Thursday, August 27, 2009

Cell Phones + Driving + School Zones = Ticket!

Dear Members,

This is a reminder that the Texas Legislature has passed a bill that will affect the use of cell phones in school zones. Effective SEPTEMBER 1st, only "hands free devices" may be used to communicate in a school zone unless:
  • The vehicle is stopped; or
  • The cell phone is used with a hands free device.

The City is posting signs at the entrance of all school zone crossings warning drivers not to use the cell phone in the school zone crossing. BE AWARE!

Also, I have posted a letter from former mayor and RE/MAX DFW Associates Broker, Mark Wolfe, written to the City Council after his opportunity to speak at the Public Hearing last Tuesday night. The next Public Hearing is Tuesday, September 1st.

Per Mark Wolfe:

The opposition is growing at a rapid pace among citizens regarding the proposed five cent tax increase for the City of Coppell. Over 300 citizens attended the Town Council this past Tuesday with over 90 signed up to speak in opposition to the tax increase.
To view update information:
http://concernedcitizen75019.blogspot.com

To email the Town Council:
citycouncil@ci.coppell.tx.us

The proposed five cent tax increase would be to pay for new and future debt at Northlake. But, the city has $16.2 million in its fund balance overage to assist in “rainy days.” The Town Council has refused to spend that money up to this point. I spoke at the Town Council this past Tuesday. Below is the follow-up email that I sent to the Council last evening.

2008 Tax Rates for Cities that Border Coppell:
Carrollton 0.617875
Farmers Branch 0.4945
Irving 0.5406
Lewisville 0.44021
Coppell 0.64146, proposed 0.69146

To: 'citycouncil@ci.coppell.tx.us'Subject: Thank You for Listening

Honorable Mayor and City Council,

I very much appreciate the opportunity that was afforded last night to the citizens to speak regarding the proposed tax rate increase and Municipal Budget. There was healthy discussion and when I came home from another meeting I was able to listen on TV the closing comments from each of the Council members. I know this is a difficult choice that each of you are making. I sat in your seat for several years and only someone that has been in your position fully understands the implications.

Coppell faces numerous challenges over the next several years. The Northlake issue, the aging population and the demographic changes will have major implications for our community. But the most pressing issue is our current economy. The current economic downturn has affected Coppell citizens more than many of us know. In my business our agents see it every day as they deal with their neighbors and fellow citizens in delinquent mortgages, refinancing, selling or downsizing their home, etc. It is all very real to so many. Also, local businesses are struggling for their very life. Several local business owners live on my street and virtually all have put personal savings into their companies this year. Several local business owners are drawing no salaries.

I share this information because the opposition and fear to the increased government spending in Washington D.C. has spilled over to the local economies. I personally believe this five cent tax increase is a boiling point for many citizens. It is not the money. It is the principle of the situation. It is the fact that our local government would do this to their citizens right now. I was not expecting the phone calls, emails and personal comments today from local citizens thanking me for my comments last night. Further, virtually every person made the comment of some on Council that appeared concerned and empathetic and others on Council that appeared arrogant with an attitude of “we know better than you.” I heard that several times today. People are angry and the slightest body language or facial expression apparently raised serious concerns among some local citizens. This community has had a real bond for many years. I fear that bond is on the verge of breaking.

Listening to your comments on TV at the close of the meeting I really felt that most Council members were really having an inner struggle on the issue. I trust that you will make the right decision for our community, both for the short term and the long term.

Thank you for your consideration.

Mark Wolfe

I hope all of you have a SAFE Labor Day Weekend!

Best regards,

Cindy Etheredge, President cindy@WheresHome.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Neighborhood Get Together set for June 20th

Dear Members,



This is a reminder to come for a great time to visit and get to know your neighbors this coming Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Morning Mist cul de sac. The HOA will provide hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings. Bring your own lawn chairs, drinks, and a side dish or dessert. The forecast is for hot summer weather so bring umbrellas, sunscreen and plenty of water!


We need two members to volunteer the use of their grills. We also need tables and volunteers to help set up and clean up. Your help will be greatly appreciated! Set up will begin at approximately 5:00.


We are looking forward to a good turn out! Hope to see you there!


Best regards,

Cindy Etheredge


PS...we're glad you found this blog site for our HOA! For future purposes, when you see the signs at the entrances of our neighborhood a new blog will be posted with some important information for our members. Please save this blog site and refer to it occasionally for comments and updates on neighborhood happenings. I am happy to post any activities or concerns that would be of interests to our members. You can always reach me at Cindy@WheresHome.com. Thanks!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Neighborhood Thefts...Please Beware!

Coppell Police reported to me that in the last few days there have been items taken from open garages in our neighborhood. I received this knowledge yesterday after calling the police to report a bike stolen right off my front porch. The thief left a bike in my yard in order to take my son-in-laws. The policeman took the abandoned Mongoose bike with him.

Needless to say, please keep your eyes open and be aware that this is happening in our neighborhood. If you see someone that is acting strange or doesn't look like they belong around your neighbors house, please check them out. The policeman was at my house in less than 5 minutes after we called.

Are there any other happenings you would like to report? Please post a comment.

Let's all have a safe summer!

Cindy Etheredge

Friday, May 22, 2009

New Date for Neighborhood Get Together is June 20th

Dear Members,

That's right! June 20th is the new date set for our "Neighborhood Get Together". The time is set for 5:30 and the details remain the same. We need two volunteers to offer the use of their grills and volunteers to help set up and clean up. If you are willing to help out, please post a comment. Thanks!

Upcoming Garage Sale: 306 Quiet Valley is having a garage sale the weekend after Memorial Day. Does anyone else plan to have one? I will gladly post your neighborhood event.

FYI: On May 15th, The City implemented watering restrictions for automatic spray irrigation systems and lawn sprinklers. No outside watering is allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the exception of the use of non-spray irrigation systems and hand watering.

Keep coming back! Feel free to post your comment and please spread the word that this blog site is available for all of our members.

Please slow down and watch for kids out playing. Have a great weekend!

God Bless Our Troops!

Best regards,
Cindy Etheredge

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Neighborhood Party Postponed Due to Weather!

Dear Members,

A rainy day today with storms in the forecast has once again foiled our plans for the neighborhood get together. We definitely had a better response for participation this weekend!

We will postpone the party until after Memorial Day weekend. Check back for the date. The time and details will remain the same. Please pass this update along to your neighbors.

The big grill we planned to borrow is broken. We are in need of 2 volunteers to offer the use of their grill. This would be greatly appreciated! Just contact me or Debbie Diamond if you can help us out with this.

Please keep checking this blog! I will be happy to post a blog announcing garage sales and local activities. Please post a "comment" after reading the blog letting me know of any activity you would like to announce. We hope to be your resource for passing neighborhood friendly information!

Congratulations to our neighborhood Seniors! Way to go!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! Thank you to all of those who are serving and all that have served in our armed forces for the sacrifices that protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Best regards,
Cindy Etheredge

Thursday, May 7, 2009

HOA Neighborhood Party Postponed til May 16

Dear Members,

The Neighborhood Get Together has been postponed due to a low number of RSVP's (probably due to this being Mother's Day weekend) and because there is stormy weather in the forecast for most of the day Saturday.

The plans remain the same, only the date changes to May 16th. We hope to hear from many more of you that you will be able to come. Please email debbie.diamond22@gmail.com or call her at 972.462.7867 before Friday the 15th, and let her know if you plan to attend. We need an idea of how many we're going to feed!

Be sure to bring drinks and chairs for your family and one of the following: table, appetizer, dessert, or covered dish. We will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, plates, cups, and napkins.

Hope to see everyone in Morning Mist cul de sac at 5:30 on Saturday the 16th!

Best regards,
Cindy Etheredge

Monday, April 20, 2009

Welcome to the New Park Meadow I HOA Blog Spot!

Dear Members,

Welcome to this exclusive blog site for use to update our members on neighborhood happenings!  We also welcome your comments that will help keep us informed of events or happenings in the community or schools. This can also be our means of communicating unusual activities of concern,  keeping the "neighborhood watch" going for the safety of our neighbors and children.  This is not the place to voice your complaints!  Please call your elected officers to voice your concerns.

Speaking of officers, the newly elected officers for the year and their contact information are:

Cindy Etheredge, President
332 Parkview Place
email: Cindy@WheresHome.com
Ph: 972.393.1706

Debbie Diamond, Secretary
325 Meadowood
email: debbie.diamond22@gmail.com
Ph:  972.462.7867

Mark Henry, Treasurer
309 Parkview Place
email: m4henry@verizon.net
Ph: 972.745.2134

Thanks to our outgoing President, Rick Diamond and Secretary, Scott Richards for their outstanding leadership over the past two years.  We are grateful Debbie Diamond is staying with us as our new Secretary.  She did an outstanding job as our Treasurer before.

Ready for some fun?  Our annual "NEIGHBORHOOD GET TOGETHER" is Saturday, May 9th, in the Morning Mist cul de sac.  Please bring your own drinks and chairs and one of the following to share: table, appetizer, dessert, covered dish or casserole.  PMHOA will provide the hamburgers, hotdogs, plates, cups and napkins.  We will have a bounce house for the kids.  Come enjoy the food and get to know your neighbors.  It starts at 5:30 in the afternoon and lasts until ??.  RSVP to Debbie Diamond at 972.462.7867 by Friday the 8th so we can be sure to have plenty of food.  We will need volunteers to help set up and clean up.

Also, Saturday, May 9th is Family Fish Day in Andy Brown Park East.  It last from 9 a.m. until 1.p.m.  Walk to the park and enjoy this time with your family.  Take a pole and see if you can catch the biggest fish for an exciting prize!

To all of our Park Meadow moms, we cherish each and every one of you!  Have a wonderful Mother's day!

Best regards,
Cindy Etheredge