The Woodlands

Friends of the Woodlands meeting minutes

Dec 02, 2001

FRIENDS OF THE WOODLANDS

aka

WOODLANDS HOMEOWNERS

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING

NOVEMBER 6, 2001

7:15 PM

AT

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH
______________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDEES:

Ed Hilderbrand, Ron Lindsey, Libby Arceneaux, Dick and Madeline Bobbin, Nancy Hambacher, Kristen Graziani, Mike Frederick, Kim and Tucker Bantom, Patsy and Jim Haley, Christine Foster, Steve LaFrance, Genie and Bill Matthews


The meeting was called to order by Co-President Ed Hilderbrand at approximately 7:20. This was followed by introductions of members in attendance.


Ed then presented an update on the future development of the subdivision. He pointed out that the yellow zoning sign that has been present on 1088 near the East side of Air Field subdivision refers to a zoning meeting topic regarding phase eight of the Woodlands development. He said this meeting was about changing the zoning from rural to residential phase I. Ed said he went to the zoning commission meeting regarding this topic and Kelly McHugh told the commission that this was the last and final phase of development. Ed pointed out that since the developers needed zoning board approval for this phase they appeared to be willing to work with us in achieving some of our requests such as improved drainage. There was then general discussion concerning the turning over of the subdivision to the homeowners.



Ed pointed out that the subdivision does not own the lots on the south side of 1088 between Air Field subdivision and the entrance to the Woodlands. Ed alluded to the fact that we have no control over what is built on that site and must remain vigilant to what the owner of that land proposes to put there. The owner of the property told Roger Smith of S.I.M. Land Developers that he intends to build six large homes on this property.

It was pointed out that the lot between lots #89 and #88 has been designated as green space. Some felt this lot location was illogical placement of green space. It would have been better placed along the entrance to the subdivision.

Ed then asked for reports:

(1) "Ladies Night Out" Committee. Chair, Christine Foster. Christine reported that there has not been much of a response to flyers and calls regarding events. A small group attended one event. The plan is to continue on an informal basis. She said the group might put a banner by the pool to announce planned events and that anyone interested in further information could check the bulletin board where it will be located. In addition, events could be announced in the newsletter.


(2) "Safety" Committee. Chair, Steve LaFrance. Steve reported that there is a problem with traffic and most of this is due to construction crews. Apparently one truck comes in at 5:30 AM and drives too fast. He suggested that we hire an off duty policeman to work the traffic in the subdivision. In addition, we can look into a construction gate to the rear of the subdivision.
(3) Treasurer's report. Jim Haley. Jim handed out a financial report that is attached to these minutes. Discussion took place about the cost of the checking account ($156.43). It was decided to switch to the Omni Bank where free checking could be obtained.


(4) "Decorations" Committee. Chair, Patsy Haley. Decorations have been placed for Thanksgiving and were placed for Halloween. She pointed out that most of the members of this committee are also on the Garden Club committee. The committee will meet in the near future.

(5) "Pool" Committee. Chair, Kristen Graziani. There have been no discipline problems at the pool, however there has been a maintenance problem. The current pool service contractor has not been up to par and may have caused damage to occur to the pool and pumps. The Committee is currently accepting bids for a replacement contractor. The replacement contractor most probably will not accept the maintenance without repairs being done first. The developer told the Committee that there was no money in the budget for new pool furniture. Discussion took place concerning the developers budget report that was handed out by Ed. In this report there was an amount of $4,500 budgeted for pool maintenance, $3459.43 of this was spent leaving a balance of $1040.57 that could have been used for pool furniture. The Committee will investigate this discrepancy. It was pointed out that the rule board in the pool area still needs to be updated.

(6) "Garden Club" Committee. Chairs, Kim and Tucker Bantom. Tucker reported that new plants (color) have been placed at the entrance and that additional plants will be added in a few weeks (11/17/01). The developers (Rogers Smith) have given Tucker permission to modify the hump at the entrance by adding plants containing color. The committee will also replace the plants near the pool with plants that do not require as much watering since the developer has told the committee that there are no plans for adding a watering system to the area near the pool. He also told Tucker that there is money in the budget for these items. The committee plans to begin a garden of the month competition. Discussion followed as to whether the competition should be open to only those homeowners that belong to the F.O.W. Discussion followed concerning votive candle lighting at Christmas with a cost estimate of $3 per house. The committee will obtain a Christmas tree for the front entrance.


(7) "Directory" Committee. Chair, Nancy Hambacher. Discussion took place over the publishing of the directory and the difficulty of getting information from homeowners. Apparently, a significant number of homeowners do not want their phone numbers or email addresses in the directory. Also the question was raised as to whether the directory should contain the information obtained from the developer that would include all homeowners or whether it should only list members of the FOW. The new directory is planned for release in March. Block captains could obtain the information for the new directory. The status of the block captains was discussed. Bill Matthews agreed to be chair of the Block Captain Committee.

(8) "Santa" Committee. Chair, Bill Matthews. Bill said he would provide a Santa news section in the next newsletter. Tucker said he would provide a tree for the front entrance. Santa may participate in a tree lighting ceremony and be available for home visitations.

(9) "Architectural" Committee. Ed reported for the Chair. He said that tree removal is not being policed and residents must take it upon themselves to report violations.

Ed then opened up the discussion of new business.

Ed initiated discussion of the Woodlands being a gated community. He alluded to a recent article in the newspaper where the Attorney General of the State of LA ruled that a parish or city in LA can maintain the streets of a subdivision only if the streets are available for general public access 24 hrs a day and 7 days a week. This means that if we become gated then homeowners will be assessed street maintenance costs.

Ed then discussed the Web site (www.neighborhoodlink.com/tamm/woodl). It was agreed that the address would be placed in the newsletter. The next issue of the newsletter is targeted to be published within the next three weeks.


Ed pointed out that the information board to be installed at the entrance of the subdivision is under construction by Mike Frederick.

Mike Frederick and Dick and Madeline Bobbin will edit and publish the next newsletter.

Ed said that he plans to hold a general membership meeting for late January of 2002.

Respectfully submitted by

Dick and Madeline Bobbin,

Secretaries of the FOW.