Tonkawa Springs Entrance Monument Survey Results
Neighbors,
A survey for the neighborhood was conducted and closed on Jan 29 this year regarding the entrance monument that was constructed of stone many years ago. A quick reminder … a visual inspection of the monument will show that it has been darkened by algae, some of the capstones (on top) are loose due to erosion of mortar and cracks can be found on its front and back. The sign itself is made of wood and has some rotting and the paint has faded.
The survey presented 4 options to the neighborhood for feedback. Please note that the survey form was intentionally made less restrictive to allow for broad participation. In some cases, more than 2 responses were submitted from each home. As a result, these extra responses were removed from the summary below which shows 61 responses. This represents less than 22% of our neighborhood. Therefore, there are many more residents from whom we have not heard.
The first question asked which option was most preferred. See the following results with tally and amount pledged for each option. NOTE that 1 blank response did not choose an option. The comments indicated keeping the existing monument as-is.
| Which option do you prefer the most? | Votes | % | Pledge |
| Option 4 – Existing Entrance | 32 | 52% | $925 |
| Option 1 – Alamo | 16 | 26% | $1,850 |
| Option 2 – Slab | 10 | 16% | $2,250 |
| Option 3 – Planter/Water Feature | 2 | 3% | $2,000 |
| 1 | 2% | $0 | |
| Grand Total | 61 | 100% | $7,025 |
The second question asked which option was least preferred.
| Which option do you like the least? | Votes | % |
| Option 3 – Planter/Water Feature | 29 | 48% |
| Option 4 – Existing Entrance | 20 | 33% |
| 6 | 10% | |
| Option 2 – Slab | 3 | 5% |
| Option 1 – Alamo | 3 | 5% |
| Grand Total | 61 | 100% |
The survey also provided a means of submitting questions and comments which can be summarized as follows.
- Neighborhood-wide vote – any change that involves removal of the existing sign / logo should be voted on by the entire neighborhood. The 2024 board agreed at the Feb 13 board meeting.
- Maintenance only (aka option 5) was omitted – A 5th option that repairs the existing sign was not included in the survey. While similar to option 4, the cost would be lower as it would aim to repair the existing sign (only).
- Water feature is too much – option 3 includes a water feature that would be more expensive to build and likely require more maintenance to keep running as compared to the other options.
- Appearance: existing vs updated – the existing sign was built in the 1970s. Several responses were in favor of keeping it for historical and pragmatic reasons with some noting that the new look/font not being representative of our neighborhood.
- Electronic message board (or not) – A few responses were supportive of an electronic sign, so the HOA can retire the sawhorse letter signs. However, a few other responses were against a sign due to: driver distraction, unnecessary given other communications, and does not match existing style.
- Landscaping – inclusion of plants that require regular watering will require reactivation of the water and minimum water monthly water bill – an expense that is not currently budgeted. The committee will recommend low-maintenance natural xeriscaping and rocks to replace existing plants/bushes.
- Road construction concerns – While Commissioner Covey stated that the road construction should not affect the entrance monument, responses showed concern about the effect of the construction and the desire to wait until it completes before considering a big change.
- HOA responsibility – funding should be HOA responsibility and should be paid by the HOA through planning and budgeting over several years.
- Special assessment – 1 response suggested that the cost could be divided equally among homeowners. However, the bylaws do not allow a special assessment given that we are already at the maximum allowed annual assessment amount. A donation-based fundraiser is the only real alternative to HOA funding.
- Ownership – The Williamson County records do not explicitly show this parcel of property nor its clear ownership. Recommend that ownership be established.
NOTE: The prices communicated in the survey have been reduced by the committee by getting additional bids and assuming neighborhood help (e.g. pressure washing).
On Feb 13, the TSHOA board approved up to $3000 to make repairs on the existing monument mentioned at the beginning. These repairs are needed regardless of the direction the neighborhood ultimately chooses.
Other than the communication of the survey results and basic repairs (above), the board did not approve any other motion regarding the entrance monument at this time.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey!