Quarterly Newsletter March 2026 – May 2026
President’s Message:
Town of Normal staff members attended the 2026 annual meeting to discuss Fire Stations in Normal,
Electric Scooters, Noise from I55, Speed Limit / Motorcycles on Northtown Road, Golf Carts, Parking
Enforcement, Department Projects, Ironwood Golf Course updates, and future initiatives. The IHOA
Board is very appreciative of the partnership and support by the Town.
The Ironwood Homeowners Association Board is asking each property owner for assistance in
understanding what is important to you as a homeowner living in the Ironwood subdivision. Please click
on the survey link below and rank the items in order of importance to you. The topics were selected from
discussions with the Town of Normal at the annual meeting in January 2026. Only one ranking per address
will be accepted.
The survey must be completed by April 1, 2026.
Accomplishments / Improvements in 2025 - Implemented a new and improved IHOA website, continued
quarterly newsletters, and updated the landscaping at the north entrance.
In 2026, we plan to discuss/review: Records retention and additional IHOA dues payment options.
Thank you to those who voted to fill four open Board seats. Mike Weiland, Keith Palmgren, Susan Parrent,
and Mel Brown were elected to serve two years on the Board.
This was Merritt Burns’ final year on the Board. We would like to thank Merritt for his service on the
Board.
Here is your 2026 IHOA Board: President: Jeff Woodall, Vice-President: Susan Parrent, Treasurer: JoEllen
Bahnsen, Secretary: Suzann Reid, Committee Chairs: Beautification - Keith Palmgren, Communications -
Mel Brown, Covenants - Mike Weiland, Newcomers - Sara Palmgren.
The Board would like to thank those homeowners who contacted the Board so their property changes
would be in compliance with community covenants.
Welcome to all our new Ironwood residents. We hope you are enjoying your new home and
neighborhood.
Wishing everyone a Happy Spring!!
Treasurers Report:
Ironwood Homeowners Association
Financial Report for Years Ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 with Budget for 2026
Actual
Actual
Budget
2024
2025
2026
Income:
Dues Income
29,422
29,139
29,200
Other Income (Interest)
687
550
550
Total Income
30,109
29,689
29,750
Operating Expenses:
Mowing & Trimming (annual contract)
16,499
16,499
16,499
Landscaping/Tree Replacement/Other Maint.
6,258
3,130
6,000
Legal Fees
570
1,110
1,500
Postage
408
438
600
Insurance
2,465
2,465
2,465
Printing
307
168
150
Utilities - Corn Belt
446
536
550
Internet Hosting Fee
119
119
120
Record Retention/Document Archiving
-
-
1,500
Miscellaneous
1,129
296
1,210
Newcomer's Committee
-
186
150
Rent - PO Box
232
244
250
Property Tax
40
42
45
Recording Fee - State of Illinois
16
11
11
Income Tax
28
232
200
Total Operating Expenses
28,517
25,476
31,250
Net Income (Loss)
1,592
4,213
(1,500)
Reminders:
Battery Recycling:
As of January 1, 2026, the Illinois Portable and Medium-Format Battery Stewardship Act (PA 103-1033)
prohibits disposing of most portable and medium-format batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling in
Normal and throughout Illinois. Residents must use approved, free local drop-off locations for batteries,
including AA, AAA, button cells, and lithium-ion, to prevent fire hazards and environmental
contamination.
Key Battery Recycling Requirements:
• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.
• Affected Batteries: All portable and medium-format batteries (4.4 to 25 pounds), including lithium-
ion, rechargeable, and single-use alkaline batteries.
• Prohibition: Cannot be placed in regular trash or household recycling containers.
• Drop-off Locations: Free, convenient drop-off sites are required, with many retail locations (e.g.,
The Home Depot) participating in Call2Recycle programs.
• Battery Safety: It is recommended to tape the terminals of lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries
before recycling.
For specific locations in Normal, IL, check The Battery Network or local waste management providers.
Electronics Recycling:
Self-service electronics recycling is available for McLean County residents from 8 a.m. to noon on the first
Saturday of the month. These hours are in addition to the regular drop-off hours 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Monday thru Friday at Normal Public Works, 1301 Warriner Street. Visit normalil.gov/elecrecycle for a
full list of accepted items.
School Spring Break Dates:
• Unit 5 - March 23 - March 27, classes resume March 30
• Dist. 87 - March 23 - March 27, classes resume March 30
• ISU - March 7 - March 15, classes resume March 16
• IWU - March 13 (5 pm) - March 20, classes resume March 23
Normal Police Department News
Golf Carts and Electric Scooters:
The Normal Police Department would like to share a reminder about electric scooters and golf carts in
our community.
Electric scooters are not permitted on roadways or sidewalks within the Town of Normal. While we
understand their convenience and popularity, we ask residents to keep safety and local regulations in
mind.
Gas and/or electric powered golf carts are not allowed on public roadways unless they have been
properly titled and registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. When a golf cart is registered with
the state, a license plate would be displayed. All golf carts must be insured. Golf carts cannot be on
roads that are designated as 35 mph or more, on sidewalks, or on Constitution Trail. Any vehicle to
be deemed roadworthy has to have seatbelts, head and brake lights, and blinkers in working order.
All drivers must be a licensed driver (16 years of age and over).
Our goal is to support a safe and enjoyable community for everyone. We appreciate your
cooperation and ask that all residents continue to make thoughtful, safe decisions while traveling
through our neighborhoods.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Normal Police Department at
309.454.9535 and ask for Officer Park.
Helpful Resources:
IHOA Website:
The IHOA website (ihoa.org) contains a wealth of information for homeowners. Included on the website
are covenants, by-laws, fence guidelines, board information, meeting minutes, newsletters, and useful links.
Please take time to explore this handy resource.
Normal Residents Guide link: https://www.normalil.gov/31/Residents
Rules of the trail – Town of Normal:
We recognize the importance of sustainable modes of transportation on the Constitution Trail and
Town streets.
Safety comes first and riders may use certain recreation and transportation devices but are
responsible for doing so in a controlled manner, at a safe speed and must dismount when and where
necessary for safety given the circumstances such as density of pedestrians, terrain and conditions
(e.g., weather, construction, events, etc.). Failure to follow the Rules of the Trail can result in the
issuance of an ordinance violation and/or a person being excluded from using the Trail for up to one
year.
Trail Rules and Regulations:
Open daily from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Safety first: keep your speed down so not to endanger yourself and others.
Motor vehicles* prohibited.
Stay on the right side of the Trail and obey all warning and regulation signs.
Keep pets leashed and under control. Ensure that pets and their leashes do not cross to the opposite
side of the Trail or otherwise block or interfere with oncoming or passing foot/bike traffic.
Clean up after leashed pets.
Give audible warning signals when passing other users. (e.g., “On your left!”)
Always be courteous, respectful and aware of your surroundings.
*This policy does not prohibit the use of mobility assistance devices and other approved
accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public safety and Town vehicles used for
authorized purposes are excepted from this policy.
Allowed on the trail: bicycles, e-bikes, push scooters and e-skateboards
Prohibited on the trail: One-wheels and e-scooters
Purple Martin Landlords:
Have you seen little white houses mounted on tall poles across the landscape and wondered what they are?
They are purple martin houses! These houses are critical for purple martin survival as they are almost
entirely dependent on human-provided nesting structures and have declined as a species by more than 25%
since 1966. Locally, the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance (the local National Audubon Society chapter) is helping
save this special bird species by managing purple martin houses across Normal-Bloomington. The Bird
Alliance currently has 12 purple martin houses located at 7 sites. In 2025, 16 volunteer landlords took care
of these houses by removing house sparrow nests and counting the eggs and nestlings. 112 pairs of nesting
martins were recorded! The Bird Alliance has 20 more potential landlords lined up for the 2026 season to
cover 5 new houses. As part of the Town’s commitment as a designated “Bird City Illinois,” the Normal
Parks and Recreation Department helps support the purple martin program by installing the houses when
located on Town property.
Ironwood Subdivision used to have at least one purple martin house, but it was removed years ago. Because
martins like to live near lakes – where they hoover up insects by the thousands – Ironwood is a perfect
location for future purple martin houses. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer
opportunities at a current purple martin house or a potential future purple martin house at Ironwood,
please contact the Bird Alliance at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.
Market Trends (source: Homes by Marco)
In 2025, the Ironwood subdivision in Normal, IL, experienced a competitive, high-value real estate
market, with homes often selling near asking price.
26
17
23
24
2022
2023
2024
2025
# of sales per year
$321,250
$340,000
$340,000
$367,500
2022
2023
2024
2025
median sale price per year
Ironwood Board of Directors:
Title
Name
Email
President
Jeff Woodall
president@ihoa.org
Vice President
Susan Parrent
vpresident@ihoa.org
Secretary
Suzann Reid
secretary@ihoa.org
Treasurer
JoEllen Bahnsen
treasurer@ihoa.org
Beautifications Chair
Keith Palmgren
beautifications@ihoa.org
Covenants Chair
Mike Weiland
covenants@ihoa.org
Communications Chair
Mel Brown
communications@ihoa.org
Key Emergency & Safety Phone Numbers:
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency/records)
(309) 454-9535
Fire Department (non-emergency)
(309) 454-9615
Anonymous Crime Tips
Text “NormalPD” and your message to 847411
Town Hall (general information)
(309) 454-2444
Public Works (water/streets)
(309) 454-9571
Parks & Recreation
(309) 454-9540
McLean County Sheriff (non-emergency)
(309) 888-5034
Illinois Poison Center
1-800-222-1222
Need your input:
Comments or suggestions for future newsletters? We would welcome your input. Please send to
communications@ihoa.org
