HOA Meeting Minutes!
Elk Ridge HOA Annual Meeting
October 4, 2022
Meeting called to Order by Jim Ulrich at 6:04 PM
Jim introduced current board members, himself, Steve Kidder, Ruth Nekonchuk, Pat Davis, Robert Knapp and Richard Evans. Board member absent was Reed Rasmussen.
He also introduced Jim Mahoney who has been a valuable volunteer in the landscape updates.
Agendas were passed out.
Jim began by stating the HOA board has been working hard to get things organized and moving in the neighborhood despite many past issues in the SID and HOA.
SID report by JIm
Street and sewer repairs and cleaning (including snow removal) are done by the SID. Each year portions of the repairs are being done as the budget allows. A reminder that the SID is currently paying for trash collection for every homeowner in the subdivision to decrease the number of waste system trucks entering the neighborhood. This alone is a cost of $45,000 per year.
He reported on the financial condition of the SID. The bankruptcy issues are over and the SID is currently stable. There will be a larger bond payment due in the next 4-5 years so the levy will not be decreased, perhaps even more will be needed.
The SID can be annexed by the city of Omaha at any time. When that occurs any money we have accumulated will go into the city funds at that time. It is usual for the city to look at annexing when the debt is to 3% or less.
A question was raised about a path around the lake and who fund this should it occur. Jim stated that the SID would be partially responsible for the cost of that.
Question asked about the concrete facility that was to have moved from it’s location along 192 and Dodge. It seems that intention is still there, but no one is aware of the time frame for the move.
A question was raised on getting locked mail boxes due to theft of mail from mail boxes. Jim stated that the USPS is not “encouraging” these type of mail boxes any longer. If locking boxes were installed they would have to have a central location as well. The existing mail boxes could not be used.
Jim also reported that should anyone note issues with street lights, either lights out or the covers over the wiring be missing please go to the OPPD website and open a work order.
HOA report by Steve and Jim
Jim reports on updating of the sprinkler system. Most islands and along Elk Ridge Drive now have operating sprinklers. The process is proceeding to disconnect some of the sprinklers that were connected to homeowner’s systems. Jim states there was very little information on where the sprinklers were and so Lanoha has had to track down many of the lines.
Discussion was had on the visibility issues on the roundabout. This also brought out discussion of the speed of drivers on Elk Ridge Drive as well. Jim encouraged homeowners to call with a complaint to the sheriff’s office. He stated they have asked for more patrolling in our neighborhood, but that individual calls may be more effective.
A question was raised on golf carts driven by underage appearing children. Again, this was something that was encouraged to be reported to the sheriff’s office.
Question of who is responsible for the trees around the lake that have been compromised by beavers. Jim reports it would be the city’s responsibility as that is part of the lake property, not the SID or HOA.
A discussion was began on covenant violations that have and are occurring. Jim suggested a first approach is for neighbors to kindly remind neighbors to be consider these covenants and that they are there for the beauty and value of our neighborhood. It appears the general letter that was sent to all homeowners has not resulted in improvement of violations in certain locations. The discussion is that now targeted letters be sent those specific homeowners. The concern is that there is no fine system in the covenants for failure to comply. This led to a discussion of working on some new enforceable covenants. Jim welcomed assistance with this process. He asked if those present would be wiling to help work at updating the covenants. He was especially interested in villa residents since the villa’s have updated their covenants. There were a couple of volunteers wiling to help with sending the targeted letters and looking into revision of the covenants. Jim took their contact information and will be getting in touch with them.
Steve Kidder reported that the water feature in the roundabout has been repaired by Robert Knapp. He thanked him for his efforts in keeping this repaired and running. There is a bigger issue with the waterfall. It is leaking and there are stones, which hold the height of the waterfall, falling into the pond. Jim stated it could be near $100,000 to completely repair. Other less costly options could be to have fountains instead of a waterfall or even to fill it in. All is under consideration just as the updating of all of the islands is an ongoing process.
Steve thanked all of the volunteers who helped with clean up and bridge repairs this summer. It was suggested to establish 4 “beautification days” each year to keep the bridges and common landscape repair and picked up. These could be established for the year and emailed out to residents in advance. Steve states the bridges had fallen into disrepair and are gradually being repaired to keep them safe and remain in budget. He feels the needed repairs are about half completed. Jim also reported the walking trail up to the high school is the HOA’s responsibility and he and other volunteers have been working to keep the brush cleared on this. He states he is hopeful he can get onto the high school property to make it easier to clear the brush that hangs over the walkway. He states this might be something Lanoha could help maintain in the future.
Jim reported there will be Christmas lights again this year. He stated an additional location may be the roundabout due to the vandalism of the lights out on Honeysuckle last year. He will soon be meeting with the lighting company to get some cost projections for this.
Jim and Steve stated they are hoping to get more community engagement in social events along with the earlier mentioned covenant enforcement. They stated it has been difficult to get email addresses from residents. They asked for suggestions to help with communicating social, meeting and volunteer opportunities to the community. The desire is to use email and the website as much as possible to control costs. Jim stated the HOA finically records are on the website to view. Thanks was made to Reed Rasmussen who currently maintains the website.
Meeting adjourned by Jim Ulrich at 7:04 PM with the comment that this was the first annual Elk Ridge HOA meeting.
Respectfully submitted by Ruth Nekonchuk