PINELOCH PERSPECTIVE
March 2007
Perimeter Fence Replacement Underway
Construction of the brick wall that will replace the community perimeter concrete fence is finally underway. Between the weather and City permitting issues, the project started several months later than planned.
Work is ongoing in two areas simultaneously. KinderCare is funding replacement of their four foot tall perimeter fence and dumpster enclosure in conjunction with Association fence replacement in the same area, and construction is also in process along Pineloch Drive on the end near Space Center Boulevard. Work has been moving along at a good pace, only occasionally complicated by extremely wet weather and a tendency for heavy equipment to sink into the mud. The contractor on the project reports that very few problems have been encountered. One tallow tree and some banana trees had to be removed by homeowners, but for the most part, adjacent property owners have been very helpful in keeping the fence line free of obstacles to construction. (As a reminder, no plants or other landscape materials, including flowerbeds, should be in contact with the fence. Plants and trees should be no closer than 3 feet from the fence.) Once the current section is completed, the contractor will move down Pineloch toward El Camino Real, then will begin tear down of the fence along Clear Lake City Boulevard.
Although work could proceed more quickly, the complete construction timetable is planned for two and a half years in order to match the cash flow projections from the special assessment payments. The first installment was due in October 2006, with additional $150 installments due in June and October of 2007 and June and October 2008. Homeowners who default on the installment plan will be billed for the $750 assessment in full, as well as late fees, interest and collection costs when the Association has to pursue collection action. For additional information concerning the fence project or the special assessment, see our web site at www.pineloch.org, or contact Association Manager Kathy Dooley at 281-480-2563.
Please remember that your neighbors probably don't feel the same level of affection for Spot and Fluffy that you do. Don't allow your pets to run loose in your neighbor's yards or down the street, and make sure to clean up any "deposits" left in other yards or in the park and greenbelt areas. Also, please be conscious of your pet's barking habits and ensure that their late night barking isn't keeping the neighbors awake.
The 2007 annual assessment of $410 was due in January. Most members paid on time and in full, and we'd like to thank all of you who did so. A friendly reminder to those who have not yet made payment: your account has been assessed a late fee and interest, but you can help us all avoid legal fees by getting it paid up quickly. Legal action is calendared for April on any remaining delinquencies. Legal action has already been initiated on those accounts delinquent for the $150 October special assessment payments, and collection of the full $750 assessment will be pursued along with interest, penalties and legal costs for those who did not make the initial payment of the installment schedule.
On Feb. 9th 2007 the Baybrook Branch of Capital One Bank hosted the first annual Art Show for the Clear Lake Christian School. The evening was a great success with works from over 30 artists in grades 6 through 12 displayed. The school's art teacher, Ms. Narmin Backus, was very proud of all her students. The judges, Melissa Lorenzo, Masters in Art History, of Capital One Bank, Greg McFord of the Galveston Daily News, and Leslie Krieweldt of Clear Lake Art Alliance all had a tough time awarding the night's winners. Everyone enjoyed the fun as well as food donated from Chik-Fil-A, Family Cuisine Cafe and Bakery, and Jamba Juice. Door prizes were also awarded.
Art Show prize winners are as follows...1st place: Victoria Stainbaugh (8th grade), 2nd place: Michael Tobia (8th grade), 3rd place: Quyen Bui (10th grade), first runner up: Justin Green (7th Grade), and 2nd runner up: Edward Jimenez (12th grade). All of the students who entered that evening did a wonderful job and we can't wait to see what is in store for next year. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success. A big thank you to Capital One!
Clear Lake Christian School is located in the New Beginnings Church building on Crescent Landing in Bay Knoll
The Pineloch Community Association Board of Directors is recruiting volunteers to serve on a variety of committee positions. 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 committee follow. Please contact the appropriate Board member or CMSI for additional information or to volunteer.
Ward Elementary: Our literary coach, Jepilyn Matthis, is looking for parents who might be interested in helping out in the literacy library on a regular basis...once a week or once every other week. Volunteers are needed to update cards, pick up books, reshelve items, etc.
Clear Lake Intermediate: Academic Excellence has been our "Number 1" goal this year and the efforts of our students and teachers are paying off. Grades on report cards and progress reports are at an all time high. The percentage of students passing continues to go up and the results from our benchmark testing show that we are well on our way to success on TAKS.
Clear Brook High School: Project Graduation Upcoming Events
If you can volunteer for any of the events, please contact Wendie Dooley or one of the Project Grad Officers.
The Class of 2009 Booster Club is hosting a Car/Motorcycle Show at the school Saturday, April 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For additional info, go to www.freewebs.com/classof2009cbhs.
Pineloch Community pools will be open weekends beginning May 12, and will be open full time once school is out for the summer. Go to www.pineloch.org for the full schedule.
The PCA guidelines for fencing are reprinted here due to ongoing confusion among our membership about what types of fencing are allowed. See the PCA website at www.pineloch.org for additional information.
Fencing Guidelines: Yard Fencing
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. Pine pickets are more subject to warping than cedar, and are no longer allowed. 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 foot 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.
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)
The Pineloch Architectural Control Committee has noted an increased number of roof replacements being started without prior approval. In order to help expedite approval of these requests, and to prevent the homeowner from incurring additional costs due to use of disallowed materials, the ACC requirements for shingle color are outlined below. Please note: ONLY weathered-wood colored shingles (or the equivalent brand name) are approved for use in Pineloch.
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. The following vendors use the name weathered wood:
Owens Corning (www.owenscorning.com) uses the name driftwood. 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. (Additional information and home improvement applications are also available on the Association's web site at www.Pineloch.org.)
The Association's management company will be conducting a fence audit beginning in March. Fencing that appears to be taller than 6 feet in height will be measured, and those exceeding 6 feet in height from grade to top of fence will be notified that the fence must be modified. Trim boards other than the approved rot boards must be removed in order to maintain harmony of design. Homeowners who have replaced or modified fencing without architectural approval will be asked to submit an architectural application for committee review, and fencing that does not meet the guidelines must be modified or replaced.
Get ready! The next neighborhood wide garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 7th. Rain date will be April 14th. Ads will be placed in local papers and signs at the community entryways. Garage sales are held at individual homes. This is your chance to clean out those closets!
The Clear Brook High Class of 2009 Booster Club will be hosting a Car & Motorcycle Show on Saturday, April 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Clear Brook High School. The Show is an open show for all types of cars & motorcycles. Registration is a $25 donation per vehicle/bike. The first 75 registered will receive a T-Shirt designed by a CBHS student, a goodie bag, and door prize ticket. Registration will be from at 8:00 a.m. until noon, with judging beginning at 9:00 a.m. Awards presentation will be at 2:00 p.m. There are several classes for each (vehicle and bike). Class placement will be done at time of registration...and by the way, there is an "unfinished class". Student entries will be judged separately. Club Participation, Early Bird, and Longest Drive will be presented in addition to Class Winners, "Best of Show" and "Best of Brook". Parking spaces will be assigned at point of entry and vehicles/bikes will remain until after the Awards Presentation -- spaces will not be held. If you are with a group, please come together. There will be food, drinks, and other activities available at the Show. For additional info, to register or to volunteer, go to www.freewebs.com/classof2009cbhs.
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!)
