Terry Krieg was absent.

Karen Linnen began the meeting by welcoming all of the homeowners in attendance.

State of the Community

A list of the Accomplishments of the 1998 Board was distributed and reviewed.

All homeowners are encouraged to beautify our community and the common areas. The Board has requested, however, that all homeowners wishing to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses let the Board know what you plan to do (and the approximate cost) ahead of time so it can be accounted for in the Bu dget. Our landscaping needs to be improved and there are still some dead trees that have to be removed from the common areas.

Karen asked the homeowners in attendance if they would be interested in having mailboxes replaced so the are all uniform. This could be done by special assessment. Only three homeowners were interested. This item will not be pursued at this time.

Karen reported the following for 1999:

• No major expenses are anticipated


• Need to find a different company to maintain the pumps at a lower cost


• No increase for snow removal – the current contract is for two years


• Reserve needs to be built up to an adequate level

A spreadsheet comparing 1998 Actual Expenses to 1998 Budget and the proposed budget for 1999 was distributed and reviewed.

Laura reported the 1999 dues were increased $25 to $225. This was done to increase the amount in reserve should a major expenditure occur. If 1999 costs remain within the budget, dues may be reduced next year.

Laura noted the following:

• Of the $2,848.16 spent in 1998 under the Snow Removal heading, $1,211 represents the actual snow removal contract and $1,600 was for salt .
• The "Storm" category shows expenses relating to the pumps and includes a $700 cost that was incurred to rent a pump while ours was being repaired.
• In addition to the standard landscaping costs, the addition of mulch and flowers ($2,350) and the removal of the dead trees ($500) added to the total costs incurred.
• The water budget for 1999 was increased to allow for the increase in water rates and the expected increase in watering (watering was not done at the beginning of 1998 due to the timers not operating).

Mike Riley extended a special "thank you" to members of the Landscaping Committee and other homeowners who participat ed in landscaping efforts during 1998. The Committee is hoping to consolidate many of the services that have been provided by separate contractors in the past (lawn cutting, weed control, sprinkler system, etc.) with a single contractor to bring the overall cost to a more reasonable level. Mike reported three compani es have been contacted to date. Landworks quoted the same price as last year, but included additional services. Mike would appreciate anyone having com ments regarding Landworks contact him.

Mike also reported the Board was able to participate in the Half-Off Tree Planting Program offered through Canton Township. Three maple tree s and five pine trees will be planted around the Palmer Road detention pond. The cost for all eight trees will be a maximum of $1,500 (which includes planting and a one-year warranty). There are still 10-15 dead trees west of the entrance to Nowland Court that need to be removed. The estimated cost for removal is $5 00. One pine tree that was removed from Lot A still needs to be replaced under warranty.

Rob Garzaniti provided a report on the Architectural Review Committee noting that the purpose of this committee is to ensure co mpliance with the Covenants and Restrictions. Six plans were submitted to the Architectural Review Committee and all were approved. All homeowners are reminde d to submit any changes you plan to make to the exterior of your home to the Architectural Review Committee.

Jim Mettlach reported on the Covenants and Restrictions Committee. During the year, 14 violation letters were issued. Most we re for lack of landscaping around AC units, satellite antennas, trash cans on the side of homes and improper mailbox posts. Six of the 14 violations were corre cted. Reminder notices will be mailed to the rest in the spring. Jim noted the reason for the letters is to improve the appearance of our subdivision and to e nsure it remains at an acceptable level.

Some areas of the Covenants and Restrictions are difficult to interpret – revisions are being considered to clarify their intent. Any homeow ner having suggestions for revising the Covenants and Restrictions should submit them to the Committee for consideration. Any amendment made will be based on a majority vote.

Dan Sugg reported on the Physical Plant Committee, which is responsible for the three detention ponds and the sprinkler system. The pump at the Palmer Road detention pond (the largest pond in our subdivision) was replaced during 1998. The pump failed when lodged debris caused the moto r to burn out. The rebuilt pump has a one-year warranty on parts and no warranty on the labor. The same warranty would apply had a new pump been purchased (at a significantly higher price). Typically, a pump should last 15 years. One homeowner raised concern about the amount of debris in the drains contributing to the pump’s failure, noting that we need to make sure problems that arise from the Township’s neglect do not tax our pumps and cause additional expenses to be in curred from our association dues. The Canton DPW has added the drains to their maintenance schedule.

The Committee is hoping to find a different company to provide pump maintenance, replacing Kennedy Industries. Since our system is so small, most companies are not interested.

The sprinkler system timers along Sheldon Road malfunctioned several times this past year causing an interruption in service. The timers are being replaced by the manufacturer at no cost. A number of the sprinkler heads are also being replaced at no cost due to a recall. At the next Board meeting, a time will be scheduled for the sprinkler company to turn on the system.

Karen Linnen asked for volunteers to participate on the Board the next term. Dwight Jackson and Randy Giannini volunteered. Of the 86 homes in our subdivision, only 21 homeowners were in attendance. No proxies were returned indicating a board selection. The next Board Meeting will be held on Tues day, March 16, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. in the Township Hall Basement.

All 1999 Board Meetings are scheduled to take place the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Township Hall Basement. Any homeowne r is welcome to attend.

Much discussion took place regarding flooding in our subdivision, particularly on Valentine Court. One homeowner lost a car due to the flood and some homeowners were not able to get in or out of their homes due to the water level. Although many homeowners felt the Board should have addressed the fl ooding problem with the Township, the Board has no more power than a single homeowner.

The following suggestions were made to address the flooding issue:

• Each homeowner could call the Township and complain
• Dues could be significantly increased to allow a property management company to take over
• Start legal proceedings against Canton Township and Sherr Development
• Have all Valentine Court homeowners meet with the new Board to discuss the flooding problem

After further discussion, it was agreed that a special Committee will be formed to address the flooding on Valentine Court. Char Rowe and Ra ndy Giannini will serve on this committee. All flooding issues raised by residents will be compiled and will be presented directly to Canton Township.

A safety concern was raised regarding the standing water at the Sheldon Road entrance. The Board reported the roads are owned and maintained by Wayne County.

Another safety issue was raised regarding a stop sign at Verndun and Nowland Drive. The Township removed the stop sign. Homeowners are enco uraged to contact the Police to report speeding cars. The Police have been called to our subdivision in the past and will come if called.

A homeowner reported the detention pond at the northwest corner of our subdivision does not have sprinkler heads and the weeds are not contro lled. The Board could not confirm whether or not sprinkler heads were at the location and just not operable or if they do not exist. The pond area will be inc luded in the areas to be sprayed for weeds.

A suggestion was made to survey homeowners to find out why they chose not to attend the Annual Meeting.