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Archived Newsletters

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.

March 2016
eNews Monthly
Political Signage
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The political signs popping up all over are a reminder that it is election time.  So why are there political signs in yards when typical deed restrictions only allow "for sale" or "for lease" signs?

The answer applies to many areas.  Federal, state and local government laws supercede community association restrictions.  In the case of political signs, a Texas law was passed in 2005 that protects the right to political advocacy through signage. The law covers signs for specific candidates and signs for ballot issues such as bond elections.

Under the law, any resident may install political signs on their property up to 90 days in advance of an election until 10 days after an election.  That is the 101 day protected window. In the fall, with election day on November 8th, signs can go up as early as 08/10/16 and may remain until 11/18/16.

Within this window, the law does allow a community association some degree of regulation. For example, a guideline can be established which limits political signs to one per candidate or ballot issue. Signs can be restricted to 4’ by 6’ or smaller. Signs can be restricted to ground mounting. Offensive signs can be prohibited. Signs with music, sounds, lighting, balloons or streamers can be prohibited. Associations can remove signs in violation of their legally-allowed guidelines. Absent guidelines, however, this law is very broad in its protection — all political signs are protected in that 101 day period regardless of numbers, size or appearance. Therefore, when the law passed, we asked our Associations to consider adopting guidelines we proposed. Click here to see a sample.

So get involved, support the candidates of your choice and vote!

Volunteer Spotlight
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Lincoln Green Estates - Arnold Campos
by Brenda Ellington

Arnold Campos has been a resident in Lincoln Green Estates since the community was in its development stage. He has served proudly on the Board of Directors since he was first elected in July of 1999. He has dedicated his time to the community between working full time as an engineer in the oil field and his family time. During his time on the board his children have grown, gone to college, and started their families and Arnold still continues to give back to his community.

Arnold serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and holds the chair of the Architectural Control Committee. In past years, he has walked the community to get votes for the annual meetings, he has worked events for the community, and he meets with owners as well as vendors to make sure things are done properly and resolve any issues before they arise.  

Arnold makes sure the community stays in line with their budget and is always looking for ways to save a dime. Arnold and the rest of the board do most small repairs in the community to save the Association some money. He never complains and he just keeps giving back to his community.

C.I.A. Services would like to thank Arnold for all his time and dedication through the years. It is board members like Arnold that make their communities shine!

Seminar Series
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We are pleased to announce our 2016 schedule for the C.I.A. Services Seminar Series.  We will again present seven classroom seminars and one webinar throughout the year - each at multiple locations with a total of 28 training sessions.  Click here to read the seminar descriptions and see the schedlue.  

Our core group of seminars will be back. Each seminar concentrates on the practical aspects of the topic and provides board members with background knowledge to help them in their decision making. We consistently receive positive feedback on the content and presentation.

  • Board Member Orientation
  • Advanced Topics for Board Members
  • Meeting & Records - The Legal Requirements
  • Understanding Collections & Financial Reports
  • The Super Budgeting Process
  • Practical Deed Restriction Management
  • Essentials of Architectural Control
  • Community Website Administrator

Each two-hour seminar begins at 6:00 pm and we provide deli sandwiches in case you come straight from work.  You’ll leave with a wealth of practical information and a notebook for future reference.  You can attend our one-hour webinar right from home!  

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Understanding Collections & Financial Reports

The first half of this seminar will cover all the steps involved in successful assessment collections. Since not everyone pays on time, we’ll get into late fees, liens, payment plans, bankruptcy and all the legal remedies. The second half of the seminar deals with reading and understanding your financial reports. We’ll trace the flow of money throughout the reports so you’ll never be in the dark when staring at all those numbers.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, please send an email to seminars@ciaservices.com.

03/17/16 – Thursday

6 – 8 pm

San Antonio

03/29/16 – Tuesday

6 – 8 pm

Humble

03/31/16 – Thursday

6 – 8 pm

Southwest Houston

 

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Board Member Orientation

This seminar is a must for all new Board members and a great refresher for seasoned veterans. It will help you get up to speed quickly by understanding your responsibilities and authorities. We’ll review the documents and laws that govern the way you do business. We’ll give you an overview of the governing documents, basis of authority, organizational roles, responsibilities & authorities, conduct of meetings, and we’ll cover insurance and taxes.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, please send an email to seminars@ciaservices.com.

04/04/16 – Monday

6 – 8 pm

San Antonio

04/14/16 – Thursday

6 – 8 pm

Humble

04/19/16 – Tuesday

6 – 8 pm

Southwest Houston

 

Community Spotlight
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Cinco Ranch Southwest Community Council

We are proud of every one of our communities so it is always hard to find just one to highlight. We start by having each of our Community Managers write a nomination for one of their communities. We then read them and take a vote. Here are our most recent selections:

  • March - Cinco Ranch Southwest Community Council - North Office - Laura Tate
  • February - Homeowners Association of Timber Forest - North Office - Linda Morris
  • January - New Forest Homeowners Association - North Office - Valerie Lehr
  • December - River Park on the Brazos Property Owners Association - Southwest Office - Kim Moore
  • November - Community Association of the Highlands - Southwest Office - Candace Look
  • October - Cedar Springs - San Antonio Office - Tina Jameson
  • September - Eldridge Park Village - Southwest Office - Susan Bratton
  • August - Cinco Ranch Residential Association II - North Office - Laura Tate
  • July - Cypresswood Green Property Owners Association - North Office - Brenda Ellington
  • June - Fairway Pointe Community Association - Southwest Office - Libby Hodges
  • May - Eilan Condominium Association, Inc. - San Antonio Office - Ralph Troiano
  • April - Summerwood Community Association - North Office - Jennifer Northington

To see the full story on these communities and to see the past winners, visit the Community of the Month page on our site.

Community Anniversaries
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Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in March.

  • Hunterwood Village I Homeowners Association— 19 years
  • Colony Grant Homeowners Association— 16 years
  • Fairfax Village Homeowners Association— 13 years
  • Summerwood Commercial Property Association— 10 years
  • Cross Creek Ranch Community Association— 8 years
  • Brays Forest Patio Homes Maintenance Fund — 7 years
  • Lakes of Williams Ranch Owners Association - 1 year

Our goal has always been to create a positive, long term relationship with all of our client communities. We are very proud to be managing all of these communities.

Employee Corner
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It’s a BOY -- It’s a GIRL!!!

Congrats to two of our employees on the birth of their beautiful babies.

Koryssa Palomo, from our North Office, gave birth to Liam Connor,  Jan. 14th at 11:22pm weighing in at 8lbs 4oz and 20" long.

Megan Bennett, also from our North Office, gave birth to Penelope Quinn, Feb. 3rd at 8:38am weighing in at 7lbs 13oz 19 1/2" long.

Welcome to the world Liam and Penelope!

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Anniversaries

We would like to congratulate several employees on their anniversaries with C.I.A. Services. 

Dan Barr, a multi-faceted support staffer and stockholder at our Southwest Office, celebrates his 12th anniversary with C.I.A. Services this month.  

Priscilla Aleman is celebrating her 8th anniversary.  Priscilla is a stockholder and serves our Southwest Office as Support Staff wearing many hats.

Candace Look is celebrating her 7th anniversary with us.  Candace is a stockholder and Community Manager in our Southwest Office.

Michelle Esquer is celebrating her 1st anniversary with us.  Michelle is an Administrative Assistant in our San Antonio Office.

 

Read Past Issues of eNews Monthly

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.