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CFW resident MORRIS RUGGERIO is recuperating at home after having surgery.  Morris will be undergoing further test in a few weeks.  Please remember the family during this time.

Information about a product that will remove black or green mold from your house.

FAQs  -  Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:  We would like to make changes to my home...what do I need to do?

ANSWER:  There is a formal process by which to obtain the necessary approval for any exterior improvements to your home or lot.  Improvements include, but are not limited to, sheds, decks, and pools.  If you plan to make improvements immediately, download a copy of the Architectural Control Committee Approval Application or call our Management Company's office to have a copy of this application mailed to you.  The application includes a list of policy positions on common situations that might be of interest.

Note that you do have to seek approval to maintain or replace any existing approved exterior condition.  For example, you need approval to repaint the same color and especially if  you plan to paint a different color.

Proposed improvements plans can be mailed to:
Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.
5740 W. Little York,  PMB #341
Houston, Texas  77091
Please call 713-849-2389 if you have any questions.

2. QUESTION:  How can I get copies of the Covenants, Conditions, & Deed Restrictions?

ANSWER:  You may view or download the Covenants, Conditions, & Deed Restricitions, or Architectural Control Committee Guidelines webpage.

Or you may order a copy of the Candlelight Forest West Covenants, Conditions, Deed Restrictions, or Architectural Control Committee Guidelines by sending a check or money order for $5.00 payable to Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.

Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.
5740 W. Little York,  PMB #341
Houston, Texas  77091
Please call 713-849-2389 if you have any questions.

3. QUESTION:  How do I report a violation of the Deed Restrictions?

ANSWER:  All violation complaints must be made in writing and must include your name and address. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.  You must include a description of the violation, the exact address of the violation, and the time(s) and date(s) seen.

Reports of violations of the Candlelight Forest West Deed Restrictions may be made in writing to:

Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.
5740 W. Little York,  PMB #341
Houston, Texas  77091
Please call 713-849-2389 if you have any questions.

4. QUESTION:  How does the CFWEST  spend assessment money?

ANSWER:  You may be interested to know that our annual CFWEST dues are among the lowest in Harris County for HOAs with similar, or no amenities.  CFWEST uses the money to meet its day-to-day financial obligations, including operation, security, maintenance, and management and accounting costs; insurance expenses; non-collections-related legal fees; newsletter printing and postage; annual meeting expenses; rules enforcement expenses. The existence of these activities and amenities supports the property value of every homeowner.

The amount of money collected does not cover the actual amount of labor needed to run the Association.  CFWEST relies heavily on the contribution of countless unpaid hours by Board members and other volunteers.  If we had to rely exclusively on paid employees and contractors, the dues would need to be several times higher than they are now.

5. QUESTION:  How do I report a non-working street light?

ANSWER : If street lights currently exist but are not working properly or are damaged, please report the problem to Center Point Energy at 713-207-2222.  Provide them with the 6-digit pole number located on the street side of the pole about 6 feet high.  If a pole number is not available, please provide them with an address location.  If a tree is blocking the light please call the City of Houston's Customer Service Center at 311 to report a tree trim is needed.

6.  QUESTION:  We are selling our home.  What do we need to know?

ANSWER:  We want to help as much as possible to make youe home sale a success.  We have prepared these notes to help make things easier for you.

HOMEOWNER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dues:  you may request that the title company pro-rate your dues to the date of closing.  If you do this, you should receive a credit for the remaining fraction of the year and your buyer should be charged that amount.  If you don't specifically request this, most title companies will not pro-rate HOA dues.  Note, this is just a pro-ration between seller and buyer.  Also, a Transfer Fee of $75 is due to the Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. at closing.  Customarily the buyer pay this fee.  Nornally the title company takes care of this.  If you have arranged to pay all your buyer's closing fees, you might want to tell your title company to include the HOA Transfer Fee in your column.  This fee also applies to a Re-Finance of your loan.

CFWEST RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Texas Property Code requires an HOA to furnish, upon request, a disclosure statement about your property called a Resale Certificate.  This document is normally requested by the title company prior to closing but can be ordered at any time up to 90 days prior to your closing.  The cost for the ResaleCertificate is $100, normally paid by the seller at closing.  The Resale Certificate includes all the legally required HOA disclosures as well as a copy of the deed restrictions for the buyer.  It protects you from later claims by the buyer that you did not disclose any of a range of HOA-related issues.  The Resale Certificate also notes any outstanding unapproved structures or modifications as well as outstanding account balances due to Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.

If you have any further questions, please call Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. at 713-849-2389.

7.  QUESTION:  Picking up Certified Mail is a hassle.  Why does CFWEST send citations via Certified Mail instead of First Class Mail?

ANSWER:  The Texas Property Code mandates the use of Certified Mail in many situations, including our third and fourth warning letters for deed restriction violations and fine letters.  Sending Certified Mail is a time-consuming and costly undertaking and is not CFWEST's first choice.  In many cases, we send a first and second warning deed resticiton violation letter by First Class Mail.  These letters clearly state that further citations of the same type within the next six months willbe via Certified Mail.  The homeowner is advised to avoid incurring further citations and thus can avoid the hassle of Certified Mail letters.  Historically, CFWEST alsways sends warning letters by First Class Mail and fine letters via Certified Mail.  As of September 1, 2001, Section 209.006 of the Texas Property code mandates use of Certified Mail for both our second and third warning and fine letters.

8.  QUESTION:  I'm not happy with the traffic on my street (too slow, too fast, not enough signs, too many signs, etc.).  Who handles these issues?

ANSWER:  The streets of Candlelight Forest West are owned and maintained by the City of Houston.  The City of Houston has exclusive responsibility and authority to add, maintain, and remove traffic control signage on city streets.  The city does not inform CFWEST of their actions nor the rationale for their decisions. 

9.  QUESTION:  The sign at the entrance to our subdivision states "No Solicitation" yet we are still having people come to our homes.  Why does this sign not stop that from happening?  What can each homeowner do to prevent the constant interruptions?

ANSWER:  All of us have had the doorbell ring and we get up to answer the door to find that it is only a solicitor who wants to persuade us to purchase something.  Home solicitation can definitely become an annoyance.  Over the last few months we've noticed an increase in home solicitors in our subdivision, both sellers and religious groups, and we thought we'd take a moment to give some help.  The City of Houston does have a city code - Chapter 22 Itinerant Vendors, Sections 1 & 2 that may apply.  NOTE:  this is an opionion and does not constitute any applications may be made.  It is our opinion that an individual homeowner may have to post a small sign at their door stating "No Solicitation" to prevent home solicitations.

Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. is represented by the Law Firm of Bartley & Spears, P.C.

Richard Bartley - (Above)

Walt Spears - (Below)                                                           

Bartley & Spears, P.C. is well versed in all areas of community assocaition law and is experienced in representing the interest of our clients through the maze of unique legal challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis.

Our firm's practice is devoted to a comprehensive understanding of the need for careful planning, good draftsmanship, and a command of the vital day-to-day operational requirements needed to successfully represent your community associations.

Bartley & Spears, P.C. offers a skilled and experienced team of competent and knowledgeable attorneys devoted to providing cutting edge legal advice, documentation and consultation with respect to all areas of community assocaition law.

Unlike other firms who may devote only a small portion of their practices and resources to community assocation law, we work with planned communities on a daily basis and have done so since our inception. As a result, few law firms can boast of a greater repository of knowledge and experience on the subject of community development, regulation, and operation.

The law firm of Bartley & Spears, P.C. was formed in June of 1989 and is organized as a Texas Professional Corporation. The shareholders of the corporation are Richard E. Bartley and Walter E. Spears. 

Bartley & Spears, P.C. is engaged in the general practice of civil law with emphasis on real estate litigation. Our firm primarily represents single-family subdivisions, condominiums and townhome maintenance associations. We also represent clients engaged in the development and/or disposition of real estate, and handle a variety of construction, title, commercial and consumer disputes. Our practice is centered in the greater Houston and Austin metropolitan areas.

The firm is a member of the Community Associations Institute as well as the Greater Houston Chapter of the Community Associations Institute, as are Mr. Bartley, Mr. Spears.  Association representation encompasses a full range of services including the attendance at regular meetings in an advisory capacity as needed, deed restriction and condominium declaration enforcement, assessment collection, lien filing, foreclosures, insurance and general representation of the associations together with any and all litigation involved in each of these specific areas.

Get connected with the right resource

From real-time traffic maps to city planning,
to online city, AISD/ HISD phone books, you'll
find a collection of links designed with communities,
businesses, and residents in mind.

1.  City of Houston Website
2.  City of Houston Telephone Number Index
3.  City of Houston Code of Ordinances
4.  City of Houston Deed Restriction Enforcement
5.  City of Houston Office of the City Attorney
6.  City of Houston Citizen's Assistance Northwest
7.  City Zip Code Reference Page
8.  City Council-Houston
9.  City of Houston Police Department Website
10. Houston Police Department Telephone Number Index
11. Houston Independent School District Website
12. Aldine Independent School District
13. Houston Weather - National Weather Service
14. Houston Real-Time Traffic Map
15. Commuter & Bus Services
16. Greater Houston Transportation & Emergency Management Center
17. City of Houston - Contact Us Link
18. City of Houston Residents Links
19. City of Houston Neighborhood Protection Corp
20. 311 Department - To file a report online
21. Harris County Hospital District
22. City of Houston - Heavy Trash Pickup Schedules

23.  Houston Police Storefronts

 24. Harris County Animal Control

Copyright 2002-2010 - Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Neighborhood (Police Beat) Crime Statistics

The information contained in these reports, formerly referred to as the "Crime Bulletin" or the "PIP (Positive Interaction Program) Statistics", is a monthly breakdown of Part I crimes for which HPD wrote police reports. The data is broken down by police districts and beats and shows reports of the following types of crimes:

�Murder
�Rape
�Robbery
�Aggravated assault
�Burglary
�Burglary to a motor vehicle
�Auto theft
�Narcotic drug law violations
�Driving while intoxicated
 

Glossary
police beat - geographic area of the city broken down for patrol and statistical purposes crime bulletin - monthly breakdown of neighborhood crime stats published by HPD's Positive Interaction Program and distributed at community PIP meetings premise codes - identify type of location where crime occurred (apartment complex, parking lot, etc) click here for complete list.

Candlelight Forest West is located in Police Beat - 6B30.  The boundaries are listed below.  Click on the links get a detailed text description of the boundaries of this beat, a detailed map of this beat, and the crime stats for this beat.

6B30
Approximate street boundaries:
North: Gulf Bank
East: White Oak Bayou near T.C. Jester
South: W. Tidwell
West: Langfield to Hollister
Landmarks/Neighborhoods: Woodland Trails, Oaks of Inwood, Bayou Bend, Cole Creek Manor, Inwood Forest, Candlelight Forest West.
Click here for a list of police storefronts.
Click here for a detailed map of this beat.
Crime stats for this beat for the last filed reports: click here.

TO CONTACT THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION.

ABOUT THE ACC APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) was established in the original Deed Restrictions document for Candlelight Forest West.  Its purpose is to "enhance property values by requiring conformity to certain standards of construction, visual appeal, uniformity and design".  The ACC is currently composed of the nine elected members of the CFWMF Board of Directors.

Prior to altering ( new paint, new roof, addition or replacement of shutters, new landscaping, sheds, gazebos, patio covers, etc. ) the exterior of your house and/or lot, you need ACC approval of your proposed alterations.  To receive this approval, you need to complete a one-page, two-sided form entitled "Architectural Control Application, Candlelight Forest West" and return it to our Board of Directors.  The Architectural Control Committee Guidelines contain a full listing of projects that need prior approval before beginning improvement projects. 

NOTE:  Information regarding ACC and Deed Restriction procedures can be found under the "MEDIA" link - "CFW Documents".  This letter contains a full explanation of Deed Restriction Enforcement Procedures. 

After review and approval or similar action, the form will be returned to you.  If approved, the work may be completed as described by you on the form.  The Deed Restrictions and Architectural Control Committee Guidelines are available for your review here on our web site under the MEDIA link.  Copies may also be requested directly from our association business address.

SUBMITTING ACC APPLICATIONS:  Please remember that every homeowner must submit an Architectural Control Committee application BEFORE any work is to be done to the EXTERIOR of their home.  Please review the ACC Guidelines as other requirements are also included.  A copy of the ACC Application can be copied and printed from this web site.  Click on the link - "MEDIA" and choose "ACC Application Page (1) (2) Process Instructions".   Print out a copy of the ACC Process Instructions Page, sign it and include it with the ACC Application and mail to:

Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.

5740 W. Little York, PMB #341

Houston, TX  77091

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CFWEST ONLINE "GENTLY USED BOOKS" STORE - NEW! 

Visit our online store now. All sales benefit CFWEST.

CFWEST Board Of Directors Roster 2010

Board members are elected at the Annual Meeting held each January.  The Board of Directors consists of seven (7) members, each of whom serves a three (3) year term.  The Board of Directors consists of people who have volunteered to have their names placed in nomination at any Annual Meeting and have been duly elected by the membership.

The officers are elected by the Board of Directors to serve a one (1) year term and are as follows for 2010:

President - Dr. Jon Enloe (01/2012)

Vice-President - Ronnie Hoffart (01/2011)

Secretary - Nita Johnson (01/2011)

Treasurer - Jo Ann Plasek (01/2013)

Area 1 Rep - Pam Robinson (01/2011)

Area 2 Rep - Michael Ruggerio (01/2012)

Area 3 Rep - Ronnie Hoffart (01/2011)

Area 4 Rep - Patty Robinson (01/2012)

Citizens On Patrol Co-Ordinator - Ronnie Hoffart (01/2011)

Security Patrol Co-Ordinator - Dr. Jon Enloe (01/2012)

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HOA Organizational Structure 

The success of any HOA depends on people interested in improving the community and with the skills and dedication to make things happen. There are several standing committees that support the Candlelight Forest West community.  Each committee works within a budget approved by the HOA board and handles day to day responsibilities in their area. They are also responsible for drafting rules applying to their area that are approved by the board of directors.

Each committee has a number of dedicated individuals and a responsible chairman who makes things work. Many of the committees have a HOA board member who acts as a liaison between the board and the committee. 

• 
  

  HOA Board of Directors

Management of the Home Owners Association is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Board members are elected by homeowners to three year terms. Please see the Bylaws and Covenants for more information.

          Architectural Control Committee

This committee handles architecture and landscape modifications and controls outlined in the architectural guidelines. We have a managing agent who notifies homeowners of deficiencies and acts as a buffer between committee members and/or the board of directors and the homeowners of non-conforming properties. The Deed Restrictions Inspector will drive through the neighborhood on a regular schedule to record and document changes or violations and report back to the Architectural Control Committee and/or Board of Directors.

• Association Documents

                                      

          Documents can be viewed online or downloaded for printing from the MEDIA link above.

Copyright 2002-2010 - Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Candlelight Forest West has off-duty Houston Police Officers from North Command Patrol  for our neighborhood providing security for our neighborhood.  We rotate 4 officers on the patrol schedule.  The officer in charge of our security patrol is Officer J.P. Villareal who co-ordinates the officers patrol schedule. 

The officers are in uniform and have authority to identify any person(s) who may be in our neighborhood for criminal purposes.  They also have the authority to protect our homeowners against any illegal activity and can place any such person(s) under arrest and issue traffic citations for speeding and running stop signs.  Our officers have the ability to follow up on investigations, check for "wants and warrants", as well as the ability to issue warrants.  They are in contact with HPD radio communications for back up and other information.  They have the authority to enforce all local, city and state laws and can issue citations for municipal violations such as loud noise, public intoxication, littering and all other code violations.  Our officers can issue citations for issues like unkept yards, junk vehicles, safety hazards and can tow vehicles illegally parked on our streets.  The Board of Directors has asked the officers to introduce themselves to our homeowners and give instructions as to how to report suspicious activity.

The officers are headquartered out of our Security Office at the front entrance to our subdivision. 

Active HPD Officers currently serving our neighborhood include:

Officer Thomas Gately
               

             

            CFW Patrol Car

             

              Candlelight Forest West Security Office

            

Copyright 2002-2010 - Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

HOW TO CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE -

Our association is self-managed by volunteer board members and like all of our homeowners, they are not always available to be contacted.  However, you may call our Message Center at 713-849-2389 ( 24/7/365 ) and speak with our association manager, if available.  Otherwise, you can leave a voice message or send a fax and your call will be returned as soon as possible. 

EMAIL ADDRESSES:  We need to have current email addresses for all of our homeowners on file.  Please call our Message Center at 713-849-2389 and leave your name, address and email address so they can be added to our records or send us an email.  Our email address is:  cfwboard@comcast.net.

_______________________________________________________

Association Office Mailing Address:

Candlelight Forest West Maintenance Fund, Inc.

5740 W. Little York,  PMB #341

Houston, Texas  77091

__________________________________________________________

HOW TO CONTACT US:

Office & Message Center - Available 24/7/365 :  713-849-2389

NOTE:  Manager may not always be available to take your call.  You may leave a voice message, send a fax, etc.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Homeowners may download association documents from this web site by clicking the "media" link and choosing "cfw documents" tab.  Documents can also be faxed by contacting our message center at 713-849-2389. 

E-Mail Address:  cfwboard@comcast.net

CFW CRIME STATS REPORTS

Reports for 07/08/2010

1.  9606 Rocktree -  White Chevrolet Suburban was broken into and assorted CD's were stolen.  Unknown suspects broke out window of vehicle.  Incident reported to Houston Police.

2.   9514 Lark Meadow - Green Ford Excursion broken into.  Appears suspects were attempting to steal vehicle.  Nothing taken from inside vehicle.  Incident reported to Houston Police.

3.  9602 Rocktree -  White Volkswagon Jetts and White Nissan Altima broken into.  Both side windows broken out and dash damaged.  nothing missing from vehicle.  Incident reported Houston Police.

Please be on the look out for people who do not appear to live in our neighborhood and call Houston Police or our Security Patrol.