FYI - Nuisance Barking

Several residents have commented recently about barking dogs in the neighborhood. Here is what the city says about "nuisance barking":

A common neighborhood animal control complaint centers on dogs that bark excessively. Continuous barking, especially during late night hours, can result in neighborhood disputes and is a violation of the City Animal Care Ordinance. According to code, “Noisy Dog” - no person shall allow an animal to bark, yelp, whine, howl, or make sounds common to its species in excess, continuously for 15 minutes or for a total of 20 minutes in a one-hour period.

Although it’s normal and reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make noise when they play outside, continual barking is a symptom of a problem that needs addressing. Most often dogs howl, bark and whine out of frustration and boredom. Increase the dog’s exercise through daily walks and play time to give the dog more “people time” and mental stimulation from new sites and smells. Neutering is recommended to reduce territorial barking and crate training is strongly recommended to bring the dog inside the house while you are away.

Be a considerate neighbor and a responsible dog owner and eliminate the neighborhood complaints from the mail carriers, neighbors, and parents of children walking to and from school. Report nuisance barking to the Animal Care & Control office at 427-1244. In some cases an affidavit process may be offered, which will result in the dog owner being summoned to Court.

Kids Dart, Drive Smart

A perennial complaint from Limberlost residents is the speed at which some cars travel through our addition. Technically, the speed limit is 30 mph, but given we have narrow streets and no sidewalks, sometimes even that is too fast.

Please slow down, drive carefully, and watch for children, pets, and pedestrians when cruising our neighborhood.

Now through September 10, "Kids Dart, Drive Smart" signs may be picked up at any Allen County fire station. Get 'em while supplies last!

Vote for sidewalks

One of the great things about Limberlost Acres is its location. We are within walking distance of Salomon Farm, the Y, a library branch, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. The only drawback is, to get to these places, one must walk along Dupont. Yikes!

If you often find yourself wishing there were sidewalks along Dupont, here is your chance to let Mayor Tom Henry know how you feel. Complete the Online Sidewalk Survey to encourage the development of sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings in this part of Fort Wayne.

If the link above does not work for you, cut and paste this url in your browser's url box:
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/forms/online_sidewalk_survey.php

Thanks!

Clarification of association dues

When I posted the compliance rates for association dues, my intent was to encourage more households to contribute, but I seem to have generated some confusion instead. Hopefully, this posting will clarify some issues.

First, a big thank you to those who have already paid their 2009 dues. Every year we send out fliers and post signs, and now we also post information online, all in an effort to gather dues without the additional expense of postage. Those who have already paid make my job as treasurer easier. I really appreciate that!

Now, if you read the abstract for your property, you will discover that our association dues are voluntary. Originally, the dues were $10 a year, and a few residents kept the pond property mowed and trimmed out of the goodness of their hearts. The association later voted to raise dues to $30, in part so that the mowing could be hired out.

As treasurer, I am guilty of playing down the voluntary aspect of paying dues. However, when mortgage companies contact me, I explain the dues are voluntary and there are no liens against the property. They either don't believe me or don't care because invariably I receive at least partial payment of any outstanding dues.

Some of you are probably wondering why you should pay your dues when not everyone does. The simple answer is, Because it is the right thing to do. As you can see by my report, the dues the association collects barely cover our expenses. If enough residents don't contribute, the pond property won't get mowed, and we will be at the mercy of the city for snow plowing.

Most Limberlost residents do pay their dues. There are just a few households that don't. It could be that some truly cannot afford $30 a year, but I'm guessing the bulk of the non-compliant simply do not see the benefit in being a good neighbor.

So please, please continue to pay your dues, and encourage your neighbors to do likewise.

Thanks!

Mayor Henry To Meet With Residents At Dupont Library For Mayor’s Night Out

Residents can call to schedule an appointment for April 29

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will hold a Mayor’s Night Out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at the Dupont branch of the Allen County Public Library, 536 E. Dupont Road.

Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in the meeting rooms of the Dupont branch library to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.

“This month we are taking our show on the road, so to speak, to the Dupont branch of the library. It is important to me to meet with residents on a regular basis, and perhaps this session will be a little more convenient for residents in north Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Meeting with residents is one of the most important things I can do. Taxpayers deserve access to the leaders they elected and I am glad to participate in this event multiple times a year.”

Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor’s Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff.

Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Anyone who has had a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out appointment in the last year will be placed on a waiting list to give other residents the opportunity to meet with Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry plans to host a Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out during each quarter of 2009.

Contact: Rebecca Karcher, Public Information, 427-1120
rebecca.karcher@cityoffortwayne.org
Rachel Blakeman, Public Information, 427-1120
rachel.blakeman@cityoffortwayne.org

Progress report on dues collection

So far, we have only 35% compliance on the paying of dues for 2009. This will not be enough to cover our expenses for this year. Please write a check today and drop it off at either 10207 Jamaica Drive or 10221 Limberlost Trail.

Thanks for your support!

Where does the money go?

Treasurer's Report 2008

Below is an accounting for the income and outgo of Limberlost Acres Community Association. As you can see, our annual dues barely cover our expenses. With the advent of this blog to replace the website, we have eliminated the Web hosting expense, which gives us a little more breathing room. But it is important that we all pay our dues in order to maintain these simple services. Thanks!

Item	Expense	Income
Mowing	$1205.00
Web hosting	$150.96
Postage	$42.00
Property tax	$79.08
Plowing	$247.50
Total expenses	$1573.58
Dues		$1590.00
Total income		$1590.00