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Letter from the President: provided by Dick Heilman.Looks like we finally made it to spring after a tough winter. It will be interesting to see which plants survived our more than 40 days (nights) with temperatures below freezing. But it sure looks like the bluebonnets made it. Thanks to Suzanne Graham for putting together a crew to sprinkle bluebonnet seeds around the neighborhood. It looks like they are finally ready to give us a show. Thanks also to an anonymous donor, for the new bald Cyprus that mysteriously appeared on the west bank of the community center lawn. Take a look. You will like it. Thanks also to the gardeners who looked after the community center garden during the winter. Ivy Parizek had a hand in that by gently covering the most vulnerable. She also designed and made new signs for the entrance for our social events. Bruce Parizek made a frame and hung the aerial view map of Oak Ridge/HSB in the hallway of the community center. Thanks Bruce, it looks great! We obtained the map from the Mayor of HSB during a visit by our Annexation Committee in October '09. I figure that the Mayor must like Oak Ridge to give us such a great gift. We have a new roof on the community center, operational central heating/air conditioning and are planning to paint the outside this spring. All these improvements are possible because of our generous volunteers. Some of the volunteering is independent, (for example, Ted Foster has offered to help us regularly maintain the heat/AC system---Thanks Ted!) and some comes from the committees. Speaking of the committees, we are always accepting new members, so if you would like to be more involved, just let me know and I will find a committee to suit you. This leads me to continue the review of the bylaws that I started last winter (The Acorn-Winter '09-'10). Article IV, Section 12 of the bylaws describes our use of committees. Standing committees may be established by a majority of the Board. Upon establishment, the Board shall determine the purpose and function of each committee, its composition and duration, and shall nominate, elect and appoint a Chairman and specify the term of office, such details to be memorialized in the minutes of that meeting. The President of the Board shall be an advisory, non-voting member of all committees, and shall be notified in advance of the meeting so as to be available and shall be advised of the action of all committees. Our Board, after drafting guidelines for each committee, decided to call for volunteers for the committees instead of nominating the members. They also decided to allow each committee to choose its own Chairman and determine the purpose and function, with the belief that volunteers would be more enthusiastic than appointees, and would be more eager to complete projects selected by them as opposed to an assignment from the Board. So far I think this process has worked very well as evidenced by the productivity of the committees. The purpose of the first committee meeting was organizational, i.e., to choose the Chairman and formulate their own purpose and function. Most of the committees were able to choose a Chairman and determine their own purpose and function. Overall, we are very pleased with what the committees have done and are doing for our community. A list of the committees and their members is (or soon will be) on the OakRidgePOA.org website. Thanks committees and other volunteers. Finally, there are a number of announcements to be made following the POA meeting of 4 March'10. The Board (and Committee) is seeking your input on these issues prior to a vote being taken to approve/disapprove the recommendations. The Board will meet and take the advice of the community before voting on the issues. This is the time to speak up or ask questions, not after the vote is taken.
Dick Heilman and The POA Board Back to TopBoard Meeting MinutesMarch 3rd, 2010 Meeting George Burriss will report at the regular meeting on March 4 about the transfer of water utility to Aqua Utilities, Inc. concerning our water (and the possibility of sewer service). With the treasurer's report, Dick will propose that we use the $1000.00 gift we received some time ago from Rex Ramsower to pay for the electrician's bill to finish the installation of the heat/air conditioning in the community center. The Tai Chi Group that meets regularly in the clubhouse has also offered $435. (The electrician's bill is $1,395.00.) Dick will recommend at the general meeting that this money be used for the new central heating and air conditioning unit recently installed in the building. (Ted Foster has volunteered to regularly maintain this unit for us at no cost.) Committee reports: Architectural: The committee submitted recommendations for clarification (not changes) of some deed restrictions. These recommendations are for discussion and comment by the general membership. We will present these at the general meeting and publish them with the minutes in The Acorn for the membership to read and comment on before they are finally presented to the Board for approval. The committee also submitted a new construction form for the board to consider. The form is to be completed by applicants for construction in Oak Ridge. It will also be published in The Acorn. Audit: the first audit of our POA financials is on going with the help of our Treasurer (Cheryl Mann) and the Audit Committee (Wilda Meixner and Inger Lise Blount).Audit: the first audit of our POA financials is on going with the help of our Treasurer (Cheryl Mann) and the Audit Committee (Wilda Meixner and Inger Lise Blount). Community Center: Volunteers will paint the outside of the Community Center to coordinate the colors of the new roof/fascia and new addition. Cookie Puckett will be in charge of choosing paint samples for the board to consider. Roads/Roadsides/Storage: A.D. Robinett requested $4320 for patching several places in the roads. Jan Harris moved that we approve this amount, and Cookie seconded. The vote was unanimous. Social: The social committee would like to buy a microphone and speaker for the community bldg. The committee will look into it and make recommendations to the Board on what to purchase. New Business: Steve Muller would like to consider the possibility of having a community burn pile….location….permit required…etc. Details will be presented at the general meeting. (Reminder; New business at the POA meetings;….this board's policy: This is for the board and community to hear pros and cons on issues for later decision/voting by the board. Only items included on the agenda will be discussed with suggested presentation time-5 minutes. There generally will not be final votes by the board on new business items until the next general/board meeting.) Inger Lise and Gil Blount submitted a letter to the board concerning the sale of a piece of land (an abandoned road that was never completed, Granite Loop) that abuts their property and also Dan and Gayle Barnhart's property. In the September POA meeting the Board agreed to sell them that strip of land, to incorporate half of the abandoned road equally into each of their properties. However, they subsequently discovered that since it was a road, it belonged to Llano County. They have petitioned Co. Commissioner's Court to abandon and vacate that portion of Granite Loop. If approved, they would be able to replat and complete this transaction. We, as a board confirm this change, and do not feel that any further action on our part is required. Cookie moved to adjourn, and Dick seconded. Meeting was adjourned. March 4th, 2010 Meeting The membership welcomed George Burriss, owner of Pecan Utilities, Inc. He provides water service for Oak Ridge Estates. He is selling his company to Aqua Utilities in the near future. He came to meet with us to answer questions that we might have about the transition. Aqua Utilities will not change rates for us. We should benefit from uniform statewide rates. There should not be any change in service. This company has a good service record and a good reputation. The sale is still pending, but will probably close in a month or so. He assured us that whatever the community decides to do in the future, Aqua Utilities would try to accommodate us. Should we decide to look into a sewer system, Aqua Utilities would be able to assist us. He fielded many questions from the membership. Dick thanked him for taking the time to come and meet with us. You can find out more about Aqua Utilities at their web site; www.aquaamerica.com. Treasurer's Report: (Cheryl Mann) Replacement of the hail-damaged roof on the community center cost $5,725.00. Insurance covered $3,076.90. POA paid the balance of $2,648.10. Completion of the installation of central heating/air-conditioning for the community center cost $1,394.72. It was proposed that we use the $1000.00 gift given by Rex Ramsower, and $435.00 donated by the Tai Chi Group (that regularly meets in the community center) to pay for completing the new heating and air conditioning system. It is anticipated that this system will increase the use of the center and thus generate additional income. Cheryll Mabray moved that we use this money for that purpose. Jan Harris seconded. The motion carried unanimously. (Post-meeting note-Dick informed the Ramsowers of our intention to use the money for the community center and they approved.) No financial statements were presented due to the on-going audit. Reports of Standing Committees:
Old Business: HSB Council meeting follow-up on annexation. Bruce Parizek, Phil Roth and several others from Oak Ridge attended a HSB council meeting concerning annexation. Oak Ridge is not being considered at this time to be annexed into HSB. New Business: Steve Muller was not able to attend, but submitted a letter to the board concerning a community burn pile (letter attached). In the past we have paid a fee to Horseshoe Bay for a use permit for their recycling center….but that option for non-HSB residents was cancelled about 1 ½ years ago. We need a plan to help residents to dispose of unwanted brush and trees. Many lots are too small for the homeowner to burn his own brush. The Grahams and Potts/Gibbs families have generously allowed burning on the granite outcropping between their homes. Policing what goes on that pile, however, is always a problem. Some stumps are just too big for a burn pile. The Board solicits ideas from residents who would like to have options for disposing of unwanted brush and trees. (Send ideas to the Board.) Steve suggested also that we designate someone to meet with the mayor of HSB or council and see if they would reinstate the use of their recycling center…. Limited only to brush deposits for Oak Ridge residents. (R. Heilman will follow up with Mayor Lambert.) If there is enough interest in this approach, Steve suggests we could pay up to $100.00/yr fee….and he would donate and drive his hydraulic dump trailer for neighbors who want to use it. It was mentioned also that EMS has had difficulty recently finding addresses. Several suggestions were discussed. Street numbers really should be visible on the street…..mailbox or sign. If EMS is coming, turn your porch lights on or even use the flashers on your car in front of the house to alert them to your location. Jan Harris moved to adjourn and Gerri Graham seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8 PM. Attendees:
Back to TopClarification of Deed RestrictionsThe areas in red are recommendations submitted to the Oak Ridge POA Board of Directors by members of the Architectural Committee for consideration of approval for inclusion with the Interpretation of Deed Restrictions. We understand that these are not meant to change the Restrictions, but merely to try to clarify areas of the Interpretation, with approval of the POA membership. They have been presented with the Restriction involved and the proposed interpretation. A full copy of the Policy can be found on the POA website, www.oakridgepoa.org/ To respond to the proposed additions/changes, please direct comments to members of the Board of Directors, preferably through email. Comments will be accepted for two weeks following the publication of this current edition of The Acorn. Oak Ridge Estates Board Of Directors Policy For Interpretation
of Deed Restrictions. Adopted Restriction 1. All lots shall be used solely for residential purposes except lots designated as business. 3/2/2010. Construction signs on properties may be placed for the lesser of one year of construction or the completion of the project. Should the construction of the project require longer, the owner should request from the Board an extension of time or have the sign removed. Many water front lots do not have the required space for a septic system, Therefore, it is customary to purchase, lease, or take an easement on an additional lot or portion of a lot for that purpose. At present there is no other practical solution to this problem. A lot may be used for septic purposes so long as it is not obvious that it is a septic lot (appearance or odor, see restriction #12. It must be kept mowed and any septic apparatus must be obscured from view of the streets by shrubs, trees or living plants other than grass or weeds. 3/2/2010. As the LCRA has changed its policy on septic systems, the Board defers to the LCRA. Considering that their requirements can be restrictive, the Board requires that for new construction or for an addition, an approval from the LCRA for their septic system be submitted with the plans for construction to the Architectural committee. All of the above are examples only and are not intended to be a definitive listing designed to cover any eventuality. Restriction 2. Lots designated as business may be used either for residential or business purposes provided, however, that if used for a business the nature and purpose of the business use shall first be approved in writing by Seller, his successors, assigns or designees. 3/2/2010. Examples of businesses which
generally would not be deemed incompatible with the residential
character of the neighborhood (assuming appropriate design
features, adequate off-street parking facilities, and other
conforming amenities) would include, but not be limited to,
NOTE: March 1, 2010. When owners enter into rental agreements for their property, although the property is zoned residential, they have a business agreement. Septic systems are designed to accommodate the number of bedrooms in the home. Owners should take this into account and not rent to more than the septic system can accommodate. Overflowing systems can create problems for others in the neighborhood. Restriction 5. No Improvements shall be erected or constructed on any lake front lot nearer than 10 feet from the 825 mean contour line, or 10 feet from the back line of off shore lots, 20 feet from the street line of all lots and 5 feet from side property lines of all lots, except where such side line is a street line, then no nearer than 10 feet from such street line on all corner lots. 1/18/93 The Committee will determine that all measurements are made from the structure foundation and not the edge of the overhang, The committee feels that it is reasonable to exclude boat docks, piers, and associated decking from the part of the restriction that states "No improvements shall be erected or constructed on any lake front lot nearer than 10 feet from the 825 mean contour line." 10/22/97 With permission of the POA, driveways, sidewalks and/or fences may be constructed within the setbacks. However, if access is required to the utility easements and/or road right of ways, the removal cost and repair of any damage will be at the expense of the property owner. 3/2/2010. No residential part of the permanent structure shall be constructed in easements on the property. Restriction 7. No structure of any kind, including mobile homes and trailer houses, shall be moved onto any lot of the subdivision. NOTE: 3/1/2010. The Property Owners Association has leased a piece of property at the end of Pecan Creek Drive for the purpose of storage of RVs, boats, trailers, campers, etc. Usage of this area allows residents to keep their properties looking neat. The area is locked at all times and only those having items in storage have access to it. Restriction 8. No outside toilet shall be installed or maintained on any premises and all plumbing shall be connected with a sanitary sewer or septic tank approved by the State and Local Departments of Health. No septic tank and field line shall be located nearer than 50 feet from the 825 foot mean contour line of Lake Lyndon H. Johnson, and all garbage shall be disposed of at the place provided therefor by the subdivider or hauled from the subdivision. 3/1/2010. The Board defers to the LCRA rules and regulations in matters of the placement of septic systems. Restriction 12. No noxious, offensive, unlawful or immoral use shall be made of the premises. No "for sale" sign shall be placed on any lot in Oak Ridge Estates Subdivision without the written consent of a co-partner, and seller is hereby expressly authorized to enter upon any lot and remove such sign. 3/2/2010. Signage not permitted includes but is not limited to "For Sale" or "Available" banners or boxes containing informational information on properties for sale. "Open House" signs are allowed during those hours that a sales representative is present on the property. Restriction 13. All covenants and restrictions are for the benefit of the entire subdivision, and shall be binding upon the purchaser or his successors, heirs and assigns, and may be enforced by any property owner in said Subdivision. 3/2/2010. All covenants and
restrictions are for the benefit of the entire subdivision, and
shall be binding upon the purchaser or his successors, heirs and
assigns, and may be enforced by No interpretation needed Appendix A - Definition: THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEEThe purpose of the Oak Ridge Architectural Committee is to ensure compliance with our community's deed restrictions and prevent encroaching on the property of others. According to our deed restrictions, "No building, structure or fences shall be erected or constructed on any lot or part thereof conveyed as a separate building site until the building plans, specifications, design, size construction, and location on the property have first been approved in writing by an officer, agent or representative of Oak Ridge Estates, and buyer agrees to abide by set-back designations as to minimum and maximum set-back from front and rear property lines and side lines." Detailed construction plans should be submitted to a member of the Architectural Committee (see current membership below) along with a check for the appropriate fee. Architectural Committee Members
Oak Ridge Property Owner Association Architectural Construction Form Please see Deed Restrictions and Interpretations at www.OakRidgePOA.org for additional information. Date: ___________________ Project Address: _________________________________________ Project Description: _______________________________________________________________ Owner(s): _______________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Contractor (if applicable): ___________________________________ Phone: _____________ Site Inspected by: _________________________________________________________________ Restrictions (complete restrictions may be found on the Oak Ridge POA website (www.oakridgepoa.org/): 1. Single family residence: minimum 900 square feet with 20% minimum masonry exterior. 2. Minimum set back requirements for improvements or construction: 20 feet from property line on street side of lot, 10 feet from the 825' mean contour line on lake front lots, 10 feet from back property line on off water lots, and 5 feet from the property side property line. On corner lots, 10 feet from property line on side street of lot. 3. No animals or birds allowed except household pets. 4. Any business or commercial use must be approved by Oak Ridge POA Board. 5. No building or structure shall be occupied or used until the exterior is completely finished. 6. Septic system plan approval in writing from Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) prior to approval of permit. 7. Construction of any building or structure prior to POA approval is prohibited. 8. No structure of any kind intended for permanent placement for habitation, including but not limited to mobile homes, modular homes, and trailer homes shall be moved onto any lot of this subdivision. 9. Any additional structures on the property should match the color scheme of the residential structure. Items to be included in the submission (to be checked by two members of the Architectural Committee):
____ For new construction: survey showing property lines with dimension and
bearing call outs, setbacks and easements, topographical information showing
825' and 828' contours (if applicable), and any existing construction on the
property, if applicable.
____ Plot plan, proposed improvements related and dimensioned
to property lines,
and/or existing construction on site.
____ Plan view with dimensions.
____ LCRA approval drawing and documentation.
____ 911 address
____ If a prefab structure is proposed, manufacturer's drawings
with dimensions, materials would suffice.
Applicable fees: All fees are credited to the Road Repair Fund due to the impact heavy construction equipment, cement trucks, building materials trucks, dirt/dump trucks, contractors/laborers, etc. have on the infrastructure of Oak Ridge.
A check made payable to "Oak Ridge Estates POA" in the appropriate amount should accompany the application; permit will not be issued until fee is paid. The Architectural Committee will determine the appropriate fee. If approval is granted for construction of any structure over a property easement, I understand that I may be required to clear the easement of such construction should it be required by utility entities. I understand that any damage made to utilities within said easements during construction will be my responsibility to repair. Survey lines used in approvals by the Architectural Committee are the owner's responsibility to verify; any encroachment on adjacent property will be up to me to correct. I understand that the project is not to be started until written notice is provided by the POA Board President. _____________________________________ _________________________ Property Owner Date Project: _____________________________________________________________ Architectural Committee Approval: __________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________ ___________________________________ Three signatures required on major projects, two on others Submitted to POA President on (date) __________________ President: ________________________________________ Attached is the Architectural Construction Form recommended for approval by the Architectural Committee for (name) ____________________ at (address) __________________________________________________________. Also attached is the required check in the amount of ______________. ____________________________________ Chairman, Architectural Committee Back to TopSocial Committee Report - submitted by Ivy ParizekJanuary 16th was the Souper Supper night with 'LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!' After seven different kinds of soups, salad, sandwiches, and bakery of breads and desserts, Bambi, Peaches, Sweet Lips, and Shelly entertained us in the fashions to recall. A play on fashion terms were strutted down the runway: housecoat, teddy, fish net stockings, turtle neck, hip huggers, petal pushers, pillbox hat, double-breasted jacket, bell bottoms, and ballgown with 4 carrot necklace. Centerpieces were won by the winners of the dice game LRC. Next Oak Ridge Community event will be International Food Court on March 20th, at 12:00 noon. Each side of the dining room will represent part of the world. We're asking you to bring a dish that was handed down in your family, or a foreign dish that you enjoy, or if you can't match it up with a foreign country, the NORTH side will represent U.S.A. and Canada. Anything goes in U.S.A. Cookie Puckett will have the NORTH table; Gerri Graham will have SOUTH (Mexico); Ivy Parizek EAST (Europe, Africa); and Shirley Wells WEST (Far East). To add pizzazz to the day, wear an outfit that represents a foreign country. March 25th is the FOURTH THURSDAY of the month: Ladies' Luncheon. Hostesses Ruth Garrison & Shirley Wells have planned a Field Trip to Johnson City for lunch and then to admire the wildflowers. Meet at the Center at 10:45 A.M. Wanted: Oak Ridge Garage Sale Chairman. Anybody interested in chairing the October Garage Sale is asked to contact Ivy iparizek@nctv.com or 830-596-1500. Back to TopNew Column - compiled by Carol TooheyRecycle, Reuse, ReduceMost of us have been recycling, reusing and reducing all our lives we just didn't know it, or at least we didn't call it recycling, reusing or reducing. We might have just called it being thrifty. I remember my grandmother cutting buttons off shirts, then re-sewing them all on pieces of cardboard (from an old cereal box or some other kind of box) then placing them into the sewing chest. She even cut out the zipper and saved it too. Not to mention turning old pillowcases and tablecloths into dollies, rags, bags or whatever else she came up with. Then of course there was the saving of any kind of material for a quilt, Halloween costume, apron, and, yes, even baby doll clothes. The Crisco can was saved to pour used grease into and, yes, we used the grease, especially bacon grease, to throw into a pot of beans or soup. Who of us hasn't heard the story of using the Sears catalog as toilet tissue or the leftover corn cob as a wipe? Each of us probably has a story or an example of reusing something, in one way or another. Years ago, you would have been called a penny pincher, a cheapskate, tightwad or even a miser. Today though, it's the "in thing" to do. How many time have we heard think green, save the planet, protect the environment? So what can we do to get started? Plenty! Many of you already compost, mulch, and, when mowing, leave the cut grass in place on the lawn. So you can see you have already started. Other simple yet effective ideas are to use old containers as planters, for example cat litter comes in large plastic buckets. I turned one of mine into an upside-down planter, and it now has peppers growing in it. I use old plastic bottle caps and medicine bottle lids to put into the bottom of my pots, better drainage and it keeps the pot light, not too heavy for lifting. For large pots you can even put the entire plastic bottle in there, excellent for drainage and keeps it out of the landfill. Popsicle sticks are now markers for garden herbs and plants, yogurt cups are seedling starter cups, newspapers are used to line the flowerbed to block the weeds and hold moisture in. I know many of you also have great ideas, let's share them. So let's share all our great recycle, reuse, reduce ideas and not only make our gardens better but help the planet too. Back to TopMiscellaneous InformationMary Nix is looking for exercise equipment. Call her at 598 2963 Margaret Daves, longtime resident of Oak Ridge passed recently. Services for the mother of Sandra Staton were held in Fredericksburg last week. Back to Top |
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