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Information Guide

 

 

CONTENTS

 

MEMORIAL THICKET

 

MEMORIAL THICKET HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (MTHA)

Introduction, Website, Annual Assessment

 

Safety, Security and Neighborhood Watch

Architectural Control and Landscaping

 

MTHA By-Laws and DCCR

 

MEMORIAL THICKET WOMENS ASSOCIATION (MTWA)

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

City of Houston Pet Ordinances

 

National and Texas No-call Lists

 

Contractors We Have Used

 

GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY 

 

 

 

MEMORIAL THICKET

 

For those who have just moved in, thank you for choosing to live in Memorial Thicket! This is a wonderful community of custom homes that offers many unique amenities. We hope that you enjoy living in Memorial Thicket and that some of the information in this guide will help you establish yourself in your new home.

 

For all of our residents, this Information Guide – together with the Residents' Directory and www.memorialthicket.org – will provide much of what you need to know about Memorial Thicket (MT). Additionally, you will find the Security Officers at the Security Office, your neighbors, the Memorial Thicket Homeowners Association Directors, and MT Women's Association Officers helpful. Their names and telephone numbers are listed in the Directory.

 

The Thicket is a community of 156 single-family residences with just 2 lots on which home construction hasn’t been started. Many of these homes either back up to Terry Hershey Park or have stunning ravine views!

 

There is only one entrance into Memorial Thicket via Plainwood Drive, off of Memorial Drive. It is manned by a 24 hour Security Officer (when not patrolling the neighborhood) and security cameras. One of the unique benefits of living in Memorial Thicket is that we also have access to Terry Hershey Park and the Bayou Trails via a back gate. Many residents also like to walk their dogs around the pond in front of GlobalSantaFe, which can be accessed by the same gate. We may enjoy those privileges as long as we are good neighbors to our friends at GlobalSantaFe.

 

Located in the heart of the Energy Corridor, Memorial Thicket is home to people from many different countries. We celebrate our diversity with numerous social gatherings organized by the MT Women’s Association. This truly is a community filled with many fun and helpful residents. Besides creating an enjoyable environment to live in, we all share common goals of maintaining the values of our homes and keeping our community safe.

 

Memorial Thicket streets are owned and maintained by the City of Houston and are, therefore, public thoroughfares. Please observe a safe speed of no more than 20-25 mph when driving through the neighborhood. You never know when a child or jogger will appear around the corner!

 

MEMORIAL THICKET HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (MTHA)

 

The business of Memorial Thicket is conducted by MTHA in accordance with the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (DCCR), its Articles of Incorporation, its By-Laws and through its elected, volunteer directors. Directors are elected for three-year terms at the Annual Meeting of Homeowners held the first Monday in December.

 

The MTHA's objectives are to enhance homeowners' property values, to maintain the attractiveness of our neighborhood, and to promote a safe and secure community for our residents. MTHA accomplishes its objectives by providing Security Officers for the neighborhood, landscaping and beautification of common areas, and enforcement of restrictions of property use, construction and architectural guidelines as set forth in the DCCR for Memorial Thicket. We strive to make MT not just a place of residence, but a sense of place.

 

The MTHA By-Laws and DCCR are paraphrased later in this Information Guide and can be viewed and downloaded in their entirety through accessing our website at www.memorialthicket.org.

 

Annual Assessment: Each Building Unit is assessed in December an amount to cover the estimated cost of services provided by the MTHA for the next calendar year. Assessments are due January 1 and late fees for past due assessments begin accruing on February 1. Services include:

 

Safety, Security, and Neighborhood Watch

 

The VP Security and Neighborhood Watch (contact number is in the front of the Residents’ Directory) is responsible for contractual services to provide 24-hour security service throughout Memorial Thicket, including alarm monitoring services and all aspects of the entrance guard station. This officer appoints members and serves as Chairman of the Neighborhood Watch Committee and sees that this committee functions as directed by the Board of Directors.

 

Security Officers

A Memorial Thicket Security Officer is on duty 24 hours a day every day of the year and can be reached on their cell phone. That number (currently 713.501.5406) is in the front of the Residents' Directory. You’re encouraged to program that cell phone number into your own home and cell phones.

 

Please treat our MT Security Officers with the courtesy and respect they deserve for protecting our families and homes and the tremendous help they are to all residents. Introduce all your family members to them so they can learn to recognize each of you, and, you them.

 

New Residents

New residents are encouraged to ensure that their homes’ security alarm systems are in working condition prior to moving in. In addition, each family should fill out a Resident Information Sheet and place an MT decal on each vehicle. (See the additional details below.)

 

 

Resident Information Sheet

Please complete this form and return it to the Security Officer at the Security Office by the entrance to the subdivision. The form’s principal purpose is to identify you and your family to the MT Security Officers and is their permanent record of how to reach you (or someone you designate) in case of an emergency regarding a family member or your property. Its secondary purpose is to provide the basic information for the Residents' Directory provided you authorize that. Please stop by the Security Office at the front entrance and update this form anytime information about you changes. We encourage you to check your family’s information at least once a year when the directory is updated in January.

 

Security Alarm Monitoring

Each residence is required to have a working burglar, fire, and emergency alarm system. MTHA has a contract with Chubb Security Systems to monitor our homeowners' alarms. When your alarm goes off, Chubb central dispatch receives the signal on their monitoring system and immediately calls the MT Security Officer, who responds to your alarm, usually in a matter of minutes. The Chubb dispatcher automatically calls in fire alarms to the Houston Fire Department.

 

Chubb's monitoring fee is included in your annual assessment at very favorable rates. Of course, you may choose someone other than Chubb to install a system and have them monitor it for you, but you should be aware their charge is in addition to the amount included in your MTHA assessment. When you use another alarm monitoring company, you are responsible to ensure that notifications are properly made to the Security Officer.

 

MTHA's contract with Chubb is a monitoring contract and not a service or maintenance contract. Service and maintenance costs are the responsibility of the homeowner. You may use any contractor you wish for service, even if you use the MT monitoring system through Chubb.

 

Vehicle Decals

The MT Logo identifies your vehicle to our Security Officers as one belonging to a MT resident. Each of your family’s vehicles should have a decal. Ask a Security Officer for additional decals when you need them.

 

As soon as possible after moving in or purchasing a new vehicle, place the decal inside the front windshield on the driver's side, above the state registration and inspection stickers. Before selling, trading or gifting your vehicle remove the MT decal.

 

Yard Lamps

MT does not have street lights and each residence is required to maintain a front yard post lamp equipped with a photoelectric cell for general lighting at night. If your yard light has burned out you should replace the bulb immediately. For those who forget, the Security Officer will place a Lamp Post Notice in your mailbox while making his rounds on the night shift.

 

No Solicitation

Our Security Officers are watchful for persons making door-to-door solicitations or putting fliers in our mailboxes and will approach them to stop. However, our streets are public so they must be careful to not use strong-armed measures.

 

Safety and Security Reminders

As individual homeowners and residents, there are many things we all can do to make Memorial Thicket a safe and secure neighborhood in which we can live. The key is to practice doing them every day. Here are a few reminders:

 

Always drive no more than 20-25 mph on MT streets whether you are in a hurry, late for an appointment, work or school or getting home. Remember that children and pedestrians use our streets as well as vehicles. Be particularly careful at the entrance to the subdivision where school buses drop off children and visitors stop to ask the Security Officers questions. Come to a full-stop, especially at the intersection of Plainwood and Walkwood.

 

Park your vehicles in your garage or your driveway and do not leave them on the street at night. Remember that what may be a convenience for you is likely an inconvenience for your neighbors, service vehicles, or emergency vehicles attempting to negotiate around your vehicle. In addition, cars parked on the street are more prone to vandalism.

 

Do not leave any valuable personal items in your vehicle, even when it’s locked.

 

Place children’s toys and other items out of sight from the street when not in use.

 

At night, leave outdoor lights on, particularly around driveways, the back of the house, lawn and front door.

 

Always set your alarm system at night and when leaving your home, even if it is just for a short errand. If for some reason your alarm system is triggered – and you are present when the Security Officer answers an alarm call at your home – show yourself to the officer, so he or she will know for certain it was a false alarm and that you are not being held against your will. Even when you know that the alarm was set off by mistake, do not discourage the Security Officer on duty from answering the alarm. The Security Officer must respond to the call according to standard procedure.

 

If you have been out and think you are being followed, stop at the Security Office to tell the officer of your suspicions. Ask him or her to follow you home. If the Security Officer isn’t there, drive through the neighborhood until you locate the officer or go to a safe location and get help.

 

 

Out of Town Notice

If you plan to be out of town or away from your home overnight you are encouraged to complete an Out of Town Notice (available at the Security Office) or some other form of contact information. When the Security Officers know you are away, they maintain extra surveillance around your property.

 

The essential contact information is your name, MT address, and your cell phone number, if it will be operative in the location where you will be. In case of an emergency or alarm call at your property it is very important to include the telephone number of a nearby friend, neighbor or family member who will have an entry key and the alarm code for your home. For convenience, some residents leave the key and alarm code in a sealed envelope with the officer at the Security Office on their way out of town.

 

You should have a friend or neighbor collect your mail, or have the post office hold your mail for pick-up when you return. Also, it is a good idea to stop your newspapers until you return. Pets left at home will require daily attention by someone. In lieu of a close-by friend or neighbor, MT Security Officers will do these things if you prefer. It is proper for you to provide an appropriate gratuity for any personal service they provide.

 

Neighborhood Watch

All of these measures – taken together – are our Neighborhood Watch Program. The VP Security coordinates the program and publishes a monthly newsletter. You can support the program by being involved and aware of security situations that affect you and your neighbors.

 

Be watchful of the activities of contract workers and delivery personnel at your home and others’ nearby. Immediately report any suspicious activities to the homeowner and to the MT Security Officer.

 

Introduce yourself and get to know your block neighbors and their children. Try to maintain cordial relations.

 

If you do not know our Security Officers, stop by the Security Office or stop them on patrol to introduce yourself, your spouse and your children. It is important for our Security Officers to be able to recognize you, and, you them.

 

Be involved and be aware!

 

Architectural Control and Landscaping

 

The VP Architectural Control and Landscaping (contact number is in the front of the Residents’ Directory) is in charge of contractual services approved by the Board for beautifying, maintaining, managing, and operating the common areas throughout Memorial Thicket. This officer appoints members and serves as Chairman of the Architectural Control Committee and sees that the duties of this committee are fulfilled as specified in the DCCR.

 

Refuse and Trash

 

Pick-up of trash is twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday. Household refuse must be placed in trash cans or plastic bags and will be picked up at your garage door or gate.

 

Excess or heavier trash that must be placed at the curb for collection, such as broken down cardboard boxes, lawn clipping bags, etc., should be placed at the curb no sooner than the night before collection day. This refuse should be neatly placed and tied to prevent spillage. Small trimmed branches should be cut into approximately 4 ft. lengths and tied in small bundles.

 

The details can be found at the GARBAGE AND RECYCLING PICKUP link on www.memorialthicket.org.

 

Make certain that the contractors that you hire to do tree trimming, home repairs and replacement of appliances, remove everything from your property. Used building and construction materials will not be picked up by the refuse collectors.

 

Chemical and cleaning products, oils, paints (that are still in liquid form), solvents, herbicides pesticides and other toxic or environmentally unfriendly substances, must not be placed for collection with the trash. These items may be disposed of at the City of Houston's Environmental Service Center at 11500 South Post Oak Blvd. The center is currently open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (It’s best to check the hours of operation before making the trip.) Don’t put these items into the drains or the environment.

 

Never dispose of (or let your contractors dispose of) other trash and yard trimmings in the storm sewer system, or in the ravines and bayous. This can cause local flooding of our streets and homes during heavy rains.


 

 

Recycling

MTHA supports and encourages the recycling of recoverable materials from our trash. It conserves resources and our City’s landfill space. You are arguably the most important link in this process. Join in, and you will be amazed at how much you and your family will save.

 

Pick-up of recycled materials occurs once weekly on Tuesday. Recycled material is collected in your blue bin, left by your previous homeowner. If you do not have a recycling bin, call the residential recycling number listed in the Residents’ Directory to learn how to obtain one. Recycling bins should also be placed at the curb no sooner than the night before collection and returned to their normal storage places as soon after collection as possible.

 

For recycling to work, we must support the process and keep it efficient. Our program handles the following products.

 

 

Paper Products

Plastics

Cans

YES

Newspapers,

Magazines, etc.

Clear and cloudy plastic soft drink bottles and milk jugs

 

Text Box: or

 

Any plastic container Marked with:

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum and tin cans only

HOW

Please: Please place paper products in bins – don’t tie or bundle

 

Please: Rinse and drain the container completely; remove caps and rings; flatten if possible.

Please: Rinse and drain; flatten if possible

NO

No Phone Books

No Plastic wrap or other types of recyclable plastic containers

 

No foil, pie tins, siding, aerosol cans of any type or scrap metal

 

Remember to secure your papers with something heavy so that they don’t blow out of the bin and into the streets and neighboring lawns.

 

Unfortunately, our contractor doesn’t accept glass at this time. Those wanting to recycle glass can take it to:

 

Phone books can be recycled as indicated by the company that issues them.

 

Architectural Control

Article IV of the DCCR outlines the duties of the Architectural Control Committee and the guidelines for approving outdoor construction, exterior home modification plans, and major landscaping renovations. These provisions are too detailed to paraphrase here, but homeowners should consult and be familiar with them prior to undertaking any modification of their residence or property. Any changes or additions to properties have a long-range impact on MT’s appearance and, ultimately, on everyone’s property value.

 

Contact the VP Architectural Control and Landscaping on any changes or plans you may be contemplating for your property.

 

Landscaping of Common Areas

The VP of Architectural Control and Landscaping is responsible for selecting and managing the vendors that maintain the common areas in the front and around the cul-de-sacs. This maintenance includes mowing, cleaning of the areas, annual trimming of plants, and irrigation maintenance. In addition, this person will review vendors when necessary, recommend landscaping and irrigation upgrades where appropriate, and manage the flower plantings.

 

MTHA By-Laws and DCCR

 

MTHA is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation with a Board of five directors who are members of the Association and manage its affairs. You may view or download a copy of the MTHA By-Laws and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (DCCR) from our website, www.memorialthicket.org.

 

Directors serve a three-year term. Terms are staggered so that no more than two new directors are elected at each annual meeting. Directors receive no compensation. Nomination for election to the Board of Directors is made by a Nominating Committee or from the floor of the annual meeting held on the first Monday in December.

 

Regardless of the number of owners of a building unit, each building unit is entitled to only one vote.

 

The directors have broad powers to conduct the affairs of MTHA including:

 

Article VIII of the DCCR places a number of specific restrictions on homeowners' use of their property. While space does not allow printing all covenants in this Information Guide, you can access our website at www.memorialthicket.org and view or download a copy to become familiar with them. Those restrictions include:

 

All plans for exterior construction or remodeling, including fences, mailboxes, driveways and pools, must have approval from the Architectural Control Committee.

 

Residences may not be used for business or other non-residential purposes.

 

No trash, rubbish, manure or other debris shall be kept on any lot. Prior to removal from the lot, all prohibited matter must be placed in sanitary refuse containers in an area adequately screened by plantings or fencing, so as not to be seen from neighboring lots.

 

Boats, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, trucks, and towable equipment cannot be parked on any lot except in an enclosed garage.

 

Clothing or other materials may not be aired or dried outdoors.

 

Billboards and signs are not permitted on the property.

 

All improvements, trees, hedges and plantings on a lot are to be maintained in a neat and attractive condition.

 

Fences, walls, trees, plantings and hedges are to be maintained in a manner as to not obstruct sight lines for vehicular traffic.

 

Tree houses and metal storage buildings are not permitted.

 

Metal buildings or sheds are not permitted.

 

MEMORIAL THICKET WOMENS ASSOCIATION (MTWA)

 

The MTWA is over 25 years strong, and is instrumental in planning all the neighborhood social activities, including the Hanging of the Greens for Christmas. A member of the welcoming committee should contact new residents, soon after they arrive to provide information about some of MTWA’s events.

 

Although the members are all women, the activities include couples events and children’s parties, as well. These events are wonderful opportunities to get to know your neighbors on a more personal level. The largest event of the year is the Annual Christmas Walk, which is attended by close to 100 residents. Please contact a member of the MTWA if you would like more information.

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

City of Houston Pet Ordinances

 

Residents should be aware of two Houston ordinances related to our pets. First, under Ordinance 6-2, pets are to remain under your direct physical control when not on your property (the “leash law”). Second, under Ordinance 6-24, you are required to pick up after your pets (the “pooper-scooper law”). Failure to do so may subject you to a $75 - $500 fine. Any questions concerning animal ordinances may be directed to the Houston Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control (BARC), whose number is listed in our Residents’ Directory and whose website is www.houstontx.gov/health/BARC/.

 

National and Texas No-Call Lists

 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) sponsor programs for consumers who do not want to receive telemarketing calls.

 

Contractors We Have Used

 

To find out residents’ opinions of contractors they have used, you may consult the link called CONTRACTORS WE HAVE USED on www.memorialthicket.org.

 

GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY

 

We hope you find this Information Guide helpful. If you have questions, need assistance, or simply need advice, you should feel free to contact the appropriate Board Member. Their contact information is in the front of the Residents’ Directory. Other valuable sources of information are the officers and members of the MTWA and, of course, your neighbors. The Thicket is a good place to live “with a sense of place.” We have beautiful surroundings and for the most part the people here are friendly and willing to help.

 

There is a lot of information in this guide but much of it boils down to one underlying principle: BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR. We hope your experience here is pleasant and filled with good neighbors.