The Wellington annual neighborhood garage sale will take place Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 9am to 3pm. All 226 homes are invited to participate. This sale will be advertised with flyers, an ad in the local paper, and signs at each entrance. Rain or shine.

Please see the attached letter to Wellington HOA homeowners regarding budget and dues for the 2024 fiscal year.

The Wellington Homeowners Association Board of Directors is looking for additional homeowners to serve as board members.  The HOA board consists solely of volunteer homeowners from our community.  The board is primarily responsible for maintenance of the common areas and enforcement of the Bylaws and Declaration of Protective Covenants.  Meetings are currently held via Zoom on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm.

If you are interested in volunteering on the HOA board, please contact us.

The Wellington annual neighborhood garage sale will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9-3. All 226 homes are invited to participate. This sale will be advertised with flyers, an ad in the local paper, and signs at each entrance. Rain or shine.

2022 Annual Meeting
Again this year, in light of COVID-19, we will not host a traditional, in person, annual meeting. Instead, we will publish updates to the website and encourage community members to ask the board questions using the ‘contact us’ function on the website. We will update this post with community questions and answers. We wish everyone the best during this challenging time.

Note from Acting President – Jim Newton

Thank you all Home Owners who share the passion and concerns for the value of our properties in Wellington.  The Board is made up of strictly of volunteer homeowners that contribute their time and efforts. We would like to welcome our newest board member – Jerome Ward – welcome aboard. Volunteers are always welcome and needed to help take care of the neighborhood.  The Board does its best to interpret and enforce the by- Laws and Covenants, maintain common areas, ponds and Welcoming new neighbors, within our budget. Some issues not covered in our by-laws and covenants are asked to be directed to the Town of Chili.

Pond Update – Board Member Joel Chastek
For new members please review the 2020 & 2021 Annual Meeting Report for a background history of our pond program and challenges. In 2021 we secured Smith Creek Farms for our pond management company. Proper permits were issued and treatment began last May.

Pond 1 – Deck Pond

Due to the shallow nature of this pond, weed control is a challenge. This pond has been a problem since the beginning in talking to longtime residents. Pond responded well to first treatment of 2022.

Pond 2 – Large Pond

The pond is in great shape. It is nice to see people enjoy fishing again.

Pond 3 – White Oak Bend

We have not used any treatments for weed / algae in 2021 and have not in 2022. This has been a cost savings. The cattails in the front were treated last year to keep inlet and outlet clear. We are only using natural bacteria and pond dye.

Other information

All three ponds will be dyed with a food grade product which helps prevent sunlight from reaching the bottom of the ponds. The signs posted after treatment are for 24 hour notice. The restriction is for no swimming. This is for the herbicide only.  We would like to thank a Wellington homeowner for continued help in maintaining the aeration system in the three ponds, saving the association service calls. We would like to thank Wellington homeowners for stewardship in reporting concern and helping keep people safe dealing with the ponds. We also thank those residents who pick up trash along the walkways and from the pond. Please remind your household to stay off the ponds in the winter as the ice is unsafe.

Our long term goal is to reduce the cost of pond maintenance while improving the aesthetics and enjoyment for our residents. We are off to a great start for 2022.

Pending Issues:

• Pond 1 – Deck is going to need repair on top boards and start some spindle replacement.
• Pond 2 – Banks are in need of repair and reinforcement. A volunteer has been doing temporary measures.
• Walkways are in need of repair.
• Common areas are becoming overgrown around ponds and are in need of service.

Financial Update – Treasurer Devon Christopher
The latest balance sheet has been published to the website. Please click here to download the document.

Common areas – Vice President David Simpson
Harvesting of trees between Cornwall Crossing and Toni Terrace, Approximately 30 trees removed.  Please be careful to remove any grass clippings that wind up on the street. The storm drains in our neighborhood are directly connected to the ponds. The grass clippings serve as nutrients for algae. Cleaning up grass clippings will increase the success of our treatment program and will save us from added expenses.  Common area mowing is running smoothly. Board will work on issues as they arise.

General Announcements & Comments
The annual garage sale was a success this year – Thank you Kim Buonomo. We have a volunteer that has offered to operate a RC boat on pond 3 to control geese. This has been successful in controlling the geese on this pond. If there are any residents who would like to volunteer to operate an RC boat on pond 1 or 2, please let us know using the ‘contact us’ link on the website.

Restrictive Covenant 10.12 is still being enforced. Reasonable time for trash containers to be left outside is 1 day before and 1 day after scheduled pick-up.

In the past, we had a beatification committee. This group has lost momentum and we are looking for new members. If you would like to help out, please send us a message using the ‘contact us’ link on the website.

Common Area property assessment was increased the Town of Chili.

Thank-Yous
The board and residents are appreciative to those who have volunteered their time, talent and resources to make this a better community. We are aware of some of the volunteers, but it is impossible to know everyone who helped. If you are aware of any others, please let the board know so that we can give proper acknowledgement.

• Kim Buonomo – Annual garage sale
• Jodi LaRose & Larry Bicucci – Holiday entrance wreaths
• Joel Chastek – Joel has contributed a considerable amount of time to set up a new pond treatment program. Joel has manually raked the ponds for algae and sets up the geese barrier fence.
• Carl Stafford – Pond maintenance including rebuilding the air pumps. Carl has worked with Joel out on the skiff raking and clearing fountains.
• Residents who have contributed additional funds for pond treatments outside of normal dues

Now that the weather in Rochester is transitioning into Spring (despite this weekend’s forecast of snow) there are just a few reminders to pass along.

1. Spring and windstorms typically go hand-in-hand in Rochester.  If high winds are forecast for your waste pickup day, we ask that you place your garbage and recycle totes at the curb as close to your scheduled pickup as possible.  Not only does this reduce the threat of an unsightly scene and time spent cleaning up, but prevents loose trash from ending up in our wooded areas and ponds, posing a problem for our birds, fish and other wildlife.
2. Spring cleanup is well underway for many.  When placing brush or leaves at the road to be picked up, everything must remain on your lawn.  Town code mandates that the roadway, concrete gutters and storm drains remain free of debris.  More information can be found in the town newsletter here.

Thank you for making Wellington a great place to live.

2021 Annual Meeting
Again this year, in light of COVID-19, we will not host a traditional, in person, annual meeting. Instead, we will publish updates to the website and encourage community members to ask the board questions using the ‘contact us’ function on the website. We will update this post with community questions and answers. We wish everyone the best during this challenging time.

Note from Acting President – Jim Newton

Thank you all Home Owners who share the passion and concerns for the value of our properties in Wellington.  The Board is made up of strictly of volunteer homeowners that contribute their time and efforts. We would like to welcome our newest board member – Jerome Ward – welcome aboard. Volunteers are always welcome and needed to help take care of the neighborhood.  The Board does its best to interpret and enforce the by- Laws and Covenants, maintain common areas, ponds and Welcoming new neighbors, within our budget. Some issues not covered in our by-laws and covenants are asked to be directed to the Town of Chili.

Pond Update – Board Member Joel Chastek
For new members please review the 2020 Annual Meeting Report for a background history of our pond program and challenges.

Last year we could not secure a permit to treat pond 2 due to the previous applicator dropping out in the middle of the permit process. By the time we found a new applicator, it was too late for effective treatments. Over the winter, we secured a new pond management company. They secured the proper permits from the DEC and first treatments were done May 25th. Our new vendor offers complete pond management in treatment of aquatic weeds, pond aeration, and suggestions for pond improvements.

Pond 1 – Deck Pond

Due to the shallow nature of this pond, weed control is a challenge. The Board is looking into dredging companies for pricing on making this pond deeper and reducing long term costs of treatments. Our new vendor commented that with the lack of depth and 30 years of sediment, he may have a difficult time keeping the pond clear of growth. The pond was treated and the applicant will return for a follow up and asses the effectiveness of the treatment. This has been the same challenge for all previous companies. The water level has been raised which seemed to help in some reduction of weed growth.

Pond 2 – Large Pond

The pond responded well to its first treatment. The applicant is hoping not to have to treat again this year. The banks around the pond in some areas are in need of repair. The Board will look into getting costs for repair. The water level has been raised trying to reduce the fluctuation to reduce erosion.

Pond 3 – White Oak Bend

On visiting the pond, the applicant said the pond is in good shape. He recommended a natural pond bacteria for this season. If problems develop, he will treat as needed.

Other information

All three ponds will be dyed with a food grade product which helps prevent sunlight from reaching the bottom of the ponds.
The signs posted after treatment are for 24 hour notice. The restriction is for no swimming.
The fountain motors were both rebuilt over the winter.
We would like to thank a Wellington homeowner for helping rebuild the aeration system in the three ponds, saving the association service calls.
We would like to thank a Wellington homeowner for stewardship in reporting concern and helping keep people safe dealing with the ponds. Please remind your household to stay off the ponds in the winter as the ice is unsafe.

Our long term goal is to reduce the cost of pond maintenance while improving the aesthetics and enjoyment for our residents. We are off to a great start for 2021.

Financial Update – Treasurer Devon Christopher
The latest balance sheet has been published to the website.
Please click here to download the document.

Common areas – Vice President David Simpson
Harvesting of trees between Cornwall Crossing and Toni Terrace, Approximately 30 trees removed.  Please be careful to remove any grass clippings that wind up on the street. The storm drains in our neighborhood are directly connected to the ponds. The grass clippings serve as nutrients for algae. Cleaning up grass clippings will increase the success of our treatment program and will save us from added expenses.  Common area mowing is running smoothly. Board will work on issues as they arise.

General Announcements & Comments
The annual garage sale was a success this year – Thank you Kim Buonomo.
We have a volunteer that has offered to operate a RC boat on pond 3 to control geese. This has been successful in controlling the geese on this pond. If there are any residents who would like to volunteer to operate an RC boat on pond 1 or 2, please let us know using the ‘contact us’ link on the website.

Restrictive Covenant 10.12 is still being enforced. Reasonable time for trash containers to be left outside is 1 day before and 1 day after scheduled pick-up.

In the past, we had a beatification committee. This group has lost momentum and we are looking for new members. If you would like to help out, please send us a message using the ‘contact us’ link on the website.  Common Area property assessment was increased the Town of Chili.

Thank-Yous
The board and residents are appreciative to those who have volunteered their time, talent and resources to make this a better community. We are aware of some of the volunteers, but it is impossible to know everyone who helped. If you are aware of any others, please let the board know so that we can give proper acknowledgement.

• Kim Buonomo – Annual garage sale
• Jodi LaRose – Holiday entrance wreaths
• Joel Chastek – Joel has contributed a considerable amount of time to set up a new pond treatment program. Joel has manually raked the ponds for algae and sets up the geese barrier fence.
• Carl Stafford – Pond maintenance including rebuilding the air pumps. Carl has worked with Joel out on the skiff raking and clearing fountains.
• Residents who have contributed additional funds for pond treatments outside of normal dues

This year, in light of COVID-19, we will not host a traditional, in person, annual meeting.  Instead, we will publish this update to the website and encourage community members to ask the board questions using the ‘contact us’ function on the website.  We will update this post with community questions and answers.  We wish everyone the best during this challenging time.

Pond Update – Board Member Joel Chastek

My name is Joel Chastek and I have volunteered to help the HOA with pond management.

Pond 1 is the entrance pond off Paul Road
Pond 2 is the middle pond on Wellington Ponds and Cornwall Crossing
Pond 3 is located on White Oak Bend

The ponds in our development have been a problem for many years. In 2016 the board and in 2019 a resident reached out to Monroe County Conservation for solutions to help improve the quality of these ponds. In both reports they responded back that these are retention ponds for storm water runoff and are functioning as designed. The report gave some suggestions to reduce aquatic vegetation in the ponds. We implemented the suggestion of leaving a barrier around the ponds to absorb nutrients from lawn care services. I reduced the number of geese adding their nutrients with some fencing on pond 2. While these have helped, the ponds are over 30 years old. Sediment builds up, aquatic weeds and algae have flourished causing the health and capacity of our ponds to decline.

Pond 1 and pond 3 had been treated with natural solutions e.g. barley straw and grass carp. In 2018, a change was made to control vegetative growth as past measures failed. Pond 3 has responded the best. Pond 1’s depth has become an issue with sediment. We have had mixed results with treatments depending on heavy rainfall and temperatures. I have manually raked excessive algae in pond 1 and 2 for the last two seasons trying to reduce organic load on the ponds.

Last year I volunteered to develop a long term plan for the ponds. One challenge we face is lack of resources due to removing dead or dying trees. In the fall of 2019, we contacted an environmental engineering firm to help find a long term solution and to reduce cost of pond maintenance.

Short term: This year we will need to continue to use a pond management company for aquatic weed control. Pond 2 requires a permit to treat and we are in the process of applying for a DEC permit. We are hoping for approval by July. During our permit process our pond vendor canceled and we had to find another company. In meeting with our new vendor, I was impressed with his knowledge and recommendations to return our ponds to a more natural state and reducing treatment cost. Pond 3 seems to be responding to treatments and appears to be in good condition. A couple of homeowners on pond 2 donated $ 400 for pond dye to try and slow vegetation until our permit is secured.

Long term: Pond 1 needs to be dredged. We would need to get a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers. I will contact once the state removes restrictions. We will try and get some estimates later this year on cost. Pond 2 banks are eroding. We have a resident muskrat that maybe adding to the problem but I am finding erosion along over half the pond where the walkway is closest to the water. I have been rebuilding the banks using material donated from homeowners in Chili. I have found large rocks, concrete blocks and sod. This seems to be a good temporary fix in the most critical spots.

During our stay at home time, I have met many of you enjoying the ponds and walkways. If you see me, stop and chat; suggestions always welcome. I have attached some photos of the conditions of the ponds when not being treated.

Financial Update – Treasurer Devon Christopher

The 2019 balance sheet has been published to the website. Please click here to download the document.

Common areas – Vice President David Simpson

Continued harvesting of trees in 2019 and early 2020 has been completed. No new projects at this time as we work through pond issues.

Please be careful to remove any grass clippings that wind up on the street. The storm drains in our neighborhood are directly connected to the ponds. The grass clippings serve as nutrients for algae. Cleaning up grass clippings will increase the success of our treatment program and will save us from added expenses.

Common area mowing has been a little sketchy as new employees are ‘learning on the job’. Board is working through issues as they arise.

General Announcements & Comments

The annual garage sale has been postponed. We are looking at options to reschedule during late summer / fall. Details will be posted to the website when available.

Waste Management has offered a discount to Wellington Residents. (As of 2021, this is no longer available)

Restrictive Covenant 10.12 is still being enforced. Reasonable time for trash containers to be left outside is 1 day before and 1 day after scheduled pick-up.

In the past, we had a beatification committee. This group has lost momentum and we are looking for new members. If you would like to help out, please send us a message using the ‘contact us’ link on the website.

Thank-Yous

The board and residents are appreciative to those who have volunteered their time, talent and resources to make this a better community. We are aware of some of the volunteers, but it is impossible to know everyone who has helped. If you are aware of any others, please let the board know so that we can give proper acknowledgement.

• Kim Buonomo – Annual garage sale
• Jodi LaRose – Holiday entrance wreaths
• Joel Chastek – Joel has contributed a considerable amount of time to set up a new pond treatment program. Joel has manually raked the ponds for algae and sets up the geese barrier fence on pond 2.
• Carl Stafford – Pond maintenance including rebuilding the air pumps. Carl has worked with Joel out on the skiff raking and clearing fountains.
• Residents who have contributed additional funds for pond treatments outside of normal dues.

In accordance with the Declaration of Protective Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, Easements, Charges and Liens, the Wellington Homeowners Board and Directors will be hosting the annual meeting on:

Date:   June 12, 2019
Place:  Paul Road Elementary School Cafeteria
Time:   7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Topics of Discussion:

• Introductions
• Financial Report
• Ponds
• Trees/Landscaping
• Volunteers
• Questions/Comments

All homeowners are welcome to attend.

The Wellington Homeowners Association Board

UPDATE:  The minutes to the annual meeting can be found here.

There are sinkholes in two areas on the walking path around pond #2. Some of the residents have speculated that this is the result of muskrats. The board has taken the following actions:

1. Contacted a DEC certified expert who was recommended by the town to evaluate our problem.  The expert concluded that these sinkholes are not the result of muskrat activity.  Instead, he believes that this is the result of former tree root systems that are decomposing.
2. We have contracted a company to repair these areas.  The damaged areas will be excavated, filled and compacted with crush and run stone, and repaved with new asphalt.  This work is dependent on weather and should be completed within a few weeks.