WILLOW CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 

December 2021 NEWSLETTER 

2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Joan A. Allen, President Luann Schaefer, Vice President

612-412-3184         320-493-4637

allenjoan959@gmail.com schaeferlady54@gmail.com 

Mary Schill, Secretary Judy Braegelmann, Treasurer

320-309-2353                                 320-333-0692

Mary Schwinghammer, Secretary jabraegelmann@gmail.com

320-251-1403  

                Rosie Lommel, Phase 1 Rep

Patrick & Joan Thyen 320-248-1036

Phase 2 (218-260-8882) rosenator3@yahoo.com 

pthyen@charter.net

                Wayne Lenzmeier, Phase 3 Rep

320-281-3285 

                                                wlenzmeier@msn.com

2022 Board Meeting Schedule 

MOOSE LODGE, Waite Park

3 P.M.

January 10…………Vice-President (host)

    March 14..………….President (host)

    May ..9… …………..Phase 3 Rep (host)

    July 11………………Phase 1 Rep (host)

    Sept 12……………..Secretary(host)

    Oct 20…….………..Annual Meeting

Notes from the President:

We held our Annual Meeting at the Moose Lodge in Waite Park on October 28th where we enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the Moose Lodge staff. 43 members attended the meeting which commenced at 6 p.m. Re-elected to 2-year terms were Vice-President Luann Schaefer and Treasurer, Judy Braegelmann. Newly elected were Phase 1 Representative Rosie Lommel and Phase 3 Representative Wayne Lenzmeier who will each serve a 2-year term of office.  We said good-bye to Diane Schmitz as the outgoing Phase 3 Rep and to Jean Lauerman, long-time Phase 1 Rep. 

We wish both well in their well-deserved retirements. At the meeting, we had a wonderful time conversing with our neighbors and friends, getting caught up on the affairs of the day. Our hope is increase attendance at the annual meeting because it’s the place where important decisions are made concerning the future of WCHA. We hope to see you at next year’s meeting!

Secretary’s Note: Thank you for returning the insurance update form that was included with the September newsletter. If you haven’t already done son, please call your Phase Rep with any changes including the insurance information.

Notes from the Groundskeeper Luann Schaefer:

It’s hard to believe that winter is here once again. We are contracted with Ehlinger for 6 snow removals: the sidewalks along your home, and the sidewalks around the Association, the mailboxes and the fire hydrants. That means we’ve paid up front for 6 snow removals, but we’ve budgeted for 9—anything after that is extra. We’ll have driveways plowed after 2 inches or more of snow. They’ll plow within 24 hours after it stops snowing and shovel your sidewalks. The Association sidewalks, fire hydrants and mailboxes will be done within 48 hours after it stops snowing. I know the general rule is two inches or more of snow will be plowed, but sometimes there are variations to that. I will notify the Phase Reps if there’s a variation. So, if you see that your driveway is not plowed, you can call your rep to find out why. There is no exact science when it comes to snow in Minnesota.

Please be patient. Remember that it does get icy. If it’s slippery on your driveway be careful when you take your garbage and recycling cans out. Please stay safe out there this winter and avoid any falls when possible. Happy holidays.

 AGENDA

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 

November 8, 2021

3 p.m.

Moose Lodge 

Call to Order.

Roll Call of Members.

Agenda Approval.

Introduction of Guests. (Comments from guests limited to 3 minutes).

Secretary’s Report:

(a) Approve the of Minutes of the October 28, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Treasurer’s Report. 

Groundskeeper’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Groundskeeper’s Report. 

Old Business: 

(a) Compensation for Groundskeeper Backup

(b) Review the Annual Meeting Process

(c) Review documentation for closing costs on property sales

(c) Publication  Date for Annotated Board Policies.

New Business:

(a) Purchasing a printer able to handle large print jobs for the Association.

(b) Storage for WCHA Records and Materials. 

(c) Items to be covered in December Newsletter.

(d) Dates, times, schedules of WCHA Meetings for 2022.

Meeting adjournment.

Next Meeting Date:

January 10, 2022 @ Moose Lodge

 Willow Creek Patio Homeowners Association

Agenda

Annual Fall Meeting

October 28, 2021 6:00 p.m.

 Moose Meeting Lodge

 1300 3rd Street N, Waite Park

Welcome

Agenda Approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Judy Braegelmann

(1) Proof of Insurance Coverage, 

        (2) Budget vs Expenses, 

        (3) Reserve Fund Balance (4) Budget for 2022.

Secretary’s Report: Mary Schill, Mary Schwinghammer

Approval of Minutes of the September 27, 2021 meeting.

Election of Officers 2-Year Terms

Nominations from the floor:

Election of Vice-President/Groundskeeper 

Election of Treasurer 

Election of Phase 1 Representative

Election of Phase 3 Representative

President’s Report: Joan A. Allen

(1) Capital Expenditures

(2) Governing Documents Updates

Vice President/Groundskeeper Report: Luann Schaefer

(1) G & H Irrigation 

(2) Ehlinger Law Service

Closing Comments

Meeting adjournment.

Next Board Meeting: November 11, 2021

 

 WILLOW CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 

September 2021 NEWSLETTER 

2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Joan A. Allen, President Luann Schaefer, Vice President

612-412-3184         320-493-4637

allenjoan959@gmail.com schaeferlady54@gmail.com 

Mary Schill, Secretary Judy Braegelmann, Treasurer

320-309-2353                 320-333-0692

Mary Schwinghammer, Secretary jabraegelmann@gmail.com

320-251-1403  

        Jean Lauerman, Phase 1 Rep

Patrick & Joan Thyen 320-248-1036

Phase 2 (218-260-8882) Diane Schmitz, Phase 3 Rep

pthyen@charter.net  320-253-8535

2021 Board Meeting Schedule

@ MOOSE LODGE, Waite Park

3 P.M.

                                        January 11…………President (host)

                                        March 8..…………..Phase 3 Rep (host)

                                        May 10.. …………..Phase 1 Rep (host)

                                        July 12……………..Secretary (host)

                                        Sept 27…………….Treasurer (host)

                                        Oct 28…….………..Annual Meeting

                                        Nov 8……………….Phase 2 Rep (host)

Notes from the President:

We continue to hold our WCHA Board Meetings at the Waite Park Moose Lodge on the second Monday of every other month at 3 p.m.

Annual Meeting:

The Annual Meeting of the Willow Creek Homeowners Association will be held on Thursday, October 28th at the Waite Park Moose Lodge (1300 Third Street North). We’ll be asking you to wear a mask during the meeting since we’ll all be in close proximity—it’s a precaution we need to take to make sure everyone is safe. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. But, if you’d like to eat first, the Moose Lodge is offering to serve (1) Cheese Burger with Fries or Tater Tots or (2) Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Fries or Tater Tots, each for $4—starting at 5 pm. You can also order a beverage with the meal or to enjoy during the meeting. There’s a form at the end of the newsletter for you to fill out, indicating your choice and the number of servings. You can make your check payable to WCHA and return it in the self-addressed envelope we’ve included. Please return your menu choices by October 15th.

Election of Officers:

We’ll be selecting individuals for the offices of Vice-President/Groundskeeper, Treasurer, Phase 1 Representative and Phase 3 Representative at our Annual Meeting. Our current Vice-President/Groundskeeper is Luann Schaefer and she’s agreed to run again for another 2-year term. Also our current Treasurer, Judy Braegelmann, has said she’s willing to serve again. Jean Lauerman who’s served us well for many years has said she’s stepping down. We hate to lose her but Rosie Lommel has agreed to be the new Rep for Phase 1. Diane Schmitz, our current Phase 3 Representative, has decided not to run again. Diane, too, has served WCHA well over the years. We believe that we have someone willing to take on her duties. But, we’ll be accepting nominations from the floor if you decide to throw your hat into the ring.  

Transfer/Initiation Fee/Late Fee

Our Treasurer is busy handling all financial aspects of the Association. This is especially true during the purchase or sale of a residence. It requires considerable paperwork to be completed for Realtors to complete the sale. To that end, the Board voted to approve a $100 “Administrative Fee” for WCHA as part of the closing costs for sellers. This fee will go into effect starting January 1st. Also, the Board has voted to increase the “Late Fee” for monthly Association fees from $5 to $25 starting the 1st of the year.

Welcome!  We have new neighbors!  

In Phase 1 Lorri Carlson has found a new home at 111 Willow Creek Drive. In Phase 2 Brian and Janice Templin have moved into the home at 960 Willow View Circle while Scott Halek is busy getting settled at 968 Willow View Circle.  Kevin & Denise Baron arrived at 84 Willow Creek Drive. In Phase 3 Melanie Allen calls 26 Willow Creek Drive home and Annetta Herron’s new address is 815 Willow View Lane. So happy to have you join us!

Update—Annotations of WCHA Governing Documents:

The Board has updated the WCHA policies contained in your yellow binders. We haven’t changed the basic tenets of the Declaration or the By-Laws. We’ve offered explanations and expansions in areas where the wording was confusing or where the intent wasn’t clear. Included in the materials you’ve received prior to the annual meeting is a sheet detailing these modifications which we hope you’ll find favor with at the meeting on October 28th. 

Notes from the Groundskeeper: 

Well summer is behind us—whew!. But because of all the rain we got last month, the grass looks great! Waite Park made us shut down the pumps on July 21st, but the grass has recovered nicely. To get your yard looking great again now is the time for anyone who has yard dead spots to rake them well. Then after fall cleanup everything will be cut short and bagged which is the perfect time to put down grass seed on those dead areas. When the snow’s on top of it and then melts it will push the seed in the ground. In the spring the grass will germinate and your lawn will fill in nicely! If you don't want to do this Ehlinger Lawn Service will plant grass seed in the spring at a cost to the resident.

Jason will talk about the cost for the homeowner at the October meeting. We’ll also be discussing upcoming snow removal for winter. Anyone with questions can get them answered from Jason at that time.

 AGENDA Rescheduled

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

September 27, 2021

3 p.m.

Moose Lodge 

Call to Order.

Roll Call of Members.

Agenda Approval.

Introduction of Guests. (Comments from guests limited to 3 minutes).

Secretary’s Report:

(a) Approve the of Minutes of the July 12, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Treasurer’s Report. 

Groundskeeper’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Groundskeeper’s Report. 

Old Business: 

(a) Approve statements to clarify policy statements (Rules & Regs &

Summary) to be presented at annual meeting.

(b) Revisit “Board Member Duties” and “POC” Duties.

(c) Appoint Nominating Committee for upcoming election.

New Business:

(a) Electronic Meeting Protocols

(b) Items to be covered in September Newsletter.

Meeting adjournment.

Next Meeting Date:

September 28, 2021 @ Moose Lodge

 Lost & Found

Virginia VanderWeyst (987 Willow View Circle) has lost her cell phone. Has anyone found it? If so contact Virginia in Phase 2 (320-267-0160).

                                                                          AGENDA

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

July 12, 2021

3 p.m.

Moose Lodge 

Call to Order.

Roll Call of Members.

Agenda Approval.

Introduction of Guests. (Comments from guests limited to 3 minutes).

Secretary’s Report:

(a) Approve the of Minutes of the May 10, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Treasurer’s Report. 

(b) “Transfer and/or Initiation Fee” Sale of Homes in WC

Groundskeeper’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Groundskeeper’s Report. 

Old Business: 

New Business:

a. August mailing of Proposed Letter to all WC Members concerning proposed change in Board Structure (going from 3 Phase Representatives to 1 Phase Representative. Included would be the proposed job description of the Phase Representative.

b. September Newsletter.

Meeting adjournment.

Next Meeting Date:

September 13, 2021

Moose Lodge 3 p.m.

                                              WILLOW CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 

June 2021 NEWSLETTER 

2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Joan A. Allen, President Luann Schaefer, Vice President

612-412-3184         320-493-4637

allenjoan959@gmail.com schaeferlady54@gmail.com 

Mary Schill, Secretary Judy Braegelmann, Treasurer

Mary Schwinghammer, Secretary jabraegelmann@gmail.com

320-251-1403 320-333-0692  

        

Jean Lauerman, Phase 1 Rep 320-248-1036

Patrick & Joan Thyen

pthyen@charter.net 

Phase 2 (218-260-8882) Diane Schmitz, Phase 3 Rep 320-253-8535

 

2021 Board Meeting Schedule

@ MOOSE LODGE, Waite Park

3 P.M.

    January 11…………President (host)

March 8..…………..Phase 3 Rep (host)

May 10.. …………..Phase 1 Rep (host)

July 12……………..Secretary (host)

Sept 13…………….Treasurer (host)

Oct 28…….………..Annual Meeting

Nov 8……………….Phase 2 Rep (host)

Notes from the President:

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULES:  

The WCHA Board Meetings will be held at 3 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. We’ll be holding our meetings at the Moose Lodge in Waite Park for the foreseeable future. Our meetings are open to all residents but if you wish to attend a meeting, please let your Phase Representative know, especially if you wish to be added to the agenda.

Welcome!  We have new neighbors!  

Jack and Carol Kritzick, have moved into 36 Willow Creek Drive in Phase 3. They’re busy getting settled and we’re happy to have them join us!

Brian & Janice Templin are the new owners of 960 Willow View Circle. They’re expected to move in by the end of June or shortly thereafter. We hope their transition is smooth and we welcome them to Willow Creek. 

It’s Always Sad to Say Goodbye:

Juan M. Creo passed away on January 29th, 2021. He was known as John Creo to his friends and family who will greatly miss his presence in their lives. Juan lived at 819 Willow View Lane with his wife Anne. We offer our sincere condolences to Anne and the Creo family.

Barbara Ann McPhail’s mass was held on Friday, April 30th at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She passed away on April 24th at age 86. Barb lived at 906 Willow Grove Circle with her daughter Kym. Dedicated to her family, Barb was also a great neighbor and loved to visit. We shall all miss her. 

Hazel Maxine Juell of 36 Willow Creek Drive also left us. She and her husband Ron were long-time residents of Willow Creek. They’d recently sold their home and moved to Maple Grove to be closer to family. Maxine will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She had a great sense of humor and a dry wit. We extend our sympathy to Ron and the family. 

Susan Sandquist of 135 Willow Creek Drive will be missed by all her friends and family. She passed away on May 9, 2021. Susan earned a law degree from North Carolina Central University. Her specialty in law was intellectual property. We extend to her husband Matthew our sincere condolences. 

On another note, Walter Utecht of 960 Willow View Circle has moved into Assisted Living in Kimball, MN. We’ve been informed that his home has been sold as of May 25th. We wish him our very best.

Congratulations!

Happy 75th Wedding Anniversary to Kermit and Betty Eastman of 929 Willow View Circle! We celebrate your long life together!

Let us know of your special occasion if you wish to share the news with your friends and neighbors!

Update: Proposed Change in Board Structure

As part of the working committee’s ongoing update of our yellow binder [(1) Synopsis (2) Directory (3) 2008 Declaration and Summary (4) 2014 Revision By Laws (5) 2008 Revision Rules and Regulations], a recommendation for a change in Board Structure has been proposed. In order to be implemented, this change, of course, requires a vote of the entire membership. To that end, the committee will send out a written proposal in late August for you to read and to vote on. That way, we hope to have a completed vote by the time we hold our Annual Meeting on October 28th. 

Notes from the Groundskeeper: 

Boy! Summer came on strong and we’re only just beginning! 

Ehlinger and crew will be mowing every Wednesday this year, weather allowing. They’ve finished the first application of fertilizer and weed killer. Remember to let the weed killer do its thing. The weeds don’t start to die until 24 to 48 hours after being sprayed. 

For residents who contracted Ehlinger to spray your rock areas, remember that you’re paying separately for that service. If you still wish to sign up, it’s $42.50 plus taxes for each spraying which is quite a bargain. Call Ehlinger (320-250-9337) directly with questions you have or about enrolling for their service. 

G & H has the sprinklers up and running for the season. If you have concerns or questions please call me (Luann Schaefer). Phase 1 and Phase 2 are watering as needed. If you notice your yard being watered 2 or 3 times a day, call me, please! Our water bill runs about $12,000 a month, so we need to keep an eye on that. Phase 3 waters on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights. 

A Reminder: Residents need to trim your tree branches to 5 to 6 feet above the ground so the men standing on mowers can get under and around your trees. I noticed when I walked the other day that there are quite a few people who need to  trim their trees.

Have a fun summer!