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President's Message June, 2010 Dear Neighbors and Friends, Splash into Summer, our annual celebration of the opening of the pool, will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010, from 12 (noon) to 2 p.m. This event will again feature delicious free grilled hot dogs, chips, drinks, snow cones, and popcorn. Several HOA board members and swim team volunteers will once again be grilling the hot dogs. Please join us in celebrating the opening of the pool for the summer. Property values. Last month I reported that, according to the Houston Chronicle, MNW property values declined by 10% in 2009. Those in attendance at our May 2010 HOA board meeting generally agreed that our perimeter fencing may be a major contributing factor. In other subdivisions, perimeter fencing is less of an issue because it is either on “community property” or is it covered by strict and specific deed restrictions. The major obstacles to the HOA’s building new perimeter fencing are cost and the legality of using HOA funds to improve private property. Furthermore, the fencing problem exists along Louetta, Theiss Mail Route, and Champions Forest Drive. Our deed restrictions simply require that fences be constructed of cedar wood and be approximately 6 feet in height. The result is all kinds of mismatched fences. To change our deed restrictions so that it is specific requires a vote of 51% of the homeowners in each individual section (not area). Even if passed, it would take approximately 25 years for the majority of fencing to be upgraded to the new standard since current fences would automatically be grandfathered Since there was no clear resolution of the problem, the issue was tabled until our next board meeting. In the meantime, our Fence Committee will determine the length of perimeter fencing that needs to be replaced (Louetta + Theiss Mail Route + Champions) and the cost of doing it. Our 4th of July Picnic and parade may be canceled this year. In spite of the fact that 1100 residents usually turn out for 4th of July picnic, not one person has yet volunteered to organize the event. Area 7 Director I am pleased to announce that Keyth Iannelli volunteered for the position of Area 7 director. His appointment was approved by vote of the HOA board at our May meeting. Area 5 Director position is now vacant. If you are interested in becoming director of Area 5, please contact me. Swim Team Registration. As of April 10th, Over 240 children registered for the Marlins swim team. This is our largest team ever! Diving Board. The diving stand has been weld repaired. Your HOA board authorized the expenditure of up to $4,000 for the purchase of a new aluminum board. Our next HOA board meeting will be held on June 1, 2010, at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. I hope to see you there. Sincerely, Craig Chaszar
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