Additional Email on the Street Parking issue

HOLLY MILL POOL TAGS HAVE BEEN SENT

5/11/17
Some very minor work was done at the tennis courts today.

Footings have been poured around the perimeter of the court and a guess is that new dirt will be put over the 'old' courts then new blacktop put on top of that dirt.

Shouldn't take 8 weeks to do that and also no one seems to be willing to tell HOA members how much this tweek is costing the association and how many (if any) firms bid on doing the job.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESURFACE A TENNIS COURT?


“When structural problems exist beneath a tennis court, a new surface will only temporarily correct the problem.”


Article at:  http://www.ehow.com/about_5379293_much-cost-resurface-tennis-court.html

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5/8/17
New Fence materials delivered on site:

5/4/17

2017 Holly Mill Pool Season

Rec Pool opens May 6, 2017

Enclave Pool opens May 20, 2017

Rec Pool closes September 4, 2017

Enclave Pool closes September 24, 2017

At this time we do not have our Colored Key Tags for the pool.  Our vendor is working on getting them to us as soon as they can.  The lifeguards will NOT be checking for these tags until they have been mailed out. Hopefully we will all have them by Memorial Day.  You will need a working pool key to enter the pool.  

PLEASE do not open the gate for guests that do not have a working key.  If their Key is not working, most likely they did not pay their annual dues.  IF your key is not working, and you are in good standing with the association, please call Douglas Property Management for help...770-926-3086.  Their office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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=====================================================

There was some comment on https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyMillResidents/ about alcohol being banned from the pool.  Can't say for sure but here are the Pool Rules FYI:

4/29/17

Some minor work done this weekend, brush cleared and footings worked on.

4/28/17

Holly Mill BOD Members

Julie Holubetz; 
Clint Colley, 
Julie Allen 
Karen Phillips

Next BOD meeting is set for Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the office of 

Douglas Property Management, 

117 Towne Lake Parkway, #300, Woodstock 

TRASH CHANGE INFO FOR HOLLY MILL

 Holly Mill · 4/28/17

Here is the 'official word', most have already gotten the info, the management company sent out emails on the subject.

"From: City of Canton GA
4/28/17

To better serve our community, Waste Management will be changing some pickup days for trash and recycling starting this Monday, May 1. You should have received notification via postcard (today or tomorrow's mail) and flyer attached to your trash can if your pickup day is changing.

To view all pickup days by street name,"

http://www.canton-georgia.com/misc/TrashRecycleMay17.pdf

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Misc Info:
This may have a knock on effect for lawn services. For instance those served by Summerscapes on Tuesdays 'might' end up having their work moved to another day as having those containers out at the street or even on the driveway can be a problem.

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DISPOSITION OF CRIMINAL DAMAGE CASE FYI:

The below reply is not unexpected, however the Canton PD has provided 7 pages from their Crime Report so the names/addresses and details of the January 2017 trashing of the Recreation area are available for you below:

From: swallace@cherokeega.com
To: x2016@aol.com
CC: sbrown@cherokeega.com
Sent: 5/1/2017 6:42:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Subj: RE: Information on Criminal Damage to Property Case (Website)
Dear Sir,

I apologize for the late response. We are currently in jury trials and have been for the past week. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide you with the requested information as it relates to a juvenile court matter not open to the general public pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-11-700. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-11-708, the records in this matter are not open to public inspection nor can their contents be disclosed to the public. 

Therefore, I am prohibited by law from giving you the information you requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act/Open Records Act. I am sorry that I am unable to provide you with the requested information. However, you may want to reach out to Jacob Brack with Douglas Properties as he may be able to share more information with you about the disposition of this matter. 

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely,

Shannon G. Wallace
District Attorney
Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit
(770) 479-1488


--------------------------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: x2016@aol.com [mailto:x2016@aol.com] 
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 5:58 PM
To: Shannon Wallace
Subject: Information on Criminal Damage to Property Case (Website)

On March 1st, 2017, the Canton Police Department sent you a case file on 2 15 year olds: 

Christopher Carter Romans, and Elijah Cole.

This was regarding a report to the CPD of 1/3/17 involving damage to the Holly Mill Recreation Area, 955 Keeter Road, Canton, Ga. for the damage they did to 2 Picnic Tables, 1 light fixture, and subsequent clean up/repair, costing $950. Said damage being recorded on the Holly Mill security camera system.

I would like to determine what the end result was for these Felony charges in Juvenile Court. The information is for follow up publication on: http://hollymill30114.blogspot.com/.

Sincerely, 



Holly Mill Resident 

Update on the Jan 3rd 2017 Criminal Damage to HM Recreation Area

You might recall that the vandalism was caught on the security cameras, this led to the identity of the 2 youths and they were subsequently arrested on Felony charges and the matter has been sent to the District Attorney.

Misc Info:  The charge is not 'Vandalism' as that term only applies to damage incurred to churches, cemeteries and similar locations in Georgia.

Case #2017-00133 

Brief summary - The initial 7 pages arrived via attachment from the CPD:

Reported to CPD 1/3/17 2:09 PM
Holly Mill Recreation Area
955 Keeter Road, Canton, Ga.
Repair and Clean Up:
2 Picnic Tables, 1 light fixture, $950

Criminal Damage to Property/2nd Degree - Felony

Christopher Carter Romans, W/M/15
433 Leyland Dr, Canton 30114

Elijah Cole, W/M15
1329 Bridge Mill Ave, Canton, 30114

On 3/1/17 a copy of the case file was sent to the DA’s office.

From a January 4, 2017 Online BOD Post:

From:  Residents of the Holly Mill Community

Holly Mill Residents,

On Sunday, January 1st, two young men decided that they were going to vandalize our Pavilion area and cause almost $1000.00 worth of damages. The Canton Police were called and a report has been filed. Our security cameras captured a video and pictures of the young men, which have been turned over to the police. Please take the time to view these photos on our web site, www.holly-mill.com, click on PHOTOS then select albums VANDALS. If you can identify either one these men, PLEASE contact the Canton Police at 770 720 4883, or contact our Property Manager at, Jay Brack, email: Jbrack@dpm-re.com or by phone 770 926 3086. You can remain anonymous.

Thank you,

Holly Mill HOA Board

=============================
4/24/17

Davey Crockett

4/24/17

RE: TENNIS COURT INQUIRY

The 8 weeks of planned work on the Courts got announced just before it was to be started and took most owners by surprise.

I, and I think more broadly, we, have some questions about this. Since members of the BOD read these sites the question will be posed here for all to read and discuss, rather than putting it as a single inquiry directly submitted.

To many things at Holly Mill seem to be done without any notification to the general membership of the HOA, this posting and another to a second forum should get the matter looked into.

1) When was this project decided on,

2) Why wasn’t more notice given to residents about the dates for closing the courts,

3) What is the cost of the new courts,

4) How many firms put in bids to do the work,

5) What were the competing bids for the job and list those firms bidding,

6) Does Douglas Property Management have any ownership interests in the firm selected to do the job, this inquiry to include any ‘individuals’ working for DPM.

7) Who is now on the HOA Board

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Comment

Seen by 39

Comments

S J J - Davey Crockett thank you for looking out for our interest. I believe more of will be there next year. And personally I hope to see your name on the ballot.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 30 mins

Davey Crockett I appreciate your comment. Since BOD positions are appointed by the current members to fill any vacant positions there is no chance of me ever being on the HM BOD. On a similar site Julie Allen made a disparaging comment about my having answered a question (correctly) that someone had asked about yearly dues, so there is not going to be any reasonable changes to the BOD anytime soon.

The above inquiry was posted on:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyMillResidents/ and https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/hollymillga--canton--ga/ 

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Misc Information FYI:

There are 2 ‘closed group’ facebook pages dedicated to the Holly Mill subdivisions.  You can find them at:

Village at Holly Mill Homeowners, (29 members)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/708372462610164/

Holly Mill Residents (open group)

https://www.facebook.com/HOLLY-MILL-Residents-1500258190008437/

Residents of the Holly Mill Community, (151 members)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyMillResidents/

NextDoor (251 members)

https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/hollymillga--canton--ga/

The Holly Mill HOA has a site at:
http://www.holly-mill.com/

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4/22/17

Nothing going on Sat. 4/22 regarding work on the tennis courts. 

Electrical lines were run Friday just outside the Courts.

The parking lot has been a problem and has been redone several times.

4/21/17

The rec area is coming along with pool cleaning and some electrical work being done by the club house. 

 Video cameras are replaced, these are the new ones.

 Electrical Work being done by the Tennis Courts.

 As of today (4/21) the courts are still open but they closed on 4/26.

 Playground look nice.

Below:  Basketball Court

Holly Mill HOA pool opening and closing dates for 2017

Dear Homeowner,      As pool season is just around the corner we wanted to let everyone know the pool dates for the community. 1. The Main Rec Pool by the tennis courts will open from May 6th - September 4th 2. The enclave pool (small pool) will be open from May 20th - September 24th

Trash service date change for the Holly Mill Community

Dear homeowner,        The City of Canton has notified the association that the trash service day for the community will change to Tuesday starting May 2, 2017 please mark your calendars.

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TENNIS COURTS CLOSED UNTIL MID-JUNE

I stopped off at the Tennis Court and spoke with 2 experienced players about the court.
They were satisfied with the 2 courts. They pointed out to me some cracking that had been previously patched but the cracks were still visible.

I asked if that had any impact on their play and the response was ‘not really’. I don’t play tennis so will rely on others who might weigh in on this.
How much will it cost? Probably in the 15K area, but +/-???
How many bids were put in and for what amounts?
Who will do the work? I understand that in this area there are 4 major firms who do this sort of work.
I put photos on my site, they might be easier to look at that those I will add on this thread.
Seems last minute notice of an 8 week closure. The folks playing today had no idea that this weekend was set for the start of 2 months of work.
Again, I comment that 8 weeks seems outside of what is reasonable to do this job. Seems poor planning all around (board and DPM). Probably the snowball is to far down the hill to stop the work but we need to look into how badly the work was needed, how many bids were put in and how much it will cost.

"Dear homeowners,

        The association is having the tennis courts rebuilt starting this weekend and (the) tennis courts will (be)under constructions for approximately 8 weeks. (T)the tennis courts should reopen by Mid June 2017"

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So far it seems:

1) Bad timing for replacing the courts,

2) Probably could wait another year at least,

3) Courts not in bad shape despite several patches,

Now we need to know:

1) Who decided the courts had to be replaced?

2) How many firms were approached to bid on the job?

3) How much will this cost and what exactly is being done?

4) Is Douglas Property Management really the management firm we want here?   

5)  Is it time to ask for bids from other management firms to see what proposals they can put in and the cost to use them?

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TOP 10 CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUES IN CANTON:

They are only up to 6 of 10, here is what is posted so far (hope they will include those cars that park on the sidewalks and make people walk out into the street to pass by!) 

From: City of Canton GA 

April is Code Enforcement Month in the City of Canton! Join us this month to raise awareness and encourage community care. 

Throughout the month we will share our top 10 violations, starting with:

1. Animal complaints, loose animals & animal bites 

Animals are considered a public nuisance (Section 10-33, Code 2002, § 14-1)if: 
They cause damage to any property or anyone other than the owner 
Dogs bark longer than 15 min. without interruption / 30 min. with interruption 
Animals chase cars, bikes or people. 

All animals, including domestic pets, should always be kept under control in a secure and humane way using a leash, fence, invisible system, etc. and not allowed to run or stray at large (Code 1985, § 11-3-1; Code 2002, § 14-2; Ord. No. 2002-06-27, 6-27-2002). 

No person can keep any vicious animal within the county. If a dog bites a person, they are to be boarded for a period of ten (10) days for rabies observation. (Dangerous Dog Control Law, OCGA § 4-8-20, vicious dog control (Mercedes' Law), OCGA § 4-8-40) 

#2: Accumulation of Junk 

The accumulation of solid waste on a property where that solid waste creates or may create a health hazard to neighbors, is unsightly or emits foul odors and causes a nuisance. (Code 2002, 46-41) 

Dumpster Days is a great way to get rid of extra junk for FREE for Canton residents! Our next one is May 13 at City Hall! 

#3: Junk Cars 

Any junked vehicles that are not in good and safe operating condition that have sat for a period of 30 days or more, except in licensed junkyards, within Canton city limits are a nuisance. 

Junked vehicles should be promptly removed within receipt of official notice from Canton Police. 

Continuing with Canton Code Enforcement Month, #4 of our top 10 Code Enforcement issues is excessively unmaintained lawns: 

#4: Weeds / Grass 

Any weeds other than trees, bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants, growing to a height exceeding eight (8) inches anywhere in the City are considered a nuisance. However, this does not apply to undeveloped areas of unsubdivided land within the City. (Code 2002, § 30-106; Ord. No. 2002-06-27, § 30-106, 6-27-2002) Sec. 33-34. - Height restriction. 

For any violation of this ordinance, the owner of the property will be given notice to cut down the weed grass within seven (7) days from the receipt of the notice. This notice may be served personally, by certified mail or by attaching a copy of the notice to the primary entrance of the property.

#5. Blighted Properties

Any property within City of Canton city limits that is in some state of deterioration and thus causes a harmful influence or nuisance to the surrounding community or environment.

#6. Vacant/Abandoned Properties

An officer may determine, under existing ordinances, that an abandoned property is unfit for human habitation if he/she finds that conditions exist in the property which are dangerous are a nuisance.

The officer may also determine, under existing circumstances, that a vacant property is dilapidated and being used in connection with the commission of drug crimes based upon personal observation or report of a law enforcement agency and evidence of drug crimes being committed. (Ord. No. 2015-03, § 2, 3-19-2015)

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FLAG DISPLAY ISSUES:

Q: Can an HOA prohibit flags or flagpoles on properties?

HOA AND COA, LEGAL

Ask A Pro Admin  November 10, 2014

HOAs and FlagsHomeowners’ and condo associations, it seems, have fought more wars to get rid of Old Glory than the Communists ever did. The latest flap centered on a front yard flagpole, placed in a neatly manicured front yard garden spot by a Korean War Veteran, Bob Willits, and his wife, Judy, near Greenfield, Indiana.

The Fieldstone Homeowners Association objected, notifying the Willits in September that the flagpole was prohibited.

They followed with a formal letter instructing them to take down the flagpole. The Willits’ dug in like the American garrison at Pusan. “We have absolutely no plans to take it down,” Judy Willits told local media. “It would be kind of a bloody situation if we had to take the flag down at this point.”

The Willits’ pointed to the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, which limited the authority of homeowners’ and condo associations to prohibit the display of the U.S. flag where the development represented residents with an ownership interest in the property (rental landlords are free to set their own rules with regard to flag display).

The homeowners association countered, asserting that the law still gave them authority to restrict the ‘time place and manner’ of the American flag display.

“We do not tell anyone they cannot fly a flag,” said board president Kaye Eckert. “What we are having a problem with is the flagpole. Flagpoles are not allowed in this association. It’s never, ever been about the flag, which is what seems to come to the foreground all the time.

In September, the Association softened its position, telling the Willits’ they could keep the flag if they paid $500 to cover the legal fees the HOA had incurred in taking action against them.

And then Hancock County prosecuting attorney Michael Griffin, himself an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, pulled an Inchon. On October 23rd, he demanded that the Fieldstone Homeowners Association drop their demand, or he would sue them on behalf of the county and the Willits’.

At issue: The Freedom To Display the American Flag Act allows homeowners associations to place restrictions on the time, place and manner of the display of the American flag if they can demonstrate a substantial interest in doing so. Griffin rejected the notion that the HOA had a substantial interest in the display of the flag.

“The association apparently assumes that it has a legally sufficient “substantial interest,”” wrote Griffin in his ultimatum to the Fieldstone Homeowners’ Association. “However, the association has asserted its interests to be type of community and future outdoor maintenance. Every homeowners association has those interests. If those general interests were enough, the law would not require a “substantial interest,” it would simply say that homeowners associations always have the right to regulate “time, place, or manner.” But the law does not say that. The law requires a substantial interest, something more than the usual interest of homeowners associations.”

While the HOA’s president was careful to distinguish between their objection to the flagpole, as  distinct from the flag itself (and thereby presumably sidestep the Flag Act of 2005), Griffin also rejected this argument:

“To display the flag, some means of display is necessary. There is no possible way for a flag to be displayed without it being attached to something. Flagpoles, whether freestanding or attached to the façade of a home, are the customary way of displaying a flag outdoors. Aesthetic preference is not a legally sufficient “substantial interest” of the association with respect to American flag display, and I know of no other reason for an association to distinguish between flagpoles attached to the façade of a home and free standing flagpoles.”

The homeowners association quickly beat feet in retreat.

The Big Picture

The Fieldstone Homeowners Association went after an 82-year-old disabled combat veteran with Parkinson’s disease whose brother died in Korea – during an election year. Indeed, they chose to push the situation to a head just days away from an election.

They chose… poorly.

Politicians flock to flag issues like flies do to… fly food – and this case was no exception. Board members should understand that enforcement against the U.S. flag is an emotional issue, deeply unpopular with the masses, and so they don’t have much backing when they choose to jihad against the display of the U.S. flag. In fact, the Flag Act was passed by a voice vote in the House and by unanimous consent in the Senate. Boards should take careful measure of their community’s backing on these issues, as well as federal and state law, before engaging in legal Banzai charges against homeowners displaying flags and flagpoles.

The Community Associations Institute has published some guidance for members on navigating flag issues in areas covered by the Flag Act – that is,  condominiums, homeowners association-managed communities and coops. Some key points of advice:

‘”Time, place and manner restrictions” is a legal term that refers to certain types of restrictions that are narrowly tailored to further a substantial and legitimate interest of an association,’ counsels the CAI. This is very close to Michael Griffin’s reading – the authority of the homeowners association to restrict freedom of expression of this type, is narrowly construed. The HOA usually has an uphill fight to show a substantial interest in restricting a well-maintained flag display.

Use the least restrictive measure possible to address the issue and satisfy the HOA’s interest in the time, place and manner of the flag display.

Also, check your state’s laws concerning the issue – some of which may be more stringent than the federal law. For example, in Florida, FL Statute 720.304(b) specifically states: “Any homeowner may erect a freestanding flagpole no more than 20 feet high on any portion of the homeowner’s real property, regardless of any covenants, restrictions, bylaws, rules, or requirements of the association, if the flagpole does not obstruct sightlines at intersections and is not erected within or upon an easement.”

The State of Washington has similar legislation. So does Colorado.

An HOA board that did not bother to check out state laws would quickly find itself in a losing position if it tried to enforce a covenant restricting flagpoles – especially where the flagpole was well-maintained and the display was respectable in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

So when it comes to enforcing covenant restrictions – real or imagined – against homeowners displaying flags or building flagpoles, boards should look before they leap.

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Article found at:  

http://www.allpropertymanagement.com/ask-a-pro/q-can-hoas-prohibit-flags-flagpoles-properties/

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Told You Can’t Fly the American Flag in Your Yard… Here is the Law That Says You Can

Zoom Out Zoom In

By Lauren Richardson

Each year, the 4th of July means millions of flags will be hung from houses and adorning the tops of flag poles. It’s as American as apple pie, and an opportunity to show ones patriotism.

Seems harmless enough, unless you live in a private community with a Homeowners Association.

You might own the house, the garden and the lot, but if you’re one of the nearly 50 million Americans living in communities run by homeowners associations, you may find you don’t have the freedom to do everything you like on your property.

Homeowners associations are nonprofit organizations that manage the common areas in a housing development. They have rules that can be strict, and critics say that enforcement of those rules is increasingly turning neighborhoods into battle zones.

In some states, homeowners association can take away residents’ houses if they do not abide by the association’s rules. But do they have the right to tell you to take your American flag down?

Under the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, no condo, co-op, or homeowner association can restrict its owners from displaying the U.S. flag on their property. But there are exceptions. Associations are permitted to place ‘reasonable restrictions’ on the time, place, and manner of the display to protect a “substantial” interest of the association. The bottom line, Federal law prevents associations from enacting blanket bans on flag flying but allows restrictions that are reasonable and necessary to protect owners’ interests in association property.

You’ll also need to research your state’s law. Some have passed laws governing homeowners associations’ rules on flag displays, while others have left the issue to be resolved between homeowners and their associations.

This 4th of July, fly it high, and fly it proud, and as the burgers sizzle and the fireworks fly, take a moment to consider the veterans who sacrificed to defend our right to fly the flag. No army or HOA can, or should take that away.

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 4/11/17

Please note that not everything can be at the top of the blog.  Other things will eventually push these posts down site, initially the discussions from https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/hollymillga--canton--ga/ are on top.

Some folks have already seen the Discounts and Parking threads, reproduced below, but others may not have, so they are posted here.

If they are not of interest or you have already seen them, just scroll down to find a lot of other info which more directly applies to the Holly Mill subdivision. 

This site isn't intended to be a very active one, so you don't need to look in here every day to see what is 'new' because there won't be a lot of new posts.  Past the initial posts below the info is more about HM than general area info.  Consider this to be more of an informational and educational site rather than a message board. 

I now and then post on Facebook via:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008587503434 and https://www.facebook.com/TheKennesawWatch30152/  

Note:  Photo is from 1949, I'm a bit bigger now.

===========================

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

KEURIG COFFEE MAKER SUCKS:

I've been bitching and moaning about how these things don't last past their warranty expiration and having gone through 3 of them.

On another site I found reference to health issues with the K and their K-cups so I looked into it.

Interesting article below, click on to read:

Keurig Coffee Maker Mold Warning

Rumors claim Keurig brand coffee makers health risks because they're prone to the growth of mold, bacteria, and algae.

SNOPES.COM

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3/19/17

2 DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE - Attn:  Seniors 62+

Not all discounts for seniors are obvious.

When moving here I thought I had hit all the boxes on my checklist of things to do and notifications to be made.

Got the DL changed over, set up utility accounts got the County tax exemption for Homestead and age.

The County Tax bill came in for a reasonable $280.33 which was a savings of $985 due to the very minor State Tax and the large School Tax dropping off as I am a Senior and exempt from them.

But I got an annoying shock when the City of Canton property tax arrived for $292.10.  Didn’t know of it or expect it.  

No one in the whole process of buying a new home mentioned that County and City billed separately.  In Cobb 4 of 5 cities billed together with County (one tax bill), the 5th city only started billing separately 4 yrs ago.  So I was not expecting a second property tax bill.

Not a lot of $ involved, but totally unnecessary, had I known to file I would have paid $0 to City of Canton.

Another, much smaller savings for the property owner, is with the Senior Garbage Exemption (ie: Reduced Garbage Rate).  City of Canton has both the Senior Exemption (62+) and the Disability Exemption.  My Senior savings is only about $60 a year, but it is better than nothing, gives me a few more meals at Mc Donald’s.

When I stubbed my toe with the City tax I suggested to the management company (Douglas Property Mgmt) that this dual property tax info should be added to the Holly Mill internet site http://www.holly-mill.com/ so people buying into the 663 home subdivision would be able to take note of it.  I was told that the suggestion would be passed on to the BOD.

The info was not added and I never got any other feedback on the subject.

------------------------------------

REPLY •8 

Anna, Steve, Mary, and 1 other thanked you

Anna Eidson from Bridgemill · 1d ago

Tim, is the senior reduced garbage part of our taxes or is it something I need to ask my trash pickup company about? Thanks so for this post!

Thank

Julie Allen from Holly Mill · 1d ago

For my Waste Management discount, I visited the Canton City Offices and signed up there. Seniors can also request outside garage door barrel pick-up and return.

Thank

Anna thanked Julie

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 1d ago

Let me direct you to 2 City of Canton forms that I have put on my Holly Mill blog site at: http://hollymill30114.blogspot.com/

I believe the first form is what you want, but the 2nd also has provision for the Senior Garbage Exemption at the very bottom where you can check a box to apply.

That first form is specifically from the Water Sewer Sanitation Dept of the City of Canton (770 704-1500) you can apply for the Garbage Exemption (62+ and provide ID) and I believe with medical documentation they will pick up at your garage door rather than you taking it to the street.

I pay $12.75 a month by direct bank draft (Garbage $10.50 & Stormwater $2.50). I did this by email with attachments for the the required ID that they wanted. No need to go in person (unless they changed it since I applied).

Steve Harp from Canton Heights · 1d ago

Here's the link for the form needed for the waste removal discount.http://canton-georgia.com/misc/SeniorGab...

And here's a document describing the county tax deductions.

http://www.cherokeega.com/Tax-Commission...

Edited 1d ago

Thank

Anna thanked Steve

Steve Harp from Canton Heights · 2h ago

As it turns out, when I went to the Cherokee County Tax office to file for the school exemption, I was told that they would notify the city and handle the waste disposal discount for me. Good people.

Thank

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 4m ago

Nov 2015 I filed for County homestead and senior school exemptions for the property tax and no one at County said boo to me about there being a City of Canton property tax. I only learned of it when the City tax bill showed up a few days after I had paid the County tax.

Nice it worked out for you!

If the info on those exemptions had been on the Holly Mill site when I moved here I would have known the info from day 1. Various other info such as the HOA rules etc are posted, don't know why the BOD and/or the management firm won't add the info to the site, as I said I did mention it to the rather useless management company we have here.

So either the suggestion didn't get passed on or the BOD is out to lunch. It wasn't a lot of $ but it is still annoying to have had to pay when I didn't have to. Well, it worked out OK for you so that, at least, went well!

Mary Beals from Stations at Prominence · 1m ago

We had the same experience. $560 we could have saved.

The above form is also available at:  

http://canton-georgia.com/misc/SeniorGabageExemption.pdf

I will put the Homestead Exemption section of the brochure first as it is the most relevant to this thread:

Senior Discounts at Grocery Stores

Albertsons: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)

American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50 +)

Bi-Lo: 5% off every Wednesday (60+) verified

Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+) verified

Fred Meyer senior discount: 10% first Tuesday of each month (55+) verified

Fry’s Food Stores: 10% off on the first Wednesday of every month (55 +) verified

Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)

Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday (60+) verified

Hy-Vee: Says “Yes” (but discount policy varies by locale) verified

Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

New Seasons: 10% off every Wednesday most items (65+), 10% off every Tuesday for military verified

Publix: 5% off every Wednesday ONLY in Tennessee, North Carolina and the northern portions of Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia (60 +) verified

Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)

Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+ on Wednesdays)

=======================================

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Additional Email on the Street Parking issue

Here is an exchange of email of today between our HOA management firm, the Chief of Police and myself.

Seems that the Holly Mill BOD/Mgmt firm are taking an interest in this topic and as is usual with all management firms they are interested in keeping regulations enforced so the topic of Street Parking is something that Douglas Property Management seems to want to get involved with and put HOA regs over any City regulations.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Harris2016@aol.com
To: jbrack@dpm-re.com, mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
Sent: 3/14/2017 4:41:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Thank you for your input -

The recent exchange of email on the topic of parking on City streets has now been addressed by both the Police and HOA Management company.

These exchanges are valuable in informing the communities in the southern part of the county as to parking issues.

The topic came up recently on a community bulletin board where a homeowner complained about having their HOA send a letter regarding street parking during some weeks when a relative was in a medically terminal condition and home care givers, friends and relatives were in attendance and the neighbors raised objections to street parking. Thus the letter, which arrived the same day that the family member was buried, was a cause for concern and annoyance to the family.

The original posting has now gotten more than 50 ‘comments’, 95% negative on the action of the BOD, which normally means the management company.

The issue is relatively simple: 
Can a HOA, via their covenants, limit the usage of public streets when there is no city, county or state regulations to support the HOAs position and in fact common law seems to support any citizens free usage of public streets for parking. 

Obviously any HOA can send any letters they wish to send whether or not there is a solid legal basis or perhaps by just attempting to get ‘compliance’ via intimidation.

However should a fine be imposed, and ignored by the property and/or vehicle owner and a lien is subsequently filed against the property owner it would open the entire membership of the HOA to litigation costs and perhaps damages sought by the aggrieved/harassed homeowner. 

Should any HOA or management company wish to try to enforce rules and regulations that, on their face, seem to be contrary to existing laws they should consider that there can be consequences for such over reaching far surpassing any minor annoyances that might be addressed.

In addition to litigation costs, home sales can be affected in those communities that are in litigation over trivia and prices paid may well be less than the seller would like due to what might be perceived by a potential buyer as a community with a hostile HOA or management company.

As my grandma use to say: ‘Be careful what limb you crawl out on, someone might come along and saw it off for you.’

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: jbrack@dpm-re.com
To: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
CC: Harris2016@aol.com
Sent: 3/14/2017 3:57:14 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: RE: Street parking inside an HOA community

Sir,

Thank you this does

Jacob Brack
Property Manager/Realtor
U.S. Army Retired
Douglas Property Management
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300
Woodstock, GA 30188
770.926.3086 Office
770.926.3952 Fax

-----------------------------------------

From: Mark Mitchell [mailto:mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 2:38 PM
To: Jay Brack
Cc: Harris2016@aol.com
Subject: Re: Street parking inside an HOA community

Mr. Brack, 

Thank you sir for your inquiry. As mentioned, the HOA cannot obviously enforce ordinance or state law violations of parking. However, the HOA can send letters if they choose to homeowners about parking violations. The HOA can also fine but that will be a total separate action from Police enforcement that is civil in nature and strictly between the HOA and members of the respective community. 

I hope this helps and please let me know if you need anything further.

Respectfully, 

Mark J. Mitchell 
Chief of Police
City of Canton, Ga.

Office: 770-720-4923
Cell: 678-787-7443
E-mail: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com

On Tue, Mar 14, 2017 at 2:20 PM, Jay Brack <jbrack@dpm-re.com> wrote:

Chief Mitchell,

There is a homeowner (Bill Harris at 110 Holy Mill village Drive, Canton, GA. 30114 ) in the Holly Mill community that has posted an email from you in reference to parking on the street which I have attached and copied him on this email. The association is aware that the street are city property and as you stated in your email the city police will only take corrective action on a vehicle that violates city ordinance when parked on the street or sidewalk. However I believe the association would like one question answered as the homeowner is posting the association does not have any write to enforce the governing documents of the association which all homeowner agreed to when they purchased their property. In accordance with the governing documents for the Holly mill HOA specifically Article VII section 6 excerpt is below for reference. Does the association have the right to send a violation letter and also fine or is the city of canton stating that the association cannot enforce this? we are only asking for clarification so we can make sure all homeowners are properly informed. 

Sincerely

Jacob Brack (402 Brookfield Cir, Woodstock, Ga. 30188)
Property Manager/Realtor
U.S. Army Retired
Douglas Property Management
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300
Woodstock, GA 30188
770.926.3086 Office
770.926.3952 Fax

STREET PARKING -

Here is the Answer

---

From: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
To: Harris2016@aol.com
Sent: 3/12/2017 9:45:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Re: STREET PARKING IN HOA GOVERNED COMMUNITIES - NEED SOME INPUT

Good evening, 

Thank you for reaching out to me with your inquiry.  In short, as you have already identified, a Home Owner's Association (HOA) truly cannot enforce City Ordinances or State Law as it relates to parking on City public streets.  In my experience, I know of HOA's that have sent letters to residence in their communities asking that homeowners do not park on sidewalks, block driveways, intersections or fire hydrants with good results.  With that said, we are very familiar with the dynamics of many of our neighborhoods not having enough parking in driveways because of residential designs or City infrastructure is older and structurally will not allow for homeowners to park in their driveway, if they have one at all.  

Additionally, when we receive a complaint from a community, we will dispatch our Officers to extra patrol neighborhoods to detect on street parking violations to include; parking left wheel to curb, blocking of sidewalks, fire hydrants, intersections or access for emergency vehicles which equates to nintey-eight (98) inches of clearance. Officers will first make contact with the vehicle owner to educate first as to the ordinance or state law and then subsequently, if we detect another violation, we will then issue a citation. 

I hope this helps to answer your questions and please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything further.  If you would like of our Officers to begin monitoring the area, please let me know and we will start immediately.

Respectfully,  

Mark J. Mitchell

Chief of Police

City of Canton, Ga.

_________________________________

  

Office: 770-720-4923

Cell: 678-787-7443

E-mail: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com

On Sun, Mar 12, 2017 at 6:06 PM, <Harris2016@aol.com> wrote:

Here is a parking question that has general application in those communities that have Home Owner Associations.

Can you shed some light on who regulates street parking in our areas?

The developers of these various projects were not overly generous in the amount of space given over to streets, there is enough room for 2 cars to pass each other but now and then there is someone who parks in the street, probably when their driveway is full.

So does the PD get involved in this sort of parking?

Most HOA’s seem to think they can regulate this but since the streets are all turned over to the City or County after the developments are put up it seems questionable as to whether they can enforce any HOA regulation on a public street.

Can you provide some info or perhaps bounce this up to the City Attorney? 

The question is being asked on a local community internet site and you might want to take a look at it as it develops. 

Clearly some 'official' input is needed on the issue.

Thanks,

Holly Mill

https://hollymillga.nextdoor.com/news_feed/?post=44880090

MISC INFO FYI:

Here is the direct link to the City of Canton parking regulations:

https://www.municode.com/library/ga/canton/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH58TRMOVE_ARTIIIPASTST_S58-82PACL

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017

From Highland Point: "Where is the compassion?"

Below is the interesting post about Street Parking problems in a neighboring HOA subdivision.  Also you will find the comments to that thread.

-------------------------------------------

Post in General

---

Where is the compassion?

Jennifer Rich from Highland Point · 10 Mar

This is a letter to the unneighborly people in my neighborhood. My elderly father has lived with me for 2 years. For 1 ½ of those years, he was on hospice. 99% of the time, it was just me, him and his daytime caregiver who came while I was at work - 2 vehicles total, 1 in the garage and 1 in the driveway. 

Occasionally, one of my adult children would come to stay or they would all come to visit for a meal or holiday. In the last 2 weeks, my 91 year old father's health took a turn for the worse, he could no longer be alone, so 24 hour caregivers were called in. Hospice nurses began coming twice per day, they clergy came to visit, family and friends stopped in to say their last good byes. Meanwhile, I sat holding the hand of a man who continued to decline until he was unresponsive and eventually took his last breaths. Within 2 hours of his actual passing, I received an extremely upsetting email from our HOA president about receiving complaints regarding the parking in front of my house. 

Really!? REALLY!?! What happened to good old neighborly concern for what might be happening within a house? If there is chaos at the curb, there is probably something either joyful or horrible going on within the house. In this case it was the latter. Apparently there are people who have nothing better going in their own lives than to look for reasons to complain rather than offer a note of concern or a helping hand. 

I suppose they expected me to leave my dying father, stand at the curb and play parking attendant. Today, on the day I laid my father to rest with military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery, I received a letter from the HOA management group addressing same parking issues. I am at a loss for the inhumanity and lack of compassion. Now I realize they had no idea what was going on, but I think that is the point here. Perhaps the approach should be one of concern before throwing rabid accusations at anyone who happens to have a car parked on the street.

And just to give you a heads up, we have a wedding in October. Fortunately that will be a joyous occasion, but there will be a lot of out of town family arriving in the days leading up to the big event. We probably will have some parking issues at the time too. Maybe this time I'll get a HUGE yard sign so people will know what's going on...I'm sure someone who has no joy in their own life will find their way to complain about that too.

Shared with Highland Point + 23 nearby neighborhoods in General

THANK •26 REPLY •60 

Cari, Christi, Cindy, and 23 others thanked Jennifer

Devon Staudenmayer from Highland Point · 10 Mar

I laid my father to rest in august at that same cemetery so my heart knows what you are going through. I think it was just bad timing in regards to the parking issue after an accident occurred and someone was hurt so to double parking on both sides of the street. I personally don't mind street parking unless it's on both sides and emergency vehicles are unable to get through.

Thank

Dale, Arketa, Daniel, and 2 others thanked Devon

Susan Worsley from Highland Point · 10 Mar

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I drove past your home several times unaware that you were going through so much. I wondered why so many cars were there and yet I am ashamed to say I didn't stop and ask. We are a society of people who often assume the worst and feel intrusive to knock on a door and ask questions. Might I suggest posting on this app when something is happening. If people are non responsive then we can assume they either can't or won't help. For others though, knowing that a neighbor is in crisis gives us the opportunity to use our manners and see how we can help. I am sorry for your loss.

Thank

Christi, Dale, Daniel, and 5 others thanked Susan

Tim Daugherty from Highland Point · 10 Mar

We are very sorry for your loss. My wife and I have received these ugly letters from the HOA as well during times of family dinners and even once when a construction crew was working on the house next door and parked in front of our house. This harassment has only started in the last year, and we feel like enough is enough. Again, we are sorry for you loss and understand your frustration.

Thank

Dale, Britni, Daniel, and 3 others thanked Tim

Jennifer Rich from Highland Point · 10 Mar

Thank you for your sympathy, it has been a rough few weeks. The car that was hit was not from my house or near my house. There was plenty of clearance between the one caregiver vehicle parked at my mailbox and the other vehicle - that was speed, texting or just really poor navigation on the part of the driver. Not to make that an issue (although we could probably talk about how people speed through here)...the point is the situation at my house could not be changed and no one approached it with any thoughtfulness, compassion, or any element of personal concern to see why there might be overflow parking.

Edited on 10 Mar

Thank

Christi, Dale, Daniel, and 2 others thanked Jennifer

Paul Haymore from Highland Point · 10 Mar

Hi Jennifer, we've never met but I want you to know how sorry I am to hear of your loss.

Thank

Dale, Daniel, Jennifer, and 1 other thanked Paul

Shawna Moyer from Highland Point · 10 Mar

Jennifer,

Your welcome to park in our driveway in October! Green house up the hill. So sorry for your loss.

Shawna

Thank

Dale, Daniel, Jennifer, and 3 others thanked Shawna

Dale Goodloe from Bridgemill · 10 Mar

Jennifer - I know how hard it is to think of everything that needs to be done when dealing with a critical situation with a loved one. I agree with Susan that the 1st thing we need to do is post a … View more

Thank

Daniel thanked Dale

Pat Ferguson from Wyngate at Towne Lake · 10 Mar

I am so so sorry that happened to you. I have lived here since 1998 and I have found a few times that someone seem to have way too much time on their hands Sorry for your loss it's wonderful that you had him with you for so many years

Thank

Dale, Julie, Daniel, and 3 others thanked Pat

Daniel Walls from Port Victoria · 10 Mar

Sorry to hear of your loss, I lost my mother July 1st. Fortunately she didn't have a long ongoing battle. I'm sorry to say that we live in a society where we have relationships on social media sites with people that we will probably never meet, but we don't take the time to say hello to our neighbors.

HOA's can be quite tactless, I think it would have been alot more civilized if they had politely asked you about the situation. I'm sorry to say that with some people a little bit of power goes to their head.Sorry to hear that you had to experience that on top of an already painful ordeal.

Edited on 10 Mar

Thank

Dale, Jennifer, and Jason thanked Daniel

Sherine Searcy from Highland Point · 10 Mar

May he Rest In Peace and may you and your family get through this tough time.
Sherine

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Sherine

Tiffany Carter from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

Sorry for your loss Jennifer.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Tiffany

Laura Hudson from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Laura

Carolyn Case from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

I'm so sorry that the insensitivity of others has added to the pain of your loss. I pray that God will comfort you and that your neighbors will do the same.

Thank

Christi, Dale, Jennifer, and 3 others thanked Carolyn

Karen Podolak from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

Jennifer I am so sorry for your loss of a parent. and then lack of compassion from neighbors. Grieving is difficult enough without being bombarded with such trivial matters.i am sending you Loving hugs and prayers to you and yours. XO

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, Denise, and 1 other thanked Karen

Marty Kinchen from Towne Lake Hills · 11 Mar

Not long after moving into Towne Lake Hills our son got married and they wanted to have their reception in our home. We had about 100 people or better who were attending and we live at the end of a very short culdesac street so I knew we'd have parking issues. I put flyers in the mailboxes of our neighbors on our street to let them know we would be having the reception here and hired a limo service to provide transportation from the clubhouse parking lot to our house in an effort to prevent having issues. 

Well . . . the small bus the limo service sent broke down so the groomsmen became valet parkers -- once our guests arrived, they ferried the cars to the clubhouse parking lot but we also had neighbors who invited us to feel free to park in front of their houses and some even in their driveways. 

Even today our immediate next door neighbor infrequently asks if he can have a contractor park briefly in our driveway while having work done in his home or yard and of course it's OK.

As a former RE/MAX realtor, I always told my clients that Restrictive Covenants are only as strong as your immediate neighbors because they're the ones who file the complaints when something like this happens. My heart goes out to you, Jennifer, in the loss of your father and I am so heartsick that evidently your immediate neighbors chose to file complaints about the parking while you were going through this sad time.
Perhaps a flyer in the mailboxes of your neighbors to make them aware of the joyous occasion you'll be celebrating during the wedding will make them be a little kinder next time. I would certainly hope so.

Thank

Julie, Tanika, Kelly, and 1 other thanked Marty

Caroline Hull from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

So sorry for your loss. It is crazy what they fuss about but things they let go. I think it just takes one person with no compassion that enjoys complaining. I don't think it's everyone hopefully. Prayers for you and your family

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, and Jason thanked Caroline

Kenneth Duncan from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

I'm sorry for your loss, your HOA can send you letters all they want about parking in the street, they are maintained by the county so they have no say so about the street,

Thank

Dale, Daniel, Jennifer, and 1 other thanked Kenneth

Jennifer Rich from Highland Point · 11 Mar

Kenneth, I was wondering about that. What can the HOA do? I live next to an area where people have parked on the street trying to access the lake, the police have told us there is nothing they can do, the roads are not maintained by the HOA, they are maintained by public tax dollars and therefore public roads - parking on them is not a violation. How do the covenants come into play? 

Anyone can park on the road legally, but our personal vehicles cannot? Any attorneys have the answer to this? My original post was about the insensitivity of the situation and how I was approached at such a traumatic time in my life, but I would really like to know the answer to that.

Thank

Daniel and Jason thanked Jennifer

LaNea Oglesby from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

Sorry for your loss. Someone needs to apologize. I hope who ever called reads your message and I hope they feel like crap.

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, Tiffany, and 1 other thanked LaNea

Julie Allen from Holly Mill · 11 Mar

I am so sorry about your loss and what you've gone through at this sad time. Perhaps anyone going through a crisis situation might consider contacting the Property Manager and informing him/her of the situation. In Holly Mill, the individual HOA Board members do not have the authority to send out letters. This is the Property Manager's role. Exceptions should certainly be made for situations such as this. Again, my deepest sympathy.

Thank

Jennifer, Lisa, and Jason thanked Julie

Cheri Jackson from Wyngate at Towne Lake · 11 Mar

I am sorry about your Dad. All I can say is Welcome to an HOA neighborhood. Years ago, my Father was sick ina hospital 2 hours away. I received a call from my brother telling me to get there ASAP. Naturally we dropped everything , packed and raced down there. When we came home days later, there was a letter from Wyngate HOA stating we were facing a fine. We had left our garbage cans on the curb while gone to my Dads' funeral. I was furious!! 

We are downsizing soon . I will never ever live in an HOA neighborhood again. I want a house with land far away from neighbors!

Edited on 11 Mar

Thank

Julie, Daniel, Jennifer, and 2 others thanked Cheri

Ari Sarsalari from Port Victoria · 11 Mar

This is why I'll never live in a place with an HOA.. they are usually a bunch of stuck up pricks. I'm so sorry you had to deal with these losers. Sorry to hear about your dad's passing :(

Thank

Daniel, Jason, and Lisa thanked Ari

Cenande Etienne from Holly Mill · 11 Mar

Sorry to hear about your dad. I don't know what is happening to us (humans). We're becoming so selfish, we don't see what's going on right in front of our eyes. We are so disconnected with each other, that everyone become invisible to one another and as long as they are okay they don't care about others.

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, John, and 1 other thanked Cenande

Lisa Johnston from Highland Point · 11 Mar

Jennifer, I am so very sorry about the loss of your dad...it sounds like you and your family have been through a lot. I lost my mom in August and my dad is in poor health and will be coming to live with us this summer. I know it doesn't help much, but in defense of the HOA, I think the letter that many people, if not everyone (?) received about parking on the street was in fact due to the accident that happened and was not directed specifically at you. 

I have been told that if you have guests or a gathering or anything like your situation, you should just let the management company know in advance what will be happening and they will definitely not bother you about the resulting parking issues. 

Also, I agree with the person who said that it would be nice if people posted this stuff on Nextdoor as it's happening so that we can be neighborly and bring a meal or help out...at the very least, so that we know that the cars on the street are not from a happy gathering, which many of us tend to assume :(
Please let us know if there's anything we can do!!
(((Hugs))))

Thank

Jennifer, Kelly, Jason, and 1 other thanked Lisa

Sandy Pluris from Towne Lake Hills · 11 Mar

Wow, that is really horrible. People can be so insensitive. No one takes the time to show compassion or gratitude. Someone should have been knocking on your door to see if you needed help, not complaining about the cars. The people that do that are just miserable souls. So sorry for your loss.

Edited on 11 Mar

Thank

Julie, Daniel, Jennifer, and 2 others thanked Sandy

Bradley Hale from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

I'm sorry your father died. My Dad passed away a few years ago as I sat beside him in hospice feeling his body become cold. I'm a simple man. I'm sorry for your loss. May God help you in such sorrow. For me it was the only way to come to life.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Bradley

Meredith Williamson from Bridgemill · 11 Mar

I am so sorry about your dad. I met him that one time when Charles and i were there pet sitting, and he seemed wonderful. I HATE what happened to you, and of course when you or others are dealing with grief etc the last thing they are thinking of is notifying someone they will have lots of cars.

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, and Jason thanked Meredith

Nicole Martin from Bridgemill · 12 Mar

I'm so sorry for your loss! People will always find ways to make mother people
Miserable because misery loves company 😡😩😫

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, and Jason thanked Nicole

Dan Ma Gill from Indian Brook · 12 Mar

Hello Jen, I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. To receive such a letter must feel like the very last thing you can handle at such a time. I don't live in your subdivision, but allow me to apologize on behalf of your neighbors and a presumptuous HOA.

When I grew up, you knew everyone that lived on your street--including the nosy busy body that tattled about everything. In recent years in our neighborhood, I was reminded of that and have since decided it isn't necessarily such a bad thing. 

This came after a few incidents on our street; 

a) I found out the lady up the street had a son the same age as ours (13) and they had lived there since he was born,

 b) the people across the street moved out of the rental house in the middle of the night taking everything that wasn't nailed down and some that was, and

c) we found out when the ambulance showed up and took him away that a man with end stage cancer lived in the house we all believed had been vacant for years. For these reasons I have started wearing my "Mrs Kravitz" hat. I've learned the names of my neighbors, I've given them index cards with our names and phone numbers. 

I may end up being the busy body neighbor, but better that than have a grieving neighbor receive a letter about something trivial like parked cars.

Thank

Daniel, Carolyn, Jennifer, and 2 others thanked Dan

Carolyn Case from Bridgemill · 12 Mar

Everybody needs a "busybody" neighbor like you, Dan.
Every cloud has a silver lining and it seems that the silver lining for you, Jennifer, is that you're getting to know your neighbors and they're getting to know you and you appear to have some very caring people around you. That's a Blessing.

Thank

Jason thanked Carolyn

Sallie Goggins from Highland Point · 12 Mar

So very sorry to hear this! My husband and I live up the street and noticed all the friends coming and going. We figured someone must have passed and I cannot believe the HOA would not have suspected that as well! Please know we as neighbors have your back in this, we lost a child several years back and know how hard it is to find parking. Sometimes the pool parking just isn't an option! Prayers for your family!

Thank

Daniel and Jason thanked Sallie

Cindy Miller from Holly Mill · 12 Mar

I am so sorry for your loss, it is a very difficult time when we lose a beloved parent or loved one especially when we have to say good bye. It is terrible to see when people don't take the time to find out what's going on before they make criticisms or judgements. Maybe those people who complain will recognize themselves and change their attitudes

Thank

Daniel and Jason thanked Cindy

Lisa Johnston from Highland Point · 12 Mar

I feel like our sweet little neighborhood is getting an undeserved bad rap :( I fully believe that you got a letter like the rest of us did (I got one too and it was pretty generic)...because of the accident that occurred due to cars parked on the street (not necessarily your people at all!!) and not because someone complained about you specifically.

Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss and what you've been through...just heartbreaking!! But I don't think anyone had any way of knowing what you were going through and I don't think the HOA was targeting you during this awful time.

Thank

Stephanie, Devon, and Jason thanked Lisa

Daniel Walls from Port Victoria · 12 Mar

I agree 100% Meredith, in that type of situation everything else is so overwhelming that parking is not going to be something a person would be thinking about.

Thank

Jason thanked Daniel

Gail English from Stations at Prominence · 12 Mar

Amen. Good for you.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Gail

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 12 Mar

One reply indicated that since the streets are public property (maintained by City or County) that it is up to the PD to enforce parking regulations, not the HOA (who the writer said had no authority to do so).

I was hoping to see a reply from a cop or lawyer on this. Specifically: Is street parking up to Police or can the HOA send letters/threats and impose fines?

Would like to get someone to comment on this that knows what is what.

I know that parking on the sidewalk/lawn is something that both the HOA and PD can try to enforce, but what about street parking?

Jennifer and Jason thanked you

Julie Harowitz  from Bridgemill · 12 Mar

I am so sorry for you loss and I hope that you have been able to grieve properly. I have lived here since 1999 and lost my husband 15 years ago. And thankfully there was not so much social media out and my neighbors all knew and helped me instead of calling the hoa on me. We have lost touch with getting to know our neighbors and complaining to HOA when all it took was someone walking over and checking on her. 

I find it completely insensitive that people are saying that you need to post on here when you might have more than 10 cars parked out front when all she needs is time with her family and proper time to grieve. That is a load of crap. This lady lost her father and if you are concerned please stop and ask a neighbor if you can help before call the hoa police on them! I know in our side of the neighborhood we have wonderful people who put together neighbor dinners so we can all be there if someone needs. Get your noses out of the curtains and walk over and introduce yourself be a neighbor and not a tattle tale!

Thank

Jennifer, Karen, Ari, and 2 others thanked Julie

Dixie Price from Indian Brook · 12 Mar

I see no problem with parking on the sidewalk side of the street. It is when people park on both sides and block emergency vehicles that create a problem. Or if it is an everyday occurrence when a business is being run out of the home and the employees are parked in the street everyday as has been happening in my daughters neighborhood. They have been blocked in several times and had to ask the people to move their cars.

Thank

Jennifer Rich from Highland Point · 12 Mar

Lisa, I did receive a personal email from the HOA president to me personally within 2 hours of my father passing saying he had received "numerous complaints" about the vehicles at my house. On the day I laid my father to rest, I came home to the letter from the management group. 

While the response I received from our HOA president was very sympathetic and understanding once he knew what was happening, my whole point was why did "numerous" people go into complaint mode instead of seeing it as an unusual situation that might require some investigation, a gentler approach or at least a 'wait and see' attitude rather than to start registering complaints or pointing fingers. That was the unneighborly and insensitive attitude I was referring to. The whole purpose of this post was to get people to rethink jumping the gun on complaining and to maybe think about why something may be occurring. 

I have certainly received enough sweet and thoughtful responses and private messages through here to know not everyone feels that way and most of our neighbors are, in fact, thoughtful and sympathetic souls.

Thank

Julie, Dale, Meredith, and 4 others thanked Jennifer

Lisa Johnston from Highland Point · 12 Mar

I completely get what you are saying and can completely see why you'd feel that way in the midst of what you've been through! I'm not even sure where you live, but I think there have been a lot of complaints over the last year about a stretch of Blankets Creek where it is particularly curvy and there always seem to be 4 or 6 cars on the street at any given time, which I'm sure were not yours. I don't like it but try to give people the benefit of the doubt and I think most of the time the HOA peeps do too. 

We have a car issue since we have extended family living with us and sometimes more cars than our driveway supports so we've had complaints too, but worked it out with the HOA as it is a temporary situation. I'm sure that was the last thing on your mind given the circumstances :( We have my son's wedding in June so I already have it on my calendar to let the management company know a few weeks in advance so we don't get in more "trouble", LOL. Most people's hearts are in the right place, but in every neighborhood there are unfortunately going to be all types of people. 

I am praying for you during this time of grieving & loss as I know how hard it is to lose a parent.

Thank

Dale, Jennifer, and Jason thanked Lisa

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 12 Mar

The issue of 'can you park on the street in your HOA' is finally answered by the Canton Chief of Police and it seems that your parking on the street was just fine. Here is the reply to my question of earlier today.

In summary, your HOA was out of line.

------------------------------

From: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
To: Harris2016@aol.com
Sent: 3/12/2017 9:45:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Re: STREET PARKING IN HOA GOVERNED COMMUNITIES - NEED SOME INPUT

Good evening,

Thank you for reaching out to me with your inquiry. In short, as you have already identified, a Home Owner's Association (HOA) truly cannot enforce City Ordinances or State Law as it relates to parking on City public streets. In my experience, I know of HOA's that have sent letters to residence in their communities asking that homeowners do not park on sidewalks, block driveways, intersections or fire hydrants with good results. With that said, we are very familiar with the dynamics of many of our neighborhoods not having enough parking in driveways because of residential designs or City infrastructure is older and structurally will not allow for homeowners to park in their driveway, if they have one at all.

Additionally, when we receive a complaint from a community, we will dispatch our Officers to extra patrol neighborhoods to detect on street parking violations to include; parking left wheel to curb, blocking of sidewalks, fire hydrants, intersections or access for emergency vehicles which equates to nintey-eight (98) inches of clearance. Officers will first make contact with the vehicle owner to educate first as to the ordinance or state law and then subsequently, if we detect another violation, we will then issue a citation.

I hope this helps to answer your questions and please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything further. If you would like of our Officers to begin monitoring the area, please let me know and we will start immediately.

Respectfully,

Mark J. Mitchell

Chief of Police

City of Canton, Ga.

Office: 770-720-4923

Cell: 678-787-7443
E-mail: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com

-------------------------------------------

On Sun, Mar 12, 2017 at 6:06 PM, <Harris2016@aol.com> wrote:

Here is a parking question that has general application in those communities that have Home Owner Associations.

Can you shed some light on who regulates street parking in our areas?

The developers of these various projects were not overly generous in the amount of space given over to streets, there is enough room for 2 cars to pass each other but now and then there is someone who parks in the street, probably when their driveway is full.

So does the PD get involved in this sort of parking?

Most HOA’s seem to think they can regulate this but since the streets are all turned over to the City or County after the developments are put up it seems questionable as to whether they can enforce any HOA regulation on a public street.

Can you provide some info or perhaps bounce this up to the City Attorney?

The question is being asked on a local community internet site and you might want to take a look at it as it develops.

Clearly some 'official' input is needed on the issue.

Thanks,

Bill Harris
Holly Mill

https://hollymillga.nextdoor.com/news_fe...

Daniel, Jennifer, and Jason thanked you

Csilla Orosz from Prominence Court · 12 Mar

One good solution would be, to invite your neighbor to the wedding. Haha. Just to cheer you up a little!

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Csilla

Csilla Orosz from Prominence Court · 12 Mar

I know that, daaaaa, but if you scroll all the way down, you should see, that she is writing about a wedding coming up in October, so she might have some parking issues then.

Thank

Jason thanked Csilla

Nicole Martin from Bridgemill · 12 Mar

Does anyone know how to turn off notifications or mute conversations? I want to continue to follow his post tomorrow but I don't want to keeps getting messages all night about it.

Thank

Jason thanked Nicole

Nicole Martin from Bridgemill · 12 Mar

Tim who ever you are bless you!

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Nicole

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 12 Mar

Go to the top of the thread where the original post is and select the v at the right side of the screen, it gives you 6 choices, the 4th one on the list is what you want so you won't keep getting notifications.

Edited on 12 Mar

Jennifer, Jason, and Nicole thanked you

Katrina Iac from Wyngate at Towne Lake · 13 Mar

Jennifer,
My heart goes out to you! I was in your same situation 10 years ago. Also buried my father in Ga National cemetery . Im in Wyngate, received the same letters. My dad was in my home with Va Doctors and nurses coming 4 times a week as well as respite nurse coming and staying while I work. 

Most of the neighbors knew what was going on. But my house is at the top of a hil right at the head of another street (stop sigh and school bus stop) as well as on a curve. There is a hydrant right across the street. Needless to say my parking is very restrictive. Even through people know what's going on I still received those letters. I contacted HOA, they knew what was happening. Even still I continued to receive letters for 3 years!! I ignored their threats ( because I knew of street law) and eventually collected enough to paper the neighbors house that kept complaining!!! My HOA seems to send letters for everything! I think it's such a waste of time. Instead of helping create more of community but trying to connect neighbors to resolve complaints they send a letter for every complaint!!!!

Thank

Dale and Jason thanked Katrina

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 13 Mar

Katrina - Sorry to hear about your bad experience with your HOA!

Normally it is the Management Company who generates those foolish letters under the generic name of "Board of Directors".

When I had a condo (Note: Avoid Condos!!!) the Board and Management company were so useless that I sued them for about 3 yrs and they finally caved in and I got reimbursed $7,000 in court costs and lawyers fees.

Sometimes you can get their attention by hiring an attorney for a few hundred bucks to send a stiff letter to the Board/mgmt company.

Unfortunately in my Condo case that didn't work and I did have to sue them, but most likely an attorney letter will get their attention and the problem will be resolved.

Daniel and Jason thanked you

Christy M. Young from Allatoona Shores · 13 Mar

Sorry for your loss and sorry for peoples ignorance.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Christy M.

Whitney Noonan from Bridgemill · 13 Mar

Prayers lifted for your family

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Whitney

Richard Sizemore from Wentworth · 14 Mar

Sorry for you loss. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. It's time to replace all HOA's with a Neighborhood Association that gets to know neighbors and helps take care of all those in need FIRST and FOREMOST before they start worrying about unnecessary rules and regulations

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, Mitch, and 1 other thanked Richard

Jean Mohler from Bridgemill · 14 Mar

It would be nice if an HOA rep would make a site visit to find out if they can help and understand
an "issue". We as a society are beginning to lose all sense of community......... sorry for your loss neighbor

Thank

Daniel, Jennifer, Jason, and 1 other thanked Jean

Nancy Datlof from Bridgemill · 14 Mar

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thank

Jennifer and Jason thanked Nancy

Lanae Collier from Bridgemill · 14 Mar

So sorry for your loss. I agree with you 100%. I'm hoping members of the HOA see this, but more importantly that your neighbors get a better understanding of the circumstances. Sorry you've had to deal with those letters at such a devastating time.

Thank

Jennifer thanked Lanae

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 14 Mar

Here is an exchange of email of today between our HOA management firm, the Chief of Police and myself.

Seems that the Holly Mill BOD/Mgmt firm are taking an interest in this topic and as is usual with all management firms they are interested in keeping regulations enforced so the topic of Street Parking is something that Douglas Property Management seems to want to get involved with and put HOA regs over any City regulations.

Anyway here is the exchange, I will add it to my blog site when I have timehttps://hollymill30114.blogspot.com/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Harris2016@aol.com
To: jbrack@dpm-re.com, mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
Sent: 3/14/2017 4:41:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Thank you for your input -

The recent exchange of email on the topic of parking on City streets has now been addressed by both the Police and HOA Management company.

These exchanges are valuable in informing the communities in the southern part of the county as to parking issues.

The topic came up recently on a community bulletin board where a homeowner complained about having their HOA send a letter regarding street parking during some weeks when a relative was in a medically terminal condition and home care givers, friends and relatives were in attendance and the neighbors raised objections to street parking. Thus the letter, which arrived the same day that the family member was buried, was a cause for concern and annoyance to the family.

The original posting has now gotten more than 50 ‘comments’, 95% negative on the action of the BOD, which normally means the management company.

The issue is relatively simple:
Can a HOA, via their covenants, limit the usage of public streets when there is no city, county or state regulations to support the HOAs position and in fact common law seems to support any citizens free usage of public streets for parking.

Obviously any HOA can send any letters they wish to send whether or not there is a solid legal basis or perhaps by just attempting to get ‘compliance’ via intimidation.

However should a fine be imposed, and ignored by the property and/or vehicle owner and a lien is subsequently filed against the property owner it would open the entire membership of the HOA to litigation costs and perhaps damages sought by the aggrieved/harassed homeowner.

Should any HOA or management company wish to try to enforce rules and regulations that, on their face, seem to be contrary to existing laws they should consider that there can be consequences for such over reaching far surpassing any minor annoyances that might be addressed.

In addition to litigation costs, home sales can be affected in those communities that are in litigation over trivia and prices paid may well be less than the seller would like due to what might be perceived by a potential buyer as a community with a hostile HOA or management company.

As my grandma use to say: ‘Be careful what limb you crawl out on, someone might come along and saw it off for you.’

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: jbrack@dpm-re.com
To: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com
CC: Harris2016@aol.com
Sent: 3/14/2017 3:57:14 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: RE: Street parking inside an HOA community

Sir,

Thank you this does

Jacob Brack
Property Manager/Realtor
U.S. Army Retired
Douglas Property Management
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300
Woodstock, GA 30188
770.926.3086 Office
770.926.3952 Fax

-----------------------------------------

From: Mark Mitchell [mailto:mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 2:38 PM
To: Jay Brack
Cc: Harris2016@aol.com
Subject: Re: Street parking inside an HOA community

Mr. Brack,

Thank you sir for your inquiry. As mentioned, the HOA cannot obviously enforce ordinance or state law violations of parking. However, the HOA can send letters if they choose to homeowners about parking violations. The HOA can also fine but that will be a total separate action from Police enforcement that is civil in nature and strictly between the HOA and members of the respective community. 

I hope this helps and please let me know if you need anything further.

Respectfully, 

Mark J. Mitchell 
Chief of Police
City of Canton, Ga.

Office: 770-720-4923
Cell: 678-787-7443
E-mail: mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com

On Tue, Mar 14, 2017 at 2:20 PM, Jay Brack <jbrack@dpm-re.com> wrote:

Chief Mitchell,

There is a homeowner (Bill Harris at 110 Holy Mill village Drive, Canton, GA. 30114 ) in the Holly Mill community that has posted an email from you in reference to parking on the street which I have attached and copied him on this email. The association is aware that the street are city property and as you stated in your email the city police will only take corrective action on a vehicle that violates city ordinance when parked on the street or sidewalk. 

However I believe the association would like one question answered as the homeowner is posting the association does not have any write to enforce the governing documents of the association which all homeowner agreed to when they purchased their property. In accordance with the governing documents for the Holly mill HOA specifically Article VII section 6 excerpt is below for reference. Does the association have the right to send a violation letter and also fine or is the city of canton stating that the association cannot enforce this? we are only asking for clarification so we can make sure all homeowners are properly informed.

Sincerely

Jacob Brack
Property Manager/Realtor
U.S. Army Retired
Douglas Property Management
117 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300
Woodstock, GA 30188
770.926.3086 Office
770.926.3952 Fax

Dale and Jennifer thanked you

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 14 Mar

This is the referenced regulation at Holly Mill. A larger, more readable version is at the blog site http://hollymill30114.blogspot.com/

Tim Harvey from Holly Mill · 16 Mar

Since this topic garnered quite a bit of comment I decided to see if the local paper would like to take a look, below is part of my email to them mentioning the issue. Perhaps they will find this of some interest?

-----------------------------------

To: newsupdate@tribuneledgernews.com
Sent: 3/16/2017 12:28:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Subj: HOA regs v. citizens usage of a public street.

You might look in at http://hollymill30114.blogspot.com/ to see some back and forth on a street parking issue that has gotten the attention of the Canton Police Chief and the Holly Mill HOA manager. There emails are on the site.

It is an interesting issue:
HOA regs v. citizens usage of a public street.

Anyway, there is an article waiting for someone to write it and it needs more attention than my little blog site.

Bill Harris
Citizen Journalist
Holly Mill

Edited on 16 Mar

Jennifer thanked you

Lisa Bryant from Towne Lake Hills · 14h ago

I am so sorry for your loss and the trouble you have had to deal with. What a shame your neighbors are so self centered.

Thank

Lisa thanked Lisa

Cindy Hill from Bridgemill · 12h ago

Thank you for writing this. I am so sorry for your loss! What a shame that you received such an upsetting and unnecessary letter at one of the most difficult times of your life.

Thank

Lisa Hansbury from Bridgemill · 3h ago

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dad, Jennifer. Hoping the above responses of sympathy, kindness and concern have mitigated the insensitive communicaes of the HOA.

Thank

====================================== 

Agenda for the 2017 HOA Annual General Meeting

Some Holly Mill Info FYI:

=====================================

Here is the property managers summary of the January 2016 Annual General Meeting:

==================================

For a review of both HM BOD and Douglas Property Mgmt you can go to:

  http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/douglas-property-management/woodstock-georgia-30188/douglas-property-management-aka-dpm-non-responsive-to-inquiries-by-property-owner-wood-1358250

=================================

Here is the info from the prior year (2015), you will note it is almost identical to the current year:

The Enclave at Holly Mill

==================================== 

Opening for Board of Directors

Douglas Property Management got on my radar screen when my inquiry to the BOD at their published email address was not replied to.   

I then copied the email and sent it with a cover note asking for DPM to furnish the info about a fence that I had asked for with the BOD.

This was also ignored.  

So I took the time to look up the firm and found both on this site and others that they were poorly thought of AND that at least 2 occasions DPM had put up phoney reviews saying that the firm did an excellent job etc.

Take for instance on just one day some years back that NINE people provided 5 star reviews, these 9 registered, made the one review and were never on the site again.  Noticed it again for a meager 2 puff reviews.

The 3 reviews that follow this one are all put in after my first review on this site, which was removed for some reason, it was up long enough to attract the notice of some duds who are on our HOA BOD and they rushed in to say what a wonderful firm DPB is.

Well, I, and a lot of other people disagree.

I think the BOD and DPM are doing a substandard job and both the current members and DPM should be removed. 

The site referenced is:  http://www.citysearch.com/profile/37649704/woodstock_ga/douglas_property_management_inc_.html?impressionId=000b000000c3da2747ebdd4d4db0d30af5e7c62b1b

Note: I did finally get a reply from DPB after having put in a BBB complaint.

Photo:  Woodstock location for Douglas Property Mgmt.

------------------------------------------------

2/20/17

FYI:  As of 4/24/17 there is no current BOD opening (email is for historical reference only)

From: info@holly-mill.com
To: bloggerc@.com
Sent: 2/15/2017 9:57:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time

Subj: Open Board Position

Dear Homeowner,

         The association has an open position.  We are looking for someone from the Enclave section of the community, since this we currently do not have a board member from this section. If you would be interested in volunteering and being part of the Board of Directors for the community please send an email to Jay at  jbrack@dpm-re.com with your name, address, and why you would like to be on the Board.

Sincerely

Holly Mill Board of Directors

Current Board Contact Info

Julie Marie Holubetz, President

169 Holly Mill Village Drive

Email: jholubetz5@aol.com

Phone: 
770 720-7811
404 862 1877

Clint Colley, Treasurer

Colley, Clint & Elizabeth  

237 Osmanthus Way 

Julie Allen, Secretary

209 Osmanthus Way 

678-580-7147 

jewelbeacap12@windstream.net

Frank Andriano, Director at Large

102 Drury Lane, 30114 

770-546-5066,  770-544-7346

fdawizard@comcast.net

Karen Phillips 407 Sureyya Drive Canton, Ga 30114

Note:  There is a Holly Mill message board available at:  
http://hollymill.freeforums.net/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2/8/17

OUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRM IS BADLY RATED ONLINE

3 weeks ago I had an inquiry which I sent to the listed BOD address via email.  When I did not get any reply I forwarded via mail a letter to J. Brack at Douglas Property Management enclosing a copy of the unanswered email about fences in the View subdivision.

I still have had no reply from either the BOD or Douglas and this got me to looking up Douglas at various consumer rating sites.

Hint:  They are not well regarded, here is a link to one site with more posts than the others:  http://www.citysearch.com/profile/37649704/woodstock_ga/douglas_property_management_inc_.html?impressionId=000b000000c3da2747ebdd4d4db0d30af5e7c62b1b

Those rating it favorably seem highly suspect and most likely many were put up by Douglas itself.

I have complained to the BBB,  Perhaps I will get a reply?

------------------------------------------

Misc: If you go to the referenced link you will find various reviews without dates, most say ‘over a year ago’ BUT if you hit the link for ‘around the web’ you drop into reviews with dates, they go back for many years and if you look at the favorable reviews you find that they are all alike, for instance 2 glowing reviews from 7/5/10 and 9 all dated 10/21/10.  

Yeah, they go back a long way, but consider that Douglas is puffing up their rating with bogus favorable reviews. Seems that any firm that has to do that for 11 bogus reviews isn’t a very good firm.  Also people have been complaining about this firm for many years.

UPDATE:  In regard to the link above to the consumer site, my original post disappeared (the photo remained), a second updated post (below) seemed to post but also disappeared, here is what that 2nd post said:

"I had an email inquiry sent on 1/21/17 to the Holly Mill (Ga) BOD about fence requirements.  It was ignored.  I followed up with a letter to J Brack at this management firm, enclosing a copy of the email and asking for the information.

I got no reply and put in a BBB complaint about the lack of reply.  On 2/8/17, the same day the BBB complaint was sent to the management firm, I finally got the info which I had asked for 18 days earlier.

I had already posted my annoyance on this site and the photo shown here is one I took and uploaded with my original complaint (now removed!).

I also noted that a 'Gregory J', Member since 2/08/2017 immediately posted their one and only post on this site.  This was a shill post, something that Douglas Property has done at least 11 other times and I would point out that on 10-21-10 NINE people came to the site and gave glowing reviews of the firm, also 7-5-10 TWO gave great reviews.

My point here is that on this site and other consumer complaint sites this firm is now and has been for years POORLY thought of and it seems that if you want some action from them you will have to complain to the BBB, just emailing and writing may well get you ignored."  

===================================== 

Annual General Meeting 2017

HOLLY MILL 2017 AGM SUMMARY

The yearly AGM was held from 7 pm until 7:40 pm on Jan. 25, 2017 at The Depot in Holly Springs (see photo at right).

28 Holly Mill homes were represented out of the total, (between the 4 phases), of 663 in residences in the 4 Holly Mill subdivisions.

Since 165 homes were required for establishing a quorum it was not possible to hold the BOD election and no official business was conducted (ie: no voting).  The existing Board remains in office.

*  There are 43 delinquent accounts, if a homeowner exceeds $600 in monies due to the HOA the matter is turned over to the Assn. lawyer for collection.

*  About 10% of the 663 Holly Mill homes are rentals.*

*  The 2 juvenile vandals have been identified, they are not Holly Mill residents.  A Canton detective is working (rather slowly) on the case.  The 2 were caught on camera for their 32 minute actions at the clubhouse patio.

(*  This statistic is from the property manager and is unlikely to be correct.  A more reliable ratio is 71/29 owned/rental.)

HOA Owner's Comments were:

*  Inquiries about various items on the budget.

*  Junk flyers being tossed onto home owners driveways, sidewalks etc.  It seems that 2 of the 4 Holly Mill developments have this problem and did also last year, per complaints at that meeting.  Additional information about the Atlanta Journal's littering can be found at:  http://atlantajournal-constitution.blogspot.com/. 

*  Parking issues/complaints.  Recommendation from the property manager is to call the police.  

Misc. input:  I know from my own experience that the Assn. was only marginally effective when I presented a complaint to them about an owner routinely parking on the sidewalk.  

The infractions continued and  I contacted the Canton Police Chief Mike Mitchell, at mark.mitchell@canton-georgia.com and again a second time 2 weeks later when nothing had changed.  

After the 2nd call the scofflaws have been parking correctly.  The Chief replied to both my inquiries within an hour of my emailing him.  I suggest you go to the top with parking complaints and send along photos of the problem as I did.

==================================

Misc Information FYI:

There are 2 ‘closed group’ facebook pages dedicated to the Holly Mill subdivisions.  You can find them at:

Village at Holly Mill Homeowners, (87 members)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/708372462610164/

Residents of the Holly Mill Community, (151 members)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyMillResidents/

NextDoor (251 members)

https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/hollymillga--canton--ga/

NextDoor (251 members)

https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/hollymillga--canton--ga/

The Holly Mill HOA has a site at:
http://www.holly-mill.com/

==================================

Here is the 'official' summary of the meeting, unfortunately it does not contain any info on 'comments' made by the owners.

==================================

(Note:  There is NO Holly Mill parking permit, but this sample does look nice.)

Photos of clubhouse and recreation areas:

====================================== 

Holly Mill Handook

This Handbook is not available on the official Holly Mill site so it is published here FYI.  Other information about the rules are on the official site at:  http://www.holly-mill.com/.  

That site has the Holly Mill Covenants, Pool Rules, Residents Directory and other items.

================================================

  HOLLY MILL consists of 4 communities under one HOA:

Holly Mill is characterized as: lower middle class, moderately educated, and primarily composed of children & teenagers, young professionals, and mid-career, which are the most prevalent age groups.

Generally speaking, The Village at Holly Mill's population is lower middle class, within the children & teenagers, young professionals, and mid-career age groups and moderately educated.

The View at Holly Mill is characterized as: middle class, moderately educated, and primarily composed of children & teenagers, young professionals, and mid-career, which are the most prevalent age groups.

Generally speaking, The Enclave at Holly Mill's population is lower middle class, within the children & teenagers, young professionals, and mid-career age groups and moderately educated.

Q:  How big is Holly Mill?

A:  Holly Mill has a total land area of 0.32 square miles.

Children and Teenagers (Under 20)

Approximately 32.34% of residents are under the age of 20. This is a high percentage for Canton and Atlanta Metro.

Young Professionals

The second largest age group in Holly Mill is the young professionals category, with approximately 27.02% of residents between 25 and 34 years old.

Many More Women

Women greatly out-populate men in Holly Mill by 9.1%.

Compared to Canton

To put this in perspective, Holly Mill has a higher percentage of women and a lower percentage of men than Canton.

Compared to Atlanta Metro

Taking a look at the big picture, Holly Mill has a high percentage of women and a low percentage of men for Atlanta Metro.

English Speaking Households

Most households in Holly Mill primarily speak English. 83.2% is a high percentage for the City, but about average for Atlanta Metro.

Spanish

The second most commonly spoken language in Holly Mill is Spanish, with 8.4% of households using it as the primary language.

Small Families

Most families (64.8%) in Holly Mill are classified as small, meaning they have two or three members. This means Holly Mill is a good representation of the family size for a typical neighborhood in Canton.

Only people within the household who are related to the head of the household by marriage, birth, or adoption are considered family members. Additionally, a household may only contain one family for tabulation purposes.

Predominantly Own Property

Property in Holly Mill is much more likely to be owned (76.4%), than it is to be rented (29.9%). Holly Mill's proportion of owned units is high for Canton, which reports 54.0% of its properties to be owned.

A housing unit is owned if the owner or co-owner lives in the home, whether or not the mortgage is fully paid for. Homes not occupied by the owner, whether they are rented or occupied without payment, are classified as renter occupied by the American Community Survey.

Owning a Home Usually Costs Between $1,000 - $1,500

In Holly Mill, 47% of home-owners with a mortgage spend between $1,000 and $1,500 on selected home-owner costs per month. This is a higher percentage than Canton and Atlanta Metro.

Between $1,500 - $2,000

The next most common cost range for home-owners with a mortgage is between $1,500 - $2,000. Approximately 34.7% of Holly Mill's residents pay between $1,500 - $2,000 on selected home-owner costs every month.

Selected owner costs include payments for mortgages, deeds of trust, contracts to purchase, house debts, real-estate taxes, hazard insurance, utilities, fuels and monthly condominium fees (when appropriate)

Lower Middle Class

Approximately 27.8% of Holly Mill's population lives in a lower middle class household, or a household with an annual income of between $25,000 and $50,000. This is a high percentage of lower middle class households for Canton and Atlanta Metro.

Upper Middle Class

The second most common household income level is upper middle class with approximately 26.4% of Holly Mill's residents living in a household earning an annual income between $75,000 and $150,000.

High School Graduates

Approximately 36.78% of the Holly Mill population has only earned a high school degree. One way to compare education levels is by considering Bachelor's Degree attainment. Holly Mill has a higher percentage of people with a Bachelor's Degree than Canton and Atlanta Metro, which suggests that this is a well educated neighborhood.

Education statistics for Holly Mill only consider the 25 and older population.

Fewer Religious Organizations

A religious organization is typically a place where people gather to practice religion - like a church, mosque, or synagogue.

On a per capita basis, Holly Mill has around 1/2 as many religious organizations as Georgia and 39% fewer than average for the United States.

Drives To Work

About 91.70% of the labor force in Holly Mill primarily drives or carpools to work. This proportion of people who drive to work is typical for a neighborhood in Canton, Georgia.  Most popular method to commute is by car.

10 - 20 Minute Commutes

Approximately 27% of workers in Holly Mill spend between 10 and 20 minutes commuting to work every day.

Average Commute Time

The mean commute time is 36.6 minutes, which is high for the city.

Commute time only accounts for one way to work. Total travel time for a given work-day would be 2x the average commute.

Weather

The annual average precipitation for Canton, GA is 54.25", and the annual snowfall is 1.9".

The month that is typically the hottest is July, with an average temperature of 75.5°F, and the coldest month is typically January with an average temperature of 38.5°F.

Natural Disaster Risk

High Tornado Risk

This neighborhood has high tornado risk, which is similar to most of Cherokee County.

Very High Hail Risk

This neighborhood has very high hail risk, which is similar to most of Cherokee County.

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State Filings:

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LOOKING UP GOVT INFORMATION COBB and CHEROKEE COUNTIES FYI

Recently there was an issue with some junk being left on the driveway of a HM house, possibly an eviction.

Finding the owner was brought up. Going through the HOA or management firm isn’t the way to do it.

Below are some sites I use daily to obtain various items of information. You might want to book mark some of them for your own use.

Ownership info on all property in Cherokee County at this site.
http://taxassessor.cherokeega.com/taxnet/RealEstate.aspx

Any Cherokee County Court filings can be looked up at the below site, the choices to choose between are:
 Civil Search
Criminal Search
Magistrate Search
http://www.cherokeeclerkofcourt.com/mainpage.aspx

Cobb County Superior Court, both Civil and Criminal
https://ctsearch.cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.com/

Cobb County Magistrate Court
https://courtconnect.cobbcounty.org:4443/…/ck_public_qry_ma…

Cobb County Tax Property Tax Division and Vehicle Tax Division
https://cobbtax.org/

Cobb County Tax Assessor - Personal Property and Property Search
http://www.cobbassessor.org/cobbga_dnn/

If you want Canton Police Reports this is the person to contact for Open Records Requests:
karen.murphy@canton-georgia.com

Want Federal filings? Civil, Criminal and also look up Bankruptcies. Got a name - look them up. You need to register and provide a credit card.

Don’t panic, you get 150 pages ‘FREE’ each quarter. If you keep it under 150 you pay $0, over 150 it is 15 cents a page. I get a lot of use out of this site, interesting to know who has filed 7, 13 etc. (Yep, very very interesting)

The site below is what you want it is called Public Access To Court Electronic Records: https://www.pacer.gov/

Look up serving or released inmates via the Federal Bureau of Prisons site: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/

Look up Georgia inmates at:http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/GDC/Offender/Query

Look up a Georgia Corporation at:https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch

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The below article has absolutely nothing to do with Holly Mill, it is just typical of the sort of issues that both HOA's and CA's have from time to time.

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