CPFWC Meeting 01/06/25 – Hot Springs Village

The Hot Springs Village POA Common Property, Forestry, and Wildlife Committee met briefly on Monday, January 6, 2025. An executive (private) session was held following the meeting to interview a candidate for a committee position.

Meeting attendees

Board Liaison, Archie Frye; Staff Liaison and Superintendent of Common Property, Forest and Lakes, David Harper; Secretary, Anne Shears; Scott McCord; James Galarza; Dr. John Bowers; and Shirley Smith

Guests: Bertha Mitchell; Duane Heckelsberg; Suzanne Sweeten, Voice Correspondent

Secretary update

The Committee Secretary, Anne Shears, conducted the meeting, as the former Chair, John Boykin, recently resigned.

There will be a meeting soon for all the committee chairs. Common ground between the committees will be discussed, and ways the committees can be of service to each other and work together for the mutual good. Ms. Shears said the CPFWC has worked with the Lakes Committee for several years in the geese mitigation program. Shears stated, “We are already leading by example.” The CPFWC also may need to coordinate with the Public Services Committee or recreational activities.

David Harper – staff update

Mr. Harper announced that storm cleanup efforts are ongoing, with two loggers still harvesting timber. While it doesn’t generate significant income, it does provide positive cash flow and helps clear downed timber.

A mix of POA employees and contractors tackled the DeSoto/Minorca area. Common Property and Street Department workers seeded the area with wildflowers and straw. Harper is thrilled with the outcome. Contractors have finished their part, leaving the rest of the debris cleanup to the staff. Debris piles are being burned on POA-owned land, safely away from homes, following the State of Arkansas guidelines.

Snowfall on Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, will temporarily halt the cleanup work.

Archie Frye – update on Board of Director activities

Board Member Frye shared that the Board and staff dedicated two months to crafting and approving the 2025 budget, ensuring no single penny is wasted. According to Frye, seasoned Board Members have hailed the 2025 budget as “by far the best budget.”

In addition to budget planning, the Board focused on selecting a new General Manager. “We received numerous resumes from across the country, narrowing it down to a few finalists. Given our current focus on infrastructure, appointing former Public Services Director Ken Unger as GM is ideal. Ken has been deeply involved in revitalizing our 50-year-old infrastructure. I couldn’t be happier with our choice for GM. He is the right person at the right time.”

The Board also reviewed policies and governing documents to ensure they align with future needs. “We started as a Village run by the Developer (Cooper Communities, Inc.), but now we must manage it ourselves. Some documents are outdated and contain unnecessary repetitions.”

Looking ahead, the Declaration Change vote is approaching. “We’re trying to stay ahead and be prepared. Some changes will require a property owner vote.”

“Cost savings is a culture now!” exclaimed the Board Director.

Scott McCord – urban deer hunt update

This year’s urban deer hunt has surpassed last year’s numbers, with 281 deer harvested so far. Of these, 179 have been donated to Hunters Feeding the Hungry. While the donation trailer is no longer available, hunters can still make donations directly to meat processors. Click here to visit the Hunters Feeding the Hungry website for a list of participating processors.

The HSV Urban Deer Hunt has been conducted internally for the past two years, allowing for better control, fewer complaints, increased donations, and profitability. Previously, the Arkansas Bow Hunters Association handled training and qualifications. Only property owners and their guests, POA employees, and all Arkansas first responders can participate, while outside hunters were permitted in the past.

Additionally, the POA has donated $5,000 to Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the past two years, with hopes to continue this tradition. All donated deer are tested for Chronic Wasting Disease, and the season closes on February 28.

Due to its great success, the committee remains committed to maintaining internal control of the hunt.

Although absent from the meeting, Committee member Tom Impizzelleri proposed educational presentations for the Board and property owners on topics like IPS beetles, the history of the hunt, and other relevant subjects. Superintendent Todd Noles held an informative session on bears a few years ago.

Permits

The committee reviewed and approved a permit for a renewal of annual maintenance on common property. Shears said that there are no fees for Class 1 or annual permits.

Common Property, Forest, and Wildlife Committee seeks applicants

The Common Property, Forest, and Wildlife Committee (CPFWC) actively seeks applicants for the team. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement to contribute to the ongoing efforts in managing and preserving our common properties, forests, and wildlife.

Applications are available here and can be submitted via email to jwhite@hsvpoa.org or in person at the HSVPOA Administration Building, 895 DeSoto Boulevard, with attention to Julie White, Assistant to the General Manager.

By Cheryl Dowden