Q2 Community Summary Update

As summer continues, your Mill Ridge HOA Board has been working on several initiatives to help preserve and improve our community. This quarter has been especially busy as we prepare for our upcoming transition to Cedar Management, continue important maintenance projects, review homeowner feedback from our annual survey, and plan for the future of our neighborhood. We appreciate the many residents who have taken the time to share ideas, attend meetings, and stay engaged. Below are a few updates on what your Board has been working on over the past few months:

Management Transition

The Association will transition from Renner Management to Cedar Management, effective September 1, 2026. Cedar Management will save us money on base management fees every month but also be able to offer a lot more technological solutions to the Board and Homeowners so that we can effectively run our association.

We are dependent on Renner's cooperation to ensure this transition goes smoothly, but we plan for this change to be effective 1 September 2026. Cedar will also send out their own communication regarding the transfer to homeowners, access to new homeowner portal and the Board will update the website where necessary. Please be on the lookout for that communication.

Governing Documents & Amendments

Amendments for above ground pools and shed roofing and refinement for rentals/AirBNB will go out after the transition to Cedar. We knew we would be switching management companies and didn't want to send out the amendments until we were fully transitioned to a new company for ensured deliverability but also ease of tracking while we transition.

Until those amendments pass, above ground pools and sheds with aluminum roofing (unless explicitly approved by other boards) are in violation of our rules and regulations.

Property Lines & Common Areas

As a reminder, all HOA-owned common areas are maintained by our landscaping contractors to help keep Mill Ridge looking its best. We ask all homeowners to take a moment to familiarize themselves with their property boundaries and ensure that personal items—including landscaping, pets and pet equipment, decorations, play equipment, firewood, or other belongings—remain on their own property and are not placed within HOA common areas. Keeping these spaces clear allows our contractors to safely and efficiently perform mowing, drainage maintenance, and other necessary work while helping preserve the appearance we've achieved and function of our shared community spaces.

Motorbikes

There have been many complaints about motorbikes being ridden through owners' private property and becoming a nuisance to owners living adjacent common area property. To promote resident safety, protect Association-owned property and stormwater infrastructure, discourage unauthorized access across private property, and reduce potential liability for both the Association and neighboring homeowners, we have had to instate new rules regarding the operation of these vehicles. The operation of motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, and other similar motorized recreational vehicles is now prohibited on all HOA common property, including open green spaces, retention basins, drainage areas, maintenance easements, walking areas. These vehicles should only be operated on public right-of-way and your own lot.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation. Please have a discussion with your families regarding this change and thank you for helping preserve our community and maintain a safe, attractive, and enjoyable neighborhood for all residents.

Unleashed Pets

Pets must remain within the limits of your property lines. If you are taking a pet outside of your property lines please be sure it is properly contained in a travel carrier or always leashed appropriately at all times. 

Common Area Cleanup

We had a successful spring clean-up. We hired a local NR resident to come in and clean out trash that had blown into the ditches and retention basins. Adam reported to have filled 8 industrial sized trash bags! The Board is considering this as an annual expense due to the high winds we always seem to get, only on trash day.

Vacant Lot

The Board received an update regarding the abandoned well located on the vacant lot on Rummel Mill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed the property remains on its list for future well capping. ODNR hopes to send this job out to bid in the next 60-90 days, and the winning contractor has 1 year to complete the work. Updates will be provided when we have any. The board will continue to report the lot to the city so the owner can be responsible for maintaining the lot.

City & Infrastructure Updates

The city is still working with the developer to complete a punch list of items they never completed in our neighborhood. The developer seems to complete them at his leisure with little to no notice to the city.

Potholes and Non-working Street Lights

Follow-up requests have been submitted regarding neighborhood pothole repairs. The Board also continues to work with FirstEnergy (calling weekly to follow up on the open work orders) to address non-functioning light poles on Barkhurst Mill Drive.

Financial Report

The Board reviewed the Association's current financial position. As of the meeting date, the Operating Account balance was $52,750.91 and the Reserve Account balance was $10,193.09. Approximately $25,000 in expenses are anticipated for the remainder of 2026, with a goal of replenishing reserve funding to $30,000 by year-end. Replenishing the reserve funds is imperative for the future financial health of our organization and neighborhood.

After known additional expenses for July's basin clean up, we will end the year with approximately $2,000 to roll over in operation funds (or put into reserves) for 2027. The Board also discussed several budget impacts for the remainder of the year, including reduced monthly management fees under Cedar Management, increased landscaping costs associated with ongoing maintenance of the fifth retention basin, and higher legal expenses related to governing document amendments and county filings.

One homeowner remains delinquent on HOA dues but continues to make monthly payments toward the outstanding balance and hope to be paid up by the time the next HOA fee is assessed.

Landscaping & Storm Water Basins

The Board approved the commencement of maintenance work within the fifth retention basin (located on Rummel Mill where Stratton Mill Dead ends into Rummel Mill). Work was completed on July 28, 2026. Unfortunately, this basin is a stormwater management facility intended solely for drainage and Association maintenance. Because no public or common-area access exists and entry requires crossing private property or maintenance easements, recreational access by owners, occupants, and guests is prohibited. Access is limited to contractors, emergency responders, and governmental agencies performing authorized duties using a specific access easement intended for that use only as it falls on private owner property. 

A clean up of the ditch that runs the entirety of our community is also being considered. The ditch clean up is a bit more difficult because there is erosion issues that must be addressed before some parts are cleaned up. Maintenance proposals currently awaiting vendor quotations for budget consideration. It’s possible this will happen in phases, due to budget and erosion concerns.

The Board also discussed future enhancements to the landscaping contract, including fall backfilling and reseeding around curbs, low areas, street signs, mailboxes, and other common areas to improve neighborhood appearance.

2026 Homeowner Survey

Thank you to everyone who took time to fill out the Homeowner Survey earlier this year. The Board reviewed the results of the 2026 Homeowner Survey, which received 53 responses. Major discussion topics included:

Positive Feedback

Residents continue to value:

·       Quiet neighborhood atmosphere

·       Friendly neighbors

·       Well-maintained homes

·       Convenient location

Primary Concerns

Residents most frequently identified concerns regarding:

·       Common area maintenance

·       Pond and ditch upkeep

·       Traffic safety and speeding

·       Motorized bikes and scooters

·       Dog waste

·       Street lighting

·       HOA management responsiveness

·       Property maintenance enforcement

Desired Community Improvements

Residents expressed interest in:

·       Community pool

·       Additional playgrounds or recreation areas

·       Improved landscaping

·       More trees

·       Benches

·       Better lighting at mailboxes

·       Community events

·       Little Free Library

·       Enhanced neighborhood beautification

Communication

The survey noted homeowner appreciation for increased communication, newsletters, website updates, and transparency while also acknowledging requests for:

·       Earlier meeting notices

·       Budget transparency

·       Continued communication regarding HOA projects

·       Improved management responsiveness

Potential future events discussed included:

·       Community block party

·       Park Day

·       Volunteer opportunities

Closing Remarks

The Board would like to thank all homeowners who continue to support and engage with our community. As we prepare for the transition to Cedar Management, our focus remains on improving communication, enhancing neighborhood maintenance, strengthening our governing documents, and ensuring the long-term financial health of the Association.

We appreciate the feedback provided through the 2026 Homeowner Survey, as it helps guide the Board's priorities and future planning. We encourage residents to stay involved by attending meetings, sharing ideas, and reaching out with questions or concerns.

Thank you for helping make Mill Ridge a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained community.

*** Don't forget, the North Ridgeville Corn Fest is THIS WEEKEND (August 7, 8 & 9, 2026)! Be prepared for road closures and increased traffic around town during the festival. ***

Respectfully submitted,

Mill Ridge HOA Board of Directors