Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - April 1, 2023 Edition!

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The annual meeting to elect two of our Board members is Thursday, April 20, 2023. While the deadline has passed to submit your nomination to appear on the written ballot to be mailed out to the homeowners or on the Electronic Voting System ballots, new nominations will be accepted at the annual meeting. Votes cast at the annual meeting will override previous absentee ballots and Electronic Voting Systems ballots. Please click on the following link to see details about the meeting:

https://conta.cc/42OJw2o

There will be an in-person "Meet the Candidates" meeting held at the VWOA Community Center on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Also, homeowners who missed the deadline for getting on the ballot will have the opportunity to state their intentions to be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting in accordance with our Bylaws. Thus, this would be a good time for these individuals to let the other members of the Association know their qualifications and goals, as well as encourage them to please consider submitting a write-in vote for him or her.

Please click the link below for further details:

https://conta.cc/3ZepDP8

Submitted by: Brandon Schuler - Chair, VWOA Nominations Committee

WHERE IS OUR MONEY?

With the recent troubling news of multiple banks collapsing, the Board of Directors and Management have reviewed the Association’s assets and each financial institution that holds the Association’s funds. Below is a listing of where the Association’s funds are located:

1. Western Alliance Bank- The Association’s Repair and Replacement Fund
2. Pacific Premier Bank - The Association’s Capital Improvement Fund
3. Veritex Bank - The Association’s Operating Account
4. JP Morgan Chase - Sports and Local Deposit Account

The review of all the Association accounts resulted in the transfer of $73,000 from the Operating account to the Repair and Replacement fund in March, bringing all accounts within the FDIC’s insurance limits.

“FDIC deposit insurance protects bank customers in the event that an FDIC-insured depository institution fails. Bank customers don’t need to purchase deposit insurance; it is automatic for any deposit account opened at an FDIC-insured bank. Deposits are insured up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.” Ref: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/faq/index.html

The Board hopes this background information will bring peace of mind to our Association members that we are doing everything possible to make sure our Association is protected in this turbulent time. All financials including the Balance Sheet and Income Statement are available any time through your Homeowner Portal on the Spectrum website.

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer

The JOINT GENERAL, SPECIAL, CHARTER AND BOND ELECTION will be held on May 6, 2023. 

Click here to visit the Bexar County Election Department for additional information!

Signs expressing support for an individual political candidate or party or local bond issue or referendum may be placed in a private front yard no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to a primary or general election and must be removed no later than ten (10) days after the election unless the candidate is involved in a runoff election. 

Such political signs shall not exceed five (5') square feet and must be professionally produced. Homemade signs are not permitted. 

The limit for political signs is one (1) per candidate or ballot item per lot.

Note: The ARC may approve banners on a case-by-case basis.

References:



Standards for Architectural Design and Maintenance, Section 9.1 and 9.6 

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice-Chair

POOL MONITORS

If you have additional questions, you may also email:

recassistant@villagesofwestcreek.com

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

PROPOSED REZONING

Homeowners may have seen the signs near Walgreens in reference to a rezoning hearing for the land near Walgreens and the Caliber Collision Shop. The Community Manager recently spoke to the attorney in charge of the rezoning case, and she has informed me that the area is currently zoned for multifamily, and they are trying to rezone 90.28 acres of the parcel to allow for the building of a data center. The attorney also stated that the 29 acres closest to residential homes will remain untouched as it is within a flood plain and cannot be developed. Included is a map of the proposed green space for the data center should the rezoning case be successful. According to the attorney, the data center will result in minimal light and noise, and the traffic will be low. The parcel of land shown is within the City of San Antonio boundary, however, the Board of Directors and Community Manager wanted to provide the information obtained regarding the project. You may download the above image by clicking on it.

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC REGULAR MEMBER

The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill a Regular Member vacancy on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).  You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.

The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:

•  Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;  
• Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;  
• Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State, and local laws; and, 
• Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."

ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to digitally view, comment, approve or deny PIAs.

Ideal candidates will need to

• have access to a computer and the internet.
• be available consistently to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA. 
• have knowledge of the CC&Rs and the VWOA's standards.

Additional duties and responsibilities are outlined in the "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (Article IX - Architectural Review Committee)" and "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance."

HOW TO APPLY!

CLICK HERE to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number, and email address.

Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Chair, Architectural Review Committee

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in complaints about unrestrained dogs within the community, including in the common areas. Other than the fenced area of the dog park, there are NO areas within the Villages of Westcreek where animals are allowed to be unrestrained. When utilizing the Sports Park, animals must be leashed at all times.



As a reminder, Bexar County’s leash law states:

• All dogs MUST be leashed when off the property. Dogs are not allowed to roam without restraint.
• If your animal is loose, it is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum $500 fine.

If anyone observes a domestic animal that

1. is acting in a dangerous or intimidating manner; or
2. roaming unrestrained; or 
3. is viciously attacking any person or another animal,

call the Bexar County Sheriff's Office dispatch at 210-335-6000 or the Constable's Precinct 1 office at 210-335-2806.

If anyone observes a domestic animal that has bitten a person, call 911 immediately for medical attention, and call Bexar County Animal Control at 210-335-9000 M-F, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On nights and weekends, call the Bexar County Sheriff's office at 210-335-6000 or the Constable's office at 210-335-2806 for assistance.

Residents may file a complaint against any person that owns a domestic pet that is

1. acting in a dangerous or intimidating manner; or
2. a nuisance such as barking, or
3. being inhumanely neglected,

by calling Bexar County Animal Control at 210-335-9000. For animal cruelty call 210-335-6000 and press 1.

Lastly, for domestic stray dogs and cats, call Bexar County Animal Control at 210-335-9000.

Sources:

• Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 10, Chapter 822, Section 822.042
• 2015 Animal Control Commissioners Court Order
• VWOA-CC&Rs, Article X, Section 10.01 b. [1], [2] and [6]

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer

COMMUNITY UPDATES



1. Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-OPEN- The Community Manager reached out to her contact at TXDOT after the last Board meeting to confirm and get clarification on the right-of-way location. She is currently still awaiting a response.    
2. Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-TABLED- The Board has decided to table this project until the construction on Talley Road has been completed.     
3. Pointe Monument-OPEN- The solar vendor has completed the installation of the solar lighting at The Pointe location that did not have electrical hookups. The vendor found that one of the LED strip lights was not functioning and the vendor who installed the lights has now ordered two new strip lights.
4. Maintenance Shop Replacement-OPEN- The contract for this has been signed, and the deposit invoice has been paid; this project is currently scheduled to begin after the completion of the concrete pad and electrical installation. 
5. Maintenance Shop Concrete Pad-OPEN- The vendor has updated us to let the Board and staff know that we have completed the first steps of the permitting process and he is now working with Bexar County Public Works and the Fire Marshall to continue the permitting process.
6. Standards Revision-OPEN- The Board and the ARC members had a workshop in late February 2023 and will need to have an additional workshop to complete the review of the changes being recommended.

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - Chair, Architectural Review Committee

The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year. Please click on the following link to see the latest information about these programs:  https://villagesofwestcreek.com/recreation/healthandfitness/

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

Our Neighborhood has partnered, once again, with Training By Carol swim lessons to offer lessons to our members this summer.

She is starting to accept registrations from the neighborhood on April 1st. Go to the Facebook page Training By Carol for details and the registration link.

Weekday Sessions are 2 weeks long meeting M-TH with F as a makeup ONLY if the instructor has to cancel a class. Classes are 30 minutes running back-to-back from 8:00-10:00 am depending on age/ability. This summer there will also be a Weekend Session offered as well, meeting Saturday and Sunday for the month of June for the 8 thirty-minute classes. The ages of children in these group classes are 3 1/2 yrs. and up. The fee is $125 per swimmer per session with a $5 discount if paying cash. The $25 nonrefundable deposit is due upon registration and the remainder is due on day one. Participants must be a member of Villages of Westcreek or be a quest of and be with a member of Villages of Westcreek and have access to the pool. 

WE S2 June Sat./Sun. (Instructor: Karli)

S3 June 5-16 M-TH (Instructor: Cassie)

S4 June 19-30 M-TH (Instructor: Cassie) 

S5 July 10-21 M-TH (Instructor: Cassie)

S6 July 24-August 4 M-TH (Instructor: Cassie)

S7 August 7-18 M-TH (Instructor: Cassie) 

The VWOA Front Office will be open Saturday, April 1st, 2023, from 9am - 1pm for assessment payments and those needing to receive an RFID card for amenity access. Please note the office is only open ONE Saturday during Assessment months. The office will not open for a Saturday again until July 8th, 2023!

Upcoming Events Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

2023 SPRING SOCCER SEASON

Started: March 6, 2023

Ends: May 13, 2023

Location: Westcreek Sports Park

Westcreek Sports Spring 2023 Soccer

Coed, ages 3 through 16

Schedule:

Last Regular Season Game is April 29, 2023

End of Season Tournament May 6 and 13, 2023

Click the "Read More" button below to see more details:

Contact:

Jason Dunbar

VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager

Phone - 210-748-2245

Email: activities@villagesofwestcreek.com

Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager

When to Apply Spring Lawn Fertilizer

Apply spring lawn fertilizer when your turf is actively growing. This growth period begins about 6 weeks after our last frost date.

Organic fertilizer gets put down about 4-6 weeks earlier than synthetic because it needs that time for its ingredients to break down into a form that can be taken up by the lawn once it begins growing. It is advised to apply organic spring lawn fertilizer around late February or March.

Synthetic fertilizer starts getting put down around mid-April when warm weather grasses have woken up. The nutrients in synthetic fertilizer are readily available to be taken up by turf. Your spring application goes down after you have mowed your grass two or three times (not your weeds, the actual lawn).

Why Spring Lawn Fertilization is Important

Fertilizing your lawn in spring provides the first line of protection against pests, diseases, and weeds that compete with your turf for valuable nutrients. Pests seek out plants that are weak or damaged, seeing them as susceptible prey, and your lawn is included in their choice of meal. Weak turf also tends to invite more disease issues, and a sparse lawn allows space for weeds to creep in and suck nutrients dry. On the contrary, a well-fed lawn that is properly maintained is able to choke out more weeds and defend itself against hungry pests and invasive diseases.

How to Fertilize Your Lawn in Spring

The biggest takeaway in how-to steps for fertilizing your lawn is to READ YOUR LABEL. While many products offer the same results, the directions for how to get them can vary.

The following are GENERAL steps for the application of spring lawn fertilizer:

•  Measure your lawn so that you know how much fertilizer you need to purchase. Try to divide your lawn into square or rectangle sections and measure it by feet. Multiply length x width to obtain sq. footage. (Ex: Rainbow Garden 19-5-9 covers 7,600 sq. ft.).
• Use a rotary spreader or drop spreader and calibrate them according to the fertilizer label.
• Rotary spreaders cover a wider area at application, fanning out the fertilizer as you walk. These are ideal for large, open expanses of turf.
• Drop spreaders cover the area directly between the wheels of the spreader, and work great when you have a lot of trees or shrubs to maneuver around.
• Fill your spreaders off of the lawn to avoid over-spillage. Make sure to always be in motion when you have the spreader gate open to apply fertilizer.
• An extra great tip is to divide your fertilizer amount in half and spread it in one direction and then follow up with spreading the other half perpendicular to the first direction. This helps minimize any streaking from the nitrogen in the fertilizer hitting some areas and not others.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, and avoid getting the fertilizer on sidewalks, driveways, etc. This will help prevent runoff that pollutes our water supplies.

Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz.

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary