Published by the KWS Committee (Homeowners’ Association)
May-July 2009
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President’s Corner
Summer has arrived with a heat wave and little or no rain. Our landscape has suffered despite watering. Many of us have received increase water and electric bills compared to last year. If you work or exercise outdoors please remember to hydrate and wear light colored clothing to shade your skin from the intense sun rays. Wear a hat to protect your face and ears from sunburn and wear a sun blocker lotion. Also, if you have pets, please make sure they have plenty of fresh cool water and have a covered area to rest from the sun. A kiddy pool is a cool treat for your dog. Children are also playing sports or practicing during the heat of the day. Please instruct your children to recognize the symptoms of heat related problems and to keep hydrated drinking more water than usual.
Also, we wish to congratulate the Dobie Seniors who have completed the state required school requirements. Our best wishes are given to each one. May your education continue on into college or technical school. Keep focused on the teachings of your family and church as you leave for college. You will be tested to make the right decisions. Bless all of you as you seek a new future.
This year, KWS awarded the following Dobie Seniors a $500 scholarship for their college education: Harry Vasquez, Katherine Hallaron, Kaley L. Carter, and Christen L. Edens.
The Board has reviewed the latest financial reports, homeowner violation recap, delinquent assessment fees report; homeowners referred to legal for suit or collection. The findings as of July 31, 2009 are as follows:
- KWS has received 95% of the total 2009 Maintenance Fees or $105,719
- KWS delinquent accounts total $39,877.71
- KWS financial status as of 7/31/09 is $174,828
- KWS total assets as of 7/31/09 is $268,924.79
- Deed restrictions turned over to attorney for legal action total eleven (11)
- Number of violation letters sent out over the three month period total (302)
- Most frequent deed restriction violations: exterior house painting, lawn and tree care, inoperable vehicles (no current tags or inspection), fence and house repairs, miscellaneous items left in front yard or on side of house (can be seen from the street), non-compliance of single family dwelling restriction, company vehicles blocking street and driveways, parking wrong way on street (tickets are being issued by deputies).
This is another reminder to all the new residents. The 800 plus single-family properties comprising Kirkwood South (KWS) are a deed restricted community. The board of directors of the KWS work together to ensure that the governing documents, including its declaration, by-laws, and resolutions are enforced fairly and consistently.
The Houston Chronicle published an article regarding the median price a home sold for in the southeast area of Houston. The sold price was down more than 10% or $92,000 from last year in June. In KWS, the home sales have been ranging between $85,000 - $140,000 depending on the square footage and condition of the home. There are approximately 79 foreclosures in the 77089 zip code (few in KWS).
The past year has seen many new homeowners and renters in our neighborhood. The board welcomes each and everyone to our quiet community. Much effort is taken to ensure that each family understands their responsibility as a new homeowner or renter. If you did not receive a copy of the governing documents for KWS, please contact Cathy Winfield at AVR Management and a copy will be sent to you. As a renter, you are also held responsible to know the rules and regulations of residency in KWS.
This year we will hold the quarterly board meetings at Judge Delgado’s court room at the corner of Beamer Road and Scarsdale Blvd. (near the library) at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. This change will afford those attending a lighted area and additional parking. We are updating our signs which will be placed in the subdivision as a reminder. An announcement is also placed in The South Belt Ellington Leader. We urge everyone to attend.
Volunteers are needed to fill vacancies in the Beautification Committee and Architectural Committee. If you are interested please contact us.
KWS is scheduled to proceed with the replacement of our subdivision street signs which will start in September after the hurricane season and will take several weeks to complete after the design and ordering of supplies.
The Kirkwood South website is constantly being updated. Go to www.KirkwoodSouth.org and see the current information posted. Any questions or suggestions can be directed to Mark Martinez, our Webmaster.
Attached to this newsletter is a survey that we would like for you to complete and return to us at your earliest convenience. We want to hear your comments and any suggestions you may have for our community.
To use our finances wisely, we will mail out this newsletter only twice a year (first and fourth quarter) since the quarterly newsletter will be present on the website to view, henceforth.
If you have any questions about Kirkwood South, please contact AVR Management at 281-481-8062 or email address cwinfield@avrmanagement.com and you will be directed to the appropriate representative. You are also encouraged to email me any comments you may have at evdavis1948@sbcglobal.net. Many thanks for your continued support and confidence.
Respectfully submitted,
Estella V. Davis, President