The Fall of 2015 and Spring of 2016 were a busy time for the Commons Committee. This report will detail the activities undertaken to maintain the Edenton North Commons.
1. Last fall, two big projects were completed. Detlaf Gartzke, Charles Williams and Joe Shandera placed mulch around young trees purchased through NRD tree grants. Also, MANY wheelbarrows of sand, gravel and dirt that had accumulated in and around the culvert behind 4941 and 5001 S. 75th were removed. Kent Lovelace, Detlaf Gartzke, Charles Williams, Alex Lowell and Joe Shandera provided the manpower.
2. Bid proposals for Herbicide and Algaecide treatments for the ponds and control of phragmites were sent out in early February to three companies. Bids were received from two of the companies. A three year contract (2016–2018) with Nebraska Lake Management was authorized by the Board. Rates for the duration of the contract will remain the same as 2014 and 2015.
3. The winter was tough on a large willow tree near the South pond as well as several other branches in other trees. Bids proposals were requested from 5 companies. Three bids were received ranging from $400 to $3000. The board approved a contract with Acme Tree Service to complete this work. Given the age of some trees, Commons Committee has recommended that $500 be included in the 2016-2017 budget.
4. On March 19th, Jim Stepanich, Charles Williams, Kent Lovelace and Joe Shandera met to clean up debris along Antelope Creek near Lucile Dr. Joe Shandera has contacted the Public Works Dept. concerning the buildup of silt and debris near the Lucile St. bridge, partially blocking the flow of Antelope Creek. They agreed that it needed to be cleaned out but nothing has been done so far.
Special THANKS to Kent Lovelace for his cleanup of the branches on the south side of Shirl Dr. and to Lon and Cindy Pomajzl for their cleanup of the wetlands area behind their home. We also want to recognize and THANK all of the homeowners that have contributed their time and effort to keeping the drainage way and commons free of debris, trash, etc. YOUR EFFORTS ARE APPRECIATED!!
5. A repair kit had to be installed in the South Pond aerator this spring as well as some replacement parts in the fountain for the North Pond. Also, after one of our BIG RAINS, both fountains had to be cleared of debris that had been sucked into them.
6. Bid proposals for mowing, fertilizing, and weed control in the Commons beginning in 2017 were sent out to 12 lawn care companies. In the process, our present contractor notified us that he would not be bidding due to a change in his other job responsibilities. Three bids were received and the Board has authorized a two year contract (2017-2018) with Grasshopper Lawn Care Company. Rates will be slightly lower for some services with an annual savings of approximately $500.
7. This spring has seen a growing problem with non-association persons fishing in the ponds. Some examples of issues observed include climbing/sitting on retaining walls, swimming out near the fountain to untangle fishing line, late night/early morning fishing, leaving trash around the ponds, etc. Ponds are private property and not meant as a public use area. Section 19 of the Covenants states that “Class “A” members of the Corporation shall have a right to use and enjoy the Commons….”. Please observe these guidelines. The Board has authorized the purchase and installation of No Trespassing signs.
8. Nextdoor website (https://familyacresne.nextdoor.com/news_feed) looks like a good website to keep in touch with neighbors. Check into it!
9. Gana Excavating has been contacted to look at some bank stabilization needs and the condition of inlets and outlets throughout the commons.
10. Please recognize the efforts of our commons committee members: Detlaf Gartzke, Alex Lowell, Rich Butalla, Kent Lovelace, Charles Williams, Jim Stepanich, Scott Tinkham, Lon Pomajzl, Dave Holland and Joe Shandera. We are always looking for additional volunteers!