Last update 3/1/02.


Candlelight-Hills Civic News

This is a "free" web hosting site. More content is added almost every day.

Some grammatical editing, was performed.

GARAGE SALE/BAKE SALE

The Candlelight Hills Civic Association has planned a garage sale/bake sale for Saturday, March 23, 2002. All proceeds from the sale will used to make necessary repairs to the neighborhood's common facilities. You can help by donating saleable items, bake a cake or other baked goods, or volunteer your time to work the garage sale. We need your saleable items as soon as possible. Baked goods will need to be delivered to the clubhouse or available for pick up on Friday, March 22, 2002. We have volunteers that will pick up your donation or meet you at the clubhouse to drop off your donation.

If you have any questions, please call Connie Roeder at (281) 288-3290 or Leslie Luchsinger at (281) 651-0400. 2/29/02 :)

 To All Candlelight Hills Residence - "Back Section"

Your Civic Association is looking for a few good folks that would like to serve as a Block Captains for the "Back Section" in 2002!

We are in urgent need of Block Captains for the following blocks:

18000 Block of White Candle
3200, 3300, 3400 & 3500 Blocks of Flickering Candle
3100, 3300 & 3400 Blocks of Flaming Candle
3300 Block of Candleknoll
Block of Candlechase

We appreciate those that have served on these blocks and we look forward to hearing from you that are interested in serving your community. Please call (281) 350-8777 and ask for Michael Ashcraft. [2/21/02] :)

Read about the Financial Report Committee down below.

Next Board meeting is: March 12th, 2002. 7:30 pm (click her for the agenda)

Club House Schedule (check to see if the club house is being used or is available) (coming soon)

News & Corrections

Criminal Activies and Reports and Security Report

Current Board Members (names, addresses, phone, email)

Chat Rooms and Computer Tips

Local Church Directory (coming soon)

March at NAM

Tax Help

Swim Team Registration, Information and Note from Sheri (Swim Team President)

Michael Haln (cartoonist) (not working yet, inprogress)

Presidents letter

Glad to see winter almost over and Spring on the way. Remember that March 24 will be our garage and bake sale to raise funds for clubhouse and pool work. I hope everyone is collecting stuff for the sale. If you have some things you want to be rid of early, please call me and I will meet you at the clubhouse and you can put the saleable items in storage there. Please, everyone, also bake something if you can. Then come out and shop and eat on the 24th!

The tennis courts have had the cracks repaired and are in much nicer condition to play on. Steve Jahns did some necessary repair to the net mechanisms. The clubhouse is starting to look better too. It's amazing what a little change can do. Leslie Luchsinger, Louann Serres and Ron Gerdes took down the ugly discolored mini blinds and threw them away! Once the windows were washed the difference was clear! Thanks, guys! Have you all noticed how much nicer the front entrance looks too?

Over the next few weeks the source of the pool leak will be investigated. This is one of our biggest concerns. Our water bill is over $500 every month. We know a large portion of that is leaking away and causing the erosion under the tennis courts. Hopefully, the leak(s) will be easily repairable. HL&P is also scheduled to come take down several trees which roots are visible from erosion and are leaning precariously in the direction of the power lines and the tennis courts.

We have decided to continue doing the deed restrictions "in house" for the time being. The savings are worth it, and it seems to be working out well. Here's how it works: Two neighborhood residents (Bob Miller and Jack Coats) are driving around at lease once a month and making a written report, with pictures, of any violations they see.

This is the end of their job. They are not to be engaged in conversation about any violations they see, nor are they empowered to make any judgement calls. Their report and pictures are turned over to the Deed Restriction Committee, who, in concert with the Board, make all decisions on letters being sent, etc. A total of 3 letters will be sent requesting the violation to be fixed. The homeowner has the right to be heard, and can request a meeting with the Board, in writing, to discuss the problem. After 90 days, if the Board has not heard from the homeowner, and the violation hasn't been fixed, the next action may be taken. This next action may be either to take legal action against the homeowner, or to hire an independent company to enter onto the property and fix the problem, at the expense of the homeowner. This is basically the same system as is used with a Deed Restriction company, the only difference being no checks for $600+ are written each month. Just remember that if you have a question about a letter you may receive, it is up to you to contact us. Don't just ignore it.

At the request of a homeowner, the votes for the maintenance increase last November were recounted. The recounted tally is: section 1: 44 for and 65 against, section 2: 60 for and 14 against, section 3: 18 for and 8 against, section 4: 13 for and 7 against, section 5: 11 for and 17 against, section 6: 8 for and 33 against for a total of 154 votes for and 144 against. 2 votes were not counted because of unclear vote. Reminder ­ three sections require an 80% approval as opposed to 50% in three other sections. So long as this 80% rule is in place, it will be difficult to pass anything. However, to remove the 80% rule will require an 80% approval vote!

Hope to see all of you on the 24th. Liz Bass [02/18/02] :)

Web Site is off the ground.

A free web hosting service is being used for a number of reasons, we aren't doing any e-commerce, we aren't using a database for research and it doesn't cost us a penny. So for the time being there will be an ad or two at the top of the Home Page. If anyone sees an offensive ad please tell me. Goals are simple, no unnecessary frills that will slow a page down, just factual and useful content, layered in a legible format. As expertise grows hopefully so will the look of the Home Page.

Some of the suggestions for categories are; Home improvements, In Good Health, Decorating Ideas, Computers, like a TV but, Internet suaveness, Keeping the Peace, Gardening, Swim Notes & Landscaping to name a few.

If you see a mistake drop a line to: candleweb@hotmail.com.

Just as our newsletter needs content from our writers, this medium does as well. Plans are to add the new items (date stamped) to the top of the site, and as material is posted the older articles will move down the page. Common items used often, will be only a click or two away, watch for links to them. As people summit letters, recipes and tips they will be placed on a first come basis. A PDF of the newsletter should be available for download as well. [02/20/02] sb

The Neighborhood Garage Sale is coming soon. I have a suggestion to add to the fun. Consider picking 5 movies from your collection and bringing them along to trade with others. Anyone else have any fun ideas? :)

How is this type font working for you? The poll so far is that this size seems to be the best. Comments? candleweb@hotmail.com.

Also if you would like to be included in a candlelight Hills web directory please email me with your email address.

Notes of Board Meeting Feb. 02 by Ellen M. Hickman, Secretary

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Candlelight Hills Civic Association, Inc. was held on February 12, 2002, at the clubhouse. A quorum was established by the presence of Board members Elizabeth Bass, Ron Gerdes, Ellen Hickman, Leslie Luchsinger, and Mike Ashcraft. Connie Roeder and Gary Fultz were absent. Fourteen owners and two guests were in attendance. Vice-President Ron Gerdes called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m.

The minutes of the January 8, 2002 meeting were read by the secretary. The minutes were approved as read.

The financial reports as of January 31, 2002 were reviewed and accepted as written. Mike Ashcraft will make further inquiries regarding a refund of approximately $3,000 from a settled lawsuit. The refund to the swim team is still pending. Payment to A-Quality Roof in the amount of $7,930 for the clubhouse roof has been made. Mr. Ashcraft is to clarify at the next meeting the total amount we received from the insurance company to replace the roof.

Diana Baskett was present at the meeting. She has been publishing the newsletter for several months. The roles of the editor and publisher were discussed. Ms. Baskett was asked to continue as publisher and to work with Steve Bass on a written proposal to present at the next meeting. Mrs. Baskett also stated the newsletter will be mailed from now on. Bob Miller agreed to forward a list of owners to Ms. Baskett.

Bob Miller reported that there had been six criminal incidents in January as well as a noted increase in juvenile drinking. Leslie Luchsinger reported that the trees had been trimmed and that some planting will done later. She also had gotten two bids for mowing services. Since the current contract was $15 less than the second, she recommended remaining with the current service. It was mentioned that some owners in the cul-de-sacs are interested in donating some money to do something special on their street. They should contact Ms. Luchsinger to coordinate these efforts.

Mike Ashcraft reported that the Financial Committee, consisted of himself, Barry Schleicher and Steve Meyer, they met January 15, 2002. They intend to review every line item and are concentrating on utility expenses first. Mr. Schleicher presented a report from Tex Sun Swimming Pools and Spas, Inc. Their report identified a number of safety and code issues that must be addressed. Additionally, a leak detection company must identify the source of the leak(s) in order to identify the scope of repair work required. Since the leak from the pool is also affecting the tennis courts, it is imperative that the leak be addressed as soon as possible. Motion was made for Mike Ashcraft and Steve Jahns to obtain a bid from American Leak Detection. The motion carried.

Work patching the cracks in the tennis courts is currently being done. HL&P will be taking out some trees near the tennis courts.

Twelve problems regarding deed restrictions were identified during January. Bob Miller and Jack Coates identified the problems and reported to Ron Gerdes. First letters were sent to eight owners, and four owners complied with the requested corrections. One inspection has been made to date in February, and five problems were identified. Mr. Miller discussed procedures the association could consider for enforcement. Some discussion followed regarding procedures to discuss issues with owners prior to forwarding any matter to our attorney. Retention of a management company for deed inspection services was not discussed, and Mr. Miller and Mr. Coates were requested to continue with inspections at least until the next meeting.

The following new matters were presented. Ron Gerdes reported that he had gotten two bids for operating the pool ranging from $25,000 to $26,000. One of the bids was from D.S. Recreational. Mr. Gerdes proposed forming non-board member committees for Sections 4, 5 and 6 to change the deed restrictions from 80% to 51% to make the deed restrictions for all six sections uniform. Steve Bass read an anonymous e-mail he received regarding security concerns and complaints with board members.

Mike Ashcraft also reported that a number of block captains had not responded whether they were willing to continue as block captains.

The next meeting of the board will be on March 12, 2002 at 7:30 pm at the clubhouse. The meeting was adjourned at 10.27 p.m. [02/18/02] :)

 DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS [Feb. 2002]
Violation Category  Noted  1st Letter 2nd Letter 3rd Letter  Sent to legal  Total Cases  2002 Closed
Annoyances & Nuisances  0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Prohibited Storage Of Auto/Boat/Camper/Trailer  1 1 0 0 0 2 1
Fence Repairs Needed  1 3 0 0 0 4 3
Home Repairs or Painting Needed  7 3 0 0 0 10 1
Lawn Maintenance Needed  0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Storing Trash In Containers  2 1 0 0 0 3 0
 TOTALS  11 8 0 0 0 19 4

 Treasurer Report [Feb. 2002] (balance sheet will be posted soon)

Financial Committee Meeting

What's new for 2002! Our Candlelight Hills Association has formed a Financial Committee. Michael Ashcraft, Steve Meyer and Barry Schleicher serve on the committee.

Our first ever meeting was held in January and we meet each month so you will receive an update in the newsletter and Web Site. Our goal at the first meeting was to evaluate the current 2002 budget, reviewing each expense line item and assign task investigation with each associated expense category. Each person was assigned a given task and to report back at our February meeting. Expense control, and taking a hard look at cutting expenses, especially in the beginning months was the focus also. All information and recommendations will be presented to the current Board of Directors for consideration. Each month we will take the same approach, review and monitor and ultimately focus on revenue producing efforts.

The following is a review on our committee meeting:

Utilities was our first expense review. Going forth on our monthly board meetings treasury report, we suggested the Utilities be broken out to four categories, Water (Aqua Source), Electrical (Reliant H.L.&P), Gas (Entex), and Trash (Star) & Phone (SBC). The water bill today is for three locations -
2 - Candlecreek and 1 - Burnt Candle.

- We reviewed last years water bill (12/2000) with this year (12/2001). The main difference is the cost of water increase from 2000 to 2001 and the amount of water increase from 2000 to 2001.

 - Steve will review with Aqua Source the locations of each meter and clarify the Sewer charges at the clubhouse. We are paying for sewer at the Pool that we are not using.

- Michael will get with on the Reliant H.L&P security lightning. We have 8 - 10 locations that we are paying for that do not belong to Candlelight Hills. Several lights are now part of the new sub divisions that have been built. Our monthly lightning bill is $1,875.00 per month.
- Gas is fine.
- Trash is fine.
- Telephone is fine.

Pool Expenses - The up-coming pool season is coming, What are the issues with the pool and what is it going to take to have it open? Can it open the way it is? What are the new 2002 regulations?
- Currently we have a Pool Committee but an assessment needs to be done to determine the condition. Barry was assigned to provide that information. Then the Pool Committee will make the recommendation of the necessary funds for 2002 to the Board. This will allow us to better project our pool expenditures.

Insurance - Review current policy and shop it.
Lawn Maintenance - The committee will ask Leslie about the current bids and what will be the on-going fee arrangement for beautification of our facilities?
Pest Control - Monitor and review the times that the Pest Control company does spraying.
- The mosquito spraying contract is up for renewal and I have checked into. Going forth, under the Pest Control line item, we will clarify the cost as to what it refers to. Mosquito spraying is approximately $ 1,500 annually. [2/21/02] :)

 


March at NAM Sixty Plus

 March 13  Mary's Art Class
 March 14  Antique Small Group Trip to Montgomery, Texas
 March 20  Precinct 4 Bus Trip to the Alley Theater
 March 21  Stress Management Special Program

Dance Lessons every Tuesday with Linda Shook. A different dance is taught each week so you can join the group at any time. No previous dance experience necessary.

AARP TAX-Aide at Sixty Plus: Free tax assistance will again be offered to residents of Harris County who are age 60 plus and to middle and low-income families. AARP sponsors this tax program in cooperation with the IRS and NAM. People who want to use this service must make an appointment by calling the Sixty Plus front desk at 281-885-4600. Trained Tax Aide volunteers will be available through April 9 each Tuesday 11:00am ­ 3:00pm and Thursday 9:00am ­ 1:00pm.

Sixty Plus is a membership organization for active seniors, age fifty-five and over. It is a program of Northwest Assistance Ministries, located at 15555 Kuykendahl. Call Charla Hannibal at 281-885-4601 for more information or come by for a tour. 2/29/02 :)


Tax Help

AARP will provide tax help on a first-come first-served basis from 1:00 ­ 5:00 pm every Monday and Thursday afternoon until April 15 at the Cypress Creek Library. Also, VITA will provide tax help from 12:00 ­ 4:00 pm every Saturday until April 13 at the library. 2/29/02 :)