Benton Courier - JPs act on measure to help Village POA

Saline County Quorum Court has approved first readings of two ordinances that would make it possible for Hot Springs Village to enforce some of its Property Owners Association rules.
The POA has had the rules but has had no way to enforce them, said Tom Arwood, chairman of the POA Governmental Affairs Committee.
Arwood addressed the Quorum Court during its monthly meeting at Tuesday night at the courthouse in Downtown Benton.
Consideration by the Quorum Court stems from Act 144 that was adopted during the 2007 legislative session. It gives private communities such as Hot Springs Village the privilege of asking a county to regulate the health, safety and welfare of the residents of a private community.
Arwood pointed out that county law enforcement would not be responsible for enforcing the ordinances because Hot Springs Village has its own police.
   One of the two ordinances would regulate noise within the Saline County portion of Hot Springs Village having to deal with loud music and howling or barking animals. Penalty for violating the ordinance would result in a fine not to exceed $500.
   If someone violates the peace, Arwood said, “all we could do is take away tennis privileges, and most of the violators don’t care about that. As we grow, and we are, we need the assistance to enforce the rules.”
   The other ordinance has to do with exterior maintenance of property. It outlines how residential and commercial property owners should maintain their grass and plant growth. It states sidewalks, driveways, carports and walkways should be kept clear of household items, rubbish, garbage and debris.
   Keeping property free from conditions that would harbor rodents also is outlined in the ordinance. Storage buildings should hold all items needed for the outside and inside maintenance of homes and businesses, such as building materials, appliances and household items.
   Property owners also would need to keep garages, fences and walls in good condition.
   Violations of the rules could result in fines from $25 to $250 for any first conviction and from $50 to $500 for all subsequent convictions.
   Hot Springs Village also lies in Garland County. Arwood said the POA also is requesting the Garland County Quorum Court adopt the exterior maintenance ordinance to cover the Garland County portion of Hot Springs Village. Garland County already has a noise ordinance in place to meet the community’s needs.
   Arwood told justices of the peace, “We’re most appreciative that the court would take this up.”

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