A vibrant community with regular events portrays a positive image to outsiders, including potential homebuyers. Events that bring neighbors together and create a lively atmosphere can boost the appeal of the neighborhood, ultimately increasing property values. A well-connected community is also more likely to attract residents who are invested in maintaining the neighborhood’s appeal and quality of life.

The HOA Board asked members to participate in another neighborhood vote to get their opinion on the event budget. 80% were in favor of keeping a budgeted line item for events in the HOA budget. This will NOT raise HOA dues

Protect Your Pipes

Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it’s much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized. In these temperatures, the water inside your pipes can expand, causing pressure that leads to ruptures.

There are several ways to help prevent your pipes from bursting:

• Cover exposed pipes outside with a pool noodle or a towel.
• Let your inside faucets drip with warm water.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes under the sinks.
• Disconnect hoses, inspect the faucets for leaks, seal any gaps, drain spigots & pipes, and add outdoor faucet covers.
• If the water heater is in the garage, use a safe heating method like a space heater to keep it warm but never use an open flame.

Not following these steps could cause severe damage to the foundation of your home.

Avoid Ice Melt

Pouring a bag of salt sounds like a quick and easy way to clear your driveway but it could cause you more problems. Rock salt is not only poisonous for your pets and plants but also highly corrosive. Its harmful chlorides cause health risks to children and pets—salt damages concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks indirectly. Salt corrodes concrete beneath the surface, resulting in discolored, cracked, and crumbling concrete. It is caused mainly by chemicals reacting with the pavement surface. It’s also a good idea to have your vehicle washed after driving on treated roads and parking lots.

Get Your Furnace Serviced

You don’t want to find out your heating system is dead right when you need it. It’s a lot easier for a plumber or HVAC expert to work on your system in the fall than in the winter. Change your filters and test your heating in advance to ensure your furnace and thermostats are working appropriately. Look around your water heater for any signs of leaks or moisture, and take care of any minor issues before they become full-scale problems. If you’re having HVAC problems, we highly recommend our neighbor Noah Schwartz with New Age Heating & Cooling to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Preparing your home for winter can be as easy as flipping a switch. Reversing your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise during winter can be a simple yet effective way to save up to 10 percent on your heating costs. This change creates an updraft that circulates warm air near the ceiling down into the living space, helping to distribute heat more evenly. This improved circulation allows you to set your thermostat at a lower temperature while still feeling warm, thereby saving money and energy.

Stay Prepared

Ice storms can cause power outages. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be sure to have several flashlights with extra batteries.
• Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to protect the contents.
• Have some food and drinks available that do not require electricity to heat or prepare it.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

Board Members

New board members have been elected for 2025. Please welcome April Rowan, BJ Hamilton, Brandon Emmick, Dan McCormick, Dawn Welborn, James Howard, Jerry Fuchs, Justin Wink, Mark Worland, Scott Thompson, and Seth Pence. Due to the size of the neighborhood, the number of board members for next year will increase from 9 to 11 members. Benefits of this include diverse perspectives, shared workload, specialized expertise, and enhanced community engagement. Voting was available in person and online. New members will officially join the board January 2025. Titles will be voted between board members.

Resident Open Forum

Before the meeting, homeowners were asked to submit questions on the website that they wanted addressed during the open forum. Here are the eight main topics that were discussed:

County Violations

The board does not have the authority to enforce the law. Vehicle violations including speeding, reckless driving, illegal parking, non-street-legal vehicles, etc. must be handled by proper authority. Everyone in Daviess County has the right to call the law if he or she believes it to be necessary.

Quorum

At all meetings of the Lot owners, the presence in person or by proxy of Designated Voters who together are entitled to cast greater than 30% of the total votes which could be cast if the Designated Voters for all Lot of Deer Valley were present in person or by proxy at the meeting shall constitute a quorum – Article II (H).

Neighborhood Projects

Pond fountains, basketball courts, pickleball courts, swimming pools, dog parks, and playgrounds would make great additions to the neighborhood. There is, however, a lot that goes into project implementation; budget being one of the main factors. Around $5,000 was quoted for the improvement of the traffic circle on Valley Brook Trace. It would be leveled with several loads of dirt and then seeded. The future of that area is still undetermined but it will stay maintained.

Budget

Board members are tasked with doing everything in their power to ensure that the homeowners association remains financially healthy. In order to fulfill this important obligation, board members should have a good handle on the HOA reserve funds. Money is saved for more costly repairs and replacements. The HOA needs to stay prepared for unexpected expenses; therefore, projects are limited and dues need to be paid.

Neighborhood Events

Deer Valley is known for hosting several events each year. Some favorites include the Fall Festival, Neighborhood Garage Sale, and 4th of July Bash. Neighborhood events bring the community together for fun and entertainment. In addition, it is a great selling point for homes and contributes to the increasing property value.

Rental Properties

Our neighborhood is a mix of homeowners and renters. We do not discriminate nor does it mention anything in the bylaws or CC&R’s that would prohibit rental properties. Every house in Deer Valley is treated the same. Each one is required to pay dues and abide by the HOA rules.

Teamwork

It is impossible and inconvenient to micromanage the entire neighborhood. We are all members of the HOA, not just the board. It is all of our responsibility as neighbors to work together and help each other out. If your having problems with your neighbor, talk to them. See trash by the lake, pick it up. Someone not mowing their grass, check on them. Pothole in the road, call the County.

Violation Committee

Once a committee is set, violations will be enforced with fines. Both the bylaws and CC&R’s can be found on the website. Structures that were built before Jagoe handed the board over will be “grandfathered in”. If interested in joining the Violations Committee, please contact the HOA President at president@dvhoa.net.

Board Election

Deer Valley’s election will also take place during the annual meeting.

To participate in any HOA voting, one must first register on the neighborhood website. Only one person per household.

Any homeowner that is interested in joining the HOA Board will need to fill out a nomination form.

For a better understanding of the roles and duties of a Deer Valley HOA board, refer to the bylaws or read the article “HOA Board Member Roles“. Both can be found on the website.

Members do not need to be present to vote. Online voting will open at deervalleyhoa.com when the meeting starts and close when the meeting ends. A written ballot will be anonymous; however, electronic ballots will not. More information about the HOA election process can be found in the bylaws.

Article IV

Powers and Duties

The board of directors shall have the powers and duties necessary for administration of the affairs of Deer Valley and may do all such acts and things except as by law or pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration documents may not be delegated to the board of directors by the Lot owners. All of the powers and duties of the DVCHOA existing under the Declaration shall be exercised exclusively by the board of directors acting on its own behalf or officers of the DVCHOA elected by it, or any managing agent. Such powers and duties of the board of directors shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) Operation, care, upkeep, and maintenance of the common areas;

(2) Determination of the common expenses required for the affairs of Deer Valley, including, without limitation, operation and maintenance of the common areas;

(3) Collection of the common charges from the Lot owners;

(4) Employment and dismissal of the personnel necessary for the maintenance and operation of the common areas;

(5) Adoption and amendment of rules and regulations covering the details of the operation and use of the property;

(6) Opening of the bank accounts on behalf of the DVCHOA and designing the signatories required therefore;

(7) Obtaining insurance for the property, including, without limitation, any insurance required by the Declaration;

(8) Making of repairs, additions, and improvements to or alterations of the property, including after damage or destruction by fire or other casualty, or as a result of condemnation or eminent domain proceedings;

(9) Enforcing the remedies available against Lot owners for violation of the provisions of the Declaration;

(10) Controlling the use of all common areas (consistent with the provisions of the Declaration);

(11) Changing the name of the DVCHOA; and

(12) Taking all other necessary and proper actions for the prudent management of Deer Valley and fulfillment of the terms and provisions of the Declaration.

President

The president shall be the chief executive officer of the DVCHOA. He shall preside at all meetings of the Lot owners and of the board of directors. He shall have all of the general powers and duties which are incident to the office of president of a nonstock, nonprofit corporation, including, but not limited, tpo the power to appoint committees from among the Lot owners from time to time as he may in his discretion decide is appropriate to assist in the conduct of the affairs of the DVCHOA.

Vice President

The vice president shall take the place of the president and perform his duties whenever the president shall be absent or unable to act. If neither the president nor the vice president is able to act, the board of directors shall appoint some other director to act in the place of the president, on an interim basis. The vice president shall also perform such other duties as shall from time to time be imposed upon him by the board of directors.

Secretary

The secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of all the Lot owners and of the board of directors; the secretary shall have charge of such books and papers as the board of directors may direct, and shall, in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of secretary of a nonstock, nonprofit corporation.

Treasurer

The treasurer shall have the responsibility for collecting the common charges assessed by th board of directors, for assisting the board of directors in the preparation of the annual budget and the calculation of the common charges, for investing DVCHOA funds and securities, for keeping full and accurate financial records and books of account showing all receipts and disbursements, and for the preparation of all required financial data. The treasurer shall be responsible for the deposit of all monies and other valuable property in the name of the board of directors, in such depositories as may from time to time be designated by the board of directors, and shall, in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of treasurer of a nonstock, nonprofit corpaoration, including, but not limited to, (1) insuring that a book of detailed accounts of receipts and expenditures affecting Deer Valley and its administration is kept in accordance with good accounting procedures, which shall specify the maintenance and repair expenses of the Deer Valley, and (2) arranging for the audit of said books at least once a year by a certified public accountant.

Committee

Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

An architectural committee, also known as an architectural review or architectural control committee, is responsible for enforcing the community’s architectural standards. This committee reviews proposals for modifications, approving or denying them according to the HOA architectural committee guidelines outlined in the CC&Rs.

An architectural committee is one of the most important committees in an HOA. Without one, the community risks losing its uniform aesthetic and diminishing curb appeal. This, in turn, can lead to lower property values.

Landscape Committee

Landscaping is essential to any homeowners association, as it helps beautify the neighborhood and keep property values up.

Smaller communities can do without landscaping committees since there usually aren’t many common amenities. However, larger associations will benefit greatly from this type of HOA committee.

A landscaping committee is responsible for researching landscaping companies, securing bids, and interviewing potential candidates. This committee also coordinates with the chosen company, oversees all landscaping work, and provides the HOA board with progress updates. While members with landscaping knowledge are a plus, it is not a requirement.

Budget Committee

Budget committees play a critical role in the operations of a homeowners association. Members of this committee help the board plan the annual budget. There can also be sub-committees responsible for reserve studies and investments. Since the work of a budget committee generally has to do with finance, members should have some level of familiarity with the subject matter.

Violation Committee

HOA violation fines are essentially monetary penalties for breaking HOA rules. Most homeowners associations levy fines for HOA violations to discourage future offenses. It’s a good way to enforce the governing documents and keep residents in check without taking legal action. Violation Committee assist with ensuring all residents stay within guidelines outlined in the CC&R’s.

Event Committee

It is important to build a sense of community in a homeowners association. One way to do that is to organize events and social gatherings that can help promote camaraderie. Such events are best left in the hands of an HOA social committee. Members of this committee can conduct polls to find out which events residents are interested in and when a majority of them are available. This committee is also responsible for making event announcements both online and offline

Communication Committee

More and more HOAs are moving to the digital format when it comes to homeowner communication — and for good reason. The power of social media is palpable, and HOAs would be wise to take advantage of it.

An HOA communications committee’s primary responsibility is to keep homeowners informed about their association’s news, events, and programs. They do this by creating newsletters, updating the website, using social media, moderating a community listserv, conducting surveys, and setting policies.

Deer Valley’s 2nd Annual Halloween Festival is scheduled for October 26, 2024. Members of the event committee have been “brewing up” a SPOOKTACULAR great time for this family-friendly event! Expect lots of exciting games and activities.

Monster Bash

Music will be playing throughout the day for all the little ghosts and goblins. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes as we wake the dead. Halloween trivia will also be incorporated into the mix.

Costume Contest

What’s a Halloween Festival without a costume contest? That’s right. Prizes will be given out to the best costumes at the party.

Games

More games have been added this year to increase the fun level. Games include cakewalk, 2 liter ring toss, plinko, matching, balloon darts, and bag toss.

Raffle

The event committee is thrilled to introduce a new feature to this year’s festivities: The Halloween Festival 50/50 Raffle! Starting on Tuesday, October 1, tickets can be purchased. Tickets will also be available during the festival.

Food Trucks

As always, there will be a wide variety of food from local vendors including Taqueria La Bendicion De Dios, Cold Stone Creamery, Hillbillies BBQ, Primal Craft Dogz, Libertalia Coffee, and Crowes Nest.

Haunt Your Home Decorating Contest

Get creepy and creative as you out-boo your neighbors for Deer Valley’s Best Decorated Haunted Home bragging rights! Pictures will be posted on the Facebook page for people to vote. Winner will be announced during the festival.

WHAT TO KNOW

The Loop will be closed off to all vehicles starting at 11:00am on 7/6 and ending at 11:00pm. It is imperative that we keep traffic out and everyone safe. Both entrances to the neighborhood, however, will still be open.

The DJ booth will also serve as an information booth. Ask about the event timeline, request a song, or just swing by and hangout.

This is a rain or shine event. In the case of severe weather, the event will hold off until the storm passes. If by chance a storm causes the event to cancel, it will be rescheduled for a future date.

Due to limited parking, other means of transportation is highly encouraged. Great alternatives include taking a bike, golf cart, hoverboard, or walk (if you’re close enough).

WHAT TO BRING

Chairs – Bring a chair, relax, and enjoy the experience

Sunblock – This is an all day event so you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun

Swimwear – There will be a water balloon fight for the kids and lots of water sprayed from the fire truck so bring your bathing suits, swim shorts, and towels

Appetite – There are 9 food vendors lined up for the July Bash

WHAT TO EXPECT

Music – Live music with Seth Pence and DJ services from yours truly

Food – There will be a wide variety of food from local vendors including Hillbilly’s BBQ, Crowes Nest, J’s Good Grub, Juan’s (formerly Real Hacienda), East Coast Eatz (formerly Libertalia), Kona Ice, Hello Pop, Cold Stone, and Doozie Does

Cornhole Tournament – $30 (per pair) entry fee can be paid the day of the event

Miniature Golf – Holes to Go is bringing a 9 hole course

Ace Inflatables – Be prepared to sign a waiver before jumping

Balloons – Dr. Popper Entertainment will  be there twisting balloon animals 

Hotdog Eating Contest – This will be very interesting to watch

Power Wheel Drag Race – Battery-operated ride-on race for children 10 years of age and under

Fire Truck Parade / Golf Cart Decorating Contest – Decorate your golf cart and join the parade or just sit back and enjoy the show

Fire Truck Spray and Water Balloon Fight – Great way to cool off

Glow Party / Limbo – We will light up the dance floor as we get closer to the main event

Fireworks – Be prepared for an amazing firework show!

Walking on frozen lakes is also prohibited. Such activity can be extremely dangerous and can result in severe injury or even death. Ice thickness can vary significantly in different areas of a lake.

Fishing is still permitted but to Deer Valley residents only. No fishing license required.

The previous sign posts have also been replaced with sturdier ones; keeping the signs in place. US Lawns put the posts 3 feet into the ground.

At Deer Valley, we put safety first. Homeowners must work together to maintain a safe environment for both our families and friends.

Summer Kick-Off

The Summer Kick-Off will take place June 1st in the VBT Loop. This will be a great way to welcome summer with family-fun activities. There will be cornhole, inflatables, balloons, and more! Summer jams will be played throughout the day and a glow disco later on in the evening. The night will then end with a movie on the lawn, so don’t forget your chair.

BBQ

What’s a summer party without a BBQ? What about a cook off? That’s right. Cooks will be competing in front of a panel of judges for best chicken, ribs, and brisket. Yum!

Food Trucks

There will also be several food trucks attending the event including J’s Good Grub, Torera Hibatchi, Hillbilly’s BBQ, Crowe’s Nest, Basil’s, Kona Ice and Coldstone.