PINELOCH PERSPECTIVE

City Enforcing Trash Pickup Ordinance

After several years of garbage service that accepted just about anything any time, the City has instructed the garbage contractor to begin enforcing City regulations concerning residential garbage pickup.  The change was effective in early March, but City representatives subsequently agreed to a two week grace period ending April 10th in order to get word of the policy enforcement out to the neighborhood.  Effective Monday, April 10th, all residents will be required to comply with City rules for household and bulk waste pickup.  Failure to comply with the regulations will result in trash not picked up and possible fines.

City regulations require that all household waste be placed in the large black City trash can.  Any surplus household garbage must be placed in bags and labeled with the City of Houston trash tag.  Trash tags may be purchased at Kroger in bundles of 5.  Tags are $1 each.  Household waste in bags without the tag will not be picked up.  Landscape materials must either be cut in 4 foot sections and bundled, or placed in bags at the curb.  Yard waste in cans will not be picked up.

Additional City trash cans may be obtained by calling the City 311 Help Line.  The cost is $7.50 per month, and will include a green label for the additional can.  Without the green label on the can it will not be picked up.

Bulk waste pickup will continue to be the second week of the month.  The City Code Enforcement Division has recently issued citations for bulk waste put out at the wrong time.  Fines are reportedly running in excess of $200.00.

For additional information concerning City trash schedules and regulations, please call the City Help Line (311) or refer to the City web site at www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/.

Quorum Obtained, Assessment Vote Fails

Two Pineloch membership meetings were held on March 7th with record breaking attendance.  The required 10% quorum was finally obtained on the third attempt to hold the 2005 Annual Members Meeting.  Incumbent Clif Twaddle was re-elected to the Board, along with newcomers Sarah Hedengren and Theresa Ancelet.

The Special Membership Meeting was held immediately following the Annual Meeting in order to vote on the $800 Special Assessment to fund the perimeter fence replacement.  Votes cast prior to the meeting were almost 2:1 opposed.  After the presentation and question and answer session, votes cast by those present at the end of the meeting were 10:1 in favor of the funding proposal.  The final tally, with almost 600 votes cast, was 52% against, 48% in favor of the assessment.  2/3 approval was required in order to pass the assessment.  Feedback from the membership generally favored the proposed brick wall, with concerns centered around the amount and payment schedule for the special assessment.  Board members and Fence Committee Volunteers will be meeting in April to determine how to approach ongoing perimeter maintenance problems.

Teen Nights At The Pool!

Teen Nights at the pool are back this summer!  Two teen pool parties will take place this summer for Pineloch teens and their friends.  Pineloch residents need to be sure to bring their pool tags -- each resident with a tag may bring up to two guests.  Pizza, buffalo wings, and soft drinks will be provided.  Lifeguards and adult chaperones will be in attendance.  All Pineloch teens age 13 to 19 are invited.

Watch for more info at the pools, in future newsletters, and on the web site at www.pineloch.org.  Parents -- volunteers are needed and food donations are welcome!  Contact Kathy Dooley for additional information at Click here to email Kathy Dooley or via phone at 281-480-2563.

Fine Assessed For Deed Restriction Violations

In an effort to address member complaints concerning more timely correction of deed restriction violations, the 2005 Pineloch Board of Directors adopted a deed restriction enforcement policy which includes a $50 fine.  The fine will be assessed for those homeowners who continue to ignore repeated requests to bring their property into compliance with the Association's restrictions and architectural guidelines.  The $50 fine will be the first step before the violation is turned over to the Association's attorney for legal action.  The fine amount may be increased at Board discretion for repetitive or recurring violations.  Upon notification, the property owner will have a 30 day window of opportunity to either correct the violation or to request a hearing with the Board of Directors.  At the end of 30 days, if the violation is not corrected, the owner will be fined and the violation referred to the Association's attorney for legal action.  In accordance with the Texas Property Code, the owner will be required to reimburse the Association for the cost of the legal action as well.

Some of the most frequent violations addressed in the community are listed below.  While we appreciate that schedules are busy, or money is tight, these are all issues that impact the appearance of the community as a whole, and by extension, impact our property values.  They are also some of the issues that will now earn you a $50 fine if not corrected in a timely manner.

Storage: Trash cans, bags, and recycle bins are not to be left in public view.  If they can be seen from the street, you are in violation of the guidelines.  Trash should be stored behind your fence or in the garage until pickup day.  Trash containers left on the driveway, at the curb, or next to the house on non-pickup days will result in citations.  Continued failure to store trash receptacles out of public view will result in a $50 fine.  The same policy applies to tools, toys, gardening supplies, barbeques, etc.  The front yard and driveway are not intended to be material storage locations.

Exterior Maintenance: MILDEW!  This is the gulf coast, and mildew develops faster than weeds grow.  For some homeowners, mildew removal needs to be an annual housecleaning ritual.  It doesn't make any difference that you cleaned it last year, if your siding is sprouting green or gray patches, it needs to be cleaned again.  Many homes are also in need of a good coat of paint -- particularly if the existing paint is faded, streaky or splotchy.  When you repaint, ask your contractor about mixing a mildecide in the paint, in order to retard mildew recurrence.  Also, don't forget to get architectural approval for paint jobs.

Fencing: According to the deed restrictions, wooden fencing may not exceed 6' in height.  The only exceptions permissible are where there are short grade changes.  The fence may exceed 6' in small areas where the grade change would result in a significant dip in the fence line.  This does not mean extended stretches of fencing may exceed 6'.  Additionally, the guidelines require that new fencing be dog eared cedar pickets -- not pine.  The complete guidelines for fencing may be found on the Association's web site at www.pineloch.org.  Fence replacement requires architectural approval, particularly if you want to make changes in fence design (such as the addition of a rot board) or location.  Fencing that includes a rot board topped by a 6' picket must be reduced to a total height of 6'.

Lot Maintenance: This is officially the growing season.  Lawns should be mowed and edged weekly; beds, tree wells and concrete seams should be kept weed free, and shrubbery shaped and trimmed.  Homes that require repetitive reminders to keep their lawns properly maintained will also be fined.

Vehicle Storage: Inoperable vehicles may not be stored in public view.  If the car is wrecked, doesn't run, has a flat tire, broken windows, expired inspection and/or registration, or simply isn't driven on a regular basis, it can not be left in the street or driveway.  Either park it in the garage or find somewhere else to store it.  The same rules apply to boats, jet skis, trailers and motor homes.  They may not be parked in the street or driveway for over 48 hours.  Vehicles should never be parked in the grass.

Basketball Goals: Both permanent and portable goals are allowed with architectural approval and subject to local restrictions (no more than 6 feet away from house or garage for portable goals).  Basketball goals may never be placed in the street.  Goals and nets must be properly maintained.

SafeHomes Program

What is the SafeHomes program?

SafeHomes encourages parental supervision.  It is a pledge on the families' parts to prohibit any alcohol or drug use in their homes or on their property during youth gatherings.  SafeHomes promotes consistency and continuity of rules regarding actions of our youth, particularly at parties and social gatherings.

How does the program work?

Each parent has to make only SIX promises for the program to succeed.  Households that have taken this pledge are termed SafeHomes -- homes your children can go to where you will be sure a parent is in attendance and where drugs and alcohol will be prohibited.  The Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families (BAAYF) will maintain a listing of these homes and make it available to parents.

Who should participate?

All parents with children ages K-12 are encouraged to participate in this program.

• Elementary School Children
  • SafeHomes lays the foundation for guidelines and limits that are part of your home.
  • Children will be used to the concept of supervised gatherings and party activities.

• Middle School Children
  • Peer pressure is very strong at this age.
  • As a parent in SafeHomes, you will provide an appropriate model of guidelines for youth gatherings.
  • Parent members will not be standing alone in continuing your values of supervised and safe parties.

• High School Teens
  • Alcohol and drug consumption kills our nation's teenagers every day.
  • Providing supervised gatherings where alcohol and drugs are not allowed helps protect our youth.

Family guidelines

• Inform your children that you have joined SafeHomes and discuss it with them.

• Know where your children are and let them know where you are.

• Assure your children that they can telephone you to be picked up whenever needed.

• Get to know your children's friends and their parents.

SafeHomes party guidelines

• Have a knowledgeable and responsible adult present in the home during party hours.

• Expect and encourage calls from parents of teens confirming party time and place.

• Inform all that there will be NO alcohol or drugs permitted in your home or on your property.

• Call parents of any teen who arrives in possession or under the influence.

• Inform all that leaving and then returning to the party will not be permitted.

• Make regular and unobtrusive visits to the party area with sensitivity to teens' needs for privacy and independence.

• Use a guest list and enforce a NO CRASHING policy.

If your child is invited to a party...

• Call the parent in charge to verify the occasion and location and to check on adult supervision.

• If the activity seems inappropriate, express concern and keep your child home.

The SafeHome Pledge

1. I will provide adult supervision for all children visiting my home.

2. I will provide a secure storage place for all forms of alcohol, firearms and other potentially hazardous items.

3. I will not allow parties or gatherings in my home when I am not there.

4. I will not serve minors, nor will I allow youth under the drinking age (21) to consume alcohol in my home or on my property.

5. I wish for communication with any parent who PERSONALLY OBSERVES my child using alcohol or other drugs.

6. I will communicate with any SafeHomes parent of a child I personally observe using alcohol or other drugs.

For more information, contact

Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families
400 S. Walnut
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 316-5724

"One Community, one commitment in alliance with our youth."

Pineloch Garage Sale

The Pineloch community-wide Spring Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 22nd from 7:30 a.m. until noon.  The Association will provide signs at the entries and advertising...you provide the sale from the comfort of your own driveway!

Pool Season Opening Soon

Pineloch pools will open weekends in May, and full time once school is out.  Watch your mailbox and the web site for schedules and pool tag distribution information.  Assessments must be paid in full in order to receive your tags.  Safe swimming!

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!)