Burn Ban Extended to Include Fireworks

The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday reinstated a countywide burn ban, effective immediately. The Court also banned the sale and use of fireworks with sticks and fins due to the fire hazard they present.

Burn ban and fireworks violators could face a class C misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $500. The fireworks ban does not extend to fireworks sponsored by governmental entities or to entities holding a permit from the Hays County fire marshal to conduct organized, commercial fireworks displays in unincorporated areas of Hays County.

For more information on the burn ban, please see the Hays County Website.

Hays County Reinstates Burn Ban

 

The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, December 11, reinstated a countywide burn ban, effective immediately. The Court also banned the sale and use of fireworks with sticks and fins due to the fire hazard they present.

Charcoal and gas grills are exempt from the ban, but burning in “burn barrels” (including barrels with screens on the top) is not allowed.

  “If you are grilling outdoors, please use extreme caution,” Mark Chambers, Hays County Fire Marshal said. “Make sure you have a water source nearby to douse escaping sparks and never leave your grill unattended. Place the grill away from anything else that could catch fire, including your house, and don’t dispose of coals until you are certain they are cold.”

For more information on the burn ban, please see the Hays County website.

UPDATE - Broken Lance Culvert Grading Begins November 30

Due to an equipment issue, the street construction on Broken Lance is now scheduled to begin on Monday, December 2. Please check back for more updates.
City officials notified the Hidden Springs Ranch Board that crews will be working on Broken Lance beginning Friday, November 30. The eastbound lane will be partially – or completely – closed to protect the construction crew.
The culvert along the north and east side of Broken Lance will be graded to reestablish storm water flow into the creek. Construction will take place both east and west of Silver Hawk Court, on the south side of the street.
The intersection of Broken Lance and Lone Wolf Court is especially subject to limited sight lines. Members are asked to use extra caution while the construction is underway.
Questions about this announcement may be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or to any board member.

UPDATE - Construction and Cleanup Underway

Cleanup activities began on Monday, November 12, in the Hidden Springs Ranch common areas and should be complete by Friday, November 16. Dead trees are being felled and removed and the underbrush is being cleared from the walking path and surrounding areas where it crosses Broken Lance.

In addition, the Broken Lance culvert will be graded to reestablish draining down to the creek beginning Monday, November 19. Members are asked to exercise additional caution near the Silver Hawk and Lone Wolf intersections while the construction and cleanup activities are underway.

Questions about this announcement may be forwarded to the HOA administrator or any board member.

Wallet Found!

A wallet was found on Thursday, November 15, at the corner of Broken Lance and Meadows Lane. To claim the wallet, please call the Grace Family at 512.829-4907 and provide a description of the wallet and contents.

2012 Fall Festival a Neighborhood Success

Thanks to the efforts of a lot of our friends, the 2012 Fall Festival was a fun time for Hidden Springs Ranch families. With thanks to everyone who showed up for Volunteer Day, new pavilion lights were installed and the benches were painted in time to be used for the festivities. The board especially wishes to thank Leslie Bradshaw for coordinating the event, Carla Hammers for the terrific Tex-Mex fare, and Ruth Ann Tanton for the wonderful pictures.

Rough counts suggest that between 60 and 70 neighbors showed up for food and fun. The festival began at 5:30 with food and a bouncy castle for the kids, followed by ‘Despicable Me’ just after dusk.

Here are a few photos of the events – enjoy!

Boil Water Notice Does NOT Affect Hidden Springs

Hidden Springs Ranch members learned that the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp issued a ‘boil water’ notice for the Spring Lake and North 40 subdivisions along Ranch Road 12. A water main break near the north standpipe resulted in the notice, which DOES NOT affect Hidden Springs Ranch members.

Questions about this notice can be forwarded to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation at 512.858-7897.

BALLOT– Common Area Tree Clearing

Walking Path North of Broken Lance

A large number of trees, located in the common area north of Broken Lance at the creek crossing, succumbed to last year’s record heat and drought. Many of these trees are creating both fire hazards and safety issues for members using the walking path.
The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors solicited bids for the removal of the dead trees and brushy fuels from the common area. The work is expected to cost $4,200 – money that will be drawn from the HOA surplus.
Please take a moment to complete the Neighborhood Ballot indicating whether you wish to raise alternatives to the board before the work is contracted. If you have an alternative you wish the board to consider, please contact the HOA Administrator or any board member by 12:00PM on Monday, November 6.

RSVP - 2012 Fall Festival & Volunteer Day

The Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association will be hosting the second Fall Festival at the neighborhood pavilion on Saturday, November 3. We will be serving fajitas and hotdogs followed by popcorn and a movie at dusk.  Entertainment this year will include a bouncy castle for the kiddos!  See the flier below for more details.

2012 Fall Festival

To help get ready for the festival, volunteers will be meeting at the pavilion at 11:00 that morning to install new lights in the rafters. We’d love to see you there!

In order to help us with our planning, please either contact the HOA Social Coordinator, or complete the online RSVP,  by October 24th to let us know if you can join us and how many will be coming.

UPDATE - Swimming Pool Maintenance

Repairs to the pavilion emergency phone are complete and the swimming pool has been reopened. Thanks to Leslie’s Pool Supplies for dealing with the warranty issues and delivering the replacement phone at no cost to the association..
Any questions about this announcement can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or any board member.

Hays County Lifts Burn Ban

Hays County today lifted its ban on outdoor burning effective Friday, September 14, 2012 until further notice.
Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers urged residents to use common sense when burning outdoors – never leave a fire unattended by an adult, have a water source nearby, alert your local fire department (not the Sheriff’s Office) that you are going to burn and as a courtesy, notify your immediate neighbors.
The need for a burn ban is reviewed each week during Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meetings. County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., can reinstate a burn ban on an emergency basis if the need arises.
For more information about outdoor burning rules, the drought index and a wildland fire planning guide for residents visit the Hays County web site at www.co.hays.tx.us, or the Fire Marshal’s website and choose Fire Marshal from the Law Enforcement dropdown at the top of the County’s home page.

UPDATE - Dripping Springs Suffers Major Water Line Breaks

DSWSC staff announced today that water service has been fully restored after two major breaks were repaired in the water mains. Members are reminded that we are still under a restricted watering schedule (see Water Corp Urges Compliance).

According to staff at the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation crews worked through the night to repair a major break in the water mains near the intersection of Meadow Oaks and Old 290. Later in the day, a second major break was discovered that is jeopardizing water availability.
All Hidden Springs (I & II) and Meadow Oaks residents are urged to take steps to have clean water on hand and to conserve water to the greatest extent feasible until the water main breaks are repaired.
Questions about this story can be forwarded to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation at 512.858-7897.

AWARENESS Alert!

On Sunday, August 19, a woman jogging in the neighborhood was approached by an unknown man in an older white sedan who attempted to talk her into getting in his car. The man drove off when a neighbor noticed the events and asked the woman if she needed assistance.

Please be alert when exercising in the neighborhood. If you see anything suspicious, be prudent and cautious. Keep your cell phone with you and use it if you feel uncomfortable or threatened. Please report any incidents to the Hays County Sheriff’s Department at 512.393-7896.

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors

City to Repair Broken Lance

According to Jon Thompson, Dripping Springs’s Development Coordinator, the city will be cutting and patching Broken Lance, and re-grading the culvert near the intersection of Silver Hawk, between now and the end of September (see inset for approximate location). In addition, city roads personnel may be spraying for weeds and sealing cracks along the edge of Broken Lance at the same time.

Neighbors may need to find alternate routes out of the neighborhood while road crews are at work. Please use extra caution while you are in the area and advise your children to stay clear of the road work.

Questions about this announcement can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or any board member. If you need more information about the specific timing of the road work, contact the City of Dripping Springs at 512.858-4725.

Mosquito Control

Local newscasts have been reporting on outbreaks of West Nile virus in the Austin area. Mosquitos are the primary vector for this virus and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), prevention is the most effective way to fight the disease. There are simple steps we can take to control the mosquito populations and minimize the risks of contracting this disease:

1. Use insect repellent when you are outdoors.
2. Cover outside vents with a fine mesh to prevent adult mosquitos from entering your home.
3. Eliminate standing water near your homes by making sure yards and culverts are draining properly.
4. Completely replace bird bath and fountain water at least weekly. Use bird-friendly anti-larval tablets (Mosquito Dunks are one example) if you recirculate your fountain water and cannot replace it on a regular basis.
5. Put anti-larval tablets into your aerobic tank at least once per month.

If you would like additional information on preventing West Nile or controlling mosquito populations, see the following publications from the CDC or the American Mosquito Control Association:

• www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm
• www.mosquito.org

Hays County Reinstates Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday reinstated a countywide burn ban.

“Unfortunately, dry weather is continuing and it is no longer safe to allow outdoor burning,” said Fire Marshal Mark Chambers. “On Monday the drought index was 562 and expected to increase. Typically, when the index approaches 575 we look at issuing a burn ban. At that point, fine fuel such as grasses are drying out and dying and are very combustible.”

The ban exempts charcoal and gas grills, but burning in “burn barrels” (even ones with screens on the top) is not allowed.

“If you do use an outdoor grill, please be extremely careful. Never leave your grill unattended and make sure you have a water source nearby in case sparks escape,” Chambers said. “Place your grill away from anything that could catch fire. Triple-check the coals before you dispose of them to ensure no embers are warm.”

Chambers also cautioned residents to avoid parking vehicles on grassy areas since automobile catalytic converters can start fires along the road, and to refrain from tossing cigarettes outside as well – even ones that appear to be out can still be a fire hazard.

Questions about the burn ban can be forwarded to the Hays County Fire Marshal, Mark Chambers, at 512.393-7339 or by email at mchambers@co.hays.tx.us.

Cross Country Team Crisscrossing Neighborhood

The Dripping Springs High School Tiger Cross Country Track Team will be running neighborhood streets Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:00AM and 8:20AM beginning today, Tuesday, August 14.

Continuing a years-long practice, the Hidden Springs Ranch board of directors once again extended an invitation to the Tiger Cross Country team to use neighborhood streets and walking paths as part of their conditioning training. The team has several dozen members this year who can be found on Meadow Oaks, Shadywood, Broken Lance and Golden Eagle, and along the walking path, during training sessions.

Members are asked to exercise special caution while driving in the neighborhood during these periods.

Questions about this news item can be forwarded to the HOA administrator or to any board member.

School Continues to Use Pavilion Bus Stop

The Dripping Springs ISD Transportation Department confirmed the school will continue to use the Pavilion parking lot for the 2012-13 school year. Parents need to remember to park only in the interior of the lot as the bus will use the outside spaces as the turn-around lane.

If you have questions about this announcement, or would like to volunteer to help manage parking during pick-up and drop-off, please contact the HOA Administrator or any board member.

City to Begin Pruning Trees

The City of Dripping Springs will be identifying trees that need to be pruned to maintain safe, clear rights of way along roads in the neighborhood.  A city roads inspector will in Hidden Springs Ranch in the coming days and will develop recommendations for which, if any, trees need to be pruned to ensure our roads and intersections have clear lines of sight. Should any neighborhood trees need to be trimmed or removed, the City will contact the HOA board before commencing work.

Questions about this story can be forwarded to the HOA board or to the city offices (512.858-4725).

Electrical Utility Inspections Under Way

Hidden Springs neighbors will be seeing large service trucks in the neighborhood throughout the day, Friday the 20th. PEC has crews out inspecting the street-side utility boxes. Parents may wish to keep their children well clear of the work.

Questions about the work can be forwarded to Pedernales Electric Coop, 661 W Highway 290, at 512-858-5611.

Firewood Available

As a result of the tree clearing that has started by the creek at the walking path, firewood is available to any members who wish to haul it off. The firewood is located west of Broken Lance in the tree stand by the creek.

While the firewood is free of charge, the HOA Board wants to remind everyone that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the walking path – please don’t take vehicles into the wooded area. The wood is located within easy walking distance (25-75 yards) of the street.

Clearing will continue over the coming weeks – the wood can be removed as it becomes available. Questions about this post can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or any board member.

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors.

Missing Signs - Special Assessment

It seems as though four signs have been removed from the neighborhood.  Two of the signs are speed limit signs and two signs are “Slow Down, Children at Play” signs.  Before the HOA invests in purchasing new signs, we would like to ask for our neighbors' help.  If you happen to notice the signs discarded on or near your property, please drop them at the mailbox, pool pavilion or any board member's home – no questions asked.  If we do not have the signs back in our possession by Wednesday, July 25^th, then we will be forced to dip into the HOA funds to replace the signs. 
- UPDATE – Brackets for two of the signs, together with remnants of a case of Bud Lite beer, were found next to the neighborhood pavilion while members were cleaning up after events that took place at the pavilion swimming pool on Friday night, July 13.
Your HOA board is working diligently to keep costs down in an effort to not increase HOA dues, however unnecessary purchases do not help the cause. As a result, the HOA board will consider a special assessment, to cover the costs of replacing the signs, at the August board meeting.
Thank you for your time and thank you for helping us locate the missing signs! If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the HOA Administrator or any board member.
Hidden Springs Ranch HOA Board

Hays County Emergency Burn Ban Ends

The emergency burn ban enacted by Hays County July 5 expired July 12 and will not be renewed prior to the next Hays County Commissioners Court meeting July 17. Emergency burn bans are valid for seven days and must be renewed to remain in effect.

“We enacted the emergency burn ban July 5 because of the increasing dryness experienced by most of the county,” County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., said. “Recent rains have resulted in improved conditions that allow for responsible outdoor burning. The Commissioners Court will have an opportunity to review the need for a burn ban at its regular meeting on Tuesday.”

For more information, see the entire text of this announcement at the Hays County Website.

HAYS COUNTY UNDER IMMEDIATE BURN BAN

Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., today signed an emergency order prohibiting outdoor burning, effective immediately, for the unincorporated area of Hays County. The Judge also enacted an emergency disaster declaration to prohibit the use of certain fireworks, namely skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins. The ban is in effect for seven (7) days, after which it will expire unless the judge issues another emergency order. The Hays County Commissioners Court could vote to extend the ban for up to 90 days at its next meeting, which is July 17.

Under the law all outdoor burning is prohibited except for charcoal and gas grills that include a lid and for certain exceptions approved by the Fire Marshal, such as controlled burns.

“After consultation with Fire Marshal Mark Chambers, who regularly polls area fire chiefs for input about the need for a burn ban, we’ve concluded that a burn ban is necessary to help prevent the threat of wildfires in Hays County,” Judge Cobb said. “The Keetch-Byram Drought Index was climbing toward and over 575, an indication that the ground is very dry and that vegetation has become a source of fuel for any spark.”

For more information about the drought index, a wildland fire planning guide for residents and outdoor burning rules in effect when outdoor burning is allowed, visit the Hays County Fire Marshal’s website at www.co.hays.tx.us and choose Fire Marshal from the Law Enforcement dropdown at the top of the County’s home page.

Water Supply Corp Urges Compliance

Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp (WSC) is urging members to comply with the twice-weekly watering schedule. After a wetter-than-normal winter, hot weather has returned and water levels are dropping at worrisome rates.

WSC will begin sending out reminders to members who are not complying with the following watering schedule:

Residential Customers

• Odd-number street addresses - Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Even-number street addresses - Thursdays and Sundays.

Commercial customers (including Homeowners Associations) can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Watering times are from 12:00AM to 10:00AM and 7:00PM to 12:00AM on permitted days.

Questions about watering restrictions and schedules can be forwarded directly to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation at 512.858-7897 or by emailing their front office (Angie@drippingspringswater.com).

Found Dog! UPDATE

The little lady on the right was found on Golden Eagle around 7:00 this morning.
Her coat is badly matted, and she has no collar or tag, but she’s not malnourished and is VERY people friendly. She’s currently at the Dripping Springs Animal Hospital on Hwy 290 (512.858-4787). If no one claims her today, however, she’ll be turned over to Hays County Animal Control.

Dripping Springs Animal Hospital called this afternoon to say that our friend has been adopted and is being groomed and getting a complete physical before going to her new home!

Pool Inspection Complete!

You may have noticed quite a bit of traffic at the neighborhood pool this morning. The mandatory state inspection was completed around 10:00AM. There were no issues identified that require the board to close the pool for maintenance or repairs.

The board thanks everyone for giving us the time to complete the inspection; the pool is once again open to all members in good standing and their guests. Enjoy!

Questions about the inspection process and results can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator, the chair of the Pool, Pavilion and Common Areas Committee or to any board member.

Neighborhood Pool

Summer is here and the Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors welcomes all members in good standing, and their guests, to take advantage of the pavilion and swimming pool.
No lifeguard is on duty at the pool; while a number of safety improvements have been made to pool equipment, members use the pavilion, pool and common areas at their own risk and are expected to adhere to neighborhood rules and policies regarding the use of common facilities. If you’d like a refresher on neighborhood rules, please see the Hidden Springs Ranch Community Facilities Rules.

Please be aware that a 3-4 foot snake, believed to be a water moccasin, or cottonmouth, was sited and killed in the swimming pool shrubs. No other snakes were seen, but members should be cautious and closely monitor their children while using the pool, pavilion and other common areas. The board recommends that you DO NOT attempt to deal with snakes on your own. Contact the HOA Administrator, any board member or simply call the Hays County Sheriff’s office at 512.393-7896 and have them deal with the snake.

Also, please be aware that the pavilion emergency phone, together with other pool-side equipment, was recently rendered inoperative. A new phone has been ordered, and a temporary phone has been installed and tested to confirm access to Hays County Emergency Services (dial 9-1-1). The permanent emergency phone should be installed by Wednesday, June 6. In the event the temporary phone is rendered inoperative, the board will have no option but to close the pool until the permanent phone can be installed.

Pool To Close for Inspection

The neighborhood pool will be closed on Thursday, June 7, for our annual inspection. We expect the pool to re-open on Friday, June 8, but please check back for more details.

Questions about pool availability can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or any board member.

Hays County Burn Ban Once Again a Possibility

As reported in, and with thanks to, DSBabble …

The Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday reaffirmed that a ban against burning in Hays County remains lifted – for the time being. County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., noted that while the outdoor burning of brush and debris is still legal, citizens needing to do so should plan to burn soon and with care.

“With highs in the 90s and fewer chances of rain as we approach summer, we expect we’ll have to reinstate the burn ban soon,” Cobb said. “If you have burning that you need to do, do it soon and be extremely careful. If you are burning a large amount of brush, advise your local fire department (not the Sheriff’s Office) as a precaution and as a courtesy, tell your neighbors.”

Hays County Commissioners meet each Tuesday and could reinstate the ban at any time. Neighbors who keep burn piles and have been waiting to burn should consider burning as soon as wind conditions permit. Current information on county burn bans can be found on the Hays County Website, or by contacting the Hays County Fire Marshal at 512-393-7339.

Street Work on Lone Wolf Ct

Some of you may have noticed that the city had a crew out pruning trees and clearing underbrush on the Lone Wolf cul-de-sac. The Hidden Springs Ranch board wishes to thank Jon Thompson, Development Coordinator for the city, for following up on Association comments coordinating the work.

Have you seen other issues in the neighborhood that need to be addressed? Contact the HOA administrator or any board member.

Project Graduation 5K

Hidden Springs Ranch will be hosting a 5K and Fun Run on Founders’ Day Weekend. As many as 100 or more runners will be participating in the event, with proceeds benefiting the 2012 Project Graduation activities for Dripping Springs students. For the serious runners in the neighborhood, the 5K is a timed event while the Fun Run is designed for kids of all ages. Both events will start and end at the neighborhood pavilion on Saturday morning, April 21.

The Project Graduation organizing committee has arranged for parking at nearby facilities and Hays County emergency personnel will be on hand to help manage traffic. Please use extra caution entering and exiting the neighborhood during the event (you may wish to exit via Meadow Oaks rather than Broken Lance).

Questions about the runs can be forwarded to Karen Rapp with Project Graduation or to any HOA board member.

Dripping Springs WSC Eases Watering Restrictions

Effective immediately, Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (DSWSC) is easing watering restrictions for all customers. According to DSWSC General Manager Greg Perrin, residential customers with odd-number street addresses will be permitted to water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Residential customers with even-number addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays. Commercial customers (including Homeowners Associations) can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Watering times remain unchanged: 12:00AM to 10:00AM and 7:00PM to 12:00AM on permitted days.

Questions about watering restrictions can be forwarded directly to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation at 512.858-7897 or by emailing their front office (Angie@drippingspringswater.com).

Burn Piles and Fire Rings - A Reminder

The winter wet season is coming to an end and the Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors wants to remind all of neighbors that the burn piles must be contained within fire rings.  Everyone remembers the damage caused by the 2011 wildfires in Bastrop and right here in Dripping Springs. In order to minimize the danger of fires in Hidden Springs Ranch, the board adopted a Fuels Abatement Policy in August 2011.

Under this policy, Lot Owners without fire rings must remove lawn cuttings, trimmings and other combustible debris as it is generated. Lot Owners with fire rings can retain such material as long as it fits within the perimeter of the fire ring. Excess material must be removed as it is generated. The full text of the policy can be found in the Governance section of the Hidden Springs Ranch website, or by clicking here.

Please help us keep the neighborhood safe by keeping your burn piles under control. Questions about the Fuels Abatement Policy can be forwarded to the HOA Board or Administrator.

HSR Welcomes New Board and Approves 2012 Assessment

The Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association approved the 2012 annual assessment and elected the 2012 board of directors during the Annual Meeting on March 24. Following the budget committee's recommendation, the 2012 assessment was approved at the 2011 levels ($750 per lot). The budget committee also noted that anticipated expenses will exceed ordinary income in 2012 and assessments will almost certainly need to be raised in 2013.

Members also elected a new board of directors. Leslie Bradshaw, Ted Eaves, Gene Fojtik, Roger Grace, Carla Petersen and Simon Petty have been elected to the board. Officers and committee chairs will be elected at the April 2012 board meeting on Monday, April 8, at the 6:30PM general session of the HOA board (see the HOA calendar for more details).

The board also thanks departing board members Susan Ferno and Donna Williamson for their service to the neighborhood in 2012. Donna was the HOA Secretary and Susan not only chaired the Communications and Social committee, she has maintained the community bulletin board for several years.

Questions about the annual meeting, committees and neighborhood plans can be forwarded to the Board of Directors or the HOA Administrator.

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD TO HOLD KINDERGARTEN/PRE-K REGISTRATION

The Dripping Springs Independent School District will hold registration for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students entering school in Fall of 2012 on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3-4. Registration will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the DSISD Administration Building, 510 W. Mercer St. Kindergartners must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2012.

For both Kindergarten and Pre-K students, parents should bring proof of residency (electric bill and copy of lease/warranty deed/property tax statement with homestead exemption listed), child's birth certificate and immunization record, as well as child's social security card and parent's photo ID.

DSISD offers three types of Pre-K for children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2012:

1. Tuition-based for district residents
2. Free for children who qualify as Economically Disadvantaged (national free/ reduced lunch program), Limited English Proficiency, child of active or injured military, or is either Homeless or has been in foster care. Parent should bring proof of income (for all working members of household) and child (for language testing).
3. Tuition-based for out-of-district residents, limited capacity (new in 2012)

The immunization "Care Van" will be present from 2-5 p.m. on April 3, serving Medicaid, CHIPS, and "underinsured" patients.

Update–Pavilion Bike Rack

The board is pleased to announce that the new bicycle rack has been installed in the corner of the pavilion parking lot and is ready to use. Special thanks go out to Simon Petty, chair of the Pool, Pavilion and Common Areas committee, for leading this effort.

All bicyclists are welcome to use the rack, but please remember to chain your bike securely to the rack as the HOA cannot be responsible for damage or loss. Please also remember that any bikes chained to the pavilion fence, posts, tables or other structures may be removed without notice and at the owner’s expense.

REMINDER - 2012 Annual Meeting This Weekend

The Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association Annual Meeting is almost here! The meeting will be held at the neighborhood pavilion from 4:00PM to 6:00PM on Saturday, March 24. We will be reviewing HOA business, electing a new board and adopting the 2012 annual assessments.

Kids are welcome and the HOA Board is providing pizza and drinks for everyone who registers, so let us know if you plan to attend. You can RSVP by contacting the HOA social coordinator (social@dshiddenspringsranch.com) or by responding to the neighborhood poll.

Hope to see you there!

2012 Proxy Ballot Published

2012 Proxy Ballot

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors has published the 2012 Proxy Ballot for neighbors who won't be able to attend the March 24 Annual Meeting. Completed proxies can be scanned and emailed to the administrator or mailed to the HOA at the address below:

Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association
PO Box 362
Dripping Springs, TX 78620

While we hope you can attend the meeting (food and drinks will be provided by the HOA), please take a moment to complete the proxy if you won't be able to attend.

Please note that proxies must be signed, and must be received no later than March 21, 2012 or brought to the annual meeting, to be counted.

Hidden Springs Faces Continued Watering Restrictions

Just a friendly reminder to all of our neighbors that Dripping Springs is still under Stage 2 watering restrictions. Despite recent rains, and a creek that is actually flowing for a change, Dripping Springs and the surrounding area is still way behind on rainfall. As a result, the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp is keeping all residential and commercial customers on a once-per-week watering schedule (see below).

Watering and car-washing days are as follows:
Residential - Odd number addresses: Wednesdays
Residential - Even number addresses: Thursdays
Commercial and HOA property: Tuesdays

Watering hours are between midnight and 10:00AM and between 7:00PM and midnight.
Questions about watering restrictions can be forwarded to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp at 512.858-7897.

Pavilion Bicycle Rack on Track

The pavilion bicycle rack has been purchased and will be installed shortly. In the meantime, the Hidden Springs Ranch board asks all members to refrain from chaining bicycles to the fences, posts, tables or other pavilion structures. In order to avoid damage to HOA property, any bicycles chained to fences, posts, etc. may be removed, without further notice, at the owner's expense. If your bicycle has been removed, you may contact the HOA board or Administrator to learn how it can be retrieved.

RSVP - Hidden Springs Ranch Announces Annual Meeting

The Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association annual meeting will be held Saturday, March 24 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. The HOA will be providing food and drinks, and kids are definitely welcome, so bring your lawn chairs and make plans to attend! We will be summarizing HOA business, electing a new board of directors and adopting the 2012 lot owner assessments.

Please RSVP by contacting the HOA Social Committee or responding to the neighborhood ballot.  If you cannot attend in person, please remember to send in your proxy for the 2012 election and assessment.

Competition Field Lights

Several of our neighbors noticed that the High School competition field lights were left on late into the night on Friday, February 3. The HOA board contacted the new district superintendent, Dr Bruce Gearing, and received a call from the High School athletic director, Howard Ballard, this morning. Mr Ballard apologized for the incident, explaining that the system designed to ensure the lights turned off had been overridden and the lights had not been turned off after Friday's soccer match.

Mr Ballard assured the board that the issue had been addressed by staff and should not happen again. In the event it does happen, he asked that the board publish his contact information so the problem could be immediately resolved (Howard can be reached at 512.736-9736).

We Need Some Help

Hidden Springs HOA has purchased a new Bicycle Rack to be installed at the Pavilion as this is the new official location for the bus stop authorized by DSISD. It will be used for school children who ride their bikes to catch the bus as well as for those home owners who wish to ride to the pavilion to enjoy the pool and facilities.

We would like to ask if there is anyone within our community that has the tools and “know how” to be able to bolt this rack to the concrete parking lot. We appreciate any support you can provide. If this is a service you may be able to provide, please contact Simon Petty at 512-858-9285 or e-mail vp@dshiddenspringsranch.com

Bus Stop Update

The tree pruning is complete and the school has informed us that the bus stop will be moved to the pavilion parking lot as of Monday, January 23.  In order to facilitate the change, parents should remember the following:

1. ANY PARENTS WAITING WITH THEIR CHILDREN MUST PARK IN THE INTERIOR SPACES OF THE PAVILION PARKING LOT DURING PICK-UP (7:00AM-8:15AM) AND DROP-OFF (3:00PM-5:00PM). The bus will use the outer spaces as a lane to turn around in the parking lot. The HOA is currently soliciting bids to re-stripe the parking lot and highlight the bus lane and parking.
2. The HOA will be installing a bike rack so that children wishing to ride to the pavilion can leave their bikes in a secure location. The HOA cannot be responsible for any bikes left on the property. Please only secure bikes to the bike rack and not to the posts, tables, fence or other pavilion structures. Bikes that are improperly stored may be removed, without further notice and at the owner's expense, to prevent damage to HOA property.

In addition, the HOA could use one or two 'bus monitors', at least for the first few days, to ensure the parents only park in the interior spaces. If you can help out, please contact the HOA board or administrator.

Moving the Neighborhood Bus Stop

The Hidden Springs Ranch board has been working to move the bus stop from the corner of Broken Lance and Old 290 to the Pavilion parking lot. The pavilion provides shelter for our kids during inclement weather and isolates the bus stop from vehicle traffic. The school district has agreed to our recommendation on two conditions: The trees at the entrance need to be pruned to provide clearance for the bus; and parking at the pavilion needs to be limited to the interior parking spaces during pick-up and drop-off. The board is currently soliciting bids for pruning the trees. Any questions can be directed to the board or the HOA administrator. Let us know what you think by responding to our neighborhood ballot.

Found Dog

One of our neighbors had a lost yellow lab arrive at their door. If you are missing your pet, please contact the board or the administrator.