HLRGazette Archives

NOTE: This is an open meeting where agenda items are presented and explained to the property owners of Holly Lake Ranch (HLR.) Comments and questions from participants are summarized and discussed. The property owners may present additional agenda items during the Open Discussion segment of the meeting, if they make arrangements to get on the agenda. Clarification points to agenda items are noted in brackets. No action is taken at this meeting. Where necessary these agenda items will be brought before the Combined A & B Board meeting for discussion and action. If there is an A/B meeting, it will be Thursday, May 27, 2010. B Board members present were Garland Ford, Vice President, Larry Bowman, Treasurer, Jeanette Sterner, Secretary and Jim Atchley. Rob James, the GM was present. Several department heads were also present.

Jim Atchley opened the meeting. The following items were presented by Rob James and discussed:

I. Deer Situation. Rob gave the current status of the Deer Control Program. The "No Feeding" Policy is still in effect. On a personal level, he feels the "No Feeding" policy has been effective. Though not an accurate estimation, he has noticed there seems to be fewer deer on the Ranch. Others have made the same observation. There will be a formal count completed in July, with the help of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Rob is encouraging everyone not to feed because if the policy has been effective, we should see a lower count of deer by the TPWD team. Rob stated you might think you are being "nice" to the deer by feeding them, in fact you might not be. Hopefully, the count will be low enough that no further action will be required. However, if the count is the same or higher than the count completed last July, then the next phase of the Deer Control Program will come into effect. The TPWD will also evaluate the state of the deer and the erosion of the habitat. If the habitat is still deteriorating and cannot sustain the estimated number of deer on the HLR property, then the next phase of the Deer Control Program will still have to be enacted. Protection of the habitat and the safety of the residents of HLR are key factors to be considered in any Deer Control Program.

II. Restaurant Overview. Rob said that Phil Giacopelli presented to the Board a very thorough overview of the financial status of the 19th Hole/Fore Seasons Restaurant. The losses have been going down approximately $1,000 every month since he first opened. The first month they were opened, they lost $3,000. The last reporting month, he had approximately $1,000 in losses. At the start of any new business, there will usually be losses because of "start-up costs." Those costs include, but are not limited to costs in supplies, cookware, cleaning, painting, repairs, advertisement, printing costs, training of workers, etc. A question was asked if these are HLRA losses. Rob said they were NOT. The 19th Hole/Fore Seasons owner incurs these costs. The Association has not been responsible for food costs, labor, and cost of supplies. This is not an inclusive list, but the owner handles the start-up costs, food costs and labor. Rob did remind everyone that the Association has always provided the building rent-free. The HLRA also pay electric and propane costs. The large equipment items do belong to HLRA, so we pay for their maintenance and purchase, where indicated by the contract with the owner. Other issues concerning the restaurant are:
A. One issue that has been a problem is a better menu for the golfers at the 19th Hole. The Fore Seasons is running smoothly and have good crowds most evenings. However, the day-to-day business is slow. He is not getting many customers for lunch. Rob spoke with him about needing a quick order menu for golfers as they come around the 19th hole. He also mentioned a need for a luncheon menu for golfers when they finish a round of golf. All of these items have just been enacted, but do let Phil and Rob know how this new menu and service is working for the golfers.
B. Someone said Phil was going to open the 19th Hole at 10:00a.m. for the Veterans' Golf Tournament to be held June 1. He is going to feature some of these menu items. Plus, he is going to serve the meal after the tournament. So, this should be a good test to see if Phil's new procedures and menu will be effective and encourage golfers to come in after a regular round of golf. Also, non-golfers, who are going to be working the tournament and attending some of the festivities of the event, might be encouraged to come into the 19th hole for lunch as well. The homeowner stressed the Veterans' Golf Tournament will be a critical event for the 19th Hole to show off their new menu. The homeowner did suggest that instead of boiling the hot dogs, why does he not buy a hot dog/sausage rotisserie like you see in other 19th holes. You can warm the hot dog buns in a bin below, which really speeds up the process so the golfer can get a hot dog or hot link and be out of there in a few minutes rather than waiting for the hot dog to cook on the stove or in microwave. Jeanette Sterner said that suggestion has been made more than once, but maybe now Phil will see the need for a much faster means for golfers to get a quick hot dog or hot link. Rob said that Jeanette will bring that to Phil's attention prior to the Veterans' Tournament and he will be able to improve his system of delivering "to-go" food items.

III. Dam Report Assessment. Rob said the State and Federal requirement to complete an "Emergency Preparedness Dam Assessment Report" has been discussed at the Open B Board meetings. Plus, Rob sent out a notice concerning this mandatory requirement on the last billing. Some have called questioning the $20 one-time assessment added to property owners' bills last month. Rob explained that since Hurricane Katrina, the government made it mandatory that dams on certain size lakes, be required to complete a report providing an assessment of the damage that could be incurred down stream. The estimate of the report due on Lake Greenbriar by December of 2010 is $25,000. One company gave an estimate of $50,000. Of course, we went with the lowest bid. Rob wants to make it clear that all of HLRA dams have passed inspection. This is a totally different type of assessment report. The good news is the Holly Lake was rated as a "Low Risk" lake, so no report is needed for that lake. Lake Greenbriar was rated as a "Significant Risk" lake, so an assessment must be completed. Dave said that as long as nothing changes down stream, our report would be a one-time cost. The only thing that would cause us to have to complete another report is if the situation down stream were to change in population and number of structures. Dave gave the example of a housing addition. If someone were to build homes down stream, then Lake Greenbriar would move to a "Highly Significant Hazard," and would require a new Emergency Assessment Report. Someone asked if the spillway change we made on Holly Lake was part of this program. Rob said that was a separate issue, but at that time there was concern that if HLR were to experience the "100 Year Flood" era, we could have well-above normal rains and cause extreme flooding if a larger and improved spillway was not constructed. That project was completed a few years ago.

IV. Water Rate Protest. Rob said we had a successful hearing with TCEQ as far as lowing the base rate paid by customers. Bob Adams and Bob Walker wrote a proposal to TCEQ and Algonquin Water Resources of Texas. The proposal was to lower the base rate from $39.20 a month to $30.20. It was understood that a rate increase was going to be allowed because the water company had not requested a rate increase in several years. The base rate decrease was based on two main factors: First, encourage conservation of water, and secondly, keep in mind the property owners who are on fixed incomes and the hardship a higher base rate imposes on them. A higher rate for usage was proposed, that being to increase the cost of 1,000 gallons of water from $1.30 to $2.89. Bob Adams, who did an outstanding job presenting the proposal and giving reasonable suggestions to TCEQ and Algonquin representatives, presented it at the hearing. Bob has been involved in similar hearings in the past and this was a great benefit for HLRA. Both sides agreed upon the proposal and the commission accepted it as well. No reimbursement will occur because that money will be used for legal fees. The new rate should begin in June. The heavy users of water will be most affected by the rate change; however, the average homeowner should benefit from the change in rates. Rob said that the average water usage is approximately 2,000 gallons a month per home.

V. Stolen Garbage Cans. A few residents have complained about stolen trashcans that were FULL of garbage. Holly Tree Chapel also had some cans stolen. The main worry is identity theft. Be sure and report any stolen items as soon as possible, so Security would have a better chance of reacting to the crime. Rob advised all to check credit card statements and talk with the bank if any unusual monetary activities have occurred.

VI. Security Building on West Side. Rob said this issue comes up periodically, but to date, no Board members, past and present, have been convinced that the cost of a building, maintenance and extra employees required to be stationed there, is going to improve security on the West side to any great extent. One of the biggest complaints comes from the contractors because they cannot enter the Westside without going to the East Side Security Building first to obtain permission to enter and a token to enter at another gate. Most contactors are familiar with HLR and they know the procedure involved, so it does not take that much more time to go to the East side first to get a token. Plus, Rob does not feel we want to change the system too much because the gate card system can be turned off for those individuals who do not pay yearly HLRA dues. They must come to the East side Security Building to get a token every time they want to enter HLR. Other gate options were suggested to Rob and he said he would review other systems for possible consideration for the 2011 budget.

VII. Ambulance Service. Champion Ambulance Service will begin parking an ambulance at HL Volunteer Fire Department. That option was to be in place soon after the new fire department was built. A very nice facility was built into the complex, so the crew would have a place to stay while awaiting a call. Mother Frances and Champion made other arrangements, so the crew never came to HLR. However, about two months ago ETMC came to talk with the Board about an ambulance service and stationing a crew at HLVFD. They were going to honor the Champion contracts already made by residents. Mother Frances and Champion revisited the concept and have agreed to place an ambulance at HLVFD. Rob thanked ETMC for offering the proposal, which caused the whole issue to be brought forward again for consideration.

VIII. Golf Course. Clayton is seeing an unusual problem with the greens, which he feels will cause HLRA to "lose" the greens if not addressed by a professional. The problem is called "tufting," where the grass is curling under and embedding back into the ground. This is "choking" out the grass. Clayton has contacted a PGA agronomist to come out and analyze the problem. The cost is $1800 for a half day. All he does is examine the problem and give solutions to solve the problem. This price does not include a remedy. Rob said the A/B Board are committed to having a good golf course and has given initial approval for the PGA specialist. Clayton will make arrangements for the individual to come out as soon as possible.

IX. Bridge Closure. Rob announced that Dave and his crew are going to finish the paving job leading up to the bridge on the Westside. Dave will complete the job on a day that is warm enough for the asphalt to spread and seal properly. All noticed the "wavy" look to the asphalt leading up to the bridge and that was due to paving on a day when the temperature was not quite hot enough. When that day is determined, notices will be posted so you will be aware that bridge may not be used between 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. The emergency exists will be open. Dave is planning on doing the job on a Tuesday because the golf course is closed on that day.

X. Geese on Hole 12. Greg Demko asked that more geese be purchased for hole number 12. He feels that it is a bit sad that we only have 2 geese now and he feels they do add to the "beauty" of that hole. Rob said he would get 2 to 4 more geese. Someone commented that the old geese would not get along with the new geese. Geese can be "territorial" according to one gentleman. Rob said he would still get the geese.

XI. Signs. Rob said that the B Board is going to speak with the A Board concerning what signs should be allowed on property. No final decision has been made until proposals are brought before the combined A and B Board. Date scheduled for this meeting is May 27. The following types of signs were presented and discussed:
A. Property Owner name, section, lot number and 911 addresses should be posted in a manner visible from the street and suitable for outdoor use. Logos and slogans may be included. Signs are to be made of permanent materials.
B. Garage Sale and Estate Sale Signs are only permissible in a standard format that must be obtained from the administration. Rob noticed some homemade signs that were absolutely the worst he has seen. There were cardboard signs advertising garage sale signs and they looked very bad. Rob said that would not happen again. Security has been told to pick up any garage sale or estate sale signs that are not issued by the Administration. The signs can be up for 72 hours. Someone asked if there would be a charge for the signs. Rob said there would be a fee of $10 for each garage sale sign, which is non-refundable. Rob said you may have up to 5 signs to advertise your sale. Rob said he wants the signs back for other such events. A lady suggested that we make the fee refundable because then you are more likely to get the signs purchased by the Admin office back. [CLARIFICATION NOTE: Rob noted in his comments that the fee HAS NOT been voted on by the A/B Board. It is important to note, that in other meetings, an alternative fee proposal has been discussed and that is to have a "refundable" fee, which would encourage people to return the signs to the office, more so than a "non-refundable" fee. Also, the proposal to have one $10 fee for 1 to 5 signs has been approved by the B Board only. The fee is NOT $10 per sign.]
C. Special Event signs are for events or occasions, which have a beginning and ending date. Rob gave the example of the Women's Service Guild Tour of Homes. A representative of the organization would come to the Admin office and complete a form indicating exactly what the signs would look like. Once the sign design is approved, then the organization would have commercially made signs at their cost. Again, no hand-made signs for these events. Commercially made signs usually hold up in all kinds of weather and can be reused for several years.
D. Other types of signs that do not have an "end date" will not be allowed. This proposal will also be presented to the A Board. Christmas signs will be allowed because there is an "end date" to this special occasion. Commercially made signs will be required for seasonal events. Rob mentioned that what he has said not passed and they will not be enforced yet until the A/B meeting. Questions or comments include:

1. Rob said it would be best if we did not have any signs. A lady commented that was a "sad" statement because many of the signs we have been allowed to have is a "sign" of hospitality. Rob invited her to come up and speak and reminded her that the A/B Board has not voted on these proposals. The lady said we have moved to HLR to enjoy ourselves and then all of these rules and regulations are put on us. From what she has learned, only a few people started the issue concerning the signs and complained to the Board. Now, the Board is going with those "few" people. What about the majority of us? She noticed the wedding reception sign, but she is sure it will come down in a short time. Why not allow someone to advertise the location of such events? For the last eight years, she has read and enjoyed the many different types of signs in people's yards. She likes the uniqueness of the residents by the signs and "art work" they have in their yards. She feels this started, unfortunately because of the "Prayer" signs. Because many of us feel it is a good thing to encourage people to "Pray for America," some have complained and want the signs down. Another lady suggested that the woman place her Prayer Sign in front of the Church. She would rather not have signs. The first lady said that we have had the same rules and regulations and there was not enforcement of signs until the Prayer signs. She would like to know why this one sign is upsetting to a few and why the Board now wants to eliminate signs? There are signs out here that do not have the lot and section number, but no one said anything until now. She wonders why this has changed since some residents put up the Prayer signs. She again feels the personal signs make HLR a hospitable place to live. She does not understand changing the rules after all of these years just to satisfy a few. One or two may feel that the signs are why property is not being sold at HLR. She knows of one couple that recently moved here and had seen the signs as they were looking at property. One reason they moved here is because they felt they were moving to a Christian community.
2. Rob said it is not about the "Prayer Signs." He does not recall any other sign being up for so long. He thinks that is why the signs became an issue for some people.
3. Another lady mentioned that she saw a letter about the prayer signs. A realtor thought it was "bad" to have the Prayer signs up. She feels they are a good thing because we need to pray for our country. She believes the Rules and Regulations allow you to have a permanent sign and she plans on making the Prayer sign part of her property sign. Rob said one thing you can do is hang a motto or slogan from your permanent property/name sign.
4. A gentleman asked why people cannot buy a garage sale sign from Home Depot or similar store and not have the Association buy signs for people to use. People can still come in a let the office know they are having a garage sale or estate sale. They can fill out a form to explain the dates of the event. He said it seems it would be better for everyone to buy his or her own commercial garage sale sign. Rob again said nothing is in "stone" as far as these proposals to the A Board. The thought behind the garage sale procedure was to make the signs more uniform.
5. Another gentleman asked about making signs out of wood, so they blend in with the environment. He does not have an issue with any particular sign. He just thinks it would be better if the signs blend in with the area. Why can people not put wood around their personal sign?
6. Rob said they have to be out of permanent material and not poster board. Another man said that the Prayer signs are not made out of poster board and they are commercially made.
7. Another lady said she did not like seeing all of the signs as she is driving down the street.
E. Jeanette Sterner said this is a very emotional issue. She has done some research on the issue of signs and how it relates to the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court rulings from 1948 to present. Some of the issues that have been brought out during these various court hearings include aesthetic issues, offensive slogans, having flags, political signs and religious signs. Many of these rulings, in fact most, address homeowners associations and other private residential developments. Many of these cases have addressed the concerns we have heard here today. Jeanette said we all, including the A Board, must consider them when establishing policy. Some of the key rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court have included these statements or background for the judgments:
1. An underlying premise for these rulings is, "...restrictions do not supercede the First Amendment." Jeanette feels this is the basis for our actions.
2. Precedent set by the courts shows that political or religious speech "commands great protection" than other kinds of speech.
3. "Displaying a sign from one's own residence, especially persons of modest means or limited mobility...may have no practical substitute." The "homebound individuals" are given the opportunity to express their freedom of speech.
4. What the Court has upheld over these past years for homeowner associations and private residential developments is "location, size, and number of signs." Again, in the cases that have addressed requirements for signs, indicated that deed requirements do not supercede the First Amendment. As, I stated before, the courts have addressed the aesthetic interests of the community and the above requirements have been a part of those settlements.
5. The courts have addressed safety issues when placing a sign. So, you cannot have a sign in a roadway or too close to the road.
6. Jeanette said there are many rulings that involve many states, so she has always believed that we need to find common ground the U.S. Supreme Court has established since 1948 to the present. So, when a sign is made, and the court has referred to commercially made signs, the size of the sign should be considered, you cannot put up a billboard. The other two issues that a community can make, as policy is number of signs and location. Jeanette has always maintained that in order to adhere to the safety issues raised and the aesthetic interests, and yet abide by the U. S. Supreme Court, signs cannot be posted more than 10 feet from the home. Again, Jeanette has looked at the lawsuits from different states and different types of "closed" housing projects, gated communities, condos, etc. Therefore, Jeanette feels that the thing to do is to abide by the Supreme Court, whose rulings are "binding as the law of the land." We need to keep in mind the beauty of Holly Lake; no one wants Holly Lake to look bad or unpleasant because of items we allow on private property. So, my position is we can talk with the A Board about "location, size, and number of signs."
F. Jim Atchley said that when each of us bought property out here at HLR we had expectations of what it was like and what it might become. We committed to deed restrictions that were imposed upon us; we voluntarily did that. We agreed to operate under the By-laws of a homeowners association. Those By-laws indicate to us that we will have rules and regulations that the developer specified, as in the case of HLR. At HLR the developer has delegated this to the homeowners. The homeowners elect members to the B Board that will make changes to the rules and regulations that would benefit the homeowners. The B Board members should listen to as many people as they can. Jim believes the members should make changes that will make our property values increase and that would be acceptable to the majority of the people. Jim feels the Board has given that consideration. Jim believes, what Rob has described is in the best interest of the property owners. We must work collectively to work for the benefit of all. Jim asked if anyone has a question and we will try and answer it.
G. Jeanette asked to clarify some issues that have been raised involving Restrictions, Rules and Regulations. Jeanette said Pat Jones is someone we need to have clarified how these documents "work" for HLR. Jeanette suggested she might be a good resource to help property owners clarify the difference among these three documents. But, for now it is important to note that HLR is not a homeowners association. The developer still has not relinquished the HLR completely, so we are a "property owners" association and that does make a difference with the court system. Mr. Mead did turn over the Architectural Control Committee to the Association. Most here know its role at HLRA. As HLR was being developed, Restrictions were setup by the developer for the various sections. The Restrictions of a Section cannot be changed without 51% of the vote of the property owners in that Section. Restrictions cover private property within each Section. Rules and Regulations cover public lands.
H. Clyde Johnson, a previous B Board Member asked the current B Board what process they used to determine the wishes of the majority of the people of HLR. He said that when he was on the Board, he and the others tried to contact as many people as possible, but they could not do it. They could not contact a large number of people. Jim said he would like to explain his previous comments. He believes we were in a position to interpret what the people wanted. We certainly do not have a "magic wand" or take a poll every time we speak out. A poll would be very inefficient. He is surprised that the prior Board did not come up with a very good way to do that, because we do not either. We do listen to people we encounter on a day-to-day basis. From that we come to a conclusion we believe to be right. Jim said that is exactly what he meant to convey. Mr. Johnson said as a B Board member, he felt he could never get to the point where he could interpret what people wanted, but we did try and talk to people about issues. Now as far as the signs, there are people who feel strongly about having signs and people who feel strongly about not having the signs. But, he has not seen an indication as to which side most people took. Jim asked him if he had a question. Jim said he would like to move on to the next item. Clyde asked who was running the meeting. Larry said that Jim was the moderator. The gentleman said I am going to finish what I have to say before being seated. He asked, "How are you going to rule on that?" Jim said he asked for questions. The gentleman asked how do you think this Board can override the Constitution of the United States and the Supreme Court? Rob you just said you are going to disallow the signs. Jeanette just read some Supreme Court rulings that state there are certain things that cannot ever override the Constitution. We cannot say people cannot do certain things that the Supreme Court says they can. Clyde said Mr. Atchley made the statement that we have By-laws and deed restrictions and that is true, but you cannot override the Constitution. So, again his question if whether or not this Board can override the U.S. Supreme Court and the Constitution. Rob said that was a fair question. He talked to the HLRA lawyer and the answer is "Yes, we can." He said we could ban any sign as long as we do it inside the gated area. Another man said, "Not on private property you don't." Rob said the Board wanted him to check with the lawyer and he did. Rob said he could be wrong.
I. Another gentleman wanted to take a "vote" now with the Board present and see what is the opinion of those present. Then the Board will have something to look at. They will have a more honest opinion of what goes on at the Ranch. Rob said that he respects the request, but we only have 100 people present and that is not a fair percentage of the owners. The man said you are not going to take a poll anyway, so what difference does it make? Rob said we would not take a poll here.
J. Jeanette said that since she has been on the Board, we have been in similar situations. People complaining about outside lights or where you put your garbage cans etc. She thinks there should be a more formal procedure. If a person has a complaint, they should go to the Admin Office and complete a form, stating the complaint, put your address on it and sign it. If Rob can handle the problem with the assistance of one of his department heads. If the problem is not that easily solved and it becomes a reoccurring problem, then it has to be determined how many people are really affected or how widespread the problem may be. The problem with the sign issue is that many did not even know there was a problem until they were told to take the signs down. If we are truly going to rule by majority, then you need to have enough complaints about something to know whether or not action is required. You may not be able to "vote" on every issue, but if we had a tracking system, we would have a better idea of the seriousness of the complaint. You cannot make decisions that affect the majority because I think I received 5 phone calls on this issue.
K. Garland Ford said you could see this is only the tip of the iceberg and why we have met for 5 weeks on this one issue. Garland stated that his purpose for being on the Board is to unify the Ranch. He feels the rules were already on the books and all the Board was going to do is enforce them. The rules were not enforced as many of our rules are not enforced. What we want is to have a nice place to retire and not sorry you moved here five years from now because it becomes trash. There will be other things we will be doing. He wants to put the "plug in" for the "911 Signs." The HLVFD has had the signs made and Hook and Ladder is now selling these signs. It is all done with the idea of beautifying the Ranch. He asked us all to look at our own area and be a good neighbor and make this a better place to live.
L. One lady said that she found out about a problem with all signs only by rumor. She believes there needs to be a system whereby the people are formally told of the issues of concern before it gets to the point the sign issue has risen. Rob said he uses prints "notes" at the bottom of the bill. This is effective, but expensive. He feels this procedure cannot be used every time a decision is made because printing cost $600 every month. Larry said the cost was $800.
M. A gentleman said that we have a growing population of working families at HLR. Some of these decisions will affect them for a longer period of time than those of us who are retired. Yet, they are unable to come to the meetings to find out about issues that affect them. He feels their input should be sought as well. An effort needs to be made to inform these families of important issues. We need to realize this population is changing every year.
N. A lady asked the Board to "sit" on the issue of signs for a few more days before meeting with the A Board and allow more input from property owners. She really disagrees with the HLRA attorney, even if he thinks he is right on "legal" grounds. You have to question whether or not "it is the right thing to do." People take their right to express their religious and political views very seriously. What is wrong with the compromise that you can determine the "size, location, and number of signs?" For example, you can have a sign within 5 or 10 feet of your home. That is not going to "trash up" the place. But, it will allow the freedom of expression of your political and religious beliefs. I think this is reasonable. You have to look at the flip side. The military had to change its policy regarding what "religion" to place on the I.D. tags (Dog tags.) Pagan soldiers won the right to have a "P" on their tags to indicate they were pagan. So, what is wrong with allowing a "Prayer sign" 10 feet from your home. She feels we are being over-regulated, which takes some of the joy out of living at HLR. She appreciates the five weeks of your time working on this issue. Rob said she made a great point because nothing is happening at least until next Tuesday. That is why we (Security) have left some signs up because we (Security) did not know what the decision was going to be. He wants to express his thanks to the Board for the hours they have put in over this issue. He feels that we are all good people.
O. Larry Bowman said he wants people to understand that Security really did not know for sure when a rule concerning garage sales was being violated and when it was not. It may be somewhat inconvenient for you have to go to the Admin office to get signs for your garage sale, but how many garage sales are you going to have anyway? If you have a garage sale every week, you have a "commercial" business at your home and we will ticket you anyway. Larry said we spent a lot of time on making sure that whatever the policy, Security needs to know how and when to enforce it. Without that, the policies are worthless.
P. A gentleman said that to charge $50 for 5 "garage sale" signs is ridiculous. They do not make much money anyway and to charge that price is not right. He does believe it is a good idea to have the person fill out a form asking to have a sale, but the person is not charged for signs.

XII. Ranch Clean Up Program. Rob said that the Board approved to putting up a large dumpster in the stable area. You may bring large items like ovens. Just anything in your yard that you do not know what to do with them. Rob said we set up five dumpsters in Section III and it was phenomenal! It made a big difference. [NOTE: No batteries or chemicals.] Garland said that "Clean-up Week" would start June 7, with the dumpsters being available on Saturday, June 12. Garland would like to have dumpsters available for the whole week. Rob said as of now, the date is June 12 for the dumpster and we would have to see how the project goes.

XIII. A gentleman mentioned a section of road that has tree branches hanging over the road. Because of this, it is hard to get two cars through there. He would like the trees to be trimmed. Rob said Dave Grover heard this complaint and he will go out there and see what can be done. Rob did compliment Dave on the efforts he and his crew have made to clear trees and tree limbs off of the roads. He began that project when he first came to HLR. Dave said they clear the roads during the winter months when other road projects cannot be done, such as paving.

XIV. A gentleman asked about a vacant house that has a dead tree on the property. He wanted to know who is liable if the tree falls down. Rob said a certified letter needs to be sent to the owner. Once there is record of the dead tree and the request to have it cut down, then the owner of the property is liable for damages.

XV. A gentleman asked about putting a metal shed on his property. The quality of metal sheds is much greater than some wood structures. They last longer and are easier to maintain. Plus, they are fire resistant, unlike wood. Rob said that structures are acceptable if the ACC approves the homeowner's proposal.

XVI. Someone asked if a caution light could be placed at the entrance of HLR. Rob said that TDOT is responsible for such lights. Someone said Roger Pace, our County Commissioner, has asked about putting in a light, but the response was that no fatalities have occurred to categorize the area as a "hazard." Therefore, no funds are available for such projects unless a certain number of fatalities have occurred. Rob said it is an unpleasant response, but that is the response he has received as well.

No other questions or comments were made. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The motion passed. A copy of these minutes can be obtained in the HLRA Admin office during regular business hours. Catalog number is MinOpenBMeet05182010.

Submitted by Jeanette L. Sterner, Secretary