Springbrook FAQ
Updated February 24, 2010
Q: What are current improvement plans for the neighborhood (if any)?
A: Steps have already begun to clean up and improve the park, we have changed landscaping companies and have just completed re-grading and smoothing out the walk path and volleyball court, as well as repairs to the storage shed and gazebo. Additional discussions include extending the walkway around the entire park area, using the existing basketball court slab to put up a pavilion, and possibly building a new basketball court to the correct dimensions.
Q: Whatever happened to the "clubhouse" idea? I am glad it didn't happen but we are curious about it.
A: At this time, the decision to move forward on building a club house has been placed on hold, but the board may resubmit the idea to the residents at a later date.
Q: What is up with the new fines? What happens if they are not paid?
A: The new fines were implemented due to numerous repeated infractions of deed violations. The board had serious reservations about imposing fines and it is unfortunate that we were forced to implement them as a way to obtain resident compliance with the restrictions. The best way to avoid receiving a fine is to follow the deed restrictions of the neighborhood. If the fines are not paid, the board will be forced to place a lien on a resident's property until it is paid.
Q: What if I get 2 notices for the same problem but a year apart (i.e. grass not mowed). Does it count as two notices?
A: No, notices received a year apart are not counted as consecutive notices. Drive-through neighborhood inspections occur bi-weekly and a second notice is occurred when a previously notified infraction was not corrected.
Q: Who is responsible for repairing/ replacing a fence? Me or my neighbor?
A: With regard to fence ownership, unless you can determine exactly where the fence is in relation to the survey lines, the ACC suggests each neighbor split the cost of the mutual fence (a good practice in these situations). If a neighbor is unwilling, you have the option of making individual repairs regardless and /or facing the pickets on the opposite side if needed at your complete expense. If you do the work yourself and split the cost it is very low cost to each owner. No stone or brick fences are currently allowed per CCR's and ACC Rules. All fence replacements must be formally authorized by the ACC Committee and submitted on the Request for Architectural Improvement form. Repairs with like materials do not require permission.
Q: Will there ever be a swimming pool or other park improvements?
A: The issue of a swimming pool is discussed regularly, but the fact remains that unless dues are significantly increased (doubled) we can not afford to build and maintain a pool. The cost of maintenance alone is higher than the annual dues currently received. In the past, we have surveyed residents about their desire to build a pool and the obvious increase in dues that would be necessary to build one. The overall response rate was less than 25% of the residents, and what we did receive was not favorable.
Q: Whatever happened to the zoning issue at the corner of Heatherwilde and Pflugerville Loop?
A: The City of Pflugerville has recently revised their current zoning schedule and that particular property has now been re-zoned as Retail. The intersections at Pflugerville Pkwy and Heatherwilde, both of which are considered major arterials in the city, support Retail zoning which the board supports. Retail zoning is far more restrictive that the originally proposed General Business zoning. The board will continue to monitor the development as it progresses.
Q: Why is the website not updated on a regular basis?
A: The web site is an area of improvement that we are currently addressing. We have just hired a new webmaster and are in the process of redesigning and updating the website. All residents are welcome to offer any input they would like to see on the site.
Q: How can we find out what happens at the monthly meetings without having to actually attend? I think you should at least post the minutes so we have a general idea of what you do.
A: Posting of information on the web site is one area that we are currently discussing ways to keep current.
Q: Why are some houses not in the HOA? Can I be removed from the HOA?
A: When Springbrook HOA was originally created there were 40 homes that opted not to join. As each of those properties has sold they have been incorporated into the HOA. There are currently still 10 or 11 homes not in the association. Additionally there is a section of the neighborhood (need to define Wilbarger section) controlled by a now defunct association. Many residents confuse that section with Springbrook HOA but it is not under our control.
Q: What legal rights do residents of the HOA have if they feel that the HOA is not doing its job of enforcing deed restrictions and allowing property value to decline?
A: Join the board! Join a committee! This is your neighborhood too, volunteer to help! The board consists of 5 members and we do our best to monitor conditions in the neighborhood, which include but are not limited to maintenance of the existing park and entrances, monitoring and enforcement of violations, improvements, zoning issues, etc. The HOA encourages all residents to express their opinions and to volunteer for the various committees to help to improve the neighborhood. The best way to get things accomplished is to have a high level of resident participation and compliance.
Q: What is the exact status of the association with regards to who is controlling the financials, and what steps are in place to ensure the integrity of the finances, as well as the process that the inevitable change of leadership has on the transition and stability of the association's financial books?
A: The control of the finances HAS NOT changed, it is still the responsibility of the Association's Board of Directors. Enhanced steps to ensure the integrity include that now 2 board members MUST sign ALL checks and have receipts prior to the issue of any checks. At no time may ANY board members EVER write a check to themselves. Should a re-imbursement be needed, 2 "other" board members MUST sign and issue the check. We are in the process of establishing an automated and auditable computer system to maintain the financials and allow for ease in transition periods.
Q: What qualifications does each Board member have with regards to accounting practices if the Board elects to do all the record keeping itself?
A: The qualifications for a Board member(s) are the same now as they have always been. Mainly, a sincere desire to serve the community in an honest and equitable manner. (see Article IX of the Articles of Incorporation and Article VIII of the Bylaws, Section 8.1 through Section 8.8) Additional qualities include:
- make common sense decisions
- are willing to perform many tasks as a means to cultivate an amicable neighborhood that favors comfortable living for all residents
- willing to make decisions that satisfy the needs of the majority
- understand how to spend and conserve funds wisely and will insist on a proper procedure to protect HOA accounts
- are thoroughly familiar with using the thinking process to prevent and solve problems, using the rules as guidelines to create a sound harmonious, well-maintained community
- believe that a caring, altruistic demeanor is the only acceptable outlook if one is going to make decisions for the good of the entire community.
Q: What are the business hours and location of the records of the association, where any member can review the records of the association?
A: The Association currently maintains a PO Box as business office. A courtesy phone call to any of the board members will facilitate an invitation to review the records of the association.
Springbrook Owners' Association
PO Box 200145
Austin, TX 78720
Phone: 512-918-8100
Fax: 512-918-8121
Q: What committees are still active and what progress have they made recently?
A: The committees still exist but the rate of volunteerism has dwindled and we could sure use more residents willing to devote a couple of hours per month to sign up. The committees include the Park Committee, Architectural Control Committee, Event Committee, Garden Committee, Communications Committee and the Security and Maintenance Committee. We have just accepted two volunteers, one for the Communications Committee and one for the Events Committee, and we look forward to working with them and making things happen.
Q: Why are there not more socials/activities within our neighborhood association?
A: We are looking for volunteers to assist the Board with making these happen. The Board is willing, they just need some help whether it is once a year or part of a committee to have several things during the year.
Q: What is the status of the plan to move the sign at Pflugerville Pkwy and Heatherwilde?
A: After some rather extensive investigation, the documentation we have shows that the sign on the church property is not ours to move! The former owners of the property did not make provisions to exclude the signs as "an easement" and as such - all improvements to the property went to the new owner. The Board of Directors (BOD) has no authority over property THAT IS NOT part of the association. However, after several conversations with Pastor Story, the church is debating the future of the sign. They may leave the sign as it is, using it as the foundation of a cooperative presentation of both the community and the church. We are currently working on an arrangement whereby as long as the Springbrook name is on the sign, our garden club will be allowed to assist in the maintenance of the landscaping around the sign. The sign on the other side of Heatherwilde is still our sign, however we will most likely lose it once the property is developed. Notwithstanding these issues, the Association has already obtained the deed to the lot at the corner of Heatherwilde and Betterman in addition to a check in the amount of $5,000 from Ryland homes acknowledging their release from any further responsibility regarding the signs. The bottom line is that moving the signs is not financially feasible. So, the BOD has been working to accomplish agreements regarding the signs that will benefit all parties. At the same time, we are ensuring that the community image is maintained by guaranteeing the appearance of the signs is kept to our own aesthetic standards.
Q: Is the Board going to enforce the deed restrictions and architectural rules to the letter, and how fast can we expect action (is the P.O. Box checked daily)?
A: The Board continually strives to ensure deed restrictions are enforced. We agree that in the past a more lenient approach has been used to try to achieve resident compliance. We have tried to be compassionate and understanding about resident's needs. No one on the board wants to impose fines, we do not want to have to tow a resident's vehicle, etc., however, the lack of resident support for voluntarily following restrictions has forced us to take a more hard-line approach. The best way to avoid a fine is to follow the restrictions. We understand that residents want to take vacations, etc., but whether you go out of town or not, the grass and weeds keep growing. It is each resident's responsibility to make arrangements for lawn care while they are gone.
Q: What are the long-range goals of the Board and its committees, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: The goals of the Board have not changed. The overall purpose of the association is to provide Springbrook residents with a better living environment in their neighborhood and to help preserve property values.
The board does this by:
- Enforcement of deed restrictions
- Maintenance of the Association's parks and common areas
- Provide residents with a voice in the community
- Assist with the creation and maintenance of a Neighborhood Watch Program