Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the
Deer Creek Homeowners Association of Livonia
January 24, 2008
Reviewed by the Board of Directors on 3-30-08
Approved at the April 2, 2009 Annual Meeting
President Behrendsen convened the meeting at 7:33 p.m. in meeting Rooms A and B of the Livonia Civic Center Library, with 20 homeowners in attendance.
Board Members Present: Denny Behrendsen, Bob Moore, Charles (Buzz) and Suzanne Steffes, Roy Field, Brian Gulick, Sylvia Leski and Diane Tsaprazis. Trustee Walt Gerstner was absent.
Introduction of New Neighbors Present: There were no new neighbors present.
Minutes of January 25, 2007: 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 2006-2007 Year End Financial Report was presented by Buzz Steffes. The report showed dues totaling $12,375 from 163 homeowners. Donations from 9 residents totaled $375. With prepaid 2008 dues of $75 and a beginning balance of $2,391.84, we had $15,216.84 in funds available. Operating expenses totaled $5,991.63 of which $3,121 was for entranceway maintenance which included new plants in the 8 Mile sign areas and professional spring clean-up of the 8 Mile entrance. Our 2007 project consisted of entirely refurbishing Islands 2, 5, and 7 at a total cost of $ $7,896. Thus, we ended the year with $1,329.21. A motion was made to accept the report by Bill Golden, and seconded by Ed Thornhill. Finding no discussion, a vote was taken and the report was accepted by acclamation.
B. The Three Year Financial Plan was presented by Buzz Steffes. Each year, we plan that 170 homeowners will pay dues. To date, 76 homeowners have paid 2008 dues. With a 2008 beginning balance of $1,329, anticipated income is $14,079. Under operating expenses, we budgeted $900 for water as we expect costs to increase as well as usage in order to keep the new plantings healthy. For entranceway maintenance, we can only afford to budget $1,000, thus we will be asking homeowners to help. The remaining operating expenses are expected to be stable, with a grand total of $4,650. Our landscape project for 2008 will consist of entirely refurnishing Islands 1, 3 and 4 at a total cost of $8,085. Our year end balance for 2008 is expected to be $1,344.
In 2009, we will complete the island refurbishing with Islands 6 and 8 at a total cost of $4,820. Our expected year end balance for 2009 is $2,824.
In 2010, we hopefully can contract out the maintenance of the islands with $5,000 and replace some entranceway trees with $3,000.
A motion was made to accept the report by Harry Ostrowski and seconded by Irene Martin. Discussion was as follows:
- Irene Martin asked if the weekly maintenance in 2010 will include the berm next to the sign near her home. Pres. Behrendsen explained that the berm is part of an easement attached to Irene’s property. The islands, however, are common property owned by all homeowners as a group. The homeowners at the corners along 8 Mile and Gill are responsible for maintenance according to their deeds. Irene requested that we plant trees without needles (not Austrian Pines).
- Mike Martin said that the berm should be included in our maintenance as it is visible to everyone passing by and important for sellers’ curb appeal.
- Harry Ostrowski asked about using solar lights instead of electric ones for our entrance signs. Pres. Behrendsen said solar power requires a place to put panels, like a roof, but it may have potential in the future. LED lights may eventually be capable of lighting our signs. Buzz Steffes said we have considered a greener solution. Mike Martin said LED’s cast white light, whereas he prefers the golden hue of our current lights.
A vote was requested and the 2008 Financial Plan was approved by acclamation. The 2009 and 2010 figures were accepted as projections. Buzz thanked Walt Gerstner and Sue Steffes for preparing the 3 Year Plan.
Old Business: President Behrendsen read the list of accomplishments of the Board of Directors since our last meeting from the Agenda. The following items were discussed:
- Island Landscaper: We originally contracted with Willson-Steinkoph, however, they were unavailable, and so we changed to Uncle Froggy’s Landscaping.
- Water pressure: The City of Livonia has let a contract to bring in another water main along 8 Mile. It will begin where the Golf Ridge main ends one quarter mile west of our 8 Mile entrance, and hook up with a line northwest of our property. We will receive water from both the north and south ends of our development. Water pressure should improve, although we cannot depend on it being done for the 2008 summer season. None of our property will be torn up in the construction. A homeowner asked if the City would do even and odd address watering days again; Pres. Behrendsen recommended calling the City. A homeowner asked where Sarah Estates gets their water; Pres. Behrendsen said he didn’t know.
- Street Improvements: Pres. Behrendsen said we continue to tell the City we want more slab replacements.
- Flooding: Regarding the flooding in 2006 caused by Golf Ridge Estates fill dirt deposited in the cemetery next to our homes, Bill Golden reported that his yard is draining well since he took down about twenty-five pine trees, built a two foot berm, and planted about eighteen new trees.
- Walking Bridge: A homeowner clarified that funds are not coming out of Deer Creek funds and asked for a light at the entrance.
- Homeowner Assn.-Livonia Police Meeting: Next meeting to take place 1-28-08 in Auditorium at City Hall. All are welcome.
- DTE Light Posts: Harry Ostrowski asked about status; Pres. Behrendsen reported that many have been replaced. A homeowner asked who to call for maintenance; Pres. Behrendsen will provide the name and phone number.
Election: President Behrendsen asked for nominations from the floor three times. All existing Board members are willing to be nominated. It was explained that the Steffes family may move, necessitating a new Treasurer. Our Bylaws state that the Board has the authority to appoint someone if necessary between annual meetings. The following slate of Officers was 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
Trustees: Walt Gerstner
Roy Field
Brian Gulick
Welcome Committee: Sylvia Leski
New Business:
A. Volunteers Needed. We will ask for entrance clean-up help by placing signs out. Pres. Behrendsen thanked Sue and Buzz Steffes for doing an excellent job as Treasurers for many years. They requested an audit of our financial records, so we will need homeowners to perform the review.
B. Garage Sale: All are welcome to participate. A small fee is charged for advertising and City permits.
C. Mini-bike ordinance: These vehicles are not licensable. The City says they can only be driven on private property; call the Police to report violations.
D. Other:
- Irene Martin said the pavement breaks in Ellen Drive near 8 Mile have grown wider and deeper. Pres. Behrendsen said this issue will be addressed when the City repairs our streets. She also requested that we not water the berm so much in the fall. Pres. Behrendsen asked her to call him is she notices a problem.
- Mike Marxer asked about the different watering schedules of the east and west sides of Ellen Drive. Bob Moore explained that the homeowners also water.
- Mike Martin said the area by 8 Mile near the street is all weeds which grow faster than the grass. He also said he was chased by coyotes on Wayne Road in the early morning about a year ago. Betty Moore said she saw a coyote in our neighborhood in the afternoon last week. Mike Marxer recommended that we notify everyone in our next mailing about the presence of coyotes.
- Harry Ostrowski asked about the Snow Ordinance, regarding how the City plows create large deposits of snow at the ends of driveways. Another homeowner recommended that homeowners shovel out a bit of the street to minimize the problem.
Adjournment: It was moved by acclamation that the annual meeting of January 24, 2008 be adjourned. President Behrendsen adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Diane Tsaprazis, Secretary