President's Corner
Thanksgiving is near and I again reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for in Windsor Hills. Thank you to the numerous volunteers who donate their time and talents to enhance the sense of community in Windsor Hills.
The final clean up in Windsor Hills of Hurricane IKE debris was completed by the County/ FEMA . The clean up work by Crowder Gulf (FEMA contractor) resulted in damage to a section of sidewalk on Robindale Cir. and damage to the ground on W. Northcastle near Windsor Hills Cir. These repair costs will be paid by Crowder Gulf.
This winter the pool and spa heaters will be turned off from December 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009.
Recently the Board became aware of homeowners seeking reimbursement for expenses for home repairs. It is the policy of the HOA not to pay for repairs by or items contracted by homeowners. The HOA has hired AMI to assist in the management of the association business. Among other responsibilities AMI has negotiated favorable quantity discounts with different contractors to service the various items covered by our monthly dues. Should you have a service request call AMI. AMI has a 24 hour emergency line with someone on call should you experience an emergency at night or on the weekends.
The budget for calendar year 2009 was approved by the Board of Directors at the November 20, 2008 Board meeting. The approved budget will result in monthly maintenance dues of $170/month in 2009, the same as 2008. The approved budget is the result of several meetings of the Budget and Finance Committee, two working sessions of the Board and a meeting with homeowners on November 13, 2008. The approved budget for 2009 is presented below in summary form. A copy of the detailed 2009 budget is available at the Clubhouse office.
May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
2009 Budget summary
Income
Residential Assessments $891,480
Other Income 42,300
Total Income $933,780
Expenses
Landscape-Homes $292,653
Landscape-Common Area 28,457
Total Landscape $321,110
Maintenance Reserve-Homes $145,020
Maintenance Reserve-Clubhouse 12,000
Total Maintenance $157,020
Payroll, Taxes and Benefits $129,624
Utilities 66,277
Trash Removal 60,556
Repair and Maintenance 58,764
Mgmt . Fee, Insur, Taxes & Legal 56,279
Monitor Service Alarms– Homes 43,500
Maint.,front doors,sprinklers,fencing 32,648
Clubhouse General Expense 30,280
Fire/ Emergency Medical Service * 12,900
General Expenses 12,408
Total Expenses $981,366
Projected Deficit for 2009 <$47,586>
Projected Surplus 12/31/08 324,602
Projected Surplus 12/31/09 277,016
*Due to the transition to The Woodlands Township the Windsor Hills allocation of Fire and Emergency Medical Service expenses have been reduced as follows:
Fire and EMS Actual 2007 Actual 2008 Budget 2009
145,243 73,048 12,900
The above reduced costs were possible due to the additional two cents of sales tax imposed by The Woodlands Township effective April 1, 2008. The additional sales tax revenue was transferred from the Township to the Community associations to reduce Fire Department expenses.
Beginning after the first of the year we will circulate a petition for your signature to request an over age 65 tax exemption from The Woodlands Township. Property tax bills from The Township will be mailed in 2009 and can be paid in 2009 or 2010. The tax levy becomes effective Jan 1, 2010.
From the Board
The following issues were discussed and approved by the Board:
· 2009 budget with Homeowner’s Maintenance rate kept at $170.00/month. Copies of the budget are available at the Clubhouse.
· Individuals whose front doors are being re-finished should have received a letter indicating this.
· Holiday donations for the Clubhouse Staff will be collected Dec 1-16.
· 84 homes will be repainted in 2009. See map posted at the Clubhouse to see when your house will be painted.
· The WHHOA President will prepare over age 65 property tax exemption petition for The Woodlands Township. Keep an eye out for this since we will need all the signatures possible, including all registered voters of The Woodlands Township.
· The WHHOA President will prepare an outline of services to be transferred to The Woodlands Township effective January 1, 2010.
· Homeowners are concerned about speeding throughout the neighborhood. Remember the speed limit is 25 mph.
· No December Board meeting.
Landscape Committee
Opt out of Landscape Services
We are preparing to start the application of mulch for the next year. This winter, the mulch work will be done during late November and December in order to accommodate the contractor’s labor constraints. The early application will be advantageous if we have severe weather in December. The mulch will be native hardwood mulch as provided by Living Earth Technologies.
As in past years, residents have the opportunity to opt out of this service. Residents can also opt out of gutter cleaning. To opt out, please call Krystle Vestal at AMI, 281.681.2000 ASAP . If you delay, the service may be provided before your request is processed.
News from the MUD District
The MUD District has no news at this time.
Standards Committee
The Standards Committee has no news to report this month.
Garden Club
Annual Food Drive
Annually, Windsor Hills has helped support the Montgomery County Women’s Center Food Drive. A table will be set up at the Clubhouse. Help this great cause by bringing non-perishable food items to the Clubhouse. Check expiration dates on your food items before you donate. Other donated items that would really help these women are unused ladies toiletries, either full or sample size. Your support is greatly appreciated. The deadline is Friday, December 12.
Garden Club January Meeting
The Garden Club invites you to attend the January 16, 2009 meeting at 11 AM . Our guest speaker will be Bruce Cameron, owner and grower of Orchid Obsessions. He will be speaking about orchids, bromeliads and other tropicals. Lunch will be provided .
Firewise
There's no December Firewise News.
Upcoming Events / Trips
Wed., December 3, 3PM: Clubhouse Tree Decorating. Don’t forget about the Clubhouse tree decorating. Please bring your husbands, neighbors, friends or anyone you see along the way. We will need all the help we can get.
Fri., December 5, 11 AM: Windsor Hills Holiday Feast. Mark your calendar for the Garden Club’s Annual Holiday Feast with live entertainment. Begin the Christmas season with merriment and fun. Turkey, ham and drinks will be provided. Everyone is invited to this event. Bring a dish to share.
The Garden Club is proud to introduce as entertainment The Deci-Belles. They are a women's barbershop chorus that include members who are Windsor Hills residents.
Door prizes will be awarded.
RSVP by calling the Clubhouse by Monday, December 1.
Sat., December 6, 6 PM: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Potluck. Residents are asked to bring a main dish, vegetable, side, or dessert to share. After dinner, gather around the tree to sing Christmas carols. Sign up at the Clubhouse to indicate a dish you wish to bring.
ROMEO Lunch: Canceled for December. Meetings will resume in January.
Wed., December 17, 6 PM: White Christmas Theatre Under the Stars presents “White Christmas”. Tickets are $67 per person and are available for sale at the Clubhouse. Bus for this event will leave at 6:30 PM. Show starts at 8 PM.
Wed., December 31, 8 PM: New Years Eve Gala. Come enjoy dinner catered by Catering Delights. Toast in the New Year with champagne and dance with DJ Dave Shaffer. Tickets are $45 per person and on sale at the Clubhouse.
Hurricane Checklist
Please click here for a Hurricane/Emergency Checklist.