/ HILLCREST IMPROVEMENT ASSN. #2
P. O. Box 26005 Phoenix, AZ 85068
hillcresthomeowners.webs.com

March 2014

Dear Hillcrest Homeowner,

Welcome home! You’ll love living here and we’re glad you chose Hillcrest East.

Commonly known as Hillcrest East (officially Hillcrest Improvement Association #2)we celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2013. Established in 1973 by the reputableDell Trailor Construction Company (“Gold Key Homes”), Hillcrest East is one of the few HOAs left in Arizona that is self-managed and governed by homeowners who volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors.

It won’t take long for you to recognize the friendly faces of your neighbors. Many homeowners are longtime residents. We have our dedicated walkers, bike riders and swimmers. Everyone enjoys our beautiful green common areas (a pleasant surprise for first time visitors), the pool, clean streets, and most of all the peace and quiet. We encourage all new residents to join one of our annual potluck parties as a way to get to know the neighbors. Don’t be afraid to wave at every passer-by whether on foot, bicycle or in the car. This is a Hillcrest tradition, so just smile and wave!

The Board of Directors hopes this binder and the information contained therein is of use to you. If you have any questions about what you or your neighbors are or should be doing, please consult the Rules first, then the CC&R. If you have a question about Board conduct, consult the By-Laws. If these don’t answer your questions, contact any of the current Board members directly, but please review the information in the binder first. It is a helpful tool for residents to understand what is expected of us as a Board, and what is expected of you as homeowners/residents. Keep the binder handy so you can refer to it for questions about your or our responsibilities.

This binder contains four (4) separate documents that govern the association:

  1. Rules and Regulations
  2. CC&R
  3. By-Laws
  4. Articles of Incorporation

Rules and Regulations:

  • The first document in the binder is the most important for you to review as soon as you can.
  • The Rules are derived from the CC&R – they are more specific, but must conform to the guidelines of the CC&R. The rules govern member behavior – if you have any question about altering property, parking, pets, use of pool or other common areas, or general conduct, check this first.
  • If you are still not clear about what you should do, each section contains a link to the passages in the CC&R from which they were derived, so you can dig deeper for more detail.

CC&R (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions)

  • This is the primary governing document of the Association, setting the rules by which we all must abide.
  • This document has been amended once in 1998 and once in 2007.
  • Unlike the Rules or By-Lawswhich can be amended by the Board, CC&R may only be amended by a 2/3 vote of the members themselves.
  • The CC&R document is on file with the County Recorder’s Office and is legally binding on us all.

By-Laws

  • This document governs the Board of Directors.
  • The requirements and responsibilities of board members, the appointment and duties of officers and committees, and the conduct of meetingsare contained in the By-Laws.
  • If you ever have a question about a Board decision, this might be your first stop.
  • This document was amended in 1996to make changes to Article III, Section 1.

Articles of Incorporation

  • This was filed when Hillcrest was first created in 1973. The most basic and general of the four (4) documents, you may never need to read it, but you have it for your records.
  • Articles of Incorporation have been amended once in 1998 to allow the association to continue in perpetuity.

A final comment -These are the rules. If they are violated, the Board has the responsibility to enforce them with penalties if necessary. This doesn’t make anybody happy. It’s much better if we all use common sense, cooperate with each other, and act according to the Golden Rule. Respect your neighbors, be willing to cooperate and negotiate differences, be willing to give a little from time to time, and this will remain one of the best little communities in Arizona.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

Hillcrest Improvement Association #2