The following is a summary of key topics discussed during the November and December 2024 Board meetings.
Welcome New Board Members
Following the withdrawal of two board members at the end of their term, the Board welcomed Andrew Kendall and Ruth Ann Ansel as new invited members to fill vacancies on the board. Their enthusiasm and expertise will be valuable as they begin their service.
Community Feedback and Board Actions
The Board received several suggestions and concerns from residents, and each was considered for possible future action:
- Morgantown Rd and Chancery Blvd Safety Issues
Residents raised concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic issues at the intersection of Morgantown Road and Chancery Boulevard. Two near-misses involving pedestrians at night highlight the urgent need for improved visibility. The Board is investigating lighting enhancements and determining jurisdiction for any upgrades.
Parking concerns during school pickup times also have been expressed. Vehicles parked along Chancery and adjacent streets are causing safety hazards and obstructing traffic. The Board is exploring solutions to address this issue. - Chancery Blvd Water Leakage
A recurring water leakage on Chancery Boulevard near Stones Crossing remains unresolved. The source, potentially irrigation or an underground issue, will be monitored in the spring to identify patterns and develop solutions. - Morgantown Road Easement Cleanup
While regular cleanup by the landscaping vendor addresses loose trash, the area requires more extensive maintenance, including large objects and branch removal, and dead tree disposal. The Board is obtaining cost estimates for this work, with some tasks deferred to spring. - Door Kicking Incidents
Reports and video evidence of door-kicking incidents involving children wearing all black outfits and masks, including one case of property damage, have prompted the Board to consider recommending the establishment of a Neighborhood Watch program. Meanwhile, the Board encourages residents to report suspicious behavior to the sheriff’s department.
Pond Quality Update
Recent water testing of community ponds revealed high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, which can contribute to algae growth and muck accumulation. Additionally, the Villages Pond shows elevated orthophosphate levels, which may be due to runoff from fertilizers and other sources.
The Board will send letters to pond-adjacent homeowners, urging responsible fertilizer and pesticide use. Pond mapping in the spring will guide future remediation plans.
Delinquent Assessment Payments
To address rising administrative costs and budgeting challenges caused by late assessment payments, the Board approved a new policy. Beginning in 2025, a $30 monthly late fee will now apply to outstanding balances, replacing the previous one-time $35 fee. Late fees will accrue as a special assessment if the balance is unpaid.
Corporate Transparency Act and Code of Conduct
Prior to a recent injunction pausing enforcement of the new CTA, which mandates disclosure of Board member identification, the Board had complied with its requirements. Additionally, all Board members signed a Code of Conduct pledge for 2025, emphasizing integrity, confidentiality, and stewardship.
Drainage Easements
After consulting Johnson County Zoning and Planning, the Board revised its application process for property improvement involving encroachment of easements. Applications will now require:
- Flagging for buried lines.
- Assessment of the presence or absence of drainage pipes in easements.
Approval of the encroachment will not be granted if utility lines, or drainage infrastructure are present.
In addition, homeowners must sign an affidavit acknowledging the risks of encroaching on easements. Projects must not alter drainage flow or cause flooding, as seen in one community case where a fence installation has led to flooding issues.
Covenants Non-Compliance Notices
To streamline non-compliance notifications, the Board approved a proposal to send postcards for the first notice of violations. These pre-printed cards will save costs and simplify communication. If violations persist, follow-up notices will include formal letters with deadlines and warnings of potential consequences.