Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the
Deer Creek Homeowners Association of Livonia
April 2, 2009
Reviewed by the Board of Directors on 4-26-09
DRAFT until approved at the 2010 Annual Meeting

President Behrendsen convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. in meeting Rooms A and B of the Livonia Civic Center Library, with 31 homeowners in attendance.

Board Members Present: Denny Behrendsen, Bob Moore, Dave Wood, Diane Tsaprazis, Walt Gerstner, Roy Field, Brian Gulick and Sylvia Leski. All members were present. Pres. Behrendsen thanked Suzanne and Charles (Buzz) Steffes for their many years of service as our Treasurers, and welcomed Dave Wood as our new Treasurer.

Introduction of New Neighbors: There were no new neighbors present. Pres. Behrendsen thanked Harry Rodgers for his many years of assistance and explained that Ansaf Alrabady is our new web master, although he was not present.

Minutes of January 24, 2008: The Secretary read the minutes aloud. A motion was made to accept the minutes as written, seconded, and passed by acclamation.

Treasurer’s Reports: Presented by Dave Wood
A. 2008 Financial Report: A comparison of the budget and the actual figures was explained. Dues of $12,750 from 170 homeowners were expected; we received $12,117 from 165 homeowners. Operating expenses were budgeted at $5,840, while the actual amount was less at $4,381. Project expenses were budgeted at $8,085 while the actual figure was $7,771 to refurbish interior islands 1, 3, and 4. Our 12-31-08 checkbook balance was $1,294. A motion was made to approve the minutes and seconded. Discussion followed. A homeowner clarified that the total anticipated funds on line 3 should be $13,446 (adding the balance from prior year of $1,329 plus the dues of $12,117). A motion was made to amend the report; it was seconded and the amended 2008 report was then approved by all.
B. 2009 Budget: Walt, Denny, Bob and Dave prepared this report. It is based on only 160 homeowners paying dues and does not plan on donations. To date, we have already received $500 in donations as well as $10,725 in dues from 143 homes. The water bill in 2008 was higher than anticipated ($1,126 actual vs. $750 budgeted) due to higher costs from the City for installation and removal of meters, increased usage and a leak. We budgeted the 2009 water at $1,182. Walt Gerstner explained that project costs of $6,630 are based on firm quotes to refurbish islands 6 & 8 as well as install sprinkler timers on islands 1,4 and 7. The timers are powered by AA batteries. We expect our 12-31-09 balance to be $1,042.
C. Directional Plan for 2010 and 2011: We plan to contract out interior island maintenance. In Oct. 2008, only 4 people helped cleanup the 8 Mile area.

A motion was made to approve the 2009 budget, and it was seconded. A homeowner asked why dues are not mandatory. Pres. Behrendsen explained that our Association was formed under the deed restrictions of the original builder who thought that people would be more likely to buy homes if dues were not mandatory. A few years ago (9-15-2004), we held a general meeting to amend our bylaws. Resident attorneys presented strong opposition to the plan. The homeowner then asked if dues could be mandatory for new homeowners. Pres. Behrendsen said any changes would have to be approved by the membership and would have to apply to all. The 2009 budget was approved by acclamation.

Pres. Behrendsen explained that an Audit of our financial records was conducted at the request of our prior Treasurers. Homeowner Richard Obad reviewed our books, complimented the accuracy and made about four procedural change recommendations. He offered to perform audits annually. Pres. Behrendsen thanked him for his work.

Old Business: President Behrendsen read our list of accomplishments since our last meeting from the Agenda. The following items were discussed:
- The walking bridge to Bicentennial Park was upgraded by the City thanks to Roy Field. A homeowner pointed out that they also removed some hazardous trees.
- A homeowner asked about the water pressure, specifically about the odd/even schedule. Pres. Behrendsen said that the suggested schedule is up to the City, and that last summer it rained regularly. The City Engineer told us they are holding off on starting the new main planned along 8 Mile as they are monitoring the changes made along Gill Road last summer to determine if it is necessary. We prefer that the new main be built. A homeowner stated they noticed improvement after the Gill Road work. The City wants to monitor our experience and their computer model. Pres. Behrendsen recommended we call the City if we have low pressure. Dave Wood asked homeowners to also call the Board.
- Regarding paving, we meet with the City regularly. They did some slab repair in about 2004. We continue to stress that we do not want black top.
- Holiday Lights: Bob Moore installed the three decorative deer.
- Police Meeting: Call the non-emergency number if we see any odd occurrences.
- Covenants: A summary was included in the January 2009 mailing.
- Website: Our old host went out of business; we are still working on improvements.

Election: When our prior Treasurer moved, the Board appointed a replacement to serve until this meeting. Pres. Behrendsen asked for nominations from the floor three times. Seeing none, we voted by acclamation that Dave Wood become our Treasurer for one year to fulfill the remainder of the original term.

New Business:
A. Our State Representative and Deer Creek resident, John Walsh, could not attend our meeting due to a mandatory session of the Legislature. He was elected Nov. 4, 2008.
B. We will need volunteers for our spring cleanup/planting. Signs will be posted.
C. We believe Pauline Kehoe (Condon) will chair the Garage Sale again in early summer.
D. City ordinance reminders were given including that snow and grass must be kept on one’s own property or else a ticket can be issued. A homeowner asked about where to place trash cans. Pres. Behrendsen said they can be on curb or in gutter, off the right of way, according to a City newsletter.
E. Other:
- A homeowner asked that a sign be posted with dog waste bags near the Park entrance.
- Two homeowners asked that we make the City aware of sunken concrete (20267 Edgewood and 20151 Gary Lane)
- A homeowner offered to help with dues collection, and suggested we include dues amounts of comparable neighborhoods in our mailings.
- Regarding island maintenance, Pres. Behrendsen explained that the island maintenance program will continue for 2009. Expenses should be submitted to our Treasurer. It is best that outside landscapers provide a separate bill for island, not just include it with the home.

Adjournment: It was moved by acclamation that the annual meeting of April 2, 2009 be adjourned. Pres. Behrendsen adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Diane Tsaprazis, Secretary