Open Minutes
May 17, 2003
Board Members
Present: Ellena, Jane, Smith, Smydra
Board Members
Absent: Guyer
Management
Present: Lyon,
Miller
Jane moved, Smith seconded to accept the April 27, 2003 Open Session Minutes. Approved 4-0.
MEMBER CONCERNS
MARGARET POWER, 1759 GEORGETOWN AVENUE: Ms. Power reported that it is difficult for persons with
disabilities to enter the community building because the ashtray/trashcan is in
the way.
Ms. Power also requested
that future Highlands Cooperative Association literature use the terminology
‘persons with disabilities’ rather than ‘handicapped’. Following this comment, there was discussion
between Management, the Board, and Ms. Power regarding physical disabilities
vs. developmental disabilities.
LUCILLE CARSON, 6274 HAAG ROAD:
Ms.
Carson reported that a tree near her unit is obstructing the lighting of her
building. She was approached one night at
approximately 10:00 pm by a young man, and was quite startled as she did not
see him coming in the darkness.
Management will look into adding additional lighting to that area.
GEORGIA VROMAN, 6220 BALFOUR DRIVE:
Ms.
Vroman asked about the status of repairing or replacing existing playground
equipment in the property. Management
reported that the topic was still under discussion, and would be addressed
later at this Open Session.
Ms. Vroman also noted that
many members’ fences and/or decks are in poor condition, and that some children
pulled out flowers she planted the day before.
Parking Committee: Ms. Jane is in the process of
organizing a Parking Committee Meeting.
The Board reviewed a revised version of the Bird Feeder/Bird Bath Policy, which included new statements regarding birdhouses.
Smydra moved, Smith seconded
to approve the revised policy. Approved
4-0.
Management reported that there had been no updates for future Planning Committee or City Council meetings involving Sterling Development. Management will continue to pursue information regarding future meetings.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Management and the Board reviewed maps with locations of current playground equipment, and photos of each item, with their conditions noted. Also reviewed was literature concerning arsenic treated wood from MSU Extension Office, Consumer Safety Information, Planet save.com, Environmental News Network, Recreational Resources Services, and This Old House magazine.
Management recommends that the slide platforms on six swing/slide combination units on the property be removed to eliminate children climbing on them.
Mark Robert and Nanette Miller will determine which playground items can be repaired, and which are in need of being replaced.
MORTGAGE PAYOFF
The mission statement of the 2009 Committee was discussed and revised as follows: “The Board of Directors will research and obtain the pertinent information needed to preserve the integrity of the Cooperative. It is the goal of the Board of Directors to maintain the Association’s status as a cooperative, thereby ensuring a quality of life for each Member of the Association”.
OLD BUSINESS
None at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Building Rental: The current Community Building Reservation policy was reviewed and discussed. This was due to a recent flyer solicitation by someone that rented the building for an event, and distributed open invitations to the public. Liability was discussed, and Ms. Miller will check with the person who rented the Community Building for this event to see if he will sign a waiver, personally indemnifying himself for any legal issues that might occur.
The Community Building Reservation policy will be discussed further at the next Board meeting.
Flower Day: It was suggested that the hours for Flower Day be changed for next year. This topic has been tabled until the June Board meeting, so that the data regarding the number of attendees and times of arrival collected during Flower Day 2003 can be reviewed.
June 29, 2003
MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 6:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth A. Smith
Secretary
Highlands Cooperative Association Board of Directors