IN AND AROUND TIMBERWOOD

I recently discovered that this blog had somehow been “disconnected” from the web page.  While I have repaired the problem, apparently for a period of time no one was able to view the posts to the blog if they were not subscribers who get the updates automatically.  My apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused those of you who occasionally just check the website for updates.

News you can use:
Remember that corner lot and building on Timberline and Borgfeld the HOA used to use as an office while we negotiated turnover?  It was also discussed as a potential office once turnover was completed.  At meetings as we progressed and as a part of the turnover package negotiated, discussions included keeping it as an asset for the HOA in order to protect one of the entrances to Timberwood Park from unwanted development.  It was also thought to be a good location for an on-site office for neighborhood business to take place for our property owners.

TDC had agreed to sell the HOA the building and lot for $100,000 which at the time was thought to be a very reasonable price in order to protect the entrance from unwanted development and for it’s long-term use as a local office for property owner business to take place from.

The HOA board that took over in 2011 after the signed turnover deal was completed, decided it was not in our best interest to proceed with that purchase, citing the transaction value as the biggest reason for not pursuing the completion of the purchase.  It turned down the offer, subsequently vacating the premises.  This past month the building and lot sold to a private entity.  I do not know the purchase price but I can assure you it was market value…not the offer the neighborhood had on the table.  Remember, the lots on each corner of every entrance into Timberwood are not part of the deed restrictions platted for our development.  They were excluded and have no restrictions on them as to  what can be constructed or operated on these sites.  County restrictions are very minimal for lot and/or zoning requirements without specific deed restrictions from a development in place.  Therefore a commercial activity of almost any type can take place on this lot. 

Elections are coming up for the HOA board this December.  It is important as always for you to vote for members of our community whom you believe will represent you well.  Please be sure to look at all the candidates and cast your vote for the board you would like to see lead our neighborhood and how our assessment dollars are spent on behalf of property owners for the coming year.  There are 4 spots available for election.  There are 7 spots total on the board going forward after a board vote changed the board total from 9 elected members to 7.  Please be sure to cast your vote for the December election.

LAKE SEALING PROJECT CONTINUES::
The lake sealing project continues to be worked with potential revisions upward to the costs as the pumping of the existing water continues to change.  With recent rains, the lake is of course filling once again.  The current progress is not clear on the re-sealing project, but it would certainly be impacted by recent rains and continuing rains this week.  The original project was budgeted at $280,000.  It is unclear whether the potential extra costs from additional pumping now necessary were part of the original estimate or if this has now brought the cost to a higher dollar amount.

COMAL ISD BOND PROJECT:

It is your right and privilege to vote in the manner you see fit for or against this bond election.  This blog is providing information from both sides of this issue and does not seek to influence your decision either way.  It is merely providing facts from both sides as follows:

Early voting will begin October 21 through November 1.  Timberwood Elementary is one of the early voting sites available for you to cast your vote regarding this and other measures on the ballot in the November election. 

From the official Comal ISD web site Click on the following link http://www.comalisd.org/Bond_information/Bond_2013/Default.asp which provides information about the bond project.

As additional information to this election issue the following information is provided from an individual who sat on the long range planning committee for Comal ISD as statistical analysis of the current schools utilization:

Facts about Comal ISD Bond Election:

39¢ tax  for  $493,000.000 current debt

07¢ tax  for  $451,000.000 proposed bond

12¢ tax increase on 2008 bond of $205,850,000


Taxpayer debt liability on a $200,000 home after exemptions:
                                            Taxes            Rate            Bond Debt
Current                                $780            $ .39            $493,000,000
Proposed                            $140             $ .07            $451,000,000

 

Examples of underutilized schools:

Students on 1st  day  of 2013 school year/ vs. Capacity 

                                                                
Arlon Seay Elem:     354 vs. 902                                                  
Rahe Bulverde Elem:    381 vs. 858
Bill Brown Elem:    569 vs. 924 
Johnson Ranch Elem:     234 vs.  902
Timberwood Park Elem:     514 vs. 858
Kinder Ranch Elem:    614 vs. 858
Indian Springs Elem:    666 vs. 858
Specht Elem:     550 vs. 880
Rebecca Creek Elem:    517 vs. 880
Startzville Elem:    470 vs. 880
Mountain Valley Elem:    380 vs. 858
Morningside Elem:    605 vs. 858
Hoffman Lane Elem:     625 vs.  880
Freiheit Elem:    512 vs. 858
Garden Ridge Elem:     583 vs. 836
Clear Springs Elem:    639 vs. 858
Goodwin Frazier Elem:     426 vs. 946
Oak Creek Elem:    491 vs. 858
Spring Branch Middle:    949 vs. 1,325
Smithson Valley Middle:     973 vs. 1,125
Church Hill Middle:    870 vs. 1,300
Canyon Middle School:    958 vs. 1,250
Mountain Valley Middle:    685 vs. 1,175
Smithson Valley High:    2,295 vs. 2,825
Canyon High:     2,199 vs. 3,175
Canyon Lake High:     831 vs. 1,450
Mem. Early College High:    214 vs. 400

Totals for District:                19,104 vs. 29,777

The above information was provided by member of the long-range planning committee for Comal ISD.  Again, this information is provided to give you differing perspectives regarding the upcoming bond election vote.

Many residents in our neighborhood with children in the Comal ISD system probably feel it would be a good addition to have a high school and middle school at this end of Comal ISD for our neighborhood students and to provide closer proximity to our homes for our children’s education without such long bus rides to their current schools.  Please be sure to look at all information and note the specifics of the bond measure.  Does it include monies earmarked specifically for those new schools proposed that would directly benefit Timberwood school students and Southern Comal ISD residents?  Does it include specifics for where dollars will be allocated in this bond?  As an informed voter it is important for each of us to cast a vote according to the information provided both pro and con.  Don’t forget to vote!!

MUSIC IN THE PARK:
With the uncertain weather in our area this week, suggest you double check to see if this week’s proposed concert will continue to be held.  There may be a cancelation due to weather.

Check the “Local News” tab on www.timberwoodparksa.org for details on other activities in our neighborhood.  The calendar has most current events posted.

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