Howdy all!   It is great to land on your screeens once again and I hope the approach of spring finds you all healthy and happy.   It’s been a busy few months in the area.  I’ll try to briefly summarize all the current events affecting our great community. 

The board for Cypress Forest CAI met on the evening of February 16, 2017 for the annual meeting.  I would like to thank those of you who personally attended the meeting and the residents who sent in proxies so as to allow us to have quorum.  It was a productive meeting and many important topics were addressed.  First and foremost was the condition of the landscaping within the Cypress Forest community.  The board does not feel you are being well served by our current vendor and so we will be working diligently to find a new subcontractor.  Arrangements will also be made with the current subcontractor in the interim to remediate our many common areas.   Kevin Warren, a board member who has been a great asset to Cypress Forest for many years, has graciously offered to lead the charge on this project while also dedicating a tremendous amount of time to remediating the irrigation system.  The board is intending to pressure wash all Cypress Forest community signs in the coming months.   We hope you will notice improvements in these areas by the time that summer rolls around.   Know that a complete remediation will take a bit longer but have confidence that this is a top priority and work will continue until we have areas back the high standard you deserve.  The board approved repairs to the lighting system at the marquee sign located at I-45 and Cypress Oaks Drive.  It may take a few weeks as the fixtures must be ordered.  Many of you have inquired about the lack of lighting at this location and that will be rectified soon enough.   In replacing the ground lighting with LED’s, we will also be working to replace the lights on the stanchions as the existing are getting a bit long in the tooth.   Finally, the meeting was concluded after the election was held and I am proud to announce that both Stephanie Horton and Rob Bailes were elected for another term.  These two board members have been invaluable resources and we have an incredible Cypress Forest board that has your best interest at heart. 

I am going to remind everyone in Cypress Forest that it imperative that you keep your yard light operational.   Beyond being a requirement of the community, it is more importantly a safety issue for all of us.  As Cypress Forest is without street lighting, we all rely on the yard lights to keep common areas lit and to help protect our assets.  It was noted in a recent audit that more than fifteen percent of our residents had allowed their yard lights to become inoperable.  This is a significant problem that must be fixed immediately.  We will continue to send letters out to those who have not corrected this problem and will be forced to send those who do not correct the problem to out attorney for further action.  Please do your best to keep your lights working and contact the board if there are extenuating circumstances as to why you cannot do so. 

“Annual assessments were mailed out in late October 2016 and due in January 2017.  The board notes that there are many accounts that are currently in delinquent status.”

Annual assessments were mailed out in late October 2016 and due in January 2017.  The board notes that there are many accounts that are currently in delinquent status.  If you have not paid your annual dues, please make arrangements to fund this assessment immediately.  If you need a receipt for payment or a copy of your assessment, please reach out to PMG at 281-367-8137.

A new contractor has been hired and work has once again begun on the commercial development located around the intersection of Cypress Oaks Drive and Interstate 45.  I am told that much of the debris will be soon be burned off (where appropriate) or hauled off.  It should be noted that there is to be further tree removal in the “reserves” area so don’t be surprised if you see machinery clearing further trees from this area in coming months. 

We have many new neighbors in Cypress Forest and adjoining communities.  Just a reminder for those new to the area and particularly neighbors who moved in before January 1^st, the Harris County exemption application is due on or before April 30^th.  Harris County offers exemptions for homestead, over-65, over-55 surviving spouse, and 100% disabled veteran and these exemptions can save bundles on your property taxes.  Forms can be found at HCAD.org (type “exemption” in search bar) and are fairly straightforward to complete and mail.  Welcome all new neighbors and hope to meet you one day soon. 

Yard of the month will start back up for Cypress Forest beginning in May and running through September.   Get the spades sharpened and the mulch bags stacked!  Not only do you get bragging rights, but also a small gift card for your efforts.  We are all appreciative that those in our community take pride in their lots and that so much effort goes into beautifying our neighborhood at this time of year. 

Have a great month and please feel free to reach out to me or any board member if we ever be of any assistance.  Wishing you the very best for March……

Scott Hubert

Neighbor and President

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah to all!  While each holiday has its own origin and beliefs and while we all celebrate this holiday season differently there is one thing they all have in common.

Each of these holidays is freely celebrated without prejudice in this great Country that we call home.  Each is a time to give thanks and blessings while enjoying our family and neighbors alike.  As Cypress Forest is such a diverse community, represented by many cultures, it would not be surprising to learn that each of these special beliefs, and many more, are represented and observed by at least one household within our community.  It is a special time of year for all and that is what truly matters!  The Board wishes you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous year for you and your family in 2017.

Many of our communities are doing a holiday light competition this month.   In Cypress Forest, awards will be given out to the two best decorated homes in the community for December.  There will be top prize and a runner up awarded.  The judging will take place on December 17th from 7-9pm, so be sure to have your lights on.  This is a good time of the year to show your spirit and we encourage everyone to go all out with their decorations.  Not only do you get some gift cards to expand your light collection for next year, but you also get to keep your bragging rights for the entire year!  I have conscripted two trusty elves, which happen to be my 5-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, to help me judge this year.  It should be noted that we can always use volunteers for judging this contest and for the yard of the month judging during spring and summer months.   Please reach out to me if you are interested in taking over this role or have questions regarding either of these volunteer opportunities. 

We remain one of the lowest rates in the Spring/Klein area and are proud that we have been successful in maintaining this rate for so long.  As a Board, we feel that this low rate slightly increases the desirability of our community and keeps home values high. 

I know many of you in Cypress Forest will be happy to know that even though the annual costs of maintaining our neighborhood has increased, the Board is able to maintain a fiscal budget that does not require an increase in the annual maintenance fee.  We remain one of the lowest rates in the Spring/Klein area and are proud that we have been successful in maintaining this rate for so long.  As a Board, we feel that this low rate slightly increases the desirability of our community and keeps home values high.  It takes many hours of hard work from the volunteers and the Board each year to keep these rates low.  As our maintenance fees are disbursed for services that directly affect each neighbor in our community, any volunteer time or service helps keep this rate low.  Feel free to contact any of your Board members about volunteer projects in our area.  You’ll be surprised that some only take a few hours a year.  All residents of Cypress Forest should have received your annual dues statement in the mail already.  If you have not received it, check with your mortgage company and make sure they did not receive it because of your escrow.  Feel free to reach out to me or our management co. if you are not getting the solutions you need as we can always send you the pertinent info so that you can remit.  The annual maintenance fee is a low $225 for Cypress Forest (proper).  In order to avoid penalty and interest charges, we ask that you please remit the funds before January 2, 2017.  If you have any questions about your statement, or have not received a statement, feel free to contact Principal Management Group and they can assist you. 

The Cypress Forest Associations’ annual meeting is planned to happen at the Water Board Building on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 7:00 PM.  These meetings usually last an hour and are very informal, informative sessions.  We cannot hold a meeting without fifteen percent of the homeowners present by person or proxy.  We ask that you will not make the meeting, you please complete the proxy that will be mailed out to all residents.  In prior years, the Board meetings have been cancelled and much time wasted since the Association lacked the proper representation from all members.  Please do your part to keep the Association running smoothly and efficiently by taking part in these meetings or submitting this proxy.

The revised website for Cypress Forest is finally finished and functional.  Check it out when you get time.  It can be found at cypressforest.net.  Most of the documents and community information can be found on this web page but if you find something missing, feel free to contact a board member to let us know.  We’re always looking for feedback for improvements. 

The Board is currently working on its’ New Year resolutions and is excited about 2017!  Once again, we wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year. . .

Scott Hubert

Neighbor and President