The Acorn-Winter 2002/2003

Presidents Message

The Year in Review

I thought I would devote my final message for the year to summarize important events that impacted those of us who make Oak Ridge our home.

1. In the February election, voters in our area established Emergency Services District #1 to provide emergency service paid for by additional property tax.
2. Ballots were sent to the entire Oak Ridge community to fill three slots on the POA Board, and five candidates agreed to run for these offices.
3. After 25 years, the wooden sign and stone work at the first entrance to Oak Ridge was replaced.
4. During the September POA meeting, six residents volunteered to form a Fire Protection Committee tasked with visiting everyone in our community to discuss the importance of paying their assessment.  As of the December POA meeting, about 80% of all Oak Ridge homeowners had paid something toward our bill and 20% had paid nothing.
5. The fall rummage sale (coordinated by Sandra Thompson) resulted in the most money this event has ever raised - $2,000.
6. Based upon the results of a community-wide survey, we renewed our contract with Lake LBJ MUD to provide first responder fire protection.  The term of the contract is from November 1, 2002 to October 31, 2003 at an annual cost of  $29,419.  We are billed $2,451.57 monthly.  Based upon actual experience during the MUD’s 2001-2002 budget year, we received an overpayment credit of $6,670.14 that was applied against our current contract. 
7. In an effort to address the problems associated with our deer overpopulation, Horseshoe Bay began constructing a perimeter barrier fence.  This two year project will also include Oak Ridge, and once it’s completed, the deer inside the fence will have to be regularly managed either by being transported elsewhere or with lethal means.
8. Five new homes were constructed or are in the process of being built.
9. Nearly a dozen new families moved into Oak Ridge, and a slightly smaller number left.
10. To-date, three of the four lots purchased in 1998 by contributions from 79 POA members have been sold, and of the $73,800 collected, $52,000 has been refunded.  Money paid from POA funds for taxes on these lots has been returned to the POA treasury from the proceeds.
11. Our total income including paid assessments, architectural review fees, community center rental, storage lot fees, administrative fees charged for real estate resale certificates, recycling and road damage fees was about $12,700, and our expenses were about $ 13,800.  These calendar year figures are different from those reported by the treasurer that are for the fiscal year, but either way we do the numbers, our expenses continue to exceed our income.

It is clear that 2003 will be filled with challenges and opportunities for us to make Oak Ridge an even better place to live and raise our families.

Gil Blount
President

Minutes

Minutes of POA meeting - 12/13/2002

The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by President Gil Blount

Board members in attendance were Gil Blount, Phil Roth, Bill Manno, Wilda Meixner, Tom Graham and Ed Steiniger.

Sign up sheet indicated 17 people in attendance.

Gil stated  the minutes of the Sep. 20 meeting were published in the Acorn.  The minutes were approved as written.

Wilda Meixner gave the treasurers report. There was a discussion relating to the “pay rate” vs the POA and FIRE/EMS funds.

We will post a notice in the Acorn that when people sell their property it is subject to a lein for unpaid POA assessments.

The Fire Protection Report was given by Phil Roth. The committee was commended for a well done and continuing job.

Year 2003 Assessment Billings:

It was decided to break out Insurance billings, from Capital Improvement Contributions.

At the March meeting we will discuss adjusting road fund requirements.

New Business:

Noeline Harris and Bobbie Walker presented the board with an Xmas donation of $165.00  from the Tai Chi class.

A memorial tree was approved for Jack Raffels.

Additional work will be done to plan a “Memorial Area” to include benches and plaques for those so honored.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.

Respectfully
Submitted,

Ed Steiniger,
Secretary

Oak Ridge Estates Financial Statements

As of 12/31/2002

*EXCESS ABOVE BUDGET APPROVED FROM CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Thanks to everyone that pay their bill on time. It sure makes the volunteer treasurers job much easier.

FIRE/EMS

MAKE SURE THE TRUCK CAN FIND YOU!

During the December Emergency Services District meeting, Johnny Campbell, the head of Marble Falls EMS, said that even though EMS technicians regularly conduct orientation tours throughout the district, 98% of response time problems are attributable to house numbers not being very visible.  Their plan is to respond to 80% of all in-district calls within eight minutes, and during a medical emergency when every one of these minutes is important, it is imperative for your house number to be easily identifiable.  Numbers should be at least four inches high, and ideally, they should be illuminated at night.  It is also a good idea to have your address displayed in at least two places (e.g. on your mail box and on the house itself).

In an emergency situation, when you dial 911 from home, your name and physical address appear on the 911 dispatcher’s screen.  Although systems are in place to update  the 911 data-base, you are strongly encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information by calling Bill Burr, Llano County’s 911 Coordinator.  Bill can be reached during the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on (915) 247-2039.  911 should only be dialed in an emergency situation, so that is not a way to check the system.

You may be interested to know the POA provides Bill’s office with a copy of the Oak Ridge Directory and updates on new construction and residents moving in and out of Oak Ridge.

A little effort on your part now can pay huge dividends in a future emergency situation.

Memorial Fund Oak Ridge Estates

A motion was made and carried at the December 13^th POA meeting to solicit contributions for a newly created Memorial Fund.  Donations will be used to purchase and plant a tree in the name of our friend Jack Raffels.  If there are any funds remaining, they will be accrued and used to finance a permanent memorial to be constructed near the Community Center to commemorate the passing of Oak Ridge residents.  Checks should be made out to the Oak Ridge Memorial Fund and addressed to the Oak Ridge POA, P.O. Box 8282, Horseshoe Bay, TX. 78657.  We are pleased to advise that a significant donation was just made to this fund in the name of Jay Walker by Dr. and Mrs. Steve Muller.  Their generosity is sincerely appreciated.

A Big Thank You

A big thank you goes out to Noeline Harris and Bobby Walker who presented $165 to the POA treasurer at the December 13^th POA meeting.  These were proceeds from the T’ai Chi class Noeline conducts at the Community Center every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. 

This is a true win/win situation.  Those who participate in the program become more limber and physically fit, and the money goes into the POA’s general fund and benefits everyone in Oak Ridge.

If  you have any questions about this gentle form of exercise or are interested in attending a class, please call Noeline on 598-2119.

A WORLD OF THANKS

Judy Martin and Ethelyn Farmer for a wonderful ladies luncheon in January.  The decorations were outstanding with a valentine theme of hearts.  We all brought treasure hearts and shared  stories behind them.  Thanks again, Judy and Ethelyn.

OUR SYMPATHY IS WITH YOU

Our good friend and neighbor, Jack Raffels passed away in December. Jack was a big contributor to the Oak Ridge Community and will be missed dearly. Our sympathy goes to Bonnie and her family.

Ed and Judy Steiniger in the loss of Judy’s mother.

You are all in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time in your lives.

POA Meetings in 2003

The POA meetings for 2003 have been scheduled as follows (note the day change from Fridays to Thursdays)

• March 20th
• May 17th (Saturday annual picnic)
• September 18th
• January 15th (2004)

MARK YOUR CALENDERS

E-mail Additions and Changes

DIRECTORY OF RESIDENTS CHANGES

None

Lots/Homes For Sale In Oak Ridge

• Herbert Seipp in Germany lot 12 Unit II (.505 acre)
• Elaine Farrar,210-599-6603 lot 11 Unit II (0.5738 acre)
• Greg L Moddle, lot 208 Unit I
• POA lots 1D Unit II
• Ronald Foust Lot 3A, Unit III
• Bob Sumrall, 830-596-1901 lots 45R and 46R Unit I(waterfront)
• Sarah Strait lots 49R and 50R Unit I (waterfront)
• O'Dell, Lot 12 Unit I (1.785 acre)
• O'Dell , lots 246, 247, Unit I

For Sale

The Tingleys are taking out their woodburning stove, give them a call if intrested.

COMMUNITY CENTER

While Ivy Parizek is on a temporary assignment, Cleo Robinett will be the contact person to reserve the community center. Her phone number is 598-4263.

Architectural Committee Recent Approvals

Porch addition at 108 Pecan Creek(Tingly)

Don Reid, head of the Achitectural Committee has been transferred to California and the board is working to replace him.  We will use this opportunity to thank both Don and Vi Reid for the contribution they have made to the community.  We sure will miss both of them.

REMEMBER TO CONTACT ANY OF THE  ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING TO PUT UP A FENCE, REMODELLING, ADDITIONS ETC.

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POA LOTS

In December we closed on the 3^rd lot at the entrance of Oak Ridge Estates. The sales price included taxes and expenses on the lot, so the POA has been reimbursed forthose expenses. Our residents (79) have received their share of what they put in.

Thanks to everyone that made this happen.

**********DEERDEERDEERDEERDEERDEER********

Below is an extract of the recent progression report on the Deer Control Fence in Horseshoe Bay published by the Horseshoe Bay POA:

“The Horseshoe Bay Property Owners’ Association, with the recommendation of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is moving forward to isolate the deer population in our community from the remainder of Llano and Burnet Counties.  Deer hunting provides a significant source of revenue for many in the surrounding area.  Hunting in these areas combined with the elimination of natural predators in our community have driven many of the deer here. The amount of deer in Horseshoe Bay has become a significant safety problem for our residents. Over 400 deer were killed by automobiles in Horseshoe Bay in 2001. There are no plans to eliminate deer from Horsesoe Bay, but to reduce the population of the herd to natural numbers according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Many residents have commented that they have not seen the progress of the fence. This is as it should be.  The fence is meant to be unobtrusive and nearly transparent to most of our residents. The only location it will be highly visible is where it crosses Highway 2147. This will be just west of the Horseshoe Bay West entrance. Plans call for an upgraded barrier at this location commensurate to a proper Horseshoe Bay entrance.

The entire barrier will extend approximately 12 miles from the shores of Lake LBJ northwest of Horseshoe Bay West to Highway 2147 in Cottonwood Shores east of Horseshoe Bay.

The Property Owners’ Association is working on several relocation programs in conjunction with the TPWD to place our deer on Texas ranches that have a shortage of deer."

Welcome to the Community

Bobbie Walker is our "Welcome to the Community" person, and delivers the "Welcome Packets" to all of our new residents. Included in these packets is important information you will want to receive about Oak Ridge Estates. These include Articles of Incorporation, Applicable Restrictions, Bylaws, Phone Directory, and other interesting information. Oak Ridge is growing, so please help Bobby identify new comers so we will not miss anyone.

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Material for the Acorn

Contribution of material for THE ACORN would be more than welcomed by the editor. Please call 596-8142 or email Inger Lise Blount with any local news you might have or any other items which would be of general interest to our community.

2002-2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Your Calendar

NEXT POA MEETING
March 20th, 2003

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

PARTY TIME