Sydney Harbour - July 2014

Copyright © 2014 Peel, Inc. Sydney Harbour - July 2014 1

SYDNEY HARBOUR

News For The Residents at Sydney Harbour • July 2014 Volume 2, Issue 7

YARD OF THE MONTHPlease join us in congratulating Steve and Cheryl Berry at 17815 Camp Cove Dr. The Berry’s have been chosen by the

Landscape Committee to receive the Yard of the Month for June. Thank you for helping to make Sydney Harbour beautiful.

2 Sydney Harbour - July 2014 Copyright © 2014 Peel, Inc.

SYDNEY HARBOUR

Put energy savings in your hands!Introducing the Direct Energy Meridian Savings Plan and mobile app!

A monthly smart service fee of $7.99 for the first thermostat, plus $5.99 for the second thermostat and $3.99 for the third thermostat, will be added to your bill. Smart thermostat may not be compatible with all HVAC systems. Certain eligibility requirements, fees, taxes, terms, and conditions apply. Not available in all areas. Early termination fee applies. A one-time fee of $69.99 for the first thermostat and $49.99 for the second and third thermostats will be due to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating(R) (License No. TACLA024135C) upon installation. (C) 2014 Direct Energy. All Rights Reserved. PUCT Certificate No. 10040. Direct Energy and the lightning bolt design are registered trademarks of Direct

Energy Marketing Limited in the United States and/or Canada used under license, as applicable.

Control your thermostat from anywhere, anytime and saveup to 10% on your electricityPlus get a low fixed rate with the Meridian Savings Plan!

Take control of your energy savings.Call 1-844-825-8611 or visit directenergy.com/mymeridian

POOL SAFETY – HOW TO RECOGNIZE DROWNINGThe following is an excerpt from Slate Magazine (www.slate.

com) entitled “Drowning does not look like drowning” by Mario Vittone. While most of us have watched movies or television shows depicting drowning, few of us have actually witnessed a drowning. It’s important to note that drowning does not always involve someone thrashing about in the water or yelling for help. In reality, those things normally do not occur.

“The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming between their anchored sport fisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine; what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not 10 feet away, their 9-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”

Fortunately, this man and former lifeguard knew exactly how to recognize that the girl was in serious trouble even when the parents could not. Drowning is the number two cause of accidental death in children, ages 15 and under.

“…of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In some of those drownings, the adult will actually watch the child do it, having no idea it is happening.

Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are in the water:

• Head low in the water, mouth at water level• Head tilted back with mouth open• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus• Eyes closed

• Hair over forehead or eyes• Not using legs—vertical• Hyperventilating or gasping• Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making

headway• Trying to roll over on the back• Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

And parents—children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.” The Sydney Harbour life guards have already saved two children’s lives this summer.

To read the entire article and learn about Instinctive Drowning Response, to go:

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing_drowning_children_how_to_know_when_someone_is_in_trouble_in_the.html


SYDNEY HARBOUR

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MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITHSTERLING ASSOCIATION SERVICES, INC.

Sydney Harbour HOA has an agreement with Sterling to be ”managing agent” for the HOA under the direction of the HOA Board. As agent, Sterling is contracted to perform a variety of services required for the community to function at the same degree of care as if the Board were performing the services.

Administrative services: Organize and attend annual Owners’ Meeting and periodic Board Meetings, provide office staff during normal business hours, guide and assist Board, assist in dispute resolution and maintain books and records.

Fiscal services: Develop recommended budget, keep accounts, maintain checking account, mail and collect annual assessments, make payments to contractors and other operational expenses, furnish monthly and annual financial statements.

Physical management: Negotiate and execute service contracts on behalf of HOA (e.g., landscaping) and under direction of Board.

Deed restrictions: Physically inspect community, keep database of violations, send notices, and interact with Board and its committees. Insurance: Investigations of claims against HOA insurance.

Sterling is under contract to perform the above services through July 31, 2014 with option to extend an additional two years. Under the contract, Sterling is paid about $21,000 per year plus costs (postage, notices, returned checks, etc.) and certain per hour charges (legal actions, insurance claims, property tax valuations, etc.) The contract with all details may be viewed on the HOA website. The HOA Board is negotiating an amendment to the Sterling contract such that the contract term will extend in one year increments.

Sterling, a 28-year old, mid-size management company has about 100 HOAs in their portfolio. Their main office is on the Sam Houston Parkway with satellite offices in Kingwood, Katy and Sugar Land. They have approximately 48 employees.

Sterling was selected by Academy Development to be the management company for Sydney Harbour. Since our HOA was turned over to the community, Sterling has discontinued all business with Academy Development.


SYDNEY HARBOUR

Sydney Harbour now has an official Facebook page. You can find information about upcoming events, photos of past

events, meeting notices, and articles from our committees.

We hope that as this grows, you'll find this to be a useful tool to keep up with Sydney Harbour.

Let us know what you think. Leave a comment on the FEEDBACK entry.

Like us! Help us reach our goal of 100 likes by the end of the summer.

Sydney Harbour Communications Committee

• Openfrom6:00AMto6:30PM• 6weekstoPreschool• Beforeandafterschoolcareupto11yearsofage• Age-appropriatepre-schoolprograms• Summerprogramwithfieldtripsandswimming• Fenced,ageappropriateplayareas• 2+acreplaygroundwithsoccer,volleyball,andtetherball• On-siteprivateswimmingpoolwithswimminglessonsbya

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15802 Jarvis Rd. | Cypress, TX 77429 | 281-373-1700

(713) 516-6106

www.HoustonNewHomeTeam.com

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Alex Rezende


SYDNEY HARBOURGREATER HOUSTON - POOL MANAGEMENT

In an effort to provide continuous improvement in communication between the Board of Directors and the residents of Sydney Harbour, we are presenting an ongoing series of contract disclosures. Last month we provided a look at the current contract between SH HOA and High Tech Lawn Services. This month focuses on Sterling and the pool management contract.

GREATER HOUSTON POOL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SYDNEY HARBOUR HOA

Greater Houston Pool Management, Inc. (GHPMI) manages, operates and services community swimming pools and pool areas. Sydney Harbour HOA contracted with GMPMI in April 2013 with a one-year agreement. Although past the one-year expiration date, the contract has rolled into Extended Period terms of month-to-month contractual obligation.

Services provided by GHPMI include:• Water quality maintenance• Pool cleaning, pool area and restroom cleaning, safely maintaining

and storing chemicals and maintenance equipment, and enforcing pool rules and regulations

• Provide certified lifeguards with current American Red Cross

Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid Certificates or equivalent. All lifeguards are employees of GHPMI and are not independent contractors.

The obligations of Sydney Harbour HOA include:• Provide approved chemical circulation system• Provide safety equipment and maintenance equipment/supplies• Support GHPMI in enforcement of pool rules and regulations• Foster a safe and cooperative working environment for GHPMI

employees• All utilities, telephone service, water and trash collection• Payment of annual fees (~$38,000 which includes $500/month

for off-season maintenance)

Sydney Harbour HOA agrees to adhere to a strict schedule for days and hours of operation. Opening the pool during times not set forth in the contract is specifically forbidden. We also agree to abide by the hourly safety break (10-minutes) during which lifeguards will not be on duty.

GHPMI may close the pool in an emergency due to equipment failure or threatening weather conditions.

Both parties are contractually obligated to provide applicable insurance coverage.


SYDNEY HARBOUR

HOA Engages Roberts Markel toProvide Legal Services

In early May 2014, the Board engaged the firm of Roberts, Markel, Weinburg, Butler, Hailey PC to provide legal services for the HOA. Previously, the HOA was represented by the same firm that represented the Developer. In one of its first decisions, the new Board decided that it needed its own independent legal counsel.

Roberts Markel is an experienced firm that specializes in community association law. With offices throughout Texas, the firm has catered to the legal needs of HOA’s for 30 years. Roberts Markel is familiar with Sydney Harbour since they represented the Developer and HOA in the early days of our community’s development. They are no longer engaged by either the Developer or Sterling.

Initially, Roberts Markel will advise the Board as we establish policies and practices to govern the HOA. On an ongoing basis, they will help us deal with assessment delinquencies and enforce

deed restrictions. They advocate a practical, effective approach which keeps overall expenses down.

Their engagement has no retainer and can be ended at any time. Roberts Markel charges flat fees for most services which simplifies HOA budgeting. Other services are performed on an hourly billing rate.

For simplicity and to reduce upfront costs, the Board elected to use its heritage law firm to complete legal actions that were already in progress, then to phase in Roberts Markel for all new activity. This transition should occur fairly quickly.


SYDNEY HARBOUR

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Management CompanySterling Association Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 38113 Houston, TX 77238-8113(p) 832.678.4500, (f ) 281.598.4487

www.sterlingasi.com, [email protected]

EMERGENCY NUMBERSHarris County Sheriff ......................................... 866.222.7100Pct 4 Main Dispatch Number ............................. 281.376.3472Animal Control (Emergency) .............................. 281.999.3191Poison Control .................................................... 800.764.7661Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department ..................... 713.466.6161Emergency .......................................................................... 911

LOCAL UTILITY/SERVICE PROVIDERSElectricity- Reliant Energy ...................................281-897-8808

You can choose your electric providerWater and Sewer-Eagle Management ................... 281.374.8989Garbage Pick-up ........................................Monday & ThursdayRecycle Pickup ..................................................Monday ONLYGas-CenterPoint Energy ..................................... 713-.659.2111Telephone- AT&T .............................................. 800.464.7928

You can choose your telephone providerCable-Comcast .................................................... 713.895.2539

You can choose your cable provider

PUBLIC SERVICESUnited States Postal Service ................................. 281.373.9125.......................................................16635 Spring Cypress RoadMetro Park and Ride ........................................... 713.635.4000

MEDICAL FACILITIESMethodist Hospital-Willowbrook ....................... 281.477.1000Cy-Fair Medical Center ....................................... 281.890.4285Memorial Herman Hospital ................................ 281.392.1111North Cypress Medical Center ............................ 281.894.0003

COMMUNITY SCHOOLSCy-Fair ISD Administration ................................281-897-4000......................................................................10300 Jones RoadFarney Elementary School ...................................281-373-2850.................................................................14425 Barker CypressGoodson Middle School ......................................281-373-2350.....................................................................17333 HuffmeisterCy-Woods High School .......................................281-213-1727.......................................................16825 Spring Cypress Road

STERLING ASI PERSONNEL

Roxanne Martinez ................................... Association Manager.....................................832.678.4500, [email protected]

Janine Cruz .........................................Administrative Assistant .........................832-678-4500 ext. 205, [email protected]

Contact for any concerns or general questions for the association regarding violations, deed restrictions, ACC applications, interest in joining a committee, clubhouse/pool rentals and any other questions regarding the property.

Susan Marshall .....................................Account Representative .........................832-678-4500 ext. 215, [email protected]

Any accounting related questions, a payoff quote or a transfer fee, or just want to know information regarding homeowner’s accounts

Angela Villegas .......Pool Card Administrator/Customer Service..........................832.678.4500 ext. 224, [email protected]

Contact for homeowner’s needing a pool card for access to the pool area.

Publisher Peel, Inc. ...................... www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Article Submission .............. [email protected] Advertising................................ [email protected]

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Along with Janine, Susan and Angela, we have 6 customer service representatives that are familiar with the Association and area readily available to assist homeowners.


SYDNEY HARBOUR

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPEEL, INC.

“If you are buying or selling a home and would like answers, guidance, and service from a person you can trust: Call me”

HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME

WORTH?

View all available listings at:www.ServingNWHoustonTX.com

Jackie Spiro, ABR, SFR

832.443.1162832.220.1240

Realtor Associate RE/MAX Lakeland

Cell

Office

[email protected]

Sydney Harbour - July 2014

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