In seasons past, residents of Har-Ber Meadows would sing Christmas Carols throughout the neighborhood. For 2020, COVID-19 has changed that, but not our spirit. Please enjoy this Christmas performance of Silent Night from last Monday night on Bernice’s porch in Har-Ber Meadows. In the spirit of Bernice Young Jones (1905-2003), we thank you.

About the performers:

Vocalist Charity Ford has been singing since the first grade and served on the CLC (Christian Life Cathedral) Praise Team since 2008. Her family has lived in Har-Ber since 2015, married for 15 years, and has 2 boys (11 and 6 years old).

Tenor Sax Ryan Yumang is a 17-year-old junior at Har-Ber High School and a member of the Wildcat Band. He has been playing the saxophone for four years. "I love and appreciate all of the styles of music, especially Jazz. I have developed a love for the music, and that fuels my desire for more music. I've lived in Springdale for as long as I can remember, and am looking to perform as much as I can to gain experience."

The POA has engaged with Comprehensive Botanical Services to begin work on a meadow restoration project within Har-Ber Meadows. The location of this project is east of Ireland St., south of Har-Ber Ave. and north of Allie Frances Ave. It will encompass roughly four acres of green space that is currently turf grass.

This will be a multi-year project that will include several phases. The first phase is to remove invasive species of plants along both sides of the creek bed, including Bush Honeysuckle and Chinese Privet. The next phase will be the removal of the turf grass which will be an ongoing project throughout the rest of the year. After all of the turfgrass is removed, the area will be seeded with native grasses and wildflowers. Gradually, as the plants grow, spread and reseed themselves, we will be left with a low-maintenance meadow. We are also planning on planting more trees and shrubs along the creek, extending the “green zone” by about 30 feet.

In addition to the botanical changes, we have also installed several bluebird houses and we are looking at potentially adding bat boxes and martin houses as well. And, there will be a walking path so that residents can access the area.

There are numerous financial and environmental benefits to doing this project.

1. Turning this area into a wildflower meadow means that the POA will no longer need to pay for mowing.
2. Native grasses, plants, shrubs do a better job of filtering runoff water which helps clean the local watershed.
3. Creation of habitat and food sources for pollinators: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, etc.
4. Additional seed and insect sources will attract songbirds to the neighborhood.

We have been consulting with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership and the NWA Master Naturalists and we are confident that we have a good plan in place that will be a beautiful addition to Har-Ber Meadows.

Dear Property Owners,

We have an issue with property owners making changes to their property without going through the correct steps of filling out the online Architectural Review Committee (ARC) form requesting approval. Several property owners have made changes without seeking permission from the Har-ber Meadows ARC.

The correct process to make a change for your property or landscaping is to fill out an application online and receive approval for that change in writing from the ARC before actual construction or alterations are made. This approval is needed for any change on the exterior of your home or yard.

Some but not all items that require approval are

• Additions to the House
• Painting of the Exterior
• Roof Replacements
• Pergolas
• Landscaping Modifications
• Tree Removal
• New Driveway or Patio

When in doubt, please fill out the application.

The ARC meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month and will review the application and either approve or disapprove or ask for additional information before voting on the application. The process works and has aided in keeping property values high in the neighborhood.

Because of the number of violations (making changes without gaining approval), the Har-ber POA passed a recommendation at the July meeting that future violations by property owners will incur a $500.00 fine and the very real possibility of having to remove the unapproved change from their property at their cost. If the property owner ignores the fine, a lien will be placed on their property by the POA attorney for the fine and interest until paid

The process for approval for Architectural changes is in the covenants of the Har-ber subdivision and is nothing new. We have had a rash of unapproved changes, and it has to stop.

The fines go into place on September 1st, 2019. Please give this your attention and follow the rules.

Please get on board and help us help you by completing an Architectural Review Committee Application if you plan on making changes to your property.

Best Regards

Duane Rhodes

Har-ber Meadows POA & Har-Ber Meadows ARC Committee

President

Har-Ber Meadows is known for beautiful trees. The street and common area trees of Har-Ber Meadows are one of the distinguishing amenities that differentiate our neighborhood from others in Northwest Arkansas.

If you have removed a tree for any reason; that tree needs to be replaced now that we are coming to the fall planting season. This is required by Har-Ber Meadows Protective Covenants and Builders Guide.

Sharum’s Nursery has offered to give all Har-Ber Meadows residents a 20% discount on all tree orders. Contact Jacob at (479) 361-9180 to take advantage of this generous offer.

If you would like to hire planting service, Custom Lawn Care NWA plants the POA Common Area trees each year to POA planting specifications. Please contact Daryl Ottaviano at (479) 200-4449 to inquire about his services.

For the Arkansas State Arborist recommended street tree species and planting specifications, please email managementiiillc@cox.net

If you would like more information on what kind of trees can be planted (Street Trees) please see our original post on this.

Please contact the ARC if you have a diseased tree that you plan on removing before replacing. Removal of any tree needs the approval of the ARC.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Dear Har-Ber Meadows Property Owner,

Our Har-Ber Meadows is a beautiful neighborhood! Spring is almost over and summer is just around the Corner. Hope all of you have been enjoying the pool and visiting with your neighbors. I have not been fishing yet but have enjoyed walking around the neighborhood over the weekend and visiting with some of you. We are truly Blessed!

This note is to share some information and also to ask your help in addressing some issues.

1. If you have not already received your fishing license you can pick one up at the Pool house. Our attendants will be happy to help you.
2. Har-Ber Meadows POA Board members for the 2019-2020 year are:

• Jamie Smithson
• Rob Lyall
• Dr. Robert Stark
• Rob Stevenson
• Sully Sullivan
• Scot Jeffus
• Duane Rhodes

3. One of the first things that people notice about our neighborhood is the trees. Unfortunately, there seems to be many trees missing and others that are sick or dying. If you would like to replace a missing or dead tree- Jacob at Sharron’s Nursery off of 112 south of 412 in Tontitown has agreed to a 20% discount off your tree purchases for Har-Ber residents. His number is 479-651-8100. If you are wondering what would be a good replacement tree call John at 479-856-2285 or email ManagementiiiLLC@cox.net. A page dedicated to tree species, maintenance, planting specifications, etc. will be available on the website soon. Please replace your trees as soon as possible. Your neighbors and those visiting our neighborhood will enjoy the fall colors for years to come.
4. The week of June 24 through July 1 will be our first annual Har-Ber tree trimming week. If you trim your trees and stack the limbs by your curb, the POA will make arrangements to have the cut limbs during this week hauled away for you.
   Please limb up your trees to height of seven feet above the sidewalk grade so that your neighbors can walk on the unobstructed sidewalks. Also, please remove the sucker limbs that have sprouted. It will only take a few moments of your time resulting in an aesthetically pleasing streetscape. The POA will continue to maintain trees on community property while residents will need to maintain their own trees. If you would rather hire help and need a referral, Dale Creamer is a resident and can be reached at 479-445-3365. Your attention to this is greatly appreciated.

5. Security concerns. Normally the summer is the times when we see a rise in car break-ins and theft from garages and homes. We have police who patrol our neighborhood but they can’t be everywhere all the time. The following suggestions will help defend you and your property against theft:
   a. Leave your outside lights on after dark. Thieves will pick the darker house as opposed to the lighted one.
   b. A camera system such as Ring is a good deterrent.
   c. Lock your doors and garage.
   d. Lock your cars.
   e. Neighbors watch out for your neighbors.
   f. Report any suspicious people vehicles or activity to the Springdale police.
   g. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
6. Please observe the traffic signs and speed limit in the neighborhood. The speed limit is 25 MPH in the entire subdivision. We have lots of young kids in the neighborhood and no one wants their life changed forever in the event of an accident.
7. Please keep your garbage cans concealed from street or alley view except for the day the trash is collected.
8. If you are going to do work on the exterior of your home, landscaping, or add a pool, please remember to submit an application to the ARC to gain approval in advance. When in doubt, still submit an application. There is an online application on our web site and the committee will usually get back to you within two weeks if not sooner. The ARC meets every 2nd and 4th Monday at the pool house if you would like to go over your application with the members in person.

ARC Application

Go to www.harbermeadows.org. Click the Online Applications Link/Architectural Review Committee Application. Follow the instructions and your application will be emailed to the ARC Committee members. You will receive communication from the committee via email. Please call if you need any additional help.

As I said at the beginning, Har-Ber Meadows is a great community because of the residents. Everyone enjoy the sunshine and have a great summer with family and friends.

Warmest Regards,

Har-Ber Meadows POA

Dear Fellow Residents,

I believe most of you are aware that there have been multiple break-ins of vehicles in our neighborhood recently. The purpose of this note is to notify anyone who is not aware of these events, so you can take precaution to avoid becoming a victim.

Some suggestions and these are not all inclusive:

• Lock your vehicle.
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
• Park in your garage when you can.
• Park your car in a lighted area when possible.
• Leave your outside lights on at night.
• Install cameras on your property if feasible
• Tell your neighbor about the recent happenings.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Notify the police of any strange or unusual events in your vicinity.
• Report to the police any strangers or strange vehicles you notice.
• Notify the police and file a report if you have an issue.

What we are doing:

Har-ber Meadows has a couple of police officers who patrol our neighborhood at random intervals.

We are looking into the cost and technology to add surveillance technology in the neighborhood. This is being researched now and has been for some time. We hold to have a good solution shortly.

If you would like to become a member of a neighborhood watch, please contact John Duke, our property manager. Based upon the amount of interest and commitment by residents he receives we will work to set up a watch. This has been done before, but over time the interest and participation have failed.

We have a great neighborhood, and I am disappointed that we have this going on here. With all of your help and diligence, we will get this issue addressed and solved.

Thank you,

Duane Rhodes
President
Har-ber Meadows POA Board

Happy springtime to each of you. Hopefully we will have better springtime weather going forward. We are only a couple months away from the pool being opened and the school year ending.

I wanted to take the time to remind everyone that it’s time for spring cleaning and to get your yard ready for the summer. The common area’s had their first mowing last week. Here is a quick checklist for all residents:

• Trim your trees, especially those by the sidewalk so not to interfere with your neighbors walking and use of the sidewalk.
• Plant missing trees. Our neighborhood is well known for the blooms in the spring and the awesome colors in the fall. Take a look and if you need a tree replaced, please have it done. If you would like a list of recommended species, email manager@harbermeadows.org.
• Clean out those flower beds before Summer gets here and the weeds really start to grow.
  If you have mildew on the siding of your home; a power washer will remove it.
• Some of our lawns have a pretty good stand of weeds-please review with your lawn service and let’s get the neighborhood in great shape.
• Please do not blow grass clippings into the lakes.
• Keep those puppies on a leash when you are walking your pets. There have been a few instances and complaints about animals not being kept on a leash.

These are a shortlist but if you take care of your investment by following up on these points your neighbors will appreciate it and your property will be looking good.

As an update, the major brick work on the bridges has been completed and we are now looking at putting a new coat of paint on the painted area of the street bridges.

We will have four lake clean-up days spread out by month. These will be posted on the Web site. Please come out on these Saturday mornings to help. It’s a good way to meet your neighbors and I’ll bring the donuts.

Some reminders:

• If you are going to do a project on your property fences, roofs, painting, landscaping or any other project; you will need to fill out an ARC form. Please do this and the ARC committee will quickly get with you to approve or notify you of any changes you need make to meet covenants. This can save you time and money. Please do not start a project before you have completed the forms and gotten feedback from the ARC Committee.
• There are two positions open for the board this time. If you have interest; please email manager@harbermeadows.org so we can get your information and put you on the ballot. The election will be held at the summer cookout. We are always in need of new board members; so please put your name in if you would like to serve the community.
• Airbnb: The POA’s Board of Directors is currently evaluating the impact that short-term vacation rentals such as Airbnb and VBO have on the neighborhood as well as whether rentals of this nature unreasonably interfere with the quiet enjoyment of the residents. The ballot will contain a section for your input regarding this issue. Please be sure to give us your input at the voting table during the Annual Meeting.
• Security: Please keep your vehicles and homes locked. Look out for each other and report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Fishing permits will be available at the annual meeting /cookout. Please see Ralph Grisham or Scot Jeffus.
• We will also be poling residents on some projects for next year at the annual meeting to see what we have the most interest in doing from a property owners perspective.

Please try to make the annual meeting if you can. I hope all of you are able to make this one. Your opinion and vote counts.
Well enough of these reminders; I hope each of you are enjoying the neighborhood and are getting ready for a really great Summer. Har-ber Meadows is a one of a kind community and a great place to live and raise your family.

We hope everyone has had a great Autumn and are getting ready to celebrate the Holidays in the next few days. Har-Ber’s trees were glorious this year-seems like every year the trees put on a better show of Autumn colors than the year before.

Just a few things to cover and remind each of us at this time:

Tree Trimming

All the street and common area trees in the neighborhood were trimmed this past winter. This was done for street safety and to allow people to be able to walk on the sidewalks without having to duck under and around limbs. We are asking each of you to take a moment and remove the sucker limbs that have sprouted from these trimmed trees and to remove any limbs on street trees that might have grown and become a danger or nuisance for walkers and street traffic. Please take time to address this. It will only take a few moments of your time. We have a beautiful neighborhood with lots of trees-please help us keep the trees trimmed and in good shape. We thank you for doing this and your neighbors will be appreciative as well.

Missing Trees

If you are missing trees due to disease or weather—Please have the trees replaced. Remember the bright colors are one of the positive things that Har-ber meadows is known for! Please help keep the color in the neighborhood. I am working with a local nursery to get a volume discount for our property owners and will be sharing that information when the negotiation is done. One other thing about tree replacement-the ARC can share with you recommendations for replacement trees that may have deeper root structure and be less brittle than the original Maples and Bradford Pears yet retain the beautiful fall leaves.

ARC Applications

Please remember to fill out an ARC Application if you are planning on making any changes to your home/property. You can find the Application here on our website. The ARC will review and get back to you in a timely manner. The ARC committee has regular monthly meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the pool house.

Security

We live in one of the safest areas of our city. Unfortunately, there are always those who will steal if given an opportunity. Please help us keep the neighborhood safe. Watch out for yourselves and your neighbors. You can help by.

• Leaving your outside lights on.
• Locking your Vehicle.
• Parking in Garage and not on the street.
• Keeping your Garage closed.
• Keeping all your doors secured.
• Leaving outside lights on after dark.
• Reporting to the Police any suspicious people or activity you see.

Thieves hate cameras-so one might look at installing some cameras for your house. Some of the board members are looking at installing cameras on their houses. Some of the newer systems will hook up with your phone and alert you if there is activity around your home.
Being aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you are going to be out of town-have your neighbors pick up your papers and be aware you will not be home.
We have a couple of police officers who patrol our neighborhood on a random basis each week. They tell us that you if see something suspicious to call the Springdale Police Department and there will be someone come out and investigate.

Holliday Season

During this Holiday season be especially aware because of packages and gifts being left at your door.
The Board is looking to add cameras in the main entrance streets to help identify cars when there is an issue.

We know all of these suggestions are simple but they will help eliminate the opportunity for theft.

Speeding in Har-Ber

Please remember to obey the speed limits in Har-ber and please make everyone in the family aware to not speed in the neighborhood. I have asked our police officers to put an emphasis on cutting down on speeding in Har-ber Meadows. Don’t get a ticket but most of all be safe around our kids. All of us need to keep this in mind.

Dog Park

The board is looking looking at possibility creating a dog park for our residents. More news on this later.

Wishing each of you a great Holiday season and a prosperous and safe New Year!

We hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoying all the amenities that we have here in our neighborhood. The fireworks show this year was the best yet!

This post is the first informational update of what we envision to be a regular feature on the Har-ber Meadows official site. Please stay tuned for more content coming soon!

Tree trimming

Har-ber Meadows is known for its colorful trees! We had all the street and common area trees in the neighborhood trimmed this past winter. This was done for street safety and to allow people to be able to walk on the sidewalks without having to duck under and around limbs. We are asking each of you to take a moment and remove the sucker limbs that have sprouted from these trimmed trees and to remove any limbs on street trees that might have grown and become a danger or nuisance for walkers and street traffic. Please take time to address this. It will only take a few moments of your time. We have a beautiful neighborhood with lots of trees-please help us keep the trees trimmed and in good shape. We thank you for doing this and your neighbors will be appreciative as well.

ARC Applications

Please remember if you are making any changes to your home/property; you need to fill out an ARC application (you can find the application here on the website) and have it approved by the ARC committee. The ARC committee meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Monday each month at the pool house at 5:30 pm.

New Board Members

Please congratulate our newest board members, Rob Lyall, Ed Franzke, and Scot Jeffus on being selected by you to serve on the Har-ber board. Rob stark was also re-elected to the board. Thanks to each of you for your willingness to serve your community.

Green space Parking/Tow Service

We continue to have some folks who park on POA greenspace. This is against the Har-ber Meadows covenants. We continue to receive complaints about this from other residents.  A tow service has been contracted to remove the vehicles that are found to be parked on any Har-ber Meadows green space. The name and phone number for the Towing service is A&E Towing W-479-751-3830 or Cell 479-435-0339 (Edgar is the contact). The towing service will be charging the owners of the vehicles for towing and release of the vehicles. Please don’t park on the green space in our neighborhood.

Har-ber Fishing-

We are blessed to have really good fishing in the Har-ber lakes. Many of our kids and adult residents enjoy this amenity daily. Please remember to wear your neighborhood fishing permit when enjoying the fishing. This is important because we are having some people from outside the neighborhood who are coming in to fish the lakes. The lakes and the fish are managed for the enjoyment of Har-ber Meadows residents. We have asked our police officers to start issuing trespass/theft of property citations for anyone who is determined to be fishing our lakes without being accompanied by a permitted resident. If you see someone that you think is fishing our lakes without a resident with a permit-Please call the non emergency police number 479-751-4542 and tell the officers the particulars of what you are seeing. Do not confront the trespassers, leave that to the police.

Street Parking

Neighbors, please try to limit street parking by your homes. We have narrow streets and the emergency vehicles have a hard time navigating.  Please use your garages and driveways as the first options. This is a safety issue for all of the community.

Street safety

We have lots of young kids here in Har-ber Meadows. Please be alert and follow the speed limits. Also if you have young drivers; please give them the same guidance about driving safely in the neighborhood. The last thing that any of us want is to have a child run over.

Security

Please make sure your garages and homes are secured. While theft is not a huge issue in the neighborhood we need to help protect ourselves. This will lessen the opportunity for thieves. Our officers tell us this almost every month—so just a friendly reminder.

 

Again we hope each of you are having a great summer and enjoying the Har-ber Meadows’ Life. Until next time…

 

Best Regards,
Your Har-ber Meadows POA Board