- rb2883
- Respected Neighbor
- USA
- 7 Posts
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Agree as well
I have never seen anything from my block captain regarding how I feel about any decisions being considered at the board, and I know they meet monthly. I have also sent my recommendation on the importance of developing a master plan or priority list. Still no answer.
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Fountains v. Extended Walk
It seems that we should at least look into the cost of extending the sidewalk around the lake before we abandon the idea or spend so much money on a fountain that will at the least benefit much fewer people and at worst could actually cheapen the appearance of the lake. A walk all the way around the lake would increase the value of the lake area and be enjoyed by many more residents than a fountain would. Even if the extended walk is financially prohibitive, there must be many more worthy uses for $6000 plus $200/month forever than a fountain (for example, I agree with the previous posting about the need for more lighting at the entrance).
As a sidenote regarding our HOA dues, it needs to be remembered that as a ''gated community'' we are ineligible for city street maintenance, and therefore must maintain ample reserves to cover this potential cost. This is one of the reasons that our neighbors, Highland on the Creek, have consistently voted against putting a gate up at their front entrance because the loss of city street services would force their HOA dues to dramtically increase (possibly to the level of the Enclave?!?). Just something to keep in mind.
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Fountain Misinformation
I am concerned about the misinformation that circulates on our Web site. A case in point is the fountain project. Since I did the original research for this project, I'll present that information.
1. I got together with TXU on the cost for operating the fountain. They figured that it would be around $102.00 per month IF we operate it every day for 16 hours per day.
I suspect that we may want to vary its operation, depending on the weather.
2. There is no required annual or monthly maintenance.
3. A three year warranty on a fountain is excellent (the best you can get!)
4. No installer or manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on motors (this is true with most products besides fountain motors).
5. The fountain isn't purely aesthetic. Though it won't aerate or control algae and odor in the entire lake,it will in the area around the pump or fountain. We discovered that the lake isn't as deep as we thought. Also, Greg Swalwell and I visited another lake where the fountain eliminated to a large degree the growth of algae.
I hope that this information helps us to discuss this issue better in the future.
My opinion (not based on research) is that the fountain is aesthetic and will add to the value of our homes. I don't believe that it cheapens the Enclave in any way and that it makes our community much more attractive, especially at night.
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Fountain Misinformation Two
Please indulge me while I add one more piece of research.
1. The Enclave has arranged for a contractor to treat the lakes for algae, etc. (Perhaps you've seen him out in the lakes in his boar.)
2. The total cost from May-November of last year was $3,250 or $464/month.
3. With the fountain in the first lake, we might want to ask the contractor to treat only the second lake for half the cost.
4. This would save the Enclave $2,784 or $232/month that would offset the $102/month cost for operating the fountain.
5. It would also save us approximately $130/month or $1560 per year. Thus, in 3 to 4 years the fountain will have paid for itself!
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