Greater Mission Bend Area Council

We are headed into spring and have several events planned or in the works. In addition, there is a serious challenge being directed at our HOAs which, if successful, may do more to destroy the investment you have in your home than an army of termites.

First, the one event that is far enough along to talk about. The Greater Mission Bend Area Council began three years ago with a community meeting held at the Community Volunteer Fire Department on Bellaire. It was a typically warm summer evening in June and the bay of the fire station was full of citizens eager to get an update on security issues in the neighborhood. Speakers included Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert and numerous officials from local police departments, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department and area constables. Neither of our local school districts chose to send representatives from their respective police agencies.  Since much of the gang activity in our area comes from students in Alief and Fort Bend ISDs, that would have been very helpful to our cause.   It was an interesting and informative meeting and, as noted above, was actually the beginning of what has gone on to become the Greater Mission Bend Area Council.

Well, as they say, the time has come to do it again. Plans are as yet incomplete, but some time this summer, we will again hold a community meeting at the fire station to provide an update on security matters in the Greater Mission Bend Area. Stay tuned, and pass the word on to your friends and neighbors.

HOAs Under Attack

On another front, we must talk about a challenge facing our homeowners associations. We all know that disasters such as fire, wind, water, or even termites can destroy our homes. That is why we have homeowners insurance and pay for a fire department – to protect our biggest investment from such unpleasant events. But, there may be a challenge we as homeowners are facing, which has the potential to be just as devastating to our homes and our communities.

In the last legislative session, over 100 bills were introduced to weaken or destroy the ability of your homeowner’s association to protect your community, and in doing so, protect your home. Now I understand that no one likes paying your HOA assessment each year. I know I don’t like to write that check, but I do so willingly because the alternative is too scary to fathom. Let’s remind ourselves what an HOA does to earn the money we pay each year. And let’s begin by remembering that the HOA isn’t “them”. The HOA is “us.” We are the HOA. We contract with the HOA to provide services which benefit our community such as maintenance of common areas, pool maintenance and upkeep and the operation of many of the street lights in our various neighborhoods. In addition, the HOAs are charged with the responsibility of enforcing deed restrictions, which keep our neighborhoods from sliding into the ghetto.

If that last statement offends anyone, then ask yourself what would happen to your neighborhood if your neighbors could do anything they choose with their house. Anything! Would you like to have your neighbor’s house turned into an auto repair shop? We have just such a problem with a house on Winkleman right now. I won’t give an address but for over a year, one HOA has been working with a local resident who operates an auto repair shop in his driveway each weekend. For the moment, the HOA has prevailed and this activity has stopped. But what would happen if the HOA had not stepped in to address this problem on behalf of all the homeowers in the community? Would you want this happening on your street? There are many such activities which the HOAs address regularly. If the volunteers on your HOA board did not dedicate their time and energy to this thankless task, what do you imagine the outcome would be to our community.

Space does not allow me to list all the many challenges these HOA boards face routinely. Suffice it to say they are our last defense against the process of urban decay, which stands just outside the boundary to our community. In order to function, the HOA necessarily assesses a fee, which is collected annually. If a homeowner does not pay this assessment, then the HOA begins a process of attempting to collect the money owed. For the most part, this is not a heavy-handed process. From my experience, the HOAs bend over backwards to work with property owners who might be facing a financial hardship and are not able to write a check for the money owed. It is only after extended efforts to collect this money are unsuccessful that the HOA reluctantly turns to the legal process and files a lawsuit.

No one wants to file a lawsuit against a neighbor. Remember the board members are our neighbors who volunteer their time and serve without compensation. So when the decision is made to file a lawsuit to attempt to collect the money owed the HOA, it is a serious decision and a responsibility the board members do not take lightly. In essence, it becomes neighbors suing neighbors, and no one enjoys that process.

Once a lawsuit has begun, the HOA will file a lien against the property in question. This lien protects the interests of the HOA, and ultimately your interest as a homeowner. If matters are not resolved then eventually this process can end up in a foreclosure proceeding in which the property is sold to settle the debt. This is an extreme outcome and happens very rarely; but it is an essential part of the process to ensure that the fees which allow the HOA to operate are collected.

This is exactly the same process used by other taxing districts such as school districts and counties. There are legal safeguards built into the process to protect homeowners against abuse by an HOA (or a school district). In the end, it is the power to foreclose on a property which protects the interests of the community and ensures that your property values do not become victim to the destructive processes of urban decay. We did not move into this community to end up living in a ghetto; and it is the HOA which protects our interests as homeowners.

Thank goodness the process exists and is available to the HOAs by virtue of state law. Remember, we do not have any kind of zoning in the counties wherein our community lies.  Were it not for this power, imagine what would happen to your neighborhood.

Enter the State Legislature

Do not take that power for granted because it is under assault in the Texas Legislature. During the last legislative session, as noted above, over 100 bills were introduced to remove or severely restrict the power of HOAs to protect your investment in your home. If the power of the HOA to levy and collect assessments is taken away by the legislature then it will only be a matter of time before Mission Bend and surrounding communities decline to the point where few of us would want to live in this community.

PLEASE NOTE, this legislative onslaught is not only directed at Mission Bend. It is directed at HOAs around the state. Where will you move, assuming you can sell your property once this all begins?  And make no mistake about it, if this legislative agenda starts up in the next legislature, it will very likely succeed on the next try. Forewarned is forearmed, indeed.

Our local legislator, The Honorable Hubert Vo introduced a bill in the last legislative session which would have the effect of prohibiting your HOA from foreclosing on properties when owners do not pay their HOA assessment. We were shocked to find out about this initially.  It is unthinkable that Mr. Vo, who has stood shoulder to shoulder with us as we stared down TxDOT, would introduce a bill which could destroy the very fabric of our community.  Our shock turned to incredulity when we saw the tidal wave of legislation proposed by Mr. Vo’s pals in the Texas House.

For his part, Mr. Vo has not responded to requests to address our community’s concerns. You might say we have been stonewalled. We remain eager to discuss this matter with Mr. Vo, but to do so he must respond to our requests for a meeting. We have no interest in talking to Mr. Vo through his legislative assistants.  Mr. Vo has not responded to us as of the date of this publication.

There is so very much more which we need to say about this matter. We will do so in subsequent postings and newsletters. You will be shocked to find out just how this is already playing out in our local courts, where judges are already refusing to hear suits filed by local HOAs attempting to collect money owed. As they say, stay tuned and we will have more information for you shortly. And hopefully by then we will have heard from Mr. Vo. It is much better to get information first hand than to have it relayed by staff members. Again, stay tuned.

Mike Martin, President                                                                                                                Greater Mission Bend Area Council

WHAT:   The GMBAC will offer a workshop for HOA board members and staff of property management companies.  The topics will focus on the responsibilities of board members and working with attorneys and property managers.  Information will also cover how to deal with civil suits, issues with security, grants and fundraising, and architectural controls.  This will be a great opportunity to network with fellow HOA board members and to learn from each others experiences. 

A catered box lunch will be provided.  Board member Terry Blair has graciously volunteered his Mother to bake pies for this occasion.  This is a real “treat”. 

WHEN:  Saturday, April 24.  Hours are from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 

WHERE:  Community Volunteer Fire Department, 16003 Bellaire Blvd.

PRESENTERS:  Our program is proud to announce the following presenters:

Judge R. Jack Cagle, Presiding Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1

Kathy Terry, practicing attorney, representing HOAs since 1991, and currently representing approximately 40 associations.

Sherri Cary, Property Manager with High Sierra Management, Inc.

COST:  Council Members: $15.   Non-members: $25.

VENDORS’ BOOTHS will also be set up to provide information for attendees.

Saturday March 27. Is TRASH BASH… Cypress Creek at Collins Park…

Please see www.trashbash.org  for more details

Have you noticed the orange markers along the feeder road for the tollway as it runs through Mission Bend?  Well, at long last it is happening.  First there was the heavy landscaping at strategic places along the tollway.  Now the construction project is underway.  This part of the tollway will add a soundwall along the south side of the feeder road.  Long overdue, but welcomed nonetheless.  The project is scheduled for completion by June 1. 

This project is under the direction of Lisa Castaneda, P.E.  with the Harris County Infrastructure Department and Peter Key of the Harris County Toll Road Authority.  I want to thank Lisa and Peter for your service to our community.

It is a sad day in the neighborhood.   The Chronicle has decided to stop the publication of its weekly Alief/Southwest edition.  This hurts our neighborhood badly.  We have learned to rely on the Chronicle to get out information to our 60,000 citizens regarding significant events in our community.  Alief’s population is easily twice that of our area, so there is a significant population of people in West Houston who will no longer have a voice in the printed edition of the Chronicle.   Overall I would guess that about 200,000 people are deemed “not important” enough to rate a weekly paper.  I wonder how West Oaks Mall sees this?

Now if there is any kind of silver lining to this situation, it is that at least we won’t be bombarded with news from Sharpstown and Westbury.  My goodness.  Who was the brilliant soul who decided that Mission Bend and Alief were somehow terribly interested in the events of Westbury? Personally, I have many friends in Katy, some of whom are former neighbors.  I even have friends in Sugar Land.  But, I sure don’t know anyone in Westbury, or Sharpstown for that matter.  Do you?  I remember at the time trying to bring this matter to the attention of the powers that be at the Chronicle.  I might as well have been talking to a wall, which is not unlike my recent experience dealing with the Chron.  Some things never change, it seems. 

You will notice that our neighborhood edition has been replaced with a shiney new weekend edition featuring communities such as Katy, Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation and on and on.  Aren’t you impressed?  I guess we are supposed to be keenly interested in the goings on of these communities, more so than the trivial matters which happen around us daily.  You may feel differently, but most of the citizens in this area with whom I have spoken are pretty upset at this turn of events.

I spoke with editors at the Chronicle about this matter.  Have you ever noticed that bureaucrats ALWAYS have an excuse or a reason for any decision they make?  Well, I came away from my talks with the Chronicle feeling foolish for ever bringing up the matter.  I mean, they were the voice of reason.  They had wonderful and perfectly cogent reasons for this decision.  I even got the impression that I was missing the point for asking the question.  I guess you could say I left the conversation with my hat in my hand apologizing for even bothering them.  That, my friends, is what makes a bureaucrat a bureaucrat.  They don’t pay ‘em to listen.  They pay ‘em to explain. 

At the end of the day, it goes like this.  The 60,000 residents of the Greater Mission Bend Area and the 150,000 residents of Alief don’t matter to the Chronicle.  Now in the finest bureaucratic tradition they would probably argue that they care deeply about our community.  To paraphrase, show me the money! 

Now, we can console ourselves with looking up the Chronicle’s online (i.e., Internet) edition to track down happenings in our area.  Just try and find it.  That is an adventure in itself.

Oh, in the spirit of truth, we are not totally without resources.  Should we care to deal with the online edition of the Chron weekly edition for our area, we are (proudly) informed that we may contact a Mr. Richard Zagrzecki at 713-362-6418.  So, if any of you want anything important placed on the Chronicle web site, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Zagrzecki. 

But, before you check out the Alief (there is no Mission Bend edition) online site, you might want to check out the Katy online edition and compare it to what we are left with.  I wouldn’t say we are being treated as third class citizens because someone might take offense.  So, I will let you draw your own conclusions.

I guess all I can say in closing is, Way to go Chronicle.  And you wonder why you are losing readership.  Ask me.  I’m no bureaucrat, but I bet I can explain it to you. 

Greater Mission Bend Area Council

February 3, 2010

www: missionbendtx.org/blog/                                               email: gmbacouncil@sbcglobal.net

                                    Board of Directors Attending:                               Absent:

A quorum was established and the meeting, which was held at the Community Volunteer Fire Station, 16003 Bellaire Blvd. @ Le Entrada (Addicks Clodine & Bellaire), Houston, Texas 77083, was called to order at 7:06 PM.

At this time, there are a total of 10 HOA representatives and 3 At-Large positions on the Board of Directors. It will require 7 members to form a quorum.

The Board approved the January 6, 2010 minutes, with a correction to page 3, regarding HOA Board Training Classes upcoming dates, being April 17^th or 24^th, not 17^th or 18th.

Guest, Christine Clark, Mission Bend North, Section 3 will be seated on the Board, pending receipt of their 2010 assessment dues, most likely by next month, March 3, 2010. Christine asked if someone from the Board would speak at her HOA’s annual meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 7:00 pm. Wayne Thompson agreed to meet with Christine and her other HOA members, to give them a brief overview of the GMBA Council.

The following committee reports were made:

Events – Dianne Williams

HOA Board Training Classes – The proposed workshop for HOA Board Members will be offered in April, either the 17^th or 24^th, depending on the schedules of the judge, an attorney and a property manager, who have volunteered their time to chair this workshop. Dianne will check with all three as to the date of their availability. Each one will be given approximately 45 minutes to speak on their area of expertise, followed by an open discussion. The training will include the responsibilities of board members, working with attorneys, property managers, civil suits, issues with security, grants and fundraising, architectural controls, civil suits, etc. It is proposed there would be a charge for the workshop. The Board agreed to charge Council members $15 and non-members $25. The workshop would be self-funding and has the potential of raising monies for the organization. The hours were suggested to be 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, with an hour for

lunch, which would be a catered box lunch. Terry Blair volunteered his Mother to bake two pies for the occasion.

Donna volunteered to help get notices of this meeting out to all known 39 HOAs in the GMBAC, as well as to others.

Incorporation – Tom Luksetich

The Articles of Incorporation application has been signed by Mike Martin, and Tom will file it tomorrow, February 4, 2010. The Council will need to prove it performs functions on behalf of the whole community—not just homeowners, which we can do by providing copies of the notices of the meetings with both of the County Judges, the Sheriffs, and with a copy of the Bylaws, etc.

Charlie Cupples is working with Tom on getting the 501C(4), which gives us a tax exempt status with the IRS.

Winetta handed out the Council’s proposed changes to Tom’s contract with the Board. After a brief review and one change of the term of Tom’s agreement with the GMBAC, which is to be extended to December 31, 2010. The Board voted unanimously to accept Tom’s contract.

Financial Report

Donna Kinerd presented the January 2010 financial report, which was unanimously approved by the Board, with many thanks to Donna for her work.

New Business

Mike asked if some “temporary” business cards could be made up to be used until a GMBAC logo could be established. Joyce volunteered to print up several for Mike, Dianne, Winetta, Donna and Bob, who stated they would like to have them also.

Mike mentioned that the web site is still pending; but he hopes to have the work completed very soon. There will also be a new email address.

Winetta volunteered to send thank you letters to Sheriffs Wright and Garcia. She will prepare them for Mike’s signature.

Donna proposed to send out the notes on the meeting with Sheriffs Wright and Garcia to all of the known 39 HOAs, as well as others. Each Board member was encouraged to pass these notes along to their respective HOA board members.

Mike reported that last month he, Dianne, Donna, Winetta and Bob met with the West Oaks Mall manager, Tony Daniel, and with a representative of the mall’s new owners (a Los Angeles company called Pacific Retail Capital Partners), who have taken over the mall after the former mall owners went bankrupt. Mr. Daniel told the group that all of the anchor stores are now profitable. Mr. Daniel expressed a great interest in working with the GMBAC and with the community as a whole. Andy Cerota, with Channel 13, came out and did a report on the mall.

Andy Cerota also reported last month on the severe flooding problem occurring in the Clayton area. As a result Donna finally heard from the Flooding Coalition of Houston, after many phone call attempts, which went unanswered.

Dianne reported that the racing problem on Westheimer has picked up again. She spotted a group of “racers” congregating on the parking lot of the U-Haul business, and called the Sheriff’s office for assistance. Unfortunately, she waited over 20 minutes in an unsafe area, so she left. She plans to follow up with the Sheriff’s office about the lack of a timely response.

Bob mentioned he had received notice that his flood insurance deductible and premium were going to double. He placed a call to Washington, DC and asked that new floodplain maps be issued. This subject was tabled until the March 3, 2010 meeting.

Mike suggested the Council consider the next community meeting be scheduled with our County Commissioners, Andy Meyers and Steve Radack. It was proposed to try to hold this meeting sometime in May 2010.

Mike also mentioned that he is exploring ways to build good relationships with our area M.U.D.s. He suggested one good way to do this would be to sponsor a meeting with the approximately 15 M.U.D.s

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM

Submitted by:

__________________________

Joyce Nible, Secretary

Greater Mission Bend Area Council

January 6, 2010

www: missionbendtx.org/blog/                                               email: gmbacouncil@sbcglobal.net

                                    Board of Directors Attending:                               Absent:

A quorum was established and the meeting, which was held at the Community Volunteer Fire Station, 16003 Bellaire Blvd. @ Le Entrada (Addicks Clodine & Bellaire), Houston, Texas 77083, was called to order at 7:05 PM.

At this time, there are a total of 10 HOA representatives and 3 At-Large positions on the Board of Directors. It will require 7 members to form a quorum.

The Board approved the December 2, 2009 minutes.

Guest, Rhonda Robinson, Kingsbridge Village Treasurer as well as Michelle Gabel, Keegans Ridge, GMBAC Director had asked to have a discussion regarding the annual fees. After a brief discussion of the 2009 and 2010 budgets, they were in agreement with the $1/homeowner assessment. After sitting in on the January 2, 2010 meeting, Rhonda stated she was very impressed with the way the Council was conducting its business and with its involvement in the Greater Mission Bend Area community.

The following committee reports were made:

Incorporation – Tom Luksetich

The Articles of Incorporation will be filed before the February 2010 meeting. The Council will need to prove it performs functions on behalf of the whole community—not just homeowners, which we can do by providing copies of the notices of the meetings with both of the County Judges, the Sheriffs, and with a copy of the Bylaws, etc.

Charlie Cupples has agreed to volunteer his time to work with Tom on getting the 501C(4), which gives us a tax exempt status with the IRS.

Winetta handed out the Council’s proposed changes to Tom’s contract with the Board. After a brief review and suggested minor changes, the Board asked Winetta to prepare the final contract to be presented at the February Board meeting for final approval. In the interim of a signed contract, the Board voted to have Tom fulfill his obligations to the Board for the next 30 days, and approved he be compensated fully for all the duties he has performed since coming to the Board on November 4, 2009, by presenting any such expenses to Donna (and copying Joyce and Mike), who will prepare reimbursement checks and bring them for Tom at the following Board meeting.

The Board voted unanimously to nominate Tom as our registered representative for meeting all State & Federal notice requirements.

Events – Dianne Williams

We are still on schedule for the meeting planned to include the Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia and Fort Bend County Sheriff, Milton Wright, to be held Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Mission Bend United Methodist Church, 3710 Highway 6 South, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 P.M. Dianne asked that if there are any other questions the community would like to ask these two sheriffs, they be submitted to her right away so they can be added to the prepared moderated list of questions for this meeting. Each representative of an HOA was reminded to notify and invite their respective HOAs to attend this important community meeting. No media will be invited to attend this meeting; however, Mike volunteered to notify the Houston Chronicle, which will cost approximately $45. Mike agreed to contact the church to ask to use their marquee sign located out on Highway 6 to advertise this meeting, and to contact Gary Blondell to run the church’s PA system. Donna will call Pat Lykos, Harris County District Attorney, to invite her or her representative to attend this meeting.

Security Committee –Bob Leitner

Bob discussed the results of his research of a new PA system for the Council to purchase. He recommended a Feders, Passport Deluxe Pd-150Portable PA (150 watts), which includes one stationary microphone, for $439 plus the cost of 2 cordless microphones at $80/each.

The Board unanimously voted to make this purchase, approving up to $700. Bob will first get an updated price for this equipment.

Financial Report

Donna Kinerd presented the December 2, 2010 financial report, which was unanimously approved by the Board.

New Business

Chuck and Kevin asked the Board if they could offer suggestions to their HOAs (Clayton), (plus 12 other Clayton HOAs, who are not currently members of the Council), ways each HOA can terminate their current agreement with an AMI Master Association agreement, wherein they are currently being billed $0.00684/SF. Donna offered to email Tom a copy of this agreement for his review and suggestions.

Joyce mentioned to the Council a problem Mission Bend South has recently encountered in the Fort Bend County courts, wherein a judgment was being sought against a delinquent homeowner. The court declined to agree to the judgment, delaying by ordering the HOA to prove its year-to-year annual assessments fees, going back to when it was $99 (date unknown) to its current $397.08. Joyce will provide the council with the name of the specific court in which this happened.

Winetta will prepared a thank you letter for Terry Blair’s mother, who baked four pies and a sheet cake, which were given to the firefighters in appreciation of all their work for the community and for making their physical facilities available to the Council for various meetings.

Winetta handed out copies of the Council Bylaws to those who didn’t have a copy, and asked

that each one sign their receipt of a copy.

The Board reviewed the proposed January 2010 Newsletter and voted unanimously to accept it, as prepared by Donna Kinerd.

Old Business

HOA Board Training Classes – The proposed workshop for HOA Board Members will be offered in April, either the 17^th or 18^th, depending on scheduled of the judge and an attorney, who have volunteered their time to chair this workshop. Training will include the responsibilities of board members, working with attorneys, property managers, civil suits, issues with security, grants and fundraising, architectural controls, civil suits, etc. . It is proposed there would be a charge for the workshop. It was suggested that Council members be charged $30 and non-members $50. The workshop would be self-funding and has the potential of raising monies for the organization. A local restaurant will be looked into for this workshop, one where the attendees can buy a meal, if they so desire.

Informational Contact List – Donna suggested an informative list be put together of various people and phone numbers to contact regarding services for our community, i.e. emergency numbers, service companies, etc. Donna asked each director to submit some suggestions. Donna will send a copy of her proposal to Tom for review.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM

Submitted by:

__________________________

Joyce Nible, Secretary

Greater Mission Bend Area Council

December 2, 2009

www: missionbendtx.org/blog/                                               email: gmbacouncil@sbcglobal.net

                                    Board of Directors Attending:                               Absent:

A quorum was established and the meeting, which was held at the Community Volunteer Fire Station, 16003 Bellaire Blvd. @ Le Entrada (Addicks Clodine & Bellaire), Houston, Texas 77083, was called to order at 7:05 PM.

At this time, there are a total of 10 HOA representatives and 3 At-Large positions on the Board of Directors. It will require 7 members to form a quorum.

The Board approved the November 9, 2009 minutes.

The Board voted unanimously to seat the newest HOA member to the GMBA Council, Michelle Gabel, Representative of Keegans Ridge, who replaced Brett Colbert, who resigned.

The following committee reports were made:

Events – Dianne Williams

A meeting is planned to include the Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia and Fort Bend County Sheriff, Milton Wright, to be held Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Mission Bend United Methodist Church, 3710 Highway 6 South, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 P.M., to express our appreciation to the sheriffs for the work they do in our neighborhoods and share our community concerns. State Senator, Joan Huffman has expressed an interest in attending, if possible. Bob Leitner will invite Sgt. Boatman (Mission Bend Civic’s HOA Contract Deputy). It was suggested that each of the HOAs be encouraged to attend this meeting, having presented their particular problems in advance for a Question & Answer session to be moderated. No media will be invited to attend this meeting.

Graffiti – It was mentioned that Sherwin Williams Paint Store has a 3-step solvent to cover most all graffiti from fences, walls, etc.

Incorporation – Bob Leitner

Bob and Attorney, Tom Luksetich met. The Secretary of State’s website was checked and found that our name (Greater Mission Bend Area Council) is OK. It was determined a 501C(4) covers member homeowners only. The Board voted unanimously to delegate to Tom and the Committee to complete the forms and submit them to the Secretary of State. In answer to the Board’s enquiry, Tom advised his charge to the Council to file the 501C(4) will be $300.00. Tom will pay the expenses and the Council will reimburse him.

Tom presented his proposed contract to the Board for review. After a brief review, the Board appointed a committee—Terry Blair and Winetta—to rewrite a contract, from the Council to Tom, basically using the verbiage from Tom’s proposed contract. It was decided the Council will operate on a temporary contract for Tom to continue providing service to the Board until a final contract is agreed upon.

Insurance – Dianne Williams

Our Board insurance is now in effect at a cost of $608.00 annually.

Security Committee – Dianne Williams

The committee has asked for a six-month budget.

Winetta prepared a thank you letter for Joan Huffman and Joyce brought a thank you card for the Mission Bend United Methodist Church for allowing us the use of their facilities so often, both of which were passed around for the Board to sign. Terry Blair’s mother baked four pies and a sheet cake, which were given to the firefighters in appreciation of all their work for the community and for making their physical facilities available to the Council for various meetings.

Donna Kinerd presented the November 2009 financial report, which was unanimously approved by the Board.

Donna asked that anyone with an invoice to be reimbursed have those invoices to Donna before December 31, 2009.

It was discussed that should the Council dissolve, the remaining funds will be refunded back to the HOAs.

The Board voted unanimously that the proposed 2010 budget be approved, as amended (ink cartridges $230, not $50); a public address system $700, not $500); and add advertising $1,800.

The Board also voted unanimously to set the 2010 Assessments at $1.00/household (the same as was done in 2009). It was voted to send a “consolidated” copy of the 2010 budget along with the 2010 Assessments.

The Board reviewed the proposed December Newsletter and voted unanimously to accept it, as prepared by Donna Kinerd.

New Business

A report was made to the Board on the meeting with the Alief ISD Board Candidates on October 24, 2009 at the Fire Station, which went well.

The meeting with State Senator, Joan Huffman on Saturday, November 7, 2009 also went well. Senator Huffman appears to be very interested in our group and wants to work with us at the Texas Legislature.

Terry Blair gave the Board an update on providing a Code of Conduct to Govern the Board, Employees and Committee Members. After some discussion the following was unanimously approved:

The GMBAC commitment is to our homeowners associations, our homeowners, and the community, which we serve.

We will approach our tasks by remaining honest, ethical and trustworthy. It is critical that we respect everyone at every level of our community and take responsibility for our actions as individuals, as board members, and as the GMBAC. We will be accountable as we work together, supporting one another to create a better community.

Mike Martin reported he is still working to complete the website Blog package. The name of the platform is WordPress and is considered one of the most popular blogging programs around (www.wordpress.org ). However, it is really much more than a blogging program. Several university sites and daily newspapers, including the New York Times, use this same platform. This platform is robust and once set up is very stable. It is extremely hard to hack and does not suffer from the many problems of other traditional html sites. WordPress is extremely easy to update and serves beautifully for an announcement site. WordPress uses an open source code. The downside is that there is a bit of a learning curve. Mike and Kevin Jackson will be working together to complete this platform, if at all possible. If not, the use of a consultant has been budgeted. They hope to have this program up and running by Sunday, December 5, 2009.

Mike reported that emails do constitute a quorum, according to our inquiry to Katy Dorfman, Allen, Boone, Humphries & Robinson.

Christina Clark, Representative from Mission Bend North 3, has completed all the required forms and required information (except a copy of her Texas driver’s license), and her HOA will be joining the Council in January 2010.

A committee was formed to decide on a logo for the GMBAC. Winetta, Donna and Chuck will prepare some suggestions and email their decisions to the Board. Winetta suggested BK Printing might be consulted for a final rendering.

It was discussed that Baltazar Gutierrez, Mission Bend 5 HOA, who had attended our October 7, 2009 meeting, had indicated he would look into his HOA joining the Council, even though they have previously declined. No further word has been heard from this HOA. We will follow up to encourage their participation in the Council.

Donna agreed she will work on forming a Vendor Committee to develop a negotiated vendor list after obtaining a scope of work for bids.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

Submitted by:

___________________________________________

Joyce Nible, Secretary

Greater Mission Bend Area Council

November 4, 2009

www: gmbac.com                                                                email: list@missionbendtx.org

                                    Board of Directors Attending:                                    Absent:

A quorum was established and the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.

At this time, there are a total of 10 HOAs and 3 At-Large positions on the Board of Directors. Keegan’s Ridge has not yet turned in the necessary paperwork for a replacement for Brett Colbert, who resigned. However, at this time, it will still take 7 members to form a quorum.

The Board voted unanimously to select Tom Luksetich, as the attorney to represent the GMBAC. Tom has lived in the Mission Bend area since 1990. The former attorney, Katie Dorfman, Allen, Boone, Humphries & Robinson ,who has volunteered her time to the GMBAC, has offered to be a backup, if needed. Our agreement with Tom is for him to charge us an hourly rate of $50. Tom was instructed that the first two matters for him to work toward at a flat rate to be determined, are GMBAC’s incorporation and the filing of the 501C(4) status, with the assistance of Charlie Cupples, who has volunteered to help. The Board also decided to have Tom attend the GMBAC’s December 2009 and the January, February and March 2010 monthly meetings, to be held on the 1^st Wednesday of each month. At that time, the Board will consider whether to continue to have Tom attend each month’s meeting. Tom will prepare a “Power of Attorney” (contract) to be between himself and the GMBAC, and send it to Mike for the Board’s signature.

The Board, having established a quorum, seated the newest HOA member to the GMBA Council, Jodie James, Representative of Kingsbridge Village HOA, having determined their HOA met all the established GMBAC Bylaw requirements, and are in good standing with the State of Texas.

Winetta handed out copies of the Bylaws for those who did not already have a copy, and ask them to sign that they received it.

The October 7, 2009 minutes were approved by the Board.

Dianne gave a report on the activities of the HOA Recruitment/Communications Committee—Winetta Billings and Donna Kinerd. Since the October 17^th meeting, Ron Servis, Judge Emmett’s assistant, has written the Council a letter and talked with the Committee. It was pointed out, among other things, that when holding meetings with our politicians, it would be best if we did not include the media. The Committee recommends that there should be a follow-up with both sheriff’s as well as other politicians. It is believed that due to our recent political contacts, traffic speeders have slowed and more traffic tickets have been cited. In addition, the underpasses have recently been cleaned.

This Committee will meet soon to decide how to change or perhaps share this Committee’s responsibilities with other members of the Board. Winetta will write a thank you letter to both Judge Emmett and Judge Hebert for attending the October 17^th Meet & Greet. Winetta will also pick up a $25 gift card from the Taste of Texas to thank Katie Dorfman for her pro bono legal assistance. Joyce will send a thank you note to the Mission Bend United Methodist Church for allowing us the frequent use of their facilities. Terry will bring homemade deserts to the Community Volunteer Fire Department to thank them for allowing us the use of their facilities to hold our monthly meetings. Winetta offered to provide donuts from Dunkin DoNuts (David ???) to be served at the upcoming Legislative meeting with State Senator, Joan Huffman on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

The Board decided to plan a meeting with both Milton Wright, Fort Bend County Sheriff and Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia to be held at either the fire station or at Mission Bend Civic HOA on either January 16^th or 23^rd, 2010. Terry will contact Sheriff Wright’s office.

It was proposed to invite Fort Bend County, Andy Meyers and Harris County Steve Radack, County Commissioners to hold a meeting with the GMBAC at a later meeting, date to be determined,

Dianne reported that the Committee has received a Directors of Directors insurance policy bid, which they recommend the Board accept. Tom quickly reviewed the policy and determined that it appeared to be acceptable. The policy is through Hartford Insurance and will cost $608 annually.

Bob reported that the Articles of Incorporation Committee has spoken with Charlie Cupples and will be working with the attorney, Tom Luksetich. It was decided that this committee will meet on Wednesday, November 11^th at “Bob’s Place.

Terry reported that the Code of Conduct to Govern Board, Employees & Committee Members will email a copy of a draft to each Board member to study and be prepared to vote on at the December 2, 2009 meeting.

Joyce suggested a Committee be established whereby “volunteer” HOA homeowners in the GMBA, who do not serve on the Board, can be utilized for such things as removing “bandit signs” from the esplanades and telephone poles, etc.; and also respond to the need for graffiti removal within the GMBA. Both of these issues will first need to be researched to determine the legal way to handle. Bill Birkline volunteered to work with this Committee as a volunteer. Wayne mentioned that he is currently providing this service within his own HOA.

Dianne suggested each Committee plan to hold at least one meeting before the next monthly meeting, December 2, 2009.

The Directors, who are not currently serving on a committee, were asked if there were areas in which they would like to participate.

Veronica agreed to be responsible for setting of for meetings (with the assistance of some manual labor) and to man the sign-in table.

Chuck offered to use his talents as a web designed to work with Mike in establishing the Web Site and/or perhaps a Blog Site. Chuck will bring his laptop to the December 2, 2009 meeting, to demonstrate.

Jodie offered her expertise as a photographer, designer of invitations, graphics, and to create a Logo for the GMBAC.

Donna handed out a copy of the GMBAC’s financial statement, as of October 31, 2009. Veronica and Bob offered to serve with Donna on the Finance Committee. Bart made the motion to approve the finance report, seconded by Bob and it was approved by the Board.

It was decided the December 2, 2009 meeting will be primarily devoted to finalizing the 2010 budget and determining the amount to be set for 2010 dues to the GMBAC.

Donna mentioned she would like to try again to put out a GMBA Newsletter, and would appreciate input from each Board member. Mike asked Donna to hold a space for a “message from the President,” which he will prepare.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM

Submitted by:

___________________________________________

Joyce Nible, Secretary

Some confirmed attendees to the “Meet and Greet” are Dr. Walter Jackson, Principal at Alief Taylor High School and Ruth Garza, for the principal, Carol Hale of Fort Bend ISD. Mike is hoping Mr. Cherry from Albright Middle School will attend as well.

Wayne Thompson mentioned that a Constable from Precinct 4 would be attending and that we needed to recognize any public officials in attendance. Mike and Dianne assured the Council that this was part of the planned Agenda for the meeting. There will be time for the Judges to give a short talk, present each Judge with a commemorative cup, and present Judge Emmett with a certificate recognizing his contributions to Mission Bend. There will be a moderated Question and Answer period and time to mingle. Mike will present the certificate and Dr. Billings will present the cups, purchasing candy or coffee to be placed inside the cups. The certificate designed by Laura Beth Jackson will be used.

Mr. Baltazar Gutierrez offered to send out a mass mailing to invite the Alief Taylor H.S. Booster Club; but the Council recommended staying with the plan to invite community leaders, HOA Board Members and business owners. Any members of the public present at the event will be welcome.

Other community members yet to be contacted are Dr. Brueggan (Dianne will contact), the veterinarians on Winkleman ( not assigned to anyone), Attorney, Thomas Lukisetick, who was robbed recently at his home in Mission Bend. (Bob will invite him) Dr. Billings still needs to contact Dr. Stoerner, Alief ISD. Mr. Gutierrez knows several business owners he will invite for us.

Mike has been in contact with Sergeant Ron Boatman of the Harris County Sheriff Department and has asked him to join us at the meeting, but has learned that Sergeant Boatman may be out of town. Donna recommended that we ask him to send a representative if he cannot be present himself and several other Directors agreed. Bob said that Sergeant Boatman asked Bob to call him as soon as the meeting ends and update him on what took place if he is not at the meeting. He says that Sergeant Boatman very much wants this area to get additional help and is concerned about the lack of communication between the officers that cover this large area. Sergeant Boatman is in charge of the Harris County Sheriff program that provides extra patrols to neighborhoods that elect to pay for this service. Bob works with him as Mission Bend Civic has this service.

Bob further stated that crime is getting worse. We have professional criminals in the area that are studying the residents’ schedules so they can invade homes while the owners are absent. They are also stealing from cars. There have been three incidents in the past week in Bob’s HOA. Mr. Gutierrez inquired about a recent incident at the drainage ditch by the Whataburger on Highway 6 but no one had any information.

Mike said he wants us to inquire of the Judges to see if we can have reports sent to us on a regular basis describing the call incidents in the area. He would like to know if they would be willing to identify what percentage of the crime is committed by juveniles. He also asked Mr. Floyd and Mr. Gutierrez to look into ways Alief ISD could design programs that ultimately would lead to a decrease in the number of juveniles that get involved with gangs.

Dianne remembered a complaint by one resident about slow responses from emergency services but does not have verification of the incidents at this time and does not want to address this with the Judges until she has some documentation of the facts.

Donna represents Clayton where they had 12 homes flood in April 2009. The flooding is thought by the residents to be due to changes in the drainage system as a result of the Westpark Toll Road. Mike has learned from Lisa Castenada, Toll Road Project Manager that they are aware of this complaint and it is being investigated with a report due out in about one month. Given this information, Donna wondered if we should include this topic in the Q & A as previously planned and it was agreed it should be left in so that we can get an update.

Dr. Billings asked if we should ask the Judges for a legislative update and the Directors agreed.

Dianne asked for everyone to be at the church by 9 A.M. on October 17^th, to help set up. Mr. Gutierrez suggested contacting Dr. Jackson for help from the Honor Society students to assist with setting up tables and chairs and to serve refreshments. Council Directors will handle the sign-in sheets and other official business.

Photos were requested for the slide shows. All Directors present were asked to encourage their HOA board members to attend.

Mike wants the questions for the Judges sent to them by Friday, October 9^th.

Mike has asked Terry Blackburn to be the photographer for the event, but has not had confirmation.

Publicity – Mike will contact the Houston Chronicle. The television stations have not committed as of yet; but if they don’t respond by Friday, he will contact the Judges’ staffs for assistance.

The Alief ISD Candidates’ Forum is scheduled for October 24, 2009. All but two candidates will be attending. A venue has not been confirmed. The plan was to use the Fire Station but there was concern that the room might be too small. Mike asked Dr. Billings to check with Dr. Stoerner’s staff at Alief ISD to see if it would be permissible to hold the forum at Alief Taylor H.S., and if we get the OK, check with Dr. Jackson to see about using the LGI. Since they have audio visual equipment, it was decided to show the GMBAC’s slide show while setting up. Dianne suggested a moderated forum and all agreed. Mike will bring a timer and cards will be used to let the speakers know when their allotted time is about to end.

Mike will handle the publicity for the Candidates’ Forum. He will contact Anne Williams, put an announcement on the Houston Chronicle website, and put an ad in the Thursday edition of the Houston Chronicle or maybe get an article written about the Forum. FYI – Alief Super Neighborhood is having a similar forum October 21, 2009.

The last scheduled event is a legislative update November 7^th. Senator Joan Huffman will be coming but we do not know yet about Representative Vo. It was agreed that questions will be submitted to the participants in advance. The venue choices are Mission Bend United Methodist Church, Bob’s Place or possibly Rosemary’s Garden.

Finance Report – There were no expenses this past month. All HOAs have either paid or have a payment plan (Wingate). Timbergate is not in good standing with the state so they still cannot join the GMBAC.  There is $8,061.89 in the Council’s account.

Christina Clark, Board Member of Mission Bend North, 3 HOA, says she believes her Board is about to vote to join the GMBAC. They want to know if dues can be prorated or if they should wait until 2010 to join. The Directors present were in favor of prorating the dues, with August 2009 being the first month for which dues were collected.

Logos – Dianne presented several ideas, Wayne has several, Mike generated a spontaneous design at the meeting, and Laura Beth Jackson has done some work, including “The Water Tower.” Dianne asked that everyone be thinking about what they would like to do about a logo and Wayne said he would contact Laura Beth. Discussion ensued about the appropriateness of a logo with Mission Bend on it such as the Mission Bend water tower. Some HOA’s don’t really see themselves as “Mission Bend” yet Mission Bend is the name that has recognition in the community, the media, and with officials. Discussion will be continued at another meeting.

Mike reported that one of the MUD directors has suggested that the MUDs should contribute to the GMBAC. The MUDs are also thinking of connecting the various parks with an overpass over Westpark Toll Road and another one over Westheimer.

Bob wanted to know if the MUDs would pay for holiday decorations similar to what is done in Alta Mira. Mike did not think this would be likely.

The MUDs stepped up and took on the responsibility of paying for the street lights on Bellaire several years ago when the commercial district voted itself out of business and Dianne wondered if they might be convinced to do the same on Addicks Clodine. Mike said we need to look at various options.

Dianne also wondered about the county’s objection to speed bumps. Bob said it has to do with fire truck and ambulance accessibility issues. Mr. Gutierrez reported that speeders are a big problem in his neighborhood.

Mr. Gutierrez stated he hoped his HOA (Mission Bend 5) would join the GMBAC. He plans to look into the matter. They were invited previously but their board declined.

Mike asked about Keegan’s Ridge’s membership, now that Brett Colbert has resigned. Donna said that they have paid their dues but have not chosen a representative. She has spoken with the management company twice and will follow up with them again.

Donna suggested forming a Vendor Committee, and stated she is willing to be a part. She recommended we develop a negotiated vendor list after obtaining a scope of work for bids. HOAs would sign their own contracts and participation would be entirely voluntary. The HOAs could save money, freeing up money in their budgets for other things. The Directors present were in favor of this idea.

Website – Mike is working on numerous technical problems. Having come this far, and being close to having the website up and running, he plans to continue working on it. He believes it is urgent to get it operational and if he finds he cannot make it available soon, will talk further about outsourcing it. Bob announced that Mission Bend Civic has a new website.

Bob said he looked over his old personal incorporation papers and found that he hired someone to do the incorporation and the entire process at a cost of $250.00; but acknowledged this was some time ago. Charlie Cupples has volunteered to do the incorporation work for the Council and it was suggested Bob get with Charlie.

Bob apologized that he had not organized a Security Committee meeting but will do so soon. Everyone encouraged him to do so.

It is worrisome that so many Directors were absent tonight and Mike plans to send out an e-mail on this topic.

Concern was raised about the number of people likely to attend the October 17th “Meet and Greet,” and it was decided to invite the public. The Directors felt fairly comfortable doing this since the situation is structured and the questions will be moderated. Written questions will be accepted at the event and presented, if time permits.

There was discussion about calling one more meeting before the “Meet and Greet.” Mike will let us know.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

Submitted by:

___________________________________________

Dr. Winetta Billings, Director, for

Joyce Nible, Secretary