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Lake of the Woods

Neighbor Information Hub

Understanding the Proposed 2026 HOA Document Changes

Just want “plain English”? Click Here 📱 “Plain English” - Mobile-Friendly Version

Last updated:

📋

What's Happening?

📅 Annual Meeting held May 7, 2026 — Minutes & Results Pending

The Lake of the Woods HOA Board of Trustees has proposed replacing our original 1984 governing documents with entirely new 2026 "Amended and Restated" versions. This is not a simple amendment — it's a complete replacement of both the Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants and the Bylaws.

Why does this matter? The original 1984 Restrictions and Covenants were recorded with the Summit County Recorder as covenants running with the land. Every homeowner received these protections as part of their property deed. The proposed 2026 documents would change many of these recorded protections.

To help neighbors understand what's being proposed, we've prepared several independent analyses comparing the current and proposed documents side by side. All claims are cross-referenced to specific page numbers and sections in the source documents so you can verify everything yourself.

This site is by neighbors, for neighbors. We are not attorneys, and nothing here constitutes legal advice. Our goal is to make these complex legal documents accessible so that every homeowner can make an informed decision. As more documents, drafts, and information become available, they will be added to the webpage. We encourage you to read the source documents yourself and consult an attorney if you have legal questions.

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We Want to Hear From You

Neighbor Survey

This anonymous survey helps us understand what concerns and interests neighbors truly have about the proposed changes. In order to ensure this survey accurately reflects the community, please, limit your submissions to one survey per household.

Take the Survey →

📊 Survey Results — Updated Apr 12

Your privacy is respected. Survey responses are anonymous. Results will be shared with the neighborhood via this website to help inform our collective decision.

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Key Changes at a Glance

Here are some of the most significant changes between the 1984 originals and the proposed 2026 Draft 6. Each card includes the specific document references so you can look them up yourself.

Just want plain English? Click Here | 📱 Mobile-Friendly Version

Sweeping New Nuisance Definition

The 1984 covenants simply prohibit "nuisances and noxious or offensive activities" — an objective standard. The 2026 Draft expands this into a broad provision banning anything that "causes or tends to cause embarrassment, discomfort, annoyance, or nuisance" to the Association, its employees, agents, or any Person. This subjective language could be used to restrict legitimate activities like yard signs, neighborhood organizing, or vocal disagreement with the Board.

1984 Art. I, §C.8, p. 6 → 2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(o), p. 16

Assessment Control Shifted to Board

The 1984 covenants tied assessments to a specific maintenance scope requiring member approval to change. The 2026 Draft gives the Board power to set assessment amounts with no cap, and adds new categories like enforcement assessments and special assessments — all of which become liens on your property that can lead to foreclosure.

1984 Art. II, §B, pp. 15–16 → 2026 Draft Art. VIII, §§1–3, pp. 30–31

Board Silence Now Equals Automatic Denial

Under the 1984 covenants, if the Board doesn't respond to your building plans within 30 days, your plans are automatically approved. The 2026 Draft reverses this — silence now means denied.

1984 Art. I, §E, pp. 11–12 → 2026 Draft Art. V, §2, p. 24

Board Can Amend Without Owner Vote

The 1984 covenants require signed instruments from a majority of all owners to amend. The 2026 Draft creates "Board of Directors Amendments" allowing the Board to amend the documents alone, without any owner vote, for seven broad categories.

1984 Art. I, §F.1, p. 12 → 2026 Draft Art. XI, §§1–2, pp. 39–40

13 New Rental Restrictions

The 1984 covenants have no rental restrictions. The 2026 Draft adds 13 sub-sections regulating rentals: minimum 12-month terms, Board approval, no subletting, and the Association can even initiate eviction proceedings.

1984: No comparable provision → 2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(k)(1)–(13), pp. 13–15

Expanded Enforcement Powers

The 1984 covenants limit enforcement to court proceedings. The 2026 Draft allows the Board to enter your property, perform work at your expense, levy enforcement assessments as liens on your property — potentially resulting in foreclosure — suspend your voting rights, and charge you their attorney fees.

1984 Art. I, §F.5, pp. 13–14 → 2026 Draft Art. XII, §§1–4, pp. 41–43

Minimum Home Size Reduced

The 1984 covenants require 2,200–2,400 sq. ft. depending on home type, with four specific building designs defined. The 2026 Draft reduces this to a single 1,800 sq. ft. minimum with no specified building types — a 17–25% reduction.

1984 Art. I, §A.1–A.2, pp. 2–3 → 2026 Draft Art. IV, §2

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Conflicts with Recorded Covenants

The 1984 Restrictions and Covenants were recorded with Summit County as covenants running with the land — meaning they are permanently attached to every property deed in the subdivision. We've identified 12 areas where the proposed 2026 changes directly conflict with these recorded protections.

The 2026 Draft acknowledges these conflicts. Article XIV, §3 (p. 46) says the original 1984 restrictions "survive and shall remain fully enforceable" — but then adds that wherever the 1984 document conflicts with the 2026 version, the 2026 version "shall prevail." In other words, the 2026 Draft claims the right to override your recorded deed covenants.

Nuisance Definition (Expanded)

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1984 Recorded Covenant One line: "Nuisances and noxious or offensive activities of any kind" are prohibited. This is an objective standard focused on genuinely harmful conduct — the kind of language found in most HOA documents.

2026 Proposed Change Expanded into an entire paragraph. Now bans anything that "causes or tends to cause embarrassment, discomfort, annoyance, or nuisance" to the Association, its employees, agents, contractors, any Owner, Occupant, or any other Person using any part of the Property.

Why this matters in plain English: The phrase "tends to cause" is notably broad — the activity doesn't even have to actually bother someone, it just has to have the potential to. Consider what might fall under "embarrassment," "discomfort," or "annoyance" in everyday neighborhood life. A yard sign expressing an opinion? That could be seen as causing "embarrassment." Children playing loudly in the yard? A visitor to the neighborhood might find that "annoying." A neighbor's holiday decorations, a dog barking during a backyard gathering, emails questioning a community decision, or even organizing neighbors around a shared concern — any of these could arguably "tend to cause discomfort" to someone. The concern is that the language is subjective and provides no objective standard for what crosses the line. Under the 2026 Draft's expanded enforcement powers (Article XII), violations can be acted on without going to court, and can result in fines, liens on your property, and potentially foreclosure.

📄 1984 Art. I, §C.8, p. 6 | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §3(o), p. 16

Attached Garage Requirements

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1984 Recorded Covenant All garages must be attached to the main building, minimum 23 ft × 23 ft inside dimension (529 sq. ft., a two-car standard).

2026 Proposed Change No specific garage size minimum. Garages addressed only through general architectural control provisions.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. I, §A.3, p. 4 | 2026 Draft, Art. V, pp. 24–25; Art. IV, §3(w), p. 19

Assessment Cap & Owner Vote Requirement

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1984 Recorded Covenant $50/year minimum assessment. Modifications to assessment scope require member approval per the Bylaws.

2026 Proposed Change Board sets assessment amounts with no ceiling. Adds special assessments, enforcement assessments, and collection costs — all of which become liens on your property that can lead to foreclosure. No mandatory owner vote required for increases.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. II, §B, pp. 15–16 | 2026 Draft, Art. VIII, §§1–3, pp. 30–31

Amendment Process

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1984 Recorded Covenant Changes require "an appropriate instrument signed by the majority of the then owners" — actual signed documents from a majority of all owners.

2026 Proposed Change Regular amendments by meeting vote or proxy. Plus "Board of Directors Amendments" allow the Board to amend alone for 7 broad categories without any owner vote.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. I, §F.1, p. 12 | 2026 Draft, Art. XI, §§1–2, pp. 39–40

Board Silence Now Equals Automatic Denial (New)

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1984 Recorded Covenant If the Board doesn't respond to your plans within 30 days, your plans are automatically approved. Silence = approved.

2026 Proposed Change If the Board doesn't respond within 30 days, your plans are automatically denied. Silence = denied. A 180-degree reversal.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. I, §E, pp. 11–12 | 2026 Draft, Art. V, §2, p. 24

Fence Restrictions

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1984 Recorded Covenant "Wire mesh type fences are strictly prohibited in all instances." No exceptions.

2026 Proposed Change "Decorative wire mesh fence" now allowed with Board approval. The 2026 Draft itself acknowledges this overrides the 1984 prohibition.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. I, §C.11, p. 7 | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §3(d), p. 10

Occupancy Limitations (New)

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1984 Recorded Covenant No occupancy limitation exists. Homes restricted to single-family residential use, but no cap on household size.

2026 Proposed Change Occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom. Children under 36 months excluded from count. May raise Fair Housing Act concerns regarding familial status.

📄 1984: No comparable provision | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §3(p), p. 16

Rental & Leasing Restrictions (New)

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1984 Recorded Covenant No rental restrictions. Owners have unrestricted rights to lease their property.

2026 Proposed Change 13 new sub-sections of rental rules: minimum 12-month terms, no subletting, lease copy to Board, Board can collect rent directly if owner is delinquent, Association can initiate eviction.

📄 1984: No comparable provision | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §3(k)(1)–(13), pp. 13–15

Enforcement Powers (Expanded)

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1984 Recorded Covenant Enforcement through court proceedings only. No fines, no liens on property beyond assessments, no right of entry for enforcement.

2026 Proposed Change Board can enter lots to cure violations at owner expense, levy enforcement assessments as liens on your property — potentially resulting in foreclosure — suspend voting rights, fine owners, and charge attorney fees — all without going to court.

📄 1984 Art. I, §F.5, pp. 13–14 | 2026 Draft, Art. XII, §§1–4, pp. 41–43; Art. X, §6, p. 38

Home Office Rules (New)

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1984 Recorded Covenant Single-family residential use only. No specific home office regulations. Industrial and commercial uses prohibited.

2026 Proposed Change Home office allowed subject to 8 conditions. Specifically prohibits using any part of dwelling as a "school" — which may conflict with Ohio homeschooling rights (ORC 3321.04).

📄 1984 Art. I, §C.1–2, p. 5 | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §3(r)(1)–(8), pp. 17–18

Water Management (Expanded)

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1984 Recorded Covenant Two short paragraphs covering water features: no structures on lake, preserve natural drainage, no swimming or boating. Association responsible for lake maintenance. Budgeted $3,000/yr (71% of total budget) for sediment removal, landscape repair, and water treatment on an 8-year dredging cycle.

2026 Proposed Change Creates a formal "Water Lot" category with 10 numbered obligations (up from 2 paragraphs). Individual owners must now maintain, repair, and replace all storm water drainage infrastructure on their lot — even if it serves multiple lots. Failure to comply can result in the Board performing work at owner expense and placing a lien on the property, potentially resulting in foreclosure. The Board gets final say in all water maintenance disputes. Dredging becomes discretionary. Recreation ban expanded to include ice skating, fishing, canoes, kayaks, and more.

📄 1984 Art. I, §D.5–D.6, pp. 9–10; Exhibit "A", p. 18 | 2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(h)(1)–(10), pp. 11–12; Art. VI, §§2–4, pp. 26–27; Art. VII, §1, pp. 28–29

Building Type & Size Specifications

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1984 Recorded Covenant Four specific building types defined (one-story, two-story, split-level, cape cod) with minimums of 2,200–2,400 sq. ft. by type. Detailed definitions for each type.

2026 Proposed Change All building type specifications removed. Single minimum of 1,800 sq. ft. with no type-specific requirements. A 17–25% reduction in minimum home size.

📄 1984 Declaration, Art. I, §A.1–A.2, pp. 2–3 | 2026 Draft, Art. IV, §2

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Water Management

Lake of the Woods was built around a 1.5-acre storm water retention lake. Water management accounts for 71% of the original HOA budget. The 2026 Draft significantly expands the rules governing water features, drainage, and homeowner responsibilities.

Why this matters: The 1984 Exhibit "A" budgeted $3,000 of the $4,200 total annual budget for water-related maintenance — sediment removal, landscape repair, and water treatment. Water has always been the neighborhood's largest financial obligation.

New "Water Lot" Rules

The 2026 Draft creates a formal "Water Lot" category for properties adjacent to water features. These lots now face 10 specific numbered obligations — up from 2 short paragraphs in 1984. Four obligations are entirely new: no water removal, no depositing materials, no chemicals without consent, and mandatory bridge maintenance.

1984 Art. I, §D.5–D.6, pp. 9–10 → 2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(h)(1)–(10), pp. 11–12

Adjacent Lots Also Bound

Under 2026, the Water Lot restrictions extend beyond direct waterfront owners. If your lot is adjacent to a Water Lot, you are also prohibited from engaging in any of the proscribed conduct — even if your property doesn't directly touch the water.

2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(h), p. 12

Drainage Infrastructure on You

The 2026 Draft requires individual owners to maintain, repair, and replace all storm water drainage ways, ducts, pipes, and conduits on their lot — even if those facilities serve multiple lots. This is a new financial burden not present in the 1984 documents.

2026 Draft Art. VII, §1, pp. 28–29

Board Gets Final Say

When there's a dispute about whether the Association or an individual owner is responsible for water maintenance, the Board's good-faith determination is now final. The 1984 documents have no comparable provision — disputes would go to court.

2026 Draft Art. VI, §4, p. 27

Expanded Recreation Ban

The 1984 documents prohibited swimming and boating. The 2026 Draft expands this to explicitly ban ice skating, fishing, and specific watercraft including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, rowboats, windsurfers, and sailboats.

1984 Art. I, §C.15, pp. 7–8 → 2026 Draft Art. IV, §3(h)(5)–(6), p. 11

Dredging Now Discretionary

The 1984 Exhibit "A" budgeted for sediment dredging on 8-year cycles (3,000 CY at $3/yd). The 2026 Draft makes dredging discretionary — "as the Board may determine to be reasonably necessary" — removing the predictable schedule.

1984 Exhibit "A", p. 18 → 2026 Draft Art. VI, §2(b), p. 26

Download the full analysis: The Water Management Analysis PDF provides a complete side-by-side comparison with all 10 Water Lot obligations, financial impact details, and every claim cross-referenced to specific source document pages.

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Documents

All documents are available for download below. We encourage every homeowner to read the source documents and verify the analysis for themselves.

Document	Type	Description	Download
Articles of Incorporation (1984)	Founding	Ohio Secretary of State filing establishing the HOA as a domestic nonprofit corporation (6 pages)	⬇ PDF
1984 Restrictions & Covenants	Founding	The recorded Declaration — the covenants running with the land (19 pages)	⬇ PDF
1984 Bylaws	Founding	The original Association Bylaws (15 pages)	⬇ PDF
OH Secretary of State — Business Details (2026)	Public Record	Current corporate status, filing history, and statutory agent details from the Ohio Secretary of State (2 pages)	⬇ PDF
Affidavit of Lost Document (2020)	Public Record	Recorded affidavit regarding the lost original Code of Regulations, with attached copy — Doc #56555549 (18 pages)	⬇ PDF
Notice of Intent — Marketable Title Act (2021)	Public Record	Recorded notice preserving the Association's interest in land under Ohio's Marketable Title Act — Doc #56644425 (14 pages)	⬇ PDF
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5312 — Planned Community Act	Public Record	Full text of Ohio's Planned Unit Community Act (ORC Chapter 5312), the state statute governing planned communities like Lake of the Woods (16 sections)	⬇ PDF
2026 Draft 6 — Declaration	Proposed	Proposed Amended and Restated Declaration (51 pages)	⬇ PDF
2026 Draft 6 — Bylaws	Proposed	Proposed Amended and Restated Bylaws (34 pages)	⬇ PDF
Legal Comparison Report	Analysis	Side-by-side legal framework comparison with Ohio law assessment	⬇ PDF
Home Office Rules Breakdown	Analysis	Detailed analysis of the 8 home office conditions + homeschooling impact	⬇ PDF
Cross-Reference Guide	Analysis	Maps every claim to exact source document sections and page numbers	⬇ PDF
Water Management Analysis	Analysis	How the 1984 and 2026 documents handle water, drainage, and lake maintenance	⬇ PDF

How to use these documents: The Founding documents are the original 1984 instruments that created the Association and established the community's governing framework. The Public Record documents are subsequent official filings that document the Association's legal history and ongoing status — including the Affidavit of Lost Document (which contains the Code of Regulations) and the Marketable Title Act preservation notice. Start with the Legal Comparison Report for the big picture on the proposed changes. Use the Cross-Reference Guide to verify any specific claim against the source documents. The Home Office Rules Breakdown is useful if you work from home or homeschool. The Water Management Analysis covers the lake, drainage, and storm water rules in detail.

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Town Hall Recording

Watch the recording of the neighborhood Zoom town hall to hear the discussion directly.

⬇ Download Video

📄

Meeting Minutes & Transcripts

Meeting minutes, treasurer's reports, newsletters, and transcripts from HOA meetings are posted below as they become available.

CURRENT 2026

Proposed Budget — 2026

Dated 4 May 2026. Proposed operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Projects total income of $18,500 ($16,800 in property assessments and $1,700 in KeyBank interest) and itemises anticipated expenses across all categories.

⬇ Download Budget (PDF)

May 2026 Newsletter — Part 4 of 6: Compliance and Enforcement Issues

Dated 3 May 2026. Fourth installment in the six-part series. Focuses on the compliance and enforcement provisions in the proposed Amended and Restated Declaration. Explains that the Board chose a "transparency" approach — codifying in full the enforcement mechanisms already permitted under Ohio Chapter 5312 rather than leaving them unstated. Covers due process protections built into the proposed amendments, walks through enforcement provisions in Articles VII, VIII, X, and XII, and addresses concerns about foreclosure (noting it would be an extremely rare, costly last resort). Argues that approving the amendments gives members more say over enforcement rules than leaving future boards to act unilaterally under state law.

⬇ Download Newsletter

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 6 April 2026 (As Approved)

Approved 28 April 2026. All three trustees present (Himmel by telephone). Association's attorney Nick Meinert attended by video conference. The Board amended the March 7 minutes to separate executive session content per counsel's guidance, and approved the March 21 minutes as presented. Counsel briefed the Board on the balloting process for the proposed Amended and Restated Declaration and Bylaws: no secret ballot required, no deadline to be set, ballots to be returned to the Secretary. The Board authorized the official notice of the May 7, 2026 annual meeting. Himmel reported on insurance and fidelity bond renewal progress. Freygang reported all but one member has paid 2026 assessments. Worhatch outlined a planned six-part newsletter series to inform members ahead of the vote.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 21 March 2026 (As Approved)

Approved 28 April 2026. All three trustees present (Himmel by telephone). The Board reviewed and reached consensus on the latest versions of the Amended and Restated Declaration and Bylaws ahead of the March 26 Town Hall video conference. Worhatch authorized to share clean copies with members by email and red-lined versions with counsel. Also ratified Freygang's emergency engagement of C&S Lawn Service to clean up entranceway storm damage at $70.00 per hour.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 7 March 2026 (Draft 2)

Draft 2 approved 28 April 2026. All three trustees present. Approved February 26 minutes. Extended review of counsel's comments on the proposed Declaration and Bylaws drafts; Board reached consensus on revisions to be incorporated by counsel. Voted to set May 7, 2026 as the date of the annual meeting at Northwest Akron Family Recreation Center. Following executive session, approved C&S Lawn Service contracts: $6,414.54 for annual landscaping and lawn maintenance and $65.00/hour for bed maintenance (both unanimous); $3,102.00 for mulching (2–1 vote). Unanimously approved AquaDOC MuckBiotic Pellets lake treatment at $1,020.00 for 2026.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Notice of Annual Meeting — 7 May 2026

Distributed 21 April 2026. Official notice of the Annual Meeting held Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Northwest Akron Family Recreation Center, 1730 Shatto Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44313. Quorum required 17 lots in attendance or by proxy. Agenda included election of a trustee for the seat held by Secretary S. David Worhatch, whose term expired at this meeting. Meeting minutes and election results pending audit.

⬇ Download Notice (PDF)

Proxy Form — Annual Meeting, 7 May 2026

Official proxy designation form distributed in advance of the May 7, 2026 Annual Meeting. Allowed lot owners unable to attend in person to designate a proxy holder to vote on their behalf. Included guidance that proxy holders designated as a board member or "the Board of Trustees" would vote at their own discretion, without direction from the designating owner.

⬇ Download Proxy Form (PDF)

April 2026 Newsletter — Part 3 of 6: A Focus on the Proposed Amended and Restated Declaration

Dated April 23, 2026. Third installment in the six-part newsletter series. Focuses on the proposed rewrite of the Association Restrictions and Covenants (now titled the "Amended and Restated Declaration"). Explains why the document is "amended and restated" rather than simply amended, how it relates to Ohio's Planned Unit Community Act (Chapter 5312), and how the trustees have worked with counsel to narrow Chapter 5312's broader provisions to fit the community's needs. Notes that assessments, liens, and enforcement topics will be addressed separately in Part 4.

⬇ Download Newsletter

April 2026 Newsletter — Part 2 of 6: A Focus on the Bylaws Changes

Dated April 15, 2026. Explains the proposed Amended and Restated Bylaws: why the rewrite is titled "Amended and Restated," how the documents align with Ohio Chapters 1702 and 5312, what changes in practice (Board of Trustees → Board of Directors), new flexibility for amending bylaws by member consent resolution, and the addition of virtual meeting and remote voting rights.

⬇ Download Newsletter

April 2026 Newsletter — Part 1 of 6: Developments and Overall Status

Dated April 10, 2026. First installment in a six-part newsletter series covering recent developments and the overall status of the HOA.

⬇ Download Newsletter

Town Hall Meeting — March 26, 2026

Transcript and notes from the neighborhood Zoom town hall discussing proposed changes to the bylaws.

⬇ Download Transcript

Newsletter — March 2026

Dated 5 March 2026. Announces election of Gary Himmel as President, recaps the February Board meetings, and provides details on the scheduled Town Hall virtual conference to discuss the proposed Declaration and Bylaw revisions.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

Newsletter — February 2026

HOA community newsletter for February 2026. Covers the appointment of new Board member Gary Himmel, status of the Declaration and Bylaw revision process, and the Treasurer's update on annual assessment collections.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 26 February 2026 (As Published)

Dated 26 February 2026. Gary Himmel elected President by unanimous acclamation; Treasurer's update on 2026 assessment collections and fund transfers; discussion of entranceway lighting and landscaping bids.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 20 February 2026 (As Approved)

Dated 20 February 2026. Discussion of upcoming Town Hall and Declaration/Bylaw revision process; Treasurer's update on assessment collections and transfer of $10,000 to money market account.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes — 3 February 2026

Dated 3 February 2026. Finalization of proposed revisions to the Declaration and Bylaws; Treasurer's report showing $52,396.74 on hand; lake chemical treatment discussed as a cost-effective maintenance strategy.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

2025

Treasurer's Report — 2025

Full financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2025. Opening balance of $39,292.47 across KeyBank checking, money market, and two CDs. Covers all HOA assessments collected, operating expenses, and year-end balances.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Year-End Expense Report — 2025

Itemised month-by-month expense report for the full 2025 fiscal year. Covers all operating categories including landscaping, insurance, legal fees, lake maintenance, utilities, and administrative costs.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Annual Meeting Summary — 26 August 2025

Summary of the 26 August 2025 annual membership meeting. Covers quorum satisfaction (54 households in person or by proxy), Board size reduction approved by members, election of Mike Valco to a full three-year term, and a draft of the meeting minutes.

⬇ Download Summary (PDF)

Newsletter — September 2025

HOA community newsletter for September 2025. Introduces new Board President Mike Valco and new Board member David Worhatch following the August 26 annual meeting.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

Newsletter — October 2025

Dated 19 October 2025. Community updates including Halloween arrangements, snow removal reminders for the holiday season, and announcement of Mike Valco's resignation from the Board.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

Newsletter — November 2025

HOA community newsletter for November 2025. Announces appointment of Gary Himmel to fill the vacancy left by Mike Valco's resignation; Dale Freygang named Acting President pending a Board meeting to fill the role.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

2024

Treasurer's Report — 2024

Full financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2024. Opening balance of $36,005.30, covering HOA assessments collected, operating expenses, and investment account balances.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

2023

Treasurer's Report — 2023

Full financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2023. Opening balance of $35,225.60, covering HOA assessments, money market interest, CD interest, and all operating expenses for the year.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Year-End Expense Report — 2023

Itemized month-by-month expense report for the 2023 fiscal year, covering landscaping, electric, insurance, legal, entranceway lighting repair, and administrative costs.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

2022

Annual Meeting Minutes — 24 May 2022 (Official)

Official minutes of the 2022 HOA annual meeting, held 24 May 2022 at the City of Akron Northwest Family Recreation Center. Called to order at 6:40 PM by Sharon Shapiro; 32 people attended representing 31½ properties, including 8 proxies.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Annual Meeting Minutes — 2022 (Working Copy)

Working copy of the minutes from the 2022 Lake of the Woods HOA annual meeting — 24 May 2022.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Straw Poll — Proposed Bylaw Changes Regarding the Lake — 2022

Community straw poll distributed following the October 2021 annual meeting to gauge homeowner interest in expanding HOA responsibilities for lake water quality and maintenance. One response per property requested.

⬇ Download Straw Poll (PDF)

Year-End Expense Report — 2022

Itemized month-by-month expense report for the 2022 fiscal year, covering landscaping, electric, insurance, legal and formation rewrite costs (Kaman & Cusimano), and administrative expenses.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Annual Meeting Agenda — 24 May 2022

Agenda for the 24 May 2022 annual meeting at the Northwest Akron Community Center, 1730 Shatto Ave, 6:30 PM. Includes approval of 2021 minutes, Treasurer's year-end report, President's report, and election of new Board member Jeff Mitchell.

⬇ Download Agenda (PDF)

Newsletter — February 2022

Announces the 2022 annual meeting delay due to COVID conditions; welcomes new homeowners (Worhatch, Dalton, Reyes); updates on the governing document rewrite with Kaman & Cusimano; financial update on 2022 assessments; C&S Landscaping contracted for front entrance; and notice of an open Board seat up for election.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

2021

Annual Meeting Minutes — 27 October 2021

Called to order at 7:07 PM by Sharon Shapiro at Fairlawn Lutheran Church. 45 homeowners attended representing 32 properties, including 2 proxies. Features presentations by HOA attorneys Nick Meinert, J.D. (Kaman & Cusimano) on the LOW pond and the state of the governing documents.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Annual Meeting Agenda — 27 October 2021

Agenda for the 27 October 2021 annual meeting at Fairlawn Lutheran Church (Fellowship Hall). Includes guest presentation by Nick Meinert, Esq. of Kaman & Cusimano on the LOW pond and governing documents; one Board seat open for election.

⬇ Download Agenda (PDF)

Year-End Treasurer's Report — 2021

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2021. Opening balance of $28,254.77; HOA collections of $16,800 with 100% dues compliance achieved within two months of billing. Expenses include electric, insurance, and formation document rewrite costs (Kaman & Cusimano).

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Newsletter — Spring 2021

Welcomes several new homeowners to the neighborhood; provides an update on the formation document rewrite process (the 1984 documents had not been reviewed in 38 years); and notes that the 2021 Annual Meeting was delayed due to COVID-related Ohio restrictions.

⬇ Download Newsletter (PDF)

2020

Annual Meeting Minutes — 3 February 2020

Called to order at 7:05 PM at Fairlawn Lutheran Church by Sharon Shapiro. 26 lots represented (quorum satisfied). Includes a contested approval of the 2019 minutes — resolved by amendment — and officer reports from President Shapiro and Treasurer Kathy Negrelli.

⬇ Download Minutes (PDF)

Treasurer's Report — 2020

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2020. Opening balance of $25,917.12; HOA collections of $16,700 plus money market interest. Expenses include electric, new island light installation, insurance, and landscaping fees.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Newsletter — Summer 2020

Introduces the Board officers elected at the last annual meeting; highlights the newly completed front entryway landscaping featuring new shrubbery, complementary boulders, and improved lighting; and provides general HOA updates.

⬇ Download Newsletter (DOCX)

2019

Mid-Year Report — 2019 Year in Review

Board report covering the first six months of the 2019 term (Brown, Freygang, Negrelli, Shapiro, Stetz). Topics include covenant enforcement obligations, lake ownership and dredging assessment (expert consensus: dredging not currently needed), legal guidance from Kaman & Cusimano on the Planned Community Act, Architectural Review Board requirements, and plans for front entryway island landscaping improvements.

⬇ Download Report (PDF)

Annual Meeting Minutes — 18 June 2019

Minutes of the 18 June 2019 meeting at Fairlawn Lutheran Church (6:30–8:07 PM). Well-attended at 49 homeowners. Covered review of 2018 minutes, lake dredging committee formation and competing assessments, officer elections, and general neighborhood matters.

⬇ Download Minutes (DOCX)

Treasurer's Report — 2019

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2019. Opening balance of $40,034.50; HOA collections of $8,700 plus $319.75 in money market interest. Expenses include electric, light repair, insurance, and landscaping.

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Newsletter — August 2019

Covers transition of KeyBank account signatories to Kathy Negrelli and Dale Freygang; front entry brick wall repair bids; engagement of C.S. Triola Landscaping for routine maintenance; and an update on the lake dredging and algae investigations following the annual meeting.

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2018

Treasurer's Report — 2018

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2018. Opening balance of $36,937.23; HOA maintenance fee collections of $8,617. Expenses cover electric, insurance, landscaping, and general operating costs.

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2017

Annual Meeting Notes — 26 May 2017

Notes from the 26 May 2017 meeting held at the home of President Mary Ann Kovach. 14 homeowners attended. Covered trash bin storage rules, the 25 MPH speed limit, pet responsibilities, interest in forming a neighborhood watch program, and election of officers: Mary Ann Kovach (President), Phil Danford (VP), Sharon Shapiro (Secretary), and Erik Reynolds (Alternate).

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2016

Annual Meeting Minutes — 18 May 2016

Called to order at 7:15 PM by President MaryAnn Kovach. Covered the 2015 Treasurer's report ($33,709 in funds), road repaving petition update, garage bin and barking dog reminders, the city's ash tree replacement program, and plans to convert remaining entrance lights to LED fixtures.

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Treasurer's Report — 2016

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2016. Opening balance of $33,709.47; maintenance fees of $8,550 plus investment and checking interest. Expenses of $6,504.95 cover electric, lights, insurance, landscaping (C.S. Triola), and administrative costs. Net gain of $2,069.90; ending balance $35,779.37.

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2015

Annual Meeting Minutes — 19 May 2015

Held at the home of President Mary Ann Kovach. Reviewed 2014 financials ($8,457 revenue, $8,091 expenses, $34,549 ending balance); noted that the road resurfacing petition fell short at 25 of 45 signatures needed; addressed city services, architectural review requirements, and tree and dog warden reminders. Officers re-elected for the coming year.

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Treasurer's Report — 2015

Financial summary for January 1 – December 31, 2015. Opening balance of $34,548.54; maintenance fees of $7,900 plus investment interest. Expenses of $8,746.16 include new LED entrance light fixtures ($3,224.80), lawn service, insurance, and electric. Net loss of $839.07; ending balance $33,709.47.

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Timeline

Key dates and events related to the proposed document changes.

February 23, 1984

Original Documents Recorded

Restrictions and Covenants recorded with the Summit County Recorder as covenants running with the land. Signed by Anthony A. Petrarca, Trustee.

March 22, 2026

Draft 6 Released

Board releases Draft 6 of the proposed Amended and Restated Declaration and Bylaws.

March 26, 2026

Zoom Town Hall

Neighborhood town hall held via Zoom to discuss the proposed changes.

Your Action

Read, Understand, Decide

Review the documents, ask questions, attend meetings, and make your voice heard.

Upcoming

Owner Vote

Date to be determined. The Board will schedule a vote on adoption of the new documents.