Letter from the President: provided by Dick Heilman.

Following the election of the new POA Board at the May '09 General Meeting, the Board received numerous suggestions regarding the quality of life in Oak Ridge Estates. The Board discussed these items prior to the 3 September '09 General Meeting and decided that many of them could be addressed by referring to the existing By-laws, applicable restrictions, covenants and reservations, or in some cases, referred to one of our standing committees for recommendations to the Board. The following general comments represent the consensus of the Board regarding some of the items brought to our attention during the period June to September '09. (Please note that the existing By-laws, restrictions, covenants and reservations can be found on our web site, Oakridgepoa.org.

Maintenance of Lots

It is of benefit to all the owners of property in Oak Ridge Estates to maintain and improve the appearance of their properties. Appearance affects property values, but most importantly impacts the quality of life of residents and visitors. Appearance may be in the eye of the beholder, but some generalities seem obvious. Considering the extensive droughts we seem to regularly encounter, it makes sense to limit the amount of tall grass in our neighborhoods as it increases the risk of grass fires that could threaten homes and personal property. Removal of combustible materials such as woodpiles, leaves and dead vegetation piled around the lots will reduce the risk of wildfires. Remember, we are still allowed to burn yard waste, but only when a county burn ban is not in effect and then only with a permit from the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department. If you do elect to burn, please be considerate of your neighbors, as the smoke could exacerbate allergies and other respiratory problems.

Cleared Lots Including Septic Lots

Cleared lots should be kept "picked-up" and mowed. Restriction #12 explains, "lots which are not mowed or cleared of debris, for the safety and appearance of the neighborhood will be considered a violation of this restriction. Violators are subject to notification in writing and will be given 30 days to respond. If no response is received in that period, the POA may mow the property or clear the debris and will charge the owner for the associated expense."

Wooded Lots

Wooded lots may add to the appeal of our neighborhoods. Owners of wooded lots should be diligent in maintaining the appearance of the property. Broken limbs, dead and diseased trees and shrubs should be treated, cleaned up and removed. This is important as a courtesy to the neighborhood, as dead and/or diseased vegetation may harbor disease/pests that could endanger healthy plants/trees or spread disease throughout the neighborhood. Rats, mice, snakes, insects easily invade debris-laden environments like these and cause continuing problems for the homeowners. Tall dead grass presents a fire risk that could endanger our homes. The risk of wildfires will be lessened by keeping the grass mowed and with the removal of combustible materials such as woodpiles, leaves and other dead vegetation. (Additional information about fire wise landscaping can be found at www.firewise.org and at http://fxforestservice.tamu.edu.)

Lots Under Construction

Lots with construction projects ongoing should be policed and maintained regularly during the course of the construction. Receptacles should be available for disposing of trash. These receptacles should be covered in some way to prevent trash from blowing out. The grounds should be "picked-up" on a regular basis. "Prior to commencement of construction of a residence, no lot may be used for storage of any equipment, building materials or parts. This includes, but is not limited to, vehicles (autos, trucks, golf carts), boats, trailers, portable buildings, farm equipment, construction equipment, construction materials, lawn or gardening equipment." (Restriction #1) During construction, vehicle equipment should be stored in an orderly manner, and preferably out of sight, when not being used. Building materials, including lumber, metal, pallet materials, etc, should be neatly stored (out of sight if possible) and used as soon as possible so they don't become a home for animal/insect pests. Please be considerate of the "view" your property may present to your neighbors.

Occupied Lots

Restriction #12 addresses outside parking by a single household. More than one RV or travel trailer and up to three recreational, boat or utility trailers on any residential lot with a permanent residence, or adjacent commonly owned lot, is prohibited. Occasionally, residents have houseguests who travel with their RV or recreational trailer. In that case, parking is allowed but for no more than 30 contiguous days during any three-month period.

Junked Vehicles

Llano County ordinance prohibits the storage of junked vehicles, or parts of junked vehicles on lots as they tend to be detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public, reduce the value of private property, invite vandalism, and create a fire hazard. The Texas Transportation Code provides for the removal, with up to $200 penalty, of junked/discarded vehicles.

By far, property maintenance complaints are the most frequent annoyances among Oak Ridge residents. While tolerance is encouraged, consideration of our neighbors by being responsible for the maintenance and appearance of our property will be the best solution.

Contractor Signs

During construction of a residence (Oak Ridge Restriction #1) one sign (when construction spans multiple adjacent lots, only one sign is permitted) showing the contractor's name, logo, address, telephone number, and other pertinent information may be placed on the lot for no longer than six months. The sign may be no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet and may stand no taller than 6 feet.

Improvement Contractor Signs

The Oak Ridge Estates Restrictions (#12) address the use of various signs. Generally, signs should not exceed 2 feet by 2 feet, and should not be displayed for more than 21 days over a 3-month period.

Roofing Signs

We have been through a busy season for roof repairs. Hopefully most of the repairs have been completed by now. During the height of the roof repair work, many properties displayed signs advertising roofing contractors. Many residents benefited from these displays by receiving a pricing perk. However, there should be a limit to how long the signs can be displayed. The Oak Ridge Estates Restrictions (#12) address the use of various signs. Generally, signs should not be displayed for more than 21 days over a 3-month period. In most cases, the current roofing signs have been up for more than 21 days and should be taken down.

For Sale Signs

The Oak Ridge Estates Restriction (#12) states, "No 'for sale' sign shall be placed on any lot in Oak Ridge Estates Subdivision without the written consent of the POA. The 'For Sale' signs which are not permitted are signs advertising real property (house, business or lot) for sale, for rent, for lease, open house, or available. Such 'For Sale' signs are not to be placed on any lot. Such signs should not be located anywhere on a lot so as to be visible from any Oak Ridge street or public water way. Therefore, such signs may not be placed on a boat dock even though the dock may not be a part of an Oak Ridge lot."

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining an attractive appearance of the properties in Oak Ridge.
Dick Heilman, POA President and the POA Board

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Board Meeting Minutes: provided by Cookie Puckett, Secretary.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Dick Heilman called the meeting to order. Those in attendance were: Cheryl Mann, Cheryll Mabray, Gerrie Graham, Cookie Puckett, and Jan Harris. The purpose of this meeting was to review with the board members the agenda for the general POA meeting being held on September 3, 2009.

Dick suggested that we have a policy as a board of having a time limit on new business at the general meetings. A 5-minute limit was agreed upon. He also suggested that we not vote on anything that is new business until we have had a chance to hear both sides of the issue and do whatever research is needed to make a fair presentation to the members. It was noted that the published agenda did not include the Treasurer's report.

The board then briefly discussed each part of the agenda for the general meeting. Dick also read to the board members a list of concerns that have been called in to him since he took office. He felt that the board should be aware of these concerns for future action at the general meeting. They are:

1. No solicitation signs and no wake signs. Recommend obtaining the signs. J. Harris. Done.
2. Master's Touch signs. OK, but remove from tree. D. Heilmann. Done.
3. Short term rentals/ parking. Refer to the Bylaws committee.
4. Cleaning up trashy lots, as well as two construction sites that are unfinished. Memo to the community. Board. Done.
5. Roofer signs that stay up too long. Memo to the community. Board. Done.
6. Obtain copy of the Oak Ridge Articles of Incorporation. C. Mabray. Done.

Dick also stated that one of our goals for this year is to develop a filing system for all of our history that can be accommodating to those who need to find information. This should include a hard copy of minutes, architectural, legal, communications (incoming and outgoing), and Acorns from past years.

Dick moved to adjourn and Cookie seconded.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2009
Dick Heilman called the meeting to order. Those in attendance were:

Dick briefly discussed the new order for the meetings, stating that the board has decided to use a new procedure to help us to be more accurate in our decisions. We will entertain new business, asking the member to limit the discussion to five minutes on the average for each item. The board will not vote on new business as a general rule at the same meeting. This will allow us to research and hear both sides of the issue before we make a final presentation to the membership before voting.

Cheryl Mann moved that we accept the minutes as presented in the Acorn, and Gerrie Graham seconded.

Cheryl passed out the financial reports for review and questions. She also stated that she would be leaving this office in May 2010. She asked for someone to apprentice her as treasurer so that they would be prepared to take over the office. She said that it would be helpful if they already knew QuickBooks Accounting. Bill Terrell volunteered that his daughter knew Quickbooks and would be happy to help anyone learn the system.

Dick talked about the sign- up sheets for the new committees. He encouraged everyone to find a committee that you are interested in and give them your support. Not only is it helpful to your community, but a great source of fellowship with your neighbors. Dick then listed each committee and gave a brief description of their function. They are:

1. Architectural
2. Community Center
3. Legal/By-laws
4. Communications/Publications
5. Social
6. Road/Roadsides/Grounds
7. Special-Annexation

Dick asked for reports on standing committees.

1. Architectural: Bill Terrill said that this would be his last report as he is stepping down from chairman of this committee. He has had only one new house in Oak Ridge this year, but the general report of total houses since 2003 when Bill started serving as chairman is as follows:
   1. 26 new homes
   2. 12 major renovations
   3. 17 minor jobs (fences, carports, decks, pools)
   4. 4 demolitions

   Bill will still be available to help those who take over the chairmanship of this committee. We really appreciate Bill's hard work and devotion to Oak Ridge Estates.

2. Legal/By-Laws: no current report
3. Communications:
   1. Acorn-Wilda Meixner reminded everyone that she will send out a reminder by e-mail two weeks before the Acorn is published, so that members can submit information to be published.
   2. Website-Bill Manno
   3. E-mail and Directory - Sandra Thompson
4. Road/Roadsides/Grounds: A.D.Robinett reported that because of the dry year, we have only needed to mow the roadsides twice so far.

Old Business

Re: Sale of tractor. A.D. Robinett sold the tractor for $2650.00.

Re: Moving large bar-b-que smoker in the yard of the community building. It was given to Justin Dunks in barter for removing the slab from the old restrooms in the yard of the community building. Justin also spread nine truckloads of soil that we used for side dressing the roads.

Re: Rebuilding and repairing benches in the community building yard. A.D. has the supplies and John Klepper and Syl Gaisbauer will assist with that.

Re: The trash pick-up. Two companies, whether or not to try to consolidate to one company, making less stress to our roads and less noise to the community. Discussion was tabled for now.

Re: Community building upkeep. The fascia board needs replacing and some of the electric wiring rests on the roof. Volunteers from the Community Center committee will see to the repairs.

Re: Steve Muller questions were referred to the By-Laws committee.

1. interpreting covenant #4
2. Posting re-plat requests
3. Update/revise covenants

Re: Fire Protection fees. Inger Lise Blount reported that some want to pay assessment and some want to pay by donation. The question is - can we assess, according to the by-laws? Ambulance and fire used to be one payment, but now ambulance/EMS is paid from your taxes. Fire protection is currently a contract between Horseshoe Bay and the POA. A discussion ensued with the pros and cons of using Horseshoe Bay to do this.

New Business

Re: $1000.00 donation. Suzanne Graham said that this donation was given some time ago by Rex Ramsower to help install a sprinkler system for the community building yard. Wilda had also donated a pump for this purpose at that time. Suzanne volunteered to get estimates. This item will be referred to the Grounds committee for a final decision on how to use that money. Thanks to all of those faithful few who so diligently watered and cared for our new garden area in this, the hottest year on record.

Re: New signs. The board decided to install new "No Wake" and "No Soliciting" signs. Dwayne Smothers, leasing commercial space from Shelton Thibodeaux, car detailing business, was asked to remove his sign from the tree and he removed it. Roofer signs (with all the hail damage done this year), displayed in the yard of the home for a discounted roofing fee, should have a limit of thirty days now need to be removed. This will be addressed in a general communication from the Board (see President's letter above.)

Re: Star Flight. Bill Manno talked about an insurance with Star Flight at $55.00 annually that is now available. Dick Heilman asked for more information that he could put out on the membership e-mail.

Re: Robberies. Cheryll Mabray reminded us of several robberies in Burnet and Llano counties of waterfront homes. She reminded us to keep doors locked and be aware of any strangers in the neighborhood.

Jan Harris moved to adjourn and Cheryl Mann seconded.

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Items for Sale

We are selling our beloved 30' Silver Avion camper. Everything in/on it worked last time we camped in it this Spring. If anyone is interested we can talk specifics.
Les Fenter 512-234-6838

1997 Cadillac SLS in excellent condition. White pearl exterior, beige leather interior. Rides very smooth. Gas mileage from 22.6 to 29 MPG. Many extras: A/C and Heating with back seat controls; three 12-CD exchangeable cartridges; tilt steering wheel; 1st and 2nd driver automatic seat position controls; radio and CD controls on dash and steering wheel, bucket front seats; many others; must see and drive.
Contact Ernie and Liz Hinkle 830-598-2134.

Sears Coldspot sidexside refrigerator with icemaker and water dispenser for sale for $100. Works fine. Great 2nd fridge for soda/beer/etc. We live full time at 557 Pecan Creek Drive. Interested parties can contact Jim or Katherine at 830- 265-6385.

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Other Items of Interest

OR Directory in progress. Please get any changes to me ASAP. If you would like to reserve a copy, call me at: 830-613-8226 or email me at: hillcountrylady@peoplepc.com. $2.00 a copy. Punched and drilled copies for notebook are $5.00. If you have already responded to me, no need to contact me again. Many left over from last year so the amount printed will be adjusted.
Thank you. Sandra Thompson

How long can that bottle of ketchup stay in your fridge before it goes bad? I'm thinking 5 or 10 years but if you want an expert opinion, go to the web site below. This site lists all kind of foods and how to keep them fresh longer as well as when to get rid of them. If you have a question, click on the particular picture and a whole list of stuff appears.
Link www.stilltasty.com

This is a pretty interesting site. Inger Lise Blount

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Sad News

This community lost a long-time member with the passing of Jessie Dell Beard on September 18. A memorial service was held on Tuesday at Clements Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls with internment at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 501 Twelfth St., Marble Falls, TX 78654 or to Hospice Austin, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, TX 78702.

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Financial Statements: provided by Cheryl Mann, Treasurer

OAK RIDGE ESTATES
Balance Sheet
As of September 3, 2009

OAK RIDGE ESTATES
Income Statement
May 1, 2009 - Sep 3, 2009

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