Meeting minutes:

A meeting of the Nowland Homeowners Association Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, September 8, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the Canton Township Hall.

In attendance:

Karen Linnen
Rob Garzaniti
Terry Krieg
Laura McGhee
Jim Mettlach
Soraya Nowland
Deb Schoenborn
Dan Sugg

Absent:

Mike Riley
John Slominski

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Karen Linnen. The following items were discussed:

Detention Ponds / Pumps

The rebuilt pump for the Palmer Road retention pond was installed on September 8, 1998. It took longer than anticipated for Kennedy Industries to rebuild and reinstall the pump. The warranty on the rebuilt pump covers the cost of parts for one year. Labor is not included. Soraya met with a company that Canton Township recommended to discuss the pump situation. Canton Township will not maintain the pumps for us since it is not a service that they offer at this time. Soraya was able to obtain information from the company regarding a maintenance agreement that would cover all of the pumps within our subdivision. The annual fee for this service would be $3,300 annually, or $275 per month. Soraya gave all of the information to Dan Sugg to review. Soraya did not receive information from Tom Kassari about the type of pump he has and the cost because he has not been available. She will continue to try to reach him. Depending on the information he provides, we may want to consider replacing the current pumps (when they fail) with the type Mr. Kassari has. The cost of purchasing a new pump will be compared to the cost of a warranty on the existing pumps. A recommendation will be made at the next Board meeting.

Sinkhole

The sinkhole on Nowland Court was televised on August 14 by the Canton DPW. They discovered the cause to be a break in a sanitary pipe. The contractor who did the initial work will fix the problem. Canton Township will oversee the repair, which should be done within the next 30 days. The contractor will also have to replace the sidewalk and reseed the area excavated. The homeowners have been informed of the situation.

Dead Trees

Mike Riley was absent from the Board meeting and unable to give an update regarding the removal of the dead trees. Karen Linnen will contact Mike for an update. Soraya called a company that placed a flyer in her mailbox advertising tree removal. It was suggested this company be contacted if arrangements for the removal of the dead trees have not been confirmed.

The Board will notify homeowners of the half-off tree program offered through the Township and will provide instructions for those interested in participating.

Entrance Lights

A special "Thank you!!" to Terry Krieg, who spent part of his Labor Day weekend sprucing up our entrances. Terry installed flood lights at the Sheldon Road and Palmer Road entrances. He painted the inside of the letters on the stone markers black, sanded the markers and applied a sealant. He perked up the Palmer Road entrance by adding stones and mulch. Everything looks great!!

Snow Removal / Lawn Maintenance

Snow removal bids need to be obtained. Karen will get the information received last year from Dan and Rob. Several complaints about the lawn cutting service have been received. Soraya called the landscaping company that maintains the Glengarry Subdivision for an estimate. We need to provide them with a layout of our subdivision and common areas. They will quote prices "per item" and a "package" price for all landscaping maintenance, including snow removal and checking the sprinkler system. Terry Krieg recommended the shrubs be trimmed this fall in order for them to maintain a nice shape.

Annual Calendar

Terry Krieg suggested the Board put together an annual calendar that lists items that need to be addressed throughout the year. Date sensitive items, such as the half-off tree purchase program offered through the Township, will be included in the calendar.

Violation Letters
Rob Garzaniti reported of the 12 notices that were given to homeowners in violation of the subdivision Covenants and Restrictions, four or five have not responded. A second notice will be sent. A suggestion was made to levy fees to homeowners who are not in compliance with the Subdivision's Covenants and Restrictions.

Sprinkler System

Dan reported the new timers for the sprinkler system are still not in. Most likely, they will not be installed until next Spring.

Safety Concerns

The Board has received complaints, from a safety and liability standpoint, regarding basketball nets blocking the sidewalks and a trampoline that has been placed in the right-of-way near the sidewalk. Homeowners are being asked to move such items to keep our neighborhood safe for our children.

The Board has been informed of young children (living on Nowland Court and Palmer Road) cutting through the back yards of homes in order to reach the sidewalk on Nowland Drive when walking to and from the elementary school. Soraya will contact the Canton Township Planning Department to see what needs to be done in order for the sidewalk to be extended from the Child Care facility at Palmer and Sheldon to Nowland Drive (off Sheldon Road).

Homeowners Association

Soraya suggested offering the three homeowners on Nowland Drive (at the Palmer Road entrance) an opportunity to join our homeowners association.

Landscape Committee Report

Rob Garzaniti and Jim Mettlach sprayed the berms for weeds. Members of the Board plan to meet at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, to pull the weeds in the berm along Sheldon Road.

Architectural Review Committee Report

The Committee would like to remind all homeowners who are planning to make any improvements or modifications to the exterior of their homes (i.e. fences, sunrooms, decks, patios, etc.) to submit their plans to any member of the Architectural Review Committee for approval.

Treasurer's Report

Laura McGhee paid two water bills that totaled just under $1,200.00 for the period November 1, 1997 through August 1, 1998. An electric bill for $48.86 was also paid.

Future Newsletters

Just a reminder. this is the last monthly newsletter that will be sent to homeowners. As mentioned in last month's newsletter, they will be prepared and distributed on a quarterly basis beginning with the December, 1998 newsletter (consisting of October, November and December meeting summaries).

Future Meetings of the Board

The Nowland Homeowners Association Board of Directors will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Canton Township Hall (lower level, room 2) on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, November 10
Tuesday, December 8

Any homeowner is welcome to attend any of these scheduled meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.