May 2019

Homeowners’ Association, Inc.

7915 South Emerson Avenue

Suite B

Box 268

Indianapolis, IN 46237

From the Board:

This is the first newsletter for 2019 and it is being mailed to make certain it is received and hopefully read. The board members are your neighbors who volunteer their time to help keep our neighborhood at its best. Our intent is not to be difficult or come across as a scolding parent. We all knew when we purchased a home in Timberfield that covenants were in place. Everyone is busy with work, school, and family activities, so sometimes yard work and exterior maintenance may slide or get overlooked.

What we do (or don’t do) in the subdivision can impact our property values and adversely affect our neighbors. For the most part, our subdivision looks great but there have been a few issues over the years. On occasion letters have been sent and will continue to be sent to some property owners outlining the problems and requesting resolution. Let’s all work together to be mindful of the covenants and respectful of our neighbors. In order that everyone is aware of the expectations, please note that the covenants are posted to the website.

Vacant Lot:

It is anticipated that construction of a house will begin this year on the one remaining vacant lot. We would like to welcome our new neighbors.

ACC Construction Approval:

Spring is a great time to start home improvement projects. It is the intent of the Architectural Control Committee to review proposals so that Timberfield has attractive improvements on appropriate locations while preventing haphazard development which may not be harmonious with other improvements.

Please don’t forget that the construction of a structure of any kind, including additions or alterations cannot be initiated without approval from the ACC. These items typically include: swimming pools, fences, decks, patios, and walls. The plans, specifications, and locations must be submitted to and approved by the ACC. The contact person for the ACC is Scott Henderson (shenderson0913@att.net). Please note that some construction projects may also require approval of the City of Indianapolis. This approval is in addition to ACC approval in not in lieu of ACC approval.

Replacement of Mailboxes:

Please note that all mailboxes and posts are to be uniform in appearance, location and style. The small and medium size mailboxes are permissible. Some owners have mailboxes with rusty doors or the boxes are discolored. Additionally, some posts have not been painted or deviate from the mailbox color. The board would like everyone back on track with the original color scheme. For a replacement mailbox or paint for the post, please contact Otto’s Streetscapes in Greenwood and let them know the mailbox is for Timberfield so the appropriate shade of beige is ordered. Otto’s phone number is 317-882-8933.

Also, Otto’s suggests putting car wax on the mailbox a few times a year to protect it from the weather and keep it looking good. If your post is getting beat up from string trimmers, a protective sleeve can be purchased. A suggestion is visit: www.postshields.com

Neighborhood Maintenance and Upgrades:

In an effort to keep the Timberfield subdivision attractive and well maintained, the board is currently looking at projects such as: replacing the crumbling limestone caps on the entrance wall, and having them power washed.

Dogs and Cigarettes:

It continues to be an issue with some residents not cleaning up after their dogs even though it has been mentioned in several newsletters. At least one of our residents allows their dog to relieve itself on the sidewalk. Not only it this in violation of a Marion County ordinance regarding the removal of animal feces, it is unacceptable. Our subdivision is small and several folks have security/doorbell cameras; so, it is not difficult to determine the source. There is NO excuse for this and it needs to stop. Please remember to be respectful of your neighbors when walking your dog; carry a bag, pick up after your furry friend and dispose of the waste appropriately. Also remind your children of this requirement as well.

In the last few years, the amount of cigarette filters in the street has become a noticeable problem. If you smoke while out for a stroll or walking your dog, do not discard your cigarettes in the street or yards. As noted above, security and doorbell cameras can record all sorts activities. Please stop using the streets and yards as your ash tray.

Subdivision Website:

Timberfield has a website but the board is not sure if it is being utilized or needs improvement. There you will find access to newsletters, board member contact, and other information. Please send any suggested improvements about the website to one of the board members listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Website: Timberfield.net

Sign on: timberfield (case sensitive)

Password: THOA (case sensitive)

Inoperable Vehicles, Semi-Trucks, Boats, RVs, Trailers and On-Street Parking:

Just a reminder that the First Amendment to the Covenants, specifically Section 6 and 7 outline what is permissible to be parked in your driveway or in the street, as well as how long it can stay there. Concern about particular issues have been expressed to the board and everyone needs to adhere to the covenants.

Section 6: At no time shall any unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicle be permitted on any lot, common area, street or

easement within the Timberfield Subdivision, unless kept entirely within a garage. Inoperable vehicles include,

but are not limited to, those vehicles with flat tires, missing parts, or the inability to be driven. No refurbishing of any

vehicle is allowed, except within an enclosed garage where such activity is not visible by other residents in the

subdivision. Routine repairs and maintenance of approved vehicles are allowed within a forty-eight (48) hour period.

On street parking of approved vehicles is allowed, to the extent it is not inconsistent with local ordinances,

however, said parking must be for a reasonable period of time and not interfere with adequate ingress and

egress on the streets of the subdivision as determined in the sole discretion of the Board.

Section 7: No semi-truck, trailer, boat or trailer, mobile home, or recreational vehicle or any similar equipment

shall be permitted to be kept on any lot unless entirely within a garage. Nothing in this provision shall be

construed as preventing owners from temporarily parking a camper or recreational vehicle in their driveway for

the limited purposes of loading or unloading of the same, as long as said loading and unloading is for a reasonable

period not to exceed seventy-two (72) hours.

Speed Limit:

Concern about how fast some folks drive through the subdivision has been expressed to the board. Your speed should not exceed 30 mph. Currently the speed limit is not posted, but the board will be looking into getting a sign. Should we continue having issues, the suggestion of installing speed bumps has been made. Instead of going that direction, let’s all try to remember that there are kids, bicycles and folks walking dogs around Timberfield. There have been concerns expressed about some of the younger driver’s speed in the subdivision, so a reminder never hurts.

Also please note that stop signs are not just a suggestion.

Trash Containers:

In order to keep the neighborhood free from trash, please try not to put trash containers at the curb more than a day prior to collection. Also trash and recycle bins should not be left at the curb for several days after collection and stored in a location that is not visible from the street, except on collection day. If items blow out of your trash or recycle container, please take time to pick it up. It is everyone’s benefit to keep our neighborhood looking good.

Property Maintenance:

Most of the lots in Timberfield are well kept; unfortunately, there are a few that are starting to look rather rough. Our yards are an extension of our homes, so please do your part to make our neighborhood look its best by keeping your yard (front & back) well maintained. Perhaps it is time to look at your house and yard with the critical eye of a potential buyer to see what needs to be accomplished. Things to keep in mind could include:

Trimming around the outside of the fences. If there is a light pole, street sign, or fire hydrant in your yard or easement, please trim those areas as well.
Yardwork can become challenging during the wet Springtime weather. Please note that grass, weeds or brush taller than six (6) inches is deemed to be unsightly.
If you have a fence, check it to see if it needs to be stained, power washed or painted.
If tree limbs, shrubs or decorative grass protrude onto the sidewalk or inhibit mail delivery, please trim them back.
Shrubbery and landscaping should be trimmed, maintained and not allowed to be overgrown.
Shrubs or bushes that have died should be replaced with items of reasonable size.
Some yards appear to be exceptionally full of weeds (specifically dandelions) and have an abundance of bare spots. Perhaps it is a good time to consider a lawn care service or visit a garden store for assistance.
All yards should have at least one (1) tree.
Missing or rotting house trim shall be replaced. Gutters and downspouts should be maintained appropriately.
Walk around your home, it may be time to paint or power wash siding and trim.
Play sets in disrepair should be dismantled and removed.
Grates over storm drains should be free of grass and other debris.
Muddy ruts along driveways are to be filled with topsoil and finished with grass seed or sod. These areas are not to be filled with mulch or a concrete mix. Should owners wish to widen driveways to prevent future issues, the ACC must approve any plans.
Piles of bricks, stepping stones, and lawn edgers that have been sitting for more than a year and can be seen from the street need to moved or disposed. That being said, please be mindful of what your back and side yards represent to your neighbors.

Retention Ponds:

Just a reminder that the retention ponds are privately owned. There are eight (8) owners on the south pond and four (4) on the north pond. Permission from the respective property owner should be obtained.

No Soliciting Sign:

Despite the No Soliciting sign at our entrance, our neighborhood gets its fair share of solicitors. Some company representatives (pest control, lawn care or communications) believe that the sign does not apply to them. Quite frankly some have been persistent and rude. An extra layer of protection might be to place a small sign near your front door. A suggestion is visiting Amazon which has nice looking signs that have small stakes and can easily be pushed into the ground.

HOA Fees:

Just a reminder that HOA fees are not voluntary and are expected to be paid by the due dates (March 30^th and September 30^th). These fees pay for street lights, maintenance of the common areas and other projects such as painting street signs and upgrades to the entrance. It is most appreciated when you pay these fees on time.

Board Members:

Marshall Depew Marshall.Depew@indy.gov

Scott Henderson shenderson0913@att.net

Matt Reidenbach mjreidenbach@sbcglobal.net

Cathleen Broughton cjwilliams1959@comcast.net

Jeanie Van Pelt jeanie20150@gmail.com

Terri Price terrip7634@sbcglobal.net

May 2019