HIGHLAND LAKES

CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
February 2017

February 2017

NEXT BOARD MEETING:

Monday, February 20, 2017
at 7:30 p.m.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

www.facebook.com/hlca.mi

Plant Focus - Page 16

Open Board Meetings New
Format - page 17
New Open Board Meeting
Dates - page 18
Committee Article - page 19
Bunco Night - page 20
Highland Lakes Womens
Club - page 24
Mark your calendars!!
Clubhouse Renovation
Meeting (pg 2)
February 7
Valentines Pasta Luncheon
(pg 21)
February 11
Bunco Night (pg 22)
March 4th

20301 Silver Spring Drive Northville, MI 48167

Phone: (248) 349-4006 Fax: (248) 349-8821

Website: www.HLCA.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hlca.mi

Clubhouse Renovation Open House Meeting

Please join us for the unveiling of the first draft for the anticipated renovations to our Clubhouse.
Rob Berlin and Associates will have their vision for the Clubhouse on display the evening of February
7, 2017 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. for all to see.
Comments and suggestions will be collected at the event for further discussion during finalization of
the plans.

All Co-owners are welcome to attend and view the presentation.

Ecology Meeting
The next ecology meeting will be taking place February 7th, 2017 at 7 p.m. There will be a guest
speaker, Andrea Kline, who will talk about managing woodlots. Andrea has held the position as head of
the Michigan Nature Conservancy and is now working with Huron River Watershed Council. The talk
should be interesting and informative. Please join us!

Highland Lakes
Management Section
Highland Lakes Board of Directors

Guy Balok, President

Kathy Baldwin, Vice President
Sandy Nolan, Secretary
Michelle Todorov, Treasurer
Kathleen Connor, Director
Margaret (Peggy) Zonca, Director
Ann Creviston, Director
This section of the Herald contains minutes of the Board of Directors meetings
and management information. This section is the official medium of communications of the Association as prescribed by Board Resolution R-6, March 22, 1976.
We recommend that you not only read but save this section of the Herald for future
reference. Resolutions and Regulations approved by the Board become part of
your Association By-Laws.
3

HIGHLAND LAKES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY

20301 Silver Spring Drive, Northville, MI 48167
Phone: 248-349-4006
E-mail: clubhouse@hlca.us
Fax: 248-349-8821
Web: www.HLCA.us

After Hours Emergency Maintenance Phone: 248-349-4043

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Guy Balok, President................... 734-667-3507
Margaret (Peggy) Zonca, Director.248-348-5283
Kathy Baldwin, Vice President..... 248-974-6688
Michelle Todorov, Director............ 248-380-1611
Sandy Nolan, Secretary............... 248-349-3587
Ann Creviston, Director.................248-894-4961
Kathleen Connor, Director........... 248-207-6417
PERSONNEL
Guinevere Eatmon........Senior Receptionist (Notary)
Heather Greer........................................Receptionist
Alexis Jackson......................................Receptionist

Joe Poma........................................Property Manager

Emily Lutzenkirchen.....Publications & Records Assistant
Sharon Englund.......................................Bookkeeper

COMMITTEE INFORMATION
COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON
Barb Balok

734-667-3507

Sandy Nolan & Ann Creviston

Court Liaison

Joel Lutz

248-349-6782

Peggy Zonca & Sandy Nolan

Engineering

Tom Werner

248-349-4459

Kathleen Connor & Peggy Zonca

Community Social

Brad Todorov

248-380-1611

Finance

Joyce Elvy

248-349-1747

Guy Balok, Kathy Baldwin, Sandy

Nolan & Michelle Todorov
Kathleen Connor & Ann Creviston

Grounds

Joel Lutz

248-349-6782

Kathleen Connor & Peggy Zonca

-----

Kathleen Connor & Sandy Nolan

Guy Balok & Michelle Todorov

Clubhouse

Herald

-----

PHONE

BOARD LIAISON

Ecology

Cathy Watkins

248-765-2327

Pool

Rosemary Campion

248-349-8227

RV

Cheryl Huizing
Hugh Battley

Guy Balok, Kathleen Connor,

& Sandy Nolan
248-231-7603
248-349-4841
Michelle Todorov

Tennis

Carol Shields

248-305-7123

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Michelle Todorov

After Hours Emergency ...................................................................................................................248-349-4006

Northville Township Police-Non-Emergency .................................................................................248-349-9400
Northville Township Fire Department ..........................................................................................248-348-5807
Northville Township Police and Fire Emergency ........................................................................................... 911
After Hours Maintenance Emergency ..........................................................................................248-349-4006
Assessment/Billing Inquiries .....................................................................................................248-349-4006
Consumers Power Company .......................................................................................................800-477-5050
DTE-Electric Company ...............................................................................................................800-477-4747
Hazardous Waste Information .....................................................................................................734-326-3936
HLCA WOW! Account Rep (Bob Sivori) ........................................................................................248-808-9872
WOW! Sales & Support .............................................................................................................1-866-496-9669
HLCA AT&T Account Rep (Denise Smith) .....................................................................................810-265-4946
AT&T Sales & Support (Phone or U-Verse) ..................................................................................800-288-3466
HLCA Comcast Account Rep (Erin Timmermann)..............................................erin_timmermann@comcast.com
Web site ......................................................................................................................................www.HLCA.us
Association Facebook Page ..............................................................................................facebook.com/hlca.mi

Highland Lakes
Herald

Herald Committee

Joy Gaskin
(looking for volunteers)

Herald Staff

Ray Parzych
Betty Parzych
Joel Lutz
Gloria Janks
Ilio Alessandri
Barbara Evans
Marty Tingstad
Beverly Dudley

The Highland Lakes Herald is the official news medium of

the Highland Lakes Condominium Association, serving all
residents, groups and organizations.
The Association and its Board of Directors control and are
responsible for the contents of the Herald.
The staff of the Highland Lakes Herald serves on a voluntary
basis. Editorials reflect the opinions of the staff and are not
construed as representative of the general membership of
the Association.
The Herald welcomes comments, suggestions and articles
from its readers. All material submitted for publication
in the Herald must be true, factual, and newsworthy. The
editor reserves the right to withhold items from publication
pending verification of facts. In some cases where items
are of a critical or controversial nature, the editor reserves
the right to solicit comments from those with opposing
viewpoints.
Materials submitted for publication are to be given to the
receptionist in Highland House. All materials submitted
must be signed, but signatures will be withheld upon request.
Communications to the Herald should be in writing. No
material will be accepted for publication in the upcoming
issue after the 20th of the month.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

AUTO REPAIR
Phil's 76 Service.........................................29
BEAUTY / SKIN CARE
Amway.......................................................25
Avon & Mary Kay....................................28
CARPET & FLOORS
Simply Floor Coverings...........................25

HOME REPAIR & HANDYMAN SERVICES

Mark Adams...................................................24
Kitchen & Bath by Rajic................................25
R.A.R. Construction Services, Inc...............26
INSURANCE
Merrick Maris Insurance.......................... 31
PLUMBING
Evans Plumbing........................................28
PHOTOGRAPHY

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Animal Portraits........................................25

OBrien Sullivan Funeral Home..............28

REAL ESTATE

GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR

Megan Atkinson........................................23

American Gas Works LLC.......................26

HEATING & COOLING
Harriman Heating Inc...............................27

Real Estate One.......................................... 26

Claudia Hernandez, Realtor....................26
WINDOWS / WINDOWS REPAIR
R & H Glazing........................................... 24

https://www.facebook.com/hlca.mi

HIGHLAND LAKES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES - January 16, 2017

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of Highland Lakes Condominium Association was held on the
third Monday of the month, in accordance with the By-Laws of the Association. Vice-President Kathy Baldwin
called the January 16, 2017 regular meeting of the Board of Directors to order at 7:30 p.m.
Attendance
The following Directors were present: Kathy Baldwin, Michelle Todorov, Kathleen Connor, Sandy Nolan,
Ann Creviston, and Peggy Zonca. Also present were Joe Poma, Property Manager, and Emily Lutzenkirchen,
Publications and Records Assistant. Approximately nine Co-Owners attended.
Approval of Minutes:

again. Kathleen suggested a notice about the correct way

to use the dumpsters and pet pails be put in the Herald. Joe
replied that he can write-up a notice but the subject has
been in the Herald many times already. A resident stated
that there are some instances that the pet pail cannot be
used at all due to the location and surrounding snow
and trash. A resident commented that the trash service
putting the pet pail right by the fence should help. Since
the cart is on wheels it tends to get moved around which
can make it more difficult. The subject of having the cart
chained to the fence also came up. These ideas are great
but a more long-term solution needs to take place. The
current form of trash removal is archaic and switching to
a more modern system is needed.

Board Action: Motion by Michelle Todorov, support

by Peggy Zonca, to approve and file the minutes of the
November 21, 2016 executive session of the Board of
Directors. All in favor. Motion passed.
Treasurers Report:
Michelle Todorov reported.
The roofing project is complete!
Accounts receivable crept up in the month of December
due to a few isolated units with larger balances. The
exclusive marketing contract with AT&T continues to
contribute about $2,000 a month. Savings in administrative
payroll is due to the low amount of turnover, holiday, and
winter hours. Natural gas shows a savings of $4,266 due
to the natural gas contract and the mild winter. The water
bills were also less than anticipated so the Association is
favorable $18,832. Vehicle budget is over and will continue
to be so due to repairs of aging vehicles and future D.O.T.
inspections. Tree and shrub maintenance was over budget
by about $2,000 in December and about $9,000 for the year
due to late season tree removal taking place when there
was a lack of budget. Snow removal is favorable $6,300 in
December and $9,200 YTD. Unit maintenance repair is
favorable due to lack of maintenance repairs. Committees
have not spent much of their budget yet and health care
costs are lower due to the type of coverage employees are
using. Property insurance is also doing well.

Joe would like to see the Association switch to a curb

cart system in the near future. The new system will have
enclosures that are chest high where you cant see the
trash and will have 10-12 curb carts that will service the
two to three surrounding buildings. Having a curb cart
system should end the loose trash and problems with
animals getting into the trash. A resident asked if the new
corrals could be built at the same time as the new asphalt.
Joe replied that monetarily it cannot be done and on top
of that new corrals have to be built since the current ones
cant be used due to their shape. In an ideal situation,
asphalt will be done, then concrete, build the new corrals,
demo the old ones, and then switch the service to curb
carts. A resident commented that one way to improve the
efficiency of removing and replacing the existing corrals is
to consider a prefabricated enclosure.

Clubhouse Committee Report: page

Back in the day the Association used to bag leaves and

dump them on the forest floor by Scenic Harbour. A
resident mentioned the area becoming a collection point
Discussion: The open house meeting discussing the instead of the compost sitting out by the corrals until
clubhouse renovation is on February 7, 2017 from 6 p.m. pickup. The subject was tabled for future discussion.
- 7p.m.
Board Action: Motion by Michelle Todorov, support by
Board Action: Motion by Peggy Zonca, support by Sandy Nolan, to approve the Court Liaison Committee
Kathleen Connor, to approve the Clubhouse Committee report of January 5, 2017 and the recommendation
report of January 2, 2017. All in favor. Motion passed.
changing the purchasing of sticky labels to using the
clubhouse label maker. All in favor. Motion passed.
Court Liaison Committee Report: page
Barb Balok reported.

Engineering Committee Report: page

Joel Lutz reported.

Discussion: The subject of the pet pails was brought up Tom Werner reported.
7

Board Action: Motion by Michelle Todorov, support

by Sandy Nolan, to approve the Engineering report of
January 10, 2017, and the recommendations to approve
#1-5 & #7-9, and to deny #6 & #10. All in favor. Motion
Passed.
Management Report: page
Joe Poma reported.
Co-Owners Forum:
A resident commented that bags of compost have
sat outside her units corral for a few weeks now. Joe
commented that maintenance will take care of it.
Kathy shared that there will be some Open Board Meeting
changes that will be in the Herald. Starting in February
Open Meetings will begin at 7 p.m. Three months out
of the year there will be no meeting. April will have
candidates night; August will have the annual budget
meeting, and December, as usual. There is also a new
format for reading committee reports. Recommendations
will be read as normal along with any concerns but there
will no longer be reading of the minutes.
Bunco Night will be taking place Saturday, January 21st at
7 p.m. and there will be a Valentines luncheon February
11th from noon - 2 p.m. at the clubhouse.
The Meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

MANAGEMENT REPORT
TO: Board of Directors, Co-Owners
FROM: Joe Poma, Property Manager

RE: Property Managers Report

DATE: January 16, 2017

1. Natural Gas Prices: Residents will periodically ask how our natural gas budget is funded. In a single family home
situation, most people get their service through Consumers Energy and for the longest time, the Association did as
well. Years ago however, the natural gas market was deregulated, meaning that the market was opened up to
competition which, in turn, led to competitive pricing. There are now bulk suppliers of natural gas out there that
provide the gas by purchasing it on the open market and providing it to homeowners. Consumers Energy still
maintains the gas lines and the overall service, but the supply is coming from another source. This can be confusing,
because a bulk supplier doesnt back a truck up to a main line and start piping natural gas to our community, but rather
supplies the natural gas to Consumers Energy and they take care of the rest. Highland Lakes is very unique to gas
suppliers; our units are not individually metered and the Association pays for the natural gas supply instead of a
co-owner getting an individual bill like they do for electricity. We have 94 meters at Highland Lakes, representing
every building, the clubhouse and the maintenance shop. With that in mind, here is where the value comes in. A bulk
supplier defines a large commercial customer as any company that uses more than 500 McF of natural gas per year.
Highland Lakes uses about 60,000. The term McF refers to a thousand cubic feet and is the incremental measure used
to calculate the bill. In the past, Highland Lakes has paid as high as $6.23 per McF and as low as $2.65 through the
bulk market. When budgeting, we start by taking the price per McF and multiplying it by the average use of natural
gas at the property and that gives us roughly 50-60% of the budget. This is because it is the natural gas alone. The rest
of the bill is for maintaining the lines, plus state & federal fees. Due to our large consumption of natural gas here, we
are very appealing to bulk suppliers. Imagine going to a car dealership and getting the price for one car and then
asking what the price would be if you were purchasing 20. Furthermore, we have always had a knack for locking
in a rate when the market was at its lowest point and it always rises soon thereafter. Last year, we entered into a gas
contract at $2.89 per McF and would be paying close to $4.00 from the bulk market if we entered into a contract today
(they take the market price per McF and put an adder on it, which is basically an administrative fee for services).
Consumers Energy is currently at a little over $3.00 and the NYMEX price per McF as of January 9th is $3.15 but has
gone as high as $3.85 within the last few months. Striking the deal at the right point means a lot to our residents; if we
signed a contract at todays prices, the budget would be $67,000 higher or $8 more in assessments to each co-owner
per month. In 2007, the natural gas budget was as high as $750,000 and today it is $300,000.
2. In-House Services: As with the natural gas question above, residents will sometimes ask why our snow removal
program is done in-house rather than contracting it out; I have been asked the same question about lawn care. The
question arises simply because over the years, residents have questioned how we could save money or even whether
a management company would be a better deal for the Association. The thought process is that if we farm out our
services, fewer employees are needed and ultimately, we can have a company provide basic maintenance and oversight
at a cost savings. Highland Lakes has been continuously self-managed since 1982 and the reasoning was primarily
to avoid a lease-car mentality among management companies or the concern that there would be a lower standard of
care for our homeowners especially since a management company is overly concerned about maintaining a contract
renewal. This can take different forms, but one of them is a lower standard for services or letting things slide to bolster
the bottom line and look good on paper. Regardless of the Associations opinion on fee management, the staff has
routinely acquired bids in the past for snow removal and lawn care. The Board is comprised of residents and its in the
best fiduciary interest of the Association to make sure that our residents are receiving the best value for their
assessments. Lets start with snow removal. When you think of snow removal, you immediately think of a small
number of trucks plowing the roads and parking spaces and it seems like it would be fairly inexpensive. As stated
above, Highland Lakes however is like no other community. We are not comprised of square brick buildings sitting on
concrete parking lots with no landscaping. Our footprint is large, taking up 150+ acres with 3 inland lakes and miles
of sidewalk, approach walks and pathways. If it was plowing the roads alone, we would clearly benefit from hiring
an outside contractor, but dont forget that the staff uses tractors, snow-blowers and shovels to clean off 691 approach
walks, all of the main sidewalks, the parking lots, the parking spaces and the roads as well. We also house 100 tons
of rock salt for an average winter and 1200+ bags of lava-melt for the approaches. This takes a crew all day long and
very often several days to accomplish. A bid for snow removal as far back as 2008 placed this cost at $270,000 and
9

MANAGEMENT REPORT
TO: Board of Directors, Co-Owners
FROM: Joe Poma, Property Manager

RE: Property Managers Report

DATE: January 16, 2017

that was just the base price; the actual expense would be variable depending on the severity of the winter. Its not
just snow removal either; a smaller example is when we hired Labor Ready in the past to clean out a small portion
of Silver Spring Lake of debris. The bill came to about $700 because a company not only charges the base hourly
wage, but also an upcharge (overhead) for their services. We are now doing this in-house with two employees at their
respective hourly rate for a couple of days. The cost is less than half. Lawn care follows the same concept. Its not
just a matter of mowing wide open spaces, but consider hiring a company to trim around 691 condominiums, fences,
seawalls, curbsand then theres the edging of the entire community. In 2007, the cost to contract this service was
$224,000 and it did not include shrub trimming (now done in house), along with spring and fall clean-up. Shrub
trimming was bid by Davey Tree Company at $26,000 for 2017; were doing it in-house by three of our maintenance
staff. Remember also that the lawn crew is comprised of some of the grounds crew. These staff members along with
others put down all of the cedar mulch throughout the property, grade our beaches, maintain our forest pathways,
repair our fences, repair our sprinkler systems, etc. Even if we hired a contractor for lawn and snow, we would still
need technicians to complete service requests and do everything else that I mentioned above. Lawn and snow removal
alone was bid at $494,000 total in 2007; our maintenance salary budget for the entire property and all work that comes
with it is $411,843its that simple. Im not forgetting about the price of salt either, but that was a variable portion
in those bids as well. The more salt we would need from a contractor, the higher the price. Payroll taxes and medical
insurance would close this gap slightly, but would not overtake it. Along with this, our employees work directly for
the Association and you get more of that personal approach and higher standard of care for your home and property.
In summary, the maintenance staff at Highland Lakes is not capable of being downsized or divided due to the
dynamics of this development and everything that needs to be done here. Although our staff and each employee has a
different function, they are all part of the whole and whereas it appears that we have two or three items that comprise
our daily maintenance of the property, we instead have a dozen.
3. Trash Corrals: Now that the roofing project has been completed and we are starting to concentrate on asphalt
throughout the property, we are looking at some other outdated issues and procedures. Our trash removal contract is
still reasonably priced, but the open trash corrals and loose trash problem that we have is less tolerable in an age where
companies have dumpsters, tall enclosures and / or curb carts that hide trash. Our current system is highly visible,
open to rodents that tear the bags apart, and we are constantly having to remind residents to bag everything or
otherwise restate the procedure for disposing of different things. There is no indication from trash hauling companies
that hand picking of garbage bags will be phased out anytime soon because there are still so many companies
throughout the country that rely on it, and although we would benefit from a more visually appealing trash corral,
there is not a significant cost savings from switching to a curb cart system even though you would think there would
be. Nevertheless, this is something that is being strongly considered. Our trash corrals are built for hand-picking and
nothing more; we cant really implement another program using them, due to the odd shape and size of the current
corrals. If we could fit 5-6 curb carts in each corral, it would hardly be enough to support trash disposal for the 2-3
buildings that they usually service. In order to make the switch to a modern disposal system, we would have to build
a new trash corral next to the current one or in another location in the courtyard. These new corrals would have higher
walls and perhaps be faced with something that covers the bare cinderblock; they would be larger as well. Within
these new corrals, we would place a sufficient amount of curb carts for the regular trash and recycling material, doing
away with the central recycling dumpster at the clubhouse and providing for a covered cart that would hide the trash,
protect the bags from rodents and prevent the smell of garbage. The residents would continue to use the old corrals as
we currently do, until the all of the new corrals were built. At that point, we would switch over to the new system and
demolish the old corrals. Due to the number of corrals and the need for extensive leveling, concrete work and
construction, this project is anticipated to cost $200,000 to $400,000 with the higher number being more realistic.
Demolition of the old corrals and haul away of the concrete slabs beneath them will be expensive as it is. The good
news is that the long term capital improvement account is basically already funded. Using the momentum from the
roof project funding, we are turning to asphalt and concrete and then considering some other projects; siding, fences,
etc. This will come down to an issue of proper timing and cash flow, but it is within reach. Details will follow as I get
10

MANAGEMENT REPORT
TO: Board of Directors, Co-Owners
FROM: Joe Poma, Property Manager

RE: Property Managers Report

DATE: January 16, 2017

proposals for the construction of new corrals and survey where the best locations would be. Until that time, I would
ask that all residents remember the trash disposal procedures and try and use a trash bag that has a thicker mil rating
than the cheap tall kitchen bags. We are getting a lot of bags that are falling apart when picked up.
4. Hayes Court Vandalism: A car on Hayes Court was vandalized twice over the course of a month. In both cases,
liquid was thrown on the car and it appears to be a random act simply because the co-owner has no known enemies,
nor does it appear that there was a motive. We have had incidences of theft periodically in the past including items
taken from cars and wheels stolen. Make sure to lock your car, report all suspicious activity to the police and keep
your condominium well-lit at night. This includes using your porch and patio lights and watching out for your
neighbors property as well as your own.
5. Winterizing, filters, smoke alarms, etc.: As our staff conducts snow removal and service requests throughout the
property, we are still seeing a few homes that have dripping water spigots in the front and back. This obviously means
that the basement valve is still on or defective. January is considered the worst month for pipe freezes, but it can
happen until April, so make sure your water supply to the outside is off. Also, furnace filters are generally good for
about 3 months and remember to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and thermostats.
6. Door to Door Solicitations: We continue to have problems with a company named First Home Improvement and they
are going door to door soliciting our residents for home improvement work. They are claiming that the Association
gave them permission to go door to door. This is an outright lie and we have called the police several times before and
have also approached them and told them to leave the property. They leave when we ask, but they always return a few
months later. They are now soliciting on weekends when management is not here. It concerns us not only because
they refuse to stay away from our property, but more importantly, when I went to do research to draft a no-trespass
order, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not show their corporate name as registered.
Im not even sure if this is a valid company licensed to do business in Michigan or a scam operation. Furthermore,
when I went to look up their name on google, it showed their website as questionable and the anti-virus software
flagged the website as potentially harmful. In the past, when the website was accessed, there was no phone number or
address. All contacts were given a generic e-mail address. It is worth noting that they are more of a broker or
middle-man for other contractors than a company that does their own work. If representatives from this so-called
company approach your door, do not do business with them; they are not getting the hint. We have had similar
problems with Majic Window Company in the past, but at least that company has left our residents alone lately.
7. Clubhouse Renovations: The Association is working with R. Berlin & Associates design team to come up with,
and implement, architectural modification plans for the clubhouse. These modifications are designed to make the
clubhouse handicapped accessible and modern in design, appearance and utility. Although the entryways have been
replaced with modern aluminum framing, door assemblies and safety glass, the remainder of the clubhouse work
(including any interior alterations) will be the subject of an informative resident meeting anticipated for the month of
February. All co-owners are welcome to attend to be better advised of changes being made to the interior of our
clubhouse and will have the opportunity to voice opinions and ask questions about this project. Replacement of
carpeting, installation of ramps, re-design of the front office work space, kitchen and main lounge are all part of the
$300,000 capital improvement budget that has already been funded for the benefit of our co-owners. The clubhouse
has always been the gathering place and primary amenity at this community, and after 40 years, it needs a facelift and a
more modern, user friendly atmosphere. Details will follow, but all co-owners are welcome and encouraged to attend
the meeting(s) forthcoming.
8. Goose Control Contract: The Canadian geese have really re-emerged over the last 2 years. Our lake pathways and
common areas were covered with droppings and 2016 was the worst in 5 years. The contract was scaled back about
5 years ago because they were driven from the property under a full-service contract and had seemingly been almost
11

MANAGEMENT REPORT
TO: Board of Directors, Co-Owners
FROM: Joe Poma, Property Manager

RE: Property Managers Report

DATE: January 16, 2017

eradicated by 2011. It made no sense at that time to continue with daily harassment over 9 months and the Association
realized a cost savings of about $2200 per year. It was bad enough last year however to reconsider that position going
forward and if this is going to be a cyclical thing where we have to condition them to stay away from the property and
it takes several years to do itthen it must be done. I know how difficult it was to navigate the pathways while always
having to look down and watch where you step. There is no easy solution and over the years, we have experimented
with string along the lakeshores, nest destruction, round-ups and a variety of other techniques. Three confirmed cases
of Avian Influenza in free-ranging Canadian Geese found in Macomb County last year was also enough for the DNR
to suspend round-ups because they did not want to ship potentially infected birds, so our efforts were hampered to
remove them from the site. As we go forward, I have asked Gooseworks to provide two proposals, with one being a
full-service option that will cost an additional $2400, but it can be absorbed without affecting our bottom line. The
Association is aware of the problem and we are taking steps to prevent it going forward.
9. Asphalt & Concrete Work: With roofing out of the way, we are turning our attention to the courtyards and roads, so
if youre tired of all of the potholes, help is on the way! A list of courtyards that are scheduled to be done this year will
be available in a couple of months, and if all goes well, we plan on starting the project in May or June. Asphalt work is
very expensive, so this will be a project spread over several years, but our goal is to do the entire property.

12

HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT

COMMITTEE: Clubhouse Committee
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Balok - Chairperson
Tom Werner

MEETING DATE: January 2, 2017

GUESTS PRESENT:
Sandy Nolan - Board Liaison
Kathy Baldwin - Board Vice President
Ann Creviston - Board Liaison
Guy Balok - Board President
Joe Poma - Property Manager

SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
1. Decoration Take down. To take place Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 1:00 to 5:00. Subs from Jimmy Johns will be purchased for all those who are willing to donate their time.
2. Names to be added to Memorial Plaque. Larry Osiecki and Sally Rigo.
3. Renovation update. Joe Poma advised the group that to date $47,899 has been spent leaving a balance of $102,101 in the
budget for the completion of phase 1 of the renovation.
4. Library Maintenance. Members will meet at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 to shelve books.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD: There were no recommendations to the Board

NEXT MEETING: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Barbara Balok, Chairperson
13

HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT

COMMITTEE: Court Liaison Committee
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Joel Lutz - Chairperson
Diane Pittaway (Co-Chair
Barb Adams - Secretary
Stan Savitskie
Carolyn Toyer
Barb Evans
Tom Werner
Sharon Smith

MEETING DATE: January 5, 2017

GUESTS PRESENT:
Peggy Zonca - Board Liaison
Kathleen Connor - Board Director

SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
1. The main subject of discussion was, once again the condition of the trash corrals. The former Pet Pail pedestals have not
yet been removed and residents are still not using the dumpster that has been placed inside the corral for small trash, loose
items and pet waste. Often times the dumpster cannot be reached in order to open the lid.
2. Diane proposed that we approach the Board and ask if it was feasible to purchase waterproof sticky labels that would indicate
the dumpster inside the corral was to be used expressly for pet waste and loose trash. Barb seconded that motion.
3. Snow removal can be an issue if residents do not comply by removing their vehicles in order to facilitate the snow plows.
4. It was decided to set up a date in the future for a CPR training session for any new residents who would like to attend and or
those who would like a refresher course. Northville Township Fire Dept. would be the trainers.
5. There are two (2) courts still without a Court Liaison. Aqueduct, and Iron Gate.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD: To purchase waterproof sticky labels that would indicate the dumpster inside
the corral was to be used expressly for pet waste and loose trash.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Submitted by Barb Adams, Secretary
14

HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT

COMMITTEE: Engineering Committee

MEETING DATE: January 10, 2017

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Thomas A. Werner - Chairman
Art Baynes, Co-Chairman
Lorraine Scully
Stan Savitskie

GUESTS PRESENT:
Joe Poma - Property Manager
Kathleen Connor - Board Liaison
Peggy Zonca - Board Liaison

MODIFICATION REQUESTS REVIEWED:

Unit 19
Installation by:

Satellite dish
DirecTV
Meets HLCA Requirements

Notes:
2

Unit 113
Installation by:

Notes:
(7) Windows
Wallside
Meets HLCA Requirements

Storm Door SD-1

Mikes Door
Meets HLCA Requirements

Notes:
3

Unit 129
Installation by:

Unit 179
Installation by:

Unit 394
Installation by:

Does Not Meet HLCA Requirements

architectural drawing has been omitted.

(8) Windows
Installation by: Weathergard
Meets HLCA Requirements
Notes:
Unit 477

Unit 511

Satellite Dish
Meets HLCA Requirements

Notes:
Satellite dish
Dish Network
Meets HLCA Requirements

Unit 566

Railing

Installation by: Novi Fence

Meets HLCA Requirements

Notes:
5

Removal of Interior Wall

Installation by: Dish Network

Notes:
4

Unit 461

Installation by: Built By Design Contracting, LLC

Notes:
(5) Windows
Wallside
Meets HLCA Requirements

10

Notes:

Satellite Dish
Installation by: DirecTV
Does Not Meet HLCA Requirements
Notes:
Must be in limited common area
Unit 667

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD: To approve modifications #1-5 & #7-9, to deny modifications
#6 & #10
NEXT MEETING: February 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Submitted by Tom Werner, Committee Chairman
15

Plant Focus

We would like to introduce a couple of interesting native trees/shrubs for use in Highland Lakes.

Witch Hazel
Witch Hazels are known for their extraordinary flowers which are very fragrant, are bright yellow and bloom in late
fall when all leaves are down. This native
shrub/small tree is found from Nova
Scotia to Florida, Great Lakes to Eastern
Texas. It is a woodland understory tree.
In form it has arching branches and
grows as a dense clump as a multi trunk
shrub or small tree. Since it is an understory tree, the areas for planting are
in shady sites, east or north sides. They
make excellent hedges and small patio
trees.
Although the Asian hybrids bloom in
spring, the flowers lack fragrance and are not as showy. Also, the flowers are sterile and do not support birds or bees. Witch Hazel locations in Highland Lakes are at the end of Ironwood Court and 2
in the common area between the clubhouse and Bryn Mawr Court.

Serviceberry
Serviceberries are another native understory
tree, which gets 20-25 high, with equal spread.
It will grow in sunny to part shady sites.
These are a 4 season show: white flowers in
April which become berries. These berries
taste similar to blueberries are used for jams,
jellies and pies. After blooming, dark shiny 3
green leaves emerge which turn into brilliant
orange-red in the fall. The grey branch color
and patterns looks good in the winter.
Autumn Brilliance is a cross between the 2
native serviceberries and really lives up to its
name!

Submitted by Cathy Watkins

16

Open BOard Meetings

new FOrMat
1. New Open Board meeting time is 7:00 p.m.
2. Continue with the approval of the Executive Board, and the Open Board minutes as
usual.
3. Treasurers report will follow with the Finance Committee Report.
The Finance Committee will give a report of their findings (re: the itemized statement) and what the bottom line that was required to run HLCA the previous month
(what was spent, check book balance). This will not require approval of the Board
but just recognition of the report and filing of the same.
4. Committee Reports:
No more oral reports by committee representatives of the minutes in their entirety.
Recommendations to the Board will be the only items that will require discussion
and at that point committee representatives are invited to speak.
Items of interest and questions will be brought up and answered.
Engineering will continue to give a report when they have recommendations for
approvals.
4. Co-owner forum & comments are to be left the same as what is done now.
Agendas for the Open Board Meeting will be posted a minimum of 24 hours in
advance both at the Clubhouse and online on the HLCA Facebook page.

17

New OpeN BOard

MeetiNg dates
1. Regular Board Meetings will remain on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
2. There will be Open Board meetings in the following months: January, February,
March, May, June, July, September, October, and November.
3. In the month of April there will be an Executive meeting at 6 p.m. followed by Meet
the Candidates from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Meet the Candidates meeting will be conducted by the Elections Chairperson
and will be with all the candidates sitting before the Co-Owners.
4. In the month of August the Executive meeting will take place at 6 p.m. and the Annual Budget meeting will take place from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Additional meeting(s) will be
scheduled if necessary.
5. No Board Meetings in December as usual.

18

Help!
We need your help. Highland Lakes is like a small city with a governing body which is
composed of elected officers who serve at the pleasure of the co-owners who elect them. The Board
makes policy decisions with consideration tot the Highland Lakes Committees input and recommendations. Heres where you come in.
Committees are desperately in need of new members. Committee membership has dwindled
in recent years as people have passed on, moved away or have followed other interests. Each committee meets once a month. There is a board in the clubhouse lounge which lists the dates and times
for meetings. The calendar on the back of the Highland Herald also shows the dates of meetings as
well as community events.
Whatever your interests, there is a committee that will welcome your participation. The
standing committees are:
Clubhouse Committee
Community-Social Committee
Ecology Committee
Grounds Committee
Court Liaison Committee
Engineering Committee
Finance Committee
Herald Committee
Pool Committee
RV Committee
Tennis Committee
A complete description of the committees functions can be found in your Co-Owner Manual.
Maybe youre not ready to commit to membership in a particular committee at this time, or
dont know which committee would be a good fit. Why not take some time and visit various committee meetings and see what peaks your interest? Actually, you dont really have to commit yourself
to any one committee at all! Many committees would love to have volunteers to help at the social
events. If you enjoy working outside, the Grounds or Ecology committees would certainly welcome
your help.
This is your community. Whether you are a new owner or a long time resident who now has
extra time to spare, we need you! Highland Lakes has always been known for its neighborhood atmosphere. Please consider donating a bit of your time to keep our community an attractive and fun
place to live.

Article submitted by Sandy Nolan, Board Secretary

19

Bunco night at Highland Lakes was a fun time for all. There
were approximately 28 people present, and the dice were flying!
We munched on delicious snacks and played the night away.

Article & pictures submitted by Sandy Nolan

20

CUPID SAYS...
Come to the
Highland Lakes

Valentines
Pasta Luncheon
Saturday, February 11th
12:00 - 2:00

The Clubhouse
ALL RESIDENTS AND THEIR GUESTS
ARE WELCOME!
We would LOVE to see you there!

LUNCH ~MUSIC ~ TREATS

21

Bunco Night
No experience
necessary.... an easy and
fun game to play!
Beginning at 7 p.m.
at the Clubhouse
Saturday, March 4th
Players bring appetizers
to share
BYOB
Please rsvp at the
Clubhouse 248-349-4006
22

Home Inventory in Highland Lakes is low!

List your condo today before the flood of homes hit the market in spring!
I am passionate about our neighborhood and I would love the opportunity to sell
your home. I work hard to bring proud homeowners into Highland Lakes.
Walking paths, three beautiful lakes, a wonderful clubhouse, and friendly
neighbors! Our community has so much to offer!
On average, my listings sell within 12 days on the market.

Call me today to get your home SOLD!

Around Town

February 1-26

Sexy Laundry at the Tipping Pointe Theatre

Tipping Pointe Theatre 361 E. Cady St.

February 3
First Friday Experience

5PM-9PM, Downtown Northville

Megan Atkinson

Highland Lakes

Resident & Realtor

(734) 414-3247

megan@pattimullen.com

February 11
Northville Twp Firemens Ball
6PM-11PM, Laurel Manor

February 20

Northville Schools Mid-Winter Recess

No School!

Highland Lakes
Market Update

Just Sold!

Recently Sold in Highland Lakes:

19848 Irongate Court
4127 Lehigh Lane
19731 Hayes Court
42904 Pond Court
19473 Eddington Place
19665 Ironwood Court
19848 Irongate Court

(734) 414-3247
23

Highland Lakes Womens Club

SAVE THE DATE:

The next get-together will be

February 2, 2017 at noon
Border Cantina
21420 Novi Rd. Novi, MI
Arranged by Judy Whelan

March 2, 2017 at noon

China Cafe
24299 Novi Rd. Novi, MI
Arranged by Darlene Sattler

For further information about the Highland Lakes Womens Club, you can contact
Bev Dudley at (248)349-4139 or leratcat@aol.com

All adult female residents of Highland Lakes are invited to meet with us!

IS IT TIME FOR A FRESH R & H GLAZING, INC.

COAT OF INTERIOR PAINT?

Im offering special rates for the (734) 379-5355
OR
months of February & March!

LICENSED & INSURED 23 YEARS EXPERIENCE GUARANTEED WORK

WE REPAIR ANY WOOD, VINYL OR ALUMINUM WINDOW
SPECIALIZING IN BROKEN, SEALFAILED & FOGGED

(734) 422-5355

Expert Painting
Professional Color Consultation

Mark Adams: 248.935.8990

T h e A s s o c i a t i o ns P a i n t e r

Association Discounts
10 Year Warranty on Glass
Low E Reflective & Tinted Glass
Lowest Prices in Town
Parts Available for Most Windows
Completed Promptly & Efficiently
Two Weeks Service on Most Jobs

NO TRIP
CHARGE
FREE
ESTIMATE

DO YOUR WINDOWS HAVE...

Seal Failure? Moisture in Glass?

Windows Dont Stay Up?
Stripe Failure?
Is Your Window Manufacturer
out of Business?

CALL NOW!

RICK THE WINDOW DOC!

(734) 379-5355

24

Carpet | Tile | Hardwood | Sanding & Refinishing | Laminate |

Vinyl

Guinevere Eatmon, IBO

248.956.0131
248.924.2883

guineatmon@gmail.com

(248) 756-3418

HOME BEAUTY NUTRITION

Nutrition, Skin & Color
Consultation by
Appointment

MercerMike35@aol.com
Michael Mercer

www.amway.com/guineatmon

President

THE FLOORING
STORE AT YOUR
DOOR!

25

Your Highland Lakes Realtor Connection

Twice the Knowledge, Twice the Experience,
Twice the Service!
Weve helped many of your neighbors and are
ready to help you. If you are thinking of buying
or selling, please give us a call!

Mary Ketelhut
734-634-8128

Real Estate One Northville / Novi

41430 Grand River Ave, Suite D
Novi, MI 48375

The Customer Experience is

the Heart of My Business

John OBrien
248-756-0414

Nobody works harder for

satisfactory results.

***HIGHLAND LAKES PORCH REPAIR***

REPAIR YOUR DETERIORATING BRICKS
& JOINTS
PORCHES CAN ALSO BE REPAIRED
DURING WINTER MONTHS
QUALITY WORK AT AFFORDABLE COST

Claudia Hernandez
Highland Lake Resident Realtor

734-732-3674

CALL R.A.R. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES,

INC.

chernandez@cbwm.com
201 CadyCentre, Northville

**AT 248/444-6105 FOR YOUR FREE

INSPECTION & ESTIMATE**

This is home.

This is where
awesomeness
happens.
26

WEIR MANUEL

FURNACE TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS INCLUDING

Heating & air

Conditioning

WE OFFER SENIOR DISCOUNTS

24 HOUR

EMERGENCY SERVICE

248.231.2102

HarrimanHeating.com

Financing 0% for 36 months

HIGHLAND LAKES HERALD AD RATES

The Highland Lakes Herald is distributed monthly to 691 homes. All advertising accepted on a prepaid basis.
New ads will be charged set-up fee as per the schedule below.
FLYERS - Let us insert your pre-printed yers or brochures into the Herald:

JUST $50 PER MONTH

PLUS PRE-PAY FOR 4 MONTHS AND GET A MONTH FREE!

- Please provide us with 725 copies of your yer for each month we insert. -

1/8 PAGE

AD SIZE

3-3/4 X 2-1/2

1/8

1/4 PAGE
3-3/4 X 5

1/4

1/2 PAGE
7-1/2 X 5

FULL PAGE
7-1/2 X 10

1/2
Full Page

MONTHLY FEE

(Add $25 Set up fee for new ads)

PRE-PAID 6 MO.

(PAY FOR 6 MONTHS, AND

WELL WAIVE THE SET UP FEE!)

$15.00

$25.00

$40.00

$65.00

$90.00

$150.00

$240.00

$390.00

Prepaid Yearly Price Includes ONE FREE MONTH!!

PRE-PAID YEARLY

(PAY FOR 11 MONTHS, GET 1

MONTH FREE!)

$165.00

$275.00

$440.00

$715.00

THE HERALD DEADLINE IS THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH

Make checks payable to Highland Lakes Condominium Association.

For more information, contact the Clubhouse: 248-349-4006 or email clubhouse@hlca.us

27

Offering the best makeup and beautification

products for every skin type and age.
YOUR INDEPENDENT BEAUTY CONSULTANT

www.youravon.com/geatmon
avonladyguinevere@gmail.com

www.marykay.com/geatmon
geatmon@marykay.com

SPECIAL
40 Gallon Gas
Water Heater

Installed for $790

I.S.E.

Garbage Disposal
Installed for $235

Family Owned
Est. 1898

OBRIEN
SULLIVAN

FUNERALS, CREMATIONS, PREARRANGEMENTS

41555 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375-1822

248-348-1800

www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com

Offering Pre Need & Aftercare Programs

28

29

Highland Lakes Court Liaisons

NOTE: ALL AREA CODES ARE 248 UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE

Anchor

Tracey Green........................321-4614

Althea

Sue Tocco............................ 348-3396

Amboy

Brad Todorov.........................380-1611

Andover

Pam Takacs...........................374-0864

Aqueduct
Vacant

Bryn Mawr

Robert Gorczyca............734-751-7828

Dartmouth

Sue Misiulis...........................344-4949

Dearborn

Jim Delaney..........................348-6554

Dorothy Gay

Renee Morris.................810-334-1434

Eddington

David Duey....................586-996-2098

Farragut

Lorraine Scully (B 89 & 90).......344-8703

Janice Booher (B 88)..............344-4229

Hayes

D. & G. Loudy (B 30, 31 & 32)

..................................................349-3308
Steve Sapp (B 28 & 29)
.......................................734-512-6890

Inlet

Betsy Byrne...........................207-6221

Irongate
VACANT

Ironwood

Esther Allison.................... 880-1673

Itham

Bob Rudolph......................924-2600

Juliet

Neptune

Lucy Curtis (B33)............349-0301

Robert Nulty
(B34, B35).......................349-0511

Norwood

Stan Savitskie .............. 946-4338

Eric Behrmann............734-934-0621

Kenyon

Oakland

Earl Smith.......................349-6478

Elizabeth Dombles..............Unlisted

Old Bridge

Linda Tomica.................. 349-6107

Lagoon

Marchelle Brotz...........517-525-1661

Lehigh

Pond

Diane Pittaway............... 347-1078

Lela Lutz............................349-6782

Lehigh Lane

Queen Anne

Kathy Baldwin.................974-6688

Dianne Hartman.................229-3884

Leidel

Richards

Barbara Adams..................982-8247

Ralph Downey.................974-9625

Lilac

Beverly Brenner..............348-2982

Barbara Evans...................348-3087

Longwood

Sandy

Savoy

Mary Kraska............313-268-8516

Jim OConnor.....................344-6600

Lyric

Schoolhouse

Leslie Wilcox.......... ........449-6726

Minda Commire.................701-0004

Madison

Seabrook

Andrea Valle....................819-0704

Carolyn Toyer.....................348-9745

Malvern

Valiant

Ilio Alessandri ................ .449-6959

Judy Whelan (B 45)...........921-2125

Unlisted (B 46)

Mann

View Point

Stanley Roberson.....734-674-3600

Sharon Smith.....................348-0706

Whitman

Mariner

Windsor

Douglas Perrin....................Unlisted

30

Frank Jensen................. 880-2011

Tom Werner....................349-4459

protecting communities and

associations across Michigan.
Servicing all your insurance needs:
Condominium Associations
Homeowners Associations
Apartment Buildings
Commercial Auto
Directors and Officers Coverage
Fidelity Bond Coverage
Equipment & Machinery Coverage
Workers Compensation

remiere
P

Rochester

612 W. University
Rochester, MI 48307

COMMERCIAL GROUP

248-879-3100

New Hudson

56849 Grand River, Ste. 12

New Hudson, MI 48165

248-257-5556

Merrick Maris, III

Brandon Brown

Rich Rossell

586-752-4861

248-257-5556

248-879-3100

merrick.maris@fbinsmi.com

brandonbrown@fbinsmi.com

31

rrossell@fbinsmi.com

February 2017
SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY
1
Ladies
Pinochle
12:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

2
Yoga 9:30 a.m. Euchre
Womens Club 7:00 p.m.
noon
Yoga 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY
3

9
Yoga 9:30 a.m.
& 6:00 p.m.

10

11

16

17

18

24

25

Court Liaison
Comm. 7:00 p.m.

Yoga 9:30 a.m.

Clubhouse
Open House
Comm. 7:00 p.m. Meeting 6:00
p.m.

8
Ladies
Pinochle
12:30 p.m.

Valentines
Day Luncheon
noon - 2 p.m.

Ecology Comm.
7:00 p.m.

12

13

19

20

21
Yoga 9:30 a.m.

Finance Comm.
6:00 p.m.
Board
Meeting
7:00 p.m.

26

14
Yoga 9:30 a.m. Ladies
Pinochle
Engineering
Comm. 3:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m.

27

15

Yoga 9:30 a.m. Euchre

& 6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.

22
Ladies
Pinochle
12:30 p.m.

28
Yoga 9:30 a.m. Ladies
Pinochle
12:30 p.m.

23
Yoga 9:30 a.m.
& 6:00 p.m.

2
Yoga 9:30 a.m.
Womens Club Euchre
7:00 p.m.
noon
Yoga 6:00 p.m.

Bunco Night
7 p.m.

Court Liaison
Comm. 7:00 p.m.

6
Clubhouse
Comm. 7:00 p.m.

7
Yoga 9:30 a.m. Ladies
Pinochle
12:30 p.m.

10

Yoga 9:30 a.m.

& 6:00 p.m.

CLUBHOUSE WINTER HOURS

M o n d a y - F r i d a y..........9 : 0 0 a .m. - 9 : 0 0 p .m.
Satur day. .. . . . . . . . n o o n - 9 : 0 0 p .m.

Su n d a y.............n o o n - 5 p.m.

11