Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Prairie Hills Bulletin 1-31-11
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POLICE WANT CARS OFF THE STREET BEFORE
IMPENDING SNOWSTORM
The Prairie Village Police Department is asking residents to move all vehicles from the roadways as soon as possible owing to the large volume of snow that is anticipated. This will allow snowplows to pre-treat and plow streets and emergency vehicles adequate space to respond to calls for service. If you park on the street, your car may become snowbound, and you will be responsible for digging it out.
If you can't move your vehicle off the street, please park on the side of your street with even-numbered addresses.
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SIGN UP FOR E-MAIL ALERTS AT PVKANSAS.COM
The newly launched Prairie Village Web site has many new features. Among them is the ability to sign up for e-mail news alerts. You can choose your areas of interest and get advance warning about things like trash pickup and public hearings. Go to pvkansas.com and look for the "Sign-Up eNews" option at the bottom of the homepage.
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HEROIC NEW BOARD MEMBER BRINGS ANTIQUATED
BY-LAWS INTO COMPLIANCE WITH KANSAS LAW
Eric Mikkelson, the newest member of the Prairie Hills Board of Directors embarked upon a huge undertaking to rewrite the Prairie Hills Homes Associations By-Laws that had been in place since the founding of the association in 1950. Among the improvements he wrought are:
—Adding language necessary to conform to the binding provisions of the 1950 Homes Association Declaration that originally facilitated PHHA. (Our previous by-laws were in conflict with this.)
—Bringing the by-laws in compliance with the mandatory provisions of the new Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act, which became effective January 1, 2011.
—Clarifying the objectives and purpose of the association and giving more guidance to the association's directors.
—Deleting some antiquated (and sexist) language, such as deleting the provision that allows women homeowners to sign over their voting rights to men.
—Changing the number of board members to an odd number—5—which is recommended as a best practice for boards.
—Reorganizing the document to make it much easier to locate particular provisions.
—Fortifying the association against challenges.
Thanks to Mikkelson's considerable investment in time, brain power, and determination, our by-laws are now a useful document that will help the current and future board members chart the course of Prairie Hills. They are a beacon among by-laws, soaring far above those of most other homes associations in the area and a sterling example of sound organizational guidance.
The board adopted the "Amended and Restated Bylaws for PHHA" at its January meeting. You can see a copy of the new by-laws at prairiehillshomes.org.
==========================================BUDDING WRITERS WANTED FOR NEWSLETTER
The Prairie Hills Neighborhood News (the print edition) is looking for someone willing to write brief profiles of neighbors (from 250 to 300 words). This would be a great experience for a young or aspiring writer. If you're interested, contact Loring Leifer at leifer@sprintmail.com.
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HOST A UKRANIAN STUDENT?
The Prairie Village Sister Cities Committee is working to bring a Ukrainian exchange student to Shawnee Mission East High School for the 2011-2012 school year. If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a student, please contact Carole Mosher at 913.381.3108 for more information. Mosher has hosted students in the past, so she can discuss the joys and benefits of hosting from first-hand experience.
The Sister Cities Committee continues to develop its relationship with its Sister City, Dolyna, Ukraine. The mayors of both cities have requested that we focus on exchanges in the areas of education, culture, city government, and commerce. The committee has entertained delegates from Dolyna and has sent committee members and community leaders to Dolyna to further the mission.
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BULLETIN BUSINESS
If you know anyone in the neighborhood who would like to be added to this e-mail list, please let me know. If you would like to be REMOVED from this list, please do the same. I promise to use these bulletins ONLY to communicate neighborhood business, and I send these messages as blind copy, so other recipients can't see your e-mail address.
Loring Leifer, chairman
Communications & Complaints Committee
Prairie Hills Homes Association
7301 Booth Street
Shawnee Mission, KS 66208
POLICE WANT CARS OFF THE STREET BEFORE
IMPENDING SNOWSTORM
The Prairie Village Police Department is asking residents to move all vehicles from the roadways as soon as possible owing to the large volume of snow that is anticipated. This will allow snowplows to pre-treat and plow streets and emergency vehicles adequate space to respond to calls for service. If you park on the street, your car may become snowbound, and you will be responsible for digging it out.
If you can't move your vehicle off the street, please park on the side of your street with even-numbered addresses.
==========================================
SIGN UP FOR E-MAIL ALERTS AT PVKANSAS.COM
The newly launched Prairie Village Web site has many new features. Among them is the ability to sign up for e-mail news alerts. You can choose your areas of interest and get advance warning about things like trash pickup and public hearings. Go to pvkansas.com and look for the "Sign-Up eNews" option at the bottom of the homepage.
==========================================
HEROIC NEW BOARD MEMBER BRINGS ANTIQUATED
BY-LAWS INTO COMPLIANCE WITH KANSAS LAW
Eric Mikkelson, the newest member of the Prairie Hills Board of Directors embarked upon a huge undertaking to rewrite the Prairie Hills Homes Associations By-Laws that had been in place since the founding of the association in 1950. Among the improvements he wrought are:
—Adding language necessary to conform to the binding provisions of the 1950 Homes Association Declaration that originally facilitated PHHA. (Our previous by-laws were in conflict with this.)
—Bringing the by-laws in compliance with the mandatory provisions of the new Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act, which became effective January 1, 2011.
—Clarifying the objectives and purpose of the association and giving more guidance to the association's directors.
—Deleting some antiquated (and sexist) language, such as deleting the provision that allows women homeowners to sign over their voting rights to men.
—Changing the number of board members to an odd number—5—which is recommended as a best practice for boards.
—Reorganizing the document to make it much easier to locate particular provisions.
—Fortifying the association against challenges.
Thanks to Mikkelson's considerable investment in time, brain power, and determination, our by-laws are now a useful document that will help the current and future board members chart the course of Prairie Hills. They are a beacon among by-laws, soaring far above those of most other homes associations in the area and a sterling example of sound organizational guidance.
The board adopted the "Amended and Restated Bylaws for PHHA" at its January meeting. You can see a copy of the new by-laws at prairiehillshomes.org.
==========================================BUDDING WRITERS WANTED FOR NEWSLETTER
The Prairie Hills Neighborhood News (the print edition) is looking for someone willing to write brief profiles of neighbors (from 250 to 300 words). This would be a great experience for a young or aspiring writer. If you're interested, contact Loring Leifer at leifer@sprintmail.com.
==========================================
HOST A UKRANIAN STUDENT?
The Prairie Village Sister Cities Committee is working to bring a Ukrainian exchange student to Shawnee Mission East High School for the 2011-2012 school year. If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a student, please contact Carole Mosher at 913.381.3108 for more information. Mosher has hosted students in the past, so she can discuss the joys and benefits of hosting from first-hand experience.
The Sister Cities Committee continues to develop its relationship with its Sister City, Dolyna, Ukraine. The mayors of both cities have requested that we focus on exchanges in the areas of education, culture, city government, and commerce. The committee has entertained delegates from Dolyna and has sent committee members and community leaders to Dolyna to further the mission.
==========================================
BULLETIN BUSINESS
If you know anyone in the neighborhood who would like to be added to this e-mail list, please let me know. If you would like to be REMOVED from this list, please do the same. I promise to use these bulletins ONLY to communicate neighborhood business, and I send these messages as blind copy, so other recipients can't see your e-mail address.
Loring Leifer, chairman
Communications & Complaints Committee
Prairie Hills Homes Association
7301 Booth Street
Shawnee Mission, KS 66208
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
About the Prairie Hills Homes Association
The Prairie Hills Homes Association (PHHA) came into existence as a J.C. Nichols subdivision on July 7th, 1950. It was developed for "high-class residence purposes." There are currently 665 members. J. C. Nichols created PHHA for much the same reasons as he did the other 34 associations he established in Kansas and Missouri: to preserve the quality of the residential district and to maintain property values. PHHA maintains the islands and public spaces, enforces deed restrictions, hosts social events, communicates with the City of Prairie Village, and keeps residents informed about pertinent issues and news. PHHA belongs to the Homes Associations of the Country Club District (HACCD), which provides administrative services, such as mailing and billing. Some people call homes associations the most representative and responsive form of democracy found in America today. As a member of the Prairie Hills Homes Association, you have the opportunity to:
· Determine how money is spent in your neighborhood.
· Participate in an annual garage sale. We handle advertising, post flyers, place signs, and provide maps that show sale locations.
· Enjoy an annual picnic in Windsor Park and an annual Holiday Homes Tour that gives you a chance to see how some of your neighbors decorate for the holidays.
· Attend an annual dinner to meet neighbors, vote on the budget, and find out what is planned for Prairie Hills in the coming year.
· Enjoy the landscaping that we provide on the 15 islands that grace Prairie Hills streets.
· Enjoy community events like a picnic, garage sale, holiday homes tour, and annual business/social meeting.
· Receive a free subscription to the quarterly Prairie Hills Neighborhood News, which will keep you informed about events and items of interest to the area.
· Get a free directory of all association members with listings by alphabet and by street.
· Get an instant resource of residents recommendations on the best plumbers, electricians, carpenters, lawncare services, and more with the Prairie Hills Recommended Service Provider list, which is available on request by sending an email to: Loring Leifer.
· Benefit from our "strength in numbers" when it comes to solving neighborhood problems and making sure the city pays attention to Prairie Hills.
· Get to know more about your neighbors and belong to an organization that is dedicated to making sure Prairie Hills remains a desirable place to live. If you are interested in volunteering on the board or on any of the committees, contact Loring Leifer at leifer@sprintmail.com.
The cost of membership in the homes association varies from $15 to $30 dollars a year, depending on the frontage of your property. Most dues are in the $15 to $24 range.
The cost of membership in the homes association varies from $15 to $30 dollars a year, depending on the frontage of your property. Most dues are in the $15 to $24 range.
Prairie Hills Declaration of Restrictions
Prairie Hills residents need to comply with the Prairie Hills Declaration of Restrictions in finalizing building or remodeling plans for residences. Before seeking a building permit from the City of Prairie Village, Prairie Hills homeowners need the approval of the homes association for adding fences or making changes that affect the dimensions of the house. Here is a summary of the restrictions placed on homes in Prairie Hills. Keep in mind that individual lots may vary. 1. The maximum height is limited to 1 1/2 stories, unless the home/property owner receives written permission from the Homes Associations of the Country Club District (HACCD).
2. The building size is limited by the setbacks or free space required, whichever is more restrictive. A side yard setback of 10 feet minimum is required, unless the home/property owner receives written permission from the HACCD. The front yard setback is referenced to the Prairie Hills plat which is probably shown graphically (the text provided at the last meeting did not include the plat). The free space required can not be more than 75% of the front yard lot width, again unless the home/property owner receives written permission from HACCD.
3. There are some miscellaneous restrictions on projections allowed within the setback, such as vestibules, bays, porches, trellises, etc, which are not to extend more than 3 feet beyond the front and side building lines.
Prairie Hills Board Roster
Prairie Hills Board Roster
Board of Directors
Julie Weiss, President
Phone: 913.362.3652
Wesley Piercy, Secretary
Phone: 913.488.0566
Loring Leifer, Treasurer and Communications Director
Phone: 913.831.7272
Eric Mikkelson, Vice President
Phone: 913.671.8038
Committee Chairs
Holiday Homes Tour Committee
Jane Argotsinger Phone: 913.789.8125
Maintenance Committee
Mark Stiles Phone: 913.384.3095
Directory Committee
Loring Leifer Phone: 913.831.7272
New Neighbor Welcome Committee
Becky Jones Phone: 913.432.0717 and 913.384.1938
Garage Sale Committee
Marsha Bjerkan Phone: 913.362.2136
Island Committee
Mark Stiles Phone: 913.384.3095
Volunteer Coordination Committee
Greg Colston Phone: 913.722.0165
Picnic Committee
Jane Argotsinger and Janie Wang Phone: 913.384.3095, 913.671.8404
Board of Directors
Julie Weiss, President
Phone: 913.362.3652
Wesley Piercy, Secretary
Phone: 913.488.0566
Loring Leifer, Treasurer and Communications Director
Phone: 913.831.7272
Eric Mikkelson, Vice President
Phone: 913.671.8038
Committee Chairs
Holiday Homes Tour Committee
Jane Argotsinger Phone: 913.789.8125
Maintenance Committee
Mark Stiles Phone: 913.384.3095
Directory Committee
Loring Leifer Phone: 913.831.7272
New Neighbor Welcome Committee
Becky Jones Phone: 913.432.0717 and 913.384.1938
Garage Sale Committee
Marsha Bjerkan Phone: 913.362.2136
Island Committee
Mark Stiles Phone: 913.384.3095
Volunteer Coordination Committee
Greg Colston Phone: 913.722.0165
Picnic Committee
Jane Argotsinger and Janie Wang Phone: 913.384.3095, 913.671.8404
Prairie Hills, Prairie Village, Kansas
Prairie Hills is located in the City of Prairie Village, Kansas, in Northeast Johnson County, and bounded roughly by 71st Street. on the north, 75th Street on the south, High Drive on the East, and Windsor Road on the West.
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