Author: Robin Meadows

The account for the Robin Meadows HOA board in Hillsboro, OR.

Wood chip project has been completed

After over four months of work the wood chip project is complete.

For over four months, a small group of volunteers has spread 414 cubic yards or ~1,863 six-cubic-foot wheelbarrow loads of wood chips throughout the property. That is equivalent to covering two standard-sized football fields 1.5 inches deep.

A special thanks to Kathy N., Nancy M., Pam B., Randy M., Sergio G., Shawn R., and Torrance N. for volunteering their time and energy spreading the 23 loads of wood chips. And for those who contributed, but we didn’t see – thanks!

According to the 2025 reserve study, it would have cost $20,000 to have bark dust spread in the neighborhood, but it would not have been as thick as the layer of woodchips. This project is a great example of what a little teamwork can do for our community and how volunteering can free up funds for other projects.

As a reminder, wood chips are beneficial for the flower beds as they:

  • Stay in place (relative to fir barkdust)
  • Improve soil health
  • Improve soil moisture retention
  • Suppress weeds
  • Mitigate erosion and dust
  • Cost the HOA nothing

If you missed out on wood chips for your front yard, please reach out to the board, and we can organize a chip drop near your home for you to use.

We Need Your Input: Planning for Robin Meadows’ Financial Future

We need your input for planning Robin Meadows’ financial future.

Robin Meadows Home Owners,

The purpose of this letter is to solicit your response and input regarding serious financial issues confronting the Robin Meadows Homeowners and the Homeowners Association. 

We are currently confronted with a serious shortfall in the Homeowners Association funding necessary to cover planned and required maintenance over the next several years.  The original CCR’s and HOA bylaws require the association (which is all of us) to provide general maintenance and periodic large-scale repairs to many of the external features of the individual houses and condominiums.  These periodic repairs include Roofs, Gutters, Siding and roads, Tree trimming, etc.

The CCR’s also require us to do periodic professional studies to evaluate our general maintenance and reserve budgets so that we can properly fund the ongoing monthly maintenance and the large-scale periodic projects.  The Board has posted the financial details on the Robin Meadows Home Page for you to review and links to the financial spreadsheets are below. 

To summarize the situation for those who don’t wish to go through the details of the financials – Our current HOA monthly dues is not sufficient to cover the general maintenance budget and large-scale projects that we will be facing in the years to come.

Fortunately, we were able to cover the major roofing project with funds that were in the reserve budget, and we will hopefully have sufficient funding for the cleanup projects associated with that project with no special assessment cost to the homeowners.  (We dodged a bullet.)

So, how do we handle the financial shortfall?  We want your response and input so that we can make a decision moving forward.  Many of the things that the board is considering at this time are as follows:

  1. Raise the monthly Dues by the maximum amount allowed by the CCR’s without homeowner input (20% or $54.00, totaling $324.00 monthly) and then raise the dues in years following based on the outcome.

  2. Partial funding of major projects as they come due and issuing special assessments to the homeowners to cover the shortfall.

  3. Homeowners to initiate their own projects with some support from the HOA when possible.  However, if you choose to take on projects involving the exterior of your home, any changes must comply with the CCR’s specifications – including aspects such as color, dimensions, material, etc.  ARC forms are available on the HOA website and should be submitted to the board for approval before starting any work.

  4. A fresh look at the responsibilities of the HOA.  This would require a possible rewrite of the CCR’s and Bylaws involving our attorney and the State of Oregon.  This would also require a vote from the homeowners that would include a 75% majority vote in favor.  One suggestion would be that the HOA would not be responsible in the future for major projects like roofs and siding and would only do road maintenance with special assessments.  The HOA would continue to provide roof moss treatment, siding pressure washing, and yard maintenance. 

  5. The HOA would act as a COOP for seeking bids for projects, utilizing the scale of multiple owners to reduce cost.

These are a few ideas and we need your input.

Robin Meadows Board of Directors        

 Important links:

Parking reminder

Please refrain from parking in Rood Bridge Townhouses parking spaces.

The adjacent HOA — Rood Bridge Townhouses, located just west of Robin Meadows — has requested that homeowners, tenants, and guests of Robin Meadows refrain from parking in their extra spaces near the recreation center and pool.

Those parking areas are reserved for Rood Bridge residents and their guests only. Please help us maintain good relations with our neighbors by ensuring that all vehicles associated with Robin Meadows are parked within our community’s designated parking areas.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our neighborhood relationships positive!

New landscaping company and service day change

Landscaping service day changing from Friday to Wednesday beginning October 1.

Beginning Wednesday, October 1, the HOA will be partnering with a new local landscaping company, New Life Landscaping, based here in Hillsboro. With this change, our landscaping service day will move from Fridays to Wednesdays.

This new partnership not only supports a local business but also saves our HOA $325 per month ($3,900 per year), freeing up valuable funds for other projects in the neighborhood.

New Life Landscaping has requested that residents pick up any personal belongings from landscaped areas on service days. This helps ensure items don’t become hazards for the crew or risk being damaged during maintenance.

Tax write off for donating used cars – working or not

Information on how to donate a used car (running or not) for a tax write off and free up valuable space in guest parking areas.

Several residents have noticed an increase in the number of cars that are not in regular use around the neighborhood. Per the HOA’s CC&Rs (section 4.6 and 9.12, guest parking is not for long-term vehicle storage.

Did you know that you can receive a tax write-off for donating your used car? Most businesses will pick up your used car, whether it is running or not, for free.

Donating your used car in Oregon is a meaningful way to support local causes, reduce waste, and potentially receive a tax deduction. Whether your vehicle is running or not, many Oregon-based charities are eager to accept it and put it to good use.

Where to Donate a Used Car in Oregon

Additional Places to Donate a Used Car

Here are some reputable organizations in Oregon that accept vehicle donations:

1. Oregon Humane Society (OHS)

OHS accepts cars, trucks, RVs, and motorcycles—even if they’re not running. The process is simple: fill out an online form, schedule a pickup, and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Your donation supports animal rescue and adoption efforts. | Turn Your Old Car Into Hope for Animals

2. Volunteers of America Oregon

This organization accepts a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs. Proceeds from the sale of your vehicle support various community programs. | Donate Your Vehicle

3. Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)

Donating your vehicle to OPB helps fund independent journalism and educational programming. They accept various types of vehicles and handle all the details at no charge to you. | Donate your vehicle

4. Portland Rescue Mission – Drive Away Hunger

Your car donation provides meals, shelter, and compassionate care to people experiencing homelessness in Portland. The process is straightforward, and your donation is tax-deductible. | Drive Away Hunger

5. Catholic Charities of Oregon

They accept cars, boats, and RVs—even if they’re not running. Proceeds support programs for families, refugees, and individuals in need. They partner with Speed’s Towing for free vehicle pickup. | Donate your vehicle

Benefits of Donating a Car

1. Tax Deduction

Donating your car to a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit can provide a tax deduction. If the charity sells the car, your deduction is typically limited to the sale price. However, if the charity uses the car for its operations or sells it at a significant discount to a person in need, you may be able to deduct the fair market value.

2. Supporting a Cause

Your donation can make a significant impact, whether it’s helping animals find homes, supporting veterans, or providing meals to those in need.

3. Convenience

Most organizations offer free towing and handle all the paperwork, making the process hassle-free.

4. Environmental Impact

Donating your car can prevent it from ending up in a landfill and allows for the recycling of parts, reducing environmental waste.

Tips for Donating Your Car

  • Verify the Charity: Ensure the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  • Understand the Tax Implications: Consult the IRS guidelines or a tax professional to understand your potential deduction.
  • Get a Receipt: Always obtain a receipt for your donation for tax purposes.
  • Transfer the Title: Properly transfer ownership to avoid future liabilities.