OPEN MINUTES
November 21, 2011
Board Members Present: Ellena, Guyer, Jane, Moles
Board Members Not Present: Smith
Management Present: Miller, Lyon
Members: Sign-in sheet available
Meeting called to
order at p.m.
MINUTES
Jane moved, Guyer seconded to accept the Open Minutes of October 17, 2011 as written. Approved 4-0
Smoke-Free Townhomes Presentation
At the current time there are no plans to make Highlands Cooperative a smoke-free property. This material is entirely informational and presented at the request of a Member.
Due to a this request Amy Moore from the Ingham County Health Department presented informal material to the Board and all attending Members about establishing smoke-free townhomes at Highlands.
Ms. Moore also congratulated Highlands for having a smoke-free marijuana policy in place as this is an issue that many properties and landlords in the area are struggling.
Me. Lyon asked if there was any statistics available as to the number of people that smoke. Ms. Moore stated the following statistics of smoker in Ingham County.
· Ages 14-26……………..…..30%
· Age 50 and Over ……….8%
· General Population ………...18%
Income Reviews/Tax Extensions
As part of the income review process, Members are required to submit a copy of their income tax return. However, this may not always be possible for Members that file for an extension on their income taxes.
Management, therefore, is recommends that in such cases that the Member pay Surcharge until the extension process is completed. It then becomes the Members responsibility to complete Highland’s recertification process at that time.
Members who do not turn their finished paperwork into the office will continue to pay Surcharge until their extension paperwork is turned into the office thus allowing the recertification process to be fully completed. No refund of Surcharge payments will be paid back to the Member.
Member Equity Value
The Board discussed the increase of equity value for Member’s townhomes as presented in the By-Laws for 2012. By-Laws allow for the maximum Membership sale fee to be the previous (value) plus 3%. The Board of Directors with a majority vote may adjust this from 0 – 2.9%.
Current Membership values in Section 12 of the By-Laws as follows:
One (1) Bedroom $6835.00
Two (2) Bedroom $8,088.00
Two (2) Bedroom w/1/2 bath $8,365.00
Three (3) Bedroom $9.230.00
Management stated that Highlands has several units available for sale but, have not done so yet. Management recommends that due to the number of units that are currently available and other economic conditions the Board not change the Membership values for 2012.
Jane moved, Guyer seconded that the current equity value of the Membership’s townhomes remain at the same 2011 value as listed the By-Laws due to the current economic conditions. Approved 4-0
Up-date/Miller Rd Property
The property has been surveyed with the proposed decrease of land size and the house with Highlands Cooperative maintaining ownership/possession of the majority of the said property. This action assures that no matter what happens to the said property in the future; only a single family home is possible.
In preparation of this end, the chain link fence on the East side of the property and the arbs trees that line it must be moved. Management is asking that this process be started now as the arbs are dormant and have a better chance of survival. Highlands grounds personnel will be able to do this internally to help keep costs for this project down.
Guyer moved, Ellena seconded to approve the removal of the chain link fence on the East side of the Miller Rd. property and the redistribution of as many arbs as possible that line it be started immediately to assure the best chance of survival of the trees. Approved 4-0
Property Tree Removals
The proposed removal of several trees from the property and reasons for this action were discussed. Location/reasons are listed below.
1. Behind 6236 Haag
Removal of the Maple tree. The Oak tree is shading it out and the Oak prevents any grass from growing. Also ther are a lot of roots, that will continue to get worse (safety issue) above ground.
2. Along
Miller by the side of 6101 Balfour
Removal of the Pine tree growing under the Honey Locust.
3. Front yard of 6117-6127 Balfour
Removal of the Pine growing under Honey Locust and Maple tree.
4. Front flower bed area of 6231 Balfour
Removal of Red Sirea Pear leaning toward building. Tree is to close to building and leaves fruit on the front porch and sidewalk. Member would like to see it taken out.
5. Front island by 6132 Balfour
Removal of White Pine. Tree has no room to grow and it is damaged. Growing
In the middle of the Spruce, Elm, and Sycamore.
6. Corner
of 6250 and 6252 Balfour
Removal of Elm tree. Losses small branches on a regular basis. Danger to
numerous vehicles parked in area.
7. Side of 6320 Balfour (4 options)
Option #1 –Limb up the large Spruce, remove (3) Austrian Pines along fence
line.
Option #2 – Limb up the large Spruce
Option #3 – Limb up the large Spruce, remove (3) Austrian Pines along fence
line, plant (3) Arbs in their place
Option #4- Not limb up the large Spruce, remove (3) Austrian Pines
After much discussion there was Board consensus that the removal of all trees in listed in items 1-6 would be removed. In item #7 the (3) Austrian Pines will be removed at this time and if the large Spruce will be limbed will be determined at a different date.
It is noted that there will be a cost for the removal of the above listed trees as they will present a danger to Members. The cost of this process will be addressed once it becomes necessary
Board Meeting Dates
The December 2011 Board Meeting will be cancelled due to the Holidays.
The January 2012 Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2012 with Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. and Open at 6:30 provided Board President, Smith’s schedule is clear.
NEW BUSINESS
School Bus Stop Incident
An incident described by Ms. Jane as a brawl involving approximately 15 to 20 children recently occurred at the corner of Georgetown and Balfour where the Lansing School bus picks them up prior to the bus arriving. Some children were be threatened to the point that they were afraid to remain at the bus stop. Ms. Jane called the called the Lansing Police Department but, those involved had left before the police arrived. Ms. Jane also contacted the Lansing School District to report the incident.
Ms. Jane reported that the School District had called her back and reported they were able to track down the instigators of the trouble and the School District is following up.
Gas Transportation Costs
Mr. Lyon informed the Board that they are in the process of securing a contract for next years gas transportation cost and, hopefully, it may result is a price of $5.00 or less.
MEMBER CONCERNS – None
Meeting Adjourned at7:50
p.m.
I certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the Board Meeting of November 21, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Guyer, Secretary, Board of Directors