Elections for Board Members are at the end of each year and we typically have board members whose terms are expiring. Now is the opportunity you've been waiting for - to get involved! We need volunteers to carry on the work of our MHOA Board. We appeal to your sense of voluntary service to preserve the worth of your most precious investment, your home and your property, and to help sustain our collective investment in one of Midland's most sought after communities - Meadowpark! Yes, these positions require a time commitment, but consider it a labor of love! During this time, you will enjoy getting to know your neighbors and the intricate details involved in keeping our neighborhood in tip top shape! You'll also be part of a successful team working together in a collaborative effort with your fellow board members as you "Make Meadowpark Even Better!" Consider serving on the Meadowpark HOA Board!
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Fundamentals of Xeriscaping By Lisa Martin
In honor of Earth Day this year, why not show the planet some love with xeriscaping, a landscape practice developed three decades ago in Colorado as a way to conserve water and promote native plants. “The best xeriscapes use a fraction of the water needed by traditional lawn-dominated landscapes,” explains Elizabeth Catt, garden coordinator for the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Adds Meg Calkin, author of The Sustainable Sites Handbook: A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies, and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscape (Wiley, 2012): “Regardless of the site or region, the overarching principle of the xeriscape approach is the same: to design a landscape and select a planting palette that does not require supplemental watering once the plant is established.” According to the Colorado State University Extension, there are five fundamentals for successful xeriscaping.
Why Scoop Poop? Besides being a nuisance, uncollected pet waste is a serious problem for neighborhoods. Next time you’re tempted to leave your dog’s droppings, please remember this:
1. The appearance and quality of common areas are known to affect home sales—not just if and for how much they sell, but how quickly. 2. The more residents complain about dog waste, the more time the Board spends on enforcement rather than serving the association. 3. Uncollected dog waste spreads disease and attracts rodents who feed on pet waste. 4. So ... always take a bag on pet walks! |
The Art to Being a Good Neighbor
We all like to take pride in the hard work we put into our homes and our lawn. But it can be really difficult when our neighbors have an over grown yard with weeds, a house that needs paint, a fence falling down, dead trees, and worse, not maintaining their home or landscaping at all!!! If your neighbor has an unsightly home, the value of your home is affected! Buyers look for homes in well-kept-neighborhoods, and even if your home is beautiful inside and out, your neighbor’s neglect decreases the value of your house 5 - 10% or more. Don’t let frustration overcome you when you’re trying to solve this problem; here are some ways to take a cordial approach to the situation: Contact Your Homeowners Association - A homeowners association is a group of neighborhood property owners that enforces rules and regulations on homeowners. HOA's implement rules on lawn care, your home’s exterior and more. If you’re dealing with a difficult neighbor whose lawn and home are an eyesore, contact Meadowpark HOA, who will notify the homeowner of the violation. Do get to know your neighbors and take the initiative to give a friendly wave or conversation when you see them. Don’t peek through your blinds to spy on what your neighbors are up to. Do keep your entrance, yard, and exterior of your home appealing and clutter-free. Do NOT leave holiday decorations up year round. Do return borrowed items quickly and with gratitude. Do NOT play loud music or have noisy parties into the late hours of the night. Do invite neighbors to your parties or host a get-together at least once a year. Do NOT let your pets wander freely through the neighborhood and Do carry bags to clean up after your pet, even if it’s in your yard. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbor’s advice about gardening or home maintenance. Do talk to your neighbors before purchasing items like fences, landscaping services, and sprinkler systems - you may benefit from sharing the cost of upgrades and labor. |
Dealing with Noisy Neighbors - We’ve all had them; loud music, big parties, or leave their dogs outside barking all night. Your neighbor’s noise can rob you of your sleep, disturb your peace of mind, and drive you insane if left unresolved. This is one of those situations that need to be resolved before the situation progresses. There are a number of ways to approach these situations from having a polite conversation with your neighbor to getting law enforcement involved. Below are steps to take if you are tormented by your neighbor’s noise.
1. Politely Inform Your Neighbor. Do not confront them while you are upset. This will not resolve your issue. Remember, your neighbor may not be aware that their noise levels are bothering you. A polite and respectful conversation will bring the issue to their attention, and most likely resolve it.
2. Give a Warning. If after your conversation the issue is still unresolved, the next step is to give your neighbor a written warning. First, do your homework. Research your city ordinances or HOA regulations on noise levels. If your neighbors are in violation of laws/regulations, then construct a letter detailing the noise incidents from their residence. Include copies highlighting your city’s ordinances or your HOA’s regulations on noise. This letter should warn your neighbor that if the noise continues, you will be forced to contact law enforcement (always last resort). After you have sent the letter, keep a written documentation of the dates and times of any other occurrences.
3. Contact Local Authorities. If your neighbor does not respond to any of the steps above, as a last resort contact local authorities and file a complaint. These complaints can lead to your neighbors being fined for disruptive noise. It may also help to enlist the help of other neighbors that are affected by the same issues.
1. Politely Inform Your Neighbor. Do not confront them while you are upset. This will not resolve your issue. Remember, your neighbor may not be aware that their noise levels are bothering you. A polite and respectful conversation will bring the issue to their attention, and most likely resolve it.
2. Give a Warning. If after your conversation the issue is still unresolved, the next step is to give your neighbor a written warning. First, do your homework. Research your city ordinances or HOA regulations on noise levels. If your neighbors are in violation of laws/regulations, then construct a letter detailing the noise incidents from their residence. Include copies highlighting your city’s ordinances or your HOA’s regulations on noise. This letter should warn your neighbor that if the noise continues, you will be forced to contact law enforcement (always last resort). After you have sent the letter, keep a written documentation of the dates and times of any other occurrences.
3. Contact Local Authorities. If your neighbor does not respond to any of the steps above, as a last resort contact local authorities and file a complaint. These complaints can lead to your neighbors being fined for disruptive noise. It may also help to enlist the help of other neighbors that are affected by the same issues.
TRENDS - PReSeRve YouR ReSeRveS
70% of homeowner associations are underfunded! You live in a neighborhood that relies upon a homeowner association (HOA) to manage and maintain buildings and the common areas. Regular HOA assessments go toward monthly maintenance and fees, but the association is also expected to hold a reserve fund for emergencies. The majority of HOA's do not have reserve funds to deal with problems like a cracked swimming pool, street repairs, a leaky roof or burst pipes. A recent study by Association Reserves, reveals that 70% of HOA reserves are underfunded. The most significant consequences fall upon current homeowners in associations. When the community requires an emergency repair or unexpected expense, the association can choose to charge a special assessment (one lump sum payment) or increase the monthly payments to the association.
70% of homeowner associations are underfunded! You live in a neighborhood that relies upon a homeowner association (HOA) to manage and maintain buildings and the common areas. Regular HOA assessments go toward monthly maintenance and fees, but the association is also expected to hold a reserve fund for emergencies. The majority of HOA's do not have reserve funds to deal with problems like a cracked swimming pool, street repairs, a leaky roof or burst pipes. A recent study by Association Reserves, reveals that 70% of HOA reserves are underfunded. The most significant consequences fall upon current homeowners in associations. When the community requires an emergency repair or unexpected expense, the association can choose to charge a special assessment (one lump sum payment) or increase the monthly payments to the association.
