HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

April 24, 2005

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

Management Present: Lyon, Miller

Meeting called to order at 5:02 p.m.

OPEN MINUTES

Smydra moved, Jane seconded to accept the March 20, 2005 Open Session Minutes. Approved 5-0.

MEMBER CONCERNS

None at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None at this time.

ADVERTISING

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to approve purchasing a single size ad for $468.00 from Atlas Drugs. Our advertisement would be placed on their prescription bags. Approved 5-0.

TRACTOR REPAIRS

Smydra moved, Jane seconded to approve the purchase of a new tractor, as opposed to repairing the old one. After review of the repair estimate, it was decided it would be more cost effective to buy a new tractor instead. Tractor must be purchased and delivered prior to June 26, 2005. Approved 5-0.

ALTERNATIVE PARKING LOT

There was a member request to store a canoe in the Alternative Parking Lot. The member reported that they would build a suitable platform for the canoe. There was Board consensus to allow this.

MAHC CONFERENCE

The Board reviewed and discussed the Notice of Proposed Amendments to the MAHC By-Laws. There will be a vote on this at the Annual Meeting during the MAHC conference in May. There was Board consensus that Ms. Jane will attend the meeting to vote on Highlands’ behalf.

CARRYING CHARGE PAYMENT – AUTOMATIC DEBIT

Smith moved, Ellena seconded the revised Carrying Charge Policy, which will now require a six month waiting period for members to re-enroll after ending their participation in the automatic debit program. Approved 5-0.

PARKING LOT SEALING

Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the bid from Quality Asphalt Maintenance to seal and stripe seven parking lots. Approved 5-0.

TODD ADLER, GARDEN PLOWING

There was Board consensus to approve paying Mr. Adler’s Worker’s Compensation premium of $20-$25 per year.

OLD BUSINESS

Fun Fest: Fun Fest will not be held this year. Notification of this will be in the next newsletter, along with a survey asking members’ opinions of alternative activities they might enjoy other than Fun Fest.

Arbors at Georgetown: Ms. Miller met with a management representative from Arbors at Georgetown about the on-going problem of their residents bringing pets onto Highlands’ property, and not cleaning up after them. Arbors management requested that if we witness such activity, to let her know a description of the people and pets, and she will follow up accordingly. Mr. Smydra suggested that Ms. Miller meet with Arbors management once a month.

Fights on Georgetown Blvd.: Ms. Miller spoke to the Board and members in attendance about the recent fights that have taken place on Georgetown Blvd. Ms. Miller also stated that she and a management representative of Arbors at Georgetown attended the most recent Lansing Police Department precinct meeting to discuss the fights. There was Board consensus that if it is discovered that anyone involved in the fights are Highlands’ members, they will be issued at 30-day NOTICE TO QUIT, TERMINATION OF TENANCY. Mr. Smydra recommends a letter be sent to all members regarding the fights, policy enforcement, parent awareness and members’ responsibility for their guests.

Animal trap in garden: In 3 days, the live trap that was placed in the garden caught 2 woodchucks, a raccoon and a fox squirrel. Mr. Smydra recommends leaving the trap in place, and Ms. Ellena added that the trap should not be set on Fridays so any animals caught wouldn’t be stuck in it all weekend.

NEW BUSINESS

Property signs on Haag and Balfour: Ms. Miller will be investigating the details and costs involved in putting up new signs at the entrances to Highlands Cooperative property.

BOARD MEETING DATES

June 26, 2005

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:55 P.M.

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of April 24, 2005.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth A. Smith

Secretary

Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors