Villages of Westcreek (Center, Rule: resale, violations, reputation)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The women who got in Code Blue's face last night should have been restrained from acting in an unprofessional manner. She needs to be watched at the town hall meeting, and have the BCSD escort her to a seat or to his squad car. That type of behavior is just like the attitude RECEIVED BY OUR 2 BELOVED SENIOR CITIZENS. WATCH OUT FOR HER! DO NOT LET ANYONE GET IN YOUR 3 FEET OF PERSONAL SPACE! EVER THAT IS A NO NO!
there was no announcement of it and I did not see it on the website's calendar either. I think 45 is good and wished I could have made it 47. Besides, who can say something about a low number when they weren't even there. Maybe a lot of the other people in the neighborhood had something to do as well. It was on a Monday evening which tend to be one of the more hectic times. I know it is that way for me, especially with school. Throw in an ever increasing number of doctor appointments and the amount of free time keeps shrinking even more.
but anyhow.. did anything productive come from the meeting? I still think this house ownership issue should be pursued further. I wouldn't put it past anyone to try to slip this through the cracks somehow with either skimming rent for personal gain or using the house for a relative. That former SAHA lady did that a while ago and power definitely does corrupt.
I only question because an earlier poster said the low attendance was due to a non announcement..curious as to how many attend when the meeting is announced.
No, I wasn't there and probably never will be. Then again, I'm not complaining about issues either. IMO, I would have to assume that most are happy with the neighborhhod or simply don't care, based on attendance.
Of course, folks have things to do, doctors appts etc...but there would be better attendance if folks were really unhappy. They would find a way to attend, IMO.
It is indeed sad, that we have an adversarial board...has it always been like this?
DID YOU KNOW THAT POSTING PARTIAL TRUTHS ABOUT INFORMATION ON THIS FORUM COULD DETER POTENTIAL BUYERS FROM WANTING TO COME TO WESTCREEK?
I am all for information, unbiased, factual information. I want to know what is going on and I want to be confident that when I share that information with others (my neighbors) it is the whole truth.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and expressing them on this forum is allowed, however I think we should all be careful not to let our feelings of frustration muddy up the facts.
I am glad I attended the meeting and I do think the BOD has been doing the best they could considering the limited homeowner involvement. I do think much will change now and it starts with sharing factual information with everyone. I would like to address some of the claims made before and clear up the facts...
DID YOU KNOW YOUR ASSESSMENT DUES COULD BE RAISED AGAIN?
Our assessment dues were raised last year and are likely to be raised again as mentioned during the August Board Meeting. We have some of the lowest dues in San Antonio, but we need to have accountability and transparency on how our money is being spent now and in the future. Stop the misuse of our money and we want answers.
According to the Covenants For Maintenance Assessments Section 5.03 Basis of Annual Assessments - increases to the assessments that do not amount to more than 10% can be made with out a vote from the homeowners
Basically yes our assessment was increased by less than 10% and can be increased again by less than 10% without homeowner approval. The BOD did explain that while assessments have not changed for the past 17yrs, that in itself was likely a mistake. If you simply consider the cost of living increases that we all experience every year, it is clear that the dollar does not go as far today as it did 17yrs ago.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 3 HOUSES THE BOARD BOUGHT?
The Board bought 3 houses that we can prove and there could possibly be more. One is being rented for $1,100. The second one is under contract to be purchased with an asking price of $129,000 and is appraised at approximately $ 140,000 or more.
These homes were "purchased" according to TX Property Code 209, a completely legitimate transaction. All be it I do think the BOD needs to address why these assets are taking so long to be listed on the Balance Sheet, these purchases are not shady and they did not use our money to buy up properties with out our knowledge or permission.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 4 CHILDREN THAT WERE ASKED TO LEAVE THEIR KARATE CLASS?
The Board and the Community Center personnel forced 4 children from attending Karate Classes which are held at the Community Center. This class was not full; they were current on payments and had been taking classes for over two years. They were told by the Board they could not come back to class. After four months of attempts by community members the children were allowed to attend class again. The children did nothing wrong and the action was sending the wrong message about our community. We have some very insensitive people on the Board, one of which still voted to ban the four children from participating even after hearing the community outcry for the injustice the Board’s decision resulted in. This vote was supposed to be in the minutes, which are not currently on the website.
The Board and the HOA staff allowed 4 children to attend Karate Classes which are held at the Community Center for over 2 years even though they were not residents of Westcreek. When this came to light to the new office manager it was addressed with the current BOD and the children were told by the BOD they could not come back to class. After four months of attempts by community members the children were allowed to attend class again. The children did nothing wrong however attendees for all classes and events organized and offered by the HOA must be residents of Westcreek and be current on membership dues. Who gets to decide who is exempt from this requirement and if we allow this exception now how can we reasonably expect the BOD to enforce this policy or any policy for that matter in the future?
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ONE TIME CHARGE ON COMMON PRIVACY FENCES? The Board and Community Center personnel spent $700,000 on a fence project in 2004. If your house had a privacy fence that was located on a major street you were required to pay half the cost, approximately $ 350,000. Our assessments were suppose to cover this cost. The homeowners were told this will be a one time charge. The board is now asking the homeowners to pay for repairs on the privacy fences again which is IN VIOLATION of the Bylaws Section XXII, 12.01 (B)
This is a sad sad situation, unfortunately the fact of the matter is that while the previous BOD had good intentions in offering the 50/50 deal, it should have never been arranged that way. The privacy fences along the common areas are actually according to Bexar County, property of each individual homeowner and can not be classified as common property owned by the HOA. Even though we all assumed our assessments were paying for the maintenance of the fences in the common areas, the reality is homeowners need to maintain the fences out of their own pockets and adhere to the CCR's outlined.
If you are a Westcreek resident, I highly recommend you take the time to attend the 9/28 Town Hall meeting. If you want information about these issues and have suggestions or ideas that could help our BOD and the HOA staff serve our community better, you need to come to the meetings and get the facts from the source.
the community manager told her side of the situation with the 2 senior citizens, of course she wasn't telling the truth you don't have to be a cop to tell she was lying. Her staff backed her up up for fear of losing their jobs. Ask yourself why would 2 women who were so upset get up there on that podium and tell their story if it was not a fact?
In response to noplacelikeWA
You need to get your facts straight and your previous post is partly correct, some half truths, and some that you should have posted the whole section of the by-laws and let people come to their own decision. DID YOU KNOW YOUR ASSESSMENT DUES COULD BE RAISED AGAIN? Our assessment dues were raised last year and are likely to be raised again as mentioned during the August Board Meeting. We have some of the lowest dues in San Antonio, but we need to have accountability and transparency on how our money is being spent now and in the future. Stop the misuse of our money and we want answers.
According to the Covenants For Maintenance Assessments Section 5.03 Basis of Annual Assessments - increases to the assessments that do not amount to more than 10% can be made with out a vote from the homeowners
Basically yes our assessment was increased by less than 10% and can be increased again by less than 10% without homeowner approval. The BOD did explain that while assessments have not changed for the past 17yrs, that in itself was likely a mistake. If you simply consider the cost of living increases that we all experience every year, it is clear that the dollar does not go as far today as it did 17yrs ago.
This is correct, but why is the increase needed? DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 3 HOUSES THE BOARD BOUGHT? The Board bought 3 houses that we can prove and there could possibly be more. One is being rented for $1,100. The second one is under contract to be purchased with an asking price of $129,000 and is appraised at approximately $ 140,000 or more.
These homes were "purchased" according to TX Property Code 209, a completely legitimate transaction. All be it I do think the BOD needs to address why these assets are taking so long to be listed on the Balance Sheet, these purchases are not shady and they did not use our money to buy up properties with out our knowledge or permission.
Again show them on the books The Board and the Community Center personnel forced 4 children from attending Karate Classes which are held at the Community Center. This class was not full; they were current on payments and had been taking classes for over two years. They were told by the Board they could not come back to class. After four months of attempts by community members the children were allowed to attend class again. The children did nothing wrong and the action was sending the wrong message about our community. We have some very insensitive people on the Board, one of which still voted to ban the four children from participating even after hearing the community outcry for the injustice the Board’s decision resulted in. This vote was supposed to be in the minutes, which are not currently on the website.
The Board and the HOA staff allowed 4 children to attend Karate Classes which are held at the Community Center for over 2 years even though they were not residents of Westcreek. When this came to light to the new office manager it was addressed with the current BOD and the children were told by the BOD they could not come back to class. After four months of attempts by community members the children were allowed to attend class again. The children did nothing wrong however attendees for all classes and events organized and offered by the HOA must be residents of Westcreek and be current on membership dues. Who gets to decide who is exempt from this requirement and if we allow this exception now how can we reasonably expect the BOD to enforce this policy or any policy for that matter in the future?
This is a half truth = a lie. Too long to go into with limited time and space will be willing to talk to anyone after the townhall meeting. DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ONE TIME CHARGE ON COMMON PRIVACY FENCES? The Board and Community Center personnel spent $700,000 on a fence project in 2004. If your house had a privacy fence that was located on a major street you were required to pay half the cost, approximately $ 350,000. Our assessments were suppose to cover this cost. The homeowners were told this will be a one time charge. The board is now asking the homeowners to pay for repairs on the privacy fences again which is IN VIOLATION of the Bylaws Section XXII, 12.01 (B)
This is a sad sad situation, unfortunately the fact of the matter is that while the previous BOD had good intentions in offering the 50/50 deal, it should have never been arranged that way. The privacy fences along the common areas are actually according to Bexar County, property of each individual homeowner and can not be classified as common property owned by the HOA. Even though we all assumed our assessments were paying for the maintenance of the fences in the common areas, the reality is homeowners need to maintain the fences out of their own pockets and adhere to the CCR's outlined.
If you are a Westcreek resident, I highly recommend you take the time to attend the 9/28 Town Hall meeting. If you want information about these issues and have suggestions or ideas that could help our BOD and the HOA staff serve our community better, you need to come to the meetings and get the facts from the source.
Instead of telling people what to think the by-laws of the Villages of Westcreek Atricle 12, Assessments and Liens
12.01 Purpose of Assessnebts, The Assessments levied hereunder by the Association shall be used exclusively for the purpose of protecting and promoting the comfort,collective mutal enjoyment, health and welfare of the Owners, residents and tenants of the Property, including but not limited to, the following: (a) The improvement, maintenance, reparir or replacement to any and all common
Areas improvements, including, but not limited to, landscaped areas and easements, along with the cost of any associated management or supervisory services, fees, labor, equipments and materials; (b) The special maintenance repair or replacement of improvements located in Common Areas, including the maintenance of privacy fences abutting a Major Street
I believe these fences are located in the right of way or easements given the HOA the ability to repair or replacement them, so why is the board not following the by-law. The board or committee can not change the by-laws without 75% of the homeowners approval.
All these questions have been asked of the board many times without getting answers until last night and we got half truths, then.
DID YOU KNOW THAT POSTING PARTIAL TRUTHS ABOUT INFORMATION ON THIS FORUM COULD DETER POTENTIAL BUYERS FROM WANTING TO COME TO WESTCREEK?
I think it's a little late for that--I mean, what page is this thread on? One hundred sixty-something?
Besides, people interested in Westcreek are hopefully smart enough to sort the wheat from the chaff. It was more than the info in this thread that turned us off to Westcreek.
DID YOU KNOW YOUR ASSESSMENT DUES COULD BE RAISED AGAIN? Our assessment dues were raised last year and are likely to be raised again as mentioned during the August Board Meeting. We have some of the lowest dues in San Antonio, but we need to have accountability and transparency on how our money is being spent now and in the future. Stop the misuse of our money and we want answers.
According to the Covenants For Maintenance Assessments Section 5.03 Basis of Annual Assessments - increases to the assessments that do not amount to more than 10% can be made with out a vote from the homeowners
Quote:
Basically yes our assessment was increased by less than 10% and can be increased again by less than 10% without homeowner approval. The BOD did explain that while assessments have not changed for the past 17yrs, that in itself was likely a mistake. If you simply consider the cost of living increases that we all experience every year, it is clear that the dollar does not go as far today as it did 17yrs ago.
They absolutely CAN raise it by up to 10% but SHOULD they? This HOA has an annual budget of over $1 MILLION. Yes the cost of living has gone up over the years but so has the number of homes paying into this HOA...and that number is still on the rise. Over 3,200 homes in Westcreek now.
The CC&Rs which are still being given to new residents today says in para 5.03 - Basis of Annual Assessments a total of $48 which is part of the "Covenants For Maintenance Assessments" and in para 8.03 - Basis of Annual Assessments a total of $180 which is part of the "Covenants For Maintenance Assessments For Homeowners Common Areas". These two total $228 when combined. There has never been any documentation presented to get the amount from $228 up to $257 which was the amount last year. Now its what $264. Supposedly the BOD has NEVER raised the assessments until this year. So, without that documentation, every homeowner from about 1987 until 2009 should be owed a refund of $29 per year...that's an extra $87,000 per year based on 3,000 homes. That would also make this years assessments too high since they could have only been raised up to $22.80 (based on 10% of $228) meaning at most this year's assessments could be $250.80...prompting yet another refund that should be due to homeowners for 2009. There is talk about some documentation related to some new bank with two different associations dating back to the 1987 S&L crash but it has not yet been produced and provided to the residents.
I agree with WC2005 sounds like you were at the same Board Meeting that I was at.
Just to let everyone know the board and management frequent this blog. The girl that came after me last night for posting issues stated that she started this blog 2 years ago and went on and on about factual information. Then we all received a note which made the Board look like they are doing a wonderful job. What meeting was this person at last night or what side of the table were they sitting on? I saw nothing but frustrated homeowners come up empty handed again.
What did you all think about the Board Meeting?
P.S. If you don't hear from me again it is because she messed with my ID.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wc2005
DID YOU KNOW YOUR ASSESSMENT DUES COULD BE RAISED AGAIN? Our assessment dues were raised last year and are likely to be raised again as mentioned during the August Board Meeting. We have some of the lowest dues in San Antonio, but we need to have accountability and transparency on how our money is being spent now and in the future. Stop the misuse of our money and we want answers.
According to the Covenants For Maintenance Assessments Section 5.03 Basis of Annual Assessments - increases to the assessments that do not amount to more than 10% can be made with out a vote from the homeowners
They absolutely CAN raise it by up to 10% but SHOULD they? This HOA has an annual budget of over $1 MILLION. Yes the cost of living has gone up over the years but so has the number of homes paying into this HOA...and that number is still on the rise. Over 3,200 homes in Westcreek now.
The CC&Rs which are still being given to new residents today says in para 5.03 - Basis of Annual Assessments a total of $48 which is part of the "Covenants For Maintenance Assessments" and in para 8.03 - Basis of Annual Assessments a total of $180 which is part of the "Covenants For Maintenance Assessments For Homeowners Common Areas". These two total $228 when combined. There has never been any documentation presented to get the amount from $228 up to $257 which was the amount last year. Now its what $264. Supposedly the BOD has NEVER raised the assessments until this year. So, without that documentation, every homeowner from about 1987 until 2009 should be owed a refund of $29 per year...that's an extra $87,000 per year based on 3,000 homes. That would also make this years assessments too high since they could have only been raised up to $22.80 (based on 10% of $228) meaning at most this year's assessments could be $250.80...prompting yet another refund that should be due to homeowners for 2009. There is talk about some documentation related to some new bank with two different associations dating back to the 1987 S&L crash but it has not yet been produced and provided to the residents.
Most of the resident's comments last night were good and legitimate issues, concerns, complaints. There were however some that were just gripes from a couple of people who don't know the rules. For example...
- written up for not asking about changing the color of house paint. Residents must ask IAW the Standards. The ARC was looking at revising the Standards for clarity and to add a bit of common sense over a year ago but that apparently fell to the wayside.
- Someone wanted to change the 75% rule without getting 75% concurrence. Can't be done. That is the rule. If we can get 75% of the homes to concur, then that number could be changed to 51, or 50, or 10, or 2, or 1, or whatever.
If anyone has an issue, bring it up but please KNOW THE RULES that must be abided by. Go read the CC&R, the Bylaws, and the Standards as these are the written rules that govern the actions of the HOA.
I was at the meeting last night. Here are some issues of concern:
1. Crime. What are we going to do about it? 7 homes in 2 days all broken in during broad daylight by breaking through a locked front door. Our neighborhood is clearly under attack. We need to nip this now before someone is seriously injured. Also, once it escalates it will cause permanent damage to our community in terms of reputation, thereby decreasing our property values. Hiring a security company should be priority number 1.
2. Phone Bill. I was stunned to hear about the $7,000 phone bill incurred by the HOA. I'd like more information on that. How many phones is this for? Are they land lines...mobile phones...perhaps a combination? Who has possession of these phones? Are all the calls business related? Can I see them?
3. The fences. It looks to me that the HOA has the responsibility of maintaining those fences along the major roadways according to the Bylaws. My home is not situated along those roadways but this issue affects me as well. If we allow the BOD to disregard the Bylaws now it will set a precedence on future issues. If they want to make a change, they need to change the Bylaws and get the 75% concurrence. Rules are rules! Also, if homeowners are responsible for the upkeep it means that fences will be put up at different times and because the fences will be in various stages of aging, the fence line will not look uniformed at all...not to mention variances in the stains used.
4. Homes. I need confirmation on how the three homes were purchased by the HOA. The BOD did not directly state how those these properties were acquired. Show me the paperwork and I will be satisfied. Also, under what authority do they have to purchase homes? This is an HOA not a Real Estate Investment Company. Why did we buy them? Who lives in them? Where are the rent payments going? Additionally, if everything is on the up and up...why was this such a secret? Why weren't the plans to purchase these homes announced on the website and/or newsletter? Were the intent of the purchases discussed in a board meeting?
There are too many things that just don't feel right. I'm spreading the word about the Town Hall meeting next week to all of my neighbors and letting them know about the issues on the table. I hope everyone is doing the same.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The women who got in Code Blue's face last night should have been restrained from acting in an unprofessional manner. She needs to be watched at the town hall meeting, and have the BCSD escort her to a seat or to his squad car. That type of behavior is just like the attitude RECEIVED BY OUR 2 BELOVED SENIOR CITIZENS. WATCH OUT FOR HER! DO NOT LET ANYONE GET IN YOUR 3 FEET OF PERSONAL SPACE! EVER THAT IS A NO NO!
There are spies amongst us
Just to let everyone know the board and management frequent this blog. The girl that came after me last night for posting issues stated that she started this blog 2 years ago and went on and on about factual information. Then we all received a note which made the Board look like they are doing a wonderful job. What meeting was this person at last night or what side of the table were they sitting on? I saw nothing but frustrated homeowners come up empty handed again. 
