Hometown Kyle - July 2013 by Peel, Inc.

MY HOMETOWN July 2013 Volume 2, Issue 7

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOMETOWN KYLE HOA

HOA Quarterly Dues Increase

The Board has worked very hard to postpone a rate increase in our HOA dues. However, we need to come to terms with the fact that our quarterly dues of $82.50 is no longer sufficient to cover the expenses facing our subdivision. An increase in HOA dues will go in effect October 1, 2013. The new amount will be $100.00 per quarter. Please make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the new amount if your payment is taken out of your bank account. New payment booklets for the 4th quarter of 2013 and the 4 quarters of 2014 will be mailed out in July or August 2013, well in advance of the first payment date at the new rate. Please contact Marilyn Childress with Goodwin Management at marilyn.childress@goodwintx.com if you don’t receive a new coupon book. *Board members work on a volunteer basis and are not exempt from paying HOA dues. Board members do not have access to any of the subdivision’s bank accounts. To view previous newsletter articles detailing 2013 budget issues, factors impacting the budget, and cost-saving measures go to www. hometownkyle.com: • Click on ‘Resident Login’ • Select ‘Documents’ • Select ‘Newsletter’ • Select April 2013

WHAT MEETING???

There was some confusion around the annual meeting that was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 regarding meeting times, purpose and voting. There are 2 types of meetings: ‘board’ meetings and ‘annual’ meetings. Annual meetings are intended to provide an update to homeowners regarding the current status of the subdivision and the HOA, recap what has occurred in the past year, outline what lies ahead, and to elect new officers. Board meetings are working sessions of the board members – usually held quarterly – to discuss HOA business and to vote on actions required. They have an open session where homeowners may attend, and an executive session which is open to the board and management representatives only. Votes are conducted by board members during open sessions. There is typically a board meeting held immediately after each annual meeting so the new board may determine what office each member will hold for the coming year, as well as other HOA business if necessary. Originally, it was the understanding and intention of the board members to address and vote on an increase in HOA dues during the annual meeting. However, after notices had gone out we were advised that such a vote could only be conducted during a board meeting. An e-blast was then sent to homeowners, announcing that a board meeting would be held immediately following the annual meeting, during which time a vote would be held regarding HOA dues. Unfortunately, it was not clear to recipients that the board meeting at 8:00 was referencing a 2nd meeting, separate and distinct from the annual meeting at 7:00. We are sorry for any confusion. There was no intent to be misleading. Hopefully, this clears up the confusion. We will continue to advise you of upcoming meetings, and hope to see you soon.

See a Comparison of assessments in various local communities on page 3.

Hometown Kyle - July 2013

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HOMETOWN KYLE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Goodwin Management Inc Manager: Marilyn Childress marilyn.childress@goodwintx.com 512-750-2883

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Does My Vote Count? Do you get a vote? Does it count?

We would like to clarify the confusion and misinformation regarding the process of voting that arose from the last annual meeting. 1. The meeting notice requested homeowners to sign and submit their proxies even if they planned to attend the meeting. This ensures there are enough homes represented by personal attendance or by proxy to conduct and complete the election of a board member. The notice was never intended to take your vote away from you in the event you attended. The wording on the proxy form to assign your voting power to a named individual “or the presiding officer” is to give you the option of either specifying someone or assigning your proxy to the presiding board member. If you specified a person in the blank space, only that person could cast a vote in your name. If you selected “presiding officer”, then the board member presiding over the meeting would have your authorization to cast your vote. Your vote is cast either by you in person, or by the person to whom you assign your proxy. Each homeowner gets 1 vote. 2. Another area of confusion was regarding the vote for dues increase. In an e-blast notice, homeowners were advised there would be a vote regarding an increase of the HOA dues. If you are not intimately familiar with the CC&R’s (and let’s face it…how many of us are), you could easily think the homeowners would be voting on that issue. However, as is stated in the CC&R’s changes to the amount of the dues assessments is the province and responsibility of the board, and is not voted on by homeowners. This is standard practice in many HOA’s. The board has published articles in recent newsletters advising the HOA is facing a deficit, identifying what steps are being undertaken, and soliciting additional ideas to keep homeowners informed about financial issues.

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Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN Their Dues vs. Our Dues From time to time comparisons are made between the quarterly dues assessment here in Hometown Kyle with that paid in other subdivisions, specifically Plum Creek and Silverado. What was

HOMETOWN KYLE

Dues Lots

learned from conversations with board and management members of these two communities may provide some understanding behind the numbers.

PLUMB CREEK

$82.50/quarter $130.75/qtr Large lots = fewer homeowners per Smaller lots = more homeowners acre per acre Aprox. No. of Homes 750 1600 Income from No Yes Commercial Property Fence Wood = inexpensive to install but Vinyl = expensive to install but costly upkeep low ongoing maintenance cost 20,855 linear feet Other

HTKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wood fence, common area irrigation, and landscape are significant expenses which exceed that of other communities.

SILVERADO

$75/qtr Smaller lots = more homeowners per acre 425 No Wood

Claim significantly less fence than Claim significantly less fence HTK than HTK What the board members/management of both properties acknowledged is that they have only a fraction of what Hometown Kyle has in the way of HOA fence to maintain and common area to irrigate and landscape.

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Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN What’s Up With Accrual Accounting?!

YARD MAINTENANCE

You may recall a recent newsletter article, discussing the difference between our previous management company’s accounting process (Real Manage) and our current one (Goodwin). Real Manage used an accrual method, which shows anticipated income and expenditures. Goodwin uses the cash method, which shows actual figures in real time. With the advent of the new management company in August of 2012, the HOA Board became aware of that difference. Keep in mind that HTK budgets are stand-alone tools that compare income and expenses for only 1 year at a time. So regardless of what accounting practice was used in previous years, we would still be faced with a deficit in 2013, because our expenses for this year are expected to exceed what we’re collecting in dues. The disadvantage with the accrual method used in previous years is the lack of visibility to fact that our neighborhood was already heading toward deficit. While Real Manage’s approach to accounting presented a major disadvantage to the HOA Board in terms of knowing how much money was actually being collected versus how much was being spent, the accrual method is not an illegal or immoral practice in the professional field of accounting. With that said, we’re grateful for the cash method utilized by Goodwin Management, as we are now able to make financial decisions based on more precise information.

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Yard appearance remains the most prevalent source of violations issued to homeowners. Beyond just mowing, yards must be maintained frequently to achieve an overall, continual, well kept appearance. In an effort to help prevent future violation notices, here are some guidelines to follow: • Mowing: includes front yard and side yard of corner lots, and backyards must be mowed as well • Edging: along the sidewalk, driveway and curb, weed eating at fences and foundation, etc. • Weed control: weed abatement in grass, flowerbeds, and cracks; etc., This means keeping your flowerbeds, cracks and lawns free of weeds, as well as keeping your planter beds clear of grass. • Watering (in compliance with existing restrictions, if any), disease control or grass replacement: (adding sod or re-seeding where grass has died) • Blowing or sweeping up: grass and clippings must be removed from driveway, sidewalk and street after maintenance • Removing dead plants, shrubs, trees in a timely manner • All trash, garbage or other waste must be kept out of sight in sanitary containers and promptly disposed of.

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MY HOMETOWN Reporting Issues To report issues or concerns, please contact: Marilyn Childress, Goodwin Management: 512-502-7509 marilyn. childress@goodwintx.com To pose questions and issues directly to the Hometown Kyle HOA Board of Directors, please visit the website at: www.hometownkyle.com

YOUR COMMUNITY,

YOUR VOICE

TRASH CANS

During our March 12th board meeting, a discussion was held regarding trash can violations and interpretation of language in our CC&Rs. After speaking to the HOA attorney, “properly screened from view” is interpreted to mean out of sight using materials and designs approved by the Architectural Committee. More precisely, “properly” refers to the materials and methods used for screening, and “screened from view” indicates that the trashcans cannot be seen. Make sure to request approval of any additions to your front yard from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) before installing. As advised in the prior newsletter, all trashcans must be stored out of sight by July 1, 2013. At that point, violations will again be distributed for trashcans that are visible.

Do you have an article or story that you would like to run in this newsletter? Send it to us and we will publish it in the next issue. Email your document to marilyn.childress@goodwintx.com

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Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN

A Focus on Heat Emergencies Healthy Tips To Stay Cool In Extremely Hot Weather By: Concentra Urgent Care

Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heatstroke. Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather. Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs. If the problem isn’t addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Heat Cramps • Sweating • Dizziness and lightheadedness • Pain in arms, legs, and abdomen • Headache and confusion • Heat Exhaustion • Nausea and vomiting • Moist, pale skin • Rapid pulse and breathing • Fatigue and fainting Heat Stroke • No sweating • Rapid pulse • Dry, hot, red skin • Temperature over 103º F • Confusion/loss of consciousness • Seizures CAUSES: The following are common causes of heat emergencies: • High temperatures or humidity • Medications, such as diuretics, • Dehydration neuroleptics, phenothiazines, • Prolonged or excessive exercise and anticholinergics • Excess clothing • Cardiovascular disease • Alcohol use WHAT TO DO IN HEAT EMERGENCIES... First Aid 1. Have the person lie down in a cool place. Elevate the person’s feet about 12 inches. 2. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person’s skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person’s neck, groin, and armpits. 3. If the person is alert, give cool water or sports beverages. It’s advisable to drink slowly and steadily, particularly if they are experiencing nausea. 4. For muscle cramps, give beverages as above, and massage and stretch affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax. 5. If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails, and decreased alertness), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and continue cooling procedures, as described above. DO NOT: • DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc.

if the person is a child, elderly, or injured. • DO NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful. • DO NOT give the person salt tablets. • DO NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body’s ability to control its internal temperature. • DO NOT use alcohol rubs on the person’s skin. • DO NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious. PREVENTION: • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather. • Rest regularly in a cool area; seek shade when possible. • Avoid strenuous physical activity in hot or humid conditions. • Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity. • Be especially careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly. • Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in. • Avoid heavy meals and hot foods. For more information on how to cope with the heat, ask your Concentra health professional, or visit the CDC’s Web site at: www. cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ References Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:240-316. DeLee JC, Drez Jr. D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:763.

Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN

TENNIS TIPS

By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco

How To Execute The Backhand Service Return In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to hit a forehand groundstroke, a two-handed backhand, one-handed backhand, forehand volley, the two handed backhand volley, the serve, the forehand half-volley, the one-handed backhand volley, the overhead “smash” and the forehand service return. In this issue, I will offer you instructions on how to execute the second most important shot in the game of tennis: The Service Return, since it is the response to the first most important shot of the game: The Serve. In the illustrations, Julie Comey, player at the Grey Rock Tennis Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Photos by Charlie Palafox. Step 1: The Ready Position: When Julie is getting ready to return the serve, her eyes are focused on the tennis ball held by the opponent. Knees are relaxed and the hands are holding the racket with a relaxed grip. Step 2: The Split Step: When the opponent tosses the ball into the air, Julie will take a hop with both feet off the ground, trying to time the split step with the contact of the ball on the

opponent’s racket. Step 3: The Back Swing: Once Julie realizes that the ball has been directed to her forehand, she will turn her upper body and will take the racket back. Notice that the left hand is up in front to allow her to keep her center of gravity in the center. She has loaded her weight on her left foot and will be ready to step forward to meet the ball. Step 4: The Point of Contact: Julie now is ready to step into the ball. She has kept her eye on the ball and her center of gravity now is shifted to the point of contact. Notice the right knee being slightly bent and the right foot is pointing to the ball meeting the racket. Step 5: The Follow Through: Once Julie has finished her stroke, the momentum of the racket continues to move almost to a point behind her neck. Her left hand is next to her body and her left elbow is pointing toward her target. Her body is now ready to take the “split step” with both feet in order to prepare for the opponent’s returned shot.

Look in the next Newsletter for: The Forehand High Volley Approach Shot 8

Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN

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Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN At no time will any source be allowed to use My Hometown contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in My Hometown is exclusively for the private use of the Hometown Kyle HOA and Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

DISCLAIMER: Advertising space is sold to the general public. The companies advertising in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the Hometown Kyle HOA. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely between the advertiser and purchaser. Any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the specific advertiser. Every resident is responsible for their own due diligence when selecting a vendor for services. Just because a vendor is listed in this newsletter, we assume no responsibility for checks from the Better Business Bureau, Craig?s List, Angie?s List or any other listing that might give a favorable or non-favorable rating. Please check each vendor you are considering, ask for references in our area (don?t rely on yard signs). Examine each vendor you may consider for business as a new vendor. Changes of five or ten years between uses may indicate ownership changes. Advertising in the newsletter is a marketing decision and assumes no service, price or guaranteed checklist. ? Every effort will be made to provide correct and updated information. ? There isn?t any liability between advertiser and Peel Inc. with regards to ad costs. ? Every effort has been made to avoid mistakes. Hometown Kyle HOA takes no responsibility but will help with efforts to correct misprints. ? Under no circumstances shall Hometown Kyle HOA be held responsible for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish in a timely manner. At no time will any source be allowed to use the "News From My Hometown" contents, or loan said contents, to others in any way shape or form. Not in any media, website, print, film, email, electrostatic copy, fax, etc., for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaign, or other self-amplification under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel Inc. The information in "News From My Hometown" is exclusively for the private use of Hometown Kyle and Peel Inc.

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Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN

Hometown Kyle - July 2013

MY HOMETOWN

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