The 2026 Tree Tops Homeowners Association Meeting was called to order at 6:00PM on March 17, 2026 at the Germantown Community Library. Including the board members, six residents were present.
Denise White introduced the Board: herself, and Doug Eberle.
1. Landscaping Report
In addition to all the routine landscaping and tree work, there were extra expenses in 2025, of about 10K, including:
–landscaping and tree work required by the Village
–removal of trees to prevent them from falling on houses
–flood damaged trees
–clearing the shoreline of the large pond
Looking ahead to more extra expenses:
–the 40 acres of open space have many huge dead/dying trees, which are toppling over, due to effects of the June flood
–many of the 20+ year-old bushes are dying or overgrown with buckthorn, and need to be removed/replaced
–the pond fountains are nearly 25 years old, and could fail at any time, as recently happened in Windsong. They cost 10K each to replace, wiping out their reserve fund, and causing their HOA dues to increase to $550/year.
Due to all of the above factors, an increase in TT HOA dues from the present $350 to $400 is needed.
2. Financial Report/Vote on 2026 Dues
The 2026 budget was reviewed. After discussion, the consensus was to approve the budget and increase the dues to $400. The motion to do so was made and seconded. Voting was done with a show of hands. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Lamp Post and Mailbox Report
Now, not only are the mailbox posts falling over throughout TT, the lamp posts are, too. The Board found a new, resin lamp post that will not rot, does not need painting, and is less expensive than a wooden post. Information on the post and installers is on the TT website.
Residents are encouraged to replace their rotting or damaged mailbox posts with the new, resin option, also found on the website.
Also, residents can change the location of their mailbox, if desired. Check with the post office first.
4. New Business
Park maintenance was discussed, including repairs needed to the play set, which are scheduled to start this summer.
Gary Schickert mentioned there is a tree down in the woods next to the park.
Scott Olejniczak reported two large dead trees leaning into a third, near his property which could fall on his house. Denise said she will be out to look at it.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00PM.
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2026 Dues Are Due May 1
Tree Tops Homeowners Association’s annual dues for 2026 (now $400) are due on May 1, 2026. If you haven’t paid yet, please do so!
There is an online payment option: You can pay by credit card via this link. Please note that Square, Inc., the mobile credit card payment company, charges us a $14 fee for this payment service.
Mailbox Posts & LampPosts
New Tree Tops Mailbox
We’ve found a new mailbox for the Tree Tops. It’s called the Mayne Dover Mail Post (pictured above). Although this post isn’t exactly like our original (and expensive/hand-made) mail posts, it was deemed “close enough” by the HOA board and a majority of the residents at the 2022 HOA meeting.
We found it to be available almost everywhere, and best of all, it is significantly more affordable. The post is available at Walmart. Here are many other stores where it’s immediately available.
Installation: Please have your new mailbox post installed by the craftsperson of your choice. We have the following recommendation from a Tree Tops homeowner who had his mailbox post installed to his satisfaction:
Name of installer: Ross Puppe (414 687-5500)
An impartial Tree Tops homeowner’s recommendation: “He’s an approved installer with Home Depot. He did a great job. Charges by the hour. $90 for me, but I had the old concrete removed and hole was ready. Think it’s as close to a match as we’ll find and he did a really good job. Hope this helps.”
Other Options:
Suburban Mailboxes can custom build and install a full replacement of the existing wood units using treated lumber in a cedar color, or install a Mayne Dover post. Contact:
Ryan and Christi Arndt
Suburban Mail Boxes
N7396 West Bend Rd.
Theresa, WI 53091
Phone – 262-784-8714
Email – suburbanmailboxes@yahoo.com
Website – www.SuburbanMailboxes.com
Lamppost:
Our new standard post is an 8′ HB&G PermaPost Lamp Post in the chamfered style. It can be ordered from Zuern Building Products, contact:
Keith Bartelt | Inside Sales
262-683-9649
- Ensure that the post is set in concrete. The installation instructions show 2 options, but if it isn’t installed in concrete the post will be too short, and be more susceptible to leaning and falling due to the weight of the light.
- Also, we recommend replacing the photo sensor. They can fail due to age and replacement is much easier while you are replacing the post vs later.
If you need help with any part of the installation here are some recommendations:
- Nelco Electric, Inc. – Can install post and do any necessary electrical work. 262 502-9950
Post Lantern:
Northeast Lantern Boston Collection 1033 Outdoor Post Lantern
Color: Dark Brass
Clear glass
3-light candelabra base
Available Online
Northeast Lantern Boston Collection 1033 Outdoor Post Lantern
Please be sure to specify the following:
Color: Dark Brass
Clear glass
3-light candelabra base
Photo Sensor Switch
Repair: If your lamppost light is having electrical problems, homeowners have had good luck with Pete Wiedmeyer of PRW Electric, LLC. Reach him at 262-229-7950, or email him at PRWelectric@gmail.com.
Please note that you’re not required to use these vendors for the mailbox, lamppost/lighting fixture or installation, but these uniform types of each is required by our Declaration of Restrictions.
The Homeowners Association Committee invites additional recommendations for the best installer, but please use the installer of your choice.