WILLOW CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 

March 2022 NEWSLETTER

Notes from the President:

We Made It:  It looks like winter is about over. Thankfully, we can begin to think about spring and sunshine. However, before we talk about weeds and watering, let’s talk about our favorite 4-legged friends. Let’s not forget that the City of Waite Park requires a leash and our neighbors need to be assured that we’ll pick up after our dog or cat once they’ve done their business. It’ll make everybody happy.

New Governing Documents: Soon you’ll be receiving an updated version of our WCHA Governing Documents which you’ll need to file in your yellow binder. They’re to be inserted directly behind The Directory and Maps. Previous documents can be removed and recycled. The new documents do not need to be subdivided or parceled into sections. It is all one document with an index and page numbers to help you find the information you need. You might wish to use the extra space to store newsletters and other announcements. If you have questions about updating your yellow binder, please contact your Phase Representative for assistance. 

New Fees in Effect: Starting the 1st of the year, WCHA will collect $100 in  administrative fees for completion of paperwork necessary for the sale of an owner’s unit. The fee will become part of the closing costs.  Also, WCHA has increased the fee for late payment of Association dues from $5 to $25. These fees are due the 1st of each month. If you have difficulties making this deadline, please contact Treasurer Judy Braegelmann.

Keys:  Please remember that when you sell your property, turn over your mailbox keys to the new owners. It is very important. 

New Neighbors:  Phase 1: 961 Willow Grove Circle, Dan & Brenda Preusser,  phone 320-492-8599. Phase 2: 971 Willow View Circle, Joseph Spanier.

 

An update from Louann Schaefer, Groundskeeper.

As of 2/22/22, we’ve been plowed 8 times. We pay for 6 up front and budget for 9 plowings per season. Let’s hope there’ll be no more snow!  

Please remember that if you have damage done to your property during snow removal, take photos of the damage and call Jason Ehlinger (320-25-9337). They’ll record your information and tell you where to send your pictures. Also let me know so I can write it up for your file. 

Let’s talk SPRING! Remember that if Ehlinger contracted to spray your rocked areas for weeds, you should receive a new invoice for 2022. Since the cost of fertilizer, like everything else, has gone up in price, so your cost may increase as well. 

We will be mowing on Wednesdays again, starting when the Waite Park turns the water on. Let’s hope we get enough rain this summer to avoid another drought season like 2021.  Here’s wishing for early spring with lovely temperatures! 

Board Members

Joan A. Allen, President

612-412-3184

allenjoan959@gmail.com

Luann Schaefer, Vice President

320-493-4637

schaeferlady54@gmail.com 

Mary Schill, Secretary

320-309-2353

Mary Schwinghammer, Secretary

320-251-1403

Judy Braegelmann, Treasurer

320-333-0692

jabraegelmann@gmail.com

Rosie Lommel, Phase 1 Rep

320-241-1165

rosenator3@yahoo.com

Patrick & Joan Thyen

Phase 2  218-260-8882

pthyen@charter.net

Wayne Lenzmeier, Phase 3 Rep

320-281-3285

wlenzmeier@msn.com

2022 Board Meeting Schedule

Moose Lodge

1300 3rd Street N

Waite Park

3 PM

January 10th

March 14th

May 9th

July 11th

September 12th

October 20th 

December 12th

Type to enter text

 AGENDA

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

March 14, 2022

3 p.m.

Moose Lodge 

Call to Order.

Roll Call of Members.

Agenda Approval.

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

Approval of Minutes of the January 10, 2022 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: 

a. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report. 

Groundskeeper’s Report: 

a. Approval of Groundskeeper’s Report. 

Old Business:

a. Distribution of WCHA Governing Documents.

b. Snow Removal Procedures

New Business:

a. Review March Newsletter.

Meeting adjournment.

Next Meeting May 9, 2022, Moose Lodge

 AGENDA

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

January 10, 2022

3 p.m.

Moose Lodge 

Call to Order.

Roll Call of Members.

Agenda Approval.

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

Approval of Minutes of the November 8, 2021 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: 

(a) Approve the Treasurer’s Report. 

(b) The 2021 Budget.

Groundskeeper’s Report: 

(a) Approval of Groundskeeper’s Report. 

Old Business:

a. Approval for printing the updated WCHA Governing Documents for all members.

b. Review snow removal procedures.

New Business:

a. Newsletter for March 2022.

Meeting adjournment.

Next Meeting March 14, 2022

 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.