Yates Mill Estates HOA - Monthly Update - August 2019

Kim Humphrey - President | Jamie Schimmel - VP | Lindsey Smith - Secretary | Steven Bush - Treasurer | Devon Longo - At Large

The board has monthly meetings. If you have any concerns you would like addressed during these meetings, please contact Mary Monticelli at marymonticelli@kohnell.com.
The safe source for all information pertaining to our neighborhood can be found on the neighborhood webpage (www.yatesmillestates.com).
If you haven’t already joined and are interested, there is a neighborhood Facebook page called Yates Mill Estates Neighborhood. This is a forum neighbors use to communicate about what is happening in the subdivision, asking for recommendations, etc. Please note that this is not an official channel the board uses to communicate with the neighborhood however you may see some general updates in between the monthly newsletter.
There is a secondary Facebook page called YME Backyard Co-op that has been formed. This is a forum is to post fun facts, share growing tips, vent frustrations (ie Japanese beetles), swap produce, and post about fun agricultural events. This is a great place to ask questions and learn what is and is not working for other neighbors in the subdivision from gardening to landscaping to lawn care.

Architectural Review Committee:
- Members include Luke Payne, Tanya Shepherd, and Laura Tomlinson
- If you are planning on adding a fence or structure to your property or changing the aesthetics of the exterior of your home please submit an architectural request form. If you are unsure whether or not you need to submit a form be on the safe side and please submit one anyways. You can find the architectural request form for download here: https://www.yatesmillestates.com/documents/
A Landscaping Committee has been formed to help keep our neighborhood looking good through things like community clean up day(s). If you are interested in being a member please contact Lindsey Smith.
A Social Committee has been formed to connect our neighbors through get togethers and volunteer events. If you are interested in being a member please contact Devon Longo.

BMPs
- Please remember to keep away from the 3 retention ponds we have in the subdivision. These are not designed for swimming/fishing/trash/etc. Kohn-Ell is looking into getting signs to post around the ponds to reflect this.
- The retention ponds are sensitive so if you are making any changes close to the ponds please let the HOA know beforehand. The area around the BMPs is common ground so please do not plant any plants in the common area
- Ponds are maintained and inspected monthly
- The HOA is currently looking into options for plants around the pond. The plants main function is to increase water quality and prevent erosion, both of which if not maintained properly could result in a large expense for the HOA
- Kohn-Ell looking into setting up some time when the BMP inspector can come speak with the community to answer any questions we have
Roads
- The roads have not been turned over to the county. Before they can be turned over Stanley Martin/the residents must complete the county’s punch list. The turnover will likely be early this fall.
- Kohn-Ell looking into why the roads are soft and if it will cause issues in the future

The board is working closely with the landscaping company to ensure the common areas are maintained. Pruning has been completed as well as mulch. A few of the plants in front of the monument signs as you enter the subdivision have died. These are being removed as it happens and will be replaced in the future as funds are available. If you have questions or concerns out the common areas please contact the board.
Another community clean up day will be later this fall. Check out the Facebook page for dates. If there are items you would like to have addressed please contact Lindsey Smith.

If you are planning on adding a fence or structure to your property or changing the aesthetics of the exterior of your home please submit an architectural request form. If you are unsure whether or not you need to submit a form be on the safe side and please submit one anyways. As a reminder, please discuss any changes with your neighbors prior to submitting your architectural request. You can find the architectural request form for download here: https://www.yatesmillestates.com/documents/
There is a FAQ section of the community website which will hold additional documents describing things like allowable fence material. If there is a specific question that you don’t see answered on the website please reach out to the board (board@yatesmillestates.com).
The board will be adding to our covenants to include the restriction on planting invasive plants such as kudzu and bamboo in our neighborhood. These types of plants, once planted, can take over entire areas, is hard to control/contain, and near impossible to kill off.
Please help keep our neighborhood looking respectable. If you see something that needs to be fixed or have a recommendation for a change, please say something by reaching out to the board.

Yates Mill Estates HOA