FAQ

The HOA convenes a meeting in May of each year specifically for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors. Each household in good standing is provided one vote for each Board position. Four of the five directors serve one-year terms. The other member serves a two-year term to ensure some continuity from year-to-year. There are no term limits.

If your dues are received after the due date, a late fee will be assessed. Additionally, fees or administrative costs may also be applied to a property owner’s account. If you receive such a notice, contact the property management company to determine the origin of the balance.

Simple inquiries or concerns can be directed to the property management company using the Contact Us feature on the website or by writing or calling the property management representative. The question or concern will then be directed to the most appropriate person for a response. If a resident wants to express their concerns more formally, they can request to be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting by using the Contact Us feature.

The Trails Homeowners Association (HOA) is the governing body for The Trails and consists of the 231 property owners in the neighborhood. The purpose of any HOA is to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood, maintain any common areas, and ensure that future property modifications are in harmony with the original design of the community. In doing so, it protects everyone’s property values and ensures that we live in the environment we intended when we purchased our homes.

While the HOA needs everyone to be present at the annual meeting for the Board election, it would be impossible to achieve that goal.  If a resident cannot be present at the meeting, the proxy provides an opportunity for them to still participate.  Property owners who cannot attend should complete the proxy form and either elect to have the President or a selected resident vote for them at the meeting.  The form is then mailed to the property management company.  A proxy may be rescinded if their attendance becomes possible.

Dues are assessed quarterly and are due on the first of January, April, July, and October of each year.

In cases of emergency, the resident should call the appropriate agency directly. Examples of emergencies include those requiring fire, police or emergency medical services; or electric, gas or water utility companies. Do not call the property management company first as time could be of the essence! Residents are encouraged to call the police department to report any suspicious activity in the area.

The HOA is managed by a Board of Directors. The day-to-day administrative operations, such as the collection of dues and sending violation notices, are performed by a professional property management company.

Violations may be reported by property owners or personal observation by the property management representative during routine drives through the neighborhood. Sometimes, a violation, especially high grass or weeds, will exist, but the resident will have already abated the violation by the time the letter is received. At other times, an error in the address may be made. If you receive a letter and believe it is in error, contact the property management company representative to resolve the situation. While it is upsetting to get such a notice, remember that there are no financial penalties with the first notice. Also remember that violation notices are a part of the HOA’s efforts to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood.

The City of Mansfield owns the streets, street lights and street signs within the neighborhood. Any problems or concerns should be directed to the appropriate city personnel or forwarded to the property management representative for proper distribution.

Certainly. The pool may be reserved by completing a reservation form and submitting it to Dale Smith at RealManage at least two weeks before the scheduled event. A $100.00 deposit is required and is refunded after the event if the pool area is found to be clean and in order. Forms are located under "Documents."

According to HOA-established pool rules, children under the age of 16 and visitors of residents must be accompanied by a resident over 18 years of age.

One Electronic Access Card for the pool gate is issued to each household and can be obtained through Jennifer Harper at Principal Management. There will be a delay in delivery of your card, so don't wait until you are ready to use the pool to request a card.

Replacement cards can be obtained through Jennifer Harper at Principal Management at a cost of $25.00 to the resident.

While the HOA wants residents to enjoy their pool experience, rules prohibiting certain items in the pool area have been established in accordance with State law and to ensure the safety of all. Items prohibited include people with communicable diseases, pets, bikes, skates, scooters, skateboards, motorized vehicles, water guns, glass containers, alcohol and illegal drugs. All swimmers must wear proper swimming attire and children who are not toilet trained must wear special swim diapers. Portable music devices are allowed as long as they are operated at a volume that does not disturb other swimmers or residents on adjacent properties.

No. The fence and locks on the gate are designed to keep those who are not authorized from entering the pool and to comply with State and municipal laws. Jumping the fence is grounds for suspension of pool privileges. Residents are discouraged from allowing others, even those that they know are residents, into the pool area as they may be unaware that the resident is not in good standing with the HOA or their pool privileges have been suspended for a violation of rules. Further, residents who allow children into the pool area without the express permission of their parents assume responsibility for both their behavior and their safety.

No. The HOA does not provide a lifeguard and all residents use the pool at their own risk. The pool area is equipped with safety equipment and a Emergency Phone and residents should call for assistance immediately in case of an emergency.

Cards become inoperable for two reasons: (1) there has been a malfunction in the electronic system; or (2) the card was intentionally disabled because of monies owed the HOA or for violations of pool rules. If you believe there has been an error in the system, contact RealManage to have the card re-activated or replaced.

The pool is open between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily. The pool may occasionally be closed during some times for maintenance, private parties, or rain or other inclement weather.

The HOA contracts with a pool company to maintain the pool and cabana area. However, since this is a community pool that sustains significant use throughout the season, all residents should take an active role in keeping it clean and safe. Residents are encouraged to clean up after themselves and to address any observed violations or, at the very least, attempt to identify the violators and report the violations. Similarly, if a resident observes damaged property, graffiti, or any problems with the pool, they should report them immediately. Don't assume someone else will do it! Make reports to Jennifer Harper at Principal Management.