Hearthstone Village Association
Meeting Minutes
Date: September 26, 2022
Location: Bethel United Methodist Church
Next Meeting: November 28 at 7:00 PM
Attendees
Board Members Present:
Brian Davies, Joe Kumfer, Tom Pippenger, Rick Sikora, Janell Hendrickson, Tama Bradley, Mary Licker, Jesse Zimmerman
Guest Attendees:
Alan Licker, Dan Loisel, Donald Luzadder, Grant Bradley
1. Call to Order
Brian Davies called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Secretary’s Report
- Presented by Janell Hendrickson.
- Motion to approve: Seconded and approved.
3. Treasurer’s Report
- Joe Kumfer reported:
- Four liens released (from 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2020).
- Six additional residents have paid dues since last meeting.
- 190 of 217 residents are current on dues.
- Tom asked about expenses tracking closely with income; Joe noted expenses will soon exceed income as dues collection winds down.
- Motion to approve report: Seconded and approved.
4. Maintenance Report
Presented by Tom Pippenger and Rick Sikora:
- The old playground equipment has been removed. Grass and retaining wall repairs are scheduled this week. New mulch has been added to the play area.
- A fall clean-up day may be scheduled; Tom will request a city dumpster if so.
- Severe erosion was noted behind Rick’s home. Tree trimming and evaluation will take place after the leaves fall.
- Tom suggested asking Boy Scouts to help as a service project.
- Tom will meet with Turf Integrity to discuss next year’s maintenance contract. Their renewal would need to include both lawn care and snow removal.
- Winter reminders for residents:
- Remove vehicles from the street if 2+ inches of snow is forecast.
- Homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and driveways, including those along side streets like Fox Orchard.
- Tom will contact Millstone to find out who they use for sidewalk snow removal and report back.
5. Crime & Safety
Presented by Tama Bradley:
- Tama attended the Northwest Area Partnership meeting. No significant concerns were raised; the attending officer was absent.
- Playground grant eligibility requires city registration. Brian completed the registration on September 27.
- Tom noted he had to register with FortWayneNeighborhood.org to apply for the bench grant.
6. Architectural
- Brian noted increasing questions about shed approval.
- Tom clarified that sheds are currently not permitted by the covenants; allowing them would require a formal amendment and legal fees.
- Concerns raised include material, size, placement, and design.
- Joe noted that pool pump houses are allowed and distinct from sheds.
- Jesse mentioned seeing several plastic sheds that violate current rules.
- Brian suggested this topic be addressed in both the newsletter and on the website.
7. Old Business: Playground Replacement
- Tentative replacement scheduled for Spring 2023.
- Tama and Grant Bradley researched vendors and presented options:
- Game Time: ~$30,000 for ages 5–12
- Play Care: $10,000 and $16,000 options (ages 5–12), all with 10-year warranties
- Additional ideas:
- $12,000 fitness equipment for ages 14+ (concerns raised about usage)
- The original playset was installed in 1997.
- Insurance offers $4,000 in recoverable depreciation, and Pufferbelly funds may also be used.
- Grants up to $5,000 may be available (application window opens in October).
- Some neighbors have expressed concern about the removal of the old structure.
- Website and Facebook will be updated to encourage participation.
- Brian suggested submitting grant applications soon, with a goal to decide by the November meeting.
8. New Business
- Mary requested a website refresh. Janell will review and work with the webmaster. Brian will update Facebook after each meeting.
- Joe proposed a $50 gift card and thank-you note for the mail carrier in appreciation of her service.
- Motion to approve: Seconded and approved.
9. Website Updates
- Add a reminder that sheds are not permitted.
- Encourage regular meeting attendance from neighbors.