Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Deer Creek Homeowners Association of Livonia January 26, 2006 Reviewed by the Board of Directors 2-12-06 Approved at the 2007 Annual Meeting January 25, 2007
President Behrendsen convened the meeting at 7:38 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A and B of the Livonia Civic Center Library, with 24 homeowners in attendance.
Board Members Present: Denny Behrendsen, Bob Moore, Charles (Buzz) and Suzanne Steffes, Walt Gerstner, Roy Field, Sylvia Leski, and Diane Tsaprazis. All members were present.
Introduction of New Neighbors Present: Irene Martin (Ellen Drive).
Minutes of January 25, 2005: The Secretary read the minutes aloud. A motion was made to accept the minutes as written, seconded, and passed by acclamation.
Treasurer’s Reports:
- For 2006, total budgeted operating expenses of $4,540 include higher utility and postage costs as well as electrical repairs of $700 to fix the ground fault circuits at 8 Mile. Five or six large trees need to be replaced in the 8 Mile Easement at a projected cost of $4,000. We budgeted $5,800 for two new signs at 8 Mile. Landscape architect fees of $400 are also included to design replacement plantings on the interior islands. - In 2007, the plan includes $7,000 for refurbishing the interior islands, and another $9,000 planned in 2008. It may take three or four years to complete this project for all eight interior islands. A motion was made to accept the 2006 Financial Plan as a budget and 2007 and 2008 as projections. The motion was seconded. Discussion followed. - Homeowner Irene Martin wanted to recommend a landscape firm. Pres. Behrendsen explained that we will form a Committee to assist with this decision. - Homeowner Denise Brady, who lives near an island, asked if those nearby will be notified. Pres. Behrendsen explained that we want each island to have a representative on the Committee. - Homeowner Marge Mifsud asked how we will communicate plans with homeowners. Pres. Behrendsen explained that the January 2006 letter included a description of this committee. We will also put news in website. - Homeowner Irene Martin asked for clarification of the work done at 8 Mile. The center island is done, yet will receive new annual plantings. One Austrian pine on the east side of Ellen Drive is dead, and another one is failing. Mrs. Martin requested that we not put in trees with needles. Pres. Behrendsen explained that about 9 trees on the west side were paid for 50/50 by the Association and the homeowners. Mrs. Martin also asked if those next to the islands will pay half the expenses. The 2006 budget was approved by acclamation. The Treasurers stated that to date, 77 homeowners out of 209 have paid dues, which is ahead of past years. Thank you to those that have paid dues or made donations.
Old Business: The Accomplishments of the Board of Directors since the last annual meeting were read from the agenda. Sarah Estates is all R-4, which is similar to most of our development. Water pressure has been fairly steady. We meet every year with the City regarding roads. Homeowner Mike Marxer said he has a concrete shift in the pavement in front of his house which forms a natural speed bump. Also, Harry Rodgers continues to maintain our website. Election: Sylvia Leski nominated Brian Gulick as a Trustee; he accepted. Pres. Behrendsen requested nominations from the Floor three times for all positions. The following slate of Officers were elected by acclamation for a two year term:
President: Denny Behrendsen Vice President: Bob Moore Co-Treasurers: Charles (Buzz) and Suzanne Steffes Secretary: Diane Tsaprazis Welcome Committee: Sylvia Leski Trustees: Walt Gerstner Roy Field Brian Gulick
Old Business: Homeowners asked for more information. - Homeowner Sandra Moore asked if we had any difficulty with our accomplishments last year. Pres. Behrendsen explained that we would like to see more concrete slab replacement of roads. We do not want asphalt. He explained the City’s model to determine which roads will receive work. - Pres. Behrendsen explained that we notified the Dept. of Public Works that we all have automatic sprinkler systems and about one-third have pump boosters. A homeowner said her water pressure is bad at 6 a.m. in the summer; it was explained that the golf courses water at that time. - Homeowner Ed Thornhill asked what improvements we recommended at Golf Ridge. Pres. Behrendsen explained that they increased the amount of brick and installed concrete driveways. We wanted values to compliment our homes values. They originally wanted R-C (condos), but the City Planning Board and Council didn’t want that either. Joe Laura (Present City Council member) lobbied for improvements too. - Homeowner Sandra Moore asked for clarification on Assn. water bills. We are not charged sewer assessments on the water bills for 9 islands. New Business: A. Volunteers for Island Refurbishment Committee were solicited. Bill Golden and Mike Marxer volunteered. B. Garage Sale: Pauline Kehoe and Diane Ennis have chaired in the past and will do it again. They are considering the 2nd weekend in June. Buzz Steffes pointed out that this date may conflict with the graduation dates of June 6,7, and 8 at the three High Schools. A garage sale flyer will be distributed. C. Welcome Committee: Sylvia Leski explained that 11 new residents were welcomed last year with a bag of information and goodies. The Committee has five members: Sandy Marxer, Ginny Gerstner, Evelyn Villarruel, Joann McCormick, and Diane Ennis. D. City Ordinance reminders were given regarding snow, cut grass, commercial vehicles, and trash collection. Homeowner Denise Brady asked neighbors to weigh down trash so it doesn’t blow around. E. Other - Homeowner Mike Marxer notified everyone that we have coyotes in the area; protect small dogs and cats. Roy Field said he has seen them too and reminded us that animals are on the move due to construction. - Pres. Behrendsen was asked why we are called Deer Creek. Legally, we are Windridge IV, V, and VI. Deer Creek was used during the 1986 Homearama. - Homeowner Irene Martin asked why the greenbelt areas are not included in the island maintenance agreement. Pres. Behrendsen explained that the greenbelts are easements in the adjacent homeowner’s deeds. The islands do not belong to anyone. Our island reimbursement policy encourages homeowners to pay dues so we are able to pay for island maintenance. We pay for fertilization of the 8 Mile boulevard area. Irene Martin thinks the greenbelts should be included in the island maintenance agreement. Homeowner Roy Chestnut explained that the original lot prices for those lots were lower to offset the upkeep. - Homeowner Marge Mifsud said the bridge between Deer Creek and Bicentennial Park is dangerous. Pres. Behrendsen explained that it is City property and recommended that she call the Livonia Dept. of Parks & Recreation for more information.
Adjournment: It was moved by acclamation that the annual meeting of January 26, 2006 be adjourned. President Behrendsen adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Diane Tsaprazis, Secretary |