Norma
Desert Star Homeowners Association
P.O. Box 87002
Tucson AZ 85754-7002
Email:
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The holidays are here again. That means our annual house decorating contest is in full swing. I hope we get some new owners giving the old ones a run for the money. I am proud to live in a neighborhood where so many homeowners proudly decorate. It is indeed a joy to drive our streets during this time of year.
If you park outside, not in the garage, get an alarm on your vehicle. Through the years, we have periodically had theft from cars parked outside. 5 years ago was the worst with 6 break-ins a couple of months. I hear my alarm chip during the night. I think the bad guys are testing and looking for anything to steal.
I have asked Tucson Police to patrol our streets more, for security and because of the numerous violations of city parking. If you park in violation of the city no parking signs, there is a good chance you will be cited. We had a situation where there were several cars parked in a no parking cul-de-sac and an emergency vehicle had a very difficult time entering and leaving, to transport an owner who was bitten by a rattlesnake. That street seems to have done a better job lately, our parking rules have been left on windshields, a couple of warnings issued (next violation is a $50 fine) and TPD has knocked on doors asking for vehicles to be moved. If you live here you must park in the garage or driveway, nowhere else. If your garage is jammed packed and cluttered, forcing you to park on the street, clean it and park inside for your safety and to avoid a fine.
As announced in the last newsletter, we are taking a tougher stance on unpaid assessments. It is only $20 a month. Please pay promptly, when you receive your invoice. Do not let it cost you more than it should. We treat everyone the same, nonpayment means submitting you to our attorney for collection, a lien on your property and maybe garnishment of wages. This process can cost over $1000. We only have 5 delinquent accounts out of 98 properties. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Charley McDonald
Desert Star Annual Christmas Light Contest
It is that time of year, and once again we will hold our Christmas Lighting Contest. Voting will take place via email. You can email your vote to . Make sure you vote by December 31!
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
1st place: $150
2nd place: $75
3rd place: $50
Desert Star Website
Welcome to all new members! Be sure that you are aware of the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions).
The website for our neighborhood is It has recently been given a facelift. Here you can find a list of the current board members as well as contact information. You can also access important information like the CC&R’s or an architectural request form!
If you would like to opt-out of receiving a paper newsletter in the future you can do that on the website, too. All future newsletters will be posted there, so you can save some trees and keep up with our neighborhood’s news.
Trash Cans
Thank you to all of you who have been putting away your trash containers. Our covenants and the City of Tucson require that the containers be removed from the street the same day garbage is picked up. Recycling and garbage is collected every Wednesday morning unless there is a holiday earlier in the week, which moves the collection day to Thursday.
Also, make sure that your cans are not visible from the street the rest of the time. According to our CC&R’s trash containers are to be kept, “in such a manner as not to be Visible From Neighboring Property including other Dwelling Units, property, roads or streets,” except during trash collection. Keeping them behind your fence will also help keep the Javelina out of them.
A Word From Your Treasurer
The Board has decided to retain the services of Michael Katz, CPA, to handle some of the duties of the treasurer. Mr. Katz will be responsible for keeping track of the accounts receivables, invoicing of the semi-annual HOA dues, and preparing the monthly financial statements. Mr. Katz has also offered to prepare the 2011 state and federal corporation income tax returns for Desert Star HOA. Our previous accounting firm was Hammel, Beal & Lauer PC.
I will remain treasurer and continue to perform my other duties. If you have any questions or comments about your dues, you can still direct them to me at
Brush and Bulky Collection Day
The next Brush and Bulky collection day for our neighborhood is Jan 2, 2012. There will be another one on July 9, 2012.
Board Members
PresidentCharley McDonald
V.P./Landscape ChairMike Watson
TreasurerLana Yuen
Secretary/Newsletter EditorTeresa Fiala
Architectural Chair/Parking CoordinatorJoe Hernandez