Q3 & Annual Meeting Update
MillRidge homeowners gathered on October 10, 2026, for the annual homeowners meeting to review community improvements, finances, survey feedback, and priorities for next year. Eight homes were represented. The meeting was informational, and no votes were taken. View the powerpoint presented at the meeting.
Community Improvements in 2026
This year’s work included maintenance, cleanup, and follow-up on neighborhood concerns:
Fifth retention basin: VLP cleared the surrounding area, and ongoing maintenance was added to the landscaping contract.
Spring cleanup: A local resident removed approximately eight industrial-size bags of debris from community ditches, waterways, and basins.
Barkhurst streetlights: Two nonworking lights were repaired after repeated requests to FirstEnergy and follow-up with city council.
Vacant lot maintenance: The Board submitted city service requests throughout the summer to address mowing of the vacant oil/gas well lot.
A homeowner also reported that mowing had stopped at the Gladstone dead end. The Board will investigate whether that area is included in the landscaping contract or city responsibility.
Cedar Management Transition
Cedar Management began serving MillRidge on September 1, replacing Renner Management.
Cedar’s owner portal provides access to payments, work orders, and financial information. The transition also gives the Board direct access to invoices and financial records, supporting closer oversight of association spending.
Cedar’s management fee is slightly lower than Renner’s while offering additional tools for homeowners and the Board.
Financial Update
The association’s operating income and expenses remain closely matched, leaving limited funds for additional projects. Landscaping is the largest expense, alongside management, pond maintenance, legal services, insurance, and other operating costs.
Reserves were reported at approximately $10,000, with the possibility of transferring another $10,000 this year if funds allow. Continued reserve contributions will help prepare the community for unexpected drainage, culvert, and other infrastructure repairs.
Collections have improved substantially. Only one homeowner remains delinquent and is currently on a payment plan owing less than $300 and scheduled to be caught up by the end of the year.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Budget
A dues increase is likely to be needed to maintain services and continue building reserves.
No dues increase was approved at the meeting. The Board will review the budget line by line with Cedar, compare vendor pricing, and present budget options to homeowners before the end of the year.
Potential projects discussed included:
Clearing community ditches and waterways.
Installing electrical service and lighting at both mailbox locations.
Backfilling and reseeding eroded common areas.
Adding benches near retention basins.
Improving entrance landscaping with flowers and mulch.
Installing a Little Free Library on common property.
These projects remain under consideration and depend on available funding and vendor quotes. One proposal for clearing three waterway areas came in at $23,000 (~$16k for the work and ~$6k to the annual contract); the Board will seek additional bids before selecting a scope or contractor.
Completing projects in phases may allow the association to make progress over several years. The Board’s goal is to maintain community property, strengthen reserves, and avoid special assessments whenever possible.
A homeowner has also volunteered their time in helping us clear the waterways at his own time and expense. If you see them working, please thank them for their time they are investing to help us keep our fees and costs as low as possible while improving our community not only aesthetically, but in a function manner too.
Homeowner Survey Feedback
Survey responses highlighted the qualities residents appreciate most about MillRidge: its peaceful environment, small-neighborhood feel, social connections, convenient location, and pride in homes.
Areas identified for improvement included common-area upkeep, lighting, amenities, communication, meeting accessibility, and rule enforcement. Residents also expressed interest in benches, community events, and other opportunities to enjoy shared spaces.
Survey results are posted in the PDF link above in the annual meeting powerpoint and will be used to help guide project priorities. The Board will also look into adding Zoom option for future meetings.
Community Reminders
Homeowners are reminded to:
Pay annual dues by January 31. Cedar’s portal allows monthly prepayments toward the annual balance if paying the total amount in January is a financial difficulty.
Pick up pet waste, including on common property.
Keep motorbikes and motorized vehicles off common and private property.
Respect private yards and help keep areas near driveways and pedestrians safe.
Confirm property lines and easements before making changes.
Maintain homes and exterior fixtures and address damage promptly.
A Little Fall Cleanup Goes a Long Way
As the season changes, please take a little time to tidy your yard and prepare your property for winter. Remove litter, fallen branches, and dead seasonal plants; tidy landscaping beds; and secure outdoor furniture and decorations.
Please dispose of leaves and yard waste properly. Do not blow or dump leaves, grass clippings, or branches into streets, storm drains, ditches, retention basins, or common areas. Keeping these areas clear helps water flow through the neighborhood.
Fall is also a good time to inspect your home’s exterior, including siding, trim, shutters, gutters, downspouts, doors, and light fixtures. Repair or secure loose pieces, replace damaged materials, and touch up peeling paint as needed. Maintaining these features helps keep our neighborhood looking nice while protecting your home from moisture, wind, and winter weather. Addressing small problems now can help prevent more costly repairs later.
Thank you for doing your part to keep MillRidge looking cared for throughout the seasons!
Board Vacancy and Volunteer Opportunities
One Board position remains open. Board members are volunteers and meet approximately six times per year.
Homeowners interested in serving are encouraged to contact the Board. Interest and nominations are welcome throughout the year.
Thank you to everyone who attended, completed the survey, and shared ideas. Your participation helps guide the work ahead for MillRidge.
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