Things To Know: FAQs
Community Life
What’s the easiest way to find things on the Trout Valley website?
The Trout Valley website has a page that provides links to most of the content – it’s called “I WANT TO…”. From that page you can quickly find links to rent the barn or lodge, join a club, find the Association or Village meeting agenda, hire some help (need a babysitter or a yard worker?), report a lost pet, learn the rules and much more! Click here to explore the “I WANT TO…” page.
What is the Trout Valley Welcome Team and what do they do?
The Trout Valley Welcome Team meets with new residents to provide them with information about our community and answer any questions they may have as they settle in. For those interested, the team interviews new residents and introduces them to the community through the Trout Valley Newsletter. If you’re new to Trout Valley and have not met with a member of the team, contact [email protected], to get a Welcome Packet.
Where do I get a sticker for my car?
Trout Valley car stickers can be obtained from the Trout Valley Welcome Team (e-mail troutvalleynews@gmail,com). The Welcome Team provides stickers to new residents when they meet, or upon request. The stickers are to be placed on the left side of the car’s rear bumper.
How do I pay my dues?
Trout Valley Association dues are billed twice a year, payable on March 1 and September 1. If you do not receive an invoice, please email the Treasurer. There are two ways to pay – electronically via your personal banking “pay bills” app or a written paper check. All payments are mailed to: Trout Valley Association, PO Box 242, Cary IL 60013. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
When is garbage collected? How do I contact the garbage service companies?
Garbage pickup for residents of Cary is on Tuesday, starting at 7 AM.The garbage collector is Flood Brothers (https://floodbrothersdisposal.com ); the customer help phone number is 630-261-0400. In Trout Valley, garbage is collected on Wednesday, starting at 7 AM by Groot (https://www.groot.com/groot-north); the customer help phone number is 847-429-7370.
What should I do if I have a security concern?
If you are aware of a problem in our community, it's imperative to inform the police to ensure they have a record of the problem. If your home is burglarized, you witness vandalism, you see people loitering down by the river, etc., please inform the appropriate authorities. Maintaining a connection with local law enforcement helps to ensure the security of our community. For issues in the Village of Trout Valley, call the McHenry County Sheriff non‐emergency number – 815‐338‐2144. For issues in the Village of Cary, call the Cary Police Department non-emergency number – 847-639-2341. In emergencies, always call 911.
What is the Address Book?
The Address Book provides contact details for residents of the community and replaces the previously printed Trout Valley Directory – the terms are used interchangeably as we transition to the website version. But the Address Book is more than contact details – you can add a family picture, plus indicate your hobbies, interests and skills. Are you interested in finding neighbors with similar interests and hobbies? If so, you can search the Address Book. Clicking the street address will take you to Google maps. Please remember that this information has been shared by residents and is considered private information – it is not to be used for business or political purposes.
What is the Pet Directory?
If you have a pet, or if you find a lost pet, the Pet Directory is for you! Residents can add pictures and register their pets in the Directory, so if you and your pet get separated, it may be more likely you can be reunited quickly. Check it out, if only to see all of the cute pets living in our community!
My pet is missing! What can I do?
If you find a pet without a collar/tags or information on the collar, check the Pet Directory to see if the owner can be notified. Also, contact the Cary Police Department non-emergency number, 847-639-2341, to report a lost or found pet. If you click on the “Report Lost or Found Pet” link, an email blast will be sent out across the neighborhood.
Can I install playground equipment on my lot?
Yes, although only one playground area on a lot is allowed without getting approval; additional playground equipment, as well as tree houses or play structures, require approval by the Building Committee. Building Committee Guidelines and Check Lists are available on the website here.
Is there a map of Trout Valley showing lots and trails?
A map of the home lots and trails can be found on the website at here. A PDF of the map can be downloaded – share it with friends or include in a party invitation.
How can I help around the community?
With a community as large as Trout Valley, resident involvement is crucial to ensure good management. There are several ways to help the community, including serving on the TVA Board of Directors (should live in the community at least 3 years), serving as a Village Trustee, working on one of the many committees, participating/leading clubs, offering administrative and maintenance skills, etc. Helping out is a great way to meet neighbors and find out what’s going on in the community!
Can I launch a boat at the river if I’m not in the Boat Club?
It’s not necessary to be in the Boat Club to enjoy the Fox River – there is a boat launch and dock, although you’ll need to get a key to access the ramp. The Boat Club has a limited number of marina slips available, so you may need to wait to join. Check out the website for all of the boating details.
I see gardens down by the river – how can I get a garden plot?
Garden plots for vegetables or flowers are available at the east end of the lower pasture. There are 30 plots available at no charge to residents. Gardeners maintain their plot and fencing. If you’re interested, apply for a plot on the website.
Do I need approval to remodel and/or change the exterior of my home?
The Building Committee is responsible for reviewing exterior changes to homes, including room additions, garages, decks, patios, porches, bumped-out bay windows, new roof elevations, etc. If you are changing an exterior material, finish or its color, e.g. paint, asphalt shingles, brick/stone, decking materials, you also need to get approval from the Trout Valley Building Committee. If it is simply a repair or replacement with the same color or material, you do NOT have to obtain permission, unless your contractor needs a permit.
How do I get a fishing badge? What are the rules regarding fishing in Trout Valley?
Trout Valley fishing badges can be obtained from the Trout Valley Welcome Team ([email protected]). Fishing badges are to be worn when fishing always and a state license is required. All fish caught must be released. More information about rules for fishing can be found on the website.
Can the Lodge or the Barn be rented?
If you’re planning a party, the Trout Valley barn and lodge are unique venues, available to rent by residents in good standing. The facilities cannot be used for political, religious or business events. To request a reservation, follow the instructions on the website.
Since Trout Valley roads are Private, can I get a speeding ticket?
Yes! Although the roads are Private, the McHenry County Sheriff issues tickets. In 2008, the TVA entered into an agreement with McHenry County to enforce the IL Vehicle Code; therefore, the Sherriff can issue tickets for speeding, DUIs and other infractions of the Code – this applies to all vehicles on roads, including golf carts and ATVs.
Trout Valley Association
How is Trout Valley managed?
Trout Valley is often used to refer to the Village and to the Association, but both are managed independently of the other. The Trout Valley Association (TVA), the community’s homeowners’ association, manages the community through its Board of Directors comprised of nine (9) elected or appointed directors. The Village of Trout Valley has a Mayor and six (6) elected or appointed Trustees, plus a Village Clerk and a Comptroller/Treasurer.
What part of TVA is in the Village of Cary
Approximately 10% of the members of the TVA are residents of the Village of Cary. Those homes are on Briargate Road, Stonegate Road from the entrance at the stone gate to the intersection at Country Commons, Little Stonegate Court, Bee Court, and homes on the north side of Country Commons Road, including the commercial building at the Country Commons entrance, and the undeveloped lots east of the Cary Park District parking lot.
What documents govern the Trout Valley Association?
The Association is managed according to the ByLaws and the Deed Restrictions, which can be found here. Additionally, the Association must comply with two (2) State of IL laws: 765 ILCS 160 – Common Interest Community Association Act and 805 ILCS 105 – General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986.
Whom do I contact if I have a question or concern about the Trout Valley Association?
To manage the community, TVA has multiple committees; the Directors on the Board divide the responsibilities of the committees. Questions and concerns can be addressed to the Board member accountable for the area of interest. Which committees are handled by which Director are listed on the website here.
Can I ask the Board a question during a TVA meeting?
Yes – All residents are invited to attend the meetings and learn more about the issues that face our community. Your participation is vital to the Board’s success! Guests who have submitted a request to the TVA Secretary will be added to the Agenda and given a short time to speak. Public participation and suggestions are encouraged, however, the Board may need time to discuss and further investigate a proposal, and possibly request input from the membership at large to gather their thoughts and opinions before making an informed decision for the entire community. Submissions should be sent to the TVA Secretary by the Thursday before the scheduled Board meeting.
Where do I find the Association budget and financial reports?
All financial information can be found on the website by clicking here. Contact the TVA Treasurer with any questions.
Where do I find the Association Meeting minutes, agendas and schedule?
All TVA meeting minutes, agendas and the meeting schedule can be found here. Contact the TVA Secretary with any questions.
Why are Trout Valley roads designated as Private?
While the historical perspective is not completely known, it's assumed the early Trout Valley Association homeowners opted to take responsibility for Trout Valley roads, not wanting to be dependent on the Algonquin Township for snow plowing and maintenance. Therefore, the roads are designated as Private. While we don't have to wait for Township plows or for when our roads will be resurfaced, this does mean we have to have our own equipment and pay for resurfacing ourselves. Since we contribute to tax monies to the Township, they loan us large equipment as needed, and at times help with projects.
Village of Trout Valley
Whom do I contact if I have a question or concern about the Village?
To manage the Village of Trout Valley, Trustees are responsible for various accountabilities, which are listed on the website. Questions and concerns can be addressed to the Trustee accountable for the area of interest. Click here to Meet the Trustees.
What are the Village of Trout Valley ordinances?
Since becoming a village in 1996, at times Ordinances have been recorded based on the needs of the Village. All ordinances can be found here.
Where do I find the Village budget and financial reports?
All Village financial information can be found here. Contact the Village of Trout Valley Comptroller/Treasurer with any questions.
Where do I find the Village meeting minutes, agendas and schedule?
All Village meeting minutes, agendas and the meeting schedule can be found here. Contact the Village of Trout Valley Clerk with any questions.
General Background
What is a Homeowners’ Association (HOA)?
A Homeowners' Association is a legal entity created by a real estate developer for the purpose of developing, managing and selling a community of homes. It is given the authority to enforce the covenants, conditions & restrictions (CC&Rs) and to manage the common amenities of the development. It allows a developer to end their responsibility over the community, typically by transferring ownership of the association to the homeowners after selling. The name of our homeowners’ association is the Trout Valley Association (TVA) and it was established in 1965. The TVA is a nonprofit organization and is subject to state statutes that govern non-profit corporations and homeowners' associations.
What is a Board of Directors?
In relation to an HOA, a director is an officer charged with the conduct and management of its affairs. The directors collectively are referred to as a Board of Directors, and are elected or appointed. The TVA Board consists of nine (9) directors; officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary) are elected by the directors. The TVA By-Laws provide for how the community is to be managed by the Board of Directors.
What are Governing Documents?
Governing documents are established at the time a development and when the developer turns over a development to the homeowners. The TVA is governed by By-Laws and Deed Restrictions – both documents can be found here.
What are By-Laws?
By-Laws are the rules or guidelines regarding the operation of a homeowners’ association. By-laws generally set forth definitions of the Officers and committees on the Board of Directors. The by-laws include voting rights, meeting requirements and notices, as well as other areas involved with the successful operation of the association. The TVA by-laws were adopted in 1964 and most recently amended in 2012 to come into compliance with IL State Law (765 ILCS 160/) Common Interest Community Association Act. The By-Laws is a legal obligation imposed in a property deed upon the buyer of the real estate. This document 'runs with the land' and is enforceable on future buyers of the property. Click here for the bylaws.
What are Deed Restrictions?
Deed Restrictions describe an owner's responsibilities to the Association, as well as the Association’s various duties to the owners. It is commonly viewed as the 'constitution' of the Association. TVA’s original Declaration of Conditions and Restrictions (commonly referred to Deed Restrictions) was recorded with McHenry County in 1955 and has been amended multiple times, most recently in 1995; it is a legal obligation imposed in a property deed upon the buyer of the real estate. This document 'runs with the land' and is enforceable on future buyers of the property. Click here for deed restrictions.
What are Ordinances?
An Ordinance is a law adopted by the local government. The Village of Trout Valley establishes ordinances, whereas the Trout Valley Association is governed by Deed Restrictions and ByLaws.
What are Dues?
Dues are fees paid by owners for the upkeep of the common areas and community assets. TVA dues are billed twice a year, payable on March 1 and September 1.
What is a Common Area?
Any area of property intended for shared use by the members of the Association is referred to as Common Area. In Trout Valley, common areas include, but are not limited to, the Fen, Lodge and Riverfront Park, Barn, Garden Plots, Baseball Field, pastures, and the trout ponds and streams.
What is a Quorum?
A Quorum is defined as the minimum number of owners required to hold an official meeting of the Association. For a TVA Board of Directors meeting, a quorum is a majority of the nine (9) Directors, so five (5) Directors are required to be present during the entire meeting. A quorum for the TVA Annual Meeting is 40 owners who are in attendance in-person or through a proxy. The By-Laws specify the number of members for a quorum for the TVA Annual Meeting.
What is a Proxy?
A Proxy is a written piece of paper granting that power by representing them at a meeting of the association. In the TVA, a member can vote by a proxy ballot – by returning their ballot to the designated address by the specified deadline, the member, not the Board of Directors, is able to designate his/her choices on the ballot.
What is a Lien?
A Lien is monetary claim levied against a property for unpaid dues or violations of Deed Restrictions. The TVA has the right to attach a lien to a property, not the owner, but legally must be recorded in the property records of the county. If a Lien is in place, the property owner has limited ability to sell the property until the Lien is satisfied or removed.