The Board held the quarterly meeting on March 5. Below is a recap with some additional information.
Financials – January is the most recent month to be finalized. We had a revenue of $64,095.39 with expenses of $26,619.49. As of March 4, $114,926.99 of 2025 assessments were still outstanding. Approximately 15.6%. Late fees have been assessed to all outstanding accounts. Be advised that any 2025 assessments not paid by March 25 will be sent the required certified letter, which adds additional fees to the total amount due. Reach out to Sterling to set up a payment plan, if needed.
Board Reports
Pool – The Pool is open for Swim At Your Own Risk. You must have a waiver on file for access. Information and forms can be found at haydenlakeshoa.org/pool.
Social – Several exciting things are happening this spring. Neighborhood garage sale on March 29, Easter egg hunt with the Easter bunny on April 12, and the annual crawfish boil on April 26.
Ducks – A presentation was given on the organizations that we have contacted for information and advice about the invasive Muscovy ducks. These include Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Wildlife Services (A&M AgriLife), Cole’s Crossing HOA, association attorneys, and Statewide Animal Control. None offered direct resources to take care of the issue other than to say they are invasive and should be controlled. Cole’s Crossing had a similar issue recently and has been successful after removing the ducks and strongly encouraging residents not to feed them. Our attorneys informed us the long-term damage could have economic consequences and advised us for liability reasons that we should hire this out rather than carrying it out ourselves. An officer with Statewide Animal Control was on the call to answer questions and concerns from the resident. Compared to native species, Muscovy lay more eggs per clutch. This results in their population growth being significantly higher, similar to compound interest. Failure to take action could result in additional ducks and damage. After repairing the damage, the cause would still be present and more expensive to resolve in the future. His method of euthanasia is the quickest, most humane way to remove the invasive species of ducks. After an extended Q&A and listening to resident feedback on both sides, a motion was passed to approve the duck removal. The date has not been set and will not be announced publicly. Only the invasive species will be removed. All native ducks will remain on the ponds.
Reserve Funds – A motion was passed to place our funds into a CDARS program with FDIC insurance above $250,000 as the reserve fund should grow significantly in the coming years. Initially $200,000 will be placed equally in 13-, 26-, 39- and 52-week CDs. This will give us access to funds quarterly if needed. With a more formal reserves program, management and transfer of information to the next treasurer and Board will be simplified.
New Business – Considerable work occurs behind the scenes by the Board that residents may not be aware of. Our intent is to bring a lot of these projects and work into the community’s focus. We want to be transparent about the maintenance required, how much we do ourselves, and how the assessment funds are spent. We’re striving for increased accountability for all involved, including the Board, to get it done. With this meeting we will start utilizing the Old Business and New Business to list all projects and follow-up as they are completed. Below is a list of current projects, repairs and improvements. If there is anything that you could volunteer to assist with or help in any way, please reach out to the Board directly.
- Insurance – We recently filled out the annual questionnaire and are looking for multiple quotes this year since the bounce house was sold. Renews May 1.
- Entrance sign plantings – Working with IMS for exact plans of what and how many of each plant will be installed at the main entrance and a few smaller planting locations.
- Irrigation – Continue to have high repair costs as the system ages. We plan to set up a time to better understand the operation of the system so we can spot check their inspection reports and turn it on/off ourselves as needed, such as running after a heavy rain or during a social event. All controllers still use an old school moisture sensor. They are not “smart” to know when heavy rains are forecast or recently occurred if the sensor has dried out.
- Arborist – Work is complete to remove all trees affected by bark beetles and grind stumps throughout the neighborhood left behind during this operation and all previous ones. There are a handful of places where a tree was removed in the middle of the turf. We will work with the landscapers to get these cleaned up and sod laid down.
- Enclave Lake – Cleared up significantly as Mirella construction winds down. Continue to monitor water quality and will only intervene with flocking if necessary.
- Enclave temporary fence – We requested the fence at the end of Ariat Dr be removed. It has served its purpose and the fence construction was not meant to last. We want to ensure this does not become a financial liability for the Association after Mirella’s construction is complete. Should be removed in the near future.
- Pool deck equipment – Fire extinguisher inspected, AED is still good, ring buoys cleaned and new rope strung instead of replacing completely, and a clock will be hung on the wall.
- Locks – Pump room lock is wearing out due to damage from chlorine inside. Hard to turn and risk breaking a key. Oil is allowing smoother access for now but may need to be replaced.
- Bathrooms – Right ladies room toilet and water fountain both have a leak. We will be looking to troubleshoot and decide if we can repair ourselves. A few lights also need replacing.
- Park Rules sign – Cost to replace the large sign in a similar format to current is rather expensive. We also considered moving and repurposing the memo board in front of the bike rack. The most cost-effective solution is ordering metal signs similar to those at the pool to hang on the fence. One will be added at the Enclave playground as well.
- Playground cleaning – It has been a few years since this was completed. Previously a resident was paid, but would be best if this could be done by a volunteer.
- Fence placement throughout community – As discussed at the annual meeting, we will need to find stakes ourselves or get a surveyor to mark precise locations of the property lines compared to the actual fence placement. No quotes received yet.
- Mailbox letters – Had a request to replace the small numbers on the outside of the boxes. Unsure what the process would involve. If we can simply put on new stickers or if the old ones have to be removed and cleaned for better adhesion. Confirmed USPS does not use these. They use 5-digit address numbers marked on the inside. There are 51 mailbox stands in 16 clusters throughout the community.
- Flagpole lights – One is almost completely out. 5000K color. Will need replaced.
- Christmas lights – Need to get lights back from the vendor. The strand at the base of the tower was causing the GFCI to trip at the end of this season. Need to troubleshoot and possibly replace this strand of 74 lights.
- Dog park grates – One of the temporary wire covers is no longer present. Look into getting expanded metal and securing that to the grates for a stronger barrier.
Volunteer opportunities – The Association has a lot going on. Much of this work is done by the Board and a handful of additional volunteers. We encourage anyone that is interested in helping out to please email board@haydenlakeshoa.org. There’s work for social events, handyman quick items, and larger projects. There does not have to be a long-term commitment but the efforts of many make for lighter work for all. The expenses to hire out all of these repairs would add an additional strain to the budget. Thank you for your consideration.
Hayden Lakes Board of Directors