PINELOCH PERSPECTIVE
March 2005
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clayton Marcelle, President
Finance/Bid Policy Committees
email: Click here to email Clayton MarcelleShirley Hammond, Vice President
By-Laws/ARC Committees
email: Click here to email Shirley HammondAllen Campo, Treasurer
Parks & Grounds/Bid Committees
email: Click here to email Allen CampoDavid Glover, Secretary
Communications/Parks & Grounds Committees
email: Click here to email David GloverClif Twaddle, Director
ARC/Reserve Fund Committees
email: Click here to email Clif Twaddle
MANAGEMENT
Community Management Solutions
2615 Bay Area BoulevardKathy Dooley, Association Manager
email: Click here to email CMSIVoice: 281-480-2563
Fax: 281-480-2608Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Home Maintenance An Ongoing Challenge
Many of us lead such hectic lives that routine issues such as home maintenance tend to slip right by us. We frequently leave for work while it's still dark, get home just in time to grab a bite to eat, and are out the door again to Scouts, Church, school, sports, or other activities. If we allow maintenance issues to slide, our community ages less than gracefully. It becomes harder and harder for our homes to compete in the resale market, and property values in the community as a whole are negatively impacted.By now, most of the original appliances in your home have probably been replaced. You may have had to replace your furnace or air conditioner unit, and many of the homes in our community will soon need new roofs. Perimeter fencing is starting to weave up and down your property line like a Saturday night drunk. Your home has probably been repainted at least twice, or you may have installed new siding. All of these are major repair issues that are typically promptly addressed by each homeowner. There are, however, more minor maintenance problems that need to be routinely addressed as well.
We have had an extremely wet year. As a result, many of our homes have mildew on them, frequently under the eaves and on the siding, and sometimes on the brick. Not only is the mildew unsightly (who wants to look at green or black streaks on the home across the street), allowing the mildew and dirt to remain on your home will ultimately damage the wood. In most cases, mildew can be removed by power washing or by applying a solution of household bleach and water and scrubbing the area well. There are also a number of products available through hardware stores that are specifically formulated to treat mildew. When it comes time to re-paint your home, you can ask to have a mildecide added to the paint that will inhibit mildew's growth.
Another frequently- overlooked problem is fence repair. Over 300 residents signed up for the Association's fence replacement program last summer, but there are many more that need work. If you have broken or missing pickets, a sagging gate, or a section of fence that is no longer straight, please take the time to make these minor repairs. If you are going to replace your fence, please check our web site (www. Pineloch. org) for the Association's Architectural Guidelines for fencing. Approval by the Architectural Review Committee is required, and there are very specific requirements that must be met, including a maximum 6' height.
Our third problem issue concerns lawn maintenance. We all know that grass doesn't grow with any speed in the winter. Unfortunately, weeds do. This year's wet weather has contributed to a phenomenal explosion in the weed population, both in the turf and in flower and shrub beds. Some front yards look like clover farms, while others are spreading the wealth by allowing the weeds in their yard to grow, bloom, and go to seed. Weed control applications are very easy. The appropriate chemicals, both granular and liquid, can be obtained at your home and garden store, and most stores have brochures available with lawn and gardening tips. At the very least, please cut the weeds. If you don't want to mow the whole yard, get out your shears or a weed eater and cut them down to turf level. Be prepared, though. March is here, grass will soon be growing again, and it's time to get back into a weekly mowing schedule.
One final reminder: the Association is charged with protecting property values through enforcement of the deed restrictions and architectural guidelines. Included in these documents are requirements for routine maintenance of your property. While the Board of Directors suspended the fines previously assessed for violation notices, continued refusal to comply with these regulations will ultimately result in legal action by the Association against the property owner. "Enforcer" and "yard police" are not our favorite labels, or even a fun part of our jobs. We would much rather be considered your partner in protecting the value of your single largest investment...your home. When you receive a letter after one of our inspections, please consider it a reminder notice, not a nasty-gram. If you can't take care of the problem immediately, please call, email, or write, and let us know when the problem can be corrected. You will find that the Association will be willing to work with you, as long as a reasonable effort to correct the problem is made.
All residents should be aware that the Houston Police Department has begun aggressively enforcing the city ordinances relating to street parking. Any vehicle parked in the street must not remain there for more than 24 hours, must be parked directionally with the flow of traffic, must be at least 15 feet away from any fire hydrant, and may not be more than 18" away from the curb. Additionally, vehicles parked in driveways may not block the sidewalk that crosses the driveway.
III. MAINTENANCE A. GENERAL MAINTENANCEAll improvements on a lot must be maintained in a state of good repair and shall not be allowed to deteriorate. Repairs shall include, but are not limited to, the following:B. YARD MAINTENENCE
- All painted surfaces must be clean and smooth with no bare areas or peeling paint, and all surfaces must be free of mildew.
- All rotted and damaged wood must be replaced and any damaged brickwork repaired.
- Gutters must be kept in good repair and are not allowed to have missing pieces, large dents, sags, rust, or hanging parts.
- Roofs must be maintained in good repair with no missing or curling shingles.
- All glass surfaces must be whole.
- Fences and gates must be kept in good repair. This includes, but is not limited to, rotten wood, broken boards, obvious lean of the fence structure, or peeling sealant if a wood preserving sealant has been applied.
- Garage doors must be undamaged and in good repair.
- Sidewalks, driveways and curbs must be clean and undamaged. Seams must be kept free of weeds.
- Lawns must be kept mowed, edged, and weed free; flower beds must be kept free of weeds; and shrubs and trees must be kept trimmed.
- There must be no storage of toys, equipment, clutter and/or debris in public view.
- Perimeter fences maintained by the Association must not be exposed to damage by adjacent plantings or land use. Bushes and trees must be trimmed to prevent contact with the wall.
- Raised beds for composting or planting, composting boxes and flower boxes must not be in contact with the perimeter wall.
- Trash receptacles must be screened by adequate planting or fencing so they are concealed from view of neighboring lots, streets, parks, and public areas. The construction of a fence in the front yard to screen trash is prohibited.
- No structure of any kind may be attached to the perimeter wall.
- House numbers must be easily readable from the street.
All lots shall be kept in a healthful and attractive condition, all weeds removed and grass regularly mown and edged. Dead plants, trees, and bushes shall be promptly removed from the property. There must be no storage of toys, equipment, clutter and/or debris in public view.
The Pineloch community pools will re-open on weekends in May, and full time as soon as school ends for the summer. Pool tags will be required to enter the pool, and will be issued in late April and early May. Postcards will be mailed to all homeowners letting you know the dates, times and locations to pick up your tags. As a reminder, assessment fees must be paid in full in order to receive your tags.Poseidon Pools will be managing our pools again this year. They are currently looking for lifeguards for the summer season. Training is available. Anyone ages 15 and up interested in applying should contact Poseidon at 281-338-7665 for additional information. Our community pools are open to residents with pool tags, and escorted guests. Each resident with a tag may bring in up to two guests at a time. Guest tags are not required. Children under the age of 10 must be escorted by an adult. Private parties at the pool may be scheduled by residents only, outside of regular pool hours, by contacting Poseidon Pools at 281-338-7665. Damage deposits and lifeguard fees will apply.
The Association is also proud to host the Pineloch Piranhas Swim Team...the fastest fish in the water! The swim team practices daily at the Mabry Mill pool, moving one day a week to the Oak Chase pool.
Pineloch community pools are located at the corner of Oak Chase and Sun Harbor, at the corner of Mabry Mill and Whitlock (both Bay Glen), and at the intersection of Redwood Bend Trail and Kingstone in Bay Knoll.
Several local recreational areas are at risk for potential development, including parks in Bay Oaks and Bay Forest, and the Clear Lake City golf course. A volunteer group has been formed to help fight the proposed development plans and to retain the property permanently as recreational space. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Committee via Jim Ruhnke at mail Jim Ruhnke or 281-381-3487.Two separate development companies have approached Exxon Land Management with plans to construct homes on the land, with possible commercial tracts included on the golf course property. Concerns about the proposed development include lack of water and sewage treatment capacity, potential school overcrowding, insufficient traffic capacity, and the impact on adjacent property values.
Pineloch Community Association Board Meeting
Summaries, July 2004 - November 2004
November 2004 Board Meeting Summary
- Approved September and October Board meeting minutes
- Approved September and October Financials
- Set assessment rate for 2005
- Approved 2005 budget
- Reviewed plans for annual meeting
- Reviewed and approved swim team facility use request
- Discussed use of sweep accounts for reserve and operating funds
- Discussed potential action in reference to long term deed restriction violation
- Approved meeting schedule change for first quarter 2005
- Conditionally approved partial irrigation repair request
- Discussed potential cost of rain sensor installation and tennis court resurfacing
- Agreed to post meeting summaries in consolidated location on web site
October 2004 Board Meeting Summary
- Rescheduled Annual Meeting
- Allocated funds for door prizes
- Agreed to solicit commercial owner involvement
- Called special Board meeting to discuss budget and 2005 assessment
- Reviewed final audit for 2001, 2002
- Discussed lightning protection for pool
- Discussed fence repair options, agreed to interview alternative contractor
- Reviewed inventory of fence and sidewalk repair needs
- Deferred sidewalk repair needs due to aggregate shortage, cost increase
- Discussed potential increase in assessment fees
September 2004 Board Meeting Summary
- Approved August Board meeting minutes
- Approved August Financials
- Reviewed draft of 2005 budget
- Directed re-inventory of priority concrete fence repair needs
- Discussed mailbox pad maintenance responsibilities
- Quotes to be obtained for sidewalk leveling and rain sensors
- Reviewed projected reserve fund expenditures
- Scheduled budget workshop
- Finalized plans for Annual Meeting
- Approved Bay Knoll greenbelt drainage repairs
- Approved trash can and picnic table replacement
- Approved budget amendment moving funds from landscape contract to landscape repairs
- Tabled newsletter proposal
- Approved re-painting the Dogwood Brook play structure with input from adjacent homeowners for color choices
August 2004 Board Meeting Summary
- Declined use of tennis courts by private instructor
- Declined request for variance concerning fence height
- Approved minutes of July Board meeting
- Reviewed bids for drainage work, Bay Knoll greenbelt
- Finalized scope of drainage repair, revised specifications to be re-bid
- Added description of bylaw changes to newsletter
- Reviewed and approved audit bid
- Approved July financial reports
- Reviewed and finalized proposed Bylaw amendments for vote of membership
- Planned September Annual Members Meeting
- Defined Meeting notice and proxy contents, appointed Nominating Committee
- Reviewed preliminary draft of 2005 budget
July 2004 Board Meeting Summary
- Approved June Board meeting minutes
- Approved June Orientation Meeting notes
- Approved June Financials
- Discussed and calendared short term goals
- Discussed potential By-Law amendments for vote at the September Members Meeting
- Discussed importance of committee charters, researching existing committee guidelines
- Reviewed first draft of bidding policy
- Reviewed Management Report
- Reviewed and approved proposals for re-keying pool facilities due to vandalism and unauthorized access
- Directed management to obtain additional fence repair bids for the Mabry Mill pool
- Discussed replacement of benches and trash cans in various locations -- management to submit inventory and estimated cost
- Reviewed draft of July newsletter
- Approved funding for newsletter print and mailing
Chain link fences are not permitted, nor are fences exceeding six feet in height. Six-inch (standard) or four-inch (narrow), notched (dog-eared), six-foot western red cedar pickets that are free of large or loose knots and/or splits are required. The fence should utilize 4" X 4" posts set in a minimum of two feet in concrete on eight-foot centers. Rot boards are permitted as this lends itself to more efficient maintenance, but the overall fence height may not exceed 6'-0" from the common grade. Fencing that crosses over culverts or drainage channels may be maintained at the same elevation as the adjacent fencing instead of following the exact contour of the ground. There should be little variation in fence height or style from one property to another. If metal poles are used for posts, they must not be visible from any public area or neighboring properties from 6 feet above ground level.Fencing on the rear or side property lines of certain lots which adjoin a street right-of-way or restricted open-space reserve may have originally been installed with a design that is different from the community standards outlined above. In order to preserve the overall architectural continuity, replacement of these fence sections should be of the same design as the original fence in that area (including the fence facing). Regardless of design, ACC approval is required for all new fencing. Special situations with non-standard fencing should be noted on the ACC application. Applications must include a plot plan that clearly defines the project.
Homeowners are encouraged to collaborate with their neighbors when planning fence projects. The purpose of the six-foot height rule is to encourage all fencing elevations to be consistent and uniform throughout the entire subdivision. When new fencing meets old fencing that has sunken below the standard 6'-0" elevation, height tapering over the span of one eight foot section is appropriate to assure the continuity of the fence line. Fences must be allowed to weather with age.
Only a clear coat of wood preservative may be applied to cedar fences after aging. (See the complete text at www.Pineloch.org)
According to the Pineloch Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, all exterior changes to your home or lot require prior approval by the Architectural Control Committee. Applications and additional information may be found at www.Pineloch.org.
Clear Brook High SchoolThe Class of 2007 Booster Club will be hosting a Battle of the Bands on April 23rd from 2:00 - 6:00 in the Clear Brook auditorium. Any Brook student interested in entering their band should go to the Sophomore office for additional information. The Booster Club will also be holding a car wash fund raiser on March 19 from 10:00 - 2:00 at the corner of Scarsdale and Beamer.
Any Brook student interested in taking the AP exams should sign up during lunch March 14th - 28th. The cost is $57.00 per exam, payable only by check or money order to Clear Brook High School. Testing will be May 2 - 13th.
The 3rd Annual Project Graduation Car Show will be April 16th from 10:00 - 2:00. Anyone interested in entering a car in the show should see Carla Thompson in the Senior office, or contact Kathy Cordell at 281-488-3339, or mail Kathy Cordell.
The Celebrities Spring Show will be April 14th, 15th, and 16th. Tickets are $7.00 each and go on sale April 5th during lunch. Call 281-996-2766 for additional info.
Beginning this class year, CCISD will be offering a Citizenship Award to all Seniors who are Gold Award or Eagle ranked Scouts. For information, contact Betty Harmon at 281-535-4785.
The English Department will be using the Sadlier Oxford vocabulary books again next year. The books will be on sale for $10 each during Fish Camp and during the first week of school.
Volunteers Needed for PCA Committees
The Pineloch Community Association Board of Directors is recruiting volunteers to serve on a variety of committee positions that have been created. Board members hope to involve more community members in the activities of the Association, as well as tackle a number of outstanding issues that need to be addressed. A list of the committee names and the Board liaisons to each commitee follow. Please contact the appropriate Board member or CMSI for additional information or to volunteer.STANDING COMMITTEES
- Finance Committee - Clayton Marcelle
- Communications Committee (web site, newsletter, email group) - David Glover
- Parks & Grounds Committee (includes parks,pools and landscaping) - Allen Campo, assisted by David Glover
- Architectural Review Committee - Clif Twaddle, assisted by Shirley Hammond
- Special Events - Kathy Dooley
AD HOC COMMITTEES
- Competitive Bidding Policy - Clayton Marcelle, assisted by Allen Campo and David Glover
- Reserve Fund - Clif Twaddle
- Perimeter Fencing - open
- Commercial ARC Issues - open
ACC Roof Replacement Requirements
The Pineloch ACC has noted an increased number of applications being submitted for roof replacements. In order to help expedite approval of these requests, the ACC requirements for shingle color are outlined below.Homeowners should be aware that their current roof color is likely different that the way it used to look when it was new. Old composite shingles frequently have mildew, which turn them darker. In addition, old shingles have lost a significant portion of the gravel that provides color. Please refer to the list below of major manufacturers for the name they use to market their weathered-wood color shingles. Homeowners who select other brands are advised to provide a sample for the ACC to review.
All new roofs must be the same "architectural" style as was originally installed on homes. Three-tab singles are not permitted. Please refer to the Pineloch ACC Guidelines for further requirements.
Shingle Manufacturer Shingle Color Name Atlas Roofing Corporation weathered-wood Certainteed Corporation weathered-wood Elk Premium Roofing weathered-wood GAF Materials Corporation weathered-wood Owens Corning driftwood Malarkey Roofing Company weathered-wood Tamko Roofing Products weathered-wood The above list may not include all available manufacturers. The Pineloch ACC does not recommend any one brand over another. The ACC does recommend that homeowners ask their insurance agent about discounts available for qualified new composite roofing materials that provide better resistance to hail and windstorm damage.
It's March, and with the warmer weather typically comes an increase in the amount of vandalism in our parks. Unfortunately, much of the activity is usually traced back to our own neighborhood kids. Whether the damage is deliberate, or a spur of the moment action resulting from teenaged high spirits, it reflects a lack of consideration and respect for others.Parents, please be aware that it is not a good idea for your Intermediate School-aged kids to be riding bikes in the neighborhood at midnight, even on the weekends. Not only are your children not adequately dressed for visibility purposes, but also the odds of unsupervised activity at that time of night resulting in inappropriate behavior increase exponentially.
If your teenager tells you they're going on a scavenger hunt, please ask to see the list of items they're hunting and find out who is supervising the hunt. While we all remember the fun we had scavenging as a kid, a large number of unsupervised high school hunts now seem to include street, park, and building signage as part of the scavenger list. And if they come home soaking wet, you can bet they have either taken an unauthorized late night dip in one of the community pools, or have taken part in popular "sprinkler head chip shot" contests.
Bottom line, we need your help. Cleaning up even minor vandalism costs the association money that ultimately comes from your pocket. Let's hold our kids accountable, both for their whereabouts, and for their activities. Hopefully, it will also help keep them safe.
Get ready! The next neighborhood- wide garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd. Rain date will be April 9th. Ads will be placed in local papers and signs at the entryways. Garage sales are held at individual homes, and each resident is responsible for their own interior signage. Just a reminder, though -- please be sure to take your garage sale signs down when the sale is over!
If you are a Bay Glen, Bay Glen Manor, or Bay Knoll kid under the age of 18, and would like to be listed in the Kid's Job Corner, please send us your name, year of birth, phone number and the job you are interested in. We will publish a list of neighborhood kids looking for odd jobs in each newsletter. Job categories include babysitting, mother's helper, lawn mowing, pet sitting, tutoring etc.
Comments and questions about the Pineloch Community Association may be emailed to the Management Company at CMSI.Comments and questions about the PCA web site may be emailed to the site curator at
. (NOTE: Be sure to put "PINELOCH" or "PCA" in the message subject line, so my spam filter doesn't kill it before I see it!)
