HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

March 20, 2005

Board Members Present: Ellena, Guyer, Jane, Smith, Smydra

Management Present: Lyon, Miller

Meeting called to order at 3:04 p.m.

OPEN MINUTES

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept the February 27, 2005 Open session minutes, with corrections. Approved 3-0. Guyer and Jane abstained.

MEMBER CONCERNS

Georgia Vroman, 6220 Balfour Drive: Ms. Vroman suggested that in the case of back porches sinking, instead of replacing the entire porch, why not lift up the existing porch and put gravel underneath. Ms. Vroman stated this would be a less expensive way to solve the porch problem.

Ms. Vroman also suggested that for member remodeling projects, it would be a good idea if there could be a committee of handy-persons who are Highlands members to assist with the projects (for example: baseboard installation, painting, etc.). Ms. Miller stated that an article could be put in the Highlander newsletter regarding this topic. She will also mention it to the Grounds and Maintenance staff to see if any of them are interested in this type of work. Mr. Smydra added that Highlands would not be held liable, and there will need to be some sort of written agreement to this effect drawn up.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None at this time.

MAJOR PROJECT UPDATES

Appliances: The appliance replacement project will be starting on March 20, 2005 with an estimated completion date of May 5, 2005.

Bathrooms: Orders for the first half of the property will be placed starting on March 20, 2005. Work will begin on April 16, 2005, with eight units per week being completed.

Parking Lots: Construction on the parking lots will begin in late May, 2005.

Grounds Building: Architectural plans should be coming soon. It is anticipated that the fence will be erected around the alternative parking lot prior to the construction of the grounds building.

NEW BUSINESS

Gas dryer fee: Ms. Guyer suggested the Board and Management consider raising the gas dryer fee, since it’s been the same amount ($4.00) for many years and taking into consideration the cost of natural gas. Ms. Miller stated that Management discussed raising the gas dryer fee last year, and that Consumers Power reported that an average family of four uses approximately $2.00-$3.00 per month in natural gas for a clothes dryer. Mr. Smydra added that at this time there is no statistical basis to raise the gas dryer fee.

Drive-by Shooting: Ms. Miller reported to the Board, Management and members present about a recent drive-by shooting on Highlands’s property. The victim was a Highlands member. The shooter is in custody, and the police have the car and weapon. It is not clear at this time whether or not the shooter or the persons in the car with the shooter are Highlands’s members, but Management will have that information from the Lansing Police Department soon. Management also stated that if it is found that the shooter or passengers in the car used in the drive-by are Highlands’s members, they will be issued 30-day NOTICE TO QUIT, TERMINATION OF TENANCY. Mr. Lyon said that if it is found that any who were involved in this incident are Woodbridge members, Woodbridge management will be strongly advised to issue 30-day notices to them.

OLD BUSINESS

Floors: Ms. Guyer asked if only kitchen floors were being replaced as part of the floor replacement project. Mr. Smydra replied that any floor replacement project that was previously “on hold” will be done. Ms. Miller reported that all outstanding (“on hold”) floor projects are complete. She added that a new list for hardwood floor refinishing was being compiled at this time.

Arbors at Georgetown-pet problems: Mr. Smydra asked Ms. Miller if she had met with the management at Arbors at Georgetown yet. Ms. Miller replied that she had not (due to being busy with all the new projects that are taking place), and plans to discuss the issue with Woodbridge management as well, as they are having the same problems.

Fun Fest: There will be a Fun Fest meeting on March 29, 2005 at 6:00pm. Based upon attendance at this meeting, subsequent meetings and duties will be assigned.

BOARD MEETING DATES

April 24, 2005

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:38 p.m.

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of March 20, 2005.

Respectfully Submitted,

Elizabeth A. Smith

Secretary, Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors