HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

March 26, 2006

 

 

Board Members Present:  Ellena, Guyer, Jane, Smith, Smydra (via conference call)

 

Management Present:  Miller

 

Meeting called to order at 5:07 p.m.

 

 

OPEN MINUTES

 

Smith moved, Jane seconded to accept the February 26, 2006 Open Session Minutes.  Approved 3-0.  Guyer and Smydra abstained. 

 

MEMBER CONCERNS

 

Linda Masters, 6222 Balfour Drive:  Ms. Masters reports that she feels the calendar on the new Highlander newsletter is too small.  Ms. Miller will investigate.

 

Georgia Vroman, 6220 Balfour Drive:  Ms. Vroman commented that not all trash bags were picked up at the end of the drive near her home this past Friday.  Ms. Miller will follow up with Waste Management.

 

Jody Schnebelt, 1807 Georegtown Blvd.:  Ms. Schnebelt reported that her hardwood floors were recently refinished, and the floors are now very rough, unsanded, and there are nails sticking up in spots.  She also stated that she had to wipe the dust off of every wall in her unit after the refinishing.   Ms Miller will investigate.

 

Patricia Knight, 1815 Georgetown Blvd.:  Ms. Knight stated that she is on the list to have her hardwood floors refinished, and would like to know more about the quality of the work prior to it being scheduled in her home.

 

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

None at this time.

 

SMITH TREE AND LANDSCAPE BID

 

The Board and Management reviewed and discussed a bid from Smith Tree and Landscape.  This bid includes Emerald Ash Borer treatment for all Ash trees on the property. 

 

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept the bid from Smith Tree and Landscape for a five-year plan to cost $219,817.00 with the understanding that we re-evaluate the Emerald Ash Borer treatment on a yearly basis.

 

NATURAL HEALING SEMINAR

 

Diane Kirkham contacted Ms. Miller regarding holding a Natural Healing Maximum Immunity Seminar at Highlands Cooperative.  There was Board consensus to allow this seminar to be held at the Highlands Cooperative Clubhouse, provided that was no pressure to purchase any products discussed.

 

GROUNDS BUILDING BID

 

A bid from Laux Construction was reviewed and discussed by the Board and Management.  Laux was awarded this bid, taking into consideration recommendations from the City of Lansing and the architect. 

 

Guyer moved, Ellena seconded to allow Management to sign the contract with Laux Construction, not to exceed $149,477.00.  Monies for this bid are to come out of the 20 year plan budget.  Approved 5-0. 

 

OCCUPANCY AGREEMENT

 

The Board and Management reviewed and discussed revisions to the Occupancy Agreement, as proposed by Cooperative attorney, Joe Courveur.  Management is recommending that, if approved, the revised Occupancy Agreement be distributed to all Members, even if their current Occupancy Agreement has not expired.

 

Ellena moved, Jane seconded to accept the revised Occupancy Agreement.  Approved 5-0.

 

SATELLITE DISH POLICY

 

The Board and Management reviewed and discussed the revised Satellite Dish policy, allowing two dishes.

 

Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the revised Satellite Dish policy.  Approved 5-0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Trash Policy:   Ms. Smith reported seeing a Member placing 6 bags of trash out on the sidewalk on Sunday, March 26, 2006 around 12:30pm.  Ms. Ellena stated that a “surprise” off-hours trash pickup needs to be done soon.  Ms. Miller reviewed the trash policy and “surprise” pickup procedure with the Members in.

 

Business Recovery Plan:  Ms. Miller stated that the Business Recovery Plan would be in the April, 2006 Board book for review. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Vandalism on property-3/17/06:  Ms. Miller reported on the vandalism which took place on March 17, 2006 on Highlands Cooperative property.  Vehicles and signs were damaged on that date, most involving spray paint.  Ms. Miller stated she contacted LPD regarding the incidents, and asked if other vandalism of that nature took place on that date.  LPD reported that incidents like this have been happening with more frequency over the last 30 days city wide, they do not believe it is gang-related, and are working on a resolution as they believe it is being done by the same group of people.  Mr. Smydra asked Ms. Miller to send a letter to all Members regarding this vandalism, and reminding Members about the importance of reporting activity of this nature to the police and the Office.

 

Trash Removal Bid:  A three-year bid from Waste Management was reviewed and discussed.  Jane moved, Ellena seconded that accept the three-year bid from Waste Management to continue their trash removal service.  Approved 5-0. 

BOARD MEETING DATES

 

April 30, 2006

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:27 P.M.

 

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of  March 26, 2006

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Elizabeth A. Smith

Secretary

Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors