Association Dues Increase will be First Since 2015

Editor’s note: This article updates and corrects information presented in the Green Meadows Homeowners’ Association print newsletter distributed in late December 2022. The correct amount due annually will be $462.

In its October 2022 meeting, the Green Meadows West Homeowners’ Association (GMWHOA) board of directors approved a 10-percent increase in membership dues.

Starting January 2023, annual dues will be $462, paid in two installments.

The move marks the first dues-increase since 2015, and the fifth since 2000.

 Here’s a quick round-up of past increases:

•       2015: $420
•       2013: $385
•       2008: $350
•       2006: $330

Dues go toward maintaining and improving Green Meadows West neighborhood amenities and common areas, including landscaping and stormwater areas, signature entrance ways, and two publicly accessible private parks.

In turn, these features help maintain and improve neighborhood appeal and homeowner property values. 

 “Your association board strives to be a good steward of both property and money. Given the size and quality of our neighborhood, our dues compare very favorably to those charged by other metro homeowner associations,” says acting board President Jon Vasey.

“Given increases in fuel costs and mowing contracts, and some upcoming neighborhood-wide infrastructure requirements, the board thought it wise to increase dues at this time.” 

For more information on membership dues, including how to pay on-line using the APTEXX portal, please contact: Association Manager Ben McMenamin, 515.222.5206; benm AT knapplc DOT com

Please Vote in This Year’s HOA Election!

The following are biographies of those Green Meadows West homeowner-members who are running for election to the association’s board of directors in 2023.

The election will take place at the Annual Meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tues., Jan. 31, 2023, at the Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston.

All association members in good standing (all dues paid) may vote in-person, by assigning their proxy to another homeowner-member, or by returning their proxy to the board.

Four candidates will be elected, toward a minimum number of nine board members.

Directors serve terms of three years. Directors are unpaid volunteers.

If you have not received your ballot and meeting-attendance proxy, please contact Association Manager Ben McMenanin at Knapp Property: 515.222.5206; benm AT knapplc DOT com

Ballots and proxies must be received by 12 noon Mon., Jan. 30, 2023 in order to be counted.

Those who attend the meeting, as well as those who have returned proxies, will be eligible for door prizes.

The following biographies are presented in alphabetical order by last name. Candidates who are currently serving on the board are labelled as “incumbents.”

*****

Jeff Chavannes (pronouced “sha-van”) moved to the Green Meadows West neighborhood in July 2022. He lives in the south end of the neighborhood, on Barnsley Drive. He is currently working for Wells Fargo doing global strategy work. In a previous role with the company, he was heavily involved in housing initiatives. As a military veteran, his passion was around helping military and veteran families with housing needs. He created, stood up and managed national military and veteran philanthropic housing programs for Wells Fargo, Jeff has knowledge of community development and a desire to see his community strengthened. He, along with his wife Melissa, wants to see his three young children grow up in a vibrant community with outdoor activities and events to bring everyone together.

If elected, Jeff would focus on:

• Green energy projects (solar power & water conservation)
• Maintaining and potentially expanding the use of our green spaces for the neighborhood
• Addressing sidewalk safety issues by helping to find discounts for our community to repair or replace damaged concrete

*****

Jason Hamata (Incumbent) moved to the Green Meadows West neighborhood in 2019, and was elected to the association board in 2020. He lives on Nottingham Street, and has four young children that will all attend Johnston’s amazing public schools. He serves on the Prairie and Grounds committees. If re-elected, Jason would work to continue maintaining the infrastructure that we have, continue working on our natural areas, and continue to improve the horticulture at our entrances and throughout the neighborhood.

*****

Ron Lower (Incumbent) has lived in the Green Meadows West neighborhood for more than 15 years. He and his wife live on Hardwicke Drive, in Plat 8. Ron is a Software Engineer at John Deere Financial. Ron has served on the association board since 2014, and is currently a member of the Grounds Committee. If re-elected, Ron would continue overseeing maintenance of our common areas, in order to ensure the neighborhood is an attractive and appealing place for all its residents.

*****

Jason Rauscher (Incumbent) has lived in Green Meadows West, since 2016 and has been serving on the association board since 2017. He works at Corteva Agriscience with a background in biology and education. Jason has played an active role on the Prairie Committee, and currently serves as a board officer. He has a passion for the beauty and ecological impact of Iowa’s natural areas, and the important roles they play in the quality of life of our community.

Board Announces 2023 Annual Meeting Date, Seeks Candidates

The next annual meeting of Green Meadows West Homeowners’ Association (GMWHOA) members is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tues., Jan. 31, 2023, at the Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston.

This meeting will be conducted in-person. The board is also exploring live-streaming and video-teleconference options, in case of weather and/or public health contingencies.

The association’s officers and board of directors will present reports regarding current and future  activities. The meeting agenda will also include discussions of:

• 2023 operations budget
• current and future membership dues
• election of new board members

To vote at the annual meeting, members must be in good standing, with all fees paid. Meeting materials, include official notice, ballots and proxies, and board candidate biographies will be distributed via postal mail in early January 2023. Biographies will also be posted on-line via website and social media.

Proxies may be assigned to the board for purposes of achieving quorum, or may be assigned to a neighbor who plans to attend.

As always—to encourage meeting attendance or proxy-returns—there will be drawings for door prizes! These include two cash awards of $100 and one of $50!

If you are interested in serving on the Green Meadows West Homeowners’ Association board, please contact the Nominations committee via the Association Manager. Members of the Nominations committee will contact you to offer further information about prospective board roles and responsibilities. They will also solicit a short biography to share with the GMWHOA membership-at-large via postal mail, website, and social media prior to the election.

Individuals standing for election must be in good standing, with all fees paid.

Board members serve for elected terms of three years. Board members elected in 2023 will serve until the annual meeting in January 2026. Organizational by-laws stipulate a minimum of nine board members. Board members serve as volunteers.

The board meets regularly to consider financial reports, homeowner requests, and committee actions, typically on the third Tuesday of each month.

Interested individuals may also volunteer to serve on committees and working groups, such as the Prairie and Grounds committees. These positions are not elected, but are instead appointed via board or executive action.

For more information on the annual meeting, volunteer opportunities, or to contact the Nominations committee, please contact: Association Manager Ben McMenamin, 515.222.5206; benm AT knappproperties DOT com