2010 (April 13th)

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Deer Creek Homeowners Association of Livonia

April 13, 2010

Reviewed by the Board of Directors on May 12, 2010

Approved at the 2011 Annual Homeowners’ Meeting

President Behrendsen convened the meeting at 7:34 p.m. in meeting Rooms B & C of the Livonia Civic Center Library, with 22 homeowners in attendance.

 

Board Members Present:  Denny Behrendsen, Bob Moore, Dave Wood, Diane Tsaprazis, Walt Gerstner and Sylvia Leski;  Roy Field and Brian Gulick were absent. 

 

Introduction of New Neighbors:  There were no new neighbors present.

 

Minutes of April 2, 2009:  The Secretary read the minutes aloud.  A motion was made to accept the minutes as written and seconded.  Two corrections were made.  The minutes were passed by acclamation.

 

Treasurer’s Reports:  Presented by Dave Wood

A.    2009 Financial Report:  A comparison of the budget and the actual figures was explained.  We budgeted that 160 homeowners would pay dues of $12,000; in actuality we received 164 paid homeowners totaling $12,825 including $525 in donations.  Our ending balance was $1,715 compared to the $1,042 expected.  We pulled ahead the pachysandra project around the 8 Mile signs with the increased revenue available.  Water expenses of $1,472 were incurred vs. $1,182 forecast due to sprinklers on islands that ran too often.  Our target is to achieve the average usage; timers will be adjusted and we will water at night.  A motion was made to approve the report and seconded.  Discussion was offered, but seeing none, the report was passed by acclamation.

B.    2010 Budget:  Water budgeted at $1,380; usage will be monitored throughout the season, not just when the bill is received at the end.  Budgeted electrical repairs of $200 covers some known problems.  Walt obtained firm quotes to maintain all interior islands for $5,080.  Walt explained we obtained quotes from 4 landscape companies with Metro Grounds selected.  Work will include weeding & cleanup in the spring, fertilizing 4 times, 28 weeks of mowing & edging, weeding the centers once in the summer, and trimming in the fall.  Homeowners still must set timers to adjust for hot & rainy weather; Walt will check periodically.  Homeowners will no longer be reimbursed for island maintenance.  Entrance maintenance planned at $2,000 includes professional spring & fall cleanup, weed control, fertilizer, mulch, and flowers.  Planting will still be done by volunteers – please help.  Website expenses of $250 have already been paid; we will try to upgrade site.  Holiday decorations of $300 are an increase as we are hoping for volunteers.  Printing & postage of $350 was increased to match actual past experience.  In the Project Expenses, we are planning $300 to re-landscape the Bicentennial Park entrance, $400 to replace a tree on Island #5, and allocating $1,000 for a “future project” sinking fund.  We project a $1,575 year end balance in addition to the sinking fund.  A motion was made to accept the report, it was seconded and discussion followed:

-       Spring & fall clean-up:  Walt explained that the contractor will do spring clean up and mulch.  Homeowners will need to do fall clean-up because blowing leaves make it hard to schedule contractor.

-       Park entrance project:  Dave explained it will probably be done in June.  Maintenance not to be done by contractor.  Walt said wooden fence definitely needs replacement.

The Budget was approved by acclamation.

 

C.    Directional Plan for 2011 and 2012:   All figures carry forward with a 2% inflation adjustment.  We do not vote on these years at this time.  The following items were questioned by homeowners:

-       Water Bill:  Denny explained we are not billed for sewage portion, only water itself.  Dave explained that the City fees to install meters increased in 2008 from $20 to $50 each.

-       Street Signs:  Dave & Denny explained that signs like the ones east of Gill Road cost about $10,000 and the City will not maintain or replace signs if we install special ones. 

-       Light Post Replacement:  Some are 20 years old and some have been replaced per Dave.  Denny will check with the City Assessor to find out the replacement schedule provided with our special assessment on our tax bills. 

 

Old Business:  President Behrendsen read our list of accomplishments since our last meeting from the Agenda.   The following items were discussed:

-       Water Projects:  Last night our Livonia Council began action to approve 8 new water projects comprising about 16 miles.  A loan is needed from the State.  The 2011 plan includes spurs along 8 Mile to supply our north and south ends to make water pressure more even.  Valve upgrades have helped, but we still experience variances.  Easement approval is needed and will tear up some of the cemetery area.  This plan is different from the one of 3 years ago.  Denny monitors pressure and calls the City as needed; City kept at about 80 psi in winter, now about 90 psi.

-       Streets Improvements:  Mr. Maillard, Director of Livonia Public Works, previously told us a new measuring system will be used here in July.  We gave City photos of worst spots.  We may see some tarring of expansion joints this year.  

-       Home Listings:  at an average quantity now.

 

Election:  All positions are open for a 2 year term.  Trustees Roy Field and Brian Gulick are not able to run again and were thanked for their helpful service.  Nominations for Trustees were received from Bob Ellis and Connie Vokal.  Pres. Behrendsen asked for nominations from the floor 3 times.  The following slate of Officers was elected by acclamation for a two year term:

            President:                    Denny Behrendsen

            Vice-President:           Bob Moore

            Treasurer:                   Dave Wood

            Secretary:                   Diane Tsaprazis

            Trustees:                     Walt Gerstner

                                                Bob Ellis

                                                Connie Vokal

            Welcome Committee: Sylvia Leski

                    

New Business: 

  1. Volunteers needed for planting flowers in late May at 8 Mile entrance.  Walt asked homeowners to pick any weeds they notice.
  2. Garage Sale:  We are hopeful it will be held in June as usual.
  3. Grass & snow are not to be put in street as per City ordinances.
  4. Trash:  Homeowners reminded to be careful that it does not blow outside of containers.
  5. Homeowner expressed appreciation for work done by Board.  Others clapped.
  6. Dirt pile at Cemetery:  concern that it is growing and that it may change water flow.  Pres. Behrendsen explained that cemetery has a deal with the developer of Golf Ridge Estates to allow them to put basement dirt there.  Dirt has changed the topography by about 2 or 3 feet.  We think they have a City permit now.  The sidewalk is uneven.  A soil erosion fence has been installed. 

 

Adjournment:  A motion was made to adjourn the annual meeting of April 13, 2010.  By acclamation, President Behrendsen adjoined the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

 

Minutes prepared by Diane Tsaprazis, Secretary