05/22/11
The Barkers Ridge Pool will open next weekend (Memorial Day) and pool tags are required for entry into the pool.

You can still complete your pool tag application on line at www.barkersridge.org. However, if you are planning on going to the pool when it opens, and you do not have your pool tags yet, then you are encouraged strongly to pick them up at the Barkers Ridge Pool tomorrow night, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Crest will have copies of the forms they mailed out to you in March, if you do not have them.

We have registered about 210 homeowners so far, and last year's total registration pool was 350. Not everyone goes to the pool on the first weekend out, but the variance is alarming to me. We have the email address of most everyone who has pool tags - so I believe everyone should have been notified a couple of times.

HOA Legislative Alert

On another topic, we received a warning from the Texas Community Association Advocates, a copy of which is attached. Apparently, the Legislature will vote shortly on a bill that will have an adverse impact on HOA's ability to manage their communities - and place additional burdens on those that volunteer for HOA's. I will call Bill Callegari and Joan Huffman tomorrow to let him know of my opposition, and would very much appreciate your sending an email/fax to Bill as well.

To me, the laws governing HOA's are important to allow us to protect the 95% of our homeowners who love their neighborhood and want to protect their investment. We have never abused the legal remedies accorded to HOA's and have instead attempted to work with homeowners who may have fallen behind on their dues or have had trouble maintaining their homes. However, if legal fees are incurred, the bill will likely shift the cost of enforcing deed restriction violations and collections from the delinquent homeowner to the residents in the community.

I'm not sure the driving force for the current legislation is any HOA abuse: I am told by our attorney that the driving force is title companies, but am not sure of why.

In any case, here is the necessary contact information. I hoped I haven't overstepped my access to your email address, but I deemed this issue to be important to our community.

Texas State Senator

Senate District 17--Senator Joan Huffman
Capitol Office: CAP GE.5
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0117
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
District Address: 6217 Edloe
Houston TX 77005
Phone: (713) 662-3821

Texas State Representative

House District 132--Representative William A. 'Bill' Callegari
Capitol Office: CAP GN.12
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0528
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
District Address: 1550 Foxlake Drive,, Suite 120
Houston TX 77084
Phone: (281) 578-8484

 05/06/11
Greetings on this week ending Friday, May 6 (and 7th if you’re getting this on Saturday): a few updates for your consideration are as follows.

Pool Tags
The Barkers Ridge Pool is set to open on Saturday, May 28. We will rely primarily on registration for pool tags through www.barkersridge.org, but we have also scheduled the evening of May 23 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) for residents to pick them up at the pool.

Pool tags will be required to enter the pool area. If you miss the pool tag registration period, then you will have to go to the Crest Management office to pick them up. There is, however, a $20 fee for this service.

If you are new to the neighborhood, the online option to register for pool tags is a link at www.barkersridge.org under the “Pool” section. In a green box labeled “Pool Tag Pickup/Registration”, click on “Online Pool Tag Registration”). An email will be sent to our property manager, Bernita Armstrong, and the tags will be mailed out to you. Please make sure to include all of the information required, including your email address. Crest will reply to you to confirm that the form has been received. If you don’t receive a confirmation within three days, contact Bernita at 281-579-0761.


Dog & Cat Vaccinations
The Mobile Vet Clinic will be on site May 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering reduced prices for dog and cat vaccination and other health services. The clinic will be located at the parking area to our recreation center.

As a service to our community’s pet owners, Barkers Ridge provides this organization: below is their contact information.

www.themobilevetclinic.com, phone: 832-458-0416 or 936-449-4412


Driver Sought
One of our residents is looking for a neighbor who might be interested in picking her son up from school every day in exchange for a fee. If you have interest, please contact Deborah at 281-647-9181.

 

4/18/11
It’s less than a week before Easter Sunday, and we wanted to remind you of our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 23rd - plus a few other updates for your review.

Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival
Yes, at 3 p.m. this Saturday, we ‘ll be kicking off our annual Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival, featuring the egg hunt itself, the challenging burlap sack race, a petting zoo, and moonwalk for the kids. And, this year, we are proud to announce that the Easter Bunny herself will be on hand to help the kids locate the eggs that she has hidden!!

Please bring your kids, your parents, your friends to the gathering. All are welcome, to share in the joy of the season!!

e-Recycle Day
The Energy Corridor District is accepting unwanted computers, cell phones and televisions as a part of its e-Recycle event on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. – at the ConocoPhillips parking lot behind the Omni Hotel. A complete list of allowed materials is found at www.energycorridor.org.


Refreshing our Signage
Harris County Pct. 3 Sign Shop Superintendent Eric Van Alstine has replaced three missing and one damaged “We Love Our Kids” signs, and we thank the County for its continued responsiveness to our community (remember their great help following Hurricane Ike!). Mr. Van Alstine also has put us on the list to re-stripe Morton Road later this year.

With the new signs, we now have on order new “Neighborhood Watch” signs to replace the embarrassingly faded ones originally placed more than 10 years ago. We hope to install these signs as soon as they get in.

Smart Meters Installed
Smart meters were installed in our area last week. Smart meters are read remotely, minimizing the need to go house-to-house. Smart meters will also automatically notify CenterPoint Energy about outages to help the company restore power more efficiently. In addition, consumers who have already received their smart meter no longer have to wait for their bill to access their electric consumption information. After a two-month acceptance period following the installation of a smart meter, consumers can get detailed information on their electric usage by visiting www.SmartMeterTexas.com. Consumers also will have the option of purchasing an in-home display energy monitor, providing them with up-to-the-minute usage information and allowing them to change their consumption behavior to save electricity and money. (http://www.electricenergyonline.com/?page=show_news&id=149539)
 

4/3/11

Mom's Club
One of our residents whose son has entered elementary school asked if there were other mom's or dad's interested in starting up a "Mom/Dad Club" within the neighborhood - the purpose of which would be to have a group that got together to play and to have an avenue to discuss school situations. If you have some interest, let me know, and I will coordinate among potential group members.

East Entrance to Barkers Ridge
We've received a number of complaints about the growing volume of trash in the median & along Morton just before you enter Barkers Ridge from Barker Cypress Road. We have a couple of options: we've priced out extending our landscaping service to that section, but we also have the opportunity to put together a volunteer contingent - maybe a couple of residents taking turns each weekend to pick up trash. If this is a concern to you and you want to help, let me know. As Board member Victor Treat pointed out in the Annual Meeting, roadways that have more trash tend to attract more trash: roadways that do not tend to stay clean. Let me know your thoughts.

Annual Meeting
We had a good turnout for the Annual Meeting, but still not a quorum - so elections for board members cannot be held. Please, next year, if you can't attend, send in your proxy so we can make our board members official. Incumbent Brian Cheadle was appointed to another term, in lieu of an election.

If you want a copy of the presentation, just let me know & I will send it to you. It will outline our strategic objectives, highlights of 2010 and plans for 2011, and where your money (HOA dues) goes.

Some of the feedback at the meeting:
Replace those horribly faded signs for neighborhood watch & add no solicitation signs - we are working on this now.

Can we eliminate solicitors? (see below)

Improve lighting at the rec area - there are definitely cars parked at late hours that probably should not be there.

Check the financial projections sent out by the MUD for the upcoming election.

Brian Cheadle reviewed a grassroots initiative that he and a neighbor are leading for Mulberry Hill Lane - which will take place next Saturday. The residents of MHL are getting together to refresh/revitalize their yards and beds after a tough winter - and have secured supplies of mulch, fertilizer, and other key ingredients at wholesale prices from our landscaper. While this is definitely not a HOA initiative, all of us on the Board are excited about this project - and take our hats off to every resident who is participating in the effort and showing how much they value their homes and their neighbors. (a few of us board members will be out to take care of the yard of a foreclosed house). If this is successful, we hope the idea spreads to other streets.

Events
Speaking of successes, Movie Night last Saturday qualified as such - thanks to all that came out and we hope you enjoyed Toy Story 3 (OK, so it was new to me!!).

We have 99 residents who have signed up for pool tags - don't forget to do this via www.barkersridge.org. We have only 1 date (May 23) for pickup at the pool and it's costing us a pretty penny. Preference is to move to online registration if at all possible!! Pool opens May 28.

Easter Egg Hunt is April 23rd. In addition to the EEH, there's a petting zoo, moonwalk, and sack race. The sack race will wear your kids out, try it!

The Mobile Vet Clinic will be on site (at the Barkers Ridge Rec Area) on May 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This organization offers low cost vaccinations, and asks to use our space to better serve the pet population. (The Barkers Ridge HOA has no affiliation with this group but allows their activity as a service to our homeowners.)

Home Improvement Contractors
We are happy to report that the contractors who advertised in our last newsletter have received some calls for work, and the ability to find good contractors continues to be a critical issue in the upkeep and maintenance of our individual properties. I received the following lead from a site called HomeExpo.com that you might want to check out for other services.

HomeExpo.com is a website directory for homeowners with hundreds of hard to find home improvement websites plus thousands of familiar ones. We DO NOT sell any products, all suitable companies are listed at no cost, the gold star listings are sponsors. Thanks for the time, www.HomeExpo.com

Trash Collection Services
We received a question about whether trash collection services are covered in your HOA dues. For the benefit of all, here is our reply:

Your HOA fees do NOT include trash service. The HOA negotiates the monthly rate and selects the provider, but the residents are individually billed. That way, if someone decides not to pay, it's not the HOA (and its residents) that are responsible for those that do not pay - it's the individual resident's responsibility.

We periodically requests a proposal from competitors - and have found that our rate is low - probably because when we first signed the contract in 1997, BFI did not escalate the rates to reflect new developments in trash collection services. Today, we would be required to have uniform collection receptacles and the new provider would use automated collection processes. The majority of residents do not want to incur the higher fee, so we have not renegotiated our existing contract.

Security Issues - Parking at the Rec Area
If you do see cars parked at late hours at the recreation center, it is appropriate to call the constables to ensure the safety of the community. The rec area is private property (yours) and we have informed the constable's department that we consider non-residents parked on this property after dark to be in violation on trespassing laws. You do not need to provide your name or to remain at the location: just call 281-463-6666.

Security Issues - Solicitation
Solicitation was a key issue at the Annual Meeting, so please find below a repeat of the follow up to the attendees for all:

"As promised, I asked Deputy Wilkerson about the law around solicitation. Her comments: ‘In the County, it is not illegal to solicit even if signs are posted (note, this is at a neighborhood level as well as an individual home level). Solicitors can knock on your door, but you do not have to answer – but it is advised that you say something through the door (if you do not answer) so that they know the house is not vacant. If you do open the door and they refuse to take “no” for an answer, then it becomes a criminal trespass issue. If they become belligerent, then it is a disorderly conduct issue. The constables cannot make them stop soliciting until one of these criminal offenses has occurred.

In other words, you have to call the constable to remove a solicitor from your door step. However, you can also call the constable to report suspicious persons, and the constable will stop and interrogate the solicitor. We encourage you to call the constable any time you witness suspicious activity."

Security Issues - Tailgate Thefts
From our friends at Westlake: A resident reported the theft of the tailgate on his truck, and deputies confirm that this (and theft of wheels and catalytic converters) have increased. Of course, parking in the garage is the best solution, but not always available. A Westlake resident responded to the community's notification of this trend, and offers the following:

I work in a bodyshop, and we unfortunately still have people coming us to fix their truck with the same problem (tailgate thefts). Fords 150 and 250 and Chevys Silverados are on the top list. The problem is that many times the insurance company pay us to fix the vehicle using a used tailgate from a junkyard. And guess now where the thieves sell the stolen tailgate? So it became a closed loop without end, and the only way to stop it is using only brand new parts, but in this way the price of the repair goes up.

There is a simple theft deterrent trick you can do on your truck to avoid this problem. For a couple of dollars install a hose clamp (the ones for radiator hoses) around the passenger side hinge on the tailgate. By this way when the thief open down the tailgate 45 degrees and pull it out, it's going to be stuck on the clamp and don't come out. The only way to remove the gate is removing the clamp first with a screwdriver. And thieves are lazy people, so instead of try to get the clamp out it's easier to leave your truck alone and find another one. (And if you install the clamp with its bolt adjuster facing down using a long screwdriver from the bottom its even more complicate to take it out.)

There are commercially-available deterrents as well: as with any decision you make, check out the options and make the best selection for your situation.

We are pleased to announce a number of key Barkers Ridge events to post in your planner for 2011 – and, hopefully, take advantage of.

• February 24 – the Salt Grass Trail Ride comes through Barkers Ridge (see below)

• March 23 – 2010 Annual Meeting for the Barkers Ridge Homeowners Association

• March 26 – Movie Night has been rescheduled! The movie is to be determined (suggestions welcome)

• March 26 & 27, March 30 – Barker Ridge Swim Team – registration dates

• April 23 – Barkers Ridge Annual Easter Egg Hunt (and Burlap Sack Race)

• May 2 – Barkers Ridge Swim Team practice to begin

• May 2 – May 10 – early voting for MUD bond election

• May 14 – MUD Bond Election

• May 28 – Barkers Ridge Pool Opens
  
  In the next couple of weeks, we’ll be trying to publish our Spring newsletter, which will provide the location, times, and (as required) background information to these events.
  
  If there are community events or if you wish to include a personal ad in the newsletter, please let me know at judith.mcglaughlin@gmail.com.
  
  Salt Grass Trail Ride is Coming!
  The Salt Grass Trail Ride is schedule to be again traveling through Barkers Ridge on Thursday February 24th. To find the map of the planned journey, go to www.saltgrasstrailride.org, drop to the bottom, and click on "Route Maps”. The cowboys typically come our way after having lunch at Cullen Park. Last year, they made the turn from Delaney Road onto Morton Road between 1:15 and 2:00 p.m. You can hear them coming. A large van from one of the country stations leads the way, playing Country & Western music. It's great fun.
  
  A safe place for residents and little ones to view the parade would be along the sidewalk on the east side of Dulaney Road. The pool is too far from the intersection to see very much, and standing/walking along busy Morton Road is definitely not recommended. However, once the trail ride reaches the intersection, all traffic on Morton Road is stopped. There is also a parking lot at Westside Airport across from the terminal and alongside Groeschke Road. They may let parents/children watch the parade from there; but, I would call first to make certain.
  
  
  Another option for Barkers Ridge parents may be the Mayde Creek High School parking lot, but you may need approval. Call the school first to be sure.
  
  
   

2/1/11

Once again the Houston/ Harris county area is bracing for a cold front.  Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 20s-to low 30s for the rest of the week.
 
There is a chance of precipitation on Tuesday and Friday which could produce a wintry mix of ice and sleet. While this is not currently expected to happen the following information is being provided for your knowledge and safety.
 
The Harris county toll road authority will begin treating elevated sections of the toll road system beginning Tuesday evening and if conditions call for it all toll road over passes on Wednesday and the remainder of the week, to help keep the roadway safer to drive upon should we have icing or sleet conditions.
If you should become stranded or see a potentially hazardous area on the toll road please report it to 713-222-7328.
If you see any icing or other hazardous road conditions in the city limits of Houston you may call 311 or city of Houston public works to report it.
If you see any icing or other hazardous road conditions in unincorporated Harris county (with in precinct 5) you may call precinct 3 maintenance (road and bridge) at 281-463-6300 to report it.
 
You may also call precinct 5 dispatch at 281-463-666 and we will, as always, assist you in any way we can.
 
Remember to wrap any exposed pipes and outside faucets, cover your plants, and make sure pets have adequate shelter from the cold.
In the event of hazardous weather give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination if you must get out and about.
 
Tune into your local news for any road closures or school closures.
 
Check your vehicles to ensure you have enough anti-freeze/ coolant.
 
Again at this time the weather is forecast to be freezing and no forecast of icing or wintry mix is expected, but as well all know that can change at any moment so it best to be prepared.
 
Stay safe and warm!
 
Jeff LeBeau
Sergeant, Harris County Pct. 5 Constable's Office, Patrol II
Office: 281-492-3643, Dispatch: 281-463-6666