KEATINGTON CEDARS 2

ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MEETING

Orion Township Library, Thursday, February 1, 2007

 

Meeting Attendees:

Gerry Lee                                 Jack Niemi                   Dennis Witmer

Ross Ensign                              Mike Mansour              Kevin Eisey                 

Jill Hampson                             Steve Hampson            Phil Krause

Doug Boyd                               Jennifer Boyd               Randy Gower

Ron Rippon                              Jayne Stroin                  Mark Thurber

 

                                                                         

Meeting was chaired by Gerry Lee and began at 7:05 pm. Gerry welcomed attendees, which was followed by self-introductions.

  • Minutes of the Annual Meeting held February 2, 2006 were approved, as posted on the KC2 website.

 

  • Gerry Lee, President, reviewed the projects completed in 2005:
    • An Association contingency fund was established in 2006 for use by future Boards on major projects, such as road repaving. $2,500 of reserves was placed in a Certificate of Deposit. The intention is to add annually to the CD an amount of ten percent of Income, or approximately $885.
    • The mosquito control project was made available to all KC2 residents.
    • The KC2 Website was moved to the Orion Township Library, resulting in an annual savings of $179.
    • The Checking Account was moved to Comerica Bank.
    • Initial crack sealing of KC2 roads occurred in early November 2006.
    • A reduced sprinkler irrigation fee, paid by each resident, was negotiated again in 2006 for KC2 residents.
    • Various social programs occurred throughout the year, including “Earth Day”, a new activity added in 2006.

 

  • Jack Niemi, Vice President, reviewed the Architectural Control standards of KC2 regarding home extensions and paint codes. Also reviewed:
    • Proper selection of roof shingles to assure neighborhood aesthetics was suggested.
    • The removal of lawn trees having 4” or greater diameters requires Township approval.
    • During 2006, reminder letters were mailed to residents on the preservation of KC2’s common park properties.  

 

  • Ross Ensign, Treasurer, reported on the 2006 expenses and projected 2007 budget:
    • A handout package detailing all of last years expenses and an outline of 2007 projected expenses was provided to all attendees.
    • The total available reserves at yearend 2006 were $1,405.87 lower than year end 2005. Excluding the CD, the current cash balance is $227.86. Based on projected 2007 budget, expenses will exceed income.
    • In 2006, expenses for activities were reduced 37%, insurance costs were lower than budgeted, and savings resulted from moving the website. There was only one snow plowing expense of $150 during 2006. The major expenses of 2006 were:

a) Road crack sealing performed by Spartan Sealing Co. at a cost of $3,200. This included any follow-up repair in Spring 2007. At that time Spartan will provide an estimate for street sealing, now estimated at $4,500.  

      b) The annual Beach Dues increased by 12.5% from 2005 to $4,500.  

 

Discussion of a possible dues increase ensued. One option for 2007 discussed was no street sealing and no dues increase, coupled with reduced spending on activities and no contribution to the newly established contingency fund. The merits of street sealing, cosmetic appearance with some preventative maintenance, were discussed. Gerry mentioned that the 2007 Budget has not yet been approved by the Board. Discussion was curtailed until New Business.

 

  • Dennis Witmer, Secretary recognized residents for their involvement in leading activities, and others for their services to KC2 over the past year.

 

  • Mike Mansour, Director reported that the county road inspector made an inspection of our catch basins in October and found three basins in need of repair. In Spring 2007 or early summer, the County will repair two catch basins on Canoe Circle and one on Pine Harbor. Mike thanked KC2 residents that donated books sent to children for the Montenegro project.  

 

  • Phil Krause, Beach Representative, reported on the Beach Association:
    • Fees for boats and trailers were increased to $10.
    • Property beautification and beach safety/security continue as Beach Association priorities.  

 

  • Webmaster Report

In George Sinnott’s absence, his report was read by Ross Ensign. In 2006 George redesigned the website, making it easier to maintain. He added several features and links to other sites. George requested photographs of KC2 activities for posting.

 

 

  • Board Nominations for 2007. Each Board assignment was individually voted upon as follows:
    • Gerry Lee was reelected as President
    • Doug Boyd was elected Vice President. Jack Niemi withdrew his name from consideration.
    • Ross Ensign was reelected as Treasurer.
    • Dennis Witmer was reelected as Secretary
    • Mike Mansour was reelected as Director
    • Phil Krause was reelected as Beach Representative
    • George Sinnott was reelected as Webmaster
    • Jennifer Boyd was elected as Chairperson of the Activities Committee
    • Carol Thurber was elected as Chairperson of the Architectural Control Committee  

 

  • New Business
    • Dues Increase. The discussion of road sealing and a possible dues increase continued. Road sealing will be a two-day project, closing half of KC2 at a time to allow for sealing and drying. The extra time is a precaution to prevent vehicles from tracking the black sealant unto our concrete driveways. Gerry Lee mentioned that the annual dues of $125 have not been increased in the last ten years. Randy Gower stated that the dues were $100 when the Association began in 1992. Several motions were passed:
      • Non-Board meeting attendees voted 8-1 to proceed with the road sealing project.
      • Board members voted 4-1, approving the road sealing project.
      • A motion was approved by the Board to increase the dues by $25 per year for three years to offset the cost of street sealing.
      • After additional discussion with all present, the Board voted 3-1 with one abstainer to raise the dues by $25 per year indefinitely.

 

 

    • 2007 Activities. Jack led a discussion of some possible KC2 activities, such as:
      • A Bocce activity that did not include dinner to appeal to more residents
      • A Photo Rally and social, where participants had to document assigned challenges within a time period. (An adult scavenger hunt)
      • A Road Rally
      • A fishing contest
      • KC2 Day at Tigers game

 

    • Open Discussion
      • The Homeowners Covenants do not expire this year, however they can now be amended with a two-thirds vote of association members.
      • Safeway Outdoor Lighting has presented a proposal to install residential light posts at $255 per installation. The solar paneled unit costs about $24 per year to operate. Ross will distribute additional information for review by residents and the Board.
      • Mark Thurber inquired about the availability of wood chips for the walkway leading to the common area, Cedar Park East. Mark will contact Elle Bernier, who obtained free chips from the County in previous years. A project will be set up to spread the chips.
      • Cleaning the common area and replacing the picnic table were discussed briefly.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm

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Submitted by Dennis Witmer, Secretary

February 5, 2007

Revised February 9, 2007