Adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Association’s Declaration, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and Minnesota Statutes Chapter § 515B. Applies to all owners, residents, tenants, and guests.
| Date | Section | Description | By | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No revisions to date. | ||||
| QF 1 | Quick Facts & Contact Reference |
| QF 2 | Rules at a Glance |
| QF 3 | Forms & Process Quick Reference |
| 9.1 | Annual Meeting Ballot |
| 9.2 | Architecture / Landscape Change Request |
| 9.3 | Cedar Management Check Request |
| 9.4 | Contractor Insurance Certification |
| 9.5 | Guest Parking Exception Request |
| 9.6 | Hearing Request Form |
| 9.7 | HOA Meeting Minutes Template |
| 9.8 | Insurance Incident Report |
| 9.9 | Owner Information Update |
| 9.10 | Privacy Planting 2-Year Maintenance Responsibility |
| 9.11 | Proxy Voting Authorization |
| 9.12 | Tenant Registration |
The Lake Susan Hills Townhomes Association Owner Handbook provides the information necessary to live cooperatively within our residential community. This handbook contains the Rules and Regulations adopted by your Board.
Additional background information can be found in the Bylaws, Declarations, and Articles of Incorporation, available on the Cedar Management LSHTA portal at cedar.vmsclientonline.com.
The 34 residences within our private Burlwood/Rosewood Drive loop were both designed and constructed by Jasper Homes, with building commencing in 1996 and finishing in 2000. These homes come in two layouts: the Bristol (a two-bedroom model featuring a spacious deck) and the Andover (a three-bedroom design with an upper deck).
The Association owns and oversees the common areas, which cover all open spaces—including the marshland located east of the complex—as well as roads, curbs and gutters, driveways, sidewalks, stoops, and decks.
In August 1996, the Association was officially incorporated as a 317A non-profit entity with the State of Minnesota. The Declarations were finalized in May of 1996 and filed with Carver County. Bylaws were filed with the State in September of 1996.
The Association is responsible for ALL exterior maintenance (except for windows and doors), including lawn care, snow removal, common area maintenance, trash removal, and insurance on the grounds and structure. Note: many associations exempt some common area maintenance items (such as decks, driveways, sidewalks, and stoops) from association responsibility — owners should review the for specifics. Individual owners are responsible for interior maintenance and personal property insurance.
Our Association is governed by several meetings throughout the year. Members are encouraged to attend and participate. Meeting types include the Annual Meeting, BOD Meetings, Special Meetings, and Ad Hoc meetings. See for full meeting structure and voting rules.
All owner questions, concerns, requests, and complaints should be directed to the Board through the Association's dedicated email address. This single channel ensures every submission is acknowledged, routed to the right person, tracked, and answered — with a predictable timeline owners can plan around.
Send an email with your name, unit address, and a category in the subject line. Use one of the following subject line categories:
| Subject Line Category | Use For | Routed To |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Exterior change requests, contractor questions, approved products | VP Architecture |
| Landscape | Plant approvals, irrigation, common area planting, privacy plantings | VP Landscape |
| Parking | Parking violations, guest bay requests, boat/trailer concerns | President / Secretary |
| Maintenance | Yard lamps, snow removal, Association property repair | VP Landscape or President |
| Financial | Assessment questions, late fees, payment plans | Cedar Management (cc'd) |
| Tenant | Rental registration, tenant compliance, lease questions | Secretary |
| Violation | Reporting a rule violation by another owner or tenant | Secretary / President |
| General | Anything not listed above | Secretary |
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Acknowledgment | Within 3 business days | Secretary confirms receipt and routes to the appropriate Board member |
| 2. Pre-meeting response | Before next Board meeting | If the matter is straightforward, the assigned Board member responds directly |
| 3. Agenda listing | Next scheduled meeting | Unresolved items are listed on the Board meeting agenda by unit address and category |
| 4. Decision response | Within 5 business days after meeting | Owner receives written response with the Board's decision or status update |
| 5. Hearing | After two meeting cycles | If still unresolved, owner may request a formal hearing (Form 9.6) |
Contact Teneshia Kragness at Cedar Management (tkragnes@cedarmanagement.com) directly for billing questions, account statements, assessment payment setup, and routine financial inquiries. The Board email is not the right channel for financial account matters unless unresolved after one billing cycle.
The Board is the decision-making body for the Association and works in conjunction with Cedar Management. It consists of five (5) owners elected for rotating 3-year terms. The Bylaws establish four officer positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board has additionally created two functional titles — VP Architecture and VP Landscape — to assign oversight of those areas to specific Board members. This results in six positions across five members, with one member holding the Bylaws Vice President office alongside one of the functional VP titles. The Vice President assumes the duties of the President whenever the President is unable to act (Bylaws Art. VI §5(b)). The President may not simultaneously hold any other office.
Board members and officers shall disclose any personal, financial, or professional interest in a matter before the Board and shall recuse themselves from discussion and voting on that matter. This includes, but is not limited to: contracts with vendors in which a Board member has a financial interest, architectural requests submitted by a Board member for their own unit, and enforcement actions involving a Board member's property. Recusals shall be noted in the meeting minutes. A Board member who is uncertain whether a conflict exists should err on the side of disclosure and recusal.
Owners are responsible for knowing and complying with this handbook and all governing documents. See for the full governance hierarchy.
Owners are responsible for timely payment of the 2026 monthly assessment of $550/month, payable by ACH withdrawal from their financial institution to the Association Operating Account. Cedar Management will assist with setup; other payment options may be available with a transaction fee. Assessments fund operating expenses and budgeted contributions to the Association's reserve account.
Non-payment of assessments is subject to the following charges per the Declaration (First Amendment, 2010):
| Delinquency | Late Fee | Interest | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st offense | $25.00 | 8% per annum from due date | — |
| 2nd within 12 months | $35.00 | 8% per annum from due date | — |
| 3rd+ within 12 months | $50.00 | 8% per annum from due date | — |
| 60+ days unpaid | Escalated | Accruing | Collection referral, attorney's fees, lien, possible foreclosure |
Owners who rent or lease their unit must comply with the Declaration First Amendment (2010), which requires a minimum 180-day occupancy term. No short-term, vacation, or transient rentals are permitted. Before any tenant moves in, the owner must submit the Tenant Registration form (Form 9.12) to the Association along with a redacted copy of the lease or rental agreement. The owner remains responsible for all assessments, fines, and rule compliance regardless of tenancy, and must provide the tenant with a current copy of the Handbook.
The Association maintains separate Operating and Reserve accounts. See for the Reserve Expenditure Policy and for the Operating Funds Framework. The Board's Investment Policy governing how Association funds may be invested is detailed in App B.
Cedar Management handles day-to-day financial operations. Contact Teneshia Kragness at tkragnes@cedarmanagement.com for billing questions, account statements, copies of financial reports, and general account inquiries. Email the Board at lshta.board@gmail.com for architectural requests, rule violations, or maintenance concerns. See for the full contact policy.
The Association has the authority to borrow money for capital improvements, maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, or improvement of the common areas. Any such borrowing is subject to specific limits and approval requirements established in the Declaration and Bylaws, including a debt cap of twice the annual assessment and written approval from 75% of Owners and First Mortgagees before any mortgage of the Common Elements may be given. Minnesota Statute §515B.3-1141 further prohibits borrowing from replacement reserves for operating expenses, though reserves may be pledged as loan collateral. See for the complete summary of governing document provisions and applicable state statutes.
The Board maintains a Preventative Maintenance Plan covering all Association-responsible exterior components. Report maintenance concerns by emailing lshta.board@gmail.com with subject line Maintenance.
A Reserve Study guides long-term capital planning for major replacement items (roofs, siding, pavement, etc.). The current reserve balance and expenditure policy are detailed in .
All exterior changes require prior written Board approval. Submit requests using the Architecture/Landscape Change Request Form. Form 9.2 App A
Association maintains and programs the in-ground sprinkler system. Email the Board with subject line Maintenance for questions about schedule or operation.
The Association is responsible for the maintenance of all trees, shrubs, and other plantings throughout the community, including in yard areas around townhomes.
An approved list of plants suitable for the community is available on the Association's Cedar Management portal. Before adding any new plants or plantings in yard areas around your townhome, owners must submit Form 9.2 (Architecture/Landscape Change Request) to the Landscape Committee for pre-approval.
When an owner plants new trees, shrubs, or landscaping in a yard area, the owner assumes responsibility for the care and maintenance of that planting for the first two years following installation. This includes watering, fertilizing, and ensuring the plant's health during the establishment period.
When selling your townhome or transferring ownership, you are required to disclose this two-year responsibility to the new owner in writing. The new owner becomes responsible for the remainder of the two-year period if applicable. After two years, responsibility for all plantings reverts to the Association.
Anderson Series 3000, Sandstone, oil rubbed bronze handle set, full-view clear glass with self-storing slide-away insect screen. Available at Home Depot. Applies to front and back deck entry doors.
Replacement cost is owner’s responsibility. Any stucco damaged during replacement is also owner’s responsibility.
Approved Installer: Minnesota Exterior, Inc. (MEI) — Marvin Infinity window inserts, casement style with grids, color: Cashmere.
| Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Cassie Guzzo | cguzzo@mnext.com | 763-391-5557 |
| John Geis | jgeis@mnext.com | 612-369-1425 |
Glass replacement is owner’s responsibility.
Preferred Contractor: Glass Doctor of Minneapolis (Eden Prairie)
Bryce Stalke, Owner — 7093 Shady Oak Rd, Eden Prairie MN 55344
952-930-3297 · minneapolis.owner@glassdoctor.com
Midland residential garage door, 24-gauge steel, pebble-grained texture, Color: Almond. Available through Twin City Garage Door: 763-533-3838. Replace with same style as originally installed.
Loftus Ornamental Iron, Inc — 9837 13th Ave N, Plymouth MN 55441 — 763-545-2669
Phillips 40-Watt LED Soft White. Email lshta.board@gmail.com — subject: Maintenance | Yard Lamp Out.
Sylvania Edison Style 40 Watt LED. Yard lamp bulb replacement is Association’s responsibility — email lshta.board@gmail.com (subject: Maintenance).
Exterior paint/stain colors are scheduled in the reserve study and applied by the Association. Email lshta.board@gmail.com (subject: Architecture) for current approved color specifications before any touch-up work.
Approved at 3/17/2026 Board Meeting · Contractor: United Contractors (Joe Brozek)
| Component | Manufacturer | Material | Color / Style | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking | TimberTech | Composite | Pro Reserve — Dark Roast | 30-Year (stain & fade) |
| Railings | Williams | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Bronze · 3″ posts · ¾″×¾″ balusters | 20-Year (finish) |
| Privacy Screens | Sunbelly | Powder-Coated Aluminum | Bronze · Laser-cut · Integrates with Williams railing | — |
Sources: TimberTech Care & Cleaning Guide (timbertech.com/resources/care-cleaning) · Powder-coated aluminum manufacturer guidelines. Owners are responsible for following these procedures; damage caused by improper care is at owner's expense.
To ensure reserve funds are used prudently for their intended purpose: funding major repairs and replacements of Association-owned components identified in the Reserve Study.
The Association maintains a Reserve Study updated periodically to identify major components, their remaining useful life, and estimated replacement costs. The Treasurer reports reserve fund status at each Board meeting.
The Board reviews reserve fund adequacy annually and adjusts monthly contributions in the budget process. The goal is full funding per the Reserve Study schedule.
The state statute that supersedes all local documents. §515B establishes the legal framework for all homeowners associations, condominiums, and townhome communities in Minnesota. It defines the Association's authority to regulate common property (including all landscaping, exteriors, and communal areas), sets procedures for architectural approval, governs assessment authority and collection, establishes the Board's fiduciary duties to manage community funds and property in the best interests of all owners, and provides enforcement mechanisms for rule violations. The Board cannot override §515B through any policy or governing document.
The statute governing how the Association operates as a nonprofit entity. §317A establishes requirements for Board governance structure and member voting rights, sets meeting procedures (notice, quorum, voting thresholds), ensures financial accountability and record-keeping, and requires transparent decision-making processes. §317A ensures that the Association must provide proper notice to owners, maintain accurate records of all meetings and decisions, follow democratic voting procedures, and operate in a way that respects member rights and organizational governance. Together with §515B, it forms the complete statutory foundation for the Association.
The foundational governing document recorded at the Carver County Recorder's Office. The Declaration establishes the physical boundaries of the community, defines common property vs. individual unit property, outlines maintenance responsibilities for each party, sets assessment authority and procedures, and places restrictions on land use and architectural modifications. The Lake Susan Hills Declaration has been amended twice: the First Amendment (2010) and Second Amendment (2022). All three documents together are collectively "the Declaration." The Declaration is subordinate only to state statute and can only be amended by a vote of 67–75% of unit owners.
The corporate charter filed with the State of Minnesota. The Articles establish the Association as a nonprofit corporation, define membership (all unit owners), set out corporate purpose and powers, establish liability and indemnification rules, and create the framework for the Board of Directors. The Articles are subordinate to the Declaration and state statute. They can only be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership and must be re-filed with the State.
The operating manual for the Board and Association governance. The Bylaws specify the Board size (5 members for LSHTA), define officer roles and responsibilities (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member-at-Large), establish election procedures and terms, set meeting frequency and quorum requirements, define voting procedures and member rights, and outline officer duties and removal procedures. The Bylaws are subordinate to the Declaration, Articles, and state statute. They may be amended by Board vote or member vote as specified in the Bylaws themselves.
| Document | What It Controls | Amendment Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| § 515B & § 317A | All HOA operations statewide | Legislative process |
| Declaration (CC&Rs) + Amendments | Ownership rights, maintenance, assessments, use restrictions | 67–75% of members |
| Articles of Incorporation | Corporate purpose, membership, liability | Two-thirds of membership |
| Bylaws | Board size, officer roles, elections, meetings | Board or member vote |
| Board Policies | Investment, reserves, financial controls, architectural standards | Board vote |
| Owner Handbook | Operational rules, procedures, community standards | Board vote |
The Association’s Certificate of Insurance is available on the Cedar Management LSHTA portal. Current renewal: November 1 annually. Owners receive the certificate directly from the insurer at renewal.
All contractors working on Association property must provide proof of liability insurance before work begins. Submit the Contractor Insurance Certification form to the Board. Form 9.4
Funds day-to-day operations: management fees, landscaping, snow removal, utilities, routine maintenance, and administrative expenses.
Long-term capital replacement fund for major components per the Reserve Study.
A separate fund for unexpected operating expenses that exceed the operating budget.
Per Bylaws Article IV §11:
| Decision Type | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Routine Board decisions | Simple majority of Board |
| Member meeting actions (quorum present) | Majority of voting power present |
| Director removal | Majority of all owners |
| Declaration amendments | 67–75% of all members |
| Bylaw amendments | Per procedure specified in the Bylaws |
| Articles of Incorporation amendments | Two-thirds (⅔) of all members; re-filed with Secretary of State |
| Action without a meeting | Written consent signed by all members |
Chief elected officer of the Association and Chair of the Board of Directors. Provides leadership to the Board, ensures effective governance, presides over meetings, and is the primary contact with legal counsel and homeowners. Acts as prescribed by the Association's Bylaws, Declarations, and Minnesota law, and as directed by the Board.
Board-created functional title assigned to a Director. The member holding this title may also serve as the Bylaws Vice President (presidential successor). Responsible for oversight of architectural matters affecting exterior appearance and structural integrity, subject to Board authority.
Board-created functional title assigned to a Director. The member holding this title may also serve as the Bylaws Vice President (presidential successor). Responsible for oversight of landscaping, grounds maintenance, and exterior site elements, subject to Board authority.
Responsible for maintaining the official documents, records, and correspondence of the Association, and ensuring legal and procedural compliance for meetings and elections.
Responsible for safeguarding Association funds, overseeing the financial affairs of the Association, and ensuring all financial practices comply with the Association Bylaws, Declarations, Board policies, and applicable Minnesota statutes. Provides financial transparency and long-term fiscal stewardship for the benefit of all members.
The Board of Directors has the power to borrow money for the maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, or improvement of the common area, and to pledge and pay assessments and all other revenue and income of the Association for such purpose.
(Bylaws, Article V, Section (n))
The Association may also borrow money for capital improvements on the Common Elements and, in aid thereof, may mortgage the Common Elements. The rights of any such mortgagees in the Common Elements shall be subordinate to the rights of the Members.
(Declaration, Article IV, Section 3)
Under Minnesota law, the Association shall not use or borrow from its replacement reserves to fund operating expenses. However, this restriction does not prevent the Association from pledging replacement reserves as security for a loan to the Association.
(Minn. Stat. § 515B.3-1141(a)(3))
The Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA), Minn. Stat. Ch. 515B, provides the legal framework governing common interest communities. While Chapter 515B does not contain a standalone provision expressly granting or restricting general borrowing authority, several sections are relevant:
| Contact | Role | Phone / Email | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board (all matters) | Association Board | lshta.board@gmail.com | Architecture, Landscape, Parking, Maintenance, Violations, General — include unit address & subject category |
| VP Architecture | Board | lshta.board@gmail.com — subject: Architecture | Exterior change requests, contractor approvals |
| VP Landscape | Board | lshta.board@gmail.com — subject: Landscape | Plant approvals, landscape concerns, snow removal |
| Cedar Management Teneshia Kragness | Property Manager | tkragnes@cedarmanagement.com | Billing, account statements, financial reports, payment setup, portal access |
| Twin City Garage Door | Approved Vendor | 763-533-3838 | Garage door replacement — approved model: Midland Almond |
| Minnesota Exterior Inc. | Approved Vendor | info@mnexterior.com · 763-391-5557 | Approved window installer — Marvin Infinity, Cashmere color |
| Glass Doctor Minneapolis | Approved Vendor | 952-930-3297 | Glass replacement — Eden Prairie location; match sandstone/beige grid |
| Loftus Ornamental Iron | Approved Vendor | 763-545-2669 | Front step railing replacement |
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Submit | Anytime | Email lshta.board@gmail.com — include unit address & subject category |
| 2. Acknowledgment | Within 3 business days | Secretary confirms receipt, routes to appropriate Board member |
| 3. Pre-meeting response | Before next Board meeting | Straightforward matters resolved directly by assigned Board member |
| 4. Agenda listing | Next Board meeting | Unresolved items appear on agenda by unit & category |
| 5. Written decision | Within 5 days after meeting | Board’s decision or status update sent to owner |
| 6. Formal hearing | After 2 meeting cycles | Owner may request a hearing via Form 9.6 |
| Amount | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| $550.00 | Monthly | ACH withdrawal via Cedar Management portal |
| Offense | Fee | Interest |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $25 | 8% per annum |
| 2nd (12 mo.) | $35 | |
| 3rd+ | $50 | |
| 60+ days | Collection referral, attorney fees, lien | |
| Form | Title | Submit To | When Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 | Annual Meeting Ballot | Board Secretary | Annual meeting elections & votes |
| 9.2 | Architecture/Landscape Change Request | Board (VP Architecture or VP Landscape) | Before ANY exterior change or new in-ground planting |
| 9.3 | Cedar Management Check Request | Cedar Management | Requesting Association disbursements |
| 9.4 | Contractor Insurance Certification | Board before work begins | Required for all contractors working on Association property |
| 9.5 | Guest Parking Exception Request | Board | Overnight guest parking bay use |
| 9.6 | Hearing Request Form | Board Secretary | Requesting a hearing on a violation or dispute |
| 9.7 | HOA Meeting Minutes Template | Secretary | Recording Board and member meeting minutes |
| 9.8 | Insurance Incident Report | Board | Any incident affecting Association property |
| 9.9 | Owner Information Update | Cedar Management | Change of owner contact information |
| 9.10 | Privacy Planting 2-Year Responsibility | Board | When adding approved privacy plantings |
| 9.11 | Proxy Voting Authorization | Board Secretary | Authorizing another person to vote at a member meeting |
| 9.12 | Tenant Registration | Cedar Management | Before any tenant occupancy begins (180-day minimum) |
| Step | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written notice of violation issued to owner | Upon Board determination |
| 2 | Cure period — owner corrects violation | As specified in notice (typically 10–30 days) |
| 3 | Fine assessed if violation not cured | After cure period expires |
| 4 | Owner may request a hearing Form 9.6 | Within 30 days of fine notice |
| 5 | Unpaid fines referred to collections; lien possible | 60+ days past due |