Fall Newsletter

Tammy Brown

5 hours ago

11 min read

Homeowners Association Newsletter

October/November 2026

HIGHLIGHTS in this issue

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING
MEET OUR SPONSORS LEAH LOVETT AND JB BLANCHARD
HOA NEWS FROM THE BOARD
XERISCAPING IN ONION CREEK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President's Message

by Kathy Lahaye

Dear Onion Creek Neighbors,

As we welcome fall and look forward to cooler temperatures here in Central Texas, I hope everyone is enjoying the changing season. This is a good time to reflect on what we are accomplishing together as a community. Your board of directors remains committed to serving our community with transparency, responsible financial management, and a focus on the issues that matter most.

Neighborhood Security: Your Voice Matters

One of our important priorities continues to be neighborhood security. Thank you to the 213 neighbors who responded to the security survey. Of those who responded, 124 supported full 24/7 coverage, 53 preferred a part-time option around 18 to 20 hours, and 23 felt we should invest in something else. Your feedback helps the Board better understand homeowners’ concerns, priorities, and expectations regarding security services. After reviewing the survey results and discussing the available options, the board has decided to move forward with a nearly full-time coverage option through Enforce Security. This arrangement will provide 21-22 hours of patrol coverage per day. We believe this is the best approach for our neighborhood at this time, providing significant security coverage while keeping our financial responsibilities in view.

Security is an important part of our neighborhood's overall safety efforts. Our security patrols provide a visible presence, help deter potential problems, and offer a resource for residents who need assistance. While security cannot prevent every incident, having a presence in the neighborhood can be an important part of our efforts to protect our community.

As we move forward, we are evaluating this commitment alongside our other budget priorities like having the Travis County Constables back to assist with traffic mitigation as part of our overall budget review at the upcoming board meeting. Our goal is to provide the level of security our community wants while ensuring that our association manages the expense responsibly.

A Note About HOA Finances and Assessments

As we discuss neighborhood services and future priorities, I also want to address an important financial concern--overdue HOA assessments.

Our association is currently facing approximately $100,000 in delinquent assessments. This is a significant amount of money that the association depends on to meet its financial obligations and maintain services for the neighborhood.

Our annual assessments help fund the services and operations that benefit all homeowners, including security, neighborhood maintenance, and other essential HOA responsibilities. When assessments go unpaid, it places additional pressure on our budget and can affect our ability to sustain the

services homeowners expect.

We recognize that circumstances differ from household to household, but we ask all homeowners to make paying their assessments a priority and to stay current with their obligations. Timely payment of assessments is essential to maintaining the financial health of our association and preserving the services that make Onion Creek a desirable place to live.

Homeowners can conveniently pay assessments online through the HOA website. Thank you to everyone who pays their assessments on time and helps support our community.

Looking Ahead: New Board Members

As we look toward the coming year, we will soon be seeking nominations for new members of the Board of Directors.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to contribute to the future of Onion Creek, help shape neighborhood priorities, and work alongside fellow residents on issues that affect us all. Our Board members are homeowners who volunteer their time and energy to serve the community, and we welcome residents who are interested in getting involved.

A strong association depends on participation from its members. If you have an interest in helping guide our neighborhood, I encourage you to consider serving on the Board or learning more about the opportunities available.

Working Together for Onion Creek

We encourage homeowners to follow official HOA communications and use established channels when seeking information or sharing concerns. Clear, consistent communication helps ensure that everyone has access to accurate information. Our community is strongest when residents engage constructively, treat one another with respect, and work together toward common goals. As we move into the fall season, we have much to appreciate about Onion Creek and the people who make it a wonderful place to live. Whether you participate in a committee, answer a survey, volunteer at a community event, maintain your property, or simply take time to get to know your neighbors, you contribute to the character of our community. Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your commitment to our community. We look forward to working together for Onion Creek

Warm regards,

Kathy

Please Join Us at Legends Way Park and Sullivan Park for a Special Event

Schedule for the Day

Tree planting and dedication

Legends Way Park, 8:30-10:30

Sullivan Park, 10:30-12:30

Lunch

Sullivan Park

12:30

Games

Sullivan Park

1-2

Volunteer

Planting trees at Legends Way Park, 8:30-10:30

Planting trees at Sullivan Park, 10:30-12:30

Sponsors

Meet Our Sponsor, ISA Certified Arborist, Leah Lovett, Bartlett Tree Experts

Love and enthusiasm for trees

shine through Leah Lovett's warm smile. Passionate about helping clients make informed decisions that protect the health, safety, and longevity of their trees, Leah is an expert in native species, regional stressors, and disease management specific to Central Texas.

Leah works with many Onion Creek residents and loves the idea of planting more trees in our parks.

She will dig holes ahead of the event, provide mulch and water, and hang out during social time to distribute fertilizer samples and answer all of your questions about tree health and care.

Leah Lovett was born and raised in Dripping Springs, Texas, among oak woodlands and Hill Country landscapes. As a child, Leah spent her days building forts, exploring the woods, and learning firsthand how trees create places to gather, play, and grow--experiences that shaped her lifelong passion for arboriculture. Leah studied chemistry at Texas State University, where she developed a strong appreciation for the science behind tree health, soils, and plant physiology. She later gained hands-on experience operating a family tree service, building a solid foundation in practical tree care, problem-solving, and client service. Drawn to Bartlett's research-driven approach and commitment to preservation, Leah joined their team.

Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending time on the river with her daughter. You will find her kayaking, crocheting, and staying connected to the landscapes she works every day to preserve.

About Bartlett Tree Experts--

With a deep understanding of local tree species, soil conditions, and climate factors, Barlett's certified arborists provide science-based solutions to keep your landscape healthy and thriving. Bartlett offers proactive tree maintenance, pest and disease management, and preservation backed by global resources and cutting-edge scientific research.

Our certified arborists offer industry-leading expertise that sets us apart from other local tree services.-Bartlett Tree Experts

Meet Our Sponsor and Neighbor, Jonathan Blanchard, Cool Roofs

Jonathan Blanchard (JB) of Cool Roofs loves living in the Onion Creek community. He says “I have so many friends that live in here, and there’s always something going on.”

JB likes to make things happen. In August he organized a sandlot baseball game for his son, Lennox, and invited the neighborhood to participate. The informal event was a success, and he hopes to put more gatherings together.

I would absolutely love to host more sandlot baseball games or kickball games in the future for the kids here in Onion. It brings me back to when I was a kid and we would go out and play til dark. It brings the community together and teaches kids there is fun outside of tablets and video games.-JB

JB offered to be a sponsor for the Memorial Tree Planting event because he wants to be known as a resource in our community. JB wants neighbors to consider him a resource for roof or insurance questions, and also to know that he is invested in seeing the Onion Creek community thrive and improve. JB has noticed a lot of positive changes in Onion Creek in the 3 years he has lived here and wants to join his neighbors in creating an even better Onion Creek.

What JB likes best about his work is helping people understand the process of replacing or repairing their roofs or helping them decipher their insurance policies to see if they are covered in case something happens. JB has completed multiple roofs in the Onion Creek area, and looks forward to assisting more neighbors with their roofing projects.

Roofs are not something people wake up and say I need to buy today but they are important for the longevity of the home. I’m here to say I get the frustration with roofers but let me walk you through the process with someone who cares about the Onion Creek community.-JB

JB is @JBtheroofr on Instagram. He enjoys golf, bowling, and softball.

About Cool Roofs—

Cool Roofs was started in New Braunfels sbout 10 years ago. They now cover all 4 major Texas cities and plan to expand to other states.

It Takes a Village

Thank you also to the Onion Creek Club! They used their back hoe to dig holes in Legends Way Park, and they are allowing us to pump water from the pond at Sullivan Park to keep our trees watered for the first year.

Thank you to Josh Mann for suggesting that we plan for the future by planting trees in our parks and for donating his time and expertise in selecting and transporting trees and placement.

Thank you to Dick Perrone, Parks and Landscaping Chair who took on the task of finding a way to keep the new trees watered. Dick makes things happen!

News From the Onion Creek Homeowners Association Board of Directors

What Is the Board of Directors Doing?

In addition to the usual duties of the board, there are multiple ongoing projects--security survey, traffic calming measures, redesign of the website, branding initiative, tree planting in the park, and the new welcome committee.

Some Board members serve on more than one committee and devote a significant amount of time to their main roles and special projects. Our board members are all volunteers serving the HOA through leadership, service and enforcement of the covenants that protect our quality of life in the community and preserve our property values.

Board Elections

Board elections are coming up. Consider joining the board to contribute to the community and have a say in important decisions.

Participate-Join a Committee

By working with the board, non-board members make significant contributions to the neighborhood as well. They offer their expertise in areas including web design, graphic design, landscaping, research, and analytics.

We could accomplish much more for Onion Creek with more community participation. If you would like to work with your neighbors to help Onion Creek be even better, please join us.

We currently need volunteers to help with events, welcome committee, tree planting and tree monitoring. Other areas where you can contribute include newsletter, social events and rules and enforcement committees.

Initiate--Share Your Ideas

Do you have an idea that you would like to pursue? Contact a board member to explore the possibility of making your idea happen together.

Board Meeting Summary

The Board of Directors had a long but productive meeting on October 20. Discussion included details of the Memorial tree planting event and progress on the website revision.

Treasurer, Lori Steiner, is working on the budget for 2027. Costs are rising in most areas so the board is considering ways to cut costs and still provide all services currently offered. The budget will be finalized in January.

Traffic/Safety

Board members discussed the speeding and safety issues on River Plantation and Pinehurst and crossing Bradshaw. Constables have been effective in slowing traffic but at a cost to homeowners. There is a preference by some board members to put more money into savings for permanent traffic calming measures rather than

hiring constables. Compromises were discussed but no vote was taken.

Security

The discussion of a new security contract ultimately led to a vote to rehire Enforce. Enforce offered the lowest bid. Frank Hendrix, an Onion Creek resident will be the Supervisor of our security team ultimately managed by Enforce Security. The team includes several neighbors as part of the team, insuring that our officers are personally invested in the safety of our neighborhood.

Residents were surveyed about their security preferences. 213 residents responded to the survey. The Board decided to go with a part-time security patrol coverage that gives 21 hours per day Monday - Friday and 24 hours Saturday and Sunday.

Security Survey Results

59%

Responded Yes to 24/7 coverage

28%

Responded Yes to 18-20 hours coverage

13%

Responded No. Let's invest elsewhere including the option of real police at specific times.

NEIGHBORS, WE HAVE A PROBLEM...

Overdue Dues!

21%

PERCENTAGE OF HOMES WITH DELINQUENT DUES

OVER $100K TOTAL AMOUNT OWED

THIS IMPACTS YOUR NEIGHBORS!

DELINQUINCIES MAY CAUSE DUES TO RISE IN THE FUTURE.

WHAT DO YOUR DUES PAY FOR?

Security
Traffic control
Park improvements
Events
Signage
Capital improvements
Office and staff

PAYMENT PLANS!

If you are in arrears, payment plans are available. Contact the HOA office for assistance.

Liens will be filed on properties whose owners have failed to keep up with their payment plans.

EMAIL ISSUES

The Board functions best with input from the community, and we encourage you all to be in touch through email and social media. See the board directory for contact information.

Some residents have found that their emails are not reaching the HOA, and some HOA emails are not reaching residents. Several issues have been discovered and corrected. If you are experiencing problems with emails to or from the board or the office, please call and let us know. Some addresses such as hotmail and yahoo are flagged as spam and automatically rejected. If you need to change your email address use the Update Contact Info page on the HOA website.

Currently, our website will only send out one email per household. We will change this when we update the web site, but for now please share emails from the Board with other adults in your household.

SOCIAL MEDIA

If you use Facebook, please join the Official Onion Creek HOA page for neighborhood news and discussion. You can also follow on Instagram. There are multiple helpful pages related to Onion Creek, but this is the page for Board news, events, and contact as well as chat among neighbors.

XERISCAPING IN ONION CREEK

As Central Texas struggles with drought and diminishing water supply, more homeowners are turning to xeriscaped lawns and gardens. Water wise designs are ecologically responsible and can save homeowners from high water bills. and enhance their homes' presentation through good design.

The two landscapes featured here are reminiscent of Southwestern desert-style landscapes yet they are created predominantly with plants that thrive in the Texas Hill Country and West Texas. The Texas native plants let us know we are not in Las Vegas, and they enhance the landscape for our natural ecosystem.

Owen and Maddie Burns contemplated their front yard design for three years before finding the right landscaper and the right design. They live on Pebble Beach Drive in a unique home, and wanted a landscape that enhanced the remarkable arched facade without obscuring or changing it. Working with Austin Native Landscapes they seem to have come up with a perfect plan.

Boulders and large agaves make sculptural statements in contrast to the soft textures of leaves and grasses in many shades of green. Blooming perennials will lend color to the scene spring, summer and fall.

White rock and mulch eliminate the need for a thirsty lawn in front, but a shady patch of St. Augustine hosts a circle of chairs for gathering with neighbors. Owen and Maddie love the results.

The second project was completed soon after the homeowners moved in one and half years ago. The existing front yard of dead grass was excavated about 4 inches to remove roots and replaced with fresh soil and large gravel. The design is rhythmic, geometrical, light-hearted and welcoming with mid-century flair. A row of open plants and decorative block entry suggest a cozy separation from the street.

Installed by Lefty's Landscapes, the design includes Blackfoot daisies, yucca, prickly pear and native grasses. The homeowners are very pleased with the result, and love to sit in their pink lawn chairs and visit with neighbors.