Minges Farm Association
Minges Farm Association
Walking Path Etiquette Guidelines
June 2023
The purpose of this guideline is to clarify the right of way and fundamental etiquette to practice on the walking paths to provide for pedestrian safety in common areas, including the walking paths, located within Minges Farm Association.
The Minges Farm neighborhood enjoys a natural setting with open meadows and parkland, a walking path through and around the neighborhood, and open views between neighbors. It is preferred that neighbors treat each other with respect and use appropriate judgment to safely use the walking paths while being cordial to each other.
The Minges Farm Association Board of Directors would like to provide the “right of way” etiquette and guidelines for associate members to practice while using the walking paths:
1. Pedestrians have the right away over someone walking a pet(s) or riding a bike.
2. Pedestrians walking a pet(s) on a leash need to provide enough distance so your pet(s) is controlled and approximately 6 feet away from others.
3. Please walk on the right side of the path when approaching pedestrians coming in the other directions and use common sense judgment to allow enough space for others to pass. This may require walking off of the path temporarily into the grass area.
4. If a person is approaching another person from behind (walking, jogging or biking) at a faster speed then please verbally notify them of your existence and pass them safely on the left by going off of the path allowing at least approximately 6 feet of space.
5. PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY so anyone using a bike on the walking paths needs to provide enough notification and space (minimum approximately 6 feet) to not potentially injure or startle a pedestrian.
Minges Farm Association
Administrative Resolution Regarding Fences
January 20, 2022
The purpose of this resolution is to clarify the administration of fences as provided in Covenants and Use Restrictions, Article VI., Use Restrictions, Section 1.
The Minges Farm neighborhood enjoys a natural setting with open meadows and parkland, a walking path through and around the neighborhood, and open views between neighbors. Fences have been strongly discouraged to preserve this desirable setting, maintain property values, and avoid adversely impacting neighbors’ access to these views.
If a homeowner wishes to install a fence, a written proposal must be submitted to the Association’s Architectural Control Committee (Association Board) for approval. The proposal will include the proposed layout on the property, type, height, material, color, how it will fit in with the style of home, manufacturer/installer, and reason for requesting a fence. The homeowner is responsible for uncovering all property line markers prior to building the fence to demonstrate to the Board that it will not be built on neighbors’ property and that all applicable setbacks comply with city ordinances. The homeowner is responsible for obtaining all necessary building permits prior to construction.
The Architectural Control Committee will apply the following considerations:
1. In-ground swimming pool
In the event an in-ground swimming pool is approved, a mandatory safety fence will be necessary. The preferred fence is black metal/wrought iron open railing style. Black color is less visible, and the open railing style doesn’t block the view like a solid surface fence. Metal, plastic, and wood are all acceptable materials in that order. No chain link or split rail fence types will be approved.
2. Non-pool fence
Very limited consideration will be given to non-mandatory fences, and if approved, will be open railing style. Same descriptions as above. The Board recommends that the fence begin at the back corner of the house’s foundation.
3. Invisible electric pet fence
No approval is required to install this type of fence.
Administrative Resolution
Preservation and Maintenance of Minges Farm Association Park Land
[Ref: MINGES FARM ASSOCIATION By-laws & Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions]
September 8, 2009
Preface:
This resolution is recorded as a governing document of the Minges Farm Association. Its purpose is to enhance members’ property values, to ensure safe park use and to increase members’ enjoyment of the park.
Park Land Preservation Guideline:
The park shall be preserved essentially as it was platted and developed. Consideration shall be given to member proposed alternative uses of land and to alternative procedures for maintaining the land.
The Association’s approximate 32 acres of park land are comprised of woods (15 acres), meadows (5 acres), pond and marsh (2 acres), and paved walking pathways plus tennis courts (10 acres). City storm and sanitary sewers underlie portions of the park. A County storm water drainage ditch traverses the land from east to west.
Park Land Maintenance Plan:
1. Co-operation of all Association members shall be actively solicited. Dumping of yard waste, animal waste and debris unto park land is to be discouraged. Volunteering by members to help maintain the park is to be encouraged.
2. Wooden areas shall be maintained essentially as forests. Dead and dying trees shall be allowed to stand, fall and decay naturally UNLESS they pose a hazard to tennis players or walkers on paved paths. Cut and fallen trees shall be cleared from paved pathways and from County drainage ditch.
3. Meadow areas shall be maintained essentially as grasslands. Scrub trees and brush shall be cleared annually or bi-annually.
4. The pond and its related marsh shall be maintained essentially as wetland.
5. Paved pathways shall be maintained for safe walking and for access by maintenance vehicles and maintenance equipment. Paved pathways shall be maintained essentially clear of trees, brush and overhanging limbs for a width of approximately 20 feet and a height of 12 feet. Seeding the pathways with grasses shall be considered. Pathways shall be mowed during the growing season.
6. Tennis courts shall be maintained for safe tennis play. Grass areas surrounding the tennis courts shall be mowed during the growing season.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS COLLECTION PROCEDURE
[Ref: MINGES FARM ASSOCIATION Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions ARTICE V]
July 8, 2008
Preface:
This resolution is recorded as a governing document of the Minges Farm Association. Its purpose is to ensure uniform administration of the Association's procedure for collection of annual assessments.
Collection Philosophy:
The collection of assessments shall be administered and enforced in a fair and consistent manner. The collection procedure shall provide graduated sanctions relating to late and past due payments. Association members shall be treated with respect throughout the collection process.
Administrative Resolution:
1. An invoice of payment due shall be delivered to members in January of the assessment year.
2. The due date for payment of the annual assessment shall be February 1 of the assessment year.
3. A late charge of $25 shall be added to any assessment not paid by March 1 of the assessment year.
4. A Notice of Intent to Lien shall be delivered to a member 5 months past due in payment of the assessment. This notice of intent lien serves as a warning regarding the imminence of liening, and as a final non-legal request for a member to become current in payment of the assessment. This notice shall be delivered by certified mail, and a record made of the date delivered.
5. A Real Estate Property Lien shall be recorded against a member 8 months past due in payment of the assessment. The real estate property lien serves to secure payment of assessments, and is the most important collection action the Association can take. The lien shall be against the member's Minges Farm Association real property. The lien shall be recorded with the county register of deeds and served on the property owner. Because of strict and explicit requirements for a valid real estate property lien, the preparation, recording and service of the lien shall be handled by the Association's legal counsel. The cost of preparation and recording of the lien shall be added to the amount of past due assessment and shall be collected along with the assessment.
6. Other Legal Action: The placement of a real estate property lien against the member's property shall not prevent the Association from pursuing collection by any other civil remedy available to it.