Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the

Deer Creek Homeowners Association of Livonia

January 25, 2005

Reviewed by the Board of Directors 2-27-05

Approved at 2006 Annual Meeting 1-26-06

 

President Behrendsen convened the meeting at 7:44 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A and B of the Livonia Civic Center Library, with 23 homeowners in attendance.

Board Members Present:  Denny Behrendsen, Bob Moore, Charles (Buzz) and Suzanne Steffes, Diane Tsaprazis, Sylvia Leski and Walt Gerstner.  All members were present.

Introduction of New Neighbors Present:  Kay Strobl (Wayne Road).

Minutes of January 29, 2004:  The Secretary read the minutes aloud.  A motion was made to accept the minutes as written, seconded, and passed by acclamation.

Treasurer’s Reports:

A.      The 2004 financial statement was presented by Buzz Steffes.  The report showed income of $14,395 from 168 homeowners (80%) and 23 homes that prepaid 2005 dues.   Expenditures included $4,730.91 in operating expenses and $15,000 spent on landscaping in front of the 8 Mile east and west signs, resulting in an ending checkbook balance of $229.43.  A motion was made to accept the report as written, and seconded.  The following points were clarified:

• In 2003, $4,844 was used to entirely re-landscape the two Gill Road entrance areas; the money was not spent on signs.
• Electrical work on the east side of 8 Mile was damaged when Sprinkler Services Company did boring.  We need to hire an electrician to provide a waterproof box and make sure all the work is done properly.
• We spent $15,000 to entirely finish the 8 Mile landscaping in front of the signs, rather than spreading it out over several years.
• The island maintenance account was explained.

The report was approved by acclamation.  The Treasurers thanked those who made extra donations to the Association.

B.     The Three Year Financial Plan was presented by Bob Moore. 

• During 2005, we anticipate 150 homeowners paying dues, which take in account the 23 who prepaid last year, generating income of $11,250.  We plan to repair the electrical work at 8 Mile.  We plan to replace the aging, cedar wood signs at Gill Road; we anticipate spending $5,000 for two new signs. President Behrendsen explained that homeowner Curtis MacRae recommended Sign Stuff Co., owned by Will Buyers.  We can save some money by installing replacement signs ourselves.  Homeowner Mark Miller recommended a wood filler he used at his own home to repair the signs; he gave us the web sites.  Pres. Behrendsen said we could investigate.  Homeowner Harry Rodgers said the signs are not only rotting, they are warped.
• In 2006, the major projects include $5,000 for two new signs at 8 Mile and $4,000 for refurbishing the far east and west ends of the 8 Mile landscaping.
• In 2007, we project to spend $7,000 on interior island refurbishment.

A motion was made to accept the report, and seconded.  Discussions clarified that tree replacement in 2007 is for the islands, not the boulevard areas. We currently do not pay sewer assessments on our water bills.  A homeowner pointed out that we did not include an inflation factor in our expense projections.  Pres. Behrendsen explained that this is our second year trying to forecast out 3 years; we should consider it a budget for 2005 and a general plan for ’06 and ’07.  Mark Miller said postage is expected to increase.  The Board clarified that the larger miscellaneous expenses incurred in 2004 were for the 9-15-04 special meeting.  The report was approved by acclamation.

Old Business:   The Accomplishments of the Board of Directors since the last annual meeting were read from the agenda.  Pres. Behrendsen explained that mandatory dues will not be addressed again unless we get solid legal advice that precedent exists.  We will put up signs again when we need gardening help.  Regarding the Golf Ridge development, we pressured the City to upgrade the project.  Harry Rodgers recommended that we obtain written documentation from the City that our water pressure will not decline as a result of the new housing. 

Election:  The Board thanked Larry Schroer for his many years of service to the Board.  Larry held many Board positions.  Homeowner Roy Chestnut remembered that the original islands were a pile of weeds and that Larry primarily planned the landscaping.  We wish the Schroer family well.

Roy Field nominated himself as a Trustee.  Pres. Behrendsen requested additional nominations from the floor three times for the two open Trustee positions.  Roy Field was elected for a two year term by acclamation.

 New Business:

1. Garage Sale:  Diane Ennis and Pauline Kehoe will chair, unless someone else comes forward.  They plan a sale during one of the first two weekends in June.  The City has increased fees, so our charge will increase too.  If anyone opens a sale but does not register, they risk getting a fine for not having a permit.
2. Welcome Committee:  Chairperson Sylvia Leski explained that the four members visited 8 new residents.  Diane Ennis will join the group. 
3. City ordinance reminders read by Pres. Behrendsen.
4. Other:  A resident complained about a loud car radio.  A resident said lawn jobs seem to have decreased.  Homeowner Marge Mifsud asked about the Maple Woods development on Gill Road.  Pres. Behrendsen explained the City approval process.  He stated that there is public hearing 1/26/05 for the parcel east of Chestnut Grove, called Sarah Estates, proposing R-4 (90’) lots.  A smaller parcel located next to the professional plaza at Gill and 8 Mile Roads owned by the Nixon family is in a meeting tonight; the City wants it to be R-4 also.

Adjournment:  It was moved by acclamation that the annual meeting of January 25, 2005 be adjourned.  President Behrendsen adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

 

Minutes prepared by Diane Tsaprazis, Secretary