MARCH 2008

NOTTINGHAM HAPPENINGS

The year 2008 is moving along and hopefully everyone had a wonderful Holiday season.


It appeared that Nottingham Country residents did an outstanding job of decorating their homes during the past holiday season and for those who took the time to decorate, we thank you for your contribution to the community. 

Once again we saw some destruction and vandalism of Nottingham resident’s Christmas decorations.  It’s truly amazing that anyone would stoop so low as to destroy decorations but it happens.   The Constables office states the destruction is most likely caused by juveniles living in Nottingham Country.  It’s sad that the problem is really those who live amongst us.  Hopefully next year the problem will go away.

The Board has recently received a number of complaints from homeowners whose neighbors continue to leave trash containers and other materials in their driveways.  Our Deed Restrictions call for trash containers being placed in an area whereby they are not visible from the street. We have backdoor trash pick up so there is no reason that trash cans should be lined up against the house or setting in the driveway and visible from the street.  Our management company will be citing homeowners who continue to leave trash or trash containers in their driveways.  Automobiles and basketball goals are really the only items that should be there on a regular basis.  We are also hearing about residents having welders, tools, fuel containers, junked cars, flower pots, barbeque grills and the like in driveways.  Again these are violations of Deed Restrictions and we will not tolerate them.  Residents who fill their driveways with these kinds of objects are truly making Nottingham Country look bad and the Board intends to file enforcement action against the very few who refuse to clean up their property.

All homeowner association fees were due 12/31/07.  Homeowner who did not make the payment prior to 1/31/08 were assessed a $20 late fee.  Next month the management company will be sending out certified delinquency letters.  The cost of the letter is $30 and that amount will also be added.  If you still have not paid the assessment it has already cost you an additional $20 but it is not too late to save yourself $30!  Your failure to pay will really get costly in a few months if we have to file a lien against your home and ultimately refer the matter to the Association attorney.

Our website, www.nottinghamcountry.org is in process of being updated.  There will be a new look and hopefully it will be a bit more user friendly but will contain the same information as was previously posted. We are seeing increased usage with the likes of Lost and Found Pets, Crime in the Area, etc.  Everyone is encouraged to visit the site and register your personal email address with the Webmaster.

With Spring fast approaching, homeowners are encouraged to take a good look at their trees. The trees in our community are mature and looking great. However there are quite a few that could use trimming.  The trees will look better and you avoid the risk of uprooting in the event of strong winds.  The cost of getting your trees trimmed is normally very reasonable.

Finally we have received a number of emails from residents giving us their opinions on the needs of Nottingham Country. We appreciate those letters. The Directors want input so we can make our decisions in line with the views of NC residents. Keep the emails coming!

Don Mach
NCCIA President and Legal Liaison

PREPARE FOR THE SPRING SEASON

Waiting and watching at this time of the year. Dreary days and oh so cold and damp ………what can a person do to improve the landscaping at home?

NCCIA landscape contractors, Custom Cutters, are out putting much needed mulch to our area cul-de-sacs during the month of January. This helps our flower beds look a little better.
The weeds are not thriving and the cost of the mulch could be lower than early spring.

Please keep an eye on the sprinkler systems in the area. If you see problems, log on to our website and send a message. The board is considering several plans for our cul-de-sac streets needing better or new irrigation. Don’t forget the irrigation systems on the cul-de-sacs is currently manual. If you reside on a cul-de-sac, please try to arrange for one person to turn it on and off as needed during any dry periods.

Have a landscaping hint, or an idea for the board? Please share with us – log on to the website at nottinghamcountry.org and send us a note. Or, visit us at the monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month. We really appreciate any homeowners input and love to have volunteers assist us!

Kim Svetlik,
NCCIA Board, Landscape Director

REMINDER HEAVY TRASH DAY
March 1, 2008

There will be a heavy trash day on March 1st for residents of Nottingham Country at our Rennie park location.  There will be more information on the times at our web site (nottinghamcountry.org) and at the web site of the MUD, Mason Creek Utility District (www.mcud.com).  In addition, signs will be posted in the subdivision beginning about a week prior to the pick up date.

Residents can bring any and all trash item, regardless of size, to the park with the exception of paint, tires, chemicals and other environmentally hazardous items.

Robert Wills, Treasurer.

Alley Work Scheduled

For those residents of Nottingham Country living on alleys at the front of our subdivision, work will soon be starting to repair the alleyway surface and some of the storm sewers.  We will start on Section 1 and then continue as time and funds become available. Exact dates are not known at this time, but we are planning major repairs, so be careful and understanding.  The contractors will be advising residents of pending alleyway repairs in advance so you can make arrangements for your automobiles and parking.  For some sections it will be the first time in 30 years for the repairs. 

Robert Wills, Treasurer


TRAFFIC REMINDERS

The holidays have come and gone, and the spring semester at Katy ISD is back to full activity.  The Constables Office, Sheriff’s Dept. and Katy ISD Police will all be watching not only the school zones but also those areas with increased traffic to assure safe and compliant vehicle operation.

Residents should remember to not only comply with the reduce speeds but should also be alert for young pedestrians and “pick-up / drop-off” traffic patterns.   HOUSEHOLDS WITH YOUNG DRIVERS SHOULD HAVE A “REMINDER” TALK ABOUT APPROPRIATE SPEEDS IN THE SUBDIVISION AND NEAR SCHOOLS.   It also can be beneficial to remind expected guests of the presence of the school zones.

The Constable’s office is always available to maintain security and to assist. The number to report any suspicious activity or to request deputy assistance is

 281-463-6666.


Ken Gentile

CONSTABLE ACTION SUMMARY
NOVEMBER 2007
Burglaries, Automobile Break-Ins, Auto Thefts,  And Assaults 40
Accidents And Traffic Citations 74
Other Disturbances 114
Public Service 255