Crooked Creek 2025 HOA Letter

Meeting: September 16th, 2025 at the Franklin Public Library

Lawn Cutting:

This year, lawn maintenance has progressed smoothly. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the homeowners who have taken the initiative to mow common areas. Your efforts have helped reduce expenses for the HOA, and your support is greatly appreciated.

WE Energies:

WE Energies has recently implemented rate increases; however, these changes have not impacted our current utility expenses. Due to careful budgeting and consistent energy usage, the HOA remains well within our projected utility costs. At this time, we are on track to stay within budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

Regulatory Compliance of Ponds:

It is imperative that all ponds within the subdivision remain fully compliant with the regulations set forth by the City and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Failure to maintain compliance could result in significant fines and penalties being imposed on the subdivision.

Ongoing adherence to these regulatory standards ensures the environmental health of our community’s water features and protects the subdivision from potential legal and financial liabilities.

Pond #1:

Pond #1 is not maintained or financially supported by the Homeowners Association and is not included in the HOA's responsibilities or budget. All costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance of Pond #1 have been privately funded by the homeowners residing near the pond.

Pond #2:

Cost - $1780.89

Pond #2 is the largest and deepest pond within the Crooked Creek community. It continues to perform exceptionally well and remains one of the most well-maintained ponds in our neighborhood. The aerator is functioning optimally, promoting healthy water circulation and supporting aquatic life. Additionally, both the inlet and outlet basins are now operating as intended, ensuring effective water flow and overall pond stability. This pond serves as a model for future maintenance and care throughout the community.

* We have opened Pond #2 for fishing

Ponds #3 and #5:

Pond #3 Cost - $2447.97 (2 aerators - $1223.99 each)

Pond #5 Cost - $1484.44

Ponds #3 and #5 are among the most well-performing water features in the Crooked Creek community, ranking just behind Pond #2 in overall condition and functionality. Their depth and extended length contribute significantly to water quality and ecosystem balance.

Pond #3 is equipped with two aerators, while Pond #5 has one, all of which are currently operating efficiently to maintain proper oxygen levels and promote healthy aquatic conditions. These aeration systems play a crucial role in preventing stagnation and supporting long-term pond health.

While the inlet and outlet basins for both ponds present ongoing maintenance challenges—primarily due to natural debris and sediment buildup—they are currently functioning as intended. Regular monitoring and upkeep will remain a priority to ensure continued performance and prevent future blockages.

Pond #4:

Cost - $2925.53

Pond #4 is one of the smaller and shallower ponds within the Crooked Creek community, which presents unique challenges in terms of maintenance and water quality. Due to its limited depth and surface area, the pond is highly susceptible to rising temperatures, particularly during the warmer months when temperatures reach the high 70s and 80s. These conditions have led to recurring algae blooms, which severely impact the pond's ecosystem and hinder the proper functioning of the aerator.

The aerator in Pond #4 has become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. So far this year, it has required professional cleaning on three separate occasions due to algae buildup. In addition, significant amounts of chemical treatments have been necessary to manage the algae growth, further increasing ongoing expenses.

Given the disproportionate cost of maintaining the aerator relative to its benefits in this particular pond, the Board is currently evaluating whether continued operation of the aerator is financially justifiable. As it stands, Pond #4 represents a significant maintenance burden, and alternative solutions may need to be considered moving forward.

Pond Inspections:

Earlier this month, all community ponds underwent a comprehensive inspection to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements set forth by both the City and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These inspections are part of our ongoing commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and adherence to all applicable municipal and state guidelines.

The inspections focused on evaluating the structural integrity of inlet and outlet systems, assessing water quality, reviewing aerator functionality, and identifying any potential environmental concerns. These assessments are essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for maintaining the long-term health and sustainability of our pond systems.

The total cost for the inspection services is estimated at approximately $1,800. This expense is considered a necessary part of our annual maintenance and compliance obligations.

COST OF PONDSas of August, 2025

Inspection Cost	$1800.00
Removal/Cleaning/Storage	$1350.00
Treatment Costs for Sept & Oct	$780.00
Cost of Basin Cleaning	$2300.00
TOTAL 2025 POND COSTS	$15,168.83

2025 Project:

Drexel Avenue Entrance Enhancements:Significant improvement efforts were recently completed at the Drexel Avenue entrance to enhance curb appeal and maintain a welcoming appearance for residents and visitors alike.

• Landscape Maintenance: Overgrown bushes, trees, and weeds were carefully trimmed and cleared to create a cleaner and more polished look.

• Monument Sign Refurbishment: The entrance monument sign was reworked to improve both visibility and aesthetics. This included repairs, cleaning, and touch-ups to restore its original appearance.

• Stone Installation: New decorative stone was added to both the front and rear areas surrounding the monument sign, further enhancing the overall landscaping design and providing a more refined, finished look.

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These updates are part of our continued efforts to maintain the beauty and value of the Crooked Creek community.

Taxes:

The subdivision realized significant savings on taxes this year, resulting in a notable reduction in overall expenses. Through a careful review of assessed values and a proactive approach to financial management, the Board was able to ensure that the tax obligations for common areas were minimized without compromising compliance with local tax regulations.