Two Rivers Covenants updates

2/9/2019

Our covenants are in need of some updates. It's been discussed a bit in the open meetings, and here are some of the issues as framed by residents. I've taken the liberty of structuring them a little bit.

Past conversations with residents indicate a desire to NOT change it to an HOA setup, and to keep the covenants simple and directed solely toward maintaining the homeowner value. Some of the sections of the covenants that could stand a little updating include:

Mailbox maintenance
- There is no written requirement to replace mailboxes with the same style. THe covenants only say they have to be installed at inspection time. The ACB has no authority as written to mandate a new style or a compatible replacement.
- Many mailboxes, through no fault of their owners, are falling apart, not closing, or missing pieces. Paint is a big problem as well. Some mailboxes are repeatedly hit by cars, and replacing them at $400 apiece gets to be a burden.
Tree maintenance. The covenants do not mandate replacement of dead trees. Nor do they technically allow the ACB to enforce replacing them. We've historically requested replacements, and everyone has so far been mostly cooperative, but some of the issues have dragged on for quite a while.
Ability to represent the subdivision for drainage and other landscaping issues. This could involve some expenditures to replace or repair drain tiles, get an engineer, or other activities. The ACB is not currently authorized to spend funds on that type of activity.
Clarification on parking - there are regularly questions as to commercial vehicles, how long RVs can be parked in the driveway, and the request process for temporary RV parking is a bit murky.
Yard lights - the covenants specifically state a type of bulb and fixture that is no longer available. It might be nice to authorize the ACB to specify and mandate a new type of bulb (the ACB has done this in the past, but it's not technically authorized.
Better definition of ACB election and replacement process, and perhaps terms. We should clarify this.
Extension of expiration date of the covenants. They expire 11/3/2023, and then anyone can park anything, put in Billy Bass mailboxes, or build fences unless we extend the covenants.
Potentially address the river access that was platted out - this one would be a pretty fair amount of work.

Respectfully submitted,
Ed Melchior

6 Comments

Rose Presser

7/23/2020 06:25:20 pm

We are looking to purchase in the subdivision. Wonder if a fence can be put up, likely Century link, in the back along conservancy for a dog.

Ed Melchior, Two Rivers ACB

7/24/2020 05:22:24 am

The covenants specifically prohibit fences except for decorative fences. We've interpreted that as allowing, for example, corner decorative segments that do not enclose anything, and are not longer than 8 feet on an edge. We've never had anyone request split-rail all the way around a property, but we'd think about it. Decorative fencing still requires a change request form, but in my 17 years on the ACB, we've not turned down any. Many residents put in invisible fencing for dogs.

The only other fencing allowed in the covenants is for pools, either in-ground of above -ground: "Fences required for swimming pools shall be installed only as minimally necessary"

The covenants can be found at: http://www.tworiversofmukwonago.org/uploads/7/4/2/2/7422188/2rivers_covenants.pdf

Thanks for your question!

DOROTHEA HENZIG

12/13/2021 08:44:48 am

PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL AT 262-938-4239. THIS IS IN REGARDS TO 1222 WEGNER DR. WE ARE WORKING WITH THE SELLERS ON THE SALE OF THIS PROPERTY AND HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING HOA. WE ALSO SENT THE HOA VERIFICATION TO THE EMAIL YOU HAVE LISTED BUT HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE. THIS IS SET TO CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY.

Ed Melchior

12/17/2021 01:20:00 pm

Thanks for your comment. It got lost in an overly-crowded inbox.

For anyone who wants this kind of verification, please try to notify us through email (the "contact us" form works well, at http://www.tworiversofmukwonago.org/contact-us.html, and if possible, allow a full business week for processing. We are all volunteers with full-time jobs.

Ed Heidemann

4/11/2022 10:49:51 am

Is there any update on yard light. What kind of replacement would I get if I’m having a problem with it?

Ed Melchior

4/11/2022 12:05:54 pm

The ballast is the most common issue, and the ballasts that were installed in our lampposts are no longer made. No one has found a replacement that fits well. It’s a pretty simple procedure to bypass the ballast, which doesn’t even have to be removed. I bypassed mine to install a CFL bulb, although simply putting it on top of the existing structure made it a little tall. Pretty much any electrician can do the bypass. We recommend a CFL bulb, a 300-watt equivalent. LED bulbs can also be used, but they are more expensive, and are often perceived as harsh in color. It’s best to find one rated for outside as well.

The other issue that hits most people is that of the photocell for turning the light on automatically at dusk and off again at dawn. The photocells initially installed in our post lamps had a typical life of about 5 years, although some expired sooner, and mine lasted about 8 years. If you are switching to a CFL bulb, make sure you get a photocell that is rated for CFL bulbs.

If you have more questions, please let me know.

Ed Melchior
Two Rivers ACB
melchioe@hotmail.com

Two Rivers Covenants updates

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