Board meeting 4/26/06

The first board meeting of the year was held at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Lysa Postula-Stein. Those in attendance included: Herb Alexander, Faith Brasch, Patrick and Kathleen Earl, Bert Green, Lysa Postula-Stein, Suzanne Strichartz, and Arnetta Whitehouse.

1. The meeting was called to order by president Faith Brasch.
2. Minutes from the November 9, 2005, Annual Meeting were approved. A brief discussion of the website was held. Homeowners are encouraged to check the website for information and updates: www.wedgwoodcommons.com.
3. Treasury: Arnetta reported all dues have been paid with the exception of the Markey situation. A lien has been placed on the home. We should receive the payment of back dues after the sale of the home. A detailed treasurer’s report was presented with projection of costs for anticipated minimum and maximum expenses. Further discussion of expenses may be held at the next board meeting.
4. Dues letters will be sent out again next year in January since there was a better response instead of sending them in December as in years past. A redesign of the dues letters will be completed. Lysa volunteered to help Kathleen with this.
5. The directory has not been updated since early 2004. Since there have been many homes sold and new families move into the subdivision since that time, it was recommended that a new directory be developed. The directory will be completed by the end of the summer with directories to be delivered by hand to homes in early fall. Linda Singer has offered to cover the cost of printing and assembly of the directory at her expense. An advertising notice of Linda’s realtor business will be made in the directory thanking her for providing the directory.
6. Commons Maintenance and Forestry was discussed with Bert Green. The previous mowing company will continue for the 2006 year. Bert will review with the owner of the company some concerns such as debris should not blow into the stream and running the mowers at high speeds over branches and rocks.
7. Bert and Arnetta will check on the dead tree near lot 64. It appears the tree is on commons property. If so, it will be removed the next time the tree removal company returns. The downed branches from willows also need to be removed when the company returns.
8. To address the concerns of the willows, the board will meet 30 minutes before the next board meeting at Turtle Park to check all the willows. Notes will be made about the trees that may need to be removed as well as those that may need cabling. Bert will then talk with the tree expert to determine the most appropriate way to address the trees.
9. There are eight river birches remaining at the Whitehouse’s nursery that need to be planted. Patrick offered to help plant the trees when decisions are made about the locations where they are to be planted.
10. The damage that was done to the Burn’s lawn approximately two years ago has not been repaired. The board approved the owner be given approval to repair the damage. The owner can submit the bill to the treasurer for payment.
11. The problems with the tennis courts have not been resolved. Lysa and Susanne will work together to initiate contact with S & J Company.
12. The netting for basketball area in the commons is missing. Action is postponed for the present time.
13. Bert has been trained for Neighborhood Watch. Details of the program are available from him. A certain number of families must have the training before a Neighborhood Watch sign will be put up by the city.
14. New families- Susanne will welcome the new families who have recently moved into the subdivision. It was reported that the Singer home has an offer and will close soon. There are presently three other homes on the market in the sub at this time.
15. Dog problems: Officer Gavin from Oakland County Animal Control reported to Kathleen that there is a Michigan state law that requires all dogs be on leash AND owners are required to pick up waste after their dogs. If anyone sees dogs off leash they can contact Oakland County Animal Control at 248-391-4102 to make a report. The caller may be anonymous, but they must have the address of the homeowner whose dog is off leash and/or who is not picking up waste after their dog. If problems continue, residents can call the police of Farmington Hills at the non-emergency number (248) 871-2610 to make a complaint. OCAC requested that if the city is called, they should receive a call as well for their records.
16. Cul de sac maintenance has been an issue for years. Some of the residents are asking to be able to plant their cul de sac. The board approved $200 per cul de sac for maintenance. Those interested in being responsible for their cul de sac may buy the plants, top soil, etc. and present the receipt to Arnetta for reimbursement.
17. Some of the signs prohibiting motorized vehicles on the trails have been removed by someone. A motorcycle, four-wheeler, and a moped have been seen riding on the trail. Patrick will present some design suggestions for signage with prohibition of motorized vehicles and dogs off leash, etc. at the next meeting.
18. A Spring Clean up of the Creek and Commons is scheduled for next Saturday, May 6, 2006. Any residents wishing to participate should bring paper refuse bags and/or trash bags to help. Residents will be asked to take the bags to their homes for garbage pickup since we do not have a company that will pick up the waste off the commons. Those who participate are invited to start clean up at any area of the creek. Some of the residents will be starting clean up at 9:30 a.m., however, volunteers will be welcome at whatever time they are available.
19. The next board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Board members are meeting at Turtle Park at 7:00 p.m. to review trees. The regular board meeting will then be held at Susanne’s home at 7:30 p.m. Homeowners are invited to attend the board meetings. Please contact any board member if you would like to attend.