💥What's New in Meadowlark?
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Hello all Meadowlark Residents! Spring 2025 has arrived, and Meadowlark is awakening after a tough winter. Despite the snow and ice, we had few mishaps. Thanks to all of you for your patience and understanding as the Board worked with the Snow Crew to clear our neighborhood. It was a big snow that "walloped" us hard and it took all of us together to get through it. On March 21st the pond fountains were turned back on. Soon we'll hear lawn mowers and smell fresh-cut grass, followed by early flowers blooming in our gardens. It's a season of renewal for all. Sidewalks and Parking More residents are out walking with their pets and greeting neighbors as it gets warmer. It's important to keep sidewalks clear, especially for those using motorized carts or walkers. Parking over sidewalks creates hazards and can result in citations and police tickets, as it's against both Meadowlark Covenant and Hendricks County Law. Budget The snow storms significantly exceeded our snow removal budget, costing more than double the planned amount. The Board hopes to recover some costs with missed mows in late summer due to dry conditions, and other cuts. However, there is little to cut as our budget only includes essential expenses for maintaining Meadowlark. We will keep you updated. Governing Documents Over the past year, we have worked with attorneys and the courts on two cases under the Indiana HOA act: one for unpaid dues and another for violation. The Board does not enjoy going to court but will do so when owners neglect their responsibilities. Homeowners, must remember that buying a home in Meadowlark means agreeing to follow our Governing Documents, which are legal documents. These rules are essential to maintain our community's cleanliness and appeal, ensure a great living environment, and preserve property values. Homes in Meadowlark have sold quickly and for top-dollar in the past and we want that to continue. By adhering to these regulations, you will help protect and enhance your investment. Association Fees Due to the changes voted in last year, a $50 late fee is applied if your payment is not received by KMC by January 30th and July 30th. Payments must be received (not postmarked) by these dates. If mailing, allow 7-10 days for USPS delivery. If your dues remain unpaid, you will be charged an additional $35 per month. Over several months, this can quickly add up to $85 to $120 or more. If sent to an attorney for collection, you will incur another $155 in KMC and attorney fees, plus the ongoing monthly $35 charge, even while in collections. Pay your association fees on time to eliminate the late fees, which benefits both yourself and our Meadowlark Budget. If you face financial hardship, contact KMC Accounting for a one-time Payment Plan. The Board will review the request and if approved, your fees must be paid in full before the next assessment. You won't be eligible for another Payment Plan for 5 years. This Year It seems all we hear these days is bad news, and it looks like it may get a lot worse before it gets better. We will all face unexpected hardships. It will be difficult to be positive and kind when we are dealing with unwanted trials. But, hopefully in Meadowlark we can continue to show friendship and kindness, be helpful to others, and welcome our new neighbors. Meadowlark is a highly diverse community, with various ethnic groups and cultures coexisting. This year presents an excellent opportunity for us to enhance our understanding of one another and share our cultural backgrounds. Wishing you all a great year. Stay safe and find happiness in the little things. Best Regards, Shirley Hargis, President, Meadowlark HOA Board
We are seeking an individual to join our Board as Vice President. Over the next two years, you will gain knowledge about the responsibilities of the Board and prepare to serve as President starting in 2027. If you are interested in serving our community as Vice President, please contact President Shirley Hargis at (317) 698-8945 or ushargis@yahoo.com. We need you!
Wouldn't it be nice to see YOUR picture here as a Board Member?
State Income Tax Rate
Hoosiers will notice that as of January 1st, paychecks might look a little bigger. That's because of Indiana's new flat income tax rate. The rate will drop from 3.05% to an even 3% for all Hoosier taxpayers.
Call Before You Dig
Another law that took effect January 1st, involves a dig or excavation project. House Bill 1122 states that workers/individuals will not be allowed to start a dig excavation project until two full business days after they notify utilities to ask for the location of underground lines to be marked.
Updated Indiana Child Labor Laws
Effective January 1st it appears that Indiana has eased restrictions on employers for minors who are working. The biggest change is that all restrictions on the number of hours or times a 16- or 17-year-old can work have been removed. That means that at age 16, teenagers can work any shift that an adult can, with or without adult supervision.
No Turn On Red Change
After March 27th, "no turn on red" signs will be installed at several downtown intersections to reduce vehicle/pedestrian accidents. Locations include these intersections bound by:
● North Street
● East Street
● West Street
● South Street
The fountains were activated on March 21st. You may observe scum and algae on the ponds. These will be treated once the water temperature reaches and remains at 60 degrees.
ASAP Aquatics has been our partner for years, and they provide a flyer detailing water temperature conditions and treatment timings for ponds.
Click here for more information.
- Kelly Landscaping will mow every Wednesday, starting April 9th. If it’s raining or the grounds are too wet, they will mow Thursday or Friday.
- Please clear sticks and debris from your lawns before mowing begins.
- Drives and sidewalks will be edged every other week by Kelly's crew.
- During dry spells in summer, mowing may be skipped, the Board will notify you via email.
- New mulch has been added to entryway flowerbeds/trees and pond trees, enhancing our common grounds.
- For issues with mowing, contact Aubrianna Strickland at (317) 872-8090, (317) 570-4358 or astrickland@ekirkpatrick.com. Include photos with your damage report. Aubrianna will contact Kelly Landscaping to work with you to resolve the issue.
IMPORTANT
In spring, it may be difficult for mowers to see how wet and soggy the areas are in the swales between homes. If this is a problem, it is recommended to put up a "Do Not Mow" sign or some sort of barricade. If that is not possible and your lawn does get ruts or skid marks, please contact Aubrianna with pictures.
As always, whenever there is a holiday during the week our trash pickup will be delayed 1 day. Trash will be picked up on Saturday.
Expected 2025 delayed dates
Spring Heavy Trash Days
From Town of Plainfield Post: " The Plainfield Spring Heavy Trash Days have been set! The Plainfield Department of Public Works will be hosting heavy trash days on Saturday, May 3rd and May 10th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Plainfield residents may bring acceptable heavy trash items to the designated dumpsters at the town garage located at 990 S. Center Street. Items accepted include just about everything except hazardous waste, tires, building materials, and yard waste. Residents should remove gas and oil from mowers and leaf blowers."
Meadowlark residents. Take advantage of this free service. Or, you can call Waste Management and make an appointment for them to pick up the items. However, there may be charges involved.
While Elaine Kinked has been recuperating, Carolyn Huber has stepped up and welcomed several new neighbors recently. A spreadsheet has been prepared for the Meadowlark Directory, showing residents who have moved out and new residents who have moved in since the last update in June 2024. Additionally, there is information on the cover pages to be replaced in your Directory.
Resident information is not posted on the website. The updates will be sent via email soon.
Your directory has a wealth of information to assist with your needs. Please refer to the articles on the front and back covers.
The Dinner Club started up again on March 18th. Interested residents of Meadowlark can contact Wanda or Carolyn to reserve their spot and join in the fun.
Wanda Warren (317) 839-8445
Carolyn Huber (317) 838-7473
- Several resident of Meadowlark received notification that Horvath Communications and Verizon Wireless submitted a petition to the Town Of Plainfield of Zoning Appeals. They are requesting a special exception and zoning variance to construct a wireless telecommunications facility at Blue Grass Farms, located at 1201 S. County Road 1050 E., Indianapolis, IN 46231. This site is on the Hobbs Nursery property, situated just southwest of our community. On March 11th, a few residents attended an informal meeting where they learned that the cell tower will be 115 feet tall with a 5-foot lightning rod on top, totaling 120 feet in height. This complies with the Town of Plainfield ordinance regulations. It was confirmed that the tower will not interfere with the operations of Hobbs Nursery. During the meeting, questions were raised concerning noise, emmision waves, and potential cancer-causing issues. The representative assured attendees that noise from the tower would be minimal, with occasional generator sounds and possibly wind whistling through the top of the tower. Additionally, it was stated that no correlation has been found between these types of cell towers and cancer, according to studies by the American Cancer Society. The cell tower must adhere to all guidelines set forth by the FCC and other regulatory bodies. A public hearing was held on March 17th at the Council Chambers at Plainfield Civic Center. This final phase included a vote on the proposal. As of this date, the outcome remains unknown. If approved, construction will commence immediately and is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete. For more information, click this link.
OTTO's STREETSCAPE SPECIAL PRICING WEEK
For many years Otto's Streetscape has given our Meadowlark residents a discount on all their mailbox products. In addition, they offer us a "Week of Special Pricing" each year, giving us an additional discount on their products. For 2025, our week is July 14th to the 18th. If you have any mailbox needs, take advantage of this special offer. Click here for special pricing details.
Contact information: Claire Dodd cdodd@ostreetscape.com or (317) 886-4400
We were saddened to hear of the passing of our neighbor Danny Lawrence who resided on Whippoorwill Drive. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.
Happy Easter
Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.
~Janine di Giovanni~