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Randall's Radio Comments 02/16/12

linda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:24:21 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW
February 16, 2012

1) We continue to receive questions from our listeners. Today, someone asks: “I see a very large number of liquor, beer, and wine bottles and cans throughout the roadways in the Village. It would seem that not only do we have a litter problem, but possibly a drinking and driving while problem, too. Why have I never seen a sobriety checkpoint in the Village? Isn't this something we should be doing??”

The idea of having a periodic “sobriety checkpoint” has real merit – and is something that we’ll begin discussing very soon. I certainly like the idea. However, in order to run it properly, it takes a large amount of manpower – and that means money.

A larger issue – both about impaired driving and litter – is to implore our property owners and guests to be responsible citizens; to abide by the law; and just show some common courtesy.

2) You mentioned last week about some of the questions that you’d received during your first “Coffee with the GM” earlier this month. I was particularly impressed with the diversity of the questions. Anything new to report as a result of that coffee?

Yes there is. One of the questions pertained to the POA’s open burning at our golf courses; and the particular concern was around Balboa G.C. Upon further review, we will soon be changing our practices, burning much less frequently, and only in one spot – a secluded location near Magellan.

Another asked about our practice of NOT allowing volunteer firefighters to respond to calls with flashing red lights. Candidly, I didn’t know the answer. However, after inquiring – I support the Chief’s practice – that our street system and topography are not conducive to high speed responses; and that flashing red lights should only be used in concert with sirens; and few if any volunteer FF cars are equipped with sirens. So, I’m not going to be changing this practice.

Another asked why we don’t allow our E-Blast email system to be used to promote the worthwhile programs of our many community organizations. I hadn’t really thought about this – and it’s particularly germane when the event is being held in a POA facility. After having thought it through, we host hundreds of meetings and events every month (from meetings and concerts, to bingo) – and there’s probably a larger number of events held elsewhere. My concern is that if we were to flood our E-Blast subscribers with information about all these events – they are more likely to unsubscribe. HOWEVER, the issue isn’t going away – and we are offering to improve upon our existing ‘Community Calendar’, which is on the POA’s website; and we will post every event on the day that we receive it; and keep it posted until the event is over.

3) Results of the POA’s Declaration Amendment were announced yesterday – and the proposition passed, overwhelmingly. Does that mean that there will be a push to propose a multi-year special assessment in the near future?

Absolutely not ! As we mentioned throughout the Amendment campaign – there is no current project envisioned that rises to the level of a special assessment – not the water treatment plant expansion; not the reconstruction of Desoto Pool; nor the expanded street resurfacing program. The amendment was proposed to allow the POA the tool to ask property owners for the ability to impose a multi-year special assessment if and when a project of such significance warrants a multi-year financing plan. And candidly, I don’t see many of those arising.

4) There was also a lot of discussion about the propriety of the POA Board casting votes for the lots that are owned by the POA. What was at issue?

There was a lot of sentiment that the POA Board should not be voting in the matter; and there were probably as many in attendance that felt it was quite proper for the Board to vote. In response, we need to make a few points quite clear:
* The POA does hold clear title to an ever-changing number of lots; these are not ‘common property’; and they are in good standing
* Our legal counsel has issued his opinion that the practice is legal
* And the process is not new – I’m told that the POA has always voted its lots in Declaration Amendments; including the last Amendment (I believe in 2007) that authorized assessments to be increased by the cost-of-living, beginning in 2014; and the imposition of administrative penalties, beginning in 2013. However, they have never voted their lots in a Board election

The Board will be discussing this issue in the near future – and deciding if any changes are needed; and if so, what those might be. However, from my perspective, we need to remember that the POA Board is elected by the property owners, to represent the best interests of our property owners – and this is just one of their many roles in fulfilling that responsibility.

POA General Manager Coffee - March 9th

linda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:58:58 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association announces the spring schedule of monthly Coffees With General Manager Scott Randall . The next coffee will be held March 9, 2012 at Desoto Event Center at 9 a.m.

This is an outreach to improve communications with residents and property owners. The coffees will be informal, with discussion of any topic Hot Springs Village property owners wish to have with the General Manager.

The monthly meetings will be held on the first Friday following the first Wednesday (after the Board’s monthly work session) of each month. Locations will rotate between DeSoto Event Center, Coronado Center and Ouachita Activities Building.

Scheduled Coffees : April 6 – Ponce De Leon Center, Ouachita Room A May 4 – Coronado Center , June 8- Desoto Event Center. All coffees begin at 9 a.m.

Mark your calendar and come meet your POA General Manager, Scott Randall.

Please call 501.922.5530, if you have any questions.

Newcomers Coffee Scheduled for February 23rd

linda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:54:29 -0500

Hot Springs Village- The Property Owners’ Association Newcomers Coffee is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Ponce de Leon Center. Coffee and donuts will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:00 a.m. Newcomer’s Coffee’s are held the last Thursday of even months, except December, when it is held the first Thursday in December. The meeting gives new residents an opportunity to hear about the Property Owner’s Association, organizations and activities in the Village. Please join us on February 23.

HSV Pet Registration

linda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:51:14 -0500

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association reminds all residents to register

all pets in their household. The cost is $10.50 to register each pet and proof of rabies vaccination is required.

If a pet is picked up by the POA and is registered, tagged and vaccinated, the owner will be charged $31.50 for the first pickup. Prices for subsequent pick ups are as follows:

2^nd pick up-$47.25
3^rd pick up- $68.25
Subsequent pick ups (per calendar year) -$105
Food and lodging- $10.50 per day

The fee schedule for an animal that is not registered, tagged or vaccinated is as follows:

1^st pick up- $94.50
2^nd pick up- $141.75
3^rd pick up- $204.75
Subsequent pick up-$315
Food and Lodging- $31.50 per day
Rabies quarantine- $26.25 per day

All pets should be registered and vaccinated as soon as they arrive in your household, Pets can be registered at the POA administration office at 895 Desoto Blvd. Monday –Friday from 8- 4:30 pm.

Questions, contact property owner services at 922-5556.

Declaration Results

linda — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:47:05 -0500

^{Declaration Proposal Results} Hot Springs Village- Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association announced the results of the proposed change to the HSV Declaration on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors. The proposal amends Article X, Section 4 by removing the one year limitation for special assessments and allows property owners to vote on the finance of capital projects over a number of years. Proxies were mailed to 27,409 property owners in good standing. A total of 14,557 proxies were returned with results as follows:· Yes - 10,836 or 74.44%· No - 3,721 or 25.56% The Declaration amendment will become effective April 20, 2013. Please call 922-5530 , if you have any questions.

Randall's Radio Comments 2/9/12

mfox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:45:47 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW
February 9, 2012

1) The first “Coffee with the General Manager” was held last week. What was the turnout like, and what type of interaction did you have with the property owners who attended?

While I didn’t count, I estimate that at least 60 people showed up – and I took some great questions from the floor. It lasted for more than 2 ½ hours. Some of the issues raised included some big picture items, like:· The sanctity of the gates and our practice for issuing visitor and work passes;· The need for a Welcome Center; to· Our commitment to completing the storm clean-upAs well as a fair number of more personalized issues, like:· The future of the Toledo Storage facility;· Open burning at the golf courses;· Allowing the use of our E-Blast system for community events; and· Our procedure for not allowing volunteer firefighters to run their emergency lights when responding to a fire call What I was most pleased by was the number of residents that attended without a question or concern – but just wanting to learn more about the POA and our operations. I’m looking forward to doing this again in March (on March 9^th at The Desoto Club)!

2) We have a few questions from our listeners, as well. The first asks: Is the POA Board and the management so afraid of losing the proposed Declaration Amendment that they would stoop to counting lots they do not own as valid votes?

This question was actually raised at my coffee last week – and the answer is quite simple. First, Article III of the Declaration clearly states that any person or entity that holds title to a lot or property is a member; and that all persons or entities (except for the Developer) shall be entitled to one vote for each lot or living unit they hold. Quite simply, the POA holds clear title to a large number of lots and is entitled to vote accordingly. This interpretation has been repeated confirmed by the POA’s legal counsel. Second, this is not new – I’m told that the POA has traditionally voted its lot inventory in all non-Board elections; thus, when the last Declaration amendments were proposed in 2007 – allowing for the imposition of administrative fines; and the cost-of-living escalator – the POA voted in those elections as well.

3) A second listener’s question is: Who is sponsoring Herman's Hermits at $50 per seat? Who will incur the loss if the concert does not make a profit? Why are we not told whose idea this was?

The concert sponsor is a non-resident property owner; that I understand actually lives in Maine. He has rented the Woodlands Auditorium at our property owner rates – and we’ve been paid in advance. As for why you weren’t told – candidly, you’ve been the first to ask ! Conversely, the POA is sponsoring more events this year at the Woodlands; and at the Coronado Center and Desoto Events Center – purposely trying to expand the number and diversity of entertainment offerings. As an example, we have:· Monthly Movie Nights at Coronado Center· A small venue Valentine’s Concert at Desoto Club on Friday, February 10^th· And Neil Diamond and Beatles tribute bands at Woodlands Auditorium in April and June

4) Our last question pertains to the installation of emergency warning sirens. Why weren’t neighboring residents informed of these installations; how was the first site on Barderola Circle selected; and how many will ultimately be installed in the Village?

As I mentioned last week, this whole initiative was only presented to us by the Saline County Department of Emergency Management 2-3 weeks ago; and it has moved incredibly quick. We probably could have done more to notify surrounding property owners – and I’m certain we’ll do better in the future. However, for the greater good – the installation is proceeding. The site was selected by Saline County; looking at common property controlled by the POA; and selecting sites that will maximize the number of households within the 2-mile radius service range. In this instance, almost 800 households exist within the service radius – by far, the largest residential concentration within the Saline County portion of the Village. The County’s ultimate plan is to install 6-7 sirens – each strategically placed to maximize the benefit of each siren. And if we are so fortunate, I hope that the County can complete this network within the next 2-3 years. Finally, the POA is exploring our option for taking operational control of these sirens; so that the triggering of a siren can be made by our Public Safety Department, rather than the County’s Emergency Management Department in Benton. I hope to have more to report on this aspect very soon.

Second Coronado Community Center Movie Night

mfox — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:55:14 -0500

Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association announces the second Coronado Community Center Movie Night on Thursday, February 23. This is the second of three classic comedy movies that will be presented this winter. This month, the classic movie will be, “The Pink Panther” starring Peter Sellers.

Doors open at 4:15 p.m. and the movie starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $3 and available at the door.

There will be refreshments available for purchase, including drink specials, hot dogs, popcorn and candy.

Bring your friends and join us for “Movie Night”. For more information, call 501.922.5050.

Randall's Radio Comments 2/2/12

mfox — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:34:48 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW
February 2, 2012

1) A listener asks – “I bought my lot in 1991 and since that time, I’ve heard the POA say that the ratio of user fees to assessments could not exceed 60:40; and if it did, the POA would have to pay income taxes. Apparently there was some law in the tax code. Are we hampered by this IRS rule?”

What a GREAT question !! There is a 60/40 Rule in the IRS tax code that pertains to not-for-profit corporations – but the threshold isn’t between assessments and user fees – it’s between “annual revenues” and “non-annual revenues”. There are a number of revenues that qualify as “annual” – including assessments; annual amenity fees (i.e. golf, fitness center, pool, etc.); fees for residential sanitary sewer service, ambulance services, vehicle decals and street lighting; and others. Collectively, these “annual revenues need to exceed 60% of our total revenues. We calculate and report this information to the IRS annually – and based on our last report (in 2010), our allocations were closer to 70/30. And finally, if we were ever to get close to a 60/40 ratio – we’d have to show a “real” profit, before ever becoming subject to federal tax.

2) I see that at its meeting yesterday, the Board of Directors took its first look at the proposed Mt. Carmel senior citizen assisted living facility. What was the Board’s reaction; was there any resident reaction; and what are the next steps?

The Board of Directors appears extremely supportive and enthusiastic about this new commercial development within our community. It will provide a much needed alternative housing stock, particularly in light of the existing occupancy (and waiting lists) at Good Samaritan’s; it shows that the Village is a desirable place for private sector investment; and candidly, it will improve the POA’s financial position and bottom line. Resident reaction, at least those that spoke, was also quite favorable – thus, I’m optimistic that these plans will be approved by the POA Board on February 15^th; and that work will commence shortly thereafter.

3) I also read that Saline County has offered to install one (1) emergency warning siren within the Village. How and when did this develop; where will it be placed; and when will it be installed?

Yes; and we are very excited about this. Judge Lanny Fite approached us about two weeks ago with the offer – which is part of a larger, county-wide effort to install sirens throughout the County. County and POA crews identified a site – located on Banderola Circle – just north of the Balboa Golf Course; between Minorca and Balboa. The siren is anticipated to serve a one mile radius; and we anticipate that installation should begin within a week.

4) I also see that you personally are starting a new outreach effort tomorrow – a monthly “Coffee with the General Manager”. How did this come about; what do you hope to accomplish; and where is tomorrow’s event?

I’m really looking forward to this. The impetus came about almost a year ago – as we developed the “enhanced communications plan”, and attempted to identify ways that the POA could improve its communications with residents and property owners. So, much like our E-Blast, emergency communications system or web streaming of public meetings – this is just another means of communications and outreach. I have a handful of people that come into my office every day; and this is just one more opportunity to meet with residents that have a question, issue or concern; particularly those that may not be able to, or feel comfortable with coming into the POA Administration Building. There will be no agenda; no speeches; and no public comments – just one-on-one time for residents to share a particular issue or concern. The coffee’s will be held the first Friday (following the first Wednesday) of every month; and the venue will rotate between the Desoto Club, Coronado Center and Woodlands. Tomorrow’s coffee will be at the Coronado Center.

POA to Inspect Village For Covenant and Maintenance Violations

mfox — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:20:07 -0500

Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Planning and Inspections Department will be taking a proactive approach regarding violations, including parking and storage of recreational vehicles on streets in front of residences and property maintenance issues for village residential properties. This is necessary to maintain the aesthetics of the village and neighborhood preservation.

The Planning and Inspections Department has divided the village into five zones and have started with the West end. The inspectors have been given an organized plan to cover every street in Hot Springs Village.

The inspectors will be looking for:

1) Parking violations such as boats/trailers, utility trailers, motor homes, abandoned vehicles, and inoperable motor vehicles.

2) Yard maintenance items: grass, weeds, or plant growth over 10 inches tall.

3) Exterior home maintenance items: hazardous conditions, building materials other than active construction sites, appliances, household items, rubbish, garbage, safety violations such as fire hazards and rotting wooden decks.

4) Exterior surfaces: including detached garages, fences, seawalls, decks and walls not being maintained.

If a violation is found the inspector will leave a notification advising of the issue and requesting compliance within 72 hours.

For more information, contact Planning and Inspections at 501.922.5535.

Part of Cortez Road To Be Closed For Culvert Repairs

mfox — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:18:02 -0500

Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Public Works Department will close part of Cortez Road from the intersection of Cortez and Minorca Road to the southern intersection of Cortez and Baeza Way beginning Monday, February 6 thru Wednesday, February 8.

The road will be closed to replace two culverts that have rusted and separated. As Lake Cortez has been drawn down for the winter, the culverts will be exposed below the water line and easier to replace.

Drivers will follow detour signs around the construction work on these three days by taking Jarandilla Drive or Barcelona Road .

For more information, call Public Works at 501.922.5524.

Director of Golf - John Paul - Radio Comments 1/25/12

mfox — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:48:24 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW

January 25, 2012

1) How do the eight POA golf courses rank among other public and private golf courses in the State for quality of play, beauty, etc.? (Assuming this is a fairly high ranking) Has the overall quality of the courses historically been a factor in why people have chosen to move to the Village?

There are two primary reasons that golfers pick Hot Springs Village as their retirement location. One is the quality of the courses and the second is affordability. We have consistently been below the market in fees as compared to retirement locals nationwide. Even though fees have increased over the past few years we are still amazingly competitive in the retirement market. It is critical that we keep this competitive edge moving forward in order to attract future residents. In the current Golf Digest ratings three of our courses are in the top ten in the State. Isabella, Granada and Diamante are all currently on the list. Diamante and Isabella were both former number ones from 1996 to 2004.

2) I read in a publication several years ago that the popularity of golf has declined in recent years, and that some golf communities have begun to re-evaluate their dependence on golf as a reason for retirees to choose them. Does what you see in the industry coincide with that evaluation, or do you believe that the Village can continue to thrive and grow with a continuing emphasis on golfers choosing to live here?

You are correct that golf participation has declined over the past 6 years in the US. That coupled with too many courses being built, has really put pressure on many developments. We have lost rounds just as everyone else; however, we are lucky, in that the immediate area (including Hot Springs and Little Rock) were not part of that overdevelopment. We have been able to weather the storm by systematically reducing expenses and slightly raising fees and at the same time keep our product up to date. We have put off some critical projects and it will start to show up shortly but the POA Board is committed to keeping our total infrastructure up to date and golf is included in that mix. The Balboa and DeSoto golf projects, which have been put off for a few years are now back in the short term plan. This, coupled with short term drainage and bunker renovation projects on the other courses, should keep our courses in the top echelon in the State. Every course and development in America is facing the same challenge and the ones that keep their product viable will survive this downturn.

3) There has been a lot of discussion about converting the greens of one of the golf courses to Bermuda grass. Is this a project that will be undertaken this year? If so, on which course, and, given the expense, why do think this is a good idea?

The new hot term in golf is “Ultra Dwarf” Bermuda. This is not your father’s Bermuda grass. This is a new strain of grass specifically developed for greens that experience hot weather summers. It is a very tight smooth surface that loves hot weather. We are in the transition zone for grasses in the US. That means both cool and warm season grasses work but both have challenges in their off season. (Cool weather grass in the summer and warm season grass in the winter). Until recently we were able to withstand the summers with bent grass greens as the “hot season” lasted for about 60 days. In recent years that 60 day period has become 100+ days and it is taking a toll on personnel and budgets. Course after course is converting to the Ultra-dwarf for their greens to make it through this time with a superior product, save money and retain personnel. There are 85 courses in Tx. Ok. and Ark scheduled to convert to this grass in 2012.By our estimate we can save $30,000 a year (per course) with Ultra-dwarf greens compared to bent greens. The estimated payout for the conversion is approximately three years.I believe it makes sense for the Village to have a combination of both Ultra-dwarf and Bent greens. We now have plans to convert the greens at the Magellan course in 2012. The entire process will take between 8 and 12 weeks. The course is scheduled to close June 4^th and reopen Labor Day weekend or possibly sooner, depending on grow-in.

4) You spoke earlier about systematically reducing expenses; can you give an example of how you have accomplished this over the past few years?

We have reduced full time positions over the last 5 years. We currently have 12 fewer than we did 5 years ago and there will be 2 more reductions in 2012 making that total 14. There was also a reduction in part- time and seasonal personnel that accounts for four more full time equivalents. We have also reduced the hours of part time pro shop and tee-time personnel as we are learning to do more with less. The golf shop cleaning service has been systematically reduced as we have taken on more of that effort with our employees. As people have started using the tee time system from home we have been able to reduce the hours that the tee time service is operating. Other changes are longer rotations in replacing range balls and staff uniforms. We are now using more efficient fertilizers which has reduced the need from three applications a year to two. As mentioned earlier, we estimate that the conversion to Ultra-dwarf greens will save us $30,000+ a year in chemical and personnel savings. In 2011 we worked with the two electric companies to reduce our energy expenses by targeting our “demand charges” and reducing this number over the winter by capping the max use on our irrigation pumps if they must be used at all.

We never quit looking at ways to save and at the same time give our customers an enjoyable experience without sacrificing quality.

Randall's Radio Comments 1/19/12

mfox — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:24:27 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW
January 19, 2012

1) You certainly had a full Board of Director’s meeting yesterday. One of the items you mentioned was the Mt. Carmel Assisted Living Facility. While we spoke briefly about this two weeks ago – what can you tell us about these plans?

The development will be called “Mt. Carmel Community at the Village”. As proposed:

· it is a 75-unit, senior citizen, assisted living facility

· the building measures more than 60,000 SF

· built on an 11-A parcel;

o recently purchased from Cooper

o located at the NW corner of Hwy 5 and Ponce de Leon Dr (just outside the Balboa Gate)

· Construction is estimated at $7.2 M

I would remind our listeners that this is the first time that the POA has been responsible for reviewing and approving a commercial development within the Village. Previously, this was a responsibility retained by Cooper. Assuming that Mt. Carmel makes all of their submissions in time, I hope that the POA Board of Directors can hear Mt. Carmel’s presentation at the February work session (on February 1^st); and assuming that there are no significant issues raised, the Board will consider approving the project on February 15^th.

2) The Board also approved two significant changes in Village fees yesterday. The first was a two-tier rate structure for non-residential trash collection?

While the issue of non-residential trash collection has been discussed since last June, and the Board approved changes in collection and fees in October – they agreed to reconsider a lower fee for smaller non-residential users that generate less trash. Currently, all non-residential customers (and we have about 188 of them) are provided one, large 3 CY dumpsters, for which they pay $82/mo. Now, smaller trash generators can subscribe for a 96-gallon container, collected once-a-week, at a rate of $41/mo. This is an accommodation to at least ¼ of our existing non-residential customers. As a reminder, residential customers pay $15/mo.

3) You also introduced a proposal to impose interest and penalties on unpaid assessments?

Yes. It’s a concept we’ve been discussing for months – and actually, the POA Declaration has always authorized a 6% interest rate for past due assessments; but it’s never been used. The Board did approve both recommendations:

· that a 6% annual interest rate be assessed on all delinquent accounts; effectively immediately; and calculated monthly; so, a late assessment will increase by 18 cents if paid one month late; and

· a $5 per month penalty for assessments that are delinquently for more than 60 days

Our motivation is not intended to generate significant funds – but to encourage our property owners to pay their assessments; and pay them on time. It also gives our collection staff something to offer in exchange for getting a delinquent owner’s account current.

4) The Board also approved a new contract for banking services. I didn’t realize that these were services that were paid for – I always thought that banks provided these services for the benefit of having your money?

I wish that were the case. But, the level of service provided to large commercial accounts – and the POA is a large account, with more than $30 million in annual activity – cost money. Since our inception, the Village has banked with Regions Bank – and we’ve always had exceptional service. However, after going through a competitive bid process – we received 4 proposals – and selected the proposal from Summit Bank. Based on our anticipated level of service – we anticipate saving more than $13,000 each year.

Just a reminder -- you won’t be here next week – but John Paul, the Director of Golf – will be our guest to discuss the 2012 golf program.

Spring Mulch Available to Property Owners

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:23:31 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association is offering mulch created from last spring’s storm debris to Village residents for their spring landscaping and gardening projects.

The mulch will be available beginning Wednesday, February 1 at the old gravel pit site (turn on Turlingua Drive, off of DeSoto, then left on Deposito Paseo,) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or until the supply is exhausted.

The mulch is free of charge to residents for their personal use. The mulch is not available to commercial entities. The mulch is made up largely from pine trees that were cleared from the storm debris on common property. Residents will need to bring the tools necessary to load and haul the mulch from the site.

Residents should use caution when entering and exiting the site as Public Works is still hauling debris to the site.

Contact Public Works at 501.922.5524 or 501.922.5528 for further information.

Election Day Committee Soliciting Applications

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:15:42 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association is soliciting applications from Hot Springs Village property owners in good standing who are willing to serve on this year’s Election Day Committee.

This committee is charged with overseeing the ballot counting for the Hot Springs Village Board of Directors Election. The ballots will be counted on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Ouachita Building.

Applications will be available beginning February 1, 2012 online at hsvpoa.org/about us/committees/committee application or from the General Manager’s office at the POA Administration Building, 895 DeSoto Blvd. There will be 14 members selected by a blind draw on March 7, at the work session and appointed by the Board of Directors on March 21, 2012

Applications must be completed and returned to the General Manager’s office no later than Thursday, March 1, 2012.

Please contact 922-5530 for additional information or questions.

POA General Manager Coffees Begin February 3

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:07:17 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association announces monthly Coffees With General Manager Scott Randall beginning Friday, February 3 at 9 a.m. at the Coronado Center, Room 3.

The spring schedule is: March 9 – DeSoto Club Parlor, April 6 – Ouachita Room A May 4 – Coronado Center. All coffees begin at 9 a.m.

Mark your calendar and come meet your POA General Manager, Scott Randall.

Please call 501.922.5530, if you have any questions.

POA Marketing Micro Sites Now Live

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:03:53 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association is pleased to announce six of the thirteen micro sites (aka mini-websites) are now live. The goal of these sites is to navigate visitors and potential new residents to their key interests within one to three clicks and/or ten seconds or less, according to Dannet Botkin, POA Marketing Manager.

All of the micro sites feature a press page, general Hot Springs Village page and sponsorship page. The press page features key stories that will entice visitors and new residents to the Village. The simplicity of navigation and reduction of internet searching provided by the micro sites will increase the volume of potential residents, visitors, retirees, members, trail walkers, boaters and golfers in 2012. Additionally, direct email links, easily identified phone numbers and the online consent-to-contact form provides a more service oriented front to these prospects with all of the key information provided more easily.

Property owners are kindly asked not to complete the online consent-to-contact form on these sites as these are targeted to non-property owners and doing so will interfere with the lead database integrity.

Amenity and Open House flyers, as well as a map can be downloaded from all micro sites, providing Village potential visitors and residents alike ease of information while reducing the cost of mailing and printing.

The micro sites listed below are now on-line:

HSVGolfing.com –features the nine golf courses in the Village including virtual tours of the eight POA courses that will be live soon. This site also details the memberships available for purchase as well as great golf specials. Note: the golf special flyer is not live yet but will be very soon. Residents and Villagers can visit HSVGolfing.com for a direct link email to schedule your next tee time.

HSVLakes.com – is all about the eleven Village lakes and full service marinas.

HSVTrails.com – details the beautiful trails in the Village

HSVTennis.com – highlights the thirteen-court tennis facility and emphasizes memberships for purchase. This site has a direct link to schedule your next court time.

Welcome2HSV.com – welcomes potential residents to the Village. This site is for potential residents, members, lot owners and retirees to learn about the Village.

HSVEvent.com – focuses on the DeSoto Club Event Center which is now open for lunches, proms, weddings, conferences, cocktail parties, dinners, reunions and more. Schedule your next event at the beautiful DeSoto Club.

Resident Ambassadors please begin to “Share the Fun”, email your friends and family their key interest website. It is time for the village to go viral!

Hot Springs Village will participate in seven trades show in the first quarter of 2012. They include golf shows, Real Estate and a Marine Expo.

For more information or to be included as a marketing sponsor, contact POA Marketing Manager, Dannet Botkin at 501.922.5561.

Sign Procedure Changes Take Effect

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:33:23 -0500

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association’s Architectural Control Committee has made several changes to the sign procedures which went into effect on January 1, 2012.

The changes are necessary to preserve the aesthetics of Hot Springs Village as well as regulate the size, location, color and quantity of temporary signs in the right-of-ways.

The new procedure states that no signs of any type will be allowed at any entrance to Hot Springs Village as follows:

West Gate - On Desoto Blvd. from Hwy. 7 to San Fernando Road and on W. Villena Dr.- 60 feet from DeSoto Blvd. stop sign.

East Gate – On Desoto Blvd. from Hwy. 5 to El Cano Drive.

Balboa Gate – On Ponce de Leon from Hwy. 5 to Entereza Way.

Glazier Peau Gate - On Estrella Way from Warren Watson Road to Mazarron Drive and on Mazarron Drive – South to Pyrennes Way and north to Jalisco Circle.

Danville Gate – On access road- from Balearic to West Side of Danville Road.

Cortez Gate – From Cortez Road to Cortez Gate.

Special Event Signs - All special event signs are allowed to be erected three days prior to the event and must be removed within 24 hours of the completion of the event. If there will be more than one special event per year, a list must be provided with the completed application that shows the dates, event name and the location the event will be held. The annual permit fee is $40 per company or organization.

Banners- All banners must be located on the property where the event is being held. The permit fee is $40 per event.

Garage/Yard Moving Signs - The sign must not exceed 96 square inches (8 1/2“x 11”). A maximum of five signs will be furnished, by the POA, per permit/per location. The signs may be erected one day prior to the sale and must be removed after the sale is concluded. Signs must be free standing on a stake or frame. No cardboard boxes, buckets, nailed or stapled to street signs or light poles. The permit fee is $15 for five signs.

Open house/Estate sales/Model Home Signs – Signs may be used when showing a particular house/estate that is for sale. Signs shall not exceed 18” x 24” and shall not exceed 30” above grade with no more than five total signs, including the one at the house, are allowed. Signs may be displayed for the property for a period of no more than 72 consecutive hours per week. The annual permit fee is $40 per company or organization.

For Sale Signs- Vacant lots and new homes: size not to exceed 18” x 24”and no more than 60 inch high above grade, if post mounted with optional pamphlet holder. Internal lots can have one sign visible from the street. Lake or golf course lots can have one sign visible from the street and a second sign visible from the lake or golf course.

Signs found that are not in compliance will be removed by Planning & Inspections. For a complete list of sign procedures, contact Planning & Inspections at 895 DeSoto Blvd. or call 501.922.5535.

Change in Residential Sanitation Schedule Effective February 6

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:19:17 -0500

Change in Residential Sanitation Schedule

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association announces changes to the current residential sanitation collection schedule, including yard waste and holidays. All changes will be effective February 6, 2012. The changes will provide more efficient service to the residents as well as cost savings to the POA.

All affected residents will be sent a letter advising of their new sanitation pick up schedule, as well as the yard waste and holiday schedule changes.

All residential customers will now receive once a week pick up, including multifamily and townhouse collections. The new schedule will consolidate sanitation pickups to three routes, operating four days a week.

All yard waste pickups will be scheduled on Fridays. Residents need to be aware that yard waste bag tags are still required and they must call Public Works to schedule pickups.

The holiday sanitation schedule will change to the day after the holiday. If your regular schedule is Monday and it is a holiday, pickup will be Tuesday, holiday on Tuesday, pickup will be Wednesday, etc.

For additional information or questions, contact Public Works at 501.922.5524 or 501.922.5528.

Director of Public Works Radio Comments 1/12/12

mfox — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:48:01 -0500

RANDY NOLES, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS RADIO COMMENTS

January 12, 2012

I understand that Public Works experienced one of the largest number of employee reductions last year during the reduction in force that occurred. Can you tell us how this is working now?

a. This is true. Our work force was reduced from 68 to 50 full time employees.

b. The attitude of the employees has changed and they are adapting to the practice of realizing we must do more with less.

c. I have worked hard to break the division boundaries so that our employees realize that we are not just street workers, construction workers or water maintenance workers. We are the Public Works Department, and we do what ever is necessary to get the job done.

d. Since the reduction in force occurred we have been able to recall 6 employees to full time status and 1 part time.

e. John, a little trivia. The average tenure of all fulltime employees in the Public Works Dept. is 19+ years, with 7 employees with over 30 years of service. Everyone likes to boast, but I would like to say that the Public Works Dept. has some of the most sincere, dependable and dedicated employees who take pride in their work and strive to make HSV the best it can be.

2) Can you tell us about the new Sanitation changes in 2012?

a. Beginning on February 6^th we will be changing our schedule, routes and practices to make our collections more economical and efficient. Letters will be mailed to all residents by the middle of next week. The 3 major changes residents need to be aware of are:

1. First, the majority of our residents will have a new pickup day. This needed to change to allow our trucks to stay within a particular area and collect all the houses in that area rather than following streets that meander throughout the Village.

2. Second, multi family units that presently have twice a week pickup will be supplied with 64 gallon carts to replace their existing cans, and they will have once a week pickup.

3. Last, we are changing our leaf and yard waste collection day from Wednesday to Friday. This will better allow us to mange our weekly collections when holidays occur by simply moving your day of collection ahead 1 day. Example: At present Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday and is now picked up on Wednesday. With our new schedule you would be picked up Friday. Our weekly leaves and yard waste collection would be delayed to the following Friday. Also, if the holiday is on Monday, every pick up that week will be a day late.

3) Can you tell us about the common property clean up caused by the April Tornado?

a. We hired 4 employees at the end of November that began clearing debris from common property.

b. Their charge is to remove all downed and leaning trees and root balls when possible (some are too large for equipment to safely handle).

c. We divided the areas affected into 5 zones:

1. Zone 1- Barcelona Road area (consisting of Santa Cruz, Valle, Segovia and areas north along Desoto Blvd. from Barcelona Road to Desoto Golf Course entrance).This zone has been completed.

2. Zone 2- Coronado Golf Course Area (San Pablo, Jardinero and areas south of Balearic Road surrounding Coronado Golf Course)

3. Zone 3- Includes Pintuerero, Faisan, Dominar and Jubileo areas.

4. Zone 4- Includes all areas east of Balboa Road to Lake Balboa, and from Balearic Road to Desoto Blvd. Zone 4 also includes the Sacedon, Andorra, Oliete and Encantado areas.

5. Zone 5- All the areas along Ponce De Leon from Desoto Blvd. to Villacarriedo Drive. Areas in this zone are Cifuentes, Hendaye, Talavan, Vimioso, San Augistin and Pertusa.

6. Other subdivisions may be within these zones that I have failed to mention, but we will clean the common property on all areas in these zones.

7. LET ME REMIND EVERYONE all the storm damaged trees visible from the roads are not all on Common Property and therefore may not be cleared of the damaged trees.

8. We estimate this project could take 2 to 3 years and ask all residents to be patient as we work toward your area.

4. Any other major projects in Public Works for the upcoming year that might be of interest to the Property Owners?

a. Our Water Plant expansion plans have been submitted to ADEQ for review and we are hopeful to have a decision and the ability to bid this project by late spring or early summer.

b. Thanks to our Board of Directors for seeing our need and approving our budget of $1.5 million for our street maintenance program. This will allow us to pave approximately 25 to 30 miles of road.

5. Any other comments in closing?

a) I would like to encourage anyone who has an engineering or architectural degree, experience in HVAC, utilities, roads or other construction experience to consider becoming a member of the Public Works Committee. This is an advisory committee to the Public Works Department. There are 3 openings and if anyone is interested they can obtain an application from the HSVPOA website or the POA Administration building.

Randall's Radio Comments 1/5/12

linda — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:32:06 -0500

KVRE INTERVIEW
January 5, 2012

1) Scott, I know you are saddened by the (apparent) homicide of POA police dispatcher Dawna Natzke, after her disappearance was reported on Friday, December 23^rd. When the police department issued their “Be On the Look Out” announcement, should the POA have also used the e-mail blast system to alert Villagers to the disappearance?

Saddened by this news doesn’t do it justice. Dawna was an exemplary employee; and a co-worker to all. But even more, she was a friend to many of us – actually, to all that came to know her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boys, Dawna’s mother Doris and her extended family and friends. I’m not going to critique what we did right, or what we might have done better – and certainly not while we are in the midst of a criminal investigation. Any review of these procedures can take place after the work at hand is done.

2) Are you satisfied that the Village Police Department did everything they could have done, and in a timely manner, to get the investigation underway once her disappearance was reported?

I most certainly do. The first indication that anyone had that something was wrong came at 6:00 AM on Friday morning when Dawna did not show up for work. It was brought to my attention at 8:00 AM – and I know the efforts that were initiated immediately; and which agencies were involved. The Department had two goals – to find Dawna; and if harm had come to her, to develop a case sufficient for prosecution. Bottom line -- I have the highest degree of confidence in the entire HSV Police Department – and the thoroughness of their search and investigation.

3) Scott, you told the Board members at the last meeting in December that the POA had reached a settlement with OSHA over the wood chipping accident last summer. Can you provide some background for us on the OSHA investigation and the terms of the settlement?

As we are obligated to do, OSHA was contacted the day of the accident (June 8^th) and visited the worksite that day. They returned two more times that week; and again about a week later during our continuing investigation. In mid-November, OSHA issued two citations and fines upon the Village. The most serious finding stated that “the POA allowed the employee to enter the machine without implementing procedures to ensure that the equipment could not energize.” During our settlement conference, we produced testimony about the ownership and operation of the equipment, including the manufacturer’s training that was provided before work commenced, and our employment of a third-party vendor to operate the equipment. As a result of this conference, some minor language changes were made; and the financial penalty was reduced by 30% The second citation was of a lesser nature. During their on-site inspection, OSHA found a number of accident logs (dating back to 2008-09) which they felt were not sufficient in their detail. Most dealt with things like – and employee injured their hand, leg or arm – but the report did not indicate whether it was the right or left hand, leg or arm. These records were corrected in the presence of the OSHA Inspector. During our settlement conference, the citation, and the monetary fine, were eliminated.

4) Did OSHA find any fault with the owner or the manufacturer of the chipper? Will the OSHA decision affect how POA employees are trained to operate potentially dangerous equipment?

OSHA’s investigation did not include any culpability on the part of the owner or manufacturer of the equipment – they are only interested in the employer/employee relationship. As to the second part of your question – yes; the OSHA investigation will lead to a safer work environment within the Village. First, part of our settlement agreement with OSHA requires that we develop a safety and training protocol for the smaller brush chipper we own and use. Second, we have invited the State (Arkansas) OSHA to inspect the Village, our facilities and our operations. This is scheduled to take place within the next two weeks. They will render a report which we can use to improve upon our safety training and practices.

5) I read in your report to the board that fuel purchases for POA vehicles would be made through local vendors. Can you describe how the POA purchased fuel in the past, and why the change was made?

For most of our fleet, the Public Works Department has maintained a small supply of unleaded and diesel fuel at the Garage. The Police Department has long used local vendors. We buy in bulk, but not large enough to realize any significant savings from the pump price. We also bought higher-octane fuel, due to a number of our heavier pieces of equipment that are not equipped for lower-octane blends that contain some ethanol. By converting to local vendors for our vehicles and light trucks, we can obtain gas at any of four local Shell stations, dispersed around the Village; those vehicles can use the cheaper, lower-octane blends; we receive a three percent (or about 9 cents) per gallon rebate from the pump price; and limit the use of our more expensive fuels to those pieces of equipment which require the higher octane.

POA Contracts Emergency Notification System

mfox — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:13:00 -0500

POA Contracts Emergency Notification System

Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association has contracted with One Call Now of Troy, Ohio to provide a mass notification system for HSV. One Call is America’s largest message notification service provider and its clients include municipalities, schools and other large business groups.

This system will be used only to communicate emergencies to residents and businesses located within the boundaries of HSV. The system has the ability to call residents in an affected area of the Village and alert them to an emergency such as a missing person or water main break, etc. Additionally, the system has an “all-call” feature that can send a call to all residents in the system, if needed.

All HSV household and business landline phone listings, published or unpublished, provided by the telephone company will automatically be in the system and updated quarterly. It is necessary that residents/businesses provide any additional numbers, including cell phone numbers that they wish to have contacted.

Residents and businesses will be able to add the additional telephone numbers via the POA’s website, www.hsvpoa.org after January 20^th, 2012. If you do not have a landline, do not have computer access, have a cell phone as your primary number, forms are available to complete for participation.

Forms can be picked up at the POA Administration Building, Coronado Community Center and the Police Department.

If further information is needed, call 922-0011.