HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

February 27, 2005

Board Members Present: Ellena, Smith, Smydra

Board Members Absent: Guyer, Jane

Management Present: Sinicropi, Miller

Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m.

OPEN MINUTES

Smydra moved, Ellena seconded to accept the December 12, 2004 Open session minutes. Approved 3-0.

Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the January 30, 2005 Open session minutes, with corrections. Approved 3-0.

MEMBER CONCERNS

Linda Masters, 6222 Balfour Drive: Ms. Masters stated that she has been witnessing someone parking behind the vehicle parked in the first spot of her parking lot on Balfour. It happens sporadically; and Ms. Masters is unsure of whom it is, but it’s usually a van or a car.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None at this time.

LATE FEES

The Board, Management, and Members in attendance reviewed information regarding increasing the current $15.00 late fee.

Ms. Miller stated that the date of the late fee cannot be changed without changing the Occupancy Agreement, but the late fee amount can be changed up to $25.00 per month. She also said that the current Occupancy Agreement has been sent to legal counsel for review.

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to go along with Management’s recommendation to increase the late fee charge from $15.00 to $25.00. Approved 3-0.

ANNUAL MEETING – MEMBER CONCERNS

Two items from the Annual Meeting were discussed:

· Meeting with Management of the Arbors of Georgetown concerning their residents using Highlands’ property as a dog run.

· Exterior storage sheds.

Mr. Smydra recommended that Management meet with the Arbors Management staff concerning the dog issue.

There was Board consensus not to take any action on exterior storage sheds at this time.

GROUNDS BUILDING, ARCHITECT PROPOSAL

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept the proposal from Roger L. Donaldson, AIA P.L.C. Architect for $8,400.00 for professional services relating to the construction of the new Grounds Building. Approved 3-0.

2005 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

March 20, 2005

April 24, 2005

June 26, 2005

July 31, 2005

August 28, 2005

September 25, 2005

October 30, 2005

November 20, 2005

December 11, 2005

There was Board consensus that there will be no Board meeting during the month of May, 2005.

PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION BIDS

Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the bid from Tom’s Advanced Paving Company for $244,625.00 for parking lot reconstruction. Approved 3-0.

MAJOR PROJECT UPDATES

Appliances: The appliance replacement project will be starting in mid-March.

Bathrooms: On March 22, 2005, appointments will begin being scheduled for bathroom orders. Eight units per week will be completed, starting in Section 4 on or around April 1, 2005.

Floors: Anyone who was on the waiting list as of January 1, 2005, ha been contacted about ordering new vinyl flooring or scheduling hardwood floor refinishing.

NEW BUSINESS

Groundhogs in community garden: Ms. Smydra stated that a live-trapping service will be contacted regarding the groundhog problem. Alternatives to live-trapping will be investigated as well, in case there are any safety issues.

Fun Fest: Information regarding the 2005 Fun Fest will be included in the March/April Highlander newsletter, and an organizational meeting will be held in March. Entertainment options were discussed, and Ms. Ellena stated that member involvement will be the key to Fun Fest being held this year. Mr. Smydra suggested that a special mailing be sent regarding the importance of member involvement in order for this event to be a success.

Senior Escape: This even will take place in September, 2005, and will be offered to all members 55 years of age and older.

Shipshewana trip: Mr. Smydra will create a newsletter article with information about a Highlands trip to Shipshewana (with enough member participants).

Board photo: Ms. Ellena suggested that a portrait photograph be taken of the Board of Directors for display in the lobby of the Community Building. There was Board consensus to have this picture taken.

OLD BUSINESS

Trees: Trees on the Balfour end of Georgetown that were scheduled to be relocated have been moved. Two trees are damaged and will be cut down. One other tree in that area is scheduled to be moved.

Banking Options: If Highlands selects a new bank to do business with, there will be some paperwork required for any member enrolled in ACH (automatic deduction).

Section 8 Vouchers: Ms. Miller reported that approximately 50 members attended a recent meeting with MSHDA regarding Section 8 Vouchers.

BOARD MEETING DATES

March 20, 2005

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:44 p.m.

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of February 27, 2005.

Respectfully Submitted,

Elizabeth A. Smith

Secretary, Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors