Why We Have an HOA at Frisco Ridge

When our subdivision was developed, the developers established a homeowners association and responsibility for managing the interests of the neighborhood was handed over to an elected board, after we had about 50 homes. Several phases were planned for Frisco Ridge and the developers wanted to ensure that home values were protected over time. 

What Does an HOA Do?

If you have not lived in a subdivision with an HOA, you may not understand its role. According to LawDepot.com, a homeowners association is run by a board of directors that is elected by homeowners to oversee the common assets of a property/area, manage its finances, run business affairs, enforce and set rules and see to the maintenance and upkeep of an area. That seems like a pretty good summary of what we do. ​

Annual Meeting and Election of the Board

The current HOA board calls a meeting of all residents at the beginning of each year; in our case, it is usually in January. At that meeting, nominations for the five board positions are taken from the floor and voted upon by the members who are present. This is also the time when the Board members solicit help from residents to serve on committees, as a chair or member. 

At the annual meeting, the outgoing officers update residents on major projects and any issues that have arisen. Reports are given by the officers of the HOA Board, committee chairs and a representative from our HOA management company. The treasurer provides a financial report and shares any significant variations from the annual budget. Reports are given by the officers of the HOA Board, committee chairs and our HOA management company. This is also a time when votes are taken on any significant changes being proposed including revisions to covenants, by-laws, HOA rules, etc. Time is provided to respond to questions from Frisco Ridge residents. A semi-annual meeting may be scheduled for July to provide a mid-year update. (Please note, that due to the possible spread of Covid-19, we are not planning a summer meeting in 2020.)

Following the annual meeting, Board members set up their first Board meeting in order to elect officers from the five newly-elected Board members: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and member-at-large. These individuals then volunteer their time to conduct the business of the neighborhood for a period of one year. Board meetings are held as needed, usually 9-12 times per year. ​

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Benefits of Our HOA

As homeowners at Frisco Ridge, we all benefit from having an HOA. In exchange for paying a $300 annual fee, our money is pooled with everyone else's and it is invested back in our neighborhood. 

Each year, hundreds of volunteer hours are freely given for the good of all of us. Through our HOA, many fellow homeowners  focus on making sure our common areas are mowed and cared for, gardens are planted, our park is maintained, improvements are made, amenities are added, covenants are enforced and a variety of activities are planned for all of us. 

Frisco Ridge HOA Goals

​To help you get the most out of living at Frisco Ridge by:
• Providing ways to get to know neighbors through committees, projects and social activities. 
• Protecting your investment by consistently enforcing HOA covenants.
• Maintaining common areas
• Improving recreational opportunities through our park, soccer field, pond, walkways, special activities, etc.
• Enhancing safety in our neighborhood.

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HOA Accomplishments: 2017-2019

2019: 
-Had the first third of the living fence installed as you enter the subdivision from Hwy 66. At a cost of about $6,800 per section, the plan is to complete another 1/3 section in 2020 and again in 2021.(Note: city will not allow a different kind of fence due to flood zone.) 
-New sidewalk installed from the main sidewalk down to the playground area for easier access with strollers, wagons and by wheelchair.
-Replaced all the existing Frisco Ridge street signs for higher quality signs that should hold up better.
​-Added trees in the playground area.
-Took over lawn maintenance of the pond area.
-Weed control and fertilizer treatments to the common area lawns.
-Established a process/request form for team practices on our field and basketball court.
-Developed a FAQ for new resident welcome packets.
-Started neighborhood newsletters (about three/year)
-Events: Easter egg hunt and cook-out, a spring cookout, neighborhood garage sale; a July 4th neighborhood parade, picnic and homemade ice-cream contest; fall block party with food trucks; neighborhood decorating for Halloween. 

2018: 
-A split rail fence was installed and more trees planted.
-Organized a neighborhood clean-up and tree trimming in the wooded area by the soccer fields.
-Filled in missing bushes in the bridge area.
-Grass planted by the creek area and sprinkler system extended.
​-Re-mulch playground area.
-Slow, children playing sign installed by park.
-Events: Easter egg hunt and picnic; neighborhood garage sale; Freedom Fest neighborhood parade, cookout and homemade ice cream contest; a fall block party; Halloween neighborhood decorating; Christmas neighborhood decorating.

2017:
-Toddler swings installed
-Basketball court installed near the playground.
-Soccer goals and bench installed in soccer field.
-Trash pickup day was held.
-Three trees and a crepe myrtle planted.
-Easter egg hunt and egg throw contest followed by a picnic lunch;  neighborhood garage sale; Summer Fest with a neighborhood parade, prizes for best patriotic costume and best home decorations as well as picnic; movie nights; Fall Fest block party; movies in the park; Halloween showcase; and meet Santa at the park/Christmas decorating prizes.

Our living fence at the Hwy 66 entrance: phase I was completed in 2019 and phase II in late June 2020. Photo by Kelly Zachgo

2020 HOA Projects/Accomplishments

-Phase II of living fence at Hwy 66 entrance installed in late June.
-Willow tree planted by pond and flower beds planted.
-Developed a new, more comprehensive website.
​-Bike rack planned
-Review of our HOA management company performance. 
-Cleaning out of drainage system channel behind Branch Line. Planted grass seed and one row of sod along the channel. 
-Events: At-home Easter egg hunt due to Coronavirus, Neighborhood garage sale. (Canceled 4th of July Freedom Fest and Fall Fest due to Coronavirus.) Trick or treating in the neighborhood.
-90 daffodil bulbs were planted by our living fence and near the trees on Hwy 66 (Oct).
-Neighborhood cleanup days happened several times in Oct/Nov to clean up after the big ice storm.

Ongoing Projects

In addition to special projects each year, our HOA Board and committees handle a variety of ongoing projects:
-Manages the mowing and spraying of all the grounds.
-Planting flowers in the neighborhood garden beds
-Stop sign maintenance
-Following up on street light and fountain repairs
- Following up on covenant issues
-Distributing welcome packets and small gifts to all new residents
-Responding to complaints and issues that arise
​-Following up on unpaid HOA dues
-Working with our HOA management company to prepare financial reports, notices, resident emails, etc. 
-Creating newsletters for better communication
-Organizing annual meeting

Photo by Lolly Griffin