When is the Annual Meeting?
On the fourth Tuesday of January.
How were the Covenants and By-Laws developed?
The Covenants and By-Laws of our RMHOA subdivision were created by the Developers in conjunction with the City. The Covenants and By-laws were developed to maintain the integrity and appearance of our subdivision, and to help keep us as “good” neighbors.
Please follow our Covenants and Declarations so that we can keep our beautiful development a desirable place to live. Please keep your lawns mowed, your gardens weeded and your other landscaping tidy. People judge our subdivision by YOUR yard!
Algae: What does the Board do to manage algae in our lakes?
Every year, Robeson Meadows HOA hires a company that specializes in the aquatic management of lakes and ponds. They are a team of scientists, biologists and aquatic resource management professionals specializing in water quality testing and restoration, nutrient remediation, algae and aquatic weed control, etc. The lakes need to maintain at least 20% of vegetation to keep a good environment for the fish. Treatments for both lakes begin in mid-March and continue through September.
These lakes are not naturally occurring. They are rather retention ponds to collect and temporarily store water after each rain event. The infrastructures to keep this system in working condition are very important to avoid flooding of streets and basements. An important fact to mention is that the small lake receives the excess water from the neighboring Cherry Hills Subdivision, which later continues its course into the big lake. Along with the water come the nutrients (and the also undesirable debris), therefore, to keep the lakes healthy is a challenging and costly task.
Exterior Changes: What types of exterior changes require approval?
This committee must approve all changes to your exterior, deck, landscape, fencing and paint color prior to work commencing. Please contact the RMHOA Land Use Chair, Brynnen Owen, for approval. Please provide email files whenever possible. Often, it is as easy as an email. Please be mindful of your lot line restrictions and easements. This will avoid possible future problems and added expense.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
Fences: Are fences allowed and do they have to be approved?
Fences must be approved by the Architectural Committee and must comply with the City of Champaign guidelines.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
Our Covenants indicate that ornamental metal (iron, steel, etc.), brick and wood fences are allowed. Chain-link or other wire or steel mesh materials (& plastic) are not allowed. The committee will consider some of the newer fencing materials. Fences may not be erected on “common area easement” or other public areas. We strongly suggest that you have a survey done on your property lines! Recent cost experience is between $300-500. This will avoid any future problems and added expense!
Fences damaged by Park District contract mowers – please contact the Park District at 398-2550.
Fishing: Is fishing allowed in the lakes?
Yes. Our lakes are stocked with fish, for the benefit of members of our Homeowner Association. We ask that members be present when guests are fishing. Non-homeowners are not allowed to fish in our lakes. Please call the police (333-8911) if you see non-RMHOA residents fishing.
Geese: Can we feed the geese?
Please DO NOT feed these birds! We need to discourage these birds from coming or nesting in your yard. We are continuing to try methods to rid our lakes of these birds. The state is recognizing that these birds are a nuisance and they are beginning to allow increased options of control.
Geese: Has the board considered any actions to manage the goose population in our area?
After years of complaints from numerous residents, earlier in 2021 the Board decided to ask the FOG (Friends of Geese) organization to help our subdivision with the management of the excessive Canada geese population which has grown noticeably large in the last few years.
FOG is a new volunteer non-profit organization whose goal is to diminish geese/people conflicts. Please, get familiar with them by clicking this link:
The page is very informative and educational, explaining their goals and how they implement them in a humane and effective manner in order to diminish those geese/people conflicts.
This is not a one-year project but a commitment that will show results over time mainly due to their humane approach.
Your participation is encouraged to obtain successful results, but it is also entirely up to you.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Viktoria Ford viktoriaford@gmail.com
or
Penny Hanna hanna.penny8@gmail.com
Landscaping: Do landscaping changes require approval?
Every landscape was originally approved by the Landscape Committee. Any changes (except for replacing an existing plant) must be approved by the Committee.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
It is essential that you do not plant new material that may block existing lake views. Please, be mindful of your lot line restrictions and easements. This will avoid possible future problems and added expense.
Landscaping: What type of lawn fertilizer is recommended and how does it affect the lakes?
All homeowners are to use phosphate free lawn fertilizer. Lake water testing showed there was twice as much phosphate leaving our large lake than coming into our small lake from the Cherry Hills subdivision. This increased level makes it more difficult to control algae and plant growth in our lakes and requires more chemicals to be applied. Phosphate free fertilizers are available through the professional lawn chemical companies, hardware stores and garden centers.
Landscaping: Are there restrictions on disposal of leaves and landscape debris?
Please do not, or permit your lawn maintenance people, to put your leaves or landscape debris into our lakes, streets or public spaces. We ask that you keep leaves away from all storm & sewer drains. Help all of us by keeping these areas clear of leaves, twigs and other materials.
Parking: Is parking allowed on the street?
Section 3 of each Covenant contains a specification regarding parking,
“All property owners in Robeson Meadows Subdivision shall provide facilities for off-street parking for the number of automobiles in use by the owner or resident on the property or persons regularly employed on the property.”
“All property owners or residents in Robeson Meadows Subdivision owning or possessing any type of recreational vehicle, boat, boat trailer, or like vehicle, shall provide facilities for off-street parking for such vehicle in addition to the off-street parking provided for number of automobiles in use by the owner or resident.”
In other words, park in your garage and/or driveway, that is, off the subdivision streets, particularly at night time.
Pollinator Habitat: What are the Pollinator Habitats?
Maggie Dougherty Roberts and Japhia Ramkumar have each planted a certified pollinator habitat. Maggie’s is located in our common area south of the ponde along Windsor Road. Japhia’s “educational” garden is located in our common area in the large spillway west of the lake located toward Duncan Road. All homeowners and their guests are welcome to visit these gardens at any time. Both women welcome giving tours.
Swimming: Can we swim in the lakes?
No, swimming is not allowed. Article VII, Section 2 of the RMHOA By-Laws states that
“Swimming, floating, tubing, scuba diving, wading or other activities involving primary contact with the lake water are prohibited.”
Yard Lights: Are outdoor yard lights required?
The subdivision does not have street lights provided by the City, therefore the only source to illuminate the neighborhood is shared by all the residents.
The Covenants (under Section 3) of each sub-subdivision requires that,
“The owners of every lot shall erect and maintain in good operating condition one yard light located in the front yard.”
“All lights shall be equipped with a photo-electric cell that illuminates the light during hours of darkness.”
In addition, some homes in our subdivision also require a second yard light, to be located on or near the rear lot line of the house, “for the purpose of illuminating the commons area easement”. Please identify and refer to the specific Covenants of your property (provided under “About/Documents/Covenants”) in case your lot requires additional lighting due to its specific location.
When is the Annual Meeting?
On the fourth Tuesday of January.
How were the Covenants and By-Laws developed?
The Covenants and By-Laws of our RMHOA subdivision were created by the Developers in conjunction with the City. The Covenants and By-laws were developed to maintain the integrity and appearance of our subdivision, and to help keep us as “good” neighbors.
Please follow our Covenants and Declarations so that we can keep our beautiful development a desirable place to live. Please keep your lawns mowed, your gardens weeded and your other landscaping tidy. People judge our subdivision by YOUR yard!
Algae: What does the Board do to manage algae in our lakes?
Every year, Robeson Meadows HOA hires a company that specializes in the aquatic management of lakes and ponds. They are a team of scientists, biologists and aquatic resource management professionals specializing in water quality testing and restoration, nutrient remediation, algae and aquatic weed control, etc. The lakes need to maintain at least 20% of vegetation to keep a good environment for the fish. Treatments for both lakes begin in mid-March and continue through September.
These lakes are not naturally occurring. They are rather retention ponds to collect and temporarily store water after each rain event. The infrastructures to keep this system in working condition are very important to avoid flooding of streets and basements. An important fact to mention is that the small lake receives the excess water from the neighboring Cherry Hills Subdivision, which later continues its course into the big lake. Along with the water come the nutrients (and the also undesirable debris), therefore, to keep the lakes healthy is a challenging and costly task.
Exterior Changes: What types of exterior changes require approval?
This committee must approve all changes to your exterior, deck, landscape, fencing and paint color prior to work commencing. Please contact the RMHOA Land Use Chair, Brynnen Owen, for approval. Please provide email files whenever possible. Often, it is as easy as an email. Please be mindful of your lot line restrictions and easements. This will avoid possible future problems and added expense.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
Fences: Are fences allowed and do they have to be approved?
Fences must be approved by the Architectural Committee and must comply with the City of Champaign guidelines.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
Our Covenants indicate that ornamental metal (iron, steel, etc.), brick and wood fences are allowed. Chain-link or other wire or steel mesh materials (& plastic) are not allowed. The committee will consider some of the newer fencing materials. Fences may not be erected on “common area easement” or other public areas. We strongly suggest that you have a survey done on your property lines! Recent cost experience is between $300-500. This will avoid any future problems and added expense!
Fences damaged by Park District contract mowers – please contact the Park District at 398-2550.
Fishing: Is fishing allowed in the lakes?
Yes. Our lakes are stocked with fish, for the benefit of members of our Homeowner Association. We ask that members be present when guests are fishing. Non-homeowners are not allowed to fish in our lakes. Please call the police (333-8911) if you see non-RMHOA residents fishing.
Geese: Can we feed the geese?
Please DO NOT feed these birds! We need to discourage these birds from coming or nesting in your yard. We are continuing to try methods to rid our lakes of these birds. The state is recognizing that these birds are a nuisance and they are beginning to allow increased options of control.
Geese: Has the board considered any actions to manage the goose population in our area?
After years of complaints from numerous residents, earlier in 2021 the Board decided to ask the FOG (Friends of Geese) organization to help our subdivision with the management of the excessive Canada geese population which has grown noticeably large in the last few years.
FOG is a new volunteer non-profit organization whose goal is to diminish geese/people conflicts. Please, get familiar with them by clicking this link:
The page is very informative and educational, explaining their goals and how they implement them in a humane and effective manner in order to diminish those geese/people conflicts.
This is not a one-year project but a commitment that will show results over time mainly due to their humane approach.
Your participation is encouraged to obtain successful results, but it is also entirely up to you.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Viktoria Ford viktoriaford@gmail.com
or
Penny Hanna hanna.penny8@gmail.com
Landscaping: Do landscaping changes require approval?
Every landscape was originally approved by the Landscape Committee. Any changes (except for replacing an existing plant) must be approved by the Committee.
We now have a convenient Architectural Committee Review Form to request formal review of your project. Residents can use this form to describe their project, request approval, and submit any required photos or diagrams.
It is essential that you do not plant new material that may block existing lake views. Please, be mindful of your lot line restrictions and easements. This will avoid possible future problems and added expense.
Landscaping: What type of lawn fertilizer is recommended and how does it affect the lakes?
All homeowners are to use phosphate free lawn fertilizer. Lake water testing showed there was twice as much phosphate leaving our large lake than coming into our small lake from the Cherry Hills subdivision. This increased level makes it more difficult to control algae and plant growth in our lakes and requires more chemicals to be applied. Phosphate free fertilizers are available through the professional lawn chemical companies, hardware stores and garden centers.
Landscaping: Are there restrictions on disposal of leaves and landscape debris?
Please do not, or permit your lawn maintenance people, to put your leaves or landscape debris into our lakes, streets or public spaces. We ask that you keep leaves away from all storm & sewer drains. Help all of us by keeping these areas clear of leaves, twigs and other materials.
Parking: Is parking allowed on the street?
Section 3 of each Covenant contains a specification regarding parking,
“All property owners in Robeson Meadows Subdivision shall provide facilities for off-street parking for the number of automobiles in use by the owner or resident on the property or persons regularly employed on the property.”
“All property owners or residents in Robeson Meadows Subdivision owning or possessing any type of recreational vehicle, boat, boat trailer, or like vehicle, shall provide facilities for off-street parking for such vehicle in addition to the off-street parking provided for number of automobiles in use by the owner or resident.”
In other words, park in your garage and/or driveway, that is, off the subdivision streets, particularly at night time.
Pollinator Habitat: What are the Pollinator Habitats?
Maggie Dougherty Roberts and Japhia Ramkumar have each planted a certified pollinator habitat. Maggie’s is located in our common area south of the ponde along Windsor Road. Japhia’s “educational” garden is located in our common area in the large spillway west of the lake located toward Duncan Road. All homeowners and their guests are welcome to visit these gardens at any time. Both women welcome giving tours.
Swimming: Can we swim in the lakes?
No, swimming is not allowed. Article VII, Section 2 of the RMHOA By-Laws states that
“Swimming, floating, tubing, scuba diving, wading or other activities involving primary contact with the lake water are prohibited.”
Yard Lights: Are outdoor yard lights required?
The subdivision does not have street lights provided by the City, therefore the only source to illuminate the neighborhood is shared by all the residents.
The Covenants (under Section 3) of each sub-subdivision requires that,
“The owners of every lot shall erect and maintain in good operating condition one yard light located in the front yard.”
“All lights shall be equipped with a photo-electric cell that illuminates the light during hours of darkness.”
In addition, some homes in our subdivision also require a second yard light, to be located on or near the rear lot line of the house, “for the purpose of illuminating the commons area easement”. Please identify and refer to the specific Covenants of your property (provided under “About/Documents/Covenants”) in case your lot requires additional lighting due to its specific location.