FOREST COVE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
2001 ANNUAL REPORT
April 11 2001
This has been a very challenging year for our community. We are happy to report on the past year's accomplishments in Forest Cove. There have been some disappointments; however, together we can meet and over come any challenge presented to us now, or in the future.
1. Superneighborhood
In August 2000, Forest Cove became part of the Kingwood Superneighborhood
Council. The purpose of the Council is to empower communities to solve their
problems in partnership with the City of Houston. It brings community stakeholders
together to identify projects in the community. Stakeholders include school
officials, merchants, clergy and community associations. During the first
part of the year the Council has concentrated in developing a Capital Improvement
Projects list to present City of Houston. Although the FCPOA board actively
voiced opposition to connecting Hamblen Rd to Woodland Hills, the Council
has included a proposal to widen Hamblen to four lanes and connect it to
Woodland Hills.
2. Streetlights
All streetlights have been installed in the Forest Cove Area. Much time
was invested driving throughout the community to find the best place to
install the lights. Safety factors as well as homeowner's wishes were considered
prior to the installation. Every intersection and/or curve on the road,
which was considered a safety hazard due to lack of lighting, has been resolved.
Residents have given the sign of approval to the project specially those
south of Hamblen road.
3. Drainage
The 1.7 million dollar project on the north end of Forrest Cove was completed
this year. However, the new ditches are excessively deep in some areas and
standing water remains a problem. These issues were brought to the attention
of County and City officials. The County has responded that some problems
may exist, however, there is no plan to fix them. After the ditches were
completed, damaged streets were patched and Chestnut Ridge Drive received
a total face-lift, including center stripe and side markers.
4. Neighborhood Streets
The speed humps on Forest Cove Drive were removed at the request of the
City of Houston Fire Department. A survey of residents was conducted. Most
residents indicated they would prefer to have the humps removed from Forest
Cove streets. The Board subsequently requested the City remove the humps.
Unfortunately, the City indicated that speed humps would be removed only
upon request from the affected street residents according to City policy.
The Stop sign removed from the intersection of Palmetto and Cypress has
been replaced after a long and continuous dialogue with City officials.
Lakeview Circle has been cleaned and barricaded to keep debris from being
dumped there. The sandpit on Hamblen road is a safety hazard. City Police
indicated that City of Houston Neighborhood Protection would take action
to make the owners mitigate the safety hazard on the south side of Hamblen
road. Police have now indicated that Neighborhood Protection will take no
action on the issue.
5. Deed Restrictions
The Board has appointed a Deed Restriction Committee made of community residents
to investigate possible violations. Expenses related to deed restriction
enforcement ($9000/yr.) have been virtually eliminated by the committee
taking over responsibility to patrol the neighborhood for violations. This
has been highly successful and residents have generally been cooperative.
Deed Restrictions prohibiting water wells have been eliminated in Sections
three, four, five, six, and Country Club Estates Section two. Efforts continue
to eliminate the water well prohibition in all sections of Forest Cove.
6. Architectural Control
The architectural control committee receives, reviews and approves building
and construction plans. Plans submitted to the committee are reviewed to
insure conformance with deed restriction guidelines. During the past year,
the Architectural Control Committee issued 38 construction or remodeling
permits.
7. Community Building
Our Community Center continues to bring in badly needed revenues. The Garden
Club has donated curtains and a sprinkler system. The parking lot in front
of the building was paved and now we can park during rainy season without
having to wade through a mud puddle. The Choraliers and the Circle Eighters
continue to support the building by providing equipment and labor as needed.
The local Girl Scout Troop helped clean the gardens around the building.
8. Swimming Pool
Crystal Pools continues to do a great job operating the pool. The swimming
pool is an asset to our community and as such, it should be preserved. However,
the pool is aging and costly repairs will be needed in the very near future;
The Fightin' Frogs swim team continues to make the residents proud of their
accomplishments. This year the board voted to abolish the pool user fees.
Residents in good standing (all dues paid) may use the pool during regular
hours of operation.
9. Marina
Many residents have shown interest in re-opening the Forest Cove Marina.
At present the Marina is open to residents who join the Marina and Nature
Center. Several residents helped clean up the Marina and subsequently joined
the club. Residents who wish to use the Marina and Nature Center will be
charged a $10 fee to defray the costs of keeping the marina open.
10. Christmas Tree
The community again trimmed the Christmas tree at the intersection of Hamblen
Road and Forest Cove Drive. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, local
merchants donated money to the Community to buy the tree. On hand to help
decorate were community residents and the Choraliers who serenaded those
present with Christmas carols. Not to be outdone, Santa Claus took time
from his busy schedule to visit Forest Cove. Those present were treated
to cookies and cider donated by residents. Let's keep this tradition alive.
11. July 4th Celebration
The past Fourth of July was the best we ever had. The Vietnam Veterans,
Houston Chapter Color Guard, led the parade. Additionally, HPD helicopter,
fire trucks, horse drawn carriages, horseback riders, bicycles, floats,
and an array of antique cars participated in our parade. After the parade
the Buffalo Soldiers, in their colorful frontier uniforms, raised the flag
to start the festivities. The community was treated to music by a live band,
courtesy of a homeowner, door prices, courtesy of the local merchants and
a BBQ second to none. The BBQ again, was again second to none.
12. Beacon
During this reporting period Billie Wray, a long time resident of Forest
Cove and the Beacon Editor passed away in February 2001. Forest Cove Property
Owners Association lost one of its Board members with the passing of Ms.
Wray. Billie was a retired nurse who volunteered her time on the Property
Owner's Board and at a local hospital. The community lost a long time resident
whom we all are going to miss dearly. Ms. Betty Norman and Carol Williams
are our new Beacon editors.
13. Management Fees
The Board unanimously voted to raise the Management Fees from $50 to $70
a year. This increase was necessary to meet our operating expenses. The
operating cost had risen to the point whereby there were no other option
but to raise the fees. At present we have collected 86 percent of the fees.
The Board is prepared to aggressively pursue collection of delinquent fees.
Our next event in Forest Cove is the July 4th Parade and Barbecue, which falls on Wednesday this year. Tickets for the barbecue will go on sale in May. See any Board member to purchase your tickets. We as a Board always welcome suggestions to improve any of our activities. Please call Marian Burrows at (281) 358-3033 and share your suggestions with her. Let's make this July 4 a day to remember.
The Board urges all residents to attend the annual Forest Cove Property Owners Association meeting on May 16, 2001. During the meeting new Board officers will be elected. With your help, we can continue building on the long-standing tradition we have in Forest Cove. Absentee voting will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2001, at the Community Center.
As fellow residents we thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Your board members,
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Rafael Herandez, President -- Marian Burrows, Vice-Pres -- Kurt Hilarides,
Secretary
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Paul Caramanian, Treasurer - Walt Cook, Member --------- Jean Montes, Member
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Ben Neiman, Member ------- Max Pirner, Member -------- Jim Wallace, Member