FAQ’s

Where can I pay my HOA fees online and access the Architectural Request submissions?

FrontSteps/Caliber is the site to access all of the up-to-date information for meeting minutes, pay HOA fees, submit Architectural Change Requests, etc… The link is Caliber Portal. If you need an account to access, please contact Omni-Properties and they can get you set up.

Where can I get the correct color of paint for my mailbox and post?

Ace Hardware – 10941 E. 79th Street (Sunnyside/79th)  has paint specifically under Watson Farms’ mailbox color which is an exterior latex, flat called Royal Fit 103 in Farm Brown. They have matched this color for us and it is on file with their paint specialists. Additionally, Pro Hardware in the Kroger Plaza at Pendleton Pike & Sunnyside has paint specifically under Watson Farms’ mailbox color in stock in quarts and gallons.

Where do we get our standardized mailbox as well as post replacement?

Watson Farms’ covenants state that we have to have the same uniform mailbox and post that were installed when your home was built. In the past, some Watson Farms residents, have offered mailbox repair services. Although Owners are NOT restricted from using neighbor’s services for repairs, please note that Watson Farms HOA does NOT endorse or require you to do so.
 
However, the mailboxes must be the same specifications, material, and color as the current mailbox used for Watson Farms. Recently, the Watson Farms HOA provided specified product details with discounted pricing from Mailbox Solutions as a courtesy. The Watson Farms HOA is not affiliated or endorsing this company.  

Mailbox Solutions has gone through the pre-approval process and it has been confirmed they are licensed and insured as well as meets the current specs, material, and color.

If Owners are ever in doubt on the Architectural Guidelines, Covenants, Improvement Application, etc., please contact the Watson Farms HOA board at watsonfarmshoa@gmail.com or visit the Watson Farms website.

The mailbox post replacement or repair can be purchased at any of the three (3) vendors listed below:

  1. Mailbox Solution at (317) 460-1010 (https://mailboxsolution.com/)
  2. Otto’s Streetscape at (317) 886-4400 (https://ostreetscape.com/)
  3. Estes Designs at (317) 899-5556 (https://estesmailbox.com/)

If a street light post is out, who do I report it to?

The street light posts that are located driving into the entrance of 63rd Street are owned by Watson Farms. These light posts are repaired only by us. However, the other larger street posts that are located at the entrance of 59th and on our streets are owned by AES/IPL. Both types of street lights should be reported to the property manager, sbray@omni-property.com
 
When reporting the ones that are out or damaged, please be specific with street location and yellow tag numbers. Only the AES/IPL light posts have yellow tags that are located on the post about 8 ft high. You will need to have this number so that Omni Management personnel can fill out the repair request form for AES/IPL. AES/IPL generally takes between 4-6 weeks to repair/replace bulbs. If not done by 6 weeks, report again to contact the property manager, sbray@omni-property.com.

 

The Watson Farms light posts do not have tag numbers and will be repaired by maintenance staff.

Building Permits
 
The City of Lawrence requires a building permit for any work on a property or dwelling that costs $1500.00 or more and it is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain the permit.
 
 

What ponds are open to the rest of the community for fishing etc? How do I report trespassers when on a private pond?

There are only 2 ponds that are considered open to the community. They are located at the entrance of 63rd and the one located next to the pool. Otherwise, the other retention ponds are for private use only by the residents whose property touches the embankment of the pond. If you are a resident who has a property that resides on the pond and sees others who don’t live there using the ponds you may ask them to leave or call the non-emergency LPD phone number at (317) 545-7575. Please remember that a resident may allow or give permission to a friend/family member to use the pond.
 

Soliciting is the neighborhood, what can you do?

If the solicitor has a license for Lawrence Township, then they may come on our property. Every resident that posts a “no soliciting” sign at their home in order to keep them from knocking on your door may ask for them to be removed by calling the LPD non-emergency phone numbers at (317) 545-7575. 
 
More rules can be found under Peddler’s License and Municipal Codes 4-1-2-2.5.  PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS ENTERING UPON PRIVATE PREMISES located at:CHAPTER 2. PEDDLERS
 

How do I report a crime or suspicious activity in Watson Farms? How do I find out who is my block captain for our Crime Watch?

Please remember to call any emergency situation to 911 unless it is a non-emergency then call LPD (317) 545-7575.  We are currently looking for members to form Watson Farms Crime Watch.
 

To whom do I report my concerns about the cleanliness of the pool, bathhouses and lifeguards attentiveness?

Please use the tab “Contact Us” on the web site. This info will be forwarded to the Pool Committee and the HOA board. Be specific with times you were at the pool and who the lifeguard was. If it is an emergency, please contact Omni Management or our property manager, sbray@omni-property.com.

 

Omni was hired to manage our accounts receivable/payable as well as gather quotes (at least 3) for contracts such as landscaping, pool management, pond service, and general maintenance. In addition, they have monthly meetings with our HOA board members to give us up to date financials and keep us abreast of any concerns or ways in which we can make our neighborhood a better place. They are also a liaison for concerns that you may have about the HOA or neighborhood. You may contact Omni Management, our property is manager, sbray@omni-property.com or feel free to contact the board through our Contact Us tab on the web site.
 

Where do I report inoperable cars and cars sitting with flat tires?

Since Watson Farms cannot enforce inoperable cars on the streets, please contact the non-emergency phone number for LPD at (317) 545-7575 to report the car’s location, make, model, and license plate number. The car has is considered inoperable if it hasn’t moved from its spot on the street for at least 3 days, or without a current license tag, or with a flat tire.
 

What are the Covenants and By-Laws of the HOA? How can they be enforced by the HOA?

These are the “rules” or ordinances of our neighborhood. They are in place to keep our neighborhood uniform as well as pleasing to the eye. These legal/registered documents were presented to the homeowner during your closing by the title company. You as a homeowner signed a form stating that you accepted them and would uphold them while owning a home in Watson Farms. If you would like copies, please go to “HOA Documents” on the web site. You can also see HOA Documents.
 

When do I need an application for improvement such as a fence, deck, playset?

Please refer to the Architectural Guidelines that are listed as “HOA Documents” on the web site. The guidelines will explain what is required by the association as well as the form that has to be sent in and approved before work is started.
 

When is the annual meeting for the HOA? How do I become a board member?

The annual meeting to discuss the financial paperwork, as well as the following years’ budget, is generally in Oct/Nov. If you would like to attend one of the monthly board member meetings to discuss an idea or concern, please use the Contact Us section of the web site. Each year, if and when the board members term is up, we elect new board members. If you are interested in being on the board please use the “Contact Us” tab on the web site. It is suggested to volunteer as a committee member first to make sure you would like to do this. We have several committees and block captains are needed for Crime Watch. You can join these by using the Contact Us tab on the web site.
 

How do I get my pool bands?

Pool bands or renewals are usually distributed in May of each year. They are distributed to the residents that are current with their HOA dues for the year. If you are not available to pick up your bands or would like to pay your dues, you must contact the Watson Farms HOA at watsonfarmsHOA@gmail.com.

 

To whom do I report abandoned homes? What if the grass needs to be cut?

Use the Contact Us section of the web site to inform us of these homes as soon as possible so we can make sure they are locked and safe. Each year a fund is put into the budget to help pay for the grass to be cut until the bank takes the house over. Please report the address so that the HOA can arrange this.
 

When I am having a hard time paying my dues, who should I contact?

Always contact Omni Management to discuss payment arrangements. There is a late fee of $50 that will be charged to your account 30 days after the due date. Omni Management property manager, Stephanie Bray can be contacted to discuss.
 

I got a violation for my trash bins/totes. What is this all about?

Besides being in our governing documents, keeping your garbage totes out of public view is also a LAW here in Lawrence. At least the HOA doesn’t fine you for noncompliance but the city can! Here is the text from the City of Lawrence ordinances regarding trash totes:

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lawrence/latest/lawrence_in/0-0-0-6131#JD_5-2-3-2

  • 5-2-3-2.  REGULATIONS REGARDING COLLECTION SERVICE.

   (B)   Residents shall adhere to the day provided for the collection of the garbage and trash within their respective areas and shall not cause any container to be set out prior to 6:00 p.m. on the evening prior to the day of collection in their area, and shall cause the garbage and trash containers to be removed from public view not later than 6:00 p.m. on the day the collection of the garbage and trash has been made.

Why is my trash not being picked up, I’ve put my garbage toter to the curb?

Republic is our trash & recycling service provider. Make sure you have the tote to the edge of the driveway with the arrow on the lid or the bar on the front is facing the street. The lid needs to be closed without having anything stacked on top. If you moved in and need to get a tote, please contact Republic Services at (317) 917-7300. Please see the link below to get info on extra trash or heavy items that need you’ll need to contact Republic.

Garbage pick up for yard waste bags outside the garbage totes are from March-May and Sept-Dec. Heavy trash pick up is the third Tuesday of each month. If a holiday is during the week, our trash pick up will be the next day (i.e. holiday is a Monday then our trash will be picked up on Wed since our normal day is Tues).  Recycling is every other week. Call to schedule Republic Services at (317) 917-7300 for more than 1 item for heavy trash pick up. Please remember that if there is a holiday on a Monday, trash pick up will be a day later. Unacceptable recyclable items are as follows: Styrofoam, plastic bags (any), waxed coated cartons (milk, ice cream, mushrooms), and any container that has food stains present (ie pizza boxes, to-go containers).

 

Watson Farms Owners, please note the HOA Board does NOT require Owners to utilize a specific company when repairing violations. It is recommended that Owners consult with the Architectural Committee if you have any questions. Just a reminder, please review the Architectural Guidelines and seek approval via the ACC Improvement Form before services are provided.