2014 summer Newsletter FinalKestrel Landing Strip
Summer 2014 Volume 3, Issue 2 ! Reporter: Emily Sutter Design:
Joyce Allen
Inside this issue: What is Unit 2? 1-2-3
Resident Spotlight 4
Pet Personality 5
Neighborhood News 7-8-9
Contact Emily Sutter
W h a t a r e a l l t h o s e businesses and hangars on the other
side of Kestrel’s runway? We know we are somehow connected to that
area, like Siamese twins. !
Most of us who bought lots and homes in Kestrel Air Park know we
are in Unit 1, the residential part of this subdivision. But we
know very little about Unit 2 except that it’s the commercial side
of Kestrel. An article in the San Antonio Business Journal of
3/22/98 states that Scott Knowlton bought all the acreage now
called Kestrel so his family could put in an airpark and a road
connecting his property to U.S. Hwy 281. Knowlton discussed the
idea with co l l eagues Pe te r Schwar tz , Courtland (Corky) Bell,
and Casey Rubey who purchased several acres for commercial purposes
under the name SBR ( the i r i n i t i a l s ) . Schwartz moved his
business, Schwartz Engineering Company, into a building he designed
to look
like an aircraft if seen from above, with a main body and two
outstretched wings. SBR sold the largest lot to Rubey for the rows
of hangars and small FBO (fixed base operation). Corky Bell and his
brother-in-law, Richard Bean, Ph.D., purchased 3 lots across
Kestrel Drive. !
S i n c e t h e n , m a n y businesses have moved into this
commercial area. The picture taken from the air facing east give a
visual of the area. The color photo was taken about 2011. The
second picture is courtesy of Pictometry, taken in 2013. ! *On the
corner of Flightline and Ramjet is Wayne Wil l iams’ Coldchain
Technology Services. Wikipedia explains that a “cold chain” is a
temperature-controlled supply chain – an uninterrupted series of
storage and distribution activities that maintain products such as
foods or medicines at a g i v e n t e m p e r a t u r e r a n g e .
Co ldcha in makes in su la t ed shippers called “Greenboxes” and
other thermal packaging units. Because o f the moni to r ing
required, Coldchain uses cameras and computers that Wayne has
generously put at the service of Kestrel’s security cameras.
What is Unit 2?
Page 2
*Next to Coldchain is Fresh Air Filter Services, Inc. a company
owned by Dan and Marcella Murrah that distributes and changes
filters for businesses all over central Texas. *The third building
down Ramjet (with the airplane wing planted in front) belongs to
Mihai Turc. Neighbors say it’s a manufacturing facility that makes
the display kiosks we see in malls. But Mihai says that was last
month. He says he has crews all over the country that do e lect r
ica l contract ing, r e m o d e l i n g , r e p a i r s ,
construction, etc. He travels everywhere and describes his work as
“a Picasso in the
making.” *Casey Rubey’s Yellow Rose Aviation is smack in the middle
of the intersection of Ramjet and Kestrel Drive. This 8+ acre lot
contains 40 hangars and the FBO building. Several of the hangars
are now leased or owned outright by our Unit 1 residents, primarily
those whose homes are not on the runway.
Ray Modert assists Rubey with the FBO, tending to the tie- down or
gas needs of aircraft. With fewer services than major airport FBOs,
it is smilingly referred to as an FBO-Lite or mini-FBO. Several web
reviews say Ray’s service gives Kestrel a very friendly reputation.
*DJL owns the lot on the other side of Kestrel Drive, at the end of
Ramjet. Tom Hackleman, agent for DJL (and President of the Unit 2
Board of Directors), said at one time a helicopter company
(Vertical Access H e l i c o p t e r s , L L C ) w a s interested
in locating there. Such is no longer the case, apparently. *Next
down the right-hand side o f K e s t r e l D r i v e a r e 2
businesses established by Corky Bell. Bell Intercoolers was founded
by Corky Bell and G e r h a r d S c h r u f , b o t h engineering
experts in designing custom intercooler systems and heat exchangers
for sports cars and indus t r i a l o r mar ine
a p p l i c a t i o n s (www.bellintercoolers.com). Schruf, an
Austrian citizen, was an engineer on the Ferrari Formula One team.
The land and the Bell Intercoolers building are now totally owned
by Schruf. Corky Bell confines his interest to Bell Engineering, an
automobile/motorcycle high performance facility specializing in
turbocharger applications. *The next lot up the street is owned by
Larry Massey of Massey Properties, LLC. *Next to that is John Hall
Aviation, Inc., a high-end aircraft brokerage business. *Fol lowing
tha t i s Doug Hooker’s shelf storage business. A broker for store
fixtures, Doug houses the wood or metal shelving seen in grocery
stores. There is also room for aircraft in this 90 x 90 facility.
*Peter and Elizabeth Schwartz’s corner pie-shaped lot completes
Unit 2. The distinctive aircraft shape of the original building is
visible. Following Peter’s death in 2009, the building was leased
and is now occupied by College Plus. The website of this LLC says
the college offers a distance learning program to help s tuden ts
ea rn the i r fu l ly accredited bachelor’s degree. The green
roofed hangar across f r o m t h e s c h o o l h o u s e s
Elizabeth’s Colibri Leasing, Ltd. office.
Kestrel’s FBO
What is Unit 2?…(cont.)
! The business owners graciously provided information and pictures
about Unit 2, with particular
thanks to Corky Bell, Tom Hackleman, Ray Modert, and Floyd Wilkes.
Any errors contained in the article are the sole responsibility of
this reporter.
There are a total of 13 lots in Unit 2. All of these lot owners
carry at least one vote in several matters that affect Unit 1 (and
in the case of Yellow Rose’s Hangar Lot, 8.5 votes). Unit 2 is
covered by Kestrel’s Master Plan, which includes the CC&R’s
(Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) developed by the
Architectural Control Committee. Unit 2 has 2 members on the 5
person Architectural Control Committee, just as Unit 1 has (KAPRA
has the f i f th representative). As the Master Plan is being
revised, Unit 2 will be involved since two-thirds of its members
must vote to approve any revision. Unit 2 has its own Bylaws and
Board
of Directors. Currently Unit 2’s Board of Directors has offered to
install and maintain a second gate at Kestrel’s entrance. Clickers
would be synchronized. The second gate offers additional security
to both Units and is another example of how a good working
relationship benefits both of Kestrel’s commercial and residential
units. Additionally, Unit 2 offers gas and other essential services
to aircraft, whether visiting or owned by Unit 1 residents.
Knowlton’s initial vision of an airpark, consisting of both
residential and commercial units seems remarkably clear sighted
now, almost 20 years later.
P i c t o m e t r y h a s generously offered aerial photos of
Kestrel for our website www.kestrelairpark.com, gallery, airborne
photos). The photos may be downloaded from our website or obtained
from the Pictometry disk, which can be borrowed f r o m R a y M o d
e r t . Pictures are only offered for our personal use, however,
not for resale.
Resident Spotlight
Page 4
How does one downsize from a 5,000 square foot California abode to
a Texas airpark retirement home and hangar? Well , i f Doug
Pennington builds that house, one moves very pleasantly. But even
as “empty nesters,” moving with a lifetime of accumulated goods is
an immense effort. Bob and Norma are overwhelmed with w h e r e t o
p u t a l l t h e i r belongings. It has taken several trips back
to the storage facility in southern California, and there are still
things to move. That includes Bob’s Beach Sierra C24R and two more
planes that are in parts (a Peitenpol and a Harmon Rocket). The
Monettis are long- t ime sou the rn Ca l i fo rn ia residents. Bob
retired in 1999 from Northrup Grummon where he was assigned to
flight testing
on the F14. He then ran his own business, Hydro-Jet Abrasive, a
company that did high-pressure water jet cutting – of anything,
like metal or wood. He sold that business around 2009. Norma,
meanwhile, spent her career at Rocketdyne where she met co- worker,
Jean Modert. (Jean and Ray Modert also moved to Kestrel from
California.) The Modert and Monetti families stayed in touch and
when it came time for retirement Jean Modert had already convinced
Norma that Kestrel was the place to be. They didn’t look anywhere
else. Kestrel was the small, gated community with an airpark that
Bob always wanted. They bought their lot on Stealth some 9 years
ago, right next door to Ray and Jean. Last year their house in
California sold and the move to Kestrel was no longer a distant
dream. Suddenly plans to build went into high gear. They quickly
put their household goods and the planes into storage in California
and moved themselves into a trailer park up U.S. Hwy 281 North. The
Monettis have been close e n o u g h t o a t t e n d o u r
neighborhood parties, watch the house and hangar going up,
and
even get involved with the Unit 1 Property Owners Association. M o
v i n g h a s b e e n assisted by the family dog, Eli, a b e a u t
i f u l f a u n c o l o r e d Greyhound. “He’s not much of a
watchdog,” Norma admits, but he is an expert at showing the family
how to sleep away the stress of moving. With a large extended
family, the Monettis have a great cheering section. Two sets of
off-spring live in Burnet and Richmond, Texas, respectively.
Another son and d a u g h t e r - i n - l a w l i v e i n Oklahoma
with their 5 children. T h e r e a r e a t o t a l o f 8
grandchildren. Now we look forward to including Bob and Norma in
the Kestrel family. They should be a very welcome addition.
Robert and Norma Monetti
Page 5
Pet Personality - Delta
Delta, the Stray Who Stayed ! About this time two years ago a small
gray cat appeared on Bonnie and Gil DeWind’s back porch. It was
cold so she snuggled into the couch cushions for the night. Then
she stayed for another day….and another. The cat appeared quite
friendly, possibly a stray. Taking pity on her, Bonnie let her into
the garage for the night. The next day she was back on the porch
couch…. and the day after that. Bonnie began canvasing the
neighborhood to see who might own this beautiful cat. No takers.
Gil was pleased that the cat kept birds away from the pool. They
christened the cat with no name, Delta, in honor of Gil’s employer,
Delta Airlines. Bonnie didn’t mind “fostering” Delta until the
rightful owner could be found. A trip to the veterinarian for shots
revealed that Delta was already spayed and microchipped. The chip
identified Delta’s owner, who made it clear the cat was no longer
wanted. “Not so!” claimed Bonnie and Gil, taking this beautiful
gray ball of fur into their home and hearts. She now lives happily
with RC, the Chihuahua mix and Kelly cat, both also “rescues.” Not
all strays are so lucky. Estimates put the number of feral and
stray cats in the San Antonio area at around 175,000. “Strays” are
considered domesticated, friendly cats who have strayed or been
abandoned by their owners while “ferals” grow up in the wild and
fear human contact. Both San Antonio and Bulverde have “no kill”
policies for these outdoor creatures. This means that instead of
euthanizing healthy, non- aggressive wandering cats and dogs,
agencies and shelters try to get them temporarily placed in
“foster” homes or adopted out to “forever” homes. It also means
that the agencies/shelters are usually full to capacity and no
longer pick-up wandering cats. Often a fee is charged by the
agencies if they have space to accept a surrendered animal. Strong
attempts are being made also to institute TNR (Trap, Neuter,
Return) policies so that at least these wanderers don’t reproduce.
In the case of cats, the “fixed” felines are returned to their
familiar environment where, being territorial, they keep other cats
away. If not spayed, female cats can have 3 litters a year, with an
average of 4 kittens per litter. Those kittens can begin
reproducing at age 4 months. Do the math! You see the problem. Our
local agencies and shelters are now able to save over 80% of
rescued and surrendered animals. They do this through a
comprehensive program working with pet stores, animal rescue groups
and other volunteers to encourage adoptions, fostering, return to
owner, TNR, “barn cat” placement, and laws shutting down puppy/
kitten mills and outlawing pet “dumping.” It has taken a community
effort to reach such a high no- kill level. The DeWind’s adoption
of Delta is just one example of putting heart into the
effort.
Delta intends to stay
KAPRA- “Assesses the Future”
The Kestrel Air Park Runway Association, commonly known by its
initials, KAPRA, met in February at the library to discuss a number
of issues. The elephant in the room was the need to take action to
make KAPRA financially viable. For example, even with a good
preventive maintenance program, to include periodic sealing of
runway pavement cracks and sealcoating, it is likely the runway
will eventually need to be repaved. If it had to be done today,
KAPRA is looking at a bill of some $261,000. In 10 years the bill
will be closer to $340,000. While the runway pavement is currently
in relatively good shape, some immediate crack sealing and
sealcoating is needed to prolong the life of the pavement and these
actions generally need to be re-accomplished every 5 to 7 years.
Current dues are $300 annually and KAPRA has about 37 members. With
only $12,000 now available, reassessment of future financial
requirements was clearly needed, and that assessment would have to
consider different forms of “assessment” such as dues increase,
fees, etc. After much proactive discussion, the membership passed
several motions authorizing the Board of Directors to take several
remedial actions. A $180 one-time assessment per mandatory KAPRA
member was approved for runway & taxiway crack sealing and
sealcoating. Additionally, KAPRA members felt that assessing a
monthly fee for those who regularly use the airfield facilities
would be a fair and appropriate way to pay for its upkeep. Toward
that end the membership voted to increase dues by 10% per year and
charge $10 per month for planes hangared or tied-down in the
commercial area and each hangar on residential airfield lots. There
are some 65 planes that regularly use Kestrel airfield. While many
details are yet to be resolved, KAPRA members have taken a major
step in fiscal responsibility. ! The KAPRA Board invited
representatives from the FAA to address the group on safety and
other issues. The group was delighted when three members of the FAA
attended and spoke as “friendly information resources, not as
cops.” The FAA urged pilots to “take risk management seriously and
be your brother’s keeper.” They reviewed some major causes of
accidents in general aviation and stressed that NO reason was worth
a pilot taking chances that could result in death. In answer to
questions about neighbors complaining of airplane noise, the FAA
agents came down in favor of the pre-existing airports, remarking
that communicating with neighbors or making minor flight pattern
adjustments could often resolve the problems. To everyone’s
delight, Tom Hackleman, DJL agent for Singing Hills, indicated he
was working to include information about Kestrel’s airfield in the
deeds of those buying and moving into Singing Hills, thereby
placing them on notice and causing them to acknowledge that they
were aware of the airfield. This sort of real estate disclosure is
very appropriate for those buying property near an airfield,
according to the FAA agents in attendance. Chuck Luther, newly
elected KAPRA Board member offered to assist in writing such a
disclosure.
FAA Manager Gary Stamper
Page 7
Runway safety remains a problem! In a September, 2012, newsletter
article, Kestrel residents were reminded that the runway, taxiways
and adjacent areas are NOT green belts. They are private “limited
common areas” owned, paid for and used by KAPRA members for
aircraft operations. Landings are often silent and at speeds that
do not allow for quick maneuvering. An aircraft hitting an object
(or person or animal) at 60 mph can kill, and so can a spinning
propeller
even when the plane is not moving. Recently a landing aircraft
dodged to avoid two motor scooters illegally riding down the
runway. The plane struck a Kestrel resident standing in his
backyard. Fortunately, it was a glancing blow and the resident did
not sustain major injuries. As the FAA officers remind us, we need
to respect and protect the safety of those coming and going in
aircraft. Please keep Kestrel’s runway and taxiways clear!
KAPRA- “Assesses the Future” (cont.)
Neighborhood News
With the advent and huge popular i ty of video games, do kids p l a
y b o a r d g a m e s anymore? Well, yes they certainly do. In the
case of chess, our local schools have chess clubs and there are
even tournaments. This
March, Comal ISD held its first annual district- wide chess
tournament at Smithson Valley High School. Kestrel’s Ben Sutter, a
fourth grader at Bill Brown, placed fourth out of approximately 120
other children in the grades 3 through 5 category. This was an
intensive all-day affair with the Navy Jr. ROTC assisting the
arrangements. Congratulations, Ben!
Did you see the new house under construction at the cul de sac on
Navigator? It’s a “spec” home being offered by builder, Tim
Bennett, of Bennett Design Build. This will be an approximate 3,000
square foot, one story house, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, with a 3-car
garage. The design is hill country – craftsman style, with high
ceilings, cedar beams, stone fireplace, and a back porch with
option for outdoor kitchen. Tim expects the home to be finished
mid-June and invites you to take a walk through or call him if you
want more details (210-889-7817). His wife is trying to convince
him that they and their 2 children should move into
it, so we may have the Bennetts as new neighbors.
New home on Navigator
Ben Sutter
Page 8
Kestrel’s bi-annual community yard sale was a huge success. Blessed
with cloudy skies and a cool breeze, the event on April 5 had a
turnout of over 200
people. Terresa Watson coordinated the event this year, placing ads
with Craigslist, as well as four Facebook garage-sale sites. A
large yellow banner at our entrance announced the event and yellow
arrows at Kestrel intersections led buyers to sale sites. Neighbors
combining their items at one location also seemed to draw interest.
Following the event, Gary Watson offered to convey unsold,
unwanted items to charity – a “win win” for everyone. Thank you
Terresa and Gary.
Neighborhood News…(cont.)
For the past 2 years, our very able Secretary, Lisa Hooker, has
managed her administrative duties for our Property Owners
Association, while also being a wife, mother, PTA officer, and
active citizen. Her timely emails have kept us abreast of all
important events. Words can’t adequately express our appreciation.
She’s been ready for relief for some time. Who could possibly
replace her? Always willing to help when and where needed for
Kestrel, Gail Digman has stepped up to the plate and will now
assume the duties of Kestrel Secretary. This is not the first time
Gail has done this for our community. She is experienced and
competent. This transition should be smooth.
Lisa Hooker and Gail Digman
Mark your calendars for another Kestrel summer ice cream party. The
date has been set for June 7. The date is earlier this year, just
after school is out, in hopes that the weather will be cooler and
folks will not have left for vacation destinations. Gail Digman and
her Social Committee will keep us informed of the details, place
and time. This is one of Kestrel’s best opportunities to visit
with
neighbors, enjoy the food, and kick off the summer season with
fun.
Terresa Watson (center) ready to sell
Kestrel’s Property Owners Association (POA) met Saturday, April 26
with some interesting outcomes. The proposal to build a pavilion
with the cost
paid for by a POA loan or a special assessment was defeated, but a
straw vote favored pursuing the idea of a pavilion after additional
questions were answered. Board President, Mark Deardruff addressed
the road safety and speed bumps/humps matter. A letter to Kestrel
residents will be
! forthcoming explaining new options we can take to improve street
safety short of having to install humps/bumps. Security will be
further enhanced with the POA’s vote to accept Unit 2’s offer to
install and maintain a gate at Kestrel’s entrance. The additional
gate will be synchronized with our current gate and clickers.
Modifying the Master Plan to allow for installation of water wells
was discussed and voting ballots distributed. Because a vote will
require the participation of Unit 2 as well as Unit 1, ballots can
be turned in to Secretary, Gail Digman, at a later time.
Page 9
Neighborhood News…(cont.)
Kestrel’s Board of Directors (BOD) saw turnover in 2 positions at
the POA meeting April 26. Danny Ingram and Doug Hooker both rotated
off the Board. Danny resigned his position one year early because
of heavy commitments from his job (a promotion) and his family (3
children under 5 years of age). Danny was responsible for putting
our finances in transparent order and bringing us a detailed,
balanced budget. Doug Hooker’s 3 year term expired this year. Doug
handled all the legal matters of the Association and helped steer
us through the successful easement negotiations with DJL last year.
Our gratitude is extended to both these gentlemen. Answering the
call for nominations to fill these 2 positions, Brian Lloyd and
Robert Monetti volunteered to serve and were elected.
Brian Lloyd and ! Robert Monetti
Danny Ingram ! and! Doug Hooker
Kestrel’s Master Plan Committee has completed work on a first draft
revision. It involved re-formatting the document onto Word for
editing, incorporating the amendments, and making corrections of
grammar, punctuation, repetitions and fragmented sentences.
No
changes of meaning were made. This first draft has been placed on
the web, along with the
original document. The major goals of a revised Master Plan involve
making the document comply with current law, be readable, provide
for resident consensus in policy development, and contain only the
minimal governance essential to competent operation. At the POA
meeting Wade Lively, Committee Chair, informed Kestrel residents of
these plans and received a resounding straw vote of approval to
continue. Committee meetings will be posted, with attendance and
feedback welcome.
Wade Lively
Outside our gate developments continue all around us:
The turnarounds under Hwy 281 at Hwy 46 are still ongoing.
Construction did begin on schedule in January, but the 138-day
completion time appears to be delayed. And the southeast corner of
this intersection will be undergoing additional construction as the
Exxon station is replaced by a CVS Pharmacy.
Turnaround work CVS
Singing Hills development is in full swing. Past Kestrel
newsletters have covered these events and are available on our
website (www.kestrelairpark.com). Our local library has a nice plat
and summary of Singing Hills plans on their website
(www.bsblibrary.org). Click on the News & Events section of the
menu and look for Community News. The summary covers the
developers, infrastructure (especially waste water treatment),
commercial and residential building plans and time lines. Look to
see the Wal-Mart Super Center completed by the end of 2015 and the
first housing available by early 2016. Discussion of the permanent
project fencing should involve us within the year. At the POA
meeting, Tom Hackleman invited any Kestrel resident who is having
problems with sand/dust blowing in from Singing Hills to notify him
at
[email protected], or notify our Secretary, Gail Digman.
Page 10
Calendar of Events! Date/Time Description Location
Thurs. May 15, 6:00 PM BOD Meeting Mark Deardruff’s Wed. June 4
Last Day of School Comal ISD Sat. June 7 Kestrel Summer Party To Be
Announced Tues. Aug. 26 First Day of School Comal ISD Sat. Oct 11,
10:30 AM POA Meeting Bulverde/Spring Branch Library Sat. Oct. 18,
9:00 AM Clean-Up Day Kestrel Entrance