Entrance Monument Survey

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 Entrance3252%$925
Option 1 – Alamo1626%$1,850
Option 2 – Slab1016%$2,250
Option 3 – Planter/Water Feature23%$2,000
12%$0
Grand Total61100%$7,025

The second question asked which option was least preferred. 

Which option do you like the least?Votes%
Option 3 – Planter/Water Feature2948%
Option 4 – Existing Entrance2033%
610%
Option 2 – Slab35%
Option 1 – Alamo35%
Grand Total61100%

The survey also provided a means of submitting questions and comments which can be summarized as follows.

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. HOA responsibility – funding should be HOA responsibility and should be paid by the HOA through planning and budgeting over several years.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!

Lighting of the Luminaries

Dear Neighbors,

Your TSHOA Social Committee and other interested neighbors will be deploying luminaries to celebrate the season in the afternoon of December 24, 2023. Enjoy!

Luminaries will be picked up on 12/27/23.

Thank-you,

The Social Committee

Third Annual Holiday Light Contest

The Social Committee will be traveling through the neighborhood to judge the Third Annual Holiday Light Contest. There are 3 categories of awards: Best Traditional, Best Griswold, and Best Themed.

Signs will be staked in front yards on or around the 18th and picked up after Christmas by the Social Committee.

Happy Decorating and Holiday Season!

-The Social Committee

Annual Cookie Exchange 12/17/23

Hi Neighbors,

We will host our Annual Cookie Exchange in the Commons at 2pm on Sunday, 12/17.  Remember to bring 2 1/2 dozen cookies and an empty container for the cookies you will be taking home.

We are asking people to RSVP by Thursday, December 14 to Laurie Garrant at 512-568-2170 or lfgarrant@gmail.com  We will cancel the event if we do not get any RSVPs or if the weather turns bad.

Come on out and enjoy everyone’s baking!

Water Boil Advisory 12/6/23

For those of you that may not receive these notices from Aqua Tex about water disruption.

Dear Customer,

This is an important notice from Aqua sent 12-06-2023 to customers living in a portion of the Tal Tex water system.  The area affected is limited and if you are receiving this notice, you should boil your water before use.
 
 Due to a water leak repair, Aqua is notifying customers living in the affected area to boil their water prior to consumption in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules.  Water should be boiled prior to consumption including drinking, washing hands/face, brushing teeth, cooking, ice making, etc. 
 
 Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, but all customers should follow these directions. 
 
 To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. 
  
 In lieu of boiling, you may use bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for consumption. 
 
 Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the Aqua will issue a notice to customers lifting the boil water advisory in a manner similar to this notice. 
 
 Please share this information with other people within the affected area who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.  
 
 We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.   
 
Please call Aqua at 877.987.2782 if you have any questions. To sign up for service alerts, visit www.aquawater.com

TSHOA 4th Qtr Board Meeting

TSHOA 4th Qtr Board Meeting Tuesday December 5th

Dear Neighbors,

Our 4th quarter Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday December 5th at 6:30 pm at:

SouthStar Bank Casita

3025 Farm to Market Rd 1431

Round Rock, TX 78681

The Board meeting is open to the neighborhood and neighbors are encouraged to attend. We will say thank-you and farewell to the 2023 Board and welcome in the 2024 Board. If you would like to speak during the open forum, remember to sign up when you arrive at the meeting.