Blog

Candlelight Oaks Board Meeting
Date: 8/10/2023
Time: 7:37 pm
Facilitator: Sandy Erickson

In Attendance
Sandy Ericksen
Cassie Ramsay
Dan Gonzalez
Lori Bulla
Johanna Wolfe
Hope Edmondson
John Carr
Dan Sherer
Approval of Minutes
All minutes are approved and posted.

Board Activity/Communication Prior to Meeting
Nothing to report.

Committee Seats
The board is recruiting for board members this October. The board is still in need of a
replacement treasurer.

Financials
Below is a summary of the treasurer report for the month ending July 2023.
 
July vs. Budget
·         Revenues were unfavorable by $2,602
·         Expenses were unfavorable by $2,389
o   Security was unfavorable by $844
·         Total income was unfavorable by $53
 
YTD vs. Budget
·         Revenues favorable to budget by $2,644
·         Expenses were favorable to budget by $3,760
o   Accounting Services, Insurance, Landscape Contract, Pool Management, Pool/Playground
repairs, Security Repairs expenses are currently favorable by $9,808
o   Security was unfavorable by $6,381
·         Total income is favorable by $7,534 to budget
 

2

 
Profits and Losses
·         July: $2,037 in Gross Revenue, $7,600 in Total Expenses, after deprecation COCC has Net Income of
-$5,563
·         YTD: $78,314 in Gross Revenue, $63,572 in Total Expenses, after depreciation COCC has YTD Net
Income of $14,751
 
Accounts Receivable
·         There are $9,111 in assessments and late fees due to COCC that are from 2022 and prior years
from 9 residents. This is anyone that owes more than $390.
·         There are $7,846 in 2023 assessments from 24 residents.
The board sent out twenty-one (21) past due letters to residents in arears and three (3) residents made
payments to their accounts. The board will assess fees to delinquent dues. The Board employees a management
group that charges for every call and letter that is sent out. These costs are part of the added fees to delinquent
dues.
Pool Report
We have sixty-nine memberships with one new membership that was processed this week.
The board was required to buy additional chemicals. Our supply purchased for the season was
depleted in July. The order was the same quantity as originally placed in April. This double of
purchase of chemicals for the year is due to the heat. Should we have a break in the hot
weather, the amount of chemicals required will be reduced.
Over the weekend, residents reported that there was a loud high-pitched sound coming from
the pump shed. It was discovered that the motor of the oldest pump which controls the bottom
drain was going out. Fortunately, we had a reserve motor that was purchased last year. The
motor was replaced quickly with no interruption to the pool. The board will need to decide how
to proceed in the future should the a pump fail as there is no backup.
We have had four pavilion rentals cancelled in a row. The resident’s rental checks were
returned. There is one rental booked. The board has not received notice that this rental will be
cancelled.
There are concerns that the trees in the pool area are not getting enough water.

Landscaping
The board is investigating Tree of Life program that is donating trees. A goal would be to
obtain several trees for the pool and esplanades. Any additional trees may be distributed out to
residence via a first come first serve basis. The board is proposing to offer planting of the trees
for residence for a $30.00 donation.
The board is also investigating a grant that will provide money to help with neighborhood
improvements. The board is discussing ways to use grant money the most efficiently and will
make the most impact to the neighborhood. One item of interest to the board is neighborhood
signage.

3

Deed Restrictions
The board continues to address deed restrictions issues but recognizes that many of the
residents have made improvements. There was a garage fire on the south side of the
neighborhood. The board encourages all residents to investigate the wiring of their homes if
they still have the original aluminum wiring.
The board is investigating Tree of Life program that is donating trees. A goal would be to
obtain several trees for the pool and esplanades. Any additional trees may be distributed out to
residence via a first come first serve basis. The board is proposing to offer planting of the trees
for residence for a $30.00 donation.

Security
The board recommends residents be cautious on Antoine and the gas stations at Tidwell and TC Jester.
There has been criminal activity that is not getting publicity. It is important that residents are aware of
their surroundings. The neighborhood has had three known incidents of vandalism to homes. There have
also been two reported home fires.
Summary:
1. No crime incidents reported to the board.
2. No crime incidents mentioned on Facebook.
3. Bolivia vacant house is being repaired but has experienced 2 post fire thefts. These incidents
were not reported to the board.
4. There was a garage fire to a home on Droddy.

Acorn Newsletter
Nothing to report.

Social
The board intends to have a Labor Day event Monday September 4 th 2 pm – 6 pm for
residences. The board provide food, invite the tab truck back and possibly have live music.

Guest Attendee
No resident in attendance.

Follow Up from July
Nothing to review.
Next Meeting

4

September 14, 2023 / 7:30 pm
Meeting ended: 8:31 pm

Meeting of Sandy, Dan, John and Johanna on 9/11/23
1. Consult attorney with questions – Sandy, done. Responses shared with Lori, (note
from Johanna – distribute to this group and board prior to upcoming meeting?)
2. Identify ACC members and board members
a. ACC – Ginny, Jim Smithson, Richard Solis
b. Board – Aaron, Sien, Justin – Johanna to contact Aaron
3. Research assessments for comparable neighborhoods
a. Johanna has talked to Ginny and Amelie. They’ve provided assessment amounts, but I
went back Ginny to request HCAD appraisal averages for neighborhoods, current selling
prices. She’ll be back to me within 2-3 weeks
4. Draft new bylaws – not assigned, delayed to later date
5. Recruit volunteers per section to assist with promoting assessment increase – TBD
6. Talking points re: raising rates – need to flesh this out and promote via FB and to prepare
volunteers
a. Less than 10% of residents currently do not pay assessment
b. Once assessment increase is determined, need to determine If same non payment
continues or increases to 15% what will available budget be
7. Determine cost to outsource pool upkeep – Sandy to research
8. Plan at least one major project in next year – John to coordinate tree project, will require
irrigation (see below). Dan managing pool shed/shower project
9. Update from NNMD – Sandy to talk to Wayne

Wishlist discussed
1. Pump and Chemical sheds – approved at Sept. meeting, Dan project managing
2. Pavilion
3. Irrigation – for Tidwell median
4. New pool furniture (likely has a 4-5 year lifespan)
5. Shower fence – approved at Sept. meeting, Dan project managing
6. Pool fence
7. Bolivia fence
8. Automatic gate for pool (will reduce need for providing cards annually)
9. 2 nd pavilion
10. Blacktop road to pool
11. Rehab bathroom
(Note from Johanna – very pool focused, need to consider adding items for non-pool users.)
Discussion of adding pool fee to assessment for one price
At following full board meeting, discussed NOT pursuing the COH matching grant this year until we have
clearer picture from NNMD and due to costs associated with pool sheds and shower upgrades.

Date: 7/13/2023
Time: 7:34 pm
Facilitator: Sandy Erickson
In Attendance
Sandy Ericksen
Cassie Ramsay
Dan Gonzalez
Lori Bulla
Johanna Wolfe
Approval of Minutes
Pending
Board Activity/Communication Prior to Meeting
Nothing to report.
Committee Seats
The board is recruiting for board members this October. The board is still in need of a replacement treasurer.
Financials
June vs. Budget
• Revenues were unfavorable by $1,329
• Expenses were unfavorable by $105
o Water Utilities and Security were unfavorable by $1,463
• Total income was unfavorable by $1,062

YTD vs. Budget
• Revenues favorable to budget by $5,247
• Expenses were favorable to budget by $1,370
o Accounting Services, Insurance, Landscape Contract, Pool Permits, Pool Management, Pool/Playground repairs, Security Repairs expenses are currently favorable by $7,510
o Security was unfavorable by $5,536
• Total income is favorable by $7,587 to budget

Profits and Losses
• June: $3,310 in Gross Revenue, $9,334 in Total Expenses, after deprecation COCC has Net Income of -$6,022
• YTD: $76,277 in Gross Revenue, $55,972 in Total Expenses, after depreciation COCC has YTD Net Income of $20,314

Accounts Receivable
• There are $10,455 in assessments and late fees due to COCC that are from 2022 and prior years from 11 residents. This is anyone that owes more than $380.
• There are $9,191 in 2023 assessments from 27 residents
Pool Report
Approximately seventy pool members YTD. The pavilion is reserved for two events. The board has received our license, but we are still awaiting an inspector. The gate needs to be adjusted to verify safety and security.
A sprinkler system was installed as a component of a landscape improvement project in the pool flower bed. The board needs to review the project and budget. The fencing around the pump and the shed needs to be replaced and the board needs to review the budget and project viability.
Due to various conditions, the board will need to buy more chemicals for the pool to maintain adequate conditions.
Landscaping
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Deed Restrictions
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Security
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Acorn Newsletter
Nothing to report.
Social
The board intends to have a Labor Day event for residences. Details regarding the event will be finalized and publicized.

Guest Attendee
No resident in attendance.
Follow Up from June
Nothing to review.
Next Meeting
August 10, 2023 / 7:30 pm
Meeting ended: 8:31 pm

Date: 6/08/2023
Time: 7:32 pm
Facilitator: Sandy Erickson
In Attendance
Sandy Ericksen
Cassie Ramsay
Dan Sherer
Dan Gonzalez
Lori Bulla

Approval of Minutes
Pending
Board Activity/Communication Prior to Meeting
Committee Seats
N/A
Financials
May vs. Budget
• Revenues were unfavorable by $2,017
• Expenses were unfavorable by $813
o Landscape Contract and Security were unfavorable by $2,007
• Total income was unfavorable by $2,668

YTD vs. Budget
• Revenues favorable to budget by $6,576
• Expenses were favorable to budget by $1,264
o Accounting Services, Landscape Contract, Pool Management, Pool/Playground repairs, Security Repairs expenses are currently favorable by $5,509
o Security was unfavorable by $4,556
• Total income is favorable by $8,649 to budget

Profits and Losses
• May: $6,947 in Gross Revenue, $10,578 in Total Expenses, after deprecation COCC has Net Income of -$3,628
• YTD: $72,966 in Gross Revenue, $46,638 in Total Expenses, after depreciation COCC has YTD Net Income of $26,336

Accounts Receivable
• There are $10,490 in assessments and late fees due to COCC that are from 2022 and prior years from 11 residents. This is anyone that owes more than $380.
• There are $9,286 in 2023 assessments from 27 residents
Pool Report
Shed is nearing the end of its life and we will have to consider options to rebuild and/or replace. The board wishes to expand the size. The pool gate may also need maintenance and/or replacing.
60 pool memberships of these 10 are COV. This is an increase in COV from last year. We have had three parties and possibly two more for the season.
The weather has been challenging in maintenance of the pool.
Lori has proactively paid and renewed our pool permit.
Landscaping
There is no updates for this meeting.
Deed Restrictions
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Security
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Acorn Newsletter
Nothing to report.
Social
The board hosted a Memorial Day event in the park. The board offered hamburgers, hot dogs, and live music with a wonderful tribute presentation. Also available to guests was the tap truck.

Guest Attendee
Steven, Candlelight Oaks resident
Follow Up from May
The Harris County Flood Control District would like to provide the following update on the two remaining segments of the White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project.

E100-00-00-E005 (FM1960 to Hollister)
• Construction is underway!
• The notice to proceed and mobilization for E100-00-00-E005 took place in mid-December and construction began in early January 2023.
• The construction contract for this segment allows for 420 calendar days.
• This project segment is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
• Trails within the project limits will remain closed until the construction of this segment is complete for safety of the public and construction personnel.

E100-00-00-E007 (Hollister to Cole Creek)
• The final project segment was advertised for bids on March 31, 2023, under the new Project ID E100-00-00-E007 (formerly E100-00-00-E006).
• On June 6, 2023, a contract was awarded in the amount of $14,525,821 for this final segment.
• The Flood Control District anticipates construction beginning in summer 2023.
• The contract allows for 365 calendar days.
• This project segment is expected to be completed by summer 2024.
• Trails within the project limits will remain closed until the construction of this segment is complete for safety of the public and construction personnel.

Please visit www.hcfcd.org/C14 for White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project updates; or to leave a question or comment, click the “Submit A Comment” button located under the Project Description section.

Next Meeting
July 13, 2023 / 7:30 pm
Meeting ended: 8:23 pm

Date: 4/13/2023
Time: 7:56 pm
Facilitator: Sandy Erickson
In Attendance
Sandy Ericksen
John Carr
Cassie Ramsay
Dan Sherer
Dan Gonzalez
Lori Bulla
Johnna Wolfe

Approval of Minutes
Board Activity/Communication Prior to Meeting

Committee Seats
N/A
Financials
Below is a summary of the treasurer report for the month ending March 2023.

March vs. Budget
• Revenues were unfavorable by $4,502
• Expenses were favorable by $934
o Pool and Playground repairs were favorable by $1000
o Pool chemicals and Security was unfavorable by $2,634
• Total income was unfavorable by $5,275

YTD vs. Budget
• Revenues favorable to budget by $11,818
• Expenses were slightly unfavorable to budget by $540
o Accounting Services, Landscape Contract, Pool Management expenses are currently favorable by $2,276
o Security is unfavorable by $22871
• Total income is favorable by $11,763 to budget

Profits and Losses
• March: $5,622 in Gross Revenue, $10,999 in Total Expenses, after deprecation COCC has Net Income of -$5,375
• YTD: $60,243 in Gross Revenue, $28,543 in Total Expenses, after depreciation COCC has YTD Net Income of $31,705

Accounts Receivable
• There are $11,513 in assessments and late fees due to COCC that are from 2022 and prior years from 11 residents. This is anyone that owes more than $375.
• There are $14,661 in 2023 assessments from 44 residents.

Pool Report
Purchased all chemicals for the season. We have 7 paid memberships and 1 pavilion reservation for next week.
Landscaping
Two trees have been trimmed, two trees from pool have been pulled and shrubs on Drode have been pulled out. Pergola was cleaned.
Deed Restrictions
The next deed restriction review will occur end of next month. The deed restriction review meeting is scheduled for June 2023. The neighborhood has planned the cleanup. There are six reported volunteers to assist.
Security
Committee Chair was absent this meeting. Nothing to report.
Acorn Newsletter
Nothing to report.
Social
The board hosted an easter event in the park. We had a good turnout on a beautiful day.

Guest Attendee
N/A
Follow Up from March
N/A
Next Meeting
May 11, 2023 / 7:30 pm
Meeting ended: 9:25 pm

Date: 3/09/2023
Time: 7:35 pm
Facilitator: Sandy Erickson
In Attendance
Sandy Ericksen
John Carr
Cassie Ramsay
Dan Sherer
Hope Edmondson
Lori

Approval of Minutes
Board Activity/Communication Prior to Meeting
It was communicated to board members that a few of the no trespassing sighs were on the ground in and around the pool / playground.
The board notated that the debris piles along the bayou have been moved to the south of the property and at greater mass.
The board received a response to a deed restriction letter with a plan to address violations. The board expressed their appreciation for the direct response and is always willing to work the residence.
The latest update on the Bayou project from the HCFCD: E005 is underway as noted in the December update and the engineering team is still working on the new bid package for E006 (which will become E007 once it goes out for bid). On February 7, at the time of this email, the PM did confirm that we are still targeting early 2023 for the re-bid. We have a meeting this week and should learn more at that time.

Committee Seats
N/A
Financials
4 final demand, 2 paid, 1 will pay end of month and the 4th is going to the attorney. We have over 200 residence that have paid for the year.

February vs. Budget
• Revenues were unfavorable by $790
• Expenses were unfavorable by $302
o Accounting Services and Pool chemicals were favorable by $792
o Security was unfavorable by $979
• Total income was slightly unfavorable by $266

YTD vs. Budget
• Revenues favorable to budget by $16,320
• Expenses were slightly unfavorable to budget by $394
o Accounting Services, Landscape Contract, Pool chemicals and Pool Management expenses are currently favorable by $2,856
o Pool/Playground Maintenance and Security are unfavorable by $3,130
• Total income is favorable by $17,038 to budget

Profits and Losses
• February: $13,494 in Gross Revenue, $8,662 in Total Expenses, after deprecation COCC has Net Income of $4,833
• YTD: $54,620 in Gross Revenue, $17,543 in Total Expenses, after depreciation COCC has YTD Net Income of $37,080

Accounts Receivable
• There are $13,864 in assessments and late fees due to COCC that are from 2022 and prior years from 14 residents. This is anyone that owes more than $360.
• There are $18,274 in 2023 assessments from 58 residents.

Pool Report
We should have 7 memberships completed by next week. Attempting to keep up with the leaf and pollen debris has become a difficult task. Lori has been working hard on trying to keep up but the board does not recommend using the pool for spring break week.
Landscaping
Late last month a tree on Bayou Vista was trimmed because it was overgrown and touching cars. The board has discussed a spring clean event. The goal is to clean up the area around the pool and pay ground. John Carr will provide the board a list of tasks and then we will promote to residence for volunteers.
Deed Restrictions
Deed restriction letter will be going out by next week. We are receiving responses from residence regarding the last batch of deed
Security
The Homeland Security approached solicitors in the neighborhood and asked them to leave.
Acorn Newsletter
Nothing to report.
Social
The board will review the budget and plans for an Easter event for Saturday 4/9 and announce to residence if approved. The board will prepare for David Galago One Man Band and the tap truck. The board will investigate acquiring a food truck.

The board will also like to have a Neighborhood Spring Cleanup. Details will be determined and advertised for resident volunteers.

Guest Attendee
Amanda Edwards joined the call. Amanda Edwards was Candlelight Oaks former councilman and is now running mayor city of Houston. She is focused on crime, police staff, city finance, municipal finance attorney background and can navigate complicated financial challenges.
Native Houstonian and grew up in inward forest. Graduated from Emmory and went on to Harvard Law School. A full biography on Amanda Edwards and be found at Https://amandakedwards.com/bio/
1st time in 8 year Nov. 2023 general election
Follow Up from December
N/A
Next Meeting
April 11, 2023 / 7:30 pm
Meeting ended: 8:36 pm

Candlelight Oaks Civic Club/Near Northwest Management District
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Advent Lutheran Church

Summary of meeting follows:

The Near Northwest Management District (www.nnmd.org) was created by the Texas State Legislature over 20 years ago to promote economic and public welfare within its boundaries, which comprises a 16 square mile area bounded by T.C Jester Blvd, Pinemont Drive, Hollister, and SR 249.

At the invitation of the CO Civic Club, Eileen Egan, Vice President of Capital Projects, and Wayne Norden, President, of NNMD attended the May meeting of the CO Civic Club to discuss an upcoming project which will impact the CO neighborhood. Members of the CO Board attending included Sandy Ericksen, Dan Sherer, Dan Gonzales, Johanna Wolfe, and Lori Bulla. In addition, about 15 CO residents joined the meeting.

Highlights follow:

This is a $1.6 million project, funded primarily by savings on another NNMD project. The design is 60% completed and expected to be design-complete within the next two to three months. At that point, the project will be opened for bids. It is anticipated that construction will begin in late 2023. The project is a collaboration between the City of Houston, METRO, Burlington Northern, and Houston Parks Board.

The overall concept of the W. Tidwell Improvement project includes these key features: improved sidewalks, a park at the W. Tidwell Trailhead, BOOST shelters for METRO riders, and a rebuilt railroad crossing.

Sidewalks along W. Tidwell are in poor condition with broken concrete and uneven pavers. They will be replaced with 5 to 6 ft wide sidewalks.

W. Tidwell Trailhead will be updated by NNMD and managed going forward by the Houston Parks Board. Trees will remain at the trailhead and a trail to the bike path will be constructed through the trees. Seating, water fountains, and trash receptacles will be added. Bollards will be installed to keep cars from parking in the area.

Railroad Crossing reconstruction is the responsibility of Burlington Northern. This will likely be undertaken later in the project. Included in the railroad crossing reconstruction will be safer pedestrian/bikeways across the tracks.

BOOST Shelters will be installed by METRO. These shelters are along METRO’s BOOST network of high ridership, frequent routes. The shelters provide a larger space with lighting, seating and shelter for bus riders. METRO expects to install two of these along Tidwell between Antoine and T.C. Jester.

Questions from CO Residents:

There may be homes along W. Tidwell whose fences are within the right of way, as is the brick wall at the Bolivia entrance to the neighborhood. The City will conduct a survey to determine if there are portions of fences along Tidwell that will need to be moved. The COH is expected to do the survey and will contact residents. NNMD indicated that they would provide more information regarding this in the next several weeks.

Whose responsibility would it be to move portions of fences?

Are 6 ft wide sidewalks negotiable, since this is considerably wider than the ADA requirement?

There are traffic concerns at Tidwell and YES Prep with speeding and also with traffic congestion. Would it be possible to consider a light at Ash Oak and Tidwell to slow traffic?

Will the development of the park at W. Tidwell Trailhead impact the work of Harris County Flood Control District on the bayou project (for staging, etc.)? The response was no, it would not and the entities are working together.

Who determined that two BOOST shelters would be needed along a fairly short route, and is there a process to question that plan?

There was general agreement, that while there are advantages to components of this plan, many questions remain. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as additional information is posted to the FB page and at www.nnmd.org , or by attending future meetings of the Civic Club (2nd Thursday each month.) The CO Civic Club board will continue discussions with NNMD as the project design is completed to insure the best outcome for our neighborhood.