TROY MEADOWS II, III, IV and V – ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES -TROY COMMUNITY CENTER 04/07/08
08-01) Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:10 PM. There were total of 32 people at the meeting from 28 households. This is an increase from the 17 homes that were at the meeting last year.
08-02) New association members introduced themselves (5).
08-03) A petition was passed around for signatures regarding putting a tax-cap issue on the upcoming election ballot.
08-04) A brief discussion was held in regards to a resident who has completed her college degree at GrandValleyState. She is raising money to travel to South Africa to perform non-profit work. It was announced that she will be having a bottle drive in the subdivision this summer to help with this effort.
08-05) Last year’s meeting minutes were reviewed (a copy of these minutes is on the website). A request was made to remind the residents whose homes back up to Wattles or Livernois that they are responsible for area between the sidewalk and the fence-line.
08-06) The treasurer’s report was given. Discussion was held on this year’s budget. Among the items noted in particular:
The HOA has established a website for the subdivision. This website will list neighborhood activities, have a record of meeting minutes, notices and budgets, include a copy of the directory and by-laws as well as links and contacts relevant to Troy Meadows. The website is
Gator Lawn Service has been retained for this year. A brief discussion was held in regards to the bidding process that takes for this service. It was noted that Gator has consistently been the low bidder and has been able to hold their prices. This year was the first increase in Gator’s price in four seasons. Also noted was that Gator will work with the association on the number of cuttings done each year in lieu of doing a set amount of cuttings regardless of whether the areas need to be serviced or not.
The Board will contact Gator in regards to the cutting at the Park Entrance on Meadowbrook and the cuttings after a heavy rainfall.
Due to last year’s grass overgrowth on Wattles and Livernois (between the sidewalk and road), this year’s budget contains a contingency for Gator to mow these areas if needed. The Board will contact the City of Troy to get a schedule of planned cuttings, but in case of a situation similar to last year, funds are in place to keep the subdivision perimeter cut.
Stephanie Shea presented a proposal for community activities for the upcoming year. These include a Movie Night in the small park, a Halloween parade, an Easter Egg Hunt and a charitable project for the neighborhood children to take part in. It was noted that last year’s Halloween parade and Easter Egg Hunt were a success and the association would like to continue these types of activities for the residents. Also note that funds for the Annual Block Party and Subdivision Garage Sale were included in this year’s budget as well.
A motion to approve the budget was made and seconded. The budget was voted on and passed.
Please note that this year’s dues are $125.00 and should be submitted to Anne Smith at 3950 Ruthland, Troy, MI48084.
08-07) A resident brought up the issue of safety and crime in the subdivision. A discussion was held in regards to a neighborhood watch being formed. It was suggested that the best thing to do when you suspect suspicious behavior is to contact the Troy Police Department. Troy Meadows is fortunate to have a police officer in our association who was present at the meeting. He commented that our subdivision has one of the lowest crime rates in the City of Troy. The Board will also look into putting a “Crime Watch” link on the website.
08-08) There was no committee reports for this year. One resident complained about the appearance of the entrances into the subdivision. The Board asked for volunteers to form a committee and make recommendations for improving these areas. Mary Tsouris and Pat Hughes volunteered to take this committee and give their recommendations to the Board.
A comment was made that some of the perimeter fencing along Wattles and Livernois is getting old and looks dilapidated. Inquiries were made if the Board could do anything with this issue. The Board noted that this is Homeowner’s private property and needs to be maintained by the resident.
It was noted that the fence at the RuthlandPark entrance needs to be repaired. This Board will make the arrangements to fix this fence.
The issue of sheds in the neighborhood was again raised. Sheds are not allowed in the subdivision unless they are attached to your house. Please refer to Article X of the By-Laws for clarification. The Board will continue to enforce this matter.
08-09) A brief discussion was held on the budget formation for next year. The Board will look into creating a forum (possibly through the website) for residents to discuss budget issues prior to the meeting. Some residents inquired on setting dues back to $75.00. The Board noted that with the increase of dues for this year, there is still only approximately a $500 balance. A copy of this year’s budget is on the website.
08-10) A motion was made and seconded to set the budget for next year at $125.00. The motion was voted on and passed.
08-11) Residents were reminded to clean-up after their dogs in the neighborhood. There have been complaints that this is not being done by everyone. The Board asks all Homeowners to be responsible and respect your neighbor’s property.
08-12) It was asked that residents along Wattles and Livernois keep their property clear of obstructions along the sidewalks (i.e. trim bushes and trees).
08-13)This year’s subdivision garage sale will be May 2, 3 and 4. Anne Smith will be placing the advertisements in the paper again this year. Please contact her for details. A tentative date for the Annual Block party was set after the meeting. The Block Party is currently slated for September 20th.
08-14)It was requested the residents be advised of quarterly Board meetings. Residents may attend these meetings if they wish. Meeting notices and dates will be posted on the web-site.
08-16)One resident noted that his yard which backs up to the LargePark, floods following a rain storm. He has asked the City of Troy to investigate and will report his findings to the Board.
08-16)New Board members for 2008-2009 were elected. Rajko Bjelica will assume an open seat that has one year left to be served. Shane Hope, Michael Shea and Anne Smith were elected to a full three year term. This year’s Board of Directors also includes: Mary Ann Bernardi, Anthony Butcher, Thomas Calnen, Brett Houpt and Eric Miciuda. Officers elected (after meeting) are: Anthony Butcher - President, Michael Shea - Vice-President, Anne Smith -Treasurer and Brett Houpt – Secretary.
Don Stock elected not to retain his Seat on the Board. Don has offered to continue providing his assistance to the association. The Board would like to thank Don for his years of service to the neighborhood.
08-17) Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.
PLEASE CALL, WRITE OR EMAIL ANY COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS OR IDEAS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT:
Anthony Butcher / President / 619-3319 /Michael Shea / Vice-President / 835-1214 /
Anne Smith / Treasurer / 528-3326 /
Brett Houpt / Secretary / 619-9417 /
Mary Ann Bernardi / Board Member / 689-7891 /
Rajko Bjelica / Board Member / 457-1492 /
Thomas Calnen / Board Member / 528-6540 /
Shane Hope / Board Member / 457-0529 /
Eric Miciuda / Board Member / 619-0992 /