Several issues were discussed at the Nowland Homeowners Association Board of Directors meetings held in October, No vember and December 1998. Below is a brief summary of the items discussed and the current status.

• After spending considerable time analyzing 1998 expenses and projecting budgeted costs for 1999, the Board voted to increase association dues by $25 until such time that a year end reserve of $4,850 is met. This reserve amount is equivalent to 90 days of the annual operating expenses, which shou ld be an adequate reserve to cover unpredictable or long-term expenses. Once this reserve is met, the Board agreed that an annual review would take place each December to determine if a decrease in association dues would be feasible.
• Dues are payable by January 31, 1999.

• An amendment to include a fine structure (for non-compliance) to the Covenants & Restrictions has been suggested. Anyone wishing to propose an amendment should advise Rob Garzaniti (43758 Nowland Dr.) or Jim Mettlach (44125 Nowland Dr.) by letter. The Board will review and consider all prop osed amendments that are received with a target date of Spring 1999 for the implementation of any new amendment.

• Nine dead trees (and stumps) were removed from the common areas at a cost of $500.00.
• A quote of $1,100 was received to remove approximately 20 trees in the low area of the berm that are mostly dead. This item is being del ayed.

• The repaired pump at the Palmer Road entrance failed shortly after being reinstalled. The failure occurred after a heavy rain and was du e to a loose wire. The wire was repaired and the pump is operational.

• The Board is seeking quotes from companies that would be able to provide multiple services (lawn cutting, fertilization, sprinkler system maintenance, tree trimming, weeding and mulching).
• Although individual quotes for fertilization and lawn cutting have been received, the Board has decided to delay contracting for individu al services until quotes are received from companies offering multiple services.
• Trees for the common areas will be ordered through Canton Township’s 50% discount program at a cost of $1,600. The trees come with a one -year warranty and will be planted by the Township in the Spring (at their convenience). Three maples and five pine trees will be planted around the Palmer Roa d detention pond.

• John Slominski tendered his resignation as a Board member effective October 1, 1998.

• Trampolines placed in the easement and portable basketball nets blocking the sidewalk both present a safety hazard. All homeowne rs are being asked to keep easements and sidewalks clear.
• In light of the new park at the southwest corner of Palmer and Sheldon Roads, several people have raised concern about not having a sidew alk along the east side of Sheldon Road between Palmer and Nowland Drive. Homeowners are being asked to send a letter to the Canton Director of Municipal Servi ces asking that he investigate a sidewalk for this area.

• A white Saturn has been seen several times in our neighborhood driving at speeds in excess of 40 mph. Canton Police were notified and a patrol car was "on watch" for a few days. Everyone is encouraged to report such instances to the Canton Police.

• The sewer line that caused the sinkhole on Nowland Court was repaired. The ground will be leveled and the sidewalk will be fixed in the spring of 1999.

• A two-year contract for snow removal was signed with Snowbusters at a cost (per year) of $1,211.25. The contract is for unlimite d pushes of snow (2 inches or more) and includes "pre-salting". The pre-salting will be monitored for effectiveness and adjusted if necessary. Maint enance pushes due to drifting snow will be billed at $97 per push.
• All homeowners are being reminded not to park in the street (if possible) during heavy snowfall.

• A special "THANK YOU!" to Dave & Nancy Rogers (Nowland Court) and Dan & Donna Sugg (Nowland Drive) for contribu ting the beautiful mums at the Palmer Road entrance!!

• A fine structure is being investigated for homeowners who do not respond to violation notices.
• Lien procedures are also being investigated, which would require all fines (and interest) be paid before the home can be sold.
• Six violations are currently outstanding; five are for air conditioning units and one is for an antenna.

• Dan Sugg is looking for someone to store our subdivision signs. If interested, please contact Dan at 394-0393.
• Many people have commented on the homes in our neighborhood being so beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Next year, the Board will consider having a contest for the best lights. The winning homeowner will receive a gift certificate.

• The annual meeting of the Nowland Estates Homeowners Association is TENTATIVELY scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 1999 at 7:3 0 p.m. A separate flyer confirming the meeting date and time will be sent to all homeowners once meeting room arrangements have been confirmed.

• The 1999 monthly meetings will be held in the Township Hall on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.