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.