Oak Valley Homes Association-Lenexa
Corrected Minutes of the OVHA Annual Meeting
February 2, 2025

The Annual Meeting of the Oak Valley Homes Association was called to order by President Erik Brinkman at 5:10 p.m., at the Lenexa VFW. All Board members were present along with the following officials from the City of Lenexa:

• Julie Sayers Mayor
• Mike Nolan Assistant City Manager
• Courtney Eiterich Ward 1 Council Member
• John Michael Handley  Ward 1 Council Member 

Erik introduced the guests and turned the meeting over to Mike Nolan, for a discussion of the upcoming vote on the ⅜ cent sales tax renewal. Mike provided details and a brochure covering the specific improvements and amenities this funding would pay for.

The balance between the role of sales taxes and property taxes in the city budget was discussed. The Mayor pointed out that the city’s mill levy has gone down and that other entities (schools, libraries, etc) also receive funds from the property tax. Also, property appraisals are the jurisdiction of Johnson County, not the City of Lenexa. 

Mayor Sayers offered an overview of upcoming projects in Lenexa, including the new Advent Hospital, two new hotels in City Center, the new Ad Astra swimming pool, the remodeled Lenexa Old Town Activity Center and road improvements throughout the city. She also encouraged anyone with concerns about snow plow damage or eroding creek banks to email her or any council member for assistance.

She also responded to questions regarding fallen trees along the creek, street sweeper scheduling, damaged public art work, remedies for speeding on 84th Terrace, new building within City Center, and the negative vote on the proposed homeless shelter at La Quinta on 95th Street.

Erik thanked the city officials for their input and turned the meeting to Board reports. 

Treasurer’s Report

Mark Hink reviewed association expenses from 2024 and pointed out that trash collection and insurance costs were both going up in 2025. He stated that the Board had proposed to raise dues a nominal $10 this year to cover most of the anticipated increase, bringing the 2025 dues to $255.00. Cari Brinkman moved that we approve the proposed dues; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. 

Mark also recommended that we continue the incentive that was first used in 2024, to encourage prompt payment of dues. The incentive would allow one household to have their dues payment refunded. The winning household would be drawn from the names of all those who have paid their dues on or before March 31st, with the exclusion of Board members and rental properties. The refund pertains only to dues and does not include any bank or transaction fees. 

There was a brief discussion about the significant increase in the cost of insurance, with assurances that the Board has searched for better prices. Following discussion, Cari moved that the association members accept the incentive program for 2025. The motion was seconded and approved.

Social/Communications Report

Cari Brinkman provided an overview of the activities provided in Oak Valley in 2024, including the Easter Egg Scramble, the annual garage sale, decorating contests (Halloween, Christmas), and the Wine Tastings. She mentioned that several planned activities had not taken place due to bad weather or low interest. Planning is underway for activities in 2025, and Cari is hoping to kindle renewed interest with some new ideas. 

Landscaping Report

Rich Berki spoke briefly about his first year at this job and hopes that if anyone has concerns about the appearance of the common areas, they’ll let him know via the OVHA mail. He is happy to work with homeowners in cul-de-sacs who want to beautify their islands, with the caveat that there is no irrigation, so someone in that location must agree to water any new plants.

President’s Remarks

Erik Brinkman mentioned that the homes association taxes and annual report were up to date and that Cari had added the OVHA information to the City of Lenexa list of homes associations. Erik asked for general comments from the members and several people remarked about poorly maintained yards. He will look into these concerns. 

Last, it was noted that all current Board members have agreed to stay on for the 2025 year. There is one vacancy at the position of Vice-President and an appeal was made for anyone with an interest to volunteer. The following slate of Board members was proposed:

• President  Erik Brinkman 
• Treasurer  Mark Hink
• Secretary  Anne Richardson
• Architectural Control  Larry Rector
• Landscaping  Rich Berki
• Social/Communication  Cari Brinkman

Patty Hink moved that the slate of officers be adopted. The motion was seconded and approved. 

The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

Minutes Submitted by Anne Richardson, Secretary

Oak Valley Homes Association-Lenexa
Minutes of the OVHA Annual Meeting
February 3, 2024

Erik Brinkman, OVHA President, called the annual meeting of the Oak Valley Homes Association-Lenexa, to order at 5:15 p.m. The meeting was held at the Lenexa VFW and all Board members were present in person, along with a number of association members. Additional members attended virtually.

Erik opened the meeting with thanks to Cari Brinkman for setting up the venue and dinner. He briefly outlined the meeting agenda before introducing the featured speaker, Julie Sayers, newly elected Mayor of Lenexa.

Mayor’s Remarks
Julie Sayers outlined initiatives that the City of Lenexa is currently working on, including the new justice center, the study to determine how to best use the previous justice center facility, renovation of the Lenexa Community Center and Senior Center, the anticipated opening of the
new swimming pool at Indian Trails Aquatic center and continuing infrastructure projects. She also took questions from the audience regarding the crossing at Santa Fe and Pflumm, traffic on 87th street, how the city manages aging commercial areas, taxes and crime. Mayor Sayers also touched on the construction in City Center, including the new Advent hospital, new hotels and the challenges facing the KC metro area from hosting the World Cup in 2026. She discussed the possible homeless shelter at the former LaQuinta motel at 95th and I-35 and grant money available for improvements to owners of qualifying private property. She urged anyone with concerns about rental property falling into disrepair to contact the city Community Standards office, and noted that rental properties and Airbnb’s are required to register with the city. Julie encouraged constituents to reach out to her office with any concerns about city issues.

Treasurer’s Report
Mark Hink provided the budget recap for 2023 and the recommended budget for 2024, based on assumed annual dues of $245.00 per household. Cari moved that the dues for 2024 be set at $245.00 as recommended. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. It was further moved that dues must be paid by April 1st, to avoid delinquency. An additional motion was put forth that late fees will be assessed at the rate of $10 per month past the April 1st due date. Both
motions were seconded and approved by the members. After discussion, a motion to rescind the previous motion regarding the late fee was proposed, but was not seconded. That motion failed. Last, it was suggested that as an incentive to pay dues in a timely fashion, and reduce the burden of collections on the Treasurer, a contest might be created. A motion was proposed that all households, except those of the Board members, paying their dues before April 1st shall be entered into a drawing. The one household whose name is drawn at random will win a refund of the dues they have paid for 2024. The motion was seconded and upon a vote, was passed.

Social/Communications Report
Cari Brinkman gave an overview of the Social activities of the previous year and activities that are planned for 2024. Those activities included the Block Party(ies), the Wine Tastings, the new Easter Egg Scramble, the annual Garage Sale and the decorating contests. Cari also addressed the issue of deteriorating cluster mailboxes and noted that they are the responsibility of the US post office. The homes association will not repair or replace these, as the cost is prohibitive.

Nomination and Election of Board Members
Erik announced that two members of the Board are relinquishing their positions: Mike Rzeszut/Landscaping and Josh Fry/Vice-President. The remaining Board members are willing to serve another term. It was moved and seconded that the following members of the Board be retained:
President Erik Brinkman
Treasurer Mark Hink
Secretary Anne Richardson
Architectural Control Larry Rector
Social/Communication Cari Brinkman
The motion was put to a vote and all members above were retained for 2024. In addition, Rich Berki agreed to join the Board, taking over the Landscaping position. Further appeals will be made to fill the Vice- President position.

Closing Remarks
Erik noted the increased turn-out at the annual meeting and thanked everyone for their interest in making Oak Valley a great place to live.

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Following the affirmative vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Secretary Anne Richardson

Oak Valley Homes Association – Lenexa

Minutes of the OVHA Annual Meeting

February 5, 2023

The annual meeting of the Oak Valley Homes Association-Lenexa was called to order by President Erik Brinkman at 5:25 p.m. at the Lenexa VFW. All Board members were present in person along with a number of association members. Additional members attended the meeting via remote link.

Welcome and President’s Remarks

Erik reviewed the activities of the Board in the past year, including the work of the By-Laws review committee and the update of the association’s legal status. Erik also noted the holiday decorating contests and block parties that help build community interaction and spirit.

Treasurer’s Report

Bob LeVeau reviewed the 2022 budget figures and outlined the expenditures that exceeded what had been allotted, those being primarily the biennial mulch purchase and the costs of bringing the association into legal compliance. He stated that to maintain the desired cash bank balance, recommended dues for 2023 would be $245.00 per household.

The 2023 budget allows for several in-person social activities, which have not been held during the pandemic years. Trash service cost is expected to increase slightly, but common areas costs should be less in the “off” year. The 2023 budget was designed to be revenue neutral.

After discussion of the expenses, primarily trash collection, a motion was made to set the 2023 dues at $245.00 per household. The motion was seconded and passed. Bills will be mailed via USPS and/or email in the near future.

Bob has tendered his resignation from the homes association Board. Bob was commended for his many, many years of work on behalf of the homes association. His service has been exemplary and we all appreciate his dedication. Mark Hink has agreed to take over this position.

Social/Communications

Cari Brinkman reported on the social activities in 2022, including the first in-person block party since COVID. She noted the enthusiastic participation in the holiday decorating contests and her interest in fostering communications within the community via the newsletter and emails. Cari also mentioned the OVHA website, run by Pat Wallace, as a valuable resource for our association. Plans for 2023 include 2 block parties (spring and fall) and an Easter activity for children. Other opportunities to build community interaction, such as driveway parties and a Welcome Committee were also mentioned.

Guest Speaker

City councilwoman Courtney Eiterich, one of our representatives in Ward One, was invited to attend the annual meeting and provide insight into activities of the City of Lenexa. She spoke about updating the city swimming pools, the reconfiguration of the skate park and parking lot at Sar-Ko-Par park, the new uses for the old City Hall complex, and the new tunnel under 87th street. Ms. Eiterich mentioned Lenexa’s sound economic footing, the city’s pavement management program, rental housing regulations in Lenexa and the old library building on 87th street, just west of Lackman. Ms. Eitherich also commented on the issue of trash collection in the city and advised that our contract is better than many. She urged residents to contact her with questions or concerns about Lenexa and its policies.

Nominations and Election of Board Members

Erik Brinkman asked for any nominations from the floor for Board positions before calling for the vote. It was moved and seconded that Mark Hink serve as the new Treasurer, as Bob LeVeau is leaving the Board. It was also moved and seconded that the remaining incumbent Board members retain their positions for 2023. The following persons were elected to serve one-year terms:

President–Erik Brinkman

Vice-President–Josh Fry

Treasurer–Mark Hink

Secretary–Anne Richardson

Architectural Control–Larry Rector

Landscaping–Mike Rzeszut

Social/Communication–Cari Brinkman

Miscellaneous Remarks

• Mike Rzeszut invited all association members to volunteer their talents in Oak Valley. He also mentioned that if anyone has a question about Architectural issues (sheds, fencing, etc), to contact Larry Rector.

• Chris Bryan appealed to the association membership for assistance. If anyone has video or knowledge of the late night harassment at his home, please contact him.

• Cari Brinkman will send out the neighborhood directory via email once the annual update is done in the spring. Josh Fry will provide the data to Cari for this endeavor. The directory is NOT to be made public and is for the personal use of association members only.

• Erik Brinkman concluded the meeting by saying that among his plans for 2023 were more community activities, such as a creek clean-up day.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

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Oak Valley Homes Association

Minutes of the OVHA Board Meeting

August 3, 2022

President Erik Brinkman called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. at the home of Larry Rector.  In addition to Erik and Larry, Cari Brinkman, Josh Fry, Mark Hink and Anne Richardson were present.  Bob LeVeau and Mike Rzeszut were absent.

President’s Remarks

Erik reported on four requirements to bring the Oak Valley Homes Association-Lenexa back into good standing with federal and state agencies. Those are:

1. Obtain a Kansas Business Entity ID number and attain “good standing” status with the Secretary of State’s office.
2. File the current Annual Report with the State of Kansas, and file back reports from the years that had not been filed (only 3 required).
3. Provide a homes association official address, which must be a physical address, not a post office box. The current address is the home of the President, Erik Brinkman. This address must be updated when the presidency of the association changes in future years.
4. File the required federal tax return, using the Employer Identification Number (EIN) the association had established at inception. 

Erik noted that Bob LeVeau has already completed the first two steps. The third step is also complete and notes will be kept to ensure the association does not fall out of compliance in the future due to lack of continuity. The homes association does not have to be declared a “tax exempt”  organization, as we have no taxable income and thus will owe no tax.

It was moved that Bob and Erik work to file the delinquent 2021 federal 1120-H tax return as soon as practical. Mark seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.  

By-Laws Update

The Board considered several options to revise the association By-Laws to allow the annual assessment to exceed the current limits in the By-Laws, if necessary. The rationale for the revision is the rising cost of trash collection provided by the homes association. After consideration of the costs of revision, notices and filing fees, the Board did not proceed. It was moved and seconded that the Board will not revise the association By-Laws at this time. The motion passed. 

Change of position on Board

Manoj Shah, our recent Vice-President, resigned his position because of his move out of the area. Josh Fry, board member-at-large, was willing to step into the vacant spot on the Board. It was moved and seconded that Josh Fry move from his current position to that of the Vice-President of the OVHA Board. The motion was approved.

Social Update

Cari Brinkman announced the date of the Fall Block Party: Saturday, September 17th. The party will begin at 4:30 p.m. and food will be served at 5:00 p.m. Larry agreed to provide meat and Erik will cook. Attendees will be asked to bring a side dish to share. Josh has already acquired the paper products. Past homes association president Rick Vandenberg has the association tent and will bring it on the date of the party.

A badminton tournament is planned and if those attending wish to bring additional games, they may do so. The association will not provide a bounce house this year, but may look into asking an ice cream vendor if they want to send a truck to the party site so that families may purchase treats.

The homes association Annual Meeting will be held on a Sunday in early February, likely the 5th. The Board hopes that the meeting can be in-person this year. Cari will look into possible venues that fit into the budget, including, but not limited to the Lenexa Public Market, the Lenexa Senior Center, and the Lenexa VFW. 

Next Meeting Date and Agenda

The Board will meet again on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Larry Rector’s house. The primary focus will be to set association dues for 2023. Erik also hopes to discuss ideas to build community spirit, such as a clean-up day along the creek, an Easter event and so forth.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Oak Valley Homes Association

Minutes of the OVHA Annual Meeting

February 6, 2022

The annual meeting of the Oak Valley Homes Association was called to order by President Rick Vandenberg at 5:07 p.m. Board members Cari Brinkman, Bob LeVeau, Manoj Shah, Josh Fry, Larry Rector, Mike Rzeszut and Anne Richardson were in attendance via remote link, as were a number of Oak Valley residents.

President’s Report
Rick welcomed all attendees to the remote meeting and thanked everyone for their interest in the business of our neighborhood, in spite of not being able to have the in-person meeting as we have had in pre-pandemic years. Rick reiterated that he is stepping down from his position as President of the homes association board.

Treasurer’s Report
Bob LeVeau made the 2022 budget figures available and discussed our current financial status. He reviewed the move from Waste Management to KC Disposal that occurred last year, in response to a rate hike and change to recycling pick-up. Under the contract we signed with KC Disposal, the cost to have trash collected will increase again in 2022. The homes association could choose to keep the same dues as 2021 and reduce our cash reserves, or raise the annual dues a modest amount and draw less from the cash reserves. The cash reserves are necessary to cover expenses, such as trash collection, taxes, postage, insurance, etc. that occur before the dues payments are collected each year. While it is not advisable to deplete the reserves, neither is it desirable to set the dues too high and build up an unreasonably large reserve. Bob proposed setting the annual dues at $235 per household for 2022, an increase of $10. Rick noted this might not cover all the association expenses, particularly if it is possible to resume some social functions, but we do still have the cash reserve that could be tapped if necessary.

Resident Matthew Friedman mentioned an interest in having the homes association provide leaf pick-up at curbside 3-4 times per year, at a cost of approximately $40/pick-up. This would add $120-$160 to the annual dues for each member. Rick addressed this suggestion by noting that the Board felt it was not a service the homes association would offer, for several reasons. Many homeowners already use a lawn service and would not want to pay for another service to perform the same job. Other homeowners mulch their leaves and have no use for this service. Larry Rector felt the individual homeowners might want to be aware of this service and make arrangements with the provider themselves, or in a group, to obtain a better price. Cari Brinkman agreed to include information in an upcoming neighborhood newsletter to acquaint neighbors with the proposal.

It was moved and seconded that the annual dues for 2022 be set at $235.00. The motion passed. Dues statements will be sent out via e-mail and can be paid by check, money order, bank bill pay or credit card. Details about the new credit card payment options will be provided on the statements. Statements will be mailed via USPS to those homes without e-mail access.

Old Business
Home owners had raised questions via email regarding parking, a neighborhood pool, utility easements, ash trees, yard maintenance, traffic lights, and so forth. Many of these concerns should be addressed with the City of Lenexa, not through the Board. These topics were not discussed at the Board meeting, but may be addressed in future newsletters.

Election of Board Members
Rick thanked all current Board members and asked each member to briefly describe his or her responsibilities. Current members are:
Vice-President: Manoj Shah
Treasurer: Bob LeVeau
Secretary: Anne Richardson
Communications/Social: Cari Brinkman
Architectural: Larry Rector
Landscaping/Beautification: Mike Rzeszut
Member At Large: Josh Fry

All current members indicated interest in continuing in their positions through 2022. Erik Brinkman graciously accepted the nomination to fill the vacant position of association President.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the slate of candidates. The candidates were elected by acclamation.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

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Per an email from Cari Brinkman on 15 February 2021:

Hello Oak Valley Neighbors,

During the Oak Valley Annual Meeting it was discussed that the HOA Board was in negotiations with Waste Management and another trash service (KC Disposal) to work out the best financial solution to rising trash service costs.  At this meeting the board said that we would apprise homeowners of any updates and/or changes as they become relevant.  

As of this afternoon, the board has negotiated and put a contract in place with KC Disposal Trash Service to have their company begin servicing our neighborhood.  Therefore, our neighborhood will discontinue services with Waste Management and start services with KC Disposal. This will cause some changes over the next week to our trash service and the cans we currently use for both trash and recycling services.    

Please note the changes below, along with the procedure for changing out the current and new trash and recycling receptacles:

Monday, February 22nd –  Last date Waste Management Services will service Oak Valley

Mon -Thu, Feb 22nd – 25th – Timeline Waste Management will remove their trash and recycling receptacles from Oak Valley properties

***You must leave both of your EMPTY Waste Management trash and recycling receptacles at the end of your driveway for Waste Management to collect***

Mon/Tue, Feb 22nd & 23rd – Dates KC Disposal Service will drop off trash and recycling receptacles at each Oak Valley property

Thursday, February 25th –  Date KC Disposal Service will pick up TRASH ONLY!!!  Do not put out your recycling can as they are not picking up recyclables this day only

Thursday, March 4th –  Date normal KC Disposal services will begin – this includes picking up both trash and recycling every week

***Thursdays will be the new trash/recycle pick up day through KC Disposal***

The Board would also like all Oak Valley residents to disregard any communication updates that Waste Management has recently sent regarding their change in recycling cans and service.  This will not affect our neighborhood as KC Disposal will continue to pick up all recyclables weekly starting on Thursday, March 4th. 

For those of us who have used Deffenbaugh/Waste Management stickers for our extra trash bags that will not fit into our trash receptacles, these are not valid to use for KC Disposal.  The company offers their own stickers for use on extra trash bags.  They can be bought at the Shawnee City Hall or ordered over the phone.  One page of stickers are $10 (5 stickers per page).  The number to call and order stickers is:   (816) 388-9739

We understand that Oak Valley has not been given much notice regarding these changes and deeply apologize for any issues or inconveniences this may cause.  Please email us any clarifications, questions or comments you may have regarding the change in trash service that will be happening next week.  We’d truly like to help make this process go as smoothy as possible!

OV HOA Email:  ovhoa18@gmail.com

Thank you,

Cari

Oak Valley Homes Association

Minutes of the OVHA Annual Meeting

January 31, 2021

The annual meeting of the Oak Valley Homes Association was called to order via Zoom by President Rick Vandenberg, at 5:04 p.m. All members of the Board were present.

Rick acknowledged that 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but he highlighted several positive events. The new homes association web site at OVHA-Lenexa.org, the cleaning and sealing of the cul-de-sac statuary and the enthusiastic response to the holiday lighting contest.

Rick introduced the topic of trash collection services and turned the floor over to Bob LeVeau for discussion of that issue and OVHA finances.

Treasurer’s Report – Bob presented the 2020 Financial Report and Proposed Budget for 2021, noting that while the administrative expenses remain much the same, less money will be spent on social activities due to the pandemic. Upkeep in the common areas will require fewer dollars this year, as Mike Rzeszut completed the biennial mulch application in 2020. Trash collection fees will increase.

Bob explained that Waste Management had increased their fees to $17.40/month per household (up from $15.00), with fewer recycling pick-ups, and that the Board has decided to switch to KC Disposal at $16.70/month per household, with weekly services. 

Rick had prepared several scenarios regarding how to pay for the increased cost of waste collection. All scenarios involved using some of the $15,268 cash reserve the association had in the bank at year end. After discussion of the various options, a motion was made to set the 2021 dues at $200 per year. The motion was seconded and defeated 69% against to 31% for. A new motion was made to keep the dues at $225 for 2021. This motion was seconded and passed, 90% for to 10% against. Increases may be recommended in future years to avoid depleting the cash reserves the association keeps on hand to cover expenses at the beginning of each year, before dues are collected in full, and for any extraordinary expenses (legal fees,etc.).

    President – Rick Vandenberg

    Vice-President – Mike Shah

    Treasurer – Bob LeVeau

    Secretary – Anne Richardson   

    Architectural Control – Larry Rector

    Landscaping – Mike Rzeszut

    Social/Communications – Cari Brinkman