HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

OPEN MINUTES

March 25, 2007

 

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

 

Management Present:  Miller, Lyon

 

Employee present:  Robert

 

Members:  Sign-in sheet available

 

Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m.

 

OPEN MINUTES

 

Guyer moved, Ellena seconded to approve the Open Minutes from January 28, 2007.  Approved as written, 5-0.

 

MEMBER CONERNS

           

Georgia Vroman, 6220 Balfour:  Ms. Vroman stated that she believes there is a possum living under a deck at 6250 Balfour as she has seen it several times.  Management will follow-up.

 

Mary Heist, 6208 Balfour:  Ms. Heist questioned if smoke alarms were ever replaced.  Management stated that they have been replacing smoke alarms during move outs and/or as needed with ten (10) year life replacements.

 

Marjorie Brake, 6258 Haag:  Ms. Brake had brought the following concerns to the Board’s attention: (1) Why is money being spent on new privacy fences?  Why not play equipment?  Management explained that privacy fence replacement is part of Highlands’ twenty-year plan. Money for such projects is not determined by carrying charges, but comes from reserve accounts. Mr. Robert also stated that there has been nothing but “positive feedback” since installation of the privacy fences began. (2) Why are grounds employees picking up animal feces?  She believes this is a “bad” practice.  The current pet policy was explained, and although the Board agrees it’s unfortunate that any Highlands employee must clean-up after member’s animals, this practice will have to continue until a suitable alternative to the problem is discovered. (3) Are meeting minutes available on-line?  Monthly Board Meeting Minutes are available through the Highlands web site.  Management explained to Ms. Brake how to access this site. (4) Ms. Brake stated her concern about children playing/getting hurt playing in the parking lots.  This is an on-going concern for both the Board and Management.  Unfortunately, the only process for correcting this problem is for members to put their complaints in writing so Management can address this issue through the existing procedures. (5) Ms. Brake stated her concern about the amount of trash being put out too early.  Management explained that they do randomly collect trash put out too early, and will do more of it in the near future; especially now that summer is approaching.  It was also stated that members have a responsibility to report this problem too.

 

Elvira  Misner 1801 Georgetown: Ms.  Misner questioned if Highlands has a policy for keeping front and back yards free from trash.  Management stated that members are not supposed to put trash or large items such as recycling bins outside the front or back of units, and employees do try to monitor this.  Again, if a member is aware of this practice, they are encouraged to put their complaints in writing so Management can follow-up through the existing procedures. 

 

Terry Cherry, 6210 Haag:  Ms. Cherry stated her concern that a lot of dog feces is from other dogs that don’t belong at Highlands.  Management and Board acknowledged this fact and reiterated the pet policy. 

 

Linda Masters, 6222 Balfour:  Ms. Masters stated her concern of trash being put out prior to trash pick-up days.  Management again stated the current practice, and encouraged members to report trash being put out too early to the Office.

 

ANNUAL MEETING COMMENTS

           

A list of member comments from the February 4, 2007 annual meeting was presented to the Board by Management.  Items from this list will be reviewed in conjunction with the monthly Board Meeting Minutes until all comments and/or concerns have been discussed. 

 

RE-ROOFING PROGRAM

           

Mark Robert and Nanette Miller met with seven contractors concerning the proposed re-roofing project for 2007, identified in the Highlands Cooperative 20-year plan.  Ms. Miller stated that because of Mr. Robert’s involvement at the contractors meeting regarding this matter, she requested he attend this meeting to help answer questions, if needed. 

 

Several concerns were brought up in the contractors meeting with different options on how they should be handled.  There was enough variance in opinions that Management is going to be making an appointment with a consultant to discuss these concerns. 

 

During discussion, Management also stated that to eliminate ongoing employee cost, time, and the possibility of unnecessary injury, some type of protective covering or screening on eves to prevent leaves and other debris from plugging them is being considered. Mr. Robert also pointed out that no matter what type of protection is chosen, any style may promote the formation of icicles in the winter. 

 

Management noted this is an important and very expensive project, and that any unforeseen problems should be identified before the project begins.  The Board agreed, and Management will continue to follow-up with concerns and meet with a consultant as needed. 

 

GROUNDS BUILDING

 

Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept the bid of $90,949.00 from Laux Construction to put in the utilities and complete the interior construction of the grounds building. This should take approximately 4-6 weeks, and completes Phase 2 of this project.  Approved 5-0.

 

20-YEAR PLAN

 

Board reviewed future maintenance projects identified in the 20-year plan.  Smydra moved, Smith seconded to accept this plan as presented by Management.  Approved with revisions, 5-0.

 

CLUBHOUSE CARPET BIDS

 

The Board and Management reviewed and discussed carpet bids for the Clubhouse. The issue of padding verses carpeting being glued to floor surface was discussed.  A sample of the new carpet chosen for the Clubhouse and Board Room was also presented. With this choice, no new furniture will need to be purchased.  However, it may be necessary to paint.  Management recommended Danford Floors & More because this bid includes padding, they are a local company should any problems arise, and it helps Highlands establish new ties in the community.  Smith moved, Jane seconded, to approve the bid of $3,739.65 which includes padding, carpet, and labor from Danford Floors & More per Management’s recommendation.  Approved 5-0.

 

PARKING POLICY/MOTORCYCLE POLICY

 

Management presented the Board with a revised Parking Policy.  The Parking and Motorcycle/Mopeds Policies have now been combined, which should help eliminate confusion to our members.  Jane moved, Ellena seconded, to accept the revised parking policy with these revisions.  Approved 5-0.

 

MAINTENANCE STRIP POLICY/PATIO POLICY

 

Management requested that the Board reconsider adding “concrete” back onto the list of acceptable materials in this policy.  This material is easy to install, as easy to maintain as other acceptable materials identified, and will give members a place to put items during mowing season. Ellena moved, Guyer seconded, to approve this policy with any additional grammatical corrections.  Approved 5-0.

 

STORAGE/TOOL BIN

 

The new Outdoor Storage/Tool Bin Policy was discussed.  “Size” is not listed in the policy because of other variations and limitations within the policy.  Ellena moved, Smith seconded, to accept this policy as written.  Approved 5-0.

 

AIR CONDITIONING-CENTRAL AIR

 

This policy was revised to reflect the requirement of  “a minimum of 12 inch maintenance strip on all sides of the unit…” to help assure that grounds and/or maintenance personnel do not damage said unit when working or mowing near it.  Smydra moved, Jane seconded, to accept this policy with any additional grammatical changes.  Approved 5-0.

 

ALTERATIONS POLICY

 

Jane moved, Smith seconded, to accept the revised Alteration Policy as presented.  Approved 5-0.

 

GARDEN POLICY

 

Ms. Miller gave a history of garden policy, and presented suggested changes to the overall style of the garden design. Despite this new design, plots will still remain approximately 25’ by 25’.  Board was presented with a draft copy of the Garden Policy for review.  Board discussion followed.  Management answered both Board and member questions.  Smydra moved, Smith seconded, to approve this policy with corrections, and any additional grammatical changes, if needed.  Approved 5-0.

 

GREAT LAKES AIR PHOTOS

 

Management has contacted Great Lakes Air Photos to do three seasonal aerial photos (1st week of June 2007, 2nd week of October 2007, and last week of January 2008) at a cost of  $1,215.82.  This will provide the Cooperative with three (3) 20x24 framed photos.  These pictures can be displayed in the office throughout the year, and reflect the season of the year too.

 

TREE REMOVAL REQUEST, 6318  HAAG

 

Beverly and Lester Frank, 6318 Haag, have made a request that the tree between their unit, and Gertrude Platte, 6320 Haag, unit be removed because of the mess it creates on the sidewalk, and subsequently tracked into their home.  The Board had instructed Management to investigate if there are any other solutions to this problem.  Management met with, Dana, from Smith Tree, and all parties are in agreement that the only way to eliminate this problem is to remove the tree.  Management’s recommendation is to delay the removal of this tree to the last possible moment this year.  Board consensus.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Fire Department:  Ms. Miller was contacted by the Lansing Fire Department regarding an upcoming Basketball game (May 14, 2007) between the Lansing Fire Fighters and the Detroit Lions. 

 

At this event, they will be distributing a Fire Awareness Handbook to every person coming to the game, and would like to know if Highlands would be interested in advertising in this booklet.  A half page ad would be $250, and full page ad costs $400.  Given the number of units on the market, this opportunity is a relatively good and cost effective way to reach a large number of people in the area.  Smith moved, Ellena seconded, to place a full page add at a cost of $400.00 using this media.  Approved 5-0

 

Celebration Cinema:  Miller was contacted by Celebration Cinema with an offer to advertise in a local booklet.  Ms. Miller wanted the Board to be aware that although she did not take advantage of this offer; she is looking into the possibility of advertising in various theaters and/or this arena.  Any progress in the endeavor will be reported to Board at a later date.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

 

I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of March 25, 2007.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                       

Jackie Guyer, Secretary, Board of Directors

Highlands Cooperative Association