Unplanned Expenses
The Board of Directors recently addressed several unplanned expenses. The Travis Road pond outflow has been repaired at a cost of $8,265 to prevent leakage that could have weakened the dam and potentially damage neighboring properties. Additionally, the stoplight project at Morgantown Road and Chancery Boulevard resulted in damaged irrigation lines due to road widening. During construction, irrigation at the intersection was turned off, requiring manual watering of the traffic island. Once the intersection reopened, the irrigation system was assessed and repaired at an approximate cost of $16,000. The Board plans to file a claim with Johnson County to seek compensation, though it’s uncertain whether the claim will qualify. These unexpected expenses, combined with an already tight budget, necessitated the use of reserve funds.
Pond Management Consultations
In response to increasing pond management concerns, several Board members have been consulting with different pond management companies. Algae blooms have become more frequent, pond weeds are increasing, and blue-green algae has been observed in at least two ponds. Recognizing that these issues cannot be solved by chemical treatment alone, the Board is assessing the advice given and will propose a multi-year action plan at the annual meeting this October, taking into account the significant costs associated with pond remediation.
Revised HOA Governing Documents
The Board has recently completed revisions to the HOA governing documents. The amended Covenants and re-written By-Laws are now finished. A revised amendment to restrict rentals will also be presented as a separate voting choice. To address any questions property owners might have, a Town Hall has been scheduled for Monday, August 26, at the White River Library Branch in Greenwood, with a video conference option available. Approximately two weeks prior to the meeting, owners will receive an information packet containing details about the Town Hall, instructions for reviewing the documents, and voting procedures for both online and paper ballot options.
Property Maintenance and Vandalism
The Board has received multiple complaints regarding unmowed lots within the community. This issue is associated with a few empty lots, which are the responsibility of the owners to maintain, and developed properties that are not being mowed regularly. All property owners are reminded of their obligation to keep their lots well-maintained. The Board is taking action by sending violation letters to non-compliant owners. In cases where an owner fails to address the issue by the Board-set deadline, the HOA will arrange for the lot to be mowed at the owner’s expense, plus an additional service fee.
In a separate matter, the Board addressed a recent incident of vandalism involving local children. The vandals removed toilet paper from a portable toilet and scattered it across nearby yards. Board members took the initiative to clean up the resulting mess. This incident serves as a reminder for parents to discuss responsible behavior with their children and for all community members to remain vigilant in maintaining our neighborhood’s appearance and safety.