Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Community Meeting Cancelled
Friday, October 5, 2007
Community Meeting, Picnic, Election!
At the meeting we will have an election for our HCHA Board of Directors. Voting is limited to dues-paying members, and ballots will be available there. If you have paid dues but cannot attend the meeting, please email president@hurricanecreek.com for a ballot.
The HCHA plans to make available soda and some light snacks. Please bring your own blankets, chairs, and any other things you would like for fun (football, frisbee, kite, etc.). We also expect to have a representative from EPB there to discuss their new initiative, Fiber to the Home. Finally, we hope to have a printed neighborhood directory to distribute to HCHA members.
Note one additional benefit of membership we plan to offer is to make available an online directory of residents' businesses and services. If you offer those services, you can have them listed there (with links to your business' websites). And if you want to find someone in the neighborhood who offers babysitting, tax preparing, financial planning, petsitting, or lawnmowing, you can use the directory to find those services.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Hurricane Creek Recreational Area Sold!
On behalf of the board I would like to express my gratitude to Ed and Judy for their hard work over the years. In my experience there's no cleaner pool in the area, nor one that offers a slide and diving board for the kids. It has been great to be a member there and I hope Ralph and Sharon can continue and build on the Frost's fine legacy.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Driveways in Hurricane Creek Must Be Paved
"All driveways from street to garage or carport shall be concrete or plant hot mix asphalt surface."
Parking your truck or car in your front yard is not the image we want as a subdivision. Repeating (in large part) what was said earlier about covenant violations:
"Several homeowners are in violation of this covenant. Historically, the Board has shown restraint and not litigated these matters, generally only sending letters notifying owners of non-compliance upon receiving a complaint from other homeowners.
"Given the increasing prevalence of covenant violations, future boards may seek to take a more active posture in enforcing covenants. Technically, the Board has the authority to litigate and even collect attorney fees and court costs upon winning a judgment. However, litigation is costly and risky for both parties. The board is considering other avenues of resolution as well.
"Please learn what our covenants are and respect them. They are there to protect the value of everyone's home. If you are currently in non-compliance, please make an attempt to come into compliance. Your neighbors will thank you, and so will your bank account when you sell your home someday."
Board Meeting 10/4: Agenda
- Elections for board members
- Community picnic at Heritage Park?
- Treasurer's report
- Recent home sales
- Covenant database
- Covenant enforcement policy
- Updates to website/blogsite
- Newsletter / frequency
- Directory of residents
Residents who may wish to volunteer to serve on committees established by the board, and/or who seek election to the board, are encouraged to attend.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Neighborhood Yard Sale/Garage Sale Sept 29
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Board Member Contact Info
This list will evolve over time and be updated. Right now we have no elected president or VP.
- Dan Norey (Treasurer): treasurer@hurricanecreek.com
- Michele Walker (Secretary): secretary@hurricanecreek.com. Michele coordinates the volunteer trash pickup squad, and maintains the resident database.
- David Garrett: garrett@hurricanecreek.com
- Suzanne Guffey: guffey@hurricanecreek.com. Suzanne coordinates the welcome baskets for new residents.
- Juan Hansford: hansford@hurricanecreek.com
- Charles Kuhlman: kuhlman@hurricanecreek.com
Next Board Meeting (NOTE: Change in Venue)
Please bring a lap desk or a clipboard if you need one, as there may not be any table set up.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Yard Sale Dates
Backyard Sheds are Not Allowed in Hurricane Creek
Several homeowners, if not many, are in violation of this covenant. Historically, the Board has shown restraint and not litigated these matters, generally only sending letters notifying owners of non-compliance upon receiving a complaint from other homeowners.
Given the increasing prevalence of covenant violations, future boards may seek to take a more active posture in enforcing covenants. Technically, the Board has the authority to litigate and even collect attorney fees and court costs upon winning a judgment. However, litigation is costly and risky for both parties. The board is considering other avenues of resolution as well.
Please learn what our covenants are and respect them. They are there to protect the value of everyone's home. If you are currently in non-compliance, please make an attempt to come into compliance. Your neighbors will thank you, and so will your bank account when you sell your home someday.
Speeding Issues
In the county, speed bumps are not allowed, according to Commissioner Henry. Speed rumble strips are allowed, but often create another problem - unwanted noise.
In the city, 2/3rds of nearby residents must agree on placing rumble strips or speed bumps.
If you spot reckless driving, call 698-2525 in the city or 622-0022 in the county. Try to get a license plate and description of the vehicle.
Off-Road Vehicles Belong Off the Road!
Lieutenant Newman of the Sheriff's Department says that our neighborhood is patrolled twice per shift. If you see off-road vehicles on the roads, please call 311 if you are in the city, or 622-0022 if you live in the county. If you know where the rider lives, please give that information as well. You need not give your name.
Volunteers Needed: Clean Team
Call 311 if you spot someone dumping trash or debris (even leaves!) in the area, and try to get a license plate number.
East Brainerd Road Widening Project
Status of Publix
Sewer Odor: Jerry Stewart Already Notified
Saturday, August 25, 2007
National Crime Night Out
It is held annually on the first Tuesday in August, and enjoys a major sponsor: Target.
Several folks at our meeting mentioned that they would like to see us re-establish some community get-togethers, such as barbecues, ice-cream socials, or block parties. This would be an option that could be combined with the others mentioned as well.
If this is something that interests you, please let one of your board members know. We will keep a tally on neighborhood interest in this, and perhaps it is something we can do for next year.
Whom to Call: Sewer Odor at the Split
So, if you smell something foul in that area, please contact Jerry Stewart: stewart_j@mail.chattanooga.gov
Friends of East Brainerd
Call for Board Members
Our next board meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 4, 2007, at 7pm, at the Crye-Leike office location on Gunbarrel Road (before you get to Target, on the right, as you approach from East Brainerd Road). Bruce Gilliam, our outgoing Board President and a Crye-Leike Realtor, has agreed to let us use a conference room there at least one more time so we can find a new location for the December meeting (we meet every even-numbered month on the first Thursday night at 7pm). Please consider joining us.
New Plantings at Entrance
Road Repaving
This is good news, as it looks a bit awkward where the dark newly paved side roads meet the old, light grey main road. And some of these seams, such as at Susan Carol Lane, already extend well into the main road, giving an unattractive, patchy look. It will be good to have all the roads in good condition again and with a uniform look.
Thanks, Commissioner Henry!
Whom to Call
Generally, if you live in the city, you should call 311. City Councilman Jack Benson mentioned this time and time again. Apparently they have a prioritized list that is maintained through calls to that number. By funneling requests and concerns through the one number, they can keep track of which problems are generating the most concern, and allocate their limited resources accordingly.
For city police dispatch, non-emergency, call 698-2525. Emergencies, call 911.
If you live in the county, sheriff dispatch for non-emergencies is 622-0022. Emergencies, call 911.
For violations of the dog leash law, county residents should contact Animal Control of the Humane Society, at 624-5302, extension 232 or 246.
Please also keep your homeowner's association board members informed of recurring issues that need additional attention.
Community Meeting a Success
Thanks to everyone who came out to our community meeting today. We were privileged to have had in attendance County Commissioner Larry Henry, City Councilman Jack Benson, and several representatives from the County Sheriff’s department. Each spoke a bit and gave us updates on the status of Publix moving in, road widening, repaving, and several suggestions regarding whom to call when certain problems arise. Thanks also to Dan Norey who procured refreshments for those in attendance.
Following this entry will be a series of posts which address some of the concerns voiced by residents at the meeting.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Community Meeting This Saturday
Refreshments will be served. Please come and share your concerns, questions, and above all, please support your homeowner's association by paying dues. Please also consider joining the board. We have a number of open spots to fill, and we need your help to accomplish great things for our subdivision. But we can't do it without volunteer support. Don't assume someone else will step forward - that someone else is you!
Besides, if someone else had taken stepped forward, we wouldn't have openings on the board.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Minutes - Board Meeting 8/9/2007
Hurricane Creek Homeowners Association Meeting
August 9, 2007
- Bruce Gillham - President
- Charles Kuhlman - Resident
- Dan Norey - Treasurer
- Michele Walker - Secretary
- Carl Westman - Board Member
- Status of East Brainerd Road Widening Project: TDOT is undergoing the second round of revisions to the plan. No appraisers have yet been assigned. Earliest date to start would be the beginning of 2009.
- Status of Publix: Opening date moved back to first of December at the earliest.
- HOA Dues Invoice/ Mail out: Printed and mailed. Probably will be delivered around August 11.
- Front Entrance Status: Plans to redo landscaping at entrance on hold until sprinklers can be repaired. Call has been placed for repair and awaiting response. Agreed to use evergreens versus crape myrtles.
- Community Meeting: August 25 at 9am at Christ United Methodist Church in the outdoor pavilion. Water, juice, and donuts will be provided. Larry Henry, Jack Benson, and Sheriff Long will be invited to attend.
- Website: Charles Kuhlman will check on possibly getting a new webmaster. Carl Westman suggested creating a Hurricane Creek BLOG to post news, etc. Future plans would be to include advertisements for businesses owned by residents.
- Board Meetings: Meetings will be kept every other month (even numbered months) on the 2nd Thursday at 7pm. In the future, they may be increased to monthly.
- Sewer Odor on Hurricane Creek Rd.: Moccasin Bend treatment plant will be notified when the sewer odor is a problem so that more chemicals can be added in Windstone.
- Property at End of Swanson’s Ridge: The owner will decide what measures will be taken to keep vehicles from driving through his property to the undeveloped section. A fence with sign was discussed.
- Restrictive Covenants Database: Charles Kuhlman is organizing information so that it can be entered into a database.
- Driveways for RV’s: Gravel driveways and outbuildings are both violations of the neighborhood covenants. Letters will be sent out asking the owners of residences with these violations to bring their property into compliance with the covenants.
- Weatherview Church: According to the county, this area is zoned for churches.
- Yard Sale: Last Saturday in September.
- Meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for October 11, 2007 at 7PM.
Community Meeting & Dues Notice
The Best Reason to Support Your Homeowner’s Association
The value of your home is probably your largest single investment. The value of this investment depends on, among other things, its location in an attractive neighborhood with an appealing entrance, sensible covenants that are enforced, and friendly residents who look out for each other and for the neighborhood as a whole. By supporting the Homeowner’s Association through dues and volunteering, you are helping to protect the value of homes in our subdivision – including your own.
Community Meeting and Other News
We will have a community meeting on Saturday, August 25, 9:00 AM, at the outdoor pavilion of Christ United Methodist Church, just off Morris Hill Road. Refreshments will be served. Come and meet your neighbors, get to know your HCHA board members, and let your concerns be heard.
Your HCHA board is also working on several other issues, including the status of the East Brainerd Road widening project, Publix moving into the old Winn-Dixie location, miscellaneous covenant violations, littering of common areas, illegal and underage use of off-road motorcycles and golf carts, foul air near the Hurricane Creek Road split, and redesigning the hurricanecreek.com website.
Join the HCHA Board! Volunteers Wanted
Please join us on the HCHA Board so we can keep Hurricane Creek a desirable place to live. We have a number of open positions, so with your help, we can be more effective. If you would be willing to serve, please email president@hurricanecreek.com.
Dues for Homeowner’s Association
HCHA dues for the current year are only $35. Your dues go to pay for the upkeep of our subdivision’s front entrance (including water and plantings), islands, taxes and insurance on the entrance property, garage sales, and other décor and arrangements (holiday lighting and wreaths, yard of the season, etc). Please help keep your neighborhood attractive by paying your dues so we can keep these efforts going.
Annual Dues for Hurricane Creek Homeowner’s Association: $35
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Address _________________________________, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Email for future newsletters: _______________________________
Send to: Hurricane Creek Homeowner’s Association, P. O. Box 21268, Chattanooga, TN 37424
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Minutes of June 2007 Board Meeting
MINUTES
Hurricane Creek Homeowners Association Meeting
June 8, 2007
ATTENDEES
Bruce Gillham – President
Dan Norey – Treasurer
Michele Walker - Secretary
Suzanne Guffey –Board member
Carl Westman - Resident
- Status of Issues presented to Commissioner Henry: Swanson's Ridge Rd Trespassing- County came and looked at situation and determined that there is not a lot they can do. The trespassing is not being done on county land. It will take the owner of the property where the trespassing is occurring to step up and register complaints. The very best the county could do is post no trespassing signs. The property owner needs to contact the authorities.
- Golf Cart and ATV's- Needed the address of where these vehicles reside so the county can address. Addresses have now been provided.
- Church on Weatherview -According to the county, this area is zoned for churches. The only thing the county can address is traffic and parking. The county needs an address for the church.
- Construction trash and gravel on the corner of Weatherview and Windy Hill - County has visited the property and spoken to the builder. Issue is being addressed and it has been cleaned up.
- Status of East Brainerd Road widening project: Bruce Gillham reported that it will be at least two more seasons before the widening will begin. The survey stakes indicate where the widening is going to be and how much of the wall we will be losing. As it stands right now the appraisers have not been out nor has the Association been contacted.
- Status of Publix: Bruce Gillham reported that contractors have begun work at the site. Plans remain to have the store completed by September 2007.
- Community Meeting: Michele Walker will check with Christ United Methodist Church about using their pavilion. Dates to consider are July 21 or 28 around 9AM.
- 2007 Dues: Carl will check with local businesses for prices to do the mailers.
- List of Assoc. Responsibilities: Received a list and discussed a couple of the duties. Bruce and Carl will check on possibly changing the company in charge of the website. We will consider storage for the signs and decorations.
- Restrictive Covenants: Carl Westman has agreed to help with the covenants database.
- 915 Shady Fork Rd Sale: Bruce reported that this property is no longer divided in the listing.
- Trash in Common Area: Anyone noticing someone dumping trash should get a description of the person, vehicle, and license tag number and call 311. The city will then issue a citation. A “No Littering” sign has been placed in the common area. This issue will be discussed at the community meeting.
- Sewer Odor on Hurricane Creek Rd.: A monitoring device will be placed on Windstone’s sewage collection system to tell if the correct amount of chemicals is being added.
- Other business: None discussed at this time.
- Meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for August 2, 2007 at 7PM.