maintenance Traffic Control Jason Taylor – Director Maintenance of Vacant Lots Nov 2 Voting Day Irrigation & Drainage Nov 7 Daylight Saving Landscape Time Ends
Important Dates
Mountain Lodge Homeowner's Association - September 2010
mountain lodge Mountain lodge HOA Board of Directors
Chairman................................................................... John Fike President....................................................... David Heidenrich Vice President.................................................... James Romano Secretary............................................................. Dave Bollinger Treasurer................................................................ Ed LeFebvre Director.................................................................. Joe Cochran Director.................................................................. Jason Taylor
Comittee Chairs Safety ..................................................................... Josh Morris Social . ........................................................Kristen MacFarland Pool ...................................................................Sherry Borzych ACC ....................................................................... Allen Mead ACC-New Construction ....................................... Jan Emerick Maintenance ......................................................... Ray Mendez Communication..................................................Michele Lopez ....................................................................... Dave Bollinger To contact any of the above positions, please email
[email protected].
Website Information http://www.mountainlodgeinfo.com Webmaster..........................................................Michele Lopez Newsletter information Editor............................................................... David Bollinger Submit articles, events, & information to
[email protected]. Publisher Peel,Inc...................................www.peelinc.com, 888-687-6444
[email protected], 888-687-6444
article info The Mountain Lodge Messenger is mailed monthly to all Mountain Lodge residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. To submit an article for the Mountain Lodge Messenger please email it to
[email protected]. The deadline is the 15th of the month prior to the issue.
advertising info Please support the advertisers that make the Mountain Lodge Messenger possible. 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 20th of the month prior to the issue.
Mountain Lodge Howeowner's Association - September 2010
IMPORTANT NUMBERS EMERGENCY
Fire....................................................................................... 911 Ambulance........................................................................... 911 Sheriff.................................................................................. 911 Poison Control..................................................1-800-222-1222
OTHER SERVICES
Sheriff Dept. (non-emergency).............................210-335-6000 Texas One Call (call 48 hrs before digging).......1-800-545-6005 Bexar County Animal Control (stray animals, etc.).................210-207-6000 Household Hazardous Waste Pickup.............1-800-449-7587 RealManage (ML Management Co.).................1-866-473-2573
UTILITIES
SAWS (water)......................................................210-704-7297 Waste Management (trash pickup.....................1-800-800-5804 CPS Energy (gas & electric) Customer service..............................................210-353-2222 Trouble.............................................................210-353-4357
SCHOOLS
Johnson High School (Jaguars).............................210-356-0400 www.neisd.net/johnson/ Reagan High School (Rattlers).............................210-482-2200 www.neisd.net/reagan/ Bush Middle School (Bulldogs)............................210-491-8450 www.neisd.net/bush/ Tejeda Middle School (Timberwolves)................. 210 482-2260 www.neisd.net/tejeda/ Roan Forest Elementary (Trailblazers).................. 210 481-4045 www.neisd.net/roan/ Tuscany Heights Elementary (Tigers)...................210-482-2218 www.neisd.net/tuscany/ or.............................210-482-2219
Weather Watch
We can expect the following average conditions for the months of September & October TEMPERATURE High Low Highest recorded Lowest recorded PRECIPITATION RAINY DAYS SNOWFALL
SEPT 90 69 103 47 3 in 5 0 in
OCT 82 59 99 28 3.9 in 7 0 in
based on NOAA data recorded at the San Antonio Intl Airport from 1971 to 2000. Lat 29d 32m N Long 98d 28m W Elev. 809 ft.
Copyright © 2010 Peel, Inc.
mountain lodge NEW GATE ENTRY SYSTEM...
Refresher
Information about traffic through our gates is recorded on digital equipment and maintained for an extended period of time. The cameras provide pictures of movement of the vehicles from entry off the main thoroughfares and while passing through and past the gates, a picture of vehicle drivers using the gate call boxes and, even in total darkness the license plate number of the vehicle. The value of this information is beneficial when determining the cause for accidents, damage or other suspicious activities occurring in our gate areas. This information can aid with the determination of responsibility for the event, and recovery of charges for damages. Because of the new gate barrier arms, each vehicle will have to come to a complete stop prior to passing through the gate openings. This will stop unauthorized traffic from entering the community, it will reduce gate maintenance expense by stopping the frequent direction reversal of the heavy gates, and it is less likely authorized vehicles will increase to high speeds after entry which otherwise would occur. The siren operated gate openers will enable professional emergency vehicles to travel to emergencies without losing valuable time by having to stop to gain entry through physical efforts, such as contacting the Answering Service or open the Fire Department key boxes. The sirens are sophisticated to the extent that only professional type sirens have the frequency which will operate the gate openers. Sirens of lesser sophistication cannot activate the gate opener. It has been substantiated by other gated communities that this quality of gate systems can provide information needed for statistical management information and can be used as a valid source of information providing visual facts which can be helpful to criminal investigations and prosecution of criminal actions. The new gate systems will not solve all of the traffic problems we are having since many of these instances are created by homeowner s. However, they can help reduce some of the speeding occurrences and traffic congestion on our streets since unauthorized vehicles will not be permitted to use our streets. The reduction of nonresident traffic will reduce the number of vehicles using our streets which in many cases are narrow, winding, uphill and downhill streets where children play and adults frequently use for various personal reasons. We have many residents of all ages running, playing, walking in our streets pushing baby buggies or standing at school bus stops on some of our street corners. Because of the advantages and potential positive results which can be stimulated by these systems, we feel our homeowners will receive many positive advantages in an improved quality of living environment and hopefully, increased property values.
Exciting News
From the ACC New Construction Committee:
As we transition from the developer to managing the neighborhood on our own, we also take on the task of reviewing any new construction that will take place. A committee will be in place, not unlike the current ACC Committee who oversees modifications after purchase, to review and approve all new construction from the various builders in our area. To date we have had our first “owner owned” lot submit a plan to build. Happy to report construction was approved and we will have a new neighbor soon. I am looking for a few new members to work with me on this committee. I can be reached at
[email protected]. I am looking forward to this new challenge, with a twenty year history in the Real Estate business, I want our neighborhood to grow, our property to appreciate, and the neighborhood continue to be a great place to live. Jan Emerick CRS,ABR,GRI
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Mountain Lodge Homeowner's Association - September 2010
mountain lodge CELLULAR ON PATROL The Mountain Lodge Community COPs Program is a volunteer organization comprised of trained neighborhood residents who will be the “eyes and ears” of law enforcement. The goal of the COP program is to provide a safer environment to all residents of all the Mountain Lodge communities. The Mountain Lodge COP program is sponsored by the Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office, in conjunction with Citizens On Patrol, and is just one of over 200 such programs now operating in Bexar County. All volunteers have been through a criminal background check and have received 8 hours of training classes administered by the Sheriff ’s Department. Signs have been erected at all entrances and other locations within our community identifying Mountain Lodge as a COP neighborhood. This program was activated on July 26th and you should soon begin seeing patrols in your area. All patrol vehicles will be identified by a yellow and black magnetic sign and each volunteer will have a badge which was issued by the Sheriff ’s Department. COP members are instructed to observe only and will not chase or confront any wrongdoers. They will report any suspicious activity with as much detail as possible to the Sheriff ’s Department who will send an officer to the scene to investigate. The patrols will be at various times of the day and night depending on each volunteer’s availability. The COP program is just one more way your HOA is working hard to make Mountain Lodge a pleasant and safe place to live. If you would be interested in volunteering to become a member of the COP team please contact the HOA at
[email protected] At no time will any source be allowed to use The Mountain Lodge Messenger 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 the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of 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.
Mountain Lodge Howeowner's Association - September 2010
FROM THE CC&R’S
Article III, Section 3.20 Temporary Structures and Vehicles
No temporary structure of any kind shall be erected or placed upon any Lot. No trailer, mobile, modular or prefabricated home, tent, shack, barn or any other structure or building, other than the dwelling to be built thereon, shall be placed on any Lot. Any truck, bus, boat, boat trailer, trailer, mobile home, campmobile, camper, or any other vehicle other than conventional automobile shall, if brought within the Properties, be stored, placed or parked within the garage of the appropriate Owner and concealed from view…… The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (commonly referred to as the CC&R’s) is the official document that establishes the rules and restrictions which apply to the residents of Mountain Lodge for the purpose of protecting and preserving the desired character of the community. The above was reprinted, in part, from this document. Each month we will include an excerpt from the CC&R’s that is relevant to all homeowners.
SCHOOL HAS STARTED As you have noticed, school has begun for all NEISD students. This means we now have many more children walking to and from bus stops. There is also more traffic with the school busses driving the streets in the morning and afternoon. It is time to make an honest evaluation of your driving habits. Are you one of those who speed through the neighborhood? If so, do you really believe that shaving a few minutes off your trip time is worth the health, or life, of one of our children? The speed limit in all of our neighborhoods is 20 MPH. Please be observant, cautious and above all drive safely. As shown in the chart below, the average stopping distance for a car traveling 20 mph is 50 feet. Even moving at our posted speed limit can be dangerous if you are not paying attention. Miles per Hour
Feet per Second
Reaction Time ( 1 sec)
Car Breaking Distance
TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE
10 20 30 40 50
14.7 29.3 44 59 73
15 feet 29 feet 44 feet 59 feet 73 feet
5 21 45 76 125
20 feet 50 feet 89 feet 135 feet 198 feet
Remember – ANY FOOL CAN DRIVE FAST ENOUGH TO BE DANGEROUS!
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mountain lodge
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Copyright © 2010 Peel, Inc.
Mountain Lodge Homeowner's Association - September 2010
mountain lodge Solar Community works with communities and HOA’s to create Solar Group Purchase Programs in order to pull together the power of numbers to decrease your system cost. Combined with the CPS Energy Solar Rebate program and the 30%
Federal Tax Credit, the Solar Group Purchase Program can help drive down the price of your system even further. Contact us to see how purchasing solar with your neighbors is good for your wallet and good for the planet.
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Mountain Lodge Howeowner's Association - September 2010
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[email protected] Copyright © 2010 Peel, Inc.
mountain lodge Do you like to party with your neighbors? The social committee is in desperate need of volunteers! We need somebody to lead the social committee as well as additional people to help plan and coordinate the events. This is a fun and easy job and it is a great way to get to know your neighbors. We also are looking for anybody who would be willing to coordinate the Mountain Lodge holiday decorations. The current committee has been in place for several years and we are ready for new ideas! Please consider volunteering your time to help make our neighborhood GREAT and a FUN place to live. Contact
[email protected] to volunteer
Cell Phones For Soldiers Neighbors!!!! From now until October 20th the Keller Williams Realty offices have kicked off a huge campaign to collect used or old cell phones for a cause called CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS. This is a nation –wide project started by two teenagers!!! The company we send the phones to use the old cell phones for parts, removes the metals, and in turn, turns the profits into calling cards for the soldiers overseas to be able to phone loved ones back home. If you have ever had anyone overseas, you know that this can be a HUGE financial burden to the soldier and his family. You can drop your used cell phones at any Keller Williams office throughout the city and I am going to put a bin at my front door to make it easy for the neighbors to help with this cause. There will be a form there that you can use for the IRS, as this is a tax deduction. I hope to find many phones at my front door. Thanks ahead of time…. Jan Emerick 23712 Red Eagle.
Quote of the Month “It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class except Congress.” - Mark Twain, American humorist, novelist & wit (1835 – 1910) Copyright © 2010 Peel, Inc.
By My Observations…
Who here has even been told to go cut a switch from the tree? I heard that from my grandfather, but we never had a tree that grew switches. I think I was pretty much in trouble from the time I was born. My mother had thirty-six hours of labor with me. Within five weeks of my birth we had moved from Indianapolis, Indiana to San Antonio, Texas. My sister caught a cold. Evidently, it was all my fault. As I grew up, I tended to be the kid who was always in trouble. I had notes sent home from school, seemingly daily. I was accused of being disrespectful to grown-ups, as if such accusations could be proved. I spent more time grounded than not. Suffice it to say, I was very familiar with discipline in principle and in practice. In hindsight, I can more or less admit to most of the transgressions of my youth, but in fairness there were occasionally mitigating circumstances. For example, one day my brother locked me out of the house. He locked every door, but opened the sliding glass door to the back porch, and of course left the screen door locked. He stood there stoically, silently taunting me. Admittedly, I was a rather high-strung individual at that age. I think I was about ten. Maybe nine. Either way, the results were not pretty. Big trouble for me. Now then, as a parent, I thought I had a good handle on how discipline should be approached. I knew what I saw growing up. I knew that I was a walking, talking sum of my experiences, both good and bad. I considered how I had developed as an adult and the values I held. And I knew I wasn’t alone. My wife and I discussed our pasts, our outlook, and our goals with respect to child-raising. We argued, sulked, bargained, and compromised. I thought about and internalized all of the emotional inputs; I was ready. Obviously, I was as completely ill-prepared when my first son was born as most people are. The rhetoric sounds great in a book, or in contemplative speech, but when the time came, I was making it up as I went. One glance at my wife and I realized we were rowing the same boat. This started when he was born, and continues to this day. Only now he’s five and he has an eighteen month old brother to make things more interesting. The older boy was not born already in trouble, as was I. His trouble arrived on the next bus. In addition to correcting such imaginative behaviors as diving out of the crib head first, having monumental melt downs at a variety of stores, kicking the seat in front of him on the airplane, pouring ketchup on one of the cats, and throwing his shoes at his grandmother, we have had to be flexible enough to realize that certain types of discipline would only be tossing gasoline on the fire. Quite simply, we had to take what we learned about life and each other, and apply those lessons to a bright, curious, energetic boy. What’s more, he has a knack for seeing past the words and getting to the underlying point. “Because I said so” is the equivalent of “I don’t know”. He picked up on that instantaneously, and now that phrase has no currency. As he’s grown a little older, he has taken it upon himself to help distribute discipline in the house. He reminds us when we are doing things wrong. He scolds the dog and all three cats, when appropriate. And he makes sure that his little brother is always aware of any rule he is breaking, about to break, or thinking of breaking. Watching him correct his younger sibling is quite simply indescribable. It is like looking at a miniature version of us. Do we really sound like that? Yes. Yes, we do. My name is Dave L, and I live in Mountain Lodge. By my observations, life can be fun, hard, tragic, entertaining, or just plain uneventful. And, it is always interesting. Mountain Lodge Homeowner's Association - September 2010
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Mountain Lodge Howeowner's Association - September 2010
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