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I hear comments from long-time residents that we seem to repeat a lot of information over and over again on our web page. I understand where you are coming from. But realize that in the past 5 years we’ve had 70+ new residents move in; that’s 1/3rd of our 210 homes. Many come from other countries and most have never had an HOA before. So we restate information about trash, dogs, holidays, etc., as this is new information for our newest residents. Yes, each new homeowner is given all of our Governing Documents, but many do
not read them when they first move in. It’s been stated that it takes 21+ times for an action to become a habit. So, long-timers, if you’ve heard it before, just skip the article. For you newcomers, we hope this information is helpful to you as you settle into Meadowlark. We also encourage you to at least read the Plat Covenants & Restrictions section of our Governing Documents. Also to review the Appendices A thru C in the Declaration of Covenants. They cover the process for handling Delinquencies and Violations. And if you have other questions, contact our KMC CAM, Aubrianna Strickland. Also, the Documents Page has a link to our Governing Documents.
Shirley Hargis, HOA President
We wish all those participating a really successful day. Signs with balloons are posted at the main entry and the entrance from Huntwick. The neighborhood Garage Sale Permit is at the home of Elaine Kinkead, 10675 Whippoorwill. All residents are covered by this permit.
Good Luck.
If you plan on participating, you might put a balloon or sign out to draw attention.
Association Fees Due July 1st
Our next 6-month fees payment is due July 1st. Your payment must be RECEIVED by KMC before August 1st. After that, you will be charged a $50 late fee. Also, you will be charged an additional $35 a month for each month they remain unpaid. These fees can mount up very quickly. Please pay on time. It is essential for us to meet our financial obligations. If you have questions about your fees, contact KMC Accounting 317-570-4358.
Delinquencies & Violations
I know many residents aren’t aware of how much time it takes your HOA Board to pursue collecting delinquencies and enforcing violations following the guidelines of the Indiana HOA Act. For the past three years your Board has been diligently following all the legal steps we must take to recover unpaid association fees from one resident that totaled $7,964.01. First, as outlined in our Covenants, we followed our normal process of sending letters. Second we sent the resident to the Attorney for Collections.
Third we filed a lien. Fourth we filed for Foreclosure on the home. Lastly we pursued a Sheriff Sale the first part of May and the house was sold. We are now awaiting the court to disburse our money to us along with other debt holders. It’s taken a lot of time and expense but we hung in there and have recovered the fees, late fees, attorney and court costs.
For over a year, we also pursued legal action against a homeowner who refused to store their trash carts out of public view. We filed suit and this finally resulted in the owner agreeing to install a fence around the carts, as defined in the Covenants.
Please understand that the Board works behind the scenes to enforce our covenants. It may be frustrating to you, thinking nothing is being done, but it is even more frustrating to the Board that it takes so much time. We do appreciate your support.
Violations
The Board and KMC can't do a thing about a violation unless we know about it. Residents tell me about this or that issue, but no one reports it. The only way we can keep Meadowlark looking inviting and neat and protect our investment is if residents not only keep their properties that way, but report those who don't. Also, the Board and KMC cannot monitor the neighborhood alone. It is up to all of us to help out by reporting violations (with pictures) to Aubrianna Strickland or Amanda Bales at KMC.
New Meadowlark Resolution
The Board has passed a new Resolution to allow homeowners to put a decorative temporary fence around their back yard patio. Please click here for details.
Lawns Needing Work
There are several lawns in Meadowlark that have sustained damage from the drought last summer, infestations, etc. The Compliance Team will be looking for such lawns as it is up to each owner to maintain theirs. If not taken care of, it is considered a violation. We have established this timeframe for anyone with yard damage. Effective June 15th you will have 2 ½ months to repair your lawns. We are allowing extra time as we are aware it may take that long to get your grass growing and your lawns healthy. If you receive a violation letter about this, call our CAM at KMC to let them know how you are handling your lawn needs.
Lawn Care Recommendations
Judy Johnson on Whippoorwill Lane has highly recommended this company for any lawn work you might need. She stated, “I am absolutely thrilled with my new backyard. IndySod manually removed a lot of river rock, removed the lawn surface and other landscaping, graded and put in new soil and then put down sod. They even went around the exterior of my fence and removed rock and debris. The price was just under a thousand and was money well-spent. I may have them redo my front yard to level it out!”
Whippoorwill Drains
Residents on the south side of Whippoorwill are being asked to check your back yard drains every few weeks. Clear out any debris that might clog them and check that the cap is working okay. Keeping your drains maintained will help us keep the Community Drain in good shape as well. Thank you for your help.
Bird Feeders
Recently we were made aware that a resident placed a large bird feeder in the Common Grounds on Pond E. It is drawing many ducks and geese to feed there and as a result we’ve had reports of 3 geese being killed. Our Covenants state that a homeowner cannot install "anything" (including bird feeders) in the common grounds and the feeder is being permanently removed as it was illegally installed. As much as we like feeding the birds, this situation often leads to wild animals preying on the ducks and geese that gather there. The HOA has already spent $500 to remove carcasses that are related to this area.
We ask that you to refrain from installing bird feeders on your own property because of the nuisance they become. If you have bird feeders and find an animal carcass on your property, you will have to dispose of it yourself.
Incident in Meadowlark
Earlier this week there was a violent incident outside a home on Crane Dr. Several Police cars and an ambulance responded. This kind of thing is definitely NOT what Meadowlark is known for. We are a peaceful neighborhood and certainly hope those involved will not participate in such behavior again. We value our community and respect each other and ask that you do so as well and conduct yourselves civilly and respectfully in the future.
Reminders
Waste Carts
Seems like we are always talking about our waste carts. This time it’s to remind you to keep about 3 feet between the carts when you put them out for collection. This is shown on the tops of the carts. Also keep at least 3 feet between the cart and your mailbox. The “arms” that pick up the carts need that space. WM will not pick up anything left loose on the ground. If you have items sticking up out of your cart, they may not pick it up.
Cooking in Garages
Meadowlark does not approve of cooking in garages (meaning a kitchen is set up in it) due to fire concerns. You can cook in your garage ONLY AFTER it has been inspected and approved by the Fire Department. Residents, if you see someone cooking in their garage, don’t just stand around and complain about it…send a picture and the address to our CAM at KMC. The owner will be given the opportunity to be inspected by the Plainfield Fire Dept. Owner will NOT be allowed to cook in their garage until it meets all requirements and permits. For new residents who, because of their culture, often cook in their garages, we must make sure that all safety precautions are in place. A fire in a garage of a Paired Patio home could also be catastrophic for the other home.
Dogs and Their Waste
Improvements
We have a lot of dog walkers in Meadowlark, and we enjoy seeing owners and pets outside, enjoying themselves. However, we remind you that it is not only a Meadowlark Covenant but also a Hendricks Co. Law that you MUST leash your dog and you MUST clean up its waste. Meadowlark residents, if you see someone not cleaning up after their dogs, tell them so. We have people who come in from the neighborhoods around us and don’t clean up the waste. If you see this, ask where they live, and if you can, take a picture of them and send to our CAM.
All new outside improvements require the submission of an ARC Request for Change Form, which must include a copy of your plot plan with it clearly marked regarding the placement of the improvement. That means dimensions, specification sheet, if applicable, and pictures of the improvement. Also, please return ALL 5 pages of the form. See the ARC Process section on the ARC - Intro & Process page for instructions.
Replacing existing items may not require an ARC submission. Also see the Exceptions list on the ARC - Intro & Process page for a list.
Replacing existing items may not require an ARC submission. Also see the Exceptions list on the ARC - Intro & Process page for a list.
Otto's Special Week of Pricing
July and our week of special pricing will be here before you know it. Our week is July 14th to the 18th. Place your order now to take advantage of Otto's Special Pricing discounts. Click here to view the Pricing Flyer.
Meadowlark Facebook Group
We encourage you to join our Meadowlark Facebook Group for residents only. Its primary purpose is to immediately advise you of pertinent information regarding issues and activities in our community. Go to the Documents page and click the "Meadowlark Facebook Page" file name for instructions. If you have trouble signing up, email Paula Moore at paula.meadowlark@gmail.
Public Service Announcement: Scams
Daily we face scams from criminal groups trying any way they can to take our money. Lately there have been a number of different emails and text messages telling us we have “unpaid traffic violations” from BMV or “unpaid toll road fees” from INDOT or Riverlink in Ohio. Here are two examples:
SCAM:
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 29.Our records indicate that you currently have an unpaid traffic violation. Pursuant to Section 15C-16.003 of the U.S. Administrative Code, if payment is not received by May 29, 2025, the following enforcement actions will be taken:1. Report to the DMV violation database2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting May 293. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affectedPay Now:https://e-zpass.com-etckle.icu/usPlease pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.(Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)
Ignore them. Or if unsure, do NOT respond to the email. Google the company’s main office and contact them directly.
Another scam has to do with the “Unsubscribe” link on emails that you want to stop receiving. DON’T click on it, as the news is telling us often this triggers unwanted activity or malware on your device. You can try “blocking” them, but this doesn’t always stop them. "Filter" them, or set up “Rules” to have them go directly to your Trash folder or a specific folder you set up just for them. If unsure, Google for steps to do this for your specific device (e.g. iPhone 16). Or, locate the company’s home office and contact them directly to remove you from their list.
Never click a link from a source you are not familiar with. These days we must take every precaution to protect our devices and ourselves.