Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association

April 19, 2007 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Jun 12, 2007

OAKS OF MONTECITO NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTESApril 19, 2007 The Oaks of Montecito Neighborhood Association (OMNA) board meeting was held on April 19, 2007 at Fern and Gary Richey?’s, 1803 Buena Vista Drive. The meeting was called to order by President John Miller at 7:10 p.m. Those present for the meeting were John Miller, Fern Richey, Kathryn Neiswender, Sara Marotto, Iti Nwiba and Susan Croff. Chad Allen, a City engineer, was a special guest to discuss the plans concerning the widening of Hickory Creek. City Engineer Report ?– Chad Allen presented the latest plans for the widening of Hickory Creek Road and answered questions from the Board. It was noted that the widening appears to leave the trees on the Oaks of Montecito side. The construction will include tearing out part of the Montecito and Almonte entrances roads. There is a note on the plans specifically addressing the sprinkler system on Montecito that states ?“adjust sprinkler system to final grade as necessary?”. Mr. Allen suggested that we talk with Tim Fisher concerning any additions or changes to sprinklers. It was also mentioned that the side walk was designed too close to the monument on Montecito. Mr. Allen said that he felt a request to redesign the sidewalk would not be an issue. As to the timing of the project, Mr. Allen explained that about $500,000 had been spent in engineering and plan design. The remaining funds no longer covered the increased cost of construction. The City also was coordinating the project with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) FM 2181 (Teasley) widening. This is done to reduce costs on the connections and allow the construction to be done once instead of twice. The best guess is that the project will not take place for 7 to 10 years. Meanwhile, we could write a memo addressing the sidewalk and sprinkler needs on Almonte. An update of the plan is currently pending at this time. Susan agreed to write a letter requesting accommodation on the sprinklers and sidewalks for John Miller?’s signature. Mr. Allen also researched and found that there were no funds set aside by the developer regarding improvements to the addition. No funds were found to be held in escrow by the City for the Oaks of Montecito addition. Minutes of April 2, 2007 Board Meeting - The minutes were reviewed. Sara Marotto moved and John Miller second, and the minutes were approved. Minutes of the April 17, 2007 General Meeting ?– The minutes, prepared by Fern Richey were read. John Miller moved the minutes be approved, Fern Richey seconded and the minutes were approved. Treasurer?’s Report ?– The Association has $2,833.82. New expenditures included the $295 for the April mowing. Additionally, another $100 donation was received. Other expenditures approved by the board on April 19 included $300 for first mowing and trimming by Edward?’s Landscaping with maximum annual spending of $2,700, and up to $600 for brick and mortar for the entrance landscaping. Report on the Sprinkler System ?– Lance Folse, of North Texas Lush Lawn Sprinklers, had repaired the sprinklers at Montecito, and gave John a list of things that needed to be completed by volunteers. Susan Croff mentioned that the systems could still be converted to a drip system with a $17.00 converter kit to minimize water usage. Hickory Creek Mowing ?– Edward?’s landscaping was approved to do the Hickory Creek mowing and trimming. He is charging $300 per mowing and will mow and trim twice a month. He has also agreed to place the bricks and assist in planting for no additional charge. It was moved by Susan Croff and seconded by Iti Nwiba to hire Edward?’s Landscaping to provide bi-weekly mowing and trimming for $300 with maximum annual spending of $2,700. Kathryn Neiswender was to contact Mr. Edwards and make arrangements. Hospitality ?– Iti Nwiba ?– The first annual OMNA Easter Egg hunt was a success and everyone attending had a good time. There were 12 neighborhood children that participated in the event. Approximately 600 eggs were prepared, and prize eggs for each age level contained Sacagawea dollars, money and toys. All preparation and materials were supplied by the sub-committee that consisted of Iti Nwiba, Kathryn Neiswender, Sara Marotto, Fern Richey and Susan Croff. Beautification ?– Kathryn Neiswender ?– Mr. Edwards agreed to lay the brick for the monuments and assist in planting for no additional charge. It was noted that we could let him put a sign out to allow him to advertise his work if we were satisfied with the trial run starting in May. Fern Richey moved to approve the order of 2 pallets of bricks and mortar, a sum up to $600, to allow Mr. Edwards to begin construction. Iti Nwiba seconded with the addition that Kathryn Neiswender coordinate the timing of the brick and mortar delivery and construction. Further discussion noted that Pascal Corchia had agreed to pick up dirt for the beds, and Fern amended the motion to approve payment for the dirt. Kathryn seconded and the Board approved. Historical ?– Kathryn Neiswender - Kathryn has taken ?“before?” pictures of the entrances and will continue to take pictures as the project progresses. Hospitality Committee ?– Iti Nwiba ?– Iti wanted clarification on the expectation of the Hospitality Committee in regards to new families moving into the neighborhood. It was determined that until funds were available for a welcome packet, the Committee would welcome new families, get their name, phone and email address, and give them names for contacts for the Association. Additionally, it was noted that it was time for the annual neighborhood garage sale. The Committee was set to meet Sunday at 3:00 to discuss the date, and ideas to solicit goods or donations to add to the flower fund for the entrance way. Susan Croff moved to have the garage sale in May and allow the Committee to set the date. Fern Richey seconded, and the Board approved. Other Business ?– Signs had been donated for event notification by Angie Johnson. Additionally, it was discussed that the Board needed the ability to approve payments outside formal Board meetings. Sara Marotto moved that John coordinate voting through an email, ensuring a majority approved. Kathryn Neiswender seconded, and the Board approved. Next Board and General Meetings ?– The general meeting is to be held on April 17, 2007 at Iti and Joe Nwiba, 1300 Buena Vista Dr., at 7:00 on May 22, 2007. Adjournment ?– Sara Marotto moved to adjourn and Kathryn Neiswender seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40.