Northcliffe

Articles from the December newsletter

Nov 20, 2007

We drove around and found some other fun houses that we were not able to show you in the last newsletter. Great Job, everyone! Now we have Christmas to look forward to!

Ask Cliffy
Dear Cliffy:

We have had 2 letters and 2 verbal complaints about the same issue this month, so we will attempt to address them all at once.

Dear Cliffy,

I don't know about the rest of the area, but where we live, the dogs barking are becoming quite a nuisance. There are so many now that my wife doesn't like going outside. We have trouble watching TV in our living room because of the dogs continually barking. I love dogs and all animals, but only when the owners respect others around them. I don't want to see anything bad happen to the animals. I would just like to have the owners told of their responsibility to others. I think some of them leave their small dogs outside while they are at work and the dogs just bark all day long. We?’re about to reach the end of our rope. I don't think us talking to them will do any good or they would have done something already. Is there anything the city or subdivision can do to get this back to a peaceful place to live and not like the inside of a kennel?

Thank you.
?“Ear-plugged in Northcliffe?”

Dear Cliffy

I am a new homeowner in Northcliffe; I did not see a copy of the HOA policy. I was wondering if I could get a copy. I have gotten a notice about a couple things I did not know were rules and will have those problems corrected by tomorrow. But I do have an issue, I have a dog and I keep her in my yard or on a leash. My neighbor?’s dog is always loose; I can't walk in my own yard without stepping in dog poop. I also saw the dog run at a kid on a bike the other day and the kid almost fell to the pavement. The dog constantly barks and runs into other yards. This issue is becoming more and more of a nuisance. Again I am new to the neighborhood and, to be honest, living this close to a city, so if this is not a HOA issue where do I take this issue.

Thank you.
?“Dirty Shoes?”

Dear Residents:

We understand your irritation and discomfort concerning these two recurring issues. These types of problems are especially annoying to ?“Responsible?” pet owners. These issues are really out of the control of the HOA, but they are violations of Schertz city ordinances, and are punishable by fines. As an HOA, we can say, ?“Please!!!! Residents, keep your pets on your own property. It is illegal for them to be running loose, and inconsiderate of your neighbors around you.?” Also, if you have a pet and leave them outside while at work or away for a while, you may not be aware that the barking is a problem. Here?’s a suggestion ?– go ask your neighbors! Explain that you have to leave them outside and were wondering if barking is a problem while you?’re gone. I?’m sure that your neighbors would appreciate you taking the initiative instead of them having to confront you about it. If, however, these suggestions don?’t work, residents should definitely call Animal Control. They will pick up roaming dogs and fine the owners. The number is (210) 658-6607. If you suspect dangerous animals running loose, you can also call the Police non-emergency number, (210) 658-5321, and they will send an officer out. It is not necessary for you to give your name, in case you are concerned about your neighbors knowing who reported them.

As for the barking dogs, Chapter 54, Article II of Code of Ordinances, for the City of Schertz identifies, ?“Certain acts declared to be a noise nuisance?”. One violation identified is: ?“The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long-continued noise shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity?” This type of noise is illegal day or night. Again, call the Police non-emergency number for assistance.

Cliffy



NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Status of Basketball Court

As of November 12, 2007, the baskets were up and the court had been painted. Kids started using the court within an hour of the baskets going up. Over the next 3-4 days, we observed the older kids allowing the younger ones to use one half while they used the other. That is a true lesson in teamwork. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the painting of the surface, and the contractors had to power-wash the surface and begin again. By the time you read this the court should be completed! It has been over 3 years of work, but it is great to see the kids enjoying it!

FALL CLEAN-UP

Homes in our community need to give a BIG ?“Thank-You?” to the City of Schertz for their work during the annual Fall Clean-up. Northcliffe had a greater number of calls for pick-up than any other sub-division in the City. That is why it took so long for everything to be picked up. We really stressed the system, and put them behind, but they pulled together and got it done!

Christmas Decorating Contest

The Northcliffe HOA will again be sponsoring a Christmas Decoration Contest for this holiday season. We will be awarding prizes to the first three places! We had fantastic decorations last year, but would love to surpass it. Several of our homes were considered as finalists in the Schertz city-wide contest as well.

HOA Board Members

The Northcliffe Homeowners?’ Association has one new Board member and another resident who is interested in helping to improve the community. Thank you so much for your response.

THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our many residents who promptly complied with our Covenants and Deed Restrictions when sent a reminder letter. You have helped your community so very much! We have made a remarkable turn-around. This will only serve to make our community more attractive, overcome a less than stellar image, and improve property values. Thanks for caring!!!

Newsletter to be published Quarterly

Starting January 2008, the Northcliffe Newsletter will be published quarterly rather than monthly. Publication will be in March, June, September and December. Quite frankly, I have done this for two years, and do not wish to have to meet the monthly deadline any longer. Since we do not appear to have any journalism ?“wanna be?’s?” out there to lend a hand, the newsletter will be published less frequently after over 25 years of monthly publications.

A BIG THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

As we come to the end of another year, we are compelled to thank many people in our community.

Many don?’t realize what a ?“Village?” it takes to get newsletters out to over 700 homes every month. For this reason we would like to recognize the many volunteers who help distribute the newsletter;
THE ORGANIZER: Dorothy Boyle puts all of the newsletters together including placing 2-3 inserts in each of 700 newsletters. She then takes them to all of the Head Block Captains. She also notifies businesses when their ads have expired.

HEAD BLOCK CAPTAINS: Maria Scagliola, Duane McCune, George Waterman, and Wendy Swan

BLOCK CAPTAINS: Sara Jordan, Marcia Mardis, Muriel Garber, David Sherck, Virginia Kobiec, Jake Turner, Dorothy Boyle, Carol Young, Shirley Langston, Karen Terrio, Rick Hamer, Kortnie Barnes, Melissa Hudson, Cindy Kemm, Deborah Parker, James Castro, Billy Robinson, Phyllis & Ken Stevens, Charles Harris, Lois Beck, Mary Armstrong, Tina Martinez, Matthew Marr, Dorris Gross, Kevin Hallman, Pat Haugen, Wendy Rapier, Sylvia Garza, Gloria Minson, Jan Jones, Dan Sheehy, Denise Jackson, Ella Risley, Terri Stewart

Additionally, I will bet that most of you have no idea that you have a beautifully mowed and edged entrance on Chelsea because of the weekly efforts of the following individuals:

Jimmie & Bill Linkenhoger and Wendy Swan

Jimmie also picks up the trash weekly that is thrown along Chelsea by careless individuals.

FREE LINE DANCE CLASSES

Classes are at the Old Northcliffe Fire Station on Thursday mornings from 9-12 p.m. through 2007. Basic beginners?’ classes are held on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in Schertz at the Community Center on Schertz Pkwy. These classes are sponsored by the Methodist Health Care System for 55 plus seniors. Please call Dorothy at (830) 606-0501 for further information.


Chelsea & Morning Drive Updates

I received the following responses to questions from Mr. Dennis Little, of Schertz Public Works:
Q ?– When will Morning Dr. be completed through to Country Club Blvd.
A ?– Work will begin around the first of December and is being done by KB Homes.

Q ?– When will Old Wiederstein be completed with a direct connection to Chelsea. This will make it a single intersection rather than the two it currently is.
A ?– The answer is unknown at this time as the City is currently still working on acquiring a right-of-way.

Mr. Scott Harrod, President of the School Board recently answered our questions on the new elementary school being built up the street off of Old Wiederstein. It will be named Sippel Elementary School. Here are the questions & answers:

Q ?– How many student will it have?
A ?– Our schools are built to house 750 students. The boundaries for Sippel have not been set yet, but we anticipate that it will open with less than 750 students,.

Q ?– What Grades?
A ?– Kindergarten through 4th

Q ?– When will it open?
A ?– Construction should be complete by April of 2008. The school will open in August of 2008.

SCHERTZ CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES!
Go to Schertz.com for more information on the following:

1. Annual Festival of Angels & Night Parade: 6:30 p.m. Friday December 7th.
2. Christmas in the Park: Saturday, December 8th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2007 NORTHCLIFFE HOA BOARD MEMBERS

Debbie Bell, President (830) 609-1008
Duane McCune, Treasurer (830) 609-0906
Maria Scagliola, Director (830) 606-1130
Gayle Johnson, Director (830) 606-0522
Bud Dieter, Director (830) 624-1404
George Waterman, Director (830) 237-1162
Jack Mitchell, Director (830) 625-3044

City of Schertz Elected Officials

Mayor: Hal Baldwin (210) 658-6466
Mayor Pro Tem: David Scagliola (830) 606-1130
Council members: John Trayhan (210) 566-3522
Tony Wilenchik (210) 945-8438
Michael Carpenter (210) 566-4217
Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442
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Helpful Telephone Numbers

Non-Emergency Police Dept. (210) 658-5321
Non-Emergency Fire Dept. (210) 619-1300
Non-Emergency-EMS (210) 619-1400
G.V.E.C. (M-F 7:30-6:00) (210) 658-7033
New Braunfels Utilities(NBU)(M-F 8-5)(830) 629-8400
Animal Control (M-F 9-5, S&S 10-3) (210) 658-6607
Comal Co. Animal Control (M-F 8-5) (830) 608-2016
Cibolo Post Office (M-F 8-4, Sat. 8-11)
(210) 658-2631
Schertz Post Office (210) 658-3072
Library (M-Thur. 10-8, F 10-6, S&S 12-6)
(210) 658-6011
Dept of Public Safety Office (M-F 8-5)
830) 620-3439
Public Works (Shelly Krause) (210) 619-1800
Schertz Municipal Offices (Hrs. M-F 8-5)
(210) 658-7477
Toll Free: (800) 307-4178
Utility Billing (210) 619-1100
Inspection & Code Enforcement
Shanna O'Brien (210) 619-1771
Tom Eaton (210) 619-1772
Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1750
Municipal Court (Court Clerk) (210) 619-1500
Communications & Media Relations
Brad Bailey (210) 619-1060
Community Services (Gail Douglas) (210) 619-1600

ADVERTISING RATES-

Newsletter advertising rates are:
One liner- $3.00 per line
Business card size $15.00
Quarter page (3?½?” X 4?½?”) $20.00
Half page (7?” X 4?½?” or 3?½ ?“X 9?”) $35.00
Full page (7?” X 9?”) $60.00; Flyer insert $60.00

All prices are for each newsletter published every month. If you would like to advertise in our next newsletter please mail your check and a copy of your Ad to the HOA before the 15th of each month. You may also just mail in your check but email your ad to puttslow@aol.com. All ads must be print ready in exact size.
The Northcliffe HOA reserves the right to accept or reject advertisements. Deadline is February 10 for the March newsletter. For questions call Debbie at: (830) 609-1008