~ Breaking News ~ |
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE VACANCY
The Master Association Board of Directors would like to announce a vacancy on the Architectural Review Committee, due to a resignation effective 9/30/2020, unless the position is filled prior to that date. Should you wish to be considered for this position, please email spainter@karecondo.com, with your name, address, and why you feel that you are suitable for the position. If you have questions about what the position entails, please email spainter@karecondo.com
_____
COYOTE UPDATE
Although we have not heard a lot about the coyotes recently, they are still around. A resident heard them feasting on a deer across from Willow Grove Pond at 4:30 a.m.! Please be vigilant when you are out walking. Remember that the naturalist told us that the urban coyotes -- don't easily scare off with noise!
_____
COYOTES IN THE LAKES AT FRANKLIN MILLS
Following is the article that was in Thursday, April 23, 2015 Record Courier with a summation of Wednesday night's meeting facilitated by Council Jack Amrhein to address the concerns of citizens of Kent. There was a very good showing of the residents of The Lakes at Franklin Mills at the meeting. Another good resource is City Manager, Dave Ruller's Blog at Kent360 http://www.kent360.com/9091-coyotes-in-kent.html which has many resources listed. The Kent Health Department representative who was at the meeting said that they would dispose of any coyote carcasses! The ODNR representative, Geoff Westerfield, said that his office would take calls from residents with concerns, 330-644-2293. _____
EXPERTS HOLD MEETING WITH KENT RESIDENTS ABOUT WARD 2 COYOTE INFESTATION
Experts talk to Kent residents about deterring, living around wild animals
By Conner Howard | Staff Writer Published: April 23, 2015 4:00AM
It seems the coyotes that have gradually made their homes in the city of Kent are not going away anytime soon and it's best to learn to coexist with them, according to local wildlife officials.
Kentites concerned about recent increases in coyote sightings, particularly residents of the heavily-affected Ward 2, gathered by the dozen for a public meeting at Kent City Council Chambers Wednesday to discuss the animals showing up in their neighborhoods. Kent Compliance Officer Dana Frazier and Geoff Westerfield, a local representative of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, were on hand to answer questions.
Several residents raised concerns that most coyotes they encounter in the city show no fear toward humans and are not easily scared away. Westerfield said coyotes that live in or around cities do not see people as predators and are not threatened by them.
"They see us every day," Westerfield said. "They hear a car door slam every day. They learn what's going on around them. Where you want to be concerned is when you get one that's approaching you. That's not a good thing, get out of that situation, get on your phone (and call police or Frazier). Do not turn your back to it, do not walk away. Keep your face to them."
Coyotes are found in cities across the country and do not form packs, but tend to hunt in small family groups. Their primary diet consists of rodents and small mammals but they are "opportunistic eaters" that will feed on roadkill and other carrion, Westerfield said. Addressing the possible danger to pets, he advised residents to keep their dogs on leashes at all times when going outside at night.
"A big dog tends to hold its ground," Westerfield said. "Small dogs are different, they don't have that stature. They chase everything. The dog is essentially instigating the situation, the coyote in most cases is running away."
Frazier told residents they have options for deterring the animals, including contracting with professional trappers, setting traps or deterrents themselves and driving coyotes away with a high-pressure water hose. Overall, he said bite attacks by coyotes are extremely unlikely.
"We understand your concern but there's numbers out there and the number of people bitten by dogs is far higher than coyotes in the state of Ohio," Frazier said.
Carol Creps, a resident of The Lakes of Franklin Mills, said she was glad Councilman Jack Amrhein and city administration organized the informative meeting.
"I appreciate that Kent is taking an active role and at least communicating," Creps said. "That's all we can ask, really, and I'm pleased about that."
Contact this reporter at choward@recordpub.com or 330-298-1126_____
PET OWNERS/WALKERS, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHER HOMEOWNERS
Please keep in mind some City Ordinances pertaining to pets and that violations can result in reports to authorities, charges, and penalties, not to mention hard feelings between residents of our community.
- 505.01 (a) refers to pets being leashed
- 505.01 (e) refers to the pet owner/walker "removing all matter excreted by a dog upon any property not belonging to the owner" which means as you are walking your dog, pick up after your dog(s)!
- 505.09 (a) refers to frequent and habitual barking, howling, or yelping dogs!
If these are infringed upon, the homeowner may contact the Animal Control Officer at the City of Kent Police Department 330-673-7732.
_____
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
At the Annual Meeting there was some discussion of Goose control. The 2014 Winter Edition of Wild Ohio Magazine has an excellent article "Goose on the Loose: How to Approach Canada Goose Conflicts" and refers to a publication on the Canada Geese and the controlling of them, which you can access by clicking on this link. According to the information, now is the time to begin harassing them, as they start pairing up and looking for nesting sites. _____
APPROVAL FROM ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
If you are awaiting approval from the Architectural Review Committee and have not received an email in a reasonable amount of time, please check your SPAM Folder.
_____
MAILBOX REMINDER
Mailboxes are considered federal property, and federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), makes it a crime to vandalize them (or to injure, deface or destroy any mail deposited in them). Violators can be fined up to $250,000, or imprisoned for up to three years, for each act of vandalism.
Also, please refer the the article on this web page about the placement of mailboxes, when they are being replaced. This information is, also, in the latest Tree City Bulletin from the city of Kent.
____
INFO FOR WREN’S HOLLOW AREA RESIDENTS
Due to the flooding and drainage issues at the pond in the Wrens Hollow area earlier this year, Americraft General Contracting has been contracted to clean out the drainage outlet along the walking path from the pond to the large section of cattails in front of the large tree next to the path. There will be a buffer of cattails left along the side of the outlet which runs along the back side of the individual homeowners’ lots. All work is being completed on the Association’s property and has been discussed and mapped out with city and county officials to ensure the Association does not remove any portion of the parks and rec. natural wetlands property. Extra care was taken to ensure all of these things. Once spring arrives the Board will evaluate the area and determine if any additional landscaping is required along the path for additional privacy. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email our property manager, Shaye Painter at spainter@karecondo.com.
_____
WINTER 2019 TLOFM NEWSLETTER
The latest edition of TLOFM Newsletter is available under the Residents Only section of the web page.
_____
AQUA DOC TREATMENT REPORTS
The HOA Board requested that the TREATMENT REPORTS from Aqua Doc be posted to provide residents with information. _____
FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LAKES AT FRANKLIN MILLS' RESIDENTS
A Facebook Group has been created for the residents of The Lakes at Franklin Mills. This is a closed group, which means that the posts and pictures can only be viewed by current members of the group. You can request to be a member of the group on the Group's Home Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelakesatfranklinmills Only residents of TLAFM will be approved to be members of the group.
_____
CHANGES TO THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR SINGLE FAMILY OR LIFESTYYLES HOME
Please remember that any changes that you wish to make to the exterior of your home MUST be first approved by the Architectural Review Committee. The Form to fill out is on the RESIDENTS left side-bar of the web page under ARC Review Committee.
_____
MOSQUITOS AND THE ZIKA VIRUS
There is an article in the Spring edition of The Tree City Bulletin (p.22) that addresses the concern about mosquitos and the Zika Virus, along with a contact number is there are possible breeding areas in your area. _____
SNOWY WEATHER REMINDERS FROM KareCondo; this applies mostly to LifeStyles and Condominium Owners. Under NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS, there is additional information on the City of Kent Ordinance regarding clearing sidewalks
a. The plow and shovel crews are 2 different crews and may or may not always arrive at the same time, but 1 is never far behind the other if that’s case.
b. If cars are left parked in the driveway, they will only plow behind the parked car, not next to it to avoid causing accidental damage to the vehicle. They do drive back through the property before leaving once everyone has been plowed to see if any cars have been moved and, if so, they will then plow the rest of the driveway.
c. If snow is predicted on trash day, please make sure not to put trash/recycle containers in the middle of the driveway entrance. The driveway will not be plowed if they arrive and see the cans in the middle. Please place the cans on one side or the other.
d. A reminder of the 2 inch trigger for the association’s contract; crews are not dispatched until there is an accumulation of 2 inches or more.
e. Please note, however, that salt does NOT instantly melt ice, and its effectiveness is very limited as temperatures drop below 20 degrees (as was common last winter). We urge you to take great caution and be mindful that slippery ice and snow may exist anytime the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Keeping a bag of Ice Melt or other deicing product on hand is also encouraged, as it is neither feasible nor reasonable to expect the Association to be able to address all of the icy conditions throughout the property.
_____
Single-Stream Recycling allows all recyclable materials to go into one container instead of two! Portage County Recycling will begin delivering 95 gallon rolling carts in January of 2016. These carts will support the Single-Stream method in which paper, plastics (1-7), cans, magazines, newspaper, cardboard and glass bottles can all be recycled together. It makes recycling a lot easier and leaves little room for excuses. Portage County is hopeful that going Single-Stream will increase the participation rate of recycling which would then help us avoid landfills, conserve resources and save our environment.
For senior citizens a limited number of 64 gallon recycling bins will be available. You may reserve one my calling Portage County Recycling 330-678-8808.
_____
PORTAGE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APP LAUNCHED
A new smartphone app makes it easier for Portage Country residents to get real time emergency information. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for the iPhone and iPad or from Google Play for Android phones and tablets. Search for "Portage County," "Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management," or "Portage County EMA." This site will provide Portage County residents with important information at any time including weather reports, daily situational reports, and links to emergency information. The app provides current weather and the ability for an individual to submit storm damage photos. If residents have problems with the app, call Ryan Shackelford, director of Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, at 330-297-3607 or email him at rshackelford@portageco.com . _____
KENT CRACKS THE TOP TEN LIST OF BEST PLACES FOR MILLENNIALS TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE MID-WEST!
http://www.kent360.com/9834-kent-cracks-the-mid-west-top-ten.html
____
EUCHRE
Are there any residents who are interested in playing EUCHRE? If so, please send a message to Web Master on the CONTACT US feature under the Residents' section of web page and your interest will be passed along to those interested in starting a EUCHRE group!
_____
EGRETS
TLAFM has had EGRETS and there are pictures of them, taken by Jerry Jividen, in the Photo Album on TLAFM web site.
_____
FIRE HYDRANT PAINTING
Kudos to TLAFM LifeStyles resident and HOA board member, Kevin Willis, who painted 40 fire hydrants in our neighborhood, including ones on Stonewater south of our neighborhood. The paint was donated by the City of Kent. It is amazing how the newly-painted fire hydrants have enhanced our neighborhood! Recently the City of Akron contracted to have their fire hydrants painted at a cost of $80.00 each! Just think of the value of Kevin's volunteer effort! Thanks, Kevin, for this beautification project!
_____
YARD SIGNS
A City of Kent ordinance states that you may not place signs in the tree lawn or in islands; if they are so placed, the city will remove them!
_____
RADON TESTING
Messages have been posted on the Message Board; you might want to read it and reply, as appropriate.
_____
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
If you have ideas for the social committee/getting-to-know-you opportunities in TLAFM, please email hoa@thelakesatfranklinmills.org
_____
SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS, REPORT IT
If you see any suspicious activity, call the Kent Police at 911 or non emergency number: 330-673-7732. _____
CITY OF KENT SIREN TEST
Just a reminder that the City of Kent tests its siren systems twice per month: the 1st Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and the 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
_____
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION MINUTES AND AGENDAS
Minutes from the HOA Board Meetings and Annual Meetings are posted in the Documents section of the Residents' section of the web page.
_____
SAFETY REMINDER
If residents, family, and/or friends park their cars in the driveway or on the street, please remember to LOCK the car(s)! It can be pretty tempting to passersby to try the doors of cars to see if they are locked -- and relieve them of their contents!
_____
THE LAKES AT FRANKLIN MILLS HANDBOOK OF RULES, REGULATIONS, AND INFORMATION
The Lakes of Franklin Mills Association Handbook of Rules, Regulations and Information can be found on this web page under "Documents" or "Governing Documents" with most sections marked with virtual “sticky notes” to identify where that specific rule can be found in the Master Association's Declaration. If not marked with a sticky note, the rule will generally fall under architectural oversight or the authority and/or requirement can be found in Chapter 5312 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Please contact KareCondo, if you have any questions. |
~ Did You Know? ~ |
The city of Kent has instituted a new single source trash hauler program. Please familiarize yourself with it and be sure to sign up.
http://www.kent360.com/NewTrashCustomer.html
Just a reminder to all LAFM residents trash blowing around the development is not only unsightly, but it also gets into the lakes and the drainage system that keeps the lakes at a consistent water level. Please secure your trash for pick-up so that we do not have problems with soil erosion and basement flooding.
|
~ Survey ~ |
Please login to view this area. |
|
|
~ Neighborhood News ~ |
CURB APPEAL IS IMPORTANT
MAILBOXES (Single Family Homes, including LifeStyles & Admore Condos):
In an effort to improve the curb appeal of your home, if your mailbox is rusty or missing parts, such as its door, latch or flag, you should replace your mailbox with a white mailbox similar to the one being replaced. Home Improvement stores have white, reasonablyâ€priced, USPSâ€approved replacement mailboxes in white plastic or metal. For example: Home Depot and Lowes have Rubbermaid Gentry Mailbox and Post Combo in white (CG1W) for $51.99 and the Gilbraltar Mailboxes Standard Size (20" DEPTH) White Galvanized Steel Rural Mailbox, Model #E1100W00, priced at $17.97. A larger size (22 3/8" DEPTH) of the same mailbox price at $24.97 would also be acceptable. Your house number is to be displayed on the door of the mailbox.
If the post holding your mailbox and newspaper holder is wobbly or crooked, it should be made vertical and solid in the ground.
If you have "stuff" that has accumulated in the newpaper holder of your mailbox, NOW would be a good time to clean it out, also!
Thank you to the neighbors who have replaced their mailboxes; if your mailbox is detracting from the curb appeal of your home, please consider replacing it. A little TLC for your mailbox will greatly improve not only your curb appeal, but the overall look of the neighborhood.
Recommended by the Architectural Review Committee, see: Second Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for the Single Family Homes of The Lakes of Franklin Mills, Article IV,
MAILBOX PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
So that they do not get damaged during snow removal, the City of Kent recommends that the distance from the edge of the berm or face of the curb to the front of the mailbox be 12 inches. This distance is recommended due to the curve of a large snowplow blade, when angled to push snow to the side of the road extends past the pavement eight inches. These specifications are outlined in this article from The Tree City Bulletin.
LIFESTYLES HOMES' EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS
SHUTTERS AND FRONT DOORS: LifeStyles homes' shutters and front doors were originally painted with ICI (now Glidden Professional Paint) Hawthorne Green color; it can be purchased from Glidden Professional Paint, 315 E. Market Street (near Perkins Street), Akron, OH 330-762-7271; they are open 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. M-F. You can email hoa@thelakesatfranklinmills.org as a resident has some of this color that they'd be willing to share.
OUTSIDE TRIM: Lifestyles homes' outside trim is painted with Sawyers Professional Almond color, Glidden Professional Paint.
FOUNDATIONS: The foundation paint used for homes and condos in TLOFM is from Sherwin Williams called: Loxon XP, exterior masonry waterproof paint. The color is to closely match the siding color. You can purchase the foundation paint at: the Sherwin Williams store in Stow, at 4333 Kent Road (Rt. 59), 330-688-3088.
____
STREET PARKING
Please be aware of the street parking restrictions on the streets in TLAFM and park only on the sides where permitted. Advise your guests of where parking is permitted, so that they don't get ticketed.
_____
THE CITY OF KENT BEFORE AND AFTER RENOVATION
Enjoy pictures of our city before and after renovation. _____
KEEP SIDEWALKS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW
It is everyone's responsibility to clear snow and ice from in front of their houses. It's part of being s good neighbor and caring for each other in the community and IT'S THE LAW. Kent City Ordinance 521.15 requires walks to be cleared of snow within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall (and they do eventually end -- if only briefly). Failure to remove snow from the sidewalk could result n a $100 fine. Please, also, remember to clear the snow from around fire hydrants and curb ramps.
It is especially important to realize that if a contractor is hired for snow removal, keeping the sidewalk clear is the responsibility of both the contractor and the property owner. Please take the time and do your part to remove snow and ice so that we can keep the winter season safe for everyone.
_____
INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF KENT
Got a question or a comment about the city of Kent? Log on to http://www.mygovhelp.com/KENTOH to find answers, ask a question, make a service request. It's easy to use and is available 24/7. _____
SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL PRIORITIES IN THE CITY OF KENT
City streets are plowed on a priority basis. Priorities are bridges, hills, curves, school zones when school is in session, and main routes. Last, but not least, are secondary streets, cul-de-sacs, and alleys, which will be plowed and salted where priorities dictate, once the snow has ended and all of the other priorities have been completed.
_____
PHOTO ALBUM
If you take pictures of the neighborhood that you would like to have considered for posting on the PHOTO ALBUM on the Residents area of the website, please email them to Jerry Jividen at jjividen@mac.com Some new pictures have recently been added; you will want to check them out.
_____
TRASH COLLECTION AND RECYCLING PROGRAM
Following these Holidays, pick-up will be one day later than scheduled, if the holiday is before your scheduled pick-up day: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
_____
CITY SNOW REMOVAL
Streets in The Lakes at Franklin Mills are considered secondary streets and cul-de-sacs; the policy of the City of Kent is that these streets will be plowed and salted once the snow has ended and all of the main routes, school zones, hills and curves, and bridges have been plowed and salted. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE PARKING BAN ON STREETS WHEN WE HAVE SNOW! If during the winter season you have any questions or comments about snow and ice removal, you may call the Service Department at 330-678-8105.
_____ PARKING LIMITS/BAN ON CITY STREETS
351.13 TWENTY -FOUR HOUR PARKING LIMIT. No person shall park or store any motor vehicle, vehicle, or part thereof on any public street, alley, avenue, court, boulevard, drive or any other type of thoroughfare or right-of-way or part thereof within the City for more than twenty-four consecutive hours, which period shall include moving any vehicle or part thereof to another such public thoroughgare or right-of-way for parking or storage purposes. (Ord. 1964-19. Passed 4-6-64)Be sure that you check the City of Kent website http://www.kentohio.org so that you are familiar with parking regulations on city street; all of the streets and cul de sacs in The Lakes of Franklin Mills are city streets except the condo drives and the drive into the single family homes off of Edgewater Circle.
_____
KENT PATCH
By registering with www.kent.patch.com you can receive up-to-date information on what's going on in and around Kent.
_____
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
The NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP was formed in 2010, not out of necessity, but because of a true passion and sense of ownership of our community here in The Lakes at Franklin Mills. Most Groups are set up only after a problem occurs and disbands shortly after the crime stops. Our group is an exception! Our "issues" have been relatively minor this year and we've all pitched in and done our part in ensuring that our neighborhood remains safe!
Neighborhood Watch is all about neighbors helping neighbors. Residents are the best people to know if something in the neighborhood doesn’t look right, or someone doesn’t belong. If you see something suspicious, say something….immediately. Call 330.673.7732 or dial 911 to report suspicious activity. Note a description and direction of travel of people you report.Although Neighborhood Watch is not a function of The Lakes at Franklin Mills Home Owners Association, additional Neighborhood Watch news and meeting summaries may be found at The Lakes at Franklin Mills web site- http://www.thelakesatfranklinmills.org/
_____
SAFETY REMINDER
As you are checking your doors before you go close up your home and go to bed for the night, please remember to check that your garage door is DOWN! There is a lot of car and foot traffic through our neighborhood at night and some might find an open garage door too tempting, not to mention the critters that could get into your garage! Better to be safe than sorry!
|
|
