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President’s Corner Our Bylaws state that each officer and director in the Walnut Hill Community Association serves a two-year term. Officers were appointed by the Board of Directors during the 2018 election and will serve until our next election in 2020. In April 2019, the Asso-ciation elected three new members to the Board of Directors. These directors will serve until 2021. In 2018, three Directors were elected to terms that expire next year. During our annual meeting next Spring, we will elect three directors for the 2020-2022 term and Directors, in turn, will elect Officers. If you are a homeowner and are interested in becoming an Officer or Director, contact us through email at [email protected]. On a sad note, we lost our good friend and fellow director, Kenny O’Brien to an illness. Kenny was a friendly neighbor, who was often seen walking his dog, Coco, on Walnut Hill Drive. Actually, Coco would walk himself, carrying his leash in his mouth while Kenny walked beside him! Paragraph 6.5 of our Bylaws states: “A vacancy occurring in the Board may be filled for the term by affirma-tive vote of a majority of the Directors remaining in office at a Board meeting where a quorum is present” and “The President will present to the Board a slate of nominees for the vacant position.” This director will ful-fill the unexpired term of Kenny, which ends in the Spring of 2020. This action will occur prior to the next quarterly board meeting in September. We have special committees that do a lot of work to make Walnut Hill the great community that it is. Our committees are: Covenants and Architecture Committee (CAC) – CAC responsibilities include sending out occasional reminders about covenants violations and receive/process/approve requests for architectural changes to homeowner property that is visible to the rest of the community. Some examples of architectural changes are shingle replacement, tree removal, awning/shutter installation, shed con-struction, exterior painting, and fence construction. Grounds Committee – The Grounds Committee is responsible for the beautification and maintenance of the many common areas in Walnut Hill. This committee has a big impact on home value in the neighborhood. We receive many comments from new homeown-ers that a primary reason they moved to Walnut Hill is because of the well-maintained common areas. Neighborhood Watch Committee – The Neighborhood Watch Committee is responsible for liaison activities between the Colum-bia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and our community. In addition, the committee will occasionally organize small community social events. It is a fact that the more neighbors know each other, the less crime there is. Please look in the Neighborhood Watch section of this newsletter for information on upcoming events. Welcoming Committee – The Welcoming Committee is likely the first contact many homeowners make with our association. This committee greets new homeowners and presents them with a packet of information about our community and the surrounding area and will also ask for a little information from the new homeowners as well. The intent of the Welcoming Committee is to make new neighbors feel at home in Walnut Hill. The Walnut Hill Community Association also maintains a pet registry that has been successful in reuniting lost pets with their fami-lies. Information about your pet(s) is usually gathered as part of the welcoming process. If you add pets to your family, please don’t forget to contact the association to update your information. In conclusion, we can all agree the Walnut Hill is a great place to live and raise a family for these reasons:
1. We have Covenants and we abide by them. 2. We have a great group of volunteers that spend numerous hours improving our community. 3. Our association fees are affordable. 4. Your board is conscious about controlling spending. 5. We know our neighbors.
In A Nutshell Walnut Hill Community Newsletter
Summer 2019 www.walnuthillevans.com [email protected]
Officers (2018-2020) President: Michael Wiltse (Walnut Hill Drive) Vice President: Stephen Smith (Walnut Hill Drive) Secretary: David Anna (Walnut Hill Drive) Treasurer: Nancy Sizemore (Kimberly Place) Directors (2018-2020) Director: Jana Curry (Walnut Hill Drive) Director: Micah Fort (Walnut Hill Drive) Director: Kenny O’Brien (Walnut Hill Drive) Directors (2019-2021) Director: Waylon Sanders (Windward Court) Director: Nate Pritchard (Leeward Drive)
Covenants and Architecture Committee Many people choose a community with covenants because of the value that is offered through the maintenance and upkeep that cov-enants provide. There is usually a striking difference between a community with enforced covenants and one without. The aesthetics of Walnut Hill depend on this. The WHCA requires a written request for any architectural change to a property. Examples include shingle replacement, tree re-moval, awning/shutter installation, shed construction, exterior painting, and fence construction. The request is simple to complete and once received, is processed quickly. Please know, however, that an incomplete request will delay our response. Request forms are on our Facebook site under “files” or you can request a form through email or regular mail. We do experience covenants violations from time to time but we try to resolve issues in a timely manner. Sometimes homeowners simply don’t realize they are in violation. That’s why it is important to periodically review your copy of the covenants that are pro-vided to you by the Welcoming Committee. If you do not have a copy, please refer to our contact information below and we will ensure you receive a copy. Facebook: Go to Facebook and search for “Walnut Hill Community Association” Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: WHCA, PO Box 1713, Evans, GA 30809 Website: walnuthillevans.com Two violations account for the majority of reminders that go out to homeowners. They are (1) landscaping and, (2) parking. Our number one issue is landscaping. Many of us periodically neglect to cut the grass, but some homeowners take a little longer than others. It is particularly difficult when the lawn is taken over by weeds. This causes an unsightliness that the Association must deal with for the good of everyone in the community, but particularly for those living nearby. Our number two issue is parking. Parking regular privately-owned vehicles on the street is permitted on a temporary basis (daytime visitors, for example) but is generally restricted. Parking of trailers, boats, RVs, and the like on any part of the property or roads run-ning through the neighborhood and parking anything on the grass is always a violation. Please refer to your covenants for details about parking.
Not Walnut Hill Walnut Hill
For copies of our community covenants, please visit our website:
www.walnuthillevans.com
Covenants and Architecture Committee (continued) When is becomes apparent that the violation is not being addressed, the homeowner will receive a written notification from the As-sociation. The Association deals exclusively with homeowners, who are the only bona fide members of the Association. We do not deal directly with property managers, renters, or other residents that are not homeowners. If there is a violation, we will contact the homeowner for resolution. In our last newsletter, we addressed how small things can make a big difference in the aesthetics of our community and specifically wrote about mailbox maintenance. Thank you to all members who took a little time out of their busy schedules and spruced up their mailbox! It made a noticeable difference. For those of you who missed the newsletter, the standard for mailboxes in Walnut Hill is a black mailbox supported by a white “T” or “L” shaped post. The posting of a street number on your home or mailbox is required by Columbia County ordinance. In this newsletter, we would like to address “curb appeal” and actually talk about curbs! Again, it is the small things that really make a difference. Edging your grass, weeding the crack between the curb and the road, and picking up grass clippings before they wash down into the storm water drain makes a big difference in the beauty of the neighborhood. In addition, if you have access to a pres-sure washer, removing the grime from the curb really tops it off. Again, this all takes time but your neighbors will appreciate your pride in our community.
Not Walnut Hill Walnut Hill
Treasurer’s Two Cents Worth
Thank you to the homeowners who paid their annual dues in such a timely manner. The usual, budgeted bills have been coming in so it really helps to have that money in the bank to cover them. So far there have been no unexpected expenditures so it's anticipated that the budgeted income will be adequate to cover all expenses for the year. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. -Nancy Sizemore
Walnut Hill or Columbia County?
It’s hard to keep up with rules and regulations. Most of us have difficulty with it at times. However, on occa-sion there are things that need to be brought to someone’s attention. Who do we contact? The Association? The Columbia County government? The rule of thumb is that if it’s in the Walnut Hill Community Association Covenants, we as a community, are responsible, although that’s not always the case. Here are some examples. Walnut Hill Responsibilities (on common grounds and private property) Landscaping (grass not cut, shrubs not trimmed) Recreational Vehicle, boat, trailer, etc. parked in the driveway Automobile, trailer, RV, boat, etc. parking on the street Vehicle parked on the grass General unkempt appearance (rubbish, tree branches, toys, construction materials) Poor external home maintenance (mailboxes, shingles, fences, garage doors) Columbia County Responsibilities Nuisances and annoyances (parties, animals, loud music, etc.) Disputes between neighbors Street light outages Pot holes Damage to public property Rubbish on public property
Both the Association and the County are willing to assist you if you attempt to resolve an issue and aren’t getting results. To contact your association, email [email protected]. To contact the County, call 3-1-1 or use the “My County” app.
To download the app, search Apple’s App Store or Android’s Google Play Store for My County: Columbia County, GA
The Welcoming Committee The welcoming committee visited 5 new homeowners in the 2nd quarter of this year. We are always pleased to hear the reason new homeowners are attracted to Walnut Hill is the well maintained grounds, our covenants and Columbia County school system. Jana Curry Welcoming Committee Chair
Grounds Report – June 2019
1. Dumping of grass clippings on HOA and Columbia County School property. On the morning 6/28/19 freshly cut grass clippings were again found at the end of the path on Windward Ct. This natural area belongs to the HOA and the Columbia County School System. A recent complaint about previous dumping at this lo-cation was made by a homeowner. The HOA Covenants, Article V, Paragraph 4 speak to the No Dumping policy. Please put yard waste in your trash containers for removal by your sanitation provider.
2. All irrigation systems were turned on in late April and are functioning. 3. TruGreen continues to apply fertilizer and weed control chemicals per the contract. An application of
lime was put down in early Spring 2019. 4. In March, A-Cut-Above ( the HOA lawn service provider) trimmed all the heleri holly bushes on the cen-ter entrance islands. They initially looked barren but now every bush has returned to full greenery. 5. Underbrush and weed control herbicides were applied twice to the large natural area behind Leeward Dr. since January and the final spraying will occur in late Fall. 6. A number of fence rails and a few posts on the 3 paved paths have been replaced. 7. A chain-link fence and gate with a lock was installed at the back of the HOA property between Barberry Ct. and Kimberly Pl to dissuade the discarding of grass clippings and other debris. The fencing materials were donated by an HOA member and installed by Grounds Committee members. 8. Litter being discarded from vehicles traveling on Walnut Hill Dr continues to be an all to frequent occur-rence. Please report any violators to the Columbia County Sheriff. The non-emergency number is: 706-541-2800 9. If you observe or are concerned with issues that need the attention of the Grounds Committee please call or text me at 706-312-2776. David Anna Grounds Committee Chair
Pet Corner
Walnut Hill Community is pet-friendly! We welcome you to walk your pets on our common areas, but please remem-ber to pick up after them and be responsible pet parents. Also, be aware that there is a Columbia County Missing pet website. If your pet is missing, please go to the Columbia County Animal Services website to search a database of lost and adoptable pets picked up in our area. The website is https://services.columbiacountyga.gov/AnimalControl/ Animals are photographed and posted to the website within one hour of being picked up. PLEASE REMEMBER: Cats are subject to the Columbia County ordinances of leash laws and being under voice command. Cats who roam can annoy neighbors by spraying and defecating in their yards. If you let your cat roam, it is likely to be picked up as a nuisance animal. Optimally if you let your cats outside, they should be supervised…and less likely go missing. If you find a stray cat or dog, please contact me and I will search the Pet Registry for matching description and will contact the owner, saving them worry and stress. I also monitor the Columbia County Humane Society Facebook page which shares photos of missing pets, often ending with happy reunions. We would like to register all Walnut Hill pets to our Pet Registry database, so please email me your pet’s name, breed, description, gender, age and your cell phone and address and I’ll add your pet in. If your pet ever gets out or wanders away, I will send out the pet’s info to all social media lost pet pages to bring your fur baby back home. This pet regis-try works! Thank you and enjoy the rest of winter and early spring! Laurie Lane 4679 Walnut Hill (706) 294-9937
House Watch Program: Columbia County Sheriffs Department The House Watch Program was set up over 10 years ago to help protect the homes of people who are going to be gone for an extended period of time. This free Service was designed to allow people living in Columbia County to have peace of mind while on vacation or away. In order to be placed on the House Watch program, contact Columbia County Sheriff's Office dispatch at (706) 541-2800 at least 24 hours prior to departure. You will be asked a series of question including, but not limited to:
• Home Phone Number
• Address
• Emergency Telephone Number
• If you have an Alarm Company and who
• If you have any pets
• Are there going to be any lights on
• Any vehicles in the driveway
• Is there anyone Authorized to be there
• A contact number for a person with a key
• An Emergency Contact Number
• Leaving Time and Date
• Returning Time and Date
Once the information is entered into the system, our deputies will check on the houses periodically during the day and night. If you find that you will be away longer than expected, call dispatch and tell them about the change and they will be happy to adjust the times.
Walnut Hill Garden Club
The Walnut Hill Garden Club began 15 years ago. The women meet monthly from September through May on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Members take turns hosting the monthly meetings. Occasionally the group will meet at a nearby restaurant for the monthly meeting. Also, an annual progressive dinner takes place in March as well as a summer cook out. We have a great group of gardeners who also prepare and share some delicious food!! The garden club welcomes all women who have an interest in friendship, nature and gardening. The group ranges from serious gardeners whose gardens have been featured in gardening magazines to those who love the social aspect more than digging in the dirt. If you would like more information or are interested in joining the Walnut Hill Garden Club please contact Pat Smith at 706-231-2131.
Neighborhood Watch
What is Neighborhood Watch? Neighborhood Watch is Volunteer citizens coming together in a neighborhood, communicating with each oth-er and the police to reduce crime in the area they live. It is concerned citizens looking out for each other and helping others who may need it. It is citizens being the "eyes and ears" of the police. How does it work? Neighborhood Watch works through mutual aid. Neighbors watching out for neighbors. A police officer pa-trolling your neighborhood may not recognize strangers around your house or activity in your neighborhood which could be considered suspicious. Your neighbors know who you are, what type of vehicle you drive, who belongs in your neighborhood and who does not. When suspicious activity or a crime is observed, the Neigh-borhood Watch member calls the police, then alerts the neighbors. The key to Neighborhood Watches success is communication between citizens and the police. Neighborhood Watch is by no means a vigilante type or-ganization. The confrontation of suspicious persons or the apprehension of criminals should be left to the po-lice. Neighborhood watch has been a vital part of our Walnut Hill Community for a number of years. We have part-nered with the Columbia Sheriff's Office Neighborhood Watch Program to contact myself by cell phone or email to inform of any issues that have occurred in or around our neighborhood that would impact our commu-nity. Remember we are the KEY that keeps our community safe. I am Waylon Sanders and the Walnut Hill Community board of directors have appointed me as the new Neighborhood Watch Committee Coordinator. I request your support and observations to ensure our commu-nity is a safe place to live. My contact information: Cell: 706-513-4965 Email: [email protected] Thank you, Waylon Sanders Neighborhood Watch Committee Coordinator (706) 863-1078
