Open Minutes
July 27, 2003
Board Members
Present: Ellena, Guyer, Jane, Smith,
Smydra
Management
Present: Miller
Management
Absent: Lyon
Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the June 29, 2003 Open Session Minutes. Approved 4-0. Jane abstained.
MEMBER CONCERNS
LINDA MASTERS, 6222 BAFOUR DRIVE: Ms.
Masters asked if a flyer could be distributed reminding members that children
should not be riding bicycles or skateboarding in Highlands’ parking lots. Mr. Smydra replied that a flyer could be
created, and to please inform Ms. Miller as to what children are playing in the
parking lots, if this is known. Ms.
Masters replied that she did know, and would inform Ms. Miller.
A report from the Parking Committee will be tabled until the September 2003 Board Meeting.
A revised copy of the Parking Policy was reviewed and discussed by the Board and Management. Guyer moved, Ellena seconded to approve the Parking Policy, with corrections. Approved 5-0.
PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION BIDS
The Board reviewed the bid from Tom’s Advanced Paving Company to do lot #17, and to re-paint lines and unit numbers that are in need.
Jane moved, Guyer seconded to accept the bid from Tom’s Advanced Paving Company. Approved 5-0.
FLOWER CONTEST
The awards given for the Flower Contest were discussed and reviewed by the Board and Management.
There was Board consensus to change the Flower Contest awards, beginning in 2004 to the following:
1st place: Picture of flowers displayed on plaque in the office, certificate, and congratulatory letter from the Board.
2nd place: Picture of flowers displayed on plaque in the office, certificate, and congratulatory letter from the Board.
10 honorable mentions: certificate and congratulatory letter from the Board.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST
The awards given for the Holiday Lighting Contest were discussed and reviewed by the Board and Management.
There was Board consensus to change the Holiday Lighting Contest awards, beginning in 2004 to the following:
1st place: Picture of holiday lighting displayed on plaque in the office, certificate, and congratulatory letter from the Board.
2nd place: Picture of holiday lighting displayed on plaque in the office, certificate, and congratulatory letter from the Board.
10 honorable mentions: certificate and congratulatory letter from the Board.
SENIOR ESCAPE
Smith moved, Ellena seconded to approve Highlands paying the $25.00 per senior member cost to attend the Midwest Management/PM One Annual Senior Escape on September 26, 2003. Senior members attending will be required to provide their own transportation. Approved 4-1.
EMERALD ASH BORER
The Board and Management reviewed materials from an informational meeting concerning the Emerald Ash Borer, which was held at MSU on July 22, 2003.
It will be necessary for Highlands to make a decision whether or not to treat the 82 ash trees on the property within the next couple of months. If Highlands were to wait longer, the treatment would be ineffective.
Mr. Smydra reminded the Board, Management, and members in attendance that the cost of removing and replacing 82 ash trees could far outweigh the cost to treat the trees against the Emerald Ash Borer now.
GAS PRICE INCREASES
Management attended a public hearing on July 22, 2003, concerning natural gas price increases for the 2003/2004 heating season.
Information that was distributed at that meeting was given to the Board for review.
This item will be tabled until the September, 2003 Board meeting, so that Mr. Lyon (absent) can discuss it thoroughly.
MORTGAGE PAYOFF/2009 COMMITTEE
The Board was given the committee’s mission statement, and table of contents for their Mortgage Payoff Workbooks.
Mr. Smydra requested that all Board members and Management bring their workbook to the next Board meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
CATA Bus Route: The bus stop signs will be going up on or around August 17, 2003.
Mailboxes: Ms. Miller inspected all mailboxes on the property, and has found
some that are showing some rust. The
replacement mailboxes will most likely be similar to the ones Highlands used to
have (plastic).
NEW BUSINESS
Duct Cleaning: Ms. Smith asked if Highlands has ever investigated providing duct cleaning services to members. Ms. Miller replied that this had been looked into several years ago, and it was decided that the cost would be too great (either hiring a contractor to do it, or buying the equipment and doing it ourselves).
Smokler Property: It has been noticed that some excavation is being done on the Smokler Property site (Management is keeping a close eye on the construction process). Ms. Miller will contact the appropriate parties early next week to ask about the excavation, and to let them know that Highlands will continue to be aware of the construction steps. Ms. Miller will also mention that Highlands assumes they will keep their promises (100 foot clearance, tree removal, etc.).
Development on Edgewood Blvd: It appears that, for the time being, construction has come to a halt on this project.
August 17, 2003
MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 6:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth A. Smith
Secretary
Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors