About Us
The Clark Estates Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a sense of community and preserving the quality of life for the residents Clark Estates neighborhood.
Created in 1994, The Clark Estates Association Trust was formed to facilitate the development of a neighborhood association - a group of residents who meet regularly to accomplish goals, namely to improve their neighborhood and preserve the charm that people moved here for. Meetings are held twice per year to discuss issues, update the residents and create plans and strategies. The association also facilitates communication between residents and local government and businesses to protect the neighborhood, support change and help organize community improvement efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Association...
WHY A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION?
A neighborhood association has two primary functions. The first is to build relationships among neighbors and create a sense of community and shared value. Members of a neighborhood may go years without knowing neighbors two doors away. A spirit of warmth and friendliness can be generated through an active association. The second function is to help preserve and increase property values within the neighborhood by making repairs, improvements and upholding certain covenants that help protect the characteristics that drew us all to Clarke Estates in the first place. Know that its an association that looks at the long term vision of what our neighborhood will look and feel like for decades to come.
Through an association, neighbors can share concerns, needs and interests, which lead to collaborative and efficient problem solving. We are our own best resources to help initiate improvements in our neighborhood!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS?
Residents working together for the preservation and improvement of the neighborhood.
- A channel through which neighborhood goals can be met.
- A communication link with City government and other groups.
- Unity and communication that allows for a voice and influence into what happens in surrounding areas.
- Helping neighbors get to know each other by supporting social events.
AS A RESIDENT, AM I OBLIGATED TO PAY DUES?
Yes, all residents are obligated to contribute as part of the association because these funds will only be spent on improvements that benefit ALL residents. We all need to contribute in order to preserve the neighborhood and to allow improvements to be made for decades to come. Dues are $120.00 per year payable in one or two installments (February and August). Per the covenants, the Association reserves the right to charge a service fee of $10.00 per month for payments not made by the invoice due date.
WHAT DO WE GET FOR THOSE DUES?
The Association pays regular expenses including insurance premiums, taxes on property(s) owned, communication and meeting expenses, book keeping, landscaping for the front entrance and road repairs. As funding grows, we also hope to create, sponsor and support more social events throughout the year.
The Association would like the neighbors to offer ideas on what we can do to bring neighbors closer and in the coming years, to preserve our neighborhood. The only way to get more out of it, is for more neighbors to get into it by engaging in the process of decision making.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PAY THE DUES?
You will receive repeat monthly invoices with a $10 per month service fee. This covers the cost of additional invoicing, accountant fees, postage and handling. Put simply, we can reduce our Association costs by paying the dues on time. These invoices will continue and service fees accrue until payment is received. If several months pass without payment, the trustees will initiate a final inquiry before taking legal action. Bear in mind that we do this on behalf of the majority of the residents who pay their dues to contribute to the improvement of the neighborhood.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
- Come to meetings or share information with those who aren't able to make meetings.
- In addition to this website, look out for emails, announcements, and updates. Also, share those updates with your neighbors to ensure everyone has the latest information.
- Talk with your neighbors who are trustees and tell them what's important to you and your family.
- Volunteer for projects, which cuts down on the costs of improvements dramatically.
WHO ARE THE TRUSTEES AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
The trustees are neighbors who volunteer their time to facilitate the activities of the association. There are five trustees that meet monthly to discuss issues, create strategies and ensure financial responsibilities are met. As trustee positions become vacant and available, anyone can become a trustee. The only requirements are that you live within Clark Estates and are passionate about maintaining this beautiful neighborhood for years to come. Also note that anyone can attend Trustee meetings. They are held here in the neighborhood on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:15pm. If you are interested in attending, talk to or email one of the trustees trustees@clarkestates.org.
HOW DO THE NEIGHBORS COMMUNICATE WITH THE TRUSTESS AND EACHOTHER ABOUT ISSUES OR CONCERNS?
All neighbors are encouraged to handle concerns and issues with fellow neighbors directly and constructively, however, the trustees are always willing to listen, offer advice and facilitate discussions. If an issue arises that pertains to several, or all residents, then they are encouraged to raise the issue to the association. This can be done through any of the following methods:
- Contact the Clark Estates Association Trustees by email at trustees@clarkestates.org.
- Contact one of the trustees directly (in person, by phone or by email - see contact information).
- Bring the issue up at an Association meeting (held twice per year).
Bear in mind that the Association is not a form of law enforcement. If there are legal concerns between neighbors, the Association should not become involved if laws are broken, although they are available to offer council and help facilitate any next steps.
WHAT ARE COVENANTS?
A homeowners association covenant is, when reduced to its simplest state, a contract. Residents agree to abide by the rules of the association, and, in return, the association works toward maintaining and increasing the property value of a neighborhood.
The covenant is a part of the legally binding agreements upon construction/sale of each home in the subdivision and is binding upon each homeowner. You should know what the covenants say both for the protection of your rights and your living environment as well as the obligations of the Association to you as a homeowner.
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