Pond Update
On March 8, 2021, the retention pond listed as 275 Hollis Lakes Rd. and 295 Age Old Way failed an inspection performed by the City of Rock Hill. To the Board's knowledge, this is the first time the pond has been inspected, however, we do anticipate that this will now be an annual occurrence per city regulations. The citation notes that the water level is too high according to the city's approved plans from the original developer. Additionally, the city noted holes, depressions, and cracks that need repair. Also, the city wants a swath of trees and woody vegetation removed. The area above marked "Dam Clearing" is the area where the vegetation will be removed.
Foster Lakes, the company that completed the swale work on the retention pond along Tradition Way, will be doing this repair work. (As a reminder, the picture below outlines the previous work completed which cost $4,575.09. Pond repair and maintenance has not previously been budgeted. For now, the cost is coming out of the reserves. Going forward, the budget must reflect pond maintenance.) The cost of this new repair will be $5,947.70. Here are some of the tasks they will be completing and their implications.
1. The pond water level must be permanently lowered about 6 feet or so. We realize that many of you are very accustomed to seeing the pond at a high water level, however, we're afraid that will be permanently changing. The city is enforcing the original developer's plans. We have no choice in this matter.
This will mean that the pond is going to have a smell until new vegetation comes into the sides of the pond which will now be exposed. While this is unpleasant, it is normal and temporary. Foster Lakes will be seeding the area, and we hope the vegetation will come in quickly. Please be patient.
Along with the smell, it is not going to be very attractive either until the new vegetation comes in. Again, this area will be seeded and new vegetation will eventually grow in. Please be patient.
2. The original developers never properly installed draining orafice holes in the concrete outlet structure. This is what allowed the pond to rise to such a high level. Once these new holes are created, they will work to maintain the lower level of the pond.
3. The vegetation cleared from the dam area will be stacked to decompose in the woods. Please do not disturb these stacks.
4. All disturbed areas will be seeded and covered with straw. Please keep off these areas to help them seed properly.
Please be aware that going forward, the HOA will need to maintain a maintenance contract with a company such as Foster Lakes for the upkeep of both ponds and to prevent any further citations which can result in fees.
Previous retention pond repair pictured below.
Pool Waivers Required to Activate Key-Card Access
As of now, we are on target to open the pool on May 1st, however, we must still complete some repairs to the pool house which will be about $1,000. Our new pool maintenance company is Trident; our contract with them will cost $8,700 for the year. (As a reminder pool related items from the 2021 budget are listed below for your convenience.) Additionally, we will be adding a cleaning service this year for the restrooms, so that they will be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. We pay Comporium for internet for our security system in the pool. You can piggy-back on this system's WIFI while you are at the pool. Login to EVPoolGuest with the password 2250Reowned.
DHEC has still not released the COVID requirements for South Carolina. However, we are moving forward with a waiver plan because the DHEC regulations may not come out until late April...or later. In order for us to open the pool, we need all homeowners who wish to use it to sign a waiver. This process is only for this season. It is our sincere hope that next summer there will be no restrictions or issues due to COVID. We appreciate your understanding and compliance. Please forgive the inconvenience.
This is the process we will be using:
1. All key-cards for the pool will be deactivated.
2. You will receive an email with the waiver form and instructions as to how to complete and return it.
3. Once the HOA has received your waiver, your key-card access will be re-activated. (However, please note that your key-card access can be deactivated due to unpaid dues and/or fines.)
4. Waiver forms are set to go out the first full week in April, which should give everyone time to complete their waiver if they wish to begin using the pool on May 1st. You do not have to complete the waiver by May 1st, you can return it at your convenience when you are ready to access the pool.
Pool related costs.
Contract = $8,700.00
Maintenance/Repairs = $500.00 Permit = $175.00 Supplies/Chemicals = $500.00 Pressure Washing = $500.00 Water Intrusion Repair = $1,000.00 |
Furniture = $6,500.00
Alarm/Fob Monitoring = $840.00 Trash Removal = $402.00 Internet Service = $1,671.00 Electric = $6,423.00 Water = $3,240.00 (also for landscaping) |
New Bylaws and Covenants
Everyone in the community will need to vote on the final version of the new Bylaws and Covenants.
The current Ebenezer Bylaws and Covenants are very difficult to understand and very dated. It will require a lawyer to complete this, which is why it is listed in the budget.
The Bylaws are more general and create the basic framework. The Covenants are more specific and contain the boundaries and requirements of the community. Right now, we have multiple Covenants which differ from each other. The goal is to compile one Covenant which will govern the entire community.
However, now's your chance to give your input on their creation!
This month's survey can be found below.
(You can go back and answer the previous surveys if you have not already!)
Click below to answer!
Community Survey Results
Survey A from January (23 of you have responded)
Survey B from February (14 of you have responded)
(For you math nerds, wink-wink, not every homeowner answered each question...so the math doesn't always work.)
I would like everyone to have the option of installing a fence up to 6 feet in height.19
I would like homeowners to be free to park on the street.Yes = 13
No = 10 |
I would like everyone to have the option of installing a full privacy fence, where you can not see into the fence.17
I feel that homeowners should be required to edge their lawn.Yes = 14
No = 9 |
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Townhall ReviewThank you to our roughly 21 attendees. 31 of you registered, so to those who couldn't make it, we missed you and thanks for registering. While we were hoping that more of you would attend, we are grateful for the comments that were shared.
The majority of attendees were from the Cottages of Stockton and are very concerned about the parking situation. There does seem to be a community interest in solar panels. There seems to be a feeling of freedom when it comes to fencing. There is a concern for keeping the Board sections, but creating a failsafe for the Board to fill empty seats. |
Both the Ebenezer Village HOA Board and the Cottages of Stockton HOA Board have voted to move forward in investigating a merger of the two HOA's when the new documents are created.
Due to the original Ebenezer Village documents, when the Cottages of Stockton section was built they were required to create their own HOA. Their HOA dues are divided between both HOA's. |
Examples of things you need Architectural Review Committee approval for...
not a complete list
*Anything new you build or have built that is permeant like fences, buildings, pet pens, pools, porches, etc.
*If you want to change the exterior color of anything.
*Additions to widen your driveway.
*If you need to replace your mailbox.
*If you make landscaping changes like planting a new tree or putting in a new flower bed.
You can find the ARC review form on the Cusick Portal, Community Information, Community Documents, Architectural Guidelines, ARC Guidelines
The ARC Guidelines is a PDF form that you complete and return to Cusick.
*If you want to change the exterior color of anything.
*Additions to widen your driveway.
*If you need to replace your mailbox.
*If you make landscaping changes like planting a new tree or putting in a new flower bed.
You can find the ARC review form on the Cusick Portal, Community Information, Community Documents, Architectural Guidelines, ARC Guidelines
The ARC Guidelines is a PDF form that you complete and return to Cusick.
Calling all volunteers!
We'd love for you to share your talents with the community.
ARCIf you'd like to learn how to assist with the Architectural Review Committee, please complete this form. This committee reviews requests from homeowners to make changes or additions to their property. The ARC reviews the community documents to make sure the proposed changes or additions comply with the current documents. Taylor Droke will be leading this committee.
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Social CommitteeThis committee will work to schedule and oversee neighborhood activities to promote a sense of community. They will work to create policies and procedures, as approved by the Board, for homeowners to use when they desire to plan an activity, or a pool party, playground party, etc. Keith Lugthart will be leading this committee.
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Amenities CommitteeThis committee will work to create rules, policies, procedures, and general review and information sharing for all amenities: pool, playground, and tennis courts. This committee will work to maintain and/or improve amenities and seek the community's input.
NEW POOL FURNITURE WILL BE COMING THIS SUMMER! |