May 2019 Newsletter

I hope this newsletter finds all of you enjoying the beautiful spring weather we have been having.  Precipitation permitting, I walk every morning and evening on the BREC trail along Dawson Creek to the park on Kenilworth Parkway.  The variety of birds and other wildlife present has definitely increased with the warmer weather.  The snakes you will see swimming in the creek are usually harmless banded or diamondback water snakes.  I’ve also seen green garter snakes, ribbon snakes, and speckled king snakes on the path.

As I am writing this, it is pouring rain outside (about 4-5 inches), and the entire BREC trail is flooded.  The recent heavy rain a few weeks ago also flooded the entire trail, including the small bridge at about the halfway point.  The flood left a thin slick of mud on the surface of the trail.  While walking just after the flood, I noticed tracks where bicycles had traversed the trail, some with unwanted consequences.  I saw a few spots where the tires had slipped on the new mud and thrown the riders unceremoniously onto the muddy trail.  It’s like trying to ride a bike on ice.  Be careful riding or walking in such conditions. 
 
Security

The proposed license plate reader (LPR) camera system is moving forward.  George Caballero and I met with the chosen camera vendor to determine the best placement for cameras at the two Pollard entrances.  A final price quote has been delivered, and the C.A.P.E. Board, along with the Woodchase subdivision board, will soon execute a contract for installation.  The C.A.P.E. cost for our share of the system is being negotiated for a possible donation from one of your Pollard neighbors.  If this is successful, only the maintenance costs will need to be covered by the current dues collected.  I will keep you informed as this important security system is developed.
 
Pets

I see a lot of dog owners walking their pets in the neighborhood every day.  I want to remind pet owners that it is their responsibility to clean up their pet’s mess and not leave it in neighbors’ yards and in the streets.  Many dog walkers do “pick up the poop” as they go, but there are still some that leave “land mines” for others to step in.  Please be courteous and clean up after your dogs.  The plastic bag that the daily newspaper is delivered in provides a handy, no-cost baggie to assist with this chore.
 
Dues

We have received dues from only 53 percent of Pollard residents thus far for 2019.  There will be another membership drive later this month with dues notices delivered to residents who have not yet paid for this year.  In addition to the various social events throughout the year, the primary use of C.A.P.E. dues is to pay for the off-duty police patrols in the neighborhood and the upkeep of the common grounds at the entrance on Perkins Road.  If you have not yet paid your dues for this year, please do so as soon as possible.
 
Pollard Newcomers

I want to thank Bobby and Abby Gauthier for reaching out to new Pollard Estates residents as they move into our neighborhood.  They volunteered to serve as a welcoming committee for new neighbors to acquaint them with the neighborhood, with C.A.P.E., and with the many factors that contribute to the quality of life we enjoy here.  Keep up the good work.
 
Steve Oivanki, President