Open Minutes
June 29, 2003
Board Members
Present: Ellena, Guyer, Smith, Smydra
Board Members
Absent: Jane
Management
Present: Lyon,
Miller
Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the May 17, 2003 Open Session Minutes. Approved 3-0. Guyer abstained.
MEMBER CONCERNS
LINDA MASTERS, 6222 BAFOUR DRIVE: Ms.
Masters asked if anyone on the Highlands staff was checking the conditions of
privacy fences on the property. Ms.
Miller replied that they are being checked this summer.
Ms. Masters also wondered why
she was denied her request to install a plaque on the outside of her unit, yet
others have installed hooks? Ms. Miller
will tour the property and look at where hooks are installed.
Ms. Masters had further
comments on monetary prizes given out for beautification (flowers, etc.) of
yard areas. Ms. Masters feels it is
unfair to those members who may not be able to afford flowers and accessories
beyond the flat of flowers that is given out on Flower Day. Mr. Smydra thought that it had been decided
to not give monetary awards for beautification. Ms. Miller will bring the documentation for the next Board
Meeting and it will be discussed.
GEORGIA VROMAN, 6220 BALFOUR DRIVE:
Ms.
Vroman reported that there is a dark area in the parking lot near the corner of
the building near 6222 Balfour Drive.
Management will check into it.
BECKY HARRISON, 6224 BALFOUR DRIVE:
Ms.
Harrison asked about the status of the
decision of what was going to be done with the current playground
equipment. She said that most families
with children who were looking into Highlands as a place to live, would take
into consideration the quality and condition of the playground equipment. Ms. Miller replied that Highlands is
removing any playground equipment that is unsafe, and possible replacement
would be discussed later in this meeting.
Ms. Harrison also asked who
takes care of Georgetown Park. Ms.
Miller told her that it was the City of Lansing.
SALLY PRICE, 6226 BALFOUR DRIVE:
Ms.
Price voiced her support for quality playground equipment on the Highlands
property.
PATRICIA LONE, 1807 GEORGETOWN BOULEVARD: Ms.
Lone reported that her neighbor’s sons are playing ball in the yard near her
unit in an unsafe manner. Ms. Miller
requested that Ms. Lone put this complaint in writing.
Ms. Lone also noted that she
does not feel there should be items during HUD Recertification concerning mold
and mildew. Ms. Miller and Mr. Smydra
explained HUD’s regulations regarding their literature and how it must be
distributed.
The Board and Management reviewed photos and prices for new playground equipment. There was no decision at this time about any purchases.
The Board reviewed a revised copy of the Community Building Reservation Policy and the reservation form. Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept the revised policy and reservation form. Approved 4-0.
The Board reviewed the Gas Sales Agreement with Lakeshore Energy. Guyer moved, Ellena seconded to accept the contract. Approved 4-0.
Mr. Smydra requested that
there be an article written for the next Highlander newsletter, informing
members of the potential for an up to 30% increase in natural gas prices for
the coming fall/winter season. He also requested
that it be noted that if gas costs do go up, there may be reason for a
reduction in services (bathroom renovations, etc.) or a rise in carrying
charges.
The Board reviewed a news article concerning a recent decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals that Wolverine Pipeline cannot build a pipeline through a community without the consent of the effected local residents.
Mr. Smydra suggested that a
letter be drafted to Mayor Benavides, and Lansing City Council, with a copy to
be sent to Virg Bernero. This letter
would include topics such as: the
Mayor’s wish to drop the case against Wolverine Pipeline because it was costing
too much money, and the importance of the City of Lansing residents and their
rights and opinions. Mr. Smydra also
requested that copies of our petition against the Wolverine Pipeline be
included with the letters.
The Board reviewed the attendance information from Flower Day, 2003. Prior to Flower Day, 2004, the hours of operation will be discussed and possibly changed.
The Board reviewed a map of the new CATA bus stop locations on Haag Road, Georgetown Boulevard, and Balfour Drive. Mr. Smydra requested that Ms. Miller notify Highlands Cooperative members of our success in getting CATA routing back through our community. With this notification, Mr. Smydra requested that a bus route be included. Ms. Miller noted that CATA would be doing a mass mailing with information about the new route, also.
The Board reviewed and discussed a sample Use Agreement. Mr. Lyon will be meeting with Highlands’ legal counsel on June 30, 2003 to discuss the Use Agreement.
OLD BUSINESS
Mailboxes: Ms. Guyer asked as to the status of mailbox inspection and
replacement. Ms. Miller will look at
all mailboxes, and report back to the Board with her findings, and the cost of
replacement.
NEW BUSINESS
None at this time.
July 27, 2003
MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 6:14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth A. Smith
Secretary
Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors