March News From Your HOA
DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on April 19, 2022 so is just a little over a month away. This year the term of Lance Gordon expires, so this as well as two currently open positions, one of which expires this year and another that expires in 2024, will be on the ballot. So this is an opportunity for any resident who might be interested in joining the Board to consider submitting his or her name as a candidate. Having new residents join the Board is the way that fresh ideas and expertise are introduced. This strengthens its ability to be responsive to the evolving needs of all residents in our community.
In order to be included on the official ballot, any resident who has the desire to join the Board is encouraged to submit his or her name to Cindy at Crest Management no later than March 1, 2022. Anyone who is thinking about it but unsure of what is involved and would like more information is invited to contact any of the current Board members, who would be happy to answer questions and discuss what a position on the Board entails. Contact information for Crest and all current Board members is given on the www.wsmaonline.org/Board_Members.html page of our web site and their telephone numbers are also listed in this newsletter.
If you miss the March 1st deadline for having your name added to the notice letter, which will be mailed to all members, nominations can still be made from the floor during the April 19th meeting.
Please give this your serious consideration. Serving as a director can be very rewarding and is a great way to serve your immediate community and to contribute to maintaining the quality of our neighborhood.
FEBRUARY YARD-OF-THE-MONTH
February’s Yard of the Month is awarded to Chris and Shannon Henderson of 22114 Wetherburn Lane.
Chris and Shannon have lived in Williamsburg Settlement for the past 20 years. They have enjoyed our neighborhood for many reasons, but most importantly for the large yards, mature trees and peacefulness it provides.
Chris has been the proud owner of a landscaping business named “Lawn Solutions” for the past 29 years. It’s no mystery as to why his yard looks as gorgeous as it does! In his spare time, Chris enjoys hunting and traveling. Shannon has been in the funeral industry for over 17 years. She too enjoys traveling, true crime mysteries and spending time with her close friends. The Henderson’s have one “dog-ter” named Heidi, whom they both love and adore.
Their beautiful yard includes pine trees, blue ice cypress trees and maple trees. It’s further adorned with an array of colorful alyssums, pansies and snapdragons planted throughout. The beautiful landscaping was done by Chris’s business, Lawn Solutions and is nothing short of spectacular.
Congratulations to the Henderson Family for being the recipient of the Yard of the Month for February 2022. Your home’s beautiful contribution to the Settlement is greatly appreciated by all.
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WILLIAMSBURG SETTLEMENT MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION, INC. JANUARY 18, 2022
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Settlement Maintenance Association, Inc. was held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 5:30 PM at the Williamsburg Settlement clubhouse, 1602 Hoyt, Katy, Texas 77449.
ATTENDANCE
Board Members present were Niki Dillon, Dave Ellis, Lance Gordon, Shelley Morales and Bill Petry.
Also, in attendance was Cindy B. representing Crest Management.
With a quorum being established, the meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM
SECRETARY REPORT - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the November 16, 2021, Board meeting were presented and a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to accept the minutes without change.
HOMEOWNER CONCERNS
There were nine homeowners in attendance at this month’s meeting. Discussion was divided between the possibility of forming a homeowner volunteer ARC Committee and some residents who would like to paint the exterior brickwork of their homes, which the Board does not allow. One homeowner suggested that the ARC Guidelines be revised to keep up with the changing times and aesthetics of the exterior of a home. After a discussion, the Board stated they would review the process of forming an ARC Committee and set up meetings with homeowners to discuss their exterior masonry.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Welcoming of New Residents - Dave Ellis reported that since the report presented at the November meeting, six new residents have been added to the welcoming list four of which have received a visit. A copy of the report was provided in the Board packets.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Dave Ellis presented a report of the December 31, 2021, financials. As of this date, the money in the bank totaled $924,852.71. This figure includes checking and Account Registry CDs (CDAR)s which together constitute the funds required to cover both operating expenses and the necessary reserve to fund maintenance and replacement of the Association’s capital assets. The delinquency total as of December 31, 2021, was $26,058.83.
OLD BUSINESS
- Decisions approved by email vote since the last meeting
- Approval of Bucktrout Fence Repair in the amount of $2,900
NEW BUSINESS
Excalibur Contract Renewal - A copy of the contract renewal was provided in the Board packets. It was suggested that as was done last year, the Association should take advantage of the 5% discount provided by paying the contract in full for the 32 trips. After a review, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to approve the contract renewal and to pay the invoice in full.
Replacement of pool and tennis canopies and pool furniture update - Dave Ellis will proceed with the procurement of these items on a schedule consistent with the requirements of the 2022 pool season.
2022 Projects - A copy of a list of candidate projects was provided to the Board. Due to time constraints at the meeting a detailed discussion of this topic was deferred and will be handled at a later date.
Fence Inspection Report - Bill Petry stated after inspection of the fence line, he is proposing that JJ Garcia Tree Service trim the overhanging trees along the fence line behind the Exxon station at the Colonial Parkway and Mason Road intersection. After a discussion, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to approve the tree trimming in the amount of $600.
Businesses Being Conducted by Residents - Bill Petry reported that the Board has been made aware of several attempts of residents seeking to start a business from their home. The types of business mentioned could cause additional foot and vehicular traffic, which is strictly prohibited per the governing documents. Violators will be sent correspondence, accordingly.
Girl Scout Troop Meetings - Dave Ellis introduced homeowner, Heather Colkos, who requested the use a meeting space for bi-monthly one-hour Girl Scout meetings. The Board discussed and approved the use of the small room at no cost and the usual deposit of $50. Additional conditions would be communicated directly.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned into executive session at 6:49 PM.
Delinquencies - Five accounts remain on the trash suspension list.
Deed Restriction Enforcement - Cindy B. reviewed the Enforcement Action Report with the Board. After a review, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to send accounts 2530101018, 2530110014, 2530212030, 2530212016 and 2530211007 to the Association attorney for enforcement.
Attorney Action Report - Cindy B. reviewed the Attorney Action Report with the Board. There was no action to be taken this month.
Architectural Review Committee - A copy of the Exterior Modification Report was provided in the Board packets.
ADJOURNMENT
There were no homeowners present to hear a summary of the executive session therefore, the next meeting will be held on February 15, 2022.
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.
NEXT WSMA BOARD MEETING
The next meeting of the WSMA Board of Directors will be held in the clubhouse on Hoyt Lane at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. If you wish to be placed on the agenda, please contact Cindy BojeÌ of Crest no later than the Tuesday preceding the meeting date.
PET ID TAGS
Folks - as soon as the vet gives your young pets their Rabies shot remember to get their ID tags. The Rabies tag lists the name, phone number and address of the vet. So! All you need to do is put the Rabies tag onto the pet’s collar and leave it there all the time. That way, if the pet gets loose, anyone finding him or her can look at the tag to see the vet’s phone number and call to report the lost animal. Better yet, add another tag to your pet’s collar that lists the dog or cat’s name and your own phone number or address. You can get these from any pet store. When a pet has these but goes astray, anyone finding it can call you and you can go get him or her right away. Your pet will be very glad to see you! A happy pet is a loving pet.
STREET LIGHT OUTAGES
To report a burned out streetlight, any resident may call CenterPoint directly at 713-207-2222. However, for those with Internet access, you may also make this report on-line. For those interested, you can go to http://cnp.centerpointenergy.com/outage. Then enter your contact details so that they can get back to you if more information is required. On the following page enter the details of the light(s) with the problem. Just as you would if reporting the outage via the telephone, you will need to provide the street address where the light is located and the 6-digit number that is prominently displayed on the front of the pole. Under normal circumstances the crew will be out to fix the problem within 7 working days.
Anyone noticing a streetlight that is out or has some other malfunction is encouraged to report the problem to CenterPoint via either of these two methods without delay. Our Association is charged for every streetlight each month, irrespective of whether or not the light is functioning. So please help us get value for your hard earned money!
WILLIAMSBURG SETTLEMENT CLUBHOUSE AND POOL RENTAL
The Clubhouse is available for rental for non-profit activities to all residents in good standing with the Association. The fees are as follows:
BIG ROOM RENTAL FEE:
Up to 49 people - $50 plus a refundable security deposit of $200
50-100 people - $75 plus a refundable security deposit of $400
When alcohol is served* or the party includes 20 or more attendees between the ages of 13 to 21 who are unaccompanied by their family members the $400 deposit applies.
SMALL ROOM RENTAL FEE:
Up to 20 people - $30 (Small Room is 17’ X 15’ and rental does not include kitchen) Plus a refundable security deposit of $50
*Note that when alcohol is served, two security guards must also be on duty. The requirement for two is mandated by the Sheriff’s Department.
The charge for the security guards, which is paid directly to the officers, is the responsibility of the resident requesting the rental. Also, if there are more than 20 young people between the ages of 13 and 21 unaccompanied by their family members the Association requires one responsible adult for every 10 of these young persons to act as chaperones.
All deposits refundable upon passing the exit inspection.
POOL RENTAL
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Only 1 group at a time.
- Parties must be scheduled at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
- Parties held during open hours are restricted to 20 or fewer persons (adults and children) who will be entering the pool and do not have their own pool tags.
- In the event that the total number of persons in the pool (including regular pool users who are not in the party) is likely to exceed the 50 that can be handled by the 2 regular lifeguards then, two weeks prior to the event, the renter may request that an additional lifeguard be added for the duration of the party. The charge for this additional guard will be $26 per hour. If no provision has been made for an additional lifeguard then the number of party members entering the pool must be limited such that the total number of people in the pool at any time (including regular pool users who are not in the party) does not exceed 50.
- Two responsible adults must be in the pool area at all times acting as chaperons to ensure the good behavior of all members of the party.
- Party to be over and the area cleaned up by pool closing at 8 PM.
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Parties must be scheduled at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
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Rental fee 1-49 people $50
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Rental fee 50 plus people $75
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Private pool parties may only be scheduled on days on which the pool is open. The parties may start at 8 PM and must end, the area cleaned up and the facility vacated by the scheduled end of the party, either 10 PM or 11 PM as selected on the booking form. The lifeguards will clear the pool 15 minutes prior to end time.
- One responsible adult for every 10 persons under the age of 21 must be in the pool area at all times acting as chaperones to ensure the good behavior of all members of the party.
- Lifeguards will be booked by the Association from the pool management company. There will be a minimum of 2 lifeguards plus an additional guard for every 20 persons in excess of 50 who will be entering the pool. The per-lifeguard hourly fee is $26.
- The cost for the lifeguards will be added to the rental fee and will be payable by the renter to the Association at the time the booking is confirmed.
- A $150 refundable deposit is required. (No exceptions!)
For clubhouse and pool availability refer to the Clubhouse Bookings page of the Association web site, www.wsmaonline.org then to make a reservation please complete the pool entries on the on-line Clubhouse Booking Form.
If you need further information call Dave Ellis at 281-347-2580.
VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH LEASH LAW
Animals that are not properly restrained pose a threat to all our residents. While you may know your pet is friendly, an animal running at someone who is walking by is very scary for that person. Many children are afraid of animals and become frightened, which could result in the child getting hurt trying to avoid the animal.
Veterinary Public Health (formerly called Harris County Animal Control) advises that, “All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat or to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.”
Restraint is defined as the control of a dog or cat under the following circumstances:
- When it is controlled by a line or leash not more then six (6) feet in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being who is capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question.
- When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle.
- When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does not have access to sidewalk to street.
While it may be nice to have your animal out in the yard while you work or play, it is against the law, unless the animal is properly restrained.
Let's all help keep our community a safe and comfortable place for all our residents by being responsible pet owners. This will not only protect anyone who may be walking or bicycling in the area, but also the pet owner who could be held legally responsible or possibly sued for failing to properly restrain their pet.
KATY AREA PLAYGROUP
A Katy area playgroup for stay at home moms and their infant-preschool aged children in the Williamsburg area meets every Monday at different locations. If you interested in participating or finding out more about the playgroup, please contact the playgroup coordinator, Laura Bannerman, at llbannerman@gmail.com. Please share this information with neighbors and friends!
