Welcome to the June 2025 Newsletter!
Ah, June in Richland—when the grills fire up, the pool floats inflate, and the HOA inbox heats up faster than the pavement on Taylor Road. It’s summer, folks. Time to embrace the sunshine, slap on some SPF 50, and gather round for our most anticipated event of the season: the June 7th Pool Party and BBQ.
But before we cannonball into the fun, a quick detour down memory lane… or should we say, Operation: Duck Drop 2010.
Now, this tale is still disputed by the older residents—some call it a legend, others a cover-up. But those who were there know the truth. It started, as many Richland stories do, with a completely unnecessary HOA Board Meeting followed by Amazon shopping while impaired. Someone (we’ll call him “JB,” because his name was JB) decided the pool party needed more “atmosphere”—and what better way to liven up our “ho-hum” parties than a surprise mid-party drop of rubber duckies? “The kids are going to love it!”
JB swears he clicked on plastic floating duckies, but what arrived—via helicopter air drop—was over 200 noisy, flapping, feathery ducks careening into the pool, sending toddlers screaming, lifeguards panicking, and one particularly territorial Canada goose into a fury.
Chaos erupted. The ducks took to the water.
Spaulding, the lifeguard (yes, the same one from the Baby Ruth Incident), attempted to regain control using nothing but a pool noodle and a wet towel. It didn’t work. Meanwhile, someone from the WATCH Group declared it was “a targeted avian incursion,” and demanded an emergency board meeting right there at the deep end.
Eventually, the ducks were rounded up (mostly), the pool was re-chlorinated, and JB was kindly asked to let someone else handle party planning next year. We’ve since implemented a very clear policy: No ducks. No geese. No chickens. No fowl of any kind in the community. Not even inflatable ones unless pre-approved by the Events Committee.
So as we roll into another fabulous Richland summer, let’s remember the lessons of our past:
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Check your online orders carefully.
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Ducks don’t make great party guests.
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And Spaulding is not a licensed waterfowl handler.
Get your swimwear ready, leave the poultry at home, and we’ll see you by the pool on June 7th. Let’s make this summer one to remember—for all the right reasons.
—Your Richland HOA Fowl Eradication Team 🦆🛑🌞
Upcoming Events:
- Pool Opening Party June 7th: Here's a chance to meet your neighbors and join us on June 7th for our annual pool opening party and cookout! We'll have Music, Burgers, Hot Dogs (the good kind) Chips and assorted drinks. Food will be served around 1pm while supplies last (first come, first served until we run out of food). And remember, as always, this is a BYAB event (bring your adult beverage).
- If you fancy yourself handy with a grill, tongs and spatula, and would like to help out cooking - send an email to theboard@richlander.com .
- We are looking for some additional help Friday evening and Saturday morning until food is served.
HOA Board Update – June 2025
Pool Updates
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The feature pool heater is currently non-operational and is not expected to be repaired for several weeks. AMS is actively working with the manufacturer to have the repair completed under warranty.
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The main pool heater was temporarily offline due to a faulty sensor. This issue was resolved and repaired shortly after Memorial Day weekend.
Rip Rap Installation – Creek Restoration
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There are two large piles of rip rap (AKA - rocks) located near the lower parking lot by the creek.
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These materials are part of the Gwinnett County Rip Rap Program and will be used to restore eroded creek areas within the community.
Lake Drainage Update - as of 6/9/2025
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The HOA has requested an updated schedule from Gwinnett County for the ongoing lake repair project.
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The county originally scheduled the lake drainage for May, but due to excessive rainfall, the work has been delayed.
Richland Lake – Y-16 Dam Project Update From Gwinnet County
Dear Richland Lake HOA Members,
I would like to provide you with an update on the Y-16 Dam Project at Richland Lake.
We understand that it has been some time since our last update, and we appreciate your patience as we worked to obtain the most accurate information from our contractor regarding the schedule. Please note that our contractor is handling multiple dam projects simultaneously. The recent rainy conditions have caused delays, which have led to extended work schedules. However, we are actively seeking ways to improve efficiency to complete all dam projects as soon as possible. We are committed to keeping the HOA informed as we receive updates from our contractor. We understand that construction can be challenging and that delays occur.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to assist you. Additionally, we want to emphasize that this is still an active construction site. For the safety of our crew and the community, we kindly ask everyone to avoid the area during this time.
Current Y-16 Work Schedule
| Work Task | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Y-16 Lake Drawdown | 7/5/2025 | 7/19/2025 |
| Fish Removal | 7/14/2025 | 7/21/2025 |
| Outlet Control Structure & Spillway Repairs | 7/21/2025 | 9/25/2025 |
| Lower Taylor Lake (~3.5 ft) | 7/29/2025 | 8/19/2025 |
| Refill Taylor Lake | 8/20/2025 | 8/30/2025 |
| Refill Y-16 Lake | 10/1/2025 | 11/1/2025 |
Thank you for your understanding.
Leasing Violations
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Several homeowners were recently caught and fined for leasing their homes or basement units without an approved hardship leasing permit.
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Leasing without prior approval is a violation of the HOA covenants.
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If you suspect a home is being leased in violation of HOA rules, please notify the Board at: theboard@richlander.com
Architectural Control Reminders
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A few homeowners have initiated major exterior modifications without obtaining prior HOA approval, resulting in costly corrections to bring projects into compliance.
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Examples of non-approved modifications:
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Adding unapproved back patio coverings
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Removing trees from front yards without approval
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Dramatic and unprofessional landscaping changes to front yards
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The HOA does not want homeowners to face unnecessary expenses such as repainting, removing fences or sheds, or reversing landscaping work.
To avoid these issues, all exterior changes must be submitted and approved through the HOA website before work begins.
Richland HOA Board
Swim Team Practice and Meets at the Richland Pool in June
Pickleball @ Lower Courts
Pickleball is wildly popular on college campuses, and with school out for summer, expect the courts to be even busier than usual. That means more players, more matches, and more competition for court time!
A Few Fun Pickleball Facts:
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It’s a thrilling mashup of ping pong, tennis, and badminton.
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It’s highly addictive—you’ve been warned! 😉. (For a small fee, the HOA will block your access without telling your partner).
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But, if you've not be active in a while - you may want to prepare yourself!
🎾 Looking for people to play with? Text 404-713-9528 to join our Richland Pickleball Group and find your next opponent!
📅 And Reminder: Summer = high court demand. Be sure to reserve your court using ReserveMyCourt.com (RMC) to lock in your play time.
So come on down, unleash your inner Pickleball warrior, and let’s make this summer a smash hit!
📚Community Amenities
Richland Sharing LibraryJust a reminder – we have small community library at the clubhouse. Feel free to pick up or drop off a book. If you do want to donate a book for others to enjoy, please place them on the shelves. The library is located on the pool side of the clubhouse. There is a wide variety including romance, self help, historical fiction and science fiction.
The Richland Book Club
The Richland Book Clubs meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Clubhouse. If you aren't sure which one that is, the Book Club usually puts out signs in front of the clubhouse leading up to the meeting! Please contact Ingrid Shell directly at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com for more details.
Richland Fire-pit
Just a reminder, Richland has 1 community fire pit. It's located behind the tennis courts closest to the clubhouse. There are also two park style grills as well as 4 built in benches around the pit. Fire-pit and grills are first come first serve. You can reserve the pavilions on either side using reservemycourt.com. Please plan to bring your own wood, and please be sure to completely put out the fire when you are finished. There is a creek right behind the fire-pit - use as much water as you need - we'll make more!
Richland Trails
We have two inviting gravel trails in our community ready for your exploration. The first trail is accessible behind the lower tennis courts on Quinton Rd. Just follow the concrete sidewalk until you reach the gravel path. The second trail, part of Phase 2 expansion, can be accessed by walking the sidewalk to Hunt River Way - this trail follows alongside the creek opposite the current trail. Happy exploring!
Tennis and Pickleball Courts!
We have three pavilions available to reserve through reservemycourt.com. Whether you're planning a party, gathering, or event, these pavilions are perfect for any occasion. There is no cost to reserve them.
Our clubhouse is also available for rent at richlander.com. It’s an ideal location for hosting events, meetings, or celebrations.
Playground
Richland HOA Minutes and Management Updates
- Jay Bulot – President
- Alan Meeks – VP
- Don Tam – Treasurer
- Sandra Hill – Secretary
- Ricky Fiorillo – Member at Large
Here is the Management Report Format version of the April 7, 2025, Richland HOA Board Meeting Minutes:
Richland HOA – Management Report
Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
Attendees:
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Jay Bulot – President
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Don Tam – Treasurer
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Sandra Hill – Secretary
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Ricky Fiorillo – Member at Large
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Justin Jeffcoat – Shaben Management Company
1. Clubhouse
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Replaced broken soap dispenser (men’s lower restroom).
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Renegotiated commercial dumpster rate from $757/month to $550/month (effective 3/7/2025). Additional pickup for graduation season. Note: Monitor billing closely post-peak season.
2. Landscaping & Grounds
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Completed Projects:
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York River landscape enhancement (AEI): $2,802.75
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Lawrenceville-Suwanee entrance enhancement (AEI): $990.45
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Two loads of Rip Rap ordered for creek erosion (Gwinnett County); two additional loads still pending.
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Wildwood Lake fence repairs & staining: $5,420
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Ongoing:
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Sidewalk installation along Taylor Road by Gwinnett County – completed
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Irrigation system damage near sidewalks observed. Board approved testing and repair proposal (completed).
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Other:
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Portsmouth entrance sign redesign approved. Final design includes horse logo only (no “Richland” text).
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3. Pool
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Pool season mailing with stickers sent 3/20/2025.
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Pool deck and clubhouse pressure washed on 4/2/2025.
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Pool opened 4/5/2025.
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Cleaning schedule:
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Weekly until 5/22
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Twice weekly post 5/22
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Three times weekly during swim meets
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PASS Security to begin May 22 (post-Gwinnett County school year end).
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New salt system equipment installed for the main pool; old system kept for parts for feature pool.
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Pending: Electrical outlet repair in pump room for salt system.
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Pool water heater was non-functional at opening. Repaired on 4/3 (fluke position sensor). Board to evaluate if heater cover can extend equipment life.
4. Tennis & Pickleball
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Tennis windscreens and ALTA signs reinstalled (upper courts).
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Pickleball net and scorekeeper restored post-wind damage.
5. Trails
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AEI Vibrating Roller work completed: $3,000 (Nature Trail Maintenance)
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Additional rock for drainage by bridge approved: $2,400.
6. Lakes
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Approved: Additional engineer study (Laurel Lake silt levels) due to high discrepancy between radar vs. traditional survey.
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Dredging outreach: Contacted American Dredging (“Swamp Thing”) for quote.
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Received Quotes:
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Ray Engineering: $6,500
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Schnabel: $11,500
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Riversand: $831,745 for 10,000 CY
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McEachern Dredging Breakdown:
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Mobilization & water control: $15,000
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Access road install: $15,000
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Dredging (9,000 CY): $340,000
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Hauling/dumping offsite: $245,000
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Total: $615,000
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County dam repair underway; lake drainage pending weather.
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