President's Message

As I begin my term as your newly elected HOA President, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. Joining the board for the first time are Chris Smith, who begins his term as second vice-president, security, and Greg Schindler, as the new area 6 director. I’m pleased that we have such a dedicated group of volunteers who are willing to give up much of their personal time to serve on your board of directors.

2012 will be a year of change and challenges. I’m sure you are aware that the clubhouse has experienced a major plumbing failure. One of the challenges will be to replace that aging facility. In the January board meeting, it was determined that we have $350,000 in cash reserves that can be allocated for a new building. Oran Woody, an architect, has volunteered his professional services and is going to work with board member Bryan Thomas in contacting builders and obtaining bids and plans for a new clubhouse. Oran has also volunteered to provide architectural drawings and assist in the overseeing of construction. This is all subject to homeowner approval to spend the funds.

An Improvement Survey Committee has been formed and is made up of three board members: Janet Hoffman, Sheila Hammons, and Eileen Koscho. They are to design a neighborhood survey asking for approval to spend the cash reserves for the new clubhouse (no increase in dues required for this expenditure) and, at the same time, asking the neighborhood to identify and set priorities for any future improvements. Another option proposed by Greg Schindler to be presented is to increase the HOA dues (for example, $150) for a master plan. Once we know the wishes of the people, this board can establish a timetable and accurately identify future funding requirements. This survey should be ready within the next couple of months.

I have established two new committees: a Community Affairs Committee and a Neighborhood Assistance Committee. The Community Affairs Committee will be chaired by Vincent Glocksien. The purpose of this committee is to expand our influence into areas outside of the subdivision but still directly affect us. One voice speaking for 2,000 homeowners, whether it be at a school board meeting or to the county commissioner or even commissioners’ court, is a stronger voice than that of the individual. I am pleased to announce that Jack Searcy has volunteered to serve on this committee. Jack has served as MUD #114 president, chairman of the board of directors for Northwest Methodist Hospital, and political liaison for Houston NW Chamber of Commerce. Jack and Vincent are both attorneys.

The Neighborhood Assistance Committee will be chaired by Chris Smith. The purpose of this committee is to identify those residents who have special needs and to develop a list of neighbors who can be “first responders” that can be called upon, should the need arise, to assist these residents.

I want to thank those residents who also give up their time to serve on the various committees. One of our newest volunteers is Sandy Remson, who has agreed to serve on the tennis committee, chaired by Janet Hoffman.

In order to keep you abreast of board activity, the agenda for future meetings will be posted on the door of the clubhouse and will be posted on the Memorial Northwest website 10 days to no less than 72 hours before the meeting date. In an attempt to both keep you informed and to hopefully reduce the time spent in the meetings, the agenda is very specific as to what issues are to be discussed and voted upon. This allows you, the homeowner, to see what is in store for that session and decide if you want to attend and voice your support or concerns during homeowner input.

2012 will be a year of challenges, but challenges present opportunities. Speaking for myself, and I’m sure the rest of the board, we look forward to serving you in the upcoming year.

Bill Burton