Category: Board Meetings

Call to Order 6:04 p.m.

Roll Call of Trustees

President- Nicole Fitzgerald (Present) Trustee- Fred Boogren(Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox (Present) Trustee- Debbie Healy 

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian (Present) Trustee- Bill Geal (Absent)

Treasurer- Frank Kren (Present) Trustee- Diana Baron (Present)

                                                                        Trustee- Rachel D. (Present)

 

FOAI CONFIRMATION AND FINDING REPORT FROM ATTORNEY 

Just to confirm what most of the board already knew, is that an association is not bound by FOIA (We are not a United States federal state or local government branch). According to the lawyer we are not a government entity which makes us not Obligated or legally required to respond to any for your request. We can respond to a FOIA if we choose, however we deem to, as a good faith gesture and take as much time as we need, since we are not bound by FOIA Laws. Legally no response is required. Also, if we choose to respond to a FOIA, if the request formatting is not correct, FOIA Requests require; correct spelling, address, phone number, individuals name, as well as the correct letter format, an association is not responsible, in any way to respond to the FOIA. There is a process and if someone is going to try to get a response from the association board, the individual should take the time to address the FOIA appropriately. If there is ever a FOIA request and the association board decides to respond to it, if the request is made out to an individual, the board automatically needs to be disregard it and can’t even entertained the idea to be answered, because according to state law you can never request a FOIA from an individual because it violates their constitutional rights. In closing, NO association in the state of Michigan is legally bound by the FOIA. 

 

If a response is given, simply direct individual to refer to the meeting minutes, since most things can be addressed through refering to the meeting minutes.

 

BYLAW CONFIRMATION AND FINDING REPORT 

Per the attorney and the bylaws(Pg 1), the only meeting that is to be held with residents according to the bylaws, is the annual meeting. All meetings that are monthly are supposed to be the board only. The board can choose to have the residents at the meetings but that is at the board’s discretion. 

 

Per the attorney and the lack of information in the ByLaws regarding voting at the annual meetings or in general can be done how the board seems fit. The attorney did state that the fact that the current board utilizing the State of Michigan voting guidelines as a guide for voting was wise choice.

 

Per attorney and ByLaws (Article VIII) current standing board has the right to refuse to let someone back on the board that has been terminated, quit, or both. 

 

 

HOA LAW CONFIRMATION AND FINDING REPORT 

Per Attorney on HOA Law pertaining to meetings- If there is no agenda,there is no meeting that needs to occur

 

Meetings can now legally be held by any type of social media live, zoom, through text or by conference call. The attending board seemed interested in this.

 

Per attorney if there is a resident that becomes verbally or physically aggressive at a meeting, the board can legally ask the resident to leave. If a resident refuses, the board can call the police to have the resident removed or supply video footage to the police and permanently ban the resident from all future meetings forever. 

 

Per attorney It is legal to raise the HOA dues on rentals to whatever board sees fit, within reason.

 

DBA INSURANCE

The insurance will be visiting on October 31,2024 at 9am to go through the office and all association grounds to see if there is anything that we are required to repair or update. The insurance company does this type of review every few years.

 

BOARD DISCUSSION

Questions on how to close out the September meeting minutes were brought up because of whether or not the meeting minutes should have the resident’s name, which was angrily belligerent at the September meeting. The board came to terms that the name was important to be listed for future reference for future boards.

 

Concerns from much of the board was that they would like to understand why one of the board members is always on the defensive and always making accusations. Unfortunately said board member was not at the meeting to resolve this matter. The board will revisit this at our next meeting, in person meeting in March.

 

 

MEETING ADJOURNMENT 7:16 p.m.

Motion made by the treasurer, Frank, and seconded by Victoria, V.P.. All were in favor with one abstaining.

 

Call to Order 6.30 pm 

 

Roll Call of Trustees

President- Nicole Fitzgerald – Officer (Present) Fred Boogren – Trustee (Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox – Officer (Present) Debbie Healy – Trustee (Present)

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian – Officer (Present) Bill Geal – Trustee (Present)

Treasurer- Frank Kren – Officer (Present). Rachel D. – Trustee (Absent)

                                                                                     Diana Barron – Trustee (Present Via Phone)     

 

PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES APPOVED

Victoria motioned for approval of the meeting minutes and Nancy seconded. All were in favor, one abstaining.

 

PRESIDENTS REPORT (Nicole)

The board introduced all the new trustees; Bill, Rachel and Diana to the residents. The board did welcome the new board members at the Executive August meeting. 

 

If a resident experiences a problem of a legal matter, it is the responsibility of the resident to call the police, not the association board. For instance, if a resident sees a trespasser, speeder, or someone breaking into a home it is the residents responsibility to contact the police. If you go to the park please use your park passes. This prevents towing or officers asking you to leave. Anyone can call the tow company. 

HOA dues that are current, are the individuals that will have Park passes. If you’re HOA dues are not paid, you will not have park passes. 

 

The Pavilion needs to be rented and a contract needs to be signed. The Pavilion is not free and it is for property owners only, per the bylaws.

 

We are going to look into vinyl transfers for signs that are deteriorating. 

 

HOA bills have gone out and as of now, we have had an amazing payment response this year. This is a result of more accurate address keeping done by the office staff. 

 

The board members, Frank and Victoria, that work with the JAWS program every other weekend would love to have volunteers. If you are interested, you can contact the office and it is very much appreciated.

 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT (FRANK)

Due to inflation we are still entertaining the idea of a $0.20 increase to be put on the ballot for the July annual meeting.

 

BEAUTIFICATION, MAINTENAINCE & EVENTS (FRANK & VICTORIA)

 As was discussed in the president’s report, we always need volunteers. If you are interested please contact the office and leave a voicemail with your phone number, send a message through the text only, through either one of the Facebook Messengers or through email. Any type of volunteering would truly be appreciated. The Jaws program will be here to help decorate for Halloween as well as Christmas. The JAWs program will also come out a few times over the colder months. Halloween will be an observance to Frenchtown townships times which are 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and the Christmas tree lighting will be November 30th at 6:30 p.m.

 

Bill Geal provided some unknown information about the seawall that runs along Edgewater. Per information obtained from documents provided by the Resort District Authority. The seawall for Detroit beach is basically a test wall. How long the wall will last is unknown. The spaces that are between each wall segment have a filler in them, if this breaks down, it is okay it doesn’t affect the performance of the wall. There is supposed to be yearly inspections done on the wall, that has not been done by the company that’s supposed to be handling this. With this information being collected the Detroit Beach Association will begin creating a file on the wall, not just as for reference for the current board but as a reference for future boards.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

Mark had some questions and concerns for resources to assist his neighbor with an issue. We directed him to contact the MCOP or have his neighbor contact them and that the MCOP would probably know how to assist them or know where they could get proper assistance.

 

Chelyn wanted to know if we took ornament donations. The Board happily accept the kind offer

 

Resident approached the board stating he had a list of issues. The treasurer then directed him to make a list and then give it to the board so that the board could address as many issues as possible. The treasurer also informed Tony that this was not the forum to go through a list and that we could look into his list once he made one and submitted it. From there Resident became excessively belligerent causing the board and other attending residents to try to cease the meeting and his behavior. Due to the situation, trying to adjourn the meeting took a few attempts but the Treasurer was finally able to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by the treasurer, Frank, and seconded by Victoria, V.P.. All were in favor with one abstaining.

  

Call to Order 6.32 pm 

 

Roll Call of Trustees

President- Nicole Fitzgerald   (Present)         Trustee- Fred Boogren(Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox  (Present)                      Debbie Healy (Present)

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian  (Present)         

Treasurer- Frank Kren (Presentt)

 

PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES APPOVED

Motion was made, for the executive meeting minutes to be  approved, by Frank. Five were in favor and one abstained 

PRESIDENTS REPORT (Nicole)

There was a quick recap on the  berm issue, that is behind the homes on the north side of Monona. Everyone at the meeting was informed that the berm property that resides on the outskirts of Monrona, that is not owned by Detroit Beach Association,will not have the deterioration survey done on it, paid and implemented by other entities that are not Detroit Beach Association, until that property is out of bankruptcy.   The Army Corps of Engineers sent an email that confirms that no one is to be driving a vehicle (emergency vehicles only) on any berm given; by doing so, it will accelerate deterioration and hinder the performance of the berm. 

 

There is an ongoing issue with a resident and the residents’ neighbors. Even though we cannot help this group come to a happy medium, we can extend a reminder to be courteous of your neighbors, whether you get along with them or not.  Everyone has the legal right to respectfully live in their own yard, be happy and be able to enjoy their property without aggression from others. 

 

Great news, now that there are two blight inspectors, we hope to get a lot more accomplished for our problem areas that seem to be overlooked or deemed, by the township, as the issue has being resolved,when it hasn’t. 

 

The JAWS program has been continuing their work throughout the late fall months and winter season. They helped with Halloween, getting the decorations up and Christmas.  The JAWs program  showed up to just clean up the parks a little and make sure the garbage cans were empty during the winter months. Now that it is spring, we will focus on a more regimented schedule with the JAWS program.  Frank is currently working closely with the head of Jaws to set  up a regular schedule. We recently had the Jaws program out to assist with some graffiti on the seawall at the park that is on Edgewater between 4th and 5th street.  Thank you to Frank and the JAWs program for getting that cleaned up.

 

The flood gates used to be open Memorial Day to Labor Day. The board voted, 5 in favor 1 abstained, to change the dates.  Now being closed on October 15th and reopened April 1st (Unless Weather Does Not Permit).

 

Just a reminder, per the RDA, the seawall maintenance is the residents responsibility if the seawall is on your property. The association’s responsibility is the seawall that borders the common ground areas. 

 

We’ve had a few residents suggest that we allow some residents, first come first serve, to set up their garage sales in Bear Park during garage sale days. The board voted on this idea, 5 in favor 1 abstained, with a contract. We will do the the space rental like the pavilion. For those that do not understand how we rent the pavilion, we simply take a $100  deposit, check, for the pavilion and as long as nothing is left messy, damaged and/or  no one  has driven in the park, the check is generally shredded or given back to the resident. We would apply this same idea to renting a spot in the park for a garage sale. We would mark off spots, for example 10×20, number them and include all that information in a contract that would have to be honored by the renter. The resident renting would be held responsible for their stuff, meaning that the Resident would have to clean up the area every night and if they leave their items set up, Detroit Beach Association will not be held responsible for their personal items, The Resident would also be responsible making sure that their area would be completely undamaged and clean on the final day by 6pm. The Resident would have to honor their contract or they would not get their $100 deposit back. The deposit would be used for cleanup and/or repair. This will be addressed again at the June meeting to get more ideas about this.

 

There were many liens that went out and a few payment plans set up. There were 12 payment plans set up, wishing there would have been more, and 4 have been paid off. The other payment plans are being paid on regularly and this is wonderful.  We appreciate everyone that made a plan and paid it off or is still working on it, for honoring that payment plan agreement. You all have been wonderful. 

TREASURER’S REPORT (FRANK)

The budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/2025 is currently being worked on and will be ready at the upcoming meeting. Inflation has impacted our 2023/2024 budget substantially. Everything  from lawn care, snow removal and office supplies, to electricity and  everything else to making repairs has impacted the budgett. We are considering of proposing a menial increase of the HOA dues on the the 2025 July annual meeting. 

 

There are still many unpaid dues out there in addition to the 55+ liens that have been initiated; over 10% of the residents have not paid. We do have some good news though,  collections are up. Thanks to Nicole’s diligence in setting up payment plans and tracking down individuals phone numbers to call and set up these payment plans or collect the full amount. 

 

BEAUTIFICATION, MAINTENAINCE & EVENTS (FRANK & VICTORIA)

 With much discussion through the past couple months the majority of the board, with one abstaining, decided that the bear park/ office parking lot be repaired.  Research on companies and getting quotes will begin immediately. 

 

The picnic tables and benches at Bear park will be painted by the JAWs program. We are hoping to have this completed by the annual meeting in July; weather is the determining factor.

 

We would love some volunteers from the community as well. We do have the JAWs program but we generally only are able to get 2 people at a time. The more volunteers, the more we can accomplish.

 

Since we are responsible as an association for the repair of the seawall that borders any common area, We will be utilizing the  JAWS program. We will instruct the JAWs men and/or women as to how to properly do the repairs. The JAWs program will aid  the board members in making repairs this year.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

 

Connie Carroll suggested, for extra help, to get the red shirts.

 

Connie asked if the rumors were true, that we paid for a resident’s property survey. We explained that we paid half of the survey cost because we were going to have the park on Edgewater at 6th Street surveyed anyway and Jim, the resident that lives just North of the park, property lines touching, needed his property surveyed. We voted that sharing the cost would benefit the association financially and both parties walked away with the survey answers that were needed. 

 

Bill Geal wanted to know who was responsible for the contract on the wall that resulted in a year warranty and the residents and association responsible for the maintenance on the sea wall. We responded to him  that it was most likely Frenchtown RDA. 

 

Noka Fanola wanted to know if golf carts were allowed, ATV or mini bikes. We responded that golf carts are the only thing on that list that were permitted. We explained that we abide by the Frenchtown Township Ordinances and they only allow golf carts until dusk. She then asked about chicken and if they were allowed. We responded that according to Frenchtown Township Ordinance chickens are not permitted 

 

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Frank motioned to adjourn the meeting and Victoria seconded. All were in favor.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:13pm

Call to Order 2:00pm 

Roll Call of Trustees

President- Nicole Fitzgerald   (Present)         Trustee- Fred Boogren(Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox  (Present)                      Trustee- Tess Cini (Present)

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian  (Present)         

Treasurer- Frank Kren (Present)                  

 

Presidents Report

The Annual Voting took place from 1-2 on Saturday, July 15, 2023. People that were on the ballot were 3 existing board members; Nicole, Frank, and Tess, and one new board member, Debbie Healy. Even though the weather was rainy, we had a decent turnout for voting. We got to meet some residents that we haven’t met before and some new to the neighborhood residents. 

 

The meeting started promptly at 2pm.  A few of the voters did stay for the meeting to offer some feedback, get information, and just listen. We covered quite a bit in a short time.

 

Another area that we addressed at the meeting was phone calls to the office. We ask that, if you call the office, please leave a voicemail and a phone number. If you do not, we have no way of knowing you called and we cannot call you back if you don’t leave a phone number. Not everyone has given their phone numbers to add to the system

 

We discussed an ongoing issue that we have had up at Bear Park with a group of kids that come up there almost every day. The kids leave garbage, flip the porta potty, are belligerent to other residents that walk through the park or try to bring their kids up to play, flip trash cans and jack up the swings. Some of the board members tried talking to the children and they continued, a resident had to contact the  police to come because the kids were being belligerent to them and messing up the play equipment and sadly the officer didn’t have much to say about it. We are trying to narrow down with whom the children’s parents are so that we can reach out to them.

 

We discussed the installation of the new solar lights and panels that will be installed the following Saturday after this meeting. These solar lights and panels are 5 years maintenance free. If there are issues with the product the product will be replaced hassle free for free.

 

Late assessments and liens were also addressed at this meeting. We continue to try to get the residents to pay by offering payment plans but it doesn’t seem to help. We will be placing liens on homes when the billing cycle starts in September. We encourage any residents that are way behind to contact the office before September to set up a payment play. Terms are discussed at the time of creating the payment plan.  

 

The tornado that came through damaged a lot. The flagpole was one of the things that sustained damage. We contacted a company in Toledo and they came out, did all the repairs as well as replaced the flag. Now our flag is flying beautifully.

 

We have had a couple of complaints about weed. We know that it is legal and that you are on your own property, we just ask that you try to be respectful of the individuals around you. We are all neighbors. 

 

Blight is another issue that was addressed. The blight does continue to go out. We are all at the mercy of the Frenchtown Blight officer making the rounds. Feel free to utilize the link for blight in the pinned post on the top of the Facebook page. Blight will continue to go out.

 

The JAWS (Jailer Program) and the beautification committee have been doing a great job keeping the parks clean and assisting repairs. We are always looking for volunteers feel free to call us, text only, email or facebook messenger, if you are interested

 

Treasurer Committee Report

We are proud to announce that we are right on track with last year’s finances with a financial surplus. This money, as with what we did with the surplus last year, will be put toward repairs, bills, beautification, office supplies and events. The accountant did their assessment of the fiscal year and provided packets with the information.

 

The new fiscal year, 23/24, budget was handed out to the residents at the meeting as well as board members. The budget was created based on last year’s, 22/23, numbers and reflects inflation. The budget was motioned for approval and seconded with 5 board members for and one abstaining. 

 

Just a reminder, if you have not paid 22/23 assessments/ HOA fees, please do so. If you need a payment plan let us know. This will help you avoid a lien on the property. We would like to see the back payments caught up before new, 23/24 assessment bills go out the first week of September.

 

Beautification & Event Committee Report

The Jaws program will continue to work with Frank and Victoria with cleaning up the association and repairs. The new solar lights will be put in on Saturday, July 22, 2023. The lights were supposed to be installed the same Saturday as the meeting but due to inclement weather, installation was postponed. Fall garage sale days will be Thursday August 31st, Friday September 1st, Saturday September 2nd, and Sunday September 3rd. 

Public Participation

Thank you  all that came

Meeting Ajourned – 2:15pm

Side note. We would like to welcome our newest addition to the board, Debbie Healy.