Trash collection: Tuesdays

Recycling: Fridays; paper, cans/plastic/glass on alternating weeks
     --place paper in paper bags or boxes
     --place cans/plastic/glass in plastic bags; you do not need to sort

County Council Rep: Sam Moxley, office on Frederick Rd., Catonsville
       www.sammoxley.com

US House Rep: Elijah Cummings, office near Moxley
      www.house.gov/cummings


FAQ:

Is my house in the HOA?

    --There are approx. 160 homes in the HOA.  These include mainly homes on Oella Ave., Charles James Circle, Lilies Ln., Pleasant Hill, Mary Jo Way.  If you signed documents at settlement agreeing to the HOA rules and regulations and fees, then you're in the HOA.  If you aren't sure, contact the board.


Do I need permission to make changes to the exterior of my home?

   --If you are making a repair that replaces something in kind (re-painting your front door the same color it was), then you don't need permission.  If you are changing an architectural feature or erecting a new structure, then you need to seek permission BEFORE making the changes.  Please see the Architectural Review page for more info.


What do my dues pay for?

   ---Maintenance and landscaping of common areas and parking lots; upkeep of the Mill Race Trail and bridge (up to the end of the bridge); insurance; plowing & salting; accounting services; Mutt Mitts; other expenses


Why do sections of Oella have charming nicknames?

   ---If you know the answer, please tell us!  It's been that way for as long as anyone can remember.  Don't know what yours is called?  Ask a long-time resident.  You might be in Lillies Ln., Spring St. (not actually a street), Timber Point, Stone Row, Long Brick Row, Short Brick Row, New Brick Row (the newest nickname), Herring Hill, Pleasant Hill, or Reservoir Hill.


How do I access the Mill Race Trail?

   ---Access to the trail is behind Long Brick Row (row of small brick houses curving up Oella Ave. next to the mill.  There are stone steps near a large maple tree.  This is the beginning of the trail.  Go across the small footbridge and follow the trail by walking on top of the stone mill race wall.  When you come to a road (Race Rd.) cross the road and continue on the path.  There are stepping stones to indicate where the path continues.  Please note that Race Rd. is a private road, and the parking pad & shed near the Race rd. portion of the trail is part of a private lot.  Also, parking is extremely limited behind Long Brick Row, since there are only ~1.5 cars allotted per house.  We encourage residents to enjoy Oella's scenic beauty by walking to the trail entrance.  You'll probably meet a neighbor!


How many parking spaces am I allotted?

   ---That depends on where you live.  Some people have private driveways.  Others have two spaces assigned to their property.  Others have only one (such as Long Brick row & frame homes next door).  Your assigned space(s) will have a number painted on the curb.  Unmarked spaces are first come, first serve.  Please be considerate of your neighbors.  Do not park in numbered spaces that do not belong to you.  Do not store rarely used vehicles, and do not permanently take up more than two spaces in your lot.  Do not block driveways.


What do I do if someone is parked in my spot?

   --You can try to find out who it is and ask them to move, or you can contact the board to authorize a tow.  Residents cannot authorize a tow themselves (it's trespass towing a law, not an HOA rule). 


Can I walk my dog without a leash?

   --Walking an animal without a leash is illegal and unsafe.  Please be courteous to those who don't like dogs, are afraid of dogs, or who have dogs that don't socialize well.  No one wants to see a neighbor or a pet get hurt.


Does the HOA pay a dog waste disposal company?

   --No.  It is your responsibility to pick up after your pet.  The HOA provides Mutt Mitts at several stations for your convenience.  Volunteers fill the stations periodically.