Northcliffe

Articles from the March Newsletter

Mar 01, 2009

NEXT QUARETERLY COMMUNITY MEETING:

7:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 7,2009
Community Center @ 3501 Morning Dr.
Everyone is invited, even if you do not pay dues!

NEW HOA PRESIDENT
Jack Mitchell has been elected as our new HOA President. Jack retired from the telecommunications industry in 2006 where he was the Vice President of Marketing for Horizon Telephone Systems in San Antonio. He is married to Barbara and they have one daughter, Mindy, who is married and lives in Ft. Worth. Mindy has given them five beautiful grandchildren (4 girls and one boy). They built their house in 1994 and, being an avid golfer, Jack enjoys living on the 18th fairway. Jack says that he is truly amazed at the changes he has witnessed to both the golf course and our neighborhood. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing in his one man Garage Band (will work parties for small sums). He is currently working one or two days a week at the Quarry Golf Club as a Starter/Marshal.
Jack says that his goals as President of the Northcliffe HOA are quite simple at this time. FIRST, he would like to increase the number of HOA members. He states: ?“Our HOA is not mandatory but with the dues only $25 per year ($12.50 for Renters) I feel we can and should attract more members?”. SECOND, he would like to see homeowners become more active in our community: ?“We had a good turnout of people for our January Community Meeting and I think we can do better for the April 7th Community Meeting. I am planning a block party for our street this summer and it would be nice to see other neighbors on other streets do the same?”. The HOA is also planning to participate in the ?“National Night Out?” festivities, and will try to encourage people to volunteer like they did 2 years ago.
According to Jack, ?“I look forward to the challenges of being the President of the Northcliffe HOA and plan to work hard for the benefit of our homeowners and residents?”.
Jack Mitchell has been elected as our new HOA President. Jack retired from the telecommunications industry in 2006 where he was the Vice President of Marketing for Horizon Telephone Systems in San Antonio. He is married to Barbara and they have one daughter, Mindy, who is married and lives in Ft. Worth. Mindy has given them five beautiful grandchildren (4 girls and one boy). They built their house in 1994 and, being an avid golfer, Jack enjoys living on the 18th fairway. Jack says that he is truly amazed at the changes he has witnessed to both the golf course and our neighborhood. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing in his one man Garage Band (will work parties for small sums). He is currently working one or two days a week at the Quarry Golf Club as a Starter/Marshal.
Jack says that his goals as President of the Northcliffe HOA are quite simple at this time. FIRST, he would like to increase the number of HOA members. He states: ?“Our HOA is not mandatory but with the dues only $25 per year ($12.50 for Renters) I feel we can and should attract more members?”. SECOND, he would like to see homeowners become more active in our community: ?“We had a good turnout of people for our January Community Meeting and I think we can do better for the April 7th Community Meeting. I am planning a block party for our street this summer and it would be nice to see other neighbors on other streets do the same?”. The HOA is also planning to participate in the ?“National Night Out?” festivities, and will try to encourage people to volunteer like they did 2 years ago. According to Jack, ?“I look forward to the challenges of being the President of the Northcliffe HOA and plan to work hard for the benefit of our homeowners and residents?”.

FREE LINE DANCING CLASSES:

Intermediate classes are held at the Community Center North ( the old NC Fire station on Morning Dr.), on Thursday mornings from 9-11 a.m. Beginning classes to learn the basics steps are held at the Schertz Community Center on Schertz Parkway on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. What better way to exercise and socialize than to line dance. These classes are sponsored by the Methodist Health Care System. Please call Dorothy at 830 606-0501 for further information.

CITY OF SCHERTZ HAS NEW MARSHALL'S OFFICE:

Marshall Beverly Todd spoke at our Community Meeting on January 13, 2009. Among other ?“Firsts?” in her career, Marshall Todd was the first woman to be named Assistant Police Chief for the City of Schertz. Now she has the distinction of being the City?’s first Marshall. As of October 1, 2008, she is Chief of the new Marshall Services for the City of Schertz. The Marshall stated that Schertz covers 30 sq. miles, has a population of 35,000, has 78 subdivisions and neighborhoods, and 10 apartment complexes. This equates to a very large area of enforcement for an office of 4 employees to handle. Additionally, Deputy Marshall Bates is responsible for all health inspections for the City.
The Marshall told attendees that the City is about to adopt (it has since been adopted) a new ordinance on ?“Nuisances?”. Some parts of this ordinance include:
Prohibition of RV?’s parked on driveways or sides of homes 72 hour limit on parking trailers in public view. Garbage container rules to clarify that garbage cans will be placed on the curb line no earlier than 24 hours prior to collection and left no later than 24 hours after the time of collection
No parking of cars, trailers, boats or water craft on the front or side yard grass
A Code directing that the exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair
Other offenses such as noise disturbances, barking dogs, grass maintenance and dilapidated fences.
Marshall Todd stated that her office is in the process of developing a pool brochure on how to empty residential pools. It is illegal to flood a neighbor?’s yard while empting a pool, and the pool owner is legally responsible for damage to the neighbor?’s grass. Pools also cannot be drained into the streets or sewers.
Although there is insufficient personnel to monitor neighborhoods on a regular basis, the Marshall stated that her office will investigate any complaints about code violations received from residents. The Code Enforcement Office phone number is: 210-619-1771.

ALSO AT THE COMMUNITY MEETING:
A resident brought up his concern about a traffic safety issue at the FM 1103-Chelsea intersection.Parents coming from the Sipple School who are stopped at this intersection cannot see traffic approaching from the right due to the growth of vegetation. When the HOA contacted the City we were told they are aware of the problem and the upcoming Chelsea/Wiederstein realignment project going up for bids in March, should make this intersection much safer. Another resident, from Cliffside, stated she had gone to City Council as a ?“Citizen To Be Heard?” to talk about the poor condition of the streets and sidewalks on Cliffside. She was happy to see that the first road repairs in Northcliffe will include Cliffside. She encouraged other residents in Northcliffe who are concerned about the condition of their streets to bring it to the attention of City Council.


City of Schertz and School Board Elections- May 9, 2009

Each year, in May, Schertz holds an election for the purpose of electing City Council members to represent our rapidly growing population. Our City Council consists of 5 members. Each Councilmember serves for two years. On May 9, we will have the opportunity to vote for candidates who are running for 3 out of the 5 City Council positions. According to the City Secretary, the Schertz website will list all candidates who have filed to run.
The SCUCSD will also be holding an election at the same time to vote for 2 of the 7 School Board positions. To vote , your registration must show your current address 30 days prior to the election. April 9, 2009: Last day for submitting voter registration application in time to vote at the election. Voter registration cards can be picked up at the Schertz Library, City Hall, County offices, and the convenience store on Country Club Boulevard.

Early Voting Schedule:
Monday, April 27th?—Friday, May 1st
8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, May 4th?—Tuesday, May 5th
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Early voting will be held at the Guadalupe Elections Office, 1101 Elbel Road, Schertz Texas
Election Day, May 9, 2009:
Voting will be held at the Community Center on Schertz Parkway, NOT at the Center on Morning Drive.


ANNUAL POLICE CALL SUMMARY

In response to requests from residents to be
informed of monthly police calls for Northcliffe,a matrix of calls is published in each quarterly newsletter. A yearly summary of the most important calls is enclosed in an insert to this newsletter. The two charts (front and back) summarize calls for the past four years by type of call and by street. The most notable increase in police calls in Northcliffe from previous years was for criminal mischief. Half of these calls occurred in one night when 20 vehicles were damaged by a pellet gun.
We can all help to keep our community safe by calling the nonemergency police number, 210-658-5321 to report any suspicious activity.

STUDENT?’S CORNER: School District Rezoning May Affect Northcliffe Students

In 2006 voters in our School District approved a $218 million dollar Bond to build new schools. Almost all the new schools associated with the 2006 Bond program are nearing completion.
After building these schools and to accommodate the growth that has occurred throughout our district, new attendance boundaries have been proposed for the intermediate as well as the junior high and high schools. The only proposed change that will affect Northcliffe students is for those who now attend the Jordan Intermediate School to attend the new Schlather Intermediate School. The School Board will make a final decision on the Rezoning proposals after holding several public meetings. Information related to the final School Board decision can be found on the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District Website at SCUC.com or our local Northeast Herald Newspaper at: sacommunities.com.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

Who doesn?’t want to save money, especially in these tough financial times? Below is information about two programs to help conserve your dollars.

$50 Fixture Rebate Program: The City of Schertz Public Works and Inspection Department has been authorized by the City Manager and City Council to establish a toilet rebate program. The intent of the program is to encourage conservation of water by replacing toilets that exceed 1.6-gallon capacity. All new toilets must be 1.6 gallon capacity or less. The application will be denied if the new fixture is greater than 1.6 gallon and if the fixture being replaced is 1.6 gallon or less. Each household/business is limited to a maximum of 2 fixtures per calendar year, not to exceed a total of 4 within a 5-year period. The owner shall provide a copy of the receipt (proof of purchase) and must be attached to the application. After the inspection has been completed by the City Inspector, Public Works will assign a pick up day for the removal of the old fixture. The Application will then be sent to the City Finance Department for processing a rebate check in the amount of fifty dollars ($ 50.00) per toilet. To obtain an application or ask questions regarding this program contact Public Works at (210) 619-1800.

Property Tax Relief: Once you turn 65 you can go to the Guadalupe County Tax Office on FM 3009 in Schertz and sign an ?“Application For Residential Homestead Exemption.?” This freezes all of your Taxes for the Guadalupe County Appraisal District at your existing rate.
If you are a resident of Comal County you can go to the Comal Appraisal District Office at 178 East Mill Street, New Braunfels, and fill out an ?“Application for Homestead Exemption?” to freeze your property taxes at your existing amount. The tax freeze applies to Comal County Taxes only. You would need to check with the Comal County Appraisal District to find out what other exemptions you would be eligible to receive.

2 DAY COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE!

It?’s that time again for our Spring garage sale!
We will have a 2 day event this year at no extra cost. The event will be Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19 from 8 a.m.?—4 p.m. The ?“rain dates?” will be on April 25 & 26. For more details contact:
Betty for last names A-L at (830) 626-3870 and
Alex for last names M-Z at (830) 624-1414
Charge to participate is $5.00 per household. Deadline to call is April 13.

NORTHCLIFFE STREET REPAIRS

In December, the City Engineer held a Town Hall Meeting at the Community Center on Morning Dr. for the purpose of informing our residents on the status of proposed work to Country Club Blvd. He informed us that none of the old oaks will be touched, the median will be narrowed from 14 to 10 feet, there will be a hike & bike lane on the north side, and a sidewalk will be installed along the south side from the entry to the golf course Pro-Shop. Design completion will occur in April of 2009 and should be bid in early summer. The work is expected to take one year. Four years ago it was determined that approximately $10M would be needed to bring all of our streets in Northcliffe in compliance with City standards. In the 2006 election we voted to approve a $20M Bond initiative for Schertz street repairs. $4.7M of that initiative was to be for repairs to our streets. This work is part of that initiative. According to the engineer, the total package will include replacement of water lines and widening of sidewalks. After Country Club Blvd. is completed, the first two streets to be done will be Morning and Cliffside and they should be bid by mid summer. There are no completed proposals or projected dates for the remainder of our streets.


Annual Spring Clean Up Dates: March 7-22, 2009
(Information compliments of Schertz Public Works)

Drop off at Bexar Waste Site:

Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz Drop off Site Open March 7-22, 2009 (See below for hazardous items drop off times)
Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste?’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
Please Remember During the two-week clean up, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture for a fee (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454). Remember that free chipping service will no longer be provided. Schertz Public Works provides year-round curbside chipping service of brush and tree limbs on Fridays for a fee of $25 per half hour. To make an appointment for brush and tree limb chipping service, call Public Works (210-619-1800). Chipping will be scheduled as first come, first served. Again, you must call and make an appointment. Please note: Bexar Waste picks up small bundles of brush and tree limbs (maximum length of 4 feet and maximum total weight of 50 pounds) with normal trash pick-up without any additional charges.

What you need to know:
The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial property clean up, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service.
A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.
Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/Monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES, can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Materials WILL BE sorted by customer, NOT BY Bexar Waste employees. Appliances will be ACCEPTED ONLY if Freon is removed prior to delivery. Residents must show a Freon removal certificate. Any questions concerning the certificate or Freon removal, please contact Bexar Waste. Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop off Times
HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of March 14-15 and 21-22, 2009. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to:
Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals, enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.
TIRES are considered hazardous
Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.
Automotive hazardous waste such as used oil, filters and batteries.
Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons ?– VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.
Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.
Questions?
For more information about the Spring Clean Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454) or Schertz Public Works (210-619-1800). You may also dial 311 within the City of Schertz.
The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event.
The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.