HOMESTEAD IN THE WILLOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Regular Board Meeting January 12, 2026 – Unofficial Minutes
CALL TO ORDER: President, Robb Origer called the meeting to order at 5:33pm. Present were Vice President, Ginny Karlberg; Secretary, Eric Kemp; Member at Large, Stuart Siekmeier; Treasurer, Steve Bell; Business Manager, Katie Kidwell, ACC Manager, Emily Maxfield; Pool Manager, Shannon Ricca; and Tennis Manager, Jill Ellsworth. Swim Team Parent Rep, Nevienne Manning attended the meeting via Zoom.
The Minutes of the November 11, 2025, regular meeting were approved as read.
RATIFICATION OF BOARD ACTIONS: Eric moved to ratify the board actions of December 22, 2025. Steve seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPEALS HEARING RESULTS: Account 547 appealed a Covenant Taskforce citation but did not appear for the hearing. After discussion, Robb moved to continue the citation process and assess the next fine. Steve seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Account 435 also appealed a citation and did not appear. Ginny moved to follow the covenant violation process; Stuart seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Account 485 has involved legal counsel. The Board agreed to request additional documentation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
SWIM TEAM: Parent Rep Nevienne Manning reported that coach interviews for the 2026 season are underway. Swim Team participation has declined in recent years, and efforts are being made to attract more swimmers. She thanked the Board for continuing the Swim Team–only Associate Membership option for Homestead Elementary students living outside the neighborhood, as well as for the electrical upgrades at the North Pool to support sound and tech needs during meets.
Due to reduced membership, the Swim Team has also solicited sponsors through the Herald to help offset operating costs.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE: No report.
MANAGER REPORTS:
POOL: Front Range Recreation Manager Shannon Ricca confirmed the Board‑approved pool upgrades and noted that FRR is currently interviewing lifeguards for the 2026 season. She asked Katie to notify her once the North Pool concrete is walkable so FRR can begin mechanical room upgrades.
TENNIS: Manager Jill Ellsworth reported that USTA rankings have been released and teams are being formed. She and the Board discussed establishing reasonable limitations on non‑resident players on teams and enforcing rank‑appropriate play due to high demand. Homestead will again rent two additional courts through South Suburban to accommodate all players.
LANDSCAPE: Manager Nancy Bauer submitted a written report. WaterKetch has begun the 2026 sprinkler renovation in the central controller zone. Because water must be turned on for the work, they will also water the exposed west and south sod areas.
ACC/COVENANT TASKFORCE: Manager Emily Maxfield reported that ACC open houses advertised in the November and December Heralds received no responses. Beginning January 2026, the ACC will accept emailed applications and send approvals electronically. All ACC paperwork is being moved to digital storage, and existing paper files will be scanned and uploaded to the shared drive. The Board reviewed the Residential Improvement Guidelines and recommended no changes.
BUSINESS: Manager Katie Kidwell provided updates on fence and dues collections. She announced that the HOA attorney will host a class on Board member duties and encouraged interested board members to attend. The pool house wiring upgrade has been completed; however, the North Pool bollard lights require replacement due to extensive wiring damage and age. The North Pool concrete deck replacement is ongoing.
A homeowner requested use of the South Pool lawn on May 23 for a graduation party. The Board approved the request contingent on restrictions Katie will communicate.
Account 813 requested a dues payment plan. Steve moved to approve; Robb seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Treasurer Steve Bell had reviewed and approved the December financial statements. Financial statements are posted on the HOA website monthly. Steve and the Board reviewed the reserve fund balance and projected deposit and discussed how to present the financials at the Annual Meeting in March.
OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS: Katie presented the property and liability insurance renewal. Due to limited HOA insurance markets and a recent slip‑and‑fall claim, Philadelphia Insurance proposed renewal at a 39% increase. The Board agreed to raise the deductible to $10,000 and remove the fence from the policy. Given the strong reserve balance, the Board believes the HOA can self‑insure in future years.
Katie announced her plans to retire as Business Manager in 2026. The Board will advertise the position online and in the Homestead Herald.
ADJOURNMENT AND CALENDARING: The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm. The next regular Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, February 11th at 5:30pm at the Business Office.