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.