HIGHLANDS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Open Minutes

April 27, 2003

Board Members Present:  Ellena, Guyer, Jane, Smydra 

Board Member Absent: Smith 

Management Present: Lyon, Miller, Sinicropi

 Meeting called to order at 5:10 p.m.

 OPEN MINUTES

MEMBER CONCERNS  

Terry Cherry, 6210 Haag Trash being put out early in her sister’s lot.  Not being dealt with, her sister puts trash out one time an hour early and gets a letter.   Bathroom:  Angela’s sister getting bathroom out of turn just because it is bad.    Her sister requested a shrub be trimmed by her deck and was told by Mark that it could not be done due to budget reasons.  Wants kids to stop playing in front of her townhome. 

Margaret Power, 1759 Georgetown Are handicap person going to be allowed to get flowers day early Curb cut – needs to be cleared to middle of parking lot, she is checking into the law. 

Cathy Runge, 1741 Georgetown Wants a map of the property

WEBSITE

Miller informed the board that the links on the Service page have been repaired and copies of the minutes were added to the Bulletin Board page. GARDEN There was Board consensus to handle assignment of the garden plots the same way as last year. Members who had a garden plot last year have first opportunity to reserve the same plot.  After a designated date the remaining plots are available to all members on a first come first serve basis.If reserved plots are not planted by a designated date members have the opportunity to sign up for an additional plot.

FLOWER CONTEST  

There was Board discussion concerning the judging processes used in the past.  There was also discussion concerning the amount of the prizes given away. Guyer moved, Jane seconded to reduce the prizes to $100 for first place, $75 for second place, $50 for third place, (10 honorable mentions for $25) and management will get three public/professional people to do the judging.  Approved 3 (Guyer, Jane, Smydra) – 1 (Ellena). 

STERLING DEVELOPMENT 

Miller updated the Board that the Planning Board approved the plans submitted by Sterling Development.  The issue now moves on to City Council for their approval.  Management will get the date that this will be on the agenda for City Council.  Smydra will attend the City Council meeting to show support for Sterling Development. 

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT 

There was Board discussion on possible ways to increase member’s involvement in activities and issues affecting the Cooperative:Add a section in the website for fliers and detailed information on events Have signs made to promote the monthly Board meetings. 

GEORGETOWN BLVD.  

Management informed the Board that a letter was not sent to the City of Lansing, Planning Department, reminding them of the previous lawsuit and agreement not to open the dead end at the end of Georgetown.  Tom Derderian advised not sending the letter at this time since there is no activity indicating construction of the end of the road.  There was consensus of the Board to not send a letter at this time and Management was instructed to keep an eye on the construction of the new complex and if there is any indication of open the roadway to immediately advise the Board. 

MOVE OUT PROCEDURE 

Jane moved, Ellena seconded to accepted the revised Move Out procedure as written. Approved 4 – 0. 

TRASH REMOVAL/RECYCLING 

Jane moved, Ellena seconded to accept the trash removal proposal for a three-year contract at the following rates per month.

CMS GAS TRANSPORTATION 

Jane moved, Guyer seconded to accept the one-year agreement with CMS Gas Transportation to purchase gas at the lowest price each month. Approved 4 – 0 

MORTGAGE PAYOFF

There was discussion on how to inform members about the mortgage payoff.  Larry Lyon will draft the first publication of a quarterly newsletter to inform members of the mortgage procedures and progress.  These publications will be distributed in January, April, July, and October of each year, beginning July 2003.Creation of a mission statement will be put on the agenda for the May Board meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Trash monitoring:  Smydra questioned the reason monitoring was not done after 12:00 midnight.  It was explained that at a previous meeting it was decided that no monitoring would occur after 12:00 midnight.  Smydra stated that he accepts the decision of the Board but is opposed to not doing trash monitoring after a certain time.

Playgrounds:  Miller updated the Board on the progress with the playground equipment.  Location and conditions of the equipment will be an agenda item for May.  Recommendations for removals and installations will be an agenda item for the June agenda.

Bus Route:   Miller update the Board that no decisions have been finalized and that if the new route through the property were to be started in would be in August of 2003.Funfest 2003:   

Funfest: Ellena, chairperson of the Fun Fest committee, reported that at the last Fun Fest meeting, there was an adequate number of volunteers in attendance to go ahead with the event.  However, since the meeting, 2 volunteers have already dropped out.  Ms. Ellena suggested that Fun Fest be cancelled for 2003. After discussion there was Board consensus to cancel the Funfest for 2003.

NEW BUSINESS:

Wiring:   Terry Cherry, 6210 Haag question if Highlands had aluminum wiring and could it be replaced.  Lyon informed the Board that Highlands does have aluminum wiring, however the ends have been treated with aluminum.  The cost to replace the wiring would cost $100,000’s of thousand of dollars. 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nanette Miller

Acting Secretary for the Board of Director
Midwest Management/P.M. One