HOMESTEAD IN THE WILLOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Regular Board Meeting September 8, 2025 – Unofficial Minutes
CALL TO ORDER: Vice President, Ginny Karlberg called the meeting to order at 6:35pm. Present were Treasurer, Steve Bell; Secretary, Eric Kemp; Member at Large, Stuart Siekmeier; Business Manager, Katie Kidwell, ACC Manager, Emily Maxfield; Landscape Manager, Nancy Bauer; and Pool Manager, Shannon Ricca. Swim Team Parent Representative, Nevienne Manning attended via Zoom.
RATIFICATION OF BOARD ACTIONS: Eric moved to ratify the board action of August 27, 2025 as recorded in the August minutes. Stuart seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPEALS HEARING RESULTS: There were no appeals.
The Minutes of August 11, 2025, regular meeting were approved as read.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
SWIM TEAM: Nevienne thanked the Board and office staff for their support during the swim season. The Swim Team would like to upgrade the sound system at the North Pool, which is currently connected by wires looping along the top of the pool fencing. The wiring is exposed to weather and the irrigation system, making it easily damaged. Since the concrete deck at the North Pool is scheduled for replacement in 2026, the Swim Team Board believes it would be an ideal time to upgrade and place the lines underground. They have a proposal to complete the work for $16,000 and asked if the HOA could contribute to the cost. The Board suggested that the Swim Team solicit donations toward the expense and made no financial commitment. However, the Board agreed to include the Swim Team and their sound consultant in meetings prior to the demolition of the North Pool deck, so that even the current wiring could be laid underground.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE: No report.
MANAGER REPORTS:
POOL: Front Range Recreation Manager Shannon Ricca reported that the South and West Pools are closed for the season; covers are on the pools and furniture has been stored. The North Pool will remain open for swim practice for the ACES Swim Team and will be maintained through October or until ACES ceases fall outdoor practices. Staffing has been arranged for the 50th Anniversary celebration.
TENNIS: Manager Jill Ellsworth submitted a written report. Adult USTA leagues have finished for the season. Advantage You will continue to hold drills at the North Courts.
LANDSCAPE: Manager Nancy Bauer reported that the Dry Creek retaining wall has been completed. Matt’s Maintenance pruned dead branches along Homestead Parkway, Tract C, and Easter Avenue, and completed an eight-foot clearance of all trees along sidewalks on Homestead Parkway and Easter Avenue. The HOA grounds maintenance contract is up for renewal, and Colorado Designscapes provided a more favorable quote than other competing companies. The Board agreed to renew with Designscapes. The Board noted how fortunate Homestead is to have vendors like Designscapes, Pagett Electric, and Vessa Plumbing and Heating, who live in the neighborhood and offer discounted rates to the HOA. Nancy also obtained quotes to crack seal the North and South parking lots before winter. The Board authorized Nancy to proceed. Many pet waste stations have been damaged, broken, or graffitied. Nancy had to spend $1,400 on repairs. The company that services the waste stations asks that pet owners and other residents refrain from using the receptacles for trash other than dog waste. The liners are flimsy and tear when items such as kitty litter, coffee cups, and take-out containers are placed in the receptacles.
Nancy and the Board discussed hiring a firm that performs civil engineering investigative work to examine the North Rec drainway. The company would provide a report establishing a comprehensive understanding of sidewalk erosion and storm sewer runoff, and offer the HOA a clear path forward for resolving the current sinkholes and erosion.
The Board and Nancy discussed the possible cost of replacing the failed drain, the challenges involved, and the cost of the study ($2,500). The Board agreed that if the evaluation provides the HOA with a variety of solutions and their associated costs, it would likely be a wise investment. The area has undergone many fixes over the years, and finding a lasting solution would benefit the community. The HOA sprinkler system has been renovated section by section over the past 15 years and is now 60% complete. The demands on the system are significant, as Homestead has 15 acres of greenbelt to water. The Board discussed how long they should continue renovating versus upgrading the system. Can WaterKetch provide metrics that show the advantages of upgrading? Steve and Eric are working with WaterKetch to provide options for more fiscally responsible options regarding the operation and maintenance of our irrigation system. The Board also discussed areas where turf could be removed to save the Association money.
ACC/COVENANT TASKFORCE: Manager Emily Maxfield reported that the committee is functioning well. Thanks to the volunteers’ willingness to evaluate applications frequently, many are being completed well before the 30-day period allotted in the Governing Documents. However, Emily wants to make sure homeowners are aware the ACC has 30 days to review as some applications require more time. Two owners who were cited for driveway replacement three years ago failed to complete the work within the allotted time.Stuart moved, and Ginny seconded, a motion to fine the owners for failure to complete the work within the agreed-upon time frame.The motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS: Manager Katie Kidwell reported on collections and the relocation of two flock safety cameras. The Board also agreed to a minor exception to the split rail fencing adjacent to greenbelts and walkways.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Treasurer Steve Bell had reviewed and approved the August financial statements which can be found on the HOA website.
OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT AND CALENDARING: The meeting adjourned at 8:38pm. The next regular Board Meeting will be on Monday, October 13 at 5:30pm at the Business Office.