Hays County Lifts Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court has lifted the burn ban in Hays County, effective July 16, due to recent and expected rainfall in the area. The Court reviews the need for a burn ban at is weekly Commissioners Court meeting. If conditions warrant, the County Judge has the authority to impose the ban without the Court convening.

Residents are asked to notify their local fire department when planning to burn and as a courtesy their neighbors as well.

Questions about this announcement can be forwarded to the Hays County Fire Marshal at 512.393.7339.

Hays County Reinstates Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court has reinstated the burn ban in unincorporated areas of county because of increasingly dry conditions. On July 9 the Keetch-Byram Drought Index for Hays County was 597 and expected to rise. Typically a burn ban is indicated when the KBDI reaches 575, although it is not the singular indicator – also considered is the amount of fine fuel (such as dead grass) as well as the number of large, uncontrolled fires.

A burn ban prohibits outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Hays County. Fires in burn barrels, even those with lids, are prohibited; however, gas and charcoal grills with lids can be used.

“Please use caution and common sense when grilling,” Fire Marshal Mark Chambers said. “Never leave a grill unattended, ensure that all embers are out before leaving the area and have a source of water nearby in case of fire.”

For more information about this announcement, please contact the Hays County Fire Marshal’s office at 512-393-7339, or visit their web site.

Hidden Springs Ranch Asked to Conserve Water

The Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation asked all members to halt all outdoor watering, and to conserve as much water as possible, between 11:00PM Monday and 5:00AM Tuesday, July 15-16. DSWSC is performing system maintenance and expects full service to be restored by 5:00AM Tuesday Morning.

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

Swimming Pool to Close for Inspection

The swimming pool will be closed for the state-required annual inspection beginning Thursday, July 11. While the Hidden Springs Ranch board anticipates a favorable inspection, the pool will remain closed until any required repairs or improvements are complete.

Any questions about this announcement may be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or any board member.

Thank you for your cooperation!

The ‘Ultimate Outdoor Workout’ Returns to Hidden Springs Ranch

Jenna Ryan (512.563-2059) is bringing her ‘Ultimate Outdoor Workout’ back to the neighborhood pavilion. The 1-hour classes run Monday-Thursday at 8:00AM, and Jenna – a long-time resident here in Hidden Springs Ranch – is offering a discount to all HOA members (1 free class per 4 week session).

If you’re looking for a morning exercise class, join Jenna and your friends for some outdoor fun!

A Special Thank You

The Board of Directors of the Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association thanks Marvin and Merlene Myers for their invaluable contributions regarding the repairs to Old Highway 290. The Myers, new Hidden Springs Ranch neighbors but long-time residents in Dripping Springs, strongly encouraged the City of Dripping Springs and the Texas Department of Transportation to resolve the ownership issues and make lasting repairs to County Road 320 (Old Hwy 290). The Myers worked directly with TxDoT and the city to see that title to Old 290 got transferred to the city. They also worked with the City Planning Director to prioritize the necessary roadwork.  Thanks in large part to their efforts, Old 290 is now safer for all of our neighbors.

Old 290 Road Work Complete!

Road work on Old 290 (County Road 320) was completed on Friday, May 17. The east end of the road received a new hot seal surface to eliminate the potholes and the road edges were cold-patched to mitigate the drop-offs on either side of the road.

The Hidden Springs Ranch Homeowners Association Board of Directors thanks all Phase I and II residents who contacted the city and supported the necessary road work. The board also thanks the City of Dripping Springs for acting so promptly once the underlying title issues were resolved.

Old 290 Repairs to Begin!

Repairs to Old 290 (CR 320) will begin Friday morning, May 17, at 9:00AM. The city will be laying a new hot seal surface on the east end of Old 290 and making repairs to the road edge where erosion has created significant drop offs.

Neighbors are encouraged to use the west end of Old 290 to enter and exit the neighborhood while repairs take place. Please also use extra caution when entering or exiting the neighborhood from either direction.

Question about this announcement can be forwarded to any board member or the HOA administrator.

Spring Maintenance

Welcome as it is, the Spring growing season always seems to catch us by surprise. Many of our lots need extra attention during the Spring months. Members are reminded to keep their lots groomed and to remove fuels and debris from their lots before Summer sets in and the fire dangers increase.

Members are also reminded that trailers are not permitted on neighborhood lots unless they are obscured from view. Neighbors that need to park a trailer on their lot for a short period (to aid in moving, renovations, improvements, etc.) are encouraged to contact the Architectural Control Committee.

Questions about this announcement may be forwarded to the Architectural Control Committee or the HOA administrator.

Once a Week Watering on the Horizon?

The drought is setting in once again. On May 3rd, the The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) updated the district’s drought status from ‘Alarm’ to ‘Critical’. The change, effective June 1, won’t directly effect on our neighborhood but it is a good indication that the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is will also increase their drought declaration in the next 30-60 days, forcing Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (WSC) to further restrict water usage.

WSC has currently implemented Stage 2 watering restrictions which limit automatic irrigation systems to 2 days per week. If WSC is required to implement Stage 3 watering restrictions, automatic watering will be limited to 1 day per week. All Hidden Springs Ranch residents are encouraged to review their watering schedules and to comply with WSC restrictions.

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

UPDATE–Old 290 Roadwork Approved

Thanks to the efforts of many of our members, as well as our neighbors in Phase II, the City of Dripping Springs has agreed to resurface the eastern end of Old 290. According to Jon Thompson, City Planning Director, the last major hurdle to the City’s efforts was cleared when the Texas Transportation Commission adopted an order conveying the ROW to the City on April 25.

With the order in hand, Mayor Purcell approved the effort to repair the eastern portion of Old 290 (CR 320) on May 7. Check back for announcements regarding the construction schedule.

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

Hays County Lifts Burn Ban

Effective immediately, the burn ban in Hays County has been lifted until further notice.

Typically the burn ban is reviewed each Tuesday at the regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meeting, but the County Judge has the authority to lift the ban or impose an emergency ban if he deems it necessary. The ban was not lifted Tuesday because local and county fire officials wanted to ensure that sufficient rain had fallen throughout Hays County to decrease the risk for outdoor burning.

For more information, please contact the Hays County fire marshal at 512.393-7339 or visit their web site.

HSR Board to Recommend Assessment Increase at 2013 Annual Meeting

For the first time in 5 years, the HSR Board will recommend an increase in the annual assessments at the 2013 Annual Meeting. The proposed $75 increase will help offset increasing maintenance and administrative costs and proposed capital spending.

Even with the proposed increase, the Association is likely to incur a significant deficit in 2013 due to anticipated, safety-related, expenditures. The deficit is expected to be between $3,000 and $5,000 and will be funded out of the HOA’s existing surplus.

Members will vote on the 2013 budget and assessments at the Association’s annual meeting, scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at 3:00pm. As in previous years, the annual meeting will be held at the HOA Pavilion and all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. In addition to reviewing 2013 budget and member assessments, the board will review 2012 accomplishments, the current state of the neighborhood and plans for 2013.

The Association is actively seeking new Board members for 2013. Board members are volunteers who are committed to a well-maintained, safe and attractive neighborhood. Their actions contribute to all members' property values and help us all enjoy neighborhood amenities. The Board ideally consists of 6-9 board members who contribute 2-3 hours per month to oversee Association business and social affairs and our relationships with local governments and agencies. Please consider helping your neighbors by joining the 2013 board.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Hays County Reinstates Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday issued a countywide burn ban, effective immediately. 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,” Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers 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.”

Residents can help lower the risk of grass fires by making sure vegetation is cut back and periodically watered in compliance with any local watering restrictions. Drivers should avoid parking vehicles on grassy areas since automobile catalytic converters can start fires along the road. Tossing cigarettes – even ones that appear to be out – can spark a fire.

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

High Winds Damage Neighborhood Roofs

Neighbors cleaning up after Monday’s high winds have noticed displaced and damaged shingles here in Hidden Springs Ranch. Taking a few moments to examine your roofs and replacing damaged/missing shingles can save big repair bills.

According to the weather service, sustained winds in Dripping Springs exceeded 30mph for several hours and wind gusts peaked at 44mph. These conditions are sufficient to damage composite shingle roofs and neighbors have notice displaced and damaged shingles in the neighborhood.

Once shingles damage begins, additional winds and rain can quickly increase the cost of repairs. February and March are among the windiest months in the Hill Country and neighbors are encouraged to examine their roofs to determine if they have damaged or missing shingles.

Repairs to Old 290?

The Hidden Springs Ranch HOA Board, together with several individual members, has been working with the Jon Thompson, City of Dripping Springs Development Coordinator, on making lasting repairs to Old 290 (County Rd 320). I am writing now to ask for your support in encouraging the city to make lasting repairs to the road.

All of us travel some portion of Old 290 on a regular basis and are well aware of the deteriorating condition of the eastern end of the road. Neighbors have damaged their vehicles by dropping tires into the potholes or off the edge of the road when encountering oncoming traffic. Temporary patches only last until a significant rainfall and do nothing to repair the road edges.

Attached, for your review, is the latest bit of communication with the city. It indicates that the Council may be willing to do a new overlay on the road, but asks for an indication of support from our neighbors.  If you agree that the repairs to Old 290 are necessary, please take a moment to forward this message to Jon at jthompson@cityofdrippingsprings.com.  Please also copy the Hidden Springs Ranch Board (bod@dshiddenspringsranch.com) on the email so we can keep a tally of the number of requests that have been submitted.

Email Stream:

From: City of Dripping Springs Development Coordinator
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 6:39 PM
To: bod@dshiddenspringsranch.com
Cc: hoa@dshiddenspringsranch.com
Subject: RE: Old 290 Maintenance

Actually, this e-mail may have helped me with convincing the Council to spend the money to do a decent overlay on the road rather than just doing another band-aid option. Thanks for sending this. The other thing that would help would be to have other residents send e-mails in favor of a longer lasting fix, which would be to do the overlay. Thanks.

Jon

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From: Hidden Springs Ranch BOD [bod@dshiddenspringsranch.com]
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 6:17 PM
To: Thompson, Jon
Cc: hoa@dshiddenspringsranch.com
Subject: Old 290 Maintenance

Jon,

I’m writing on behalf of the entire neighborhood to inquire as to the possibility of making lasting repairs to Old 290. The XXXXX have kept me up to date on their exchanges, and – while not wishing to rehash the same material – I do wish to reinforce their concerns. Patching potholes will alleviate one part of the problem (at least until the next significant rainfall), but that won’t address the deteriorating road edge and the wheel and axle damage that is being caused to vehicles that inadvertently drop a wheel off the road while passing opposing traffic.

The increasing traffic in Meadow Oaks and Hidden Springs Ranch I and II, the conditions of Old 290, and the unresponsiveness of the traffic light at the west end cause more and more drivers to cut through the bank and post office parking lots on a regular basis. Combined with the extra traffic generated by the post office itself, the uncontrolled ingress onto Hwy 290 creates additional hazards and it’s a matter of time before we have a major accident as a result.

What more can we do as an association to get these issues addressed?

Hays County Lifts Burn Ban

Effective immediately, the burn ban in Hays County has been lifted.

After consultation with local fire officials and the County Fire Marshal, Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., has lifted the burn ban in Hays County until further notice. Typically the burn ban is reviewed each Tuesday at the regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meeting, but the County Judge has the authority to lift the ban or impose an emergency ban if he deems it necessary.

Hays County Reinstates Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday reinstated a countywide burn ban, effective immediately. Charcoal and gas grills are exempt from the ban, but burning in “burn barrels” (including barrels with screens on the top) is not allowed.

The Court had lifted the ban January 8 because of heavy rains in the area at that time, cautioning that the ban could be reinstated at any time.

On Monday, the drought index was 497 and expected to increase, with a Red Flag Warning in effect for high winds Tuesday and Wednesday. Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers noted that an index approaching 575 is one of the indicators that a burn ban is necessary, but it is only part of the wildfire equation.

“Even with damp ground, winds and decreased humidity will quickly dry the outside of already dead grasses and other fuels, making them extremely combustible,” Chambers said. “The drought index doesn’t figure in those types of conditions,” he said.
“If you are grilling outdoors, please use extreme caution,” Chambers 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.”

Drivers should avoid parking vehicles on grassy areas since automobile catalytic converters can start fires along the road. Tossing cigarettes – even ones that appear to be out – can spark a fire.

Residents can help lower the risk of grass fires by making sure vegetation is cut back and periodically watered in compliance with any local watering restrictions.

Hays County Lifts Burn Ban

The Hays County Commissioners Court lifted the burn ban, effectively immediately, at its weekly meeting today. The need for a burn ban is reviewed each week by the Court, and the County Judge has the authority to issue an emergency burn ban if the situation warrants.

Assistant Fire Marshal Clint Browning urged caution when burning since low humidity and wind can easily dry out wet grass and brush and cause a hazardous situation.

For more information about safe burning, visit www.co.hays.tx.us and choose Fire Marshal from the Law Enforcement dropdown tab at the top of the page.