Adding New Sprinkler Systems Could Create Capacity Issues with our Water System

Homeowners in our neighborhood have asked about adding in-ground sprinkler systems on their property.  There have been a number of requests for this over the years.   Currently we do not allow additional in-ground sprinkler systems.  The HOA board understands why many homeowners want this.   It is so much easier than moving a hose around the yard.   But because it is easier to use, it could also increase the demand on our water system.  This additional demand is why there are concerns about our water system having enough water capacity.

Our restrictions on sprinkler systems went in place many years ago.   We are unaware of any documents that state why this went into effect but we assume it was a capacity concern.   In 2002 the DEQ was asked again to look at the capacity of our water system in regard to installation of new in-ground watering systems.  A review was done and a letter was sent stating we did not have the well capacity to support additional sprinkler systems.  Here is a link to that letter.
2002 DEQ Sprinkler Water System Capacity 

We asked Tiffany to look at our system to see if she thought we had enough capacity to support additional sprinkler systems.  Tiffany also has concerns about our well having enough capacity to support more sprinkler systems.   Here is the reply from Tiffany
2020 EGLE Sprinkler Water System Capacity

The letter also states that we could have an engineering study done.  We did consider this but we feel there is a very small chance that the engineering study would be much different from what was already presented to us.  We are also working with the city to get a cost estimate on converting to city water.   If we do convert to a city water system, in-ground sprinklers should be allowed.

We also reviewed input from our previous Representative Jaiye who did think we had the capacity to add more sprinklers.  We asked her to come talk to us at the annual meeting but she left her position before that could happen.  The other input was from Briarcliff who has a water system very similar to ours.  They also state that in-ground water systems are not allowed due to the capacity of the water system.

The board reviewed all the inputs and has decided at this time to keep our current restrictions on sprinkler systems and not allow any new in-ground watering systems to be installed.  We wish we could allow it but we feel the extra demand on our system and it’s designed capacity could create many problems and possible additional repair costs to the HOA

The Franklin Knolls HOA Board

Water System Flushing Saturday, August 1st (9am – 1pm)

Water System Flushing Saturday, August 1st

Periodically, the FKHA Board will flush the mineral deposits from the fire hydrant lines.  This work is typically done by board member volunteers on a Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. and continues for 3-4 hrs.

• Signage will be posted at the entrance to the subs about a week in advance.
• During the time frame of the flushing you should shut off the water to your house (valve in the basement near your sub pump), and frame.  You should not use your water during this time
• After the flushing is complete, you should run the hoses outside your house to clear any residual deposits.

Any questions pertaining to our drinking water, our water system, or the above recommendations please see our Contact Us page.

More info on what to do to care for your lines to your home can be found on our website on the “Services” menu.   Here is a direct link

2019 Water Quality Report is now Available on our Website

The 2019 Water Quality Report describing the source and quality of your drinking water is now available on our website.  Here is a direct link:

2019 Water Quality Report

A paper copy of this report is available upon request. Please contact a board member or send us an email with your name and the address if you would like a paper copy of the report sent to you. You can email us and/or find our contact information here.

An email will be sent to all homeowners on file with this information. The fall newsletter will also have a summary article about this water report. A paper copy of this newsletter will be sent to all homeowners of Franklin Knolls.

The Water Quality Report is required by the State of Michigan and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) It is based on testing our water system by AquaTest Laboratories, Inc. Water samples are taken monthly and tested to check the quality of our water on a regular basis. We also have a mechanical inspection done regularly to help keep our water system operational and the backup systems ready when needed.

We recently performed our spring flush out of the water system and have two more flushings planned for this summer and fall. Home lines need to be flushed out as well. Without flushing home water lines can become restricted or plugged up which can lead to a costly repair for the homeowner. Information on this and other tips are available here on our website.

We hope you find the report beneficial and reassuring that the water provided to your home meets or exceeds government standards. Let us know if you have any questions. There are also government agency phone numbers in the report.

Thx

UPDATE – City Water Conversion – Engineering Study/Cost Estimate to be Conducted

City Water Engineering Study/Cost Estimate Petitions

UPDATE – We received completed and signed petitions from more than 30% of the homeowners of Franklin Knolls.   The 30% of homeowners was the required minimum number by the city to have an engineering study/cost estimate done for our subdivision.  

We have sent the petitions and the cover letter shown below to the city.   As stated in the letter the process will take at least 6 to 8 months to complete.   They also said it might be longer due to the COVID-19 issue.  Once this process is complete we will have a special homeowners meeting to review the results and answer questions

Regards,
Franklin Knolls HOA Board

2020_0618 FK Cover letter City Water Cost Estimate Petition

 

Fire Hydrant Replacements to be Scheduled

 

We gave the OK to have the fire hydrant replacements added to the job list again.   Previously we asked for it to be delayed due to COVID-19 Stay at Home orders.   No date is set yet but they think they might have an opening very soon.   New details will be posted here on the blog

———-    PREVIOUS BLOG POST (FALL 2019) – DETAILS ON PROJECT    ———————

We have 3 fire hydrants in the neighborhood that need to be replaced.   Parts are on order and we will let you know ASAP when the scheduled repair will take place.

**This will require the water system to be shut down in the areas of the repairs. **

A letter and map is included in the annual meeting notice mailing that went to all residents of Franklin Knolls.  Look for that in your mail soon.  Here are links to those items:

Hydrant Replacement Letter

Map with hydrant replacement locations and what we believe will be affected homes

 

We hope this will be a 1 day repair.   Updates will be posted here on our blog.

Thank you

 

UPDATE – City Water Conversion – Petition to get Cost Estimate

UPDATE – As of Sunday, June 7, 2020 we have received 32 petitions back from the homeowners.
We need 47 petitions (30% of homeowners) for the city to conduct the engineering study/cost estimate of the water system. 

If you would like to know what the cost would be to have city water brought to our homes please send in your completed and signed petition.  Again this Engineering Study/Cost Estimate will be done at no cost to the homeowners. 

**We need 15 more petitions to move forward with this.   
The deadline is June 15, 2020. ** 

 

The previous blog post is below with the full details including a link to the petition form

Cost Estimate for Connecting to Farmington Hills City Water System.   

A special petition mailing is being sent to each home in the neighborhood.   Below are the the details in this mailing.  Look for this coming to your mailbox soon.

At our November 2019 annual meeting it was decided that the Board should research cost to convert from our current Well System to City Water. Board Members met with Jim Cubera and City of Farmington Hills engineers on 2/4/20. To proceed the city needs 30% of property owners to sign a petition that they are interested in what the cost might be. Once enough signatures are received, a cost analysis will be done. To complete the cost analysis takes several months. Once the analysis is complete an informational meeting with property owners will be held.

Typically, circulation of a petition would be done door-to-door. With our current situation the city has authorized us to get signatures through the mail.

Signing the petition does not cost the property owner, nor does it obligate them to convert. It simply means that you are interested in what the cost might be.

If you would like to proceed with requesting that the city develop cost estimates, please complete and sign the petition coming to you in the mail.

You can also download the form from this link

City Water Conversion – Petition to get Cost Estimate

Please return the completed and signed petition by 6/15/20 to:

Franklin Knolls HOA
32000 Shrewsbury
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

You can also hand deliver the petition to our mailbox at the above address.   Just insert the form in the slot behind the door of the mailbox.

Once we receive the requisite signatures they will be forwarded to the City of Farmington Hills.

If you have any questions please email us at FranklinKnollsHOA@gmail.com .

Regards,
Franklin Knolls HOA Board

 

New Printed Neighborhood Directory Coming to Your Home Soon.

Look for the May 2020 Franklin Knolls directory on the door of your home very soon.  

Yes, we have started to hand deliver the new printed directories to homes in our neighborhood.   Look for yours hanging on the door to your home very soon.   We hope to have all of them delivered by June 10, 2020.

Thank you to the board members who volunteered to hand deliver these booklets to the homes too.

 

Water System Flushing Saturday, June 6th (9am – 1pm)

Water System Flushing Saturday, June 6th

Periodically, the FKHA Board will flush the mineral deposits from the fire hydrant lines.  This work is typically done by board member volunteers on a Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. and continues for 3-4 hrs.

• Signage will be posted at the entrance to the subs about a week in advance.
• During the time frame of the flushing you should shut off the water to your house (valve in the basement near your sub pump), and frame.  You should not use your water during this time
• After the flushing is complete, you should run the hoses outside your house to clear any residual deposits.

Any questions pertaining to our drinking water, our water system, or the above recommendations please see our Contact Us page.

More info on what to do to care for your lines to your home can be found on our website on the “Services” menu.   Here is a direct link

City Water Conversion – Petition to get Cost Estimate

Cost Estimate for Connecting to Farmington Hills City Water System.   

A special petition mailing is being sent to each home in the neighborhood.   Below are the the details in this mailing.  Look for this coming to your mailbox soon.

At our November 2019 annual meeting it was decided that the Board should research cost to convert from our current Well System to City Water. Board Members met with Jim Cubera and City of Farmington Hills engineers on 2/4/20. To proceed the city needs 30% of property owners to sign a petition that they are interested in what the cost might be. Once enough signatures are received, a cost analysis will be done. To complete the cost analysis takes several months. Once the analysis is complete an informational meeting with property owners will be held.

Typically, circulation of a petition would be done door-to-door. With our current situation the city has authorized us to get signatures through the mail.

Signing the petition does not cost the property owner, nor does it obligate them to convert. It simply means that you are interested in what the cost might be.

If you would like to proceed with requesting that the city develop cost estimates, please complete and sign the petition coming to you in the mail.   You can also download the form from this link

City Water Conversion – Petition to get Cost Estimate

Please return the completed and signed petition by 6/15/20 to:

Franklin Knolls HOA
32000 Shrewsbury
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

You can also hand deliver the petition to our mailbox at the above address.   Just insert the form in the slot behind the door of the mailbox.

Once we receive the requisite signatures they will be forwarded to the City of Farmington Hills.

If you have any questions please email us at FranklinKnollsHOA@gmail.com .

Regards,
Franklin Knolls HOA Board

 

Landscape Oversight Team Volunteers – Meeting Soon

The HOA is looking for neighborhood volunteers to help us with landscape improvements and keeping these areas looking nice.

We’ll look at our current landscape areas and come up with suggestions on how to improve them. As a team we can decide if we want to go a step farther and do some planting ourselves. We can keep it simple and small to start with. Doing a lot of small projects over time can make a big difference.

We would like to get communication going soon and maybe hold a meeting via Zoom.   

Want to help?   Let us know by sending an email to FranklinKnollsHOA@gmail.com or talk to a board member.   We would love to have you be part of the team.