Hawthorne II July 9, 2025 Meeting @ 118 Hawthorne Lake Drive, 6:30-8:15
Attendees: Don Read, Cherilyn Sytar, Jeff Biggs, Toni Wudtke
Guests: Bloomington Police Officers.
Lake Safety/Security Update
BPD attended & shared their perspective on our plan for enforcement of existing rules/covenants on the usage of the private common area surrounding the lake. BPD reviewed current state, what steps we have taken and what we envision as future state.
Current state: Signs are already posted. Communication has been on our website, Facebook, NextDoor App & via word of mouth. The lake is private for usage of Hawthorne II residents with a reciprocal agreement for Hawthorne Hills residents only. All other non-residents are considered trespassing-unless they are with a resident.
Fishing is not allowed after dusk by anyone. Walking after dusk is allowed by residents.
Loitering, littering & excessive noise; as well as vandalism should not be occurring by resident or non-resident.
Immediate state: 2 HOA owned cameras are being installed to capture violations. BPD indicates it is permissible to share pictures of violations on social media for official follow up. Lights will be placed on current lake signs to ensure visibility. Stronger No trespassing language will be added.
Future state: We shared due to increasing concerns (residents voiced to us/board observations / past monthly documented minutes) over the up-tick in non-resident visitors, after hours fishing, littering, etc. – we have drafted a comprehensive plan that will be solicited for feedback/updates/awareness, reviewed at upcoming meetings and the November annual meeting. Most likely will require another covenant update as the policy would be enforceable and target date would be the Spring of 2026. We are pursuing this to ensure safety for all our residents.
More details to come on: Security Cameras, BPD patrols, Hawthorne II Membership cards, Improved lighting, additional No trespassing signs and fines for trespassing and violations of covenants.
Electrical/Irrigation/Controller Boxes: Most are currently locked, and vendors/board members have accessibility. Explore costs to enclose the 3 main areas to prevent accidents or vandalism.
Irrigation system (start planning for replacement of controllers) – PENDING/requested
Regarding the pump/Woodbine fountain and mini waterfall – all resolved and fixed.
Replaced waterfall/lake sump pump in May. Replaced main pump & motor July 1.
Controller is last priority replacement for 2025 / mid-season checkup July.
Assess the what if’s of replacing entire Station/Zone sections
Covenant violations: Don will follow up on visible trash containers and RV’s – then close issue until it surfaces again.
Covenant Updates for Renting Provisions – Done at end of June 2025
Operations Manual: Cherilyn is creating a great manual. Each board member is to work with her to populate their respective tabs of responsibilities. Discussed the need for a contract with all vendors as we have it with some and not others.
Maintenance:
Jeff is managing the maintenance needs (4 stumps, broken lights,) *updated below*
Landscaping: Jeff shared that J. Jacobs Landscaping does not remove trees or stumps so will work with Embark for Ash tree and stump removal. Still should do a walk around closer to Fall for a comprehensive Landscaping Plan. This company will also be our snow removal company for coming year.
Irrigation/waterfall area: Toni check with irrigation. Address potential leak. Check with Irrigation Vendor on when/when/how of added or fixed zone to water future plantings.
Lighting: Mark is working on replacement of broken/existing monument lights.
Jeff is working with Jeremy Jacobs for entrances and landscaping area. Hope to address soon some areas have exposed low voltage wire.
Jeff is also researching 4 lights for existing lake signs.
Lake:
Fountains – middle fountain issues they are working on it will resolve
Dam inspection: Don will schedule with Farnsworth (Start August - September)
Speeding/Traffic: Not enough cars for additional Calming Devices. Data confirmed peak times (as antidotally suspected) where speeding occurred on all 6 sites on 4 streets.
Peak hours: 6-8 AM, and 3:30-7 PM /clocked at 38-58 mph
BPD will patrol & issue citations. Encouraged by BPD and City Engineering to capture licenses, pass on to officials for their follow up and do not follow or confront.
Financial update provided online by Mark & reviewed by board. Budget is in a healthy state,
Projections & time balancing significant costs we are incurring, high priority capital improvements and reinvesting as CD’s mature.
Next meeting is on August 13th