Open Forum Questions & Answers

Open Forum - April 26, 2022

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Question

We have lived in Village Lakes for almost 28 years and love it. We've enjoyed going to the pool in the summer and until last summer, there was never an issue. However, last summer, the one time I went, it was filthy--the dirtiest I've ever seen it. I never went back.

 I'm guessing you changed management companies, and the new company did NOT live up to expectations. If we are paying for pool management out of our HOA dues, our money was wasted last summer. I hope that we get a management company this year that will keep the pool clean. 

Answer

We are aware of complaints from last year's pool season and are working with the vendor to address and correct those for this year. Should you find this issue please reach out to HRW by email, phone or online through TownSq Request so that we can discuss and correct this promptly.

Question

What can we do about the speeding on our streets (and the use of ATV's on the street and the open spaces/greenways)

Answer

A traffic calming study was completed for Turf Grass Court in November 2020 and it was determined to qualify for a future traffic calming project. Based on conditions found, Turf Gras Court ranks 60th out of 116 eligible streets. Based on current timelines, it is estimated that our neighborhood engagement/design would being in 3 -4 years with construction of the project immediately following.

As Turf Grass Court is ~40' wide, the traffic calming design would be eligible for horizontal traffic calming such as chicanes, median islands, curb bump outs, etc. only (Speed humps or bumps would only be considered for streets that are 32' or smaller) For secondary streets, ballot voting for speed limit reduction (from 35 mph - 25 mph) was completed for a number of streets. This will be taken to the City Council for approval on May 17, 2022. Unfortunately, a number of streets were not included in this process and as of today (March 26), the process for reduction on the following streets will begin: Thistlegate Trl, Ryegrass Ct, Pennfine Dr, Talison Ct, Wheatcross Pl, Tifton Dr, Wildoat Pl, Broomsedge Ct, Bentgrass Dr, Dandelion Ct, Centipede Trl.

Once the speed limit reduction has been approved, if we continue to have issues with speeding, we can identify and provide trends to RPD so that they may have a better idea when to have officers in the area to enforce the speed limit. An evaluation for further traffic calming options can also be done at this time.

Question

Can we get a sign that displays your speed?

Answer

This was asked of our community resource officers and we were advised that they only had about 2 or 3 which were on loan to other communities at the time. Follow up was done late last year and they still were not available. We will follow up on this request. 

Question

What can we do to prevent so much trash in our neighborhood, especially as it affects our lakes?

Answer

The grounds committee confirmed the landscapers are to empty the trash cans installed by the HOA. Trash cans previously installed by residents will be removed and replaced with larger units through the HOA which will be emptied by the landscapers or a contractor.

The HOA has a lake maintenance vendor that visits quarterly that will remove any trash in and around the lakes during their visits. Maintenance on Lakes B and C has not yet started as the current focus is on the Lake D repair. The current landscaper that makes weekly visits is to remove any trash or debris in areas that they service but are not contracted to pick up litter in the streets. We need the cooperation of all residents to ensure littering incidents are reported to the City and/or HOA, the City in particular if littering is done from vehicles. Please reach out to HRW with any specific location(s) so they can be assessed for action plan.

A community cleanup day is also being planned. This has scheduled for Saturday, May 21st and volunteers are asked to meet at the clubhouse at 9:00 AM.

Question

Regarding the Pool: last year we had many occasions when the Pool Attendant did not show up to open the pool. Can we allow access to the pool without a Pool Attendant, and/or how will this be handled in the future without the need to contact the HOA President/Officers?

Answer

Many businesses had staffing challenges because of COVID. The board reviewed invoices and had these adjusted to reflect the total time worked by attendants. This was a manual process and one which we do not wish to do again this pool season, we are working with the pool vendor to obtain attendants for this upcoming season and to meet with the pool lead to set expectations prior to the start of the season. We will remain diligent in monitoring the arrival and departure times and ask that you continue to report any issues to Associa by email, phone or online through TownSq.

Question

I was wondering what is going on with the playground? I recall it was being repaired but this was a while ago and don't recall seeing an update.

Answer

The initial order of repair parts was sent over to the playground vendor in the fall. While awaiting the first order of pieces, the playground was inspected for any additional parts needed for full repair. The inspection was completed and forwarded to the service provider in November. The Board approved the 2nd estimate in December and was given a 90 day estimated timeline on parts. When we reached out for an update at the end of March, we were informed that the remaining parts were another 12-22 weeks out due to shipping and material issues. The Board determined at that time to stop the repair in order to redirect efforts to full replacement with a system already in stock. The playground committee has been working on identifying alternative replacement equipment to be presented to the board. Once the board has approved equipment we will provide an updated announcement in TownSq.

Question

Are neighbors allowed to have a full pledge garden in the front yard and around the mailbox?

Answer

No, vegetable gardens are not allowed in the front of homes. Please relay this and any other kinds of issues directly to HRW via phone, email or using TownSq Request so that we can review and take appropriate steps to resolve.

Question

Does HOA allow vinyl siding? And are we allowed to put in a swim spa?

Answer

All exterior changes/modification requests require an ARC request form for formal review. The process requires all materials, colors, and details for your project to be submitted on a form that also has neighbor signatures. Neighbor signatures are an acknowledgement that they have been made aware of possible project at your home only - not for their approval of your project. Once completed request has been received, the ARC committee will review and provide their decision within 30 days. If you are signed up for TownSq, you can monitor the process of your request live inside the TownSq Architectural tab."

Question

I wanted to ask what the plan is for the property that is undeveloped on the corner of Turfgrass and Lake Brandon Trail.  I live next door to it and have filed two complaints with the City for the grass not being mowed.  Plus the trash.  My last complaint has gone unanswered.  I logged the complaint in October of 2021 and it's still open.  They keep emailing me to close it as 'Resolved', but I refuse.   Now there is trash scattered everywhere, and there was a fire today.  I just happened to look out the window while working this afternoon and saw billowing smoke.  I could see the fire from my bathroom window, so I called 911.  I have attached a photo.  It looks like the trash can that used to be down there was knocked over and dumped trash onto a cigarette.  Or someone intentionally set it on fire.  The pier is burned a bit, as are the stairs leading to it.  The trashcan is a mound of melted plastic.  

If I had not been home, this could have been much worse.   There needs to be something down about this property https://youtu.be/y6LOZO2KM6A

Answer

The property at 5201 Turf Grass Court is not part of Village Lakes HOA. The property was purchased by a private entity that, according to the county records, resides in Rocky Mount. Shortly after the purchase of the land, the HOA attempted to contact the new owner via certified mail on 2 separate occasions to review maintenance and other future plans with the land. The HOA Board has reviewed this land and discussed it with an attorney in prior years and determined due to liability and costs the HOA would not provide any maintenance of land that does not belong to the HOA. All the land in that corner area, including the dock are owned by that same owner. We encourage any issues or concerns to be reported to the City directly or by using the SeeClickFix system.

Question

Can a weekly raking of the area around the playground be added to landscaping responsibilities (to control for Goose droppings)? 

Answer

It is uncertain if raking the area will remove the goose droppings or simply break them down into smaller pieces, the related expense for this undertaking could be applied to more viable options, which the board will explore. 

Question

Asked what was to be done regarding the parking problem being experienced on Hanska Way?

Answer

We have been working on plans, which have been reviewed by our attorneys, to address parking and other related issues in Village Lakes and hope to have this implemented by June. 

Question

what was to be done with the large amount of dead trees in the common area(s)? 

Answer

The Grounds Committee will look at the area(s) and decide next steps. Part of the review to be done will be to confirm trees in common area(s) vs private properties.