HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

August 27, 2006

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

Management Present: Lyon, Miller

Meeting called to order at 5:01 p.m.

OPEN MINUTES

Not available at this time.

MEMBER CONCERNS

Linda Masters, 6222 Balfour Drive: Ms. Masters reported that she witnessed children tearing branches out of trees on Balfour Drive near the ballpark. Mr. Smydra asked Ms. Masters knew who the children were. Ms. Masters was not sure. Mr. Smydra suggested she take digital photos and submit them to the office, as Ms. Miller or other Highlands Cooperative staff members might know who the kids are.

Chris Fjeld, 6919 Balfour Drive: Mr. Fjeld voiced his opinion on the new Pet Policy, specifically the change to the policy regarding picking up pet waste immediately. Mr. Fjeld suggested the policy be revised or refined, or some sort of appeals process be created.

Janet Smiley, 6217 Haag Road: Ms. Smiley voiced her opinion on the new Pet Policy. She stated she has seen people out walking their dogs and witnessed them not being cleaned up after. Ms. Miller asked Ms. Smiley to call the office and report it when she sees the Pet Policy being violated.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None at this time.

2006/2007 BUDGET

Mr. Lyon discussed preliminary 2006/2007 budget information with the Board and Members in attendance.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) POLICY

The Board reviewed and discussed a change to the HUD Policy. The change will remove verbiage about the HUD mortgages and replace it with verbiage about the mortgage payoff/refinancing.

Smydra moved, Ellena seconded to approve the revised policy, as written. Approved 5-0.

MANAGEMENT POLICY

Smydra moved, Jane seconded to change all instances of PM One to Midwest Management in the Management Policy. Approved 5-0.

PET POLICY COMPLAINTS

Ms. Miller reported that after the revised Pet Policy was distributed to all Members, one complaint and several compliments were received by the Highlands Cooperative office, both from pet owners and those who do not own pets.

Mr. Smydra asked if there was an appeals process written as part of the Pet Policy. Ms. Miller replied there was not. The Board asked Ms. Miller to draft an appeals process for addition to the Pet Policy. This will be reviewed in a subsequent Board meeting.

OUTDOOR STORAGE SHEDS

Photos of different styles of outdoor storage sheds were reviewed and discussed. Ms. Miller will draft a Policy and present it for review at the next Board meeting.

TREE REMOVAL

Ms. Miller reported on two trees that need to be removed. There was Board consensus to allow Smith Tree and Landscape to remove both of the trees in question. Both trees will be replaced, with the cost for replacement to come out of Surcharge.

6300 BALFOUR DRIVE AREA SHRUB BARRIER

Ms. Miller presented information regarding shrubs being planted as a barrier against foot traffic near 6300 Balfour Drive for review and discussion. The approximate cost for planting of three shrubs will be $200.00. Jane moved, Smydra seconded to have three shrubs purchased for $200.00 and installed. The cost of the shrubs will come out of Surcharge. Approved 3-2. Ellena and Smith opposed.

OLD BUSINESS

None at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Ellena suggested raising the rate for renting the clubhouse, as it ends up costing Highlands more to rent it than is taken in for rental fees. This will be placed on the agenda for the September Board meeting.

Mr. Smydra commented on his opinion of the condition of the South Lansing area, specifically, he feels the quality of the environment is going downhill. Mr. Smydra wants Highlands to continue to be informed and involved in what happens in our community and the entire South Lansing area. He also asked that Highlands Cooperative become active in any South Lansing Neighborhood groups there might be. If there aren’t any, he suggests we start one. Ms. Miller is planning on scheduling another neighborhood meeting, to include Village, Woodbridge, Arbors of Georgetown, etc., the Mayor, LPD representatives, City Council members, and other City officials to discuss police concerns and Neighborhood Watch. Ms. Miller will also schedule a meeting with other neighborhood Board of Directors to discuss shared community concerns.

Ms. Miller reported that she would like to begin the parking lot sealing/striping project soon. Smith moved, Ellena seconded to accept the bid from Quality Asphalt Maintenance for $8, 905.00 to seal and stripe the 7 parking lots (phase 1), with the funds to come out of Reserve. Approved 5-0.

Sealing of the Grounds Building floor was reviewed and discussed. Smydra moved, Smith seconded to approve $3,500.00 to be taken out of Rehab/Reserve to pay for sealing the Grounds Building floor. Approved 5-0.

Mr. Lyon discussed the merits of Highlands Cooperative becoming a member of the Apartment Association. Smith moved, Ellena seconded to approve the $1,000.00 membership fee for the Apartment Association; funds to come out of Surcharge. Approved 5-0.

Mr. Smydra commented on how great the Highlands Cooperative grounds look; not just what Highlands is doing, but what Members have done as well. Mr. Smydra went on to specifically compliment Daniel Greiner on his landscape work throughout the property, and plans to submit a letter to Kathy Sinicropi within the next two weeks with his praise of Daniel’s work as well.

Ms. Jane suggested that Highlands Cooperative allow single persons to occupy two bedroom townhomes. Mr. Lyon stated that HUD would not approve that, and it would be necessary to re-write the Occupancy Agreement. Ms. Miller stated that we do allow single persons to occupy two bedroom townhomes if there are no one bedroom units available, and the unit is advertised by the Member.

BOARD MEETING DATES

September 24, 2006

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:03 P.M.

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of August 27, 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth A. Smith

Secretary

Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors