Spring / Summer - 2014

Arden Lake HOA Newsletter
As a protected community, the Arden Lake Homeowners Association ... that's all of us, is facing some serious challenges that impact our community. Our current covenants and bi-laws are more than 25 years old and do not meet the current needs of the HOA. Here are just a couple of examples:

Leasing/Rentals . . . Because of our prime location and proximity to KSU, increasing numbers of investors (3 in the past 60-days) are seeking to buy bank-owned or foreclosed Arden Lake properties for rental income property. Our covenants do not adequately address control of rental income properties, which ultimately can impact the quality of the neighborhood and our home values.

Parking & Speeding . . . Street parking and speeding are the HOA top homeowners' complaints, and these safety issues are not directly addressed in the current covenants.

Three years ago, the HOA commissioned an updated set of new and more contemporary covenants that address the above issues and several other important covenants including borrowing, quorum requirements, and ACC violation enforcement.

Consideration and approval of these "new covenants" needs to be a priority to protect our community and home values. Because of that, the HOA Board has established a New Covenants Committee, consisting of homeowner volunteers (non-Board members) whose purpose is to determine, communicate and execute a plan to inform and dialog with homeowners of the aspects (new vs current) of the New Covenants and to work with the Board to schedule and conduct an HOA vote.

Four volunteers have already committed. If you would like to volunteer to join the Committee, or have any questions, just simply click on the New Covenants Committee - Volunteer & Questions button below.
New Covenants Committee - Volunteer & Questions
Message from the HOA President

Winter is finally over and it is time to come out and enjoy our Arden Lake community amenities. Your Social Committee has plans for several community functions, with the first being our Summer Family BBQ on June 5th . . . see specific news item in the newsletter for more information. Please make plans to attend, get acquainted with your neighbors and have some fun!
We are all glad to see the Shiloh Road widening project getting closer to completion and the the reduced construction activity. The HOA is now ready to begin the landscape beautification project along Shiloh Road and our front entrance. Also, the landscape project for the clubhouse, pool area, parking entrance and hill by the tennis courts is ready for completion once the irrigation system repairs are completed. We believe these landscape improvements will not only be beautiful to look at but will enhance residents' home values.
 
Home values are very important to all of the residents and one of the best ways to protect your value is to have covenants designed to protect your home values and meet the community's desired requirements. Please consider volunteering to serve on the New Covenants Committee. 
 
Have you considered serving on the HOA Board?  If you would like to volunteer, or lead a committee, then please contact any Board member or email hoa@ardenlake.org
 
If you have any ideas, questions, or feedback let me know at erich.mcinnis@ardenlake.org.
 
Erich McInnis
Arden Lake HOA President
Architectural Control Committee

Spring is here and with the change of the seasons, the Architectural Control Committee would like to remind residents of the necessity of adhering to the covenant standards of our community. It takes everyone doing their part to preserve and enhance the desirability of Arden Lake. Real estate property values are trending up and the curb appeal of the neighborhood greatly contributes to the values of our homes.
Please take a few moments walk around your property and review and consider the following:
  • Is my yard, including the natural areas, inconsistently maintained, not mowed when needed and contains weeds and wayward grasses? . . . Weed infestation seems to be a recurring theme with several yards in the community. Applying weed pre-emergence, weed killer and just pulling the weeds can make a difference.
  • Are there any bare spots in my yard that require attention, needing grass or appropriate ground cover such as mulch or pine straw?
  • Have my shrubs and/or ivy grown up, out of control and require trimming?
  • Is there any mold on the exterior of my house and/or fencing?
  • Are my trash receptacles stored out of view from the street?
  • Is my garage door(s) in good condition, clean and well maintained?
If you responded 'yes' to any of the questions above, please take the appropriate action to maintain your property and conform to the HOA covenants. Your efforts will greatly contribute to the overall attractiveness of Arden Lake and subsequent home values.
Shiloh Road Landscaping

The ACC has been diligently working on, and is very excited about, the upcoming common grounds landscaping project along Shiloh Road once the road widening is complete. You can look forward to  these areas having a beautiful, fresh and updated look that we can enjoy and be proud of. Stay tuned!
Standard Mailbox
 
We have made significant progress in updating to the new standard mailbox with 92% of the community now equipped with the new mailbox. The uniformity and updated look of the new mailbox enhances our community's appeal and home values.  If you haven't updated your mailbox, here is the ordering information for the post and mailbox:
 
Post: Coronado Post 5515B
The post must be ordered online from the Home Depot website.
 
Box: Gibraltar Mailbox Elite Large Model # E 1600B00
The box can be picked up in-store at Home Depot.
 
The numbers plaque, mounted on top of the box, is available at Home Depot. Please contact Missy Cooper (mrcooper70@bellsouth.net) for the gold address numbers for the plaque.
Swimming Pool & Clubhouse

In an effort to improve management and coordination of the swimming pool, David Markey has agreed to serve as Chairman of the HOA Pool Committee. He will act as a liaison between the residents, HOA Board and Dynamo Pool Management, our new pool management vendor.

Thanks to all of the residents who participated and responded to the recent pool survey; and although a majority of the residents were in favor of a no-lifeguard 'swim-at-your-own-risk' policy, the HOA will continue providing lifeguards on the following modified schedule:

May 22 thru Aug 2 (Core Season)
- Monday, Thursday & Friday - Noon to 5pm
- Saturday & Sunday - Noon to 5pm
- Memorial Day & July 4 - Noon to 5pm

Aug 4 - 31:  Sat & Sun - Noon to 5pm

Sep 1 - 21: Swim-at-your-own-risk basis

The Board requests residents to engage the Pool Committee, or Board, with any questions or concerns and refrain from communicating with Dynamo. Dynamo will enforce a reciprocal policy with their employees. Also note, that there will be zero-tolerance of any interference or harassment of the lifeguards.

Dynamo Pool Management can provide lifeguards for special events for an added charge, with reasonable notice. Contact David Markey, or the Board, to coordinate arrangements. 

Please refer to the season swim times and updated pool rules on the Arden Lake HOA website ... http://ardenlake.org/amentities, and also posted at the pool.
High-speed WiFi is available in the pool area and Clubhouse.

Login: 2WIRE214
Password: 7705913751


See Arden Lake Amenities for more info ... http://ardenlake.org/amenities/
New Neighbors

Wes and Melissa Barclay
4274 Edgewater Drive

Marwan and Lakeda Bivins
4307 Deep Springs Court,

Hugh and Rhonda Hazen
731 Edgewater Place

Tim and Dallas Otterlee
826 Deep Lake Drive
Arden Lake HOA Website

Since launching the new Arden Lake HOA Website, 95 residents have registered and are actively using the site. The website offers many community benefits including a homeowner directory, community news, information, and blogs. Future enhancements will include the ability to reserve and pay online for Clubhouse rentals, and online payments for annual Homeowner Assessments.

Be sure to checkout our newest feature, "Community Links" ... http://ardenlake.org/community-links/
This blog provides useful city, county and state information and links for residents.
iPod Drawing . . . Harry Wooten won the drawing for an iPod and donated the iPod to the Arden Lake landscape project.
Arden Lake HOA Social Committee

Summer Family BBQ & Pool Party
When:  Saturday, June 7th
Time:  4 pm till . . . dinner at 5:30 pm

HOA will provide BBQ sandwiches, beans, chips, tea, paper products and cutlery.

Please bring a dessert or other side dish (enough for your family and a little to share). BYOB adult beverages (no glass containers please).
Congratulations Arden Lake 2014 Graduates
Joseph Hilburn - Home School
Trey Grimm - Kell High School
Court Maltby - Kell High School
John Otterlee - Kell High School
Colleen Piper - Kell High School

Ben Chaulk - University of West Georgia
RaeYonna Lynette Nichols - Kell High School