Category: Uncategorized

DETROIT BEACH ASSOCIATION, INC.

Meeting Minutes

April 26, 2023

 

Call to Order 6:30pm 

Roll Call of Trustees

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

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

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian  (Present)         

Treasurer- Frank Kren (Present)                  

 

Presidents Report

Hello everyone and welcome to the monthly meeting. I appreciate everyone attending and look forward to hearing some of your suggestions and we will try to address any questions you may have.

 

In March, the all board members had an executive meeting that consisted of basically encompassing a list of things we needed to accomplish. first and we needed to get organized. We are going to finish up bear park and then move on to another one of the parks. We ordered some new trash cans to put along the Edgewater park. And if they work out, we will start gradually replacing the trash receptacles for ones with lids.

 

We also discussed getting parks surveyed that don’t have clear property lines, so we can make the boarders clear. We have found out that we need to get the deeds in order to have them surveyed, so that is what we are in the process of doing.  we will start with the Edgewater park at 6th.

 

The April meeting went well. We had some special guests that will be speaking in regards to the police station that is going in on N. Dixie, across the street from the association. Gary Klemz, standing in for Kyle Bryant, township clerk. Klemz is very knowledgeable about the project. Jim Jacobs the project architect was also there for any questions and to go into some detail.  Sheriff Goodnough also attended  to give all of the residents some more information on their view of the project.

 

We have had many questions in regards to chicken, and whether we can have them or not. According to the township, and they have addressed this, unless you have an acre you cannot have chickens. 

 

Treasurer Report

The financial report was shared for review and was approved by the board. The financials are looking good and we should end up in the same positive financial position as we did last year.

 

The Snow Removal reimbursement information was submitted to the RDA (Resort District Authority). We are currently waiting on the credit to be implemented.

 

Beautification Committee Report

The Jaws program will start 5/13 and be Twice a month through September. Spring Cleanup will start 5/13 and happen twice a month. We are looking into solar power for the lighthouses. A call was put into DTE and we are awaiting a call back from the department that handles that area in order to get a quote. A light layer of mulch will be put around the Detroit Beach Association sign, just to brighten it up as well as the Bear Park.

 

Special Guest Speakers

Gary Klemz, Standing in for Township Clerk: Kyle Bryant, Jim Jacobs: Police Station Architect, David Uhl: Township Development Manager, Troy Goodnough: Monroe County Sheriff

 

The plans for the police station were presented to the attending residents. Our Frenchtown representatives assured the residents that this project will not raise the peoples taxes. 

 

The building will be 14,000 square ft. The building as well as the grounds will have a nautical theme.The main part of the structure will be the Monroe County Sheriff’s Substation; there will be holding space but it will not be a jail. There are currently 8 deputies assigned to this area and when the substation is complete, there will be 18 deputies and budgeted for 79. This will increase response times, offer safer roads and create the possibility for bike patrol officers.

 

There will be other areas within the building,  such as, eight (8) small conference rooms. There are also plans for a community center in the back area with storage capacity. The community center will hold 500 people, with a large fully operating kitchen.There are also plans on modifying the light as well as creating a crosswalk there to create a better flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The plans include many outdoor amenities such as a park and a walking path. The plans are still in the development stage, so things can change. 

The project is to start this May. Once the project kicks off, it will take roughly 460 days to complete. This means from the begining with the bids all the way until the end, which is the completion of the building, park areas will still be being developed. During the construction phase, there is the possibility for road blocks on Dixie. If you have any questions or concerns we encourage you to contact the township, they should be able to help.

 

Public Participation

Questions were asked in regards to bicycle police. Sheriff Goodnough responded that although that is not currently a plan, it is very possible that in the near future there could be bicycle patrol since they will finally be able to accommodate having a bicycle patrol.

 

Another Question was asked about having recycle bins up at the station. The response to that was no, there are recycle bins currently at the Mall of Monroe. 

 

Meeting Ajourned – 7:52pm

Let us start this off by saying that we hope that everyone has a safe, healthy, and a year full of growth.

 

We, the association, had such a productive year. We accomplished some repairs to bear park, repairs and paint to the office building, a lot of cleanup, common areas sealed and so much more.We may not always get to things A.S.A.P, whether it is because of manpower, other pressing repairs are currently in process or both. We promise all of you that we will continue this pattern of growth throughout the year. 

 

Many in our neighborhood suffered from hardships late last year and very early this year, some worse than others. Please, help your neighbors the best you can. Whether it is dinner for the evening,  helping cleanup, donating items, sharing something on facebook or a simple kind word etc, sometimes that gesture, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, makes more of a difference than one may ever know.

 

October was a busy month. We processed a lot of payments, thank you for that everyone. Those payments are what pays for all of the street lights, beautification, grounds and maintenance, lawn service, snow and salt service and those, oh so fun, events like Halloween, Christmas and Easter. 

 

Halloween was so much fun. That fun couldn’t have happened without all of our residents and those that helped decorate, set-up, host, cleanup and tear down. It is truly a group effort, the more people that volunteer the more we can do and get done. 

 

November may have been cold but that didn’t stop the momentum of this group. A group of us dug a hole and prepped it for Detroit Beach Associations first ever “Forever Christmas Tree”. A week later the Forever Christmas Tree arrived and Snow’s Nursery picked out the prettiest Black Hills Pine for us, delivered it and helped bring it over to the tree’s new home. Our group of volunteers got that tree situated, planted and watered. We were able to water our new tree with the help of our awesome resident Portia. Thank you Portia for the use of your water, we cannot thank you enough. 

 

Did anyone notice, given that it was kind of off season for the office, but to spruce up the outside of the office, a simple faux lighthouse etched glass decal was put on the door and a couple of small fake plants outside. Just a little something to make the office itself stand out a bit.

 

Christmas lights and decorations were pulled out of storage and prepped for their big debut. Candy canes were placed out front of the association, by the sign as well as by the Bear Park Sign. Some wreaths were hung on the lighthouses and the office and lights were put up in Bear Park, by the office and near the front of the association. A huge thank you to the volunteers that made it all Christmasy in preparations for the season and the upcoming Christmas tree lighting.

 

December it is cold outside but there was a fire burning under us. The office work continues, can’t stop that fun and that is what it is when things are getting accomplished, collecting money and helping residents out. 

 

Sadly, while changing the light bulb on the lighthouses, we found that one of them is not working at all, we had a few electrical companies come out to assess the situation and it will need some work done to it in spring.

 

Our second annual Christmas tree lighting turned out very nice. Everyone that came enjoyed the christmas music, tree decorating hot chocolate and coffee. We had one little boy that was truly and thoroughly enjoying the decorating part. Thank you to all that came, Thank you to all that helped set up, cleanup and tear down. Just an amazing group of people.

In Closing, let’s take a dedicated minute to say thank you to those residents and random kids that took time out of their busy schedules to decorate, host events, clean up the neighborhood, make repairs and more. Without them, these events and improvements would not and could not happen because it takes manpower.

 

Easter- Frank, Victoria, Nancy, Nicole 

 

Halloween- Frank, Tiger, Victoria, Adriana, Brandon, Jacob, Fred and Nicole

 

Christmas- Frank, Tiger, Victoria, Portia, Fred, Nicole

 

Planting and Prep of Christmas Tree- Tiger, Victoria, Frank, Nicole

 

Office Building Makeover –  Tony, Jaws Program, Nicole

 

Neighborhood clean up and repair- Tiger, Tony, Jaws Program, Nicole, Nancy

Call Meeting to Order at 7:00 pm by Nicole

 

President- Nicole Fitzgerald(Present)                Trustee- Tony Spear (Absent)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox (Present)                             Trustee- Fred. Boogren (Present) 

Treasurer- Frank Kren    (Present)                     Trustee- Tess Cini (Present)

Secretary- Sandra Parker (Present)         

 

Previous Meeting Minutes

August meeting minutes, we as a board and the attendees of the meeting, representing the community, took a minute to read over the previous meeting minutes. Nicole motioned for the approval of the minutes Victoria accepted and Frank seconded the approval, all other board members were in favor.

 

Presidents Report

I want to explain why we started posting the meeting agendas. I started posting the meeting agenda on Facebook so that the residents could see what we would be addressing at the meeting and take that opportunity to see if there is something on the agenda that they would like to be present for as it is addressed or if there is something that they would like to add to the agenda. This is a way to help the board work better for you as well as get the residents more involved with their community.

 

Our Secretary, Nancy, retired. We hate to see her go and she will be extremely missed, but let’s all wish her well. She has assured us that she is retired but will not be a stranger. Prior to the meeting, the board discussed who the new secretary would be. Frank motioned to vote for Sandra, Victoria accepted and Fred seconded, Nicole Abstained, all others were in favor. Let’s all welcome Sandra Parker as our new secretary. Just to let everyone know, we are doing speach to text meeting notes, so let’s see how this goes. 

 

The association assessment/HOA bills went out early September and it is time to get busy collecting the dues now through October. The dues go to so many things such as:

  • Street lights
  • playground maintenance
  • park maintenance
  • building and structure maintenance and repair
  • Snow and Salt for the winter
  • Fun Events

and so much more.

Collecting the assessments/HOA dues also helps the treasurer find discrepancies in the system and fix them. Discrepancies such as misspellings, messed inconsistencies with the street, number versus the word etc. 

 

There have been a lot of complaints again about some residents not securing or leashing their dogs. Per ByLaws and Frenchtown ordinance the dog must be on a 6’ leash, or a fenced in yard. This is for the safety of passers by as well as your animal. We had a tragic event occur that did not end well with two pups. Please do this, no resident wants to have to call animal control.

 

J & B Seal Coating, sealed the Bear Park Pavilion, the multi-sport area, and  the basketball court. They did an absolutely wonderful job and it looks amazing. A huge thank you to J & B Seal Coating,

 

There is a lot that has to be done in the month of October, so the board discussed canceling the October meeting so that we could take that time and get things ready for Halloween. All board members were in favor, Nicole abstaining.   Since the October meeting is canceled,  this meeting will be our last until approximately March. 

 

There will be a lot more votes that will happen in this meeting since this is the last meeting until approximately March.

 

 

 

We heard from special guests; Tom Friar, Ignacio Bijarro, and Shane Foster. They discussed Jefferson Schools and what their plans would be if elected. We appreciated their time to come out and share with all of us at the meeting

 

How the Board works:

  • Something is brought to the board, by the board or resident at the meeting. 
  • The board takes the information, and then votes on what is proposed. Now, sometimes this can happen immediately or it may have to wait. For instance, the Halloween budget will be voted on; the majority will either approve it or they won’t  and that will happen right away. Now, say we need to put a stop sign where some residents have said they would like to see a stop sign, then we will not vote immediately, a facebook poll will be posted to see how many people support it. If a lot support it, then we put the sign in.
  • No single person can just make the decision. It is a majority rules, period
  • We have Officer Trustees: President, V.P, Secretary and Treasurer, and then we have trustees of the board. This is explained in the by-laws and if you are interested in a recent copy, inbox or email us and we can get you a set.

 

There are things that are in our power to change

  •  landscaping, 
  • painting, 
  • park hours, 
  • What can be in parks, 
  • What time the parks are open and close
  • Road Signs

That is just some examples.

 

Things that pertain to local and state laws (even though this is a private community)  such as roads and otherwise, we cannot change and we are required to abide by them. 

 

The Importance of Reserving the Bear Park Pavilion

You must reserve the Bear Park Pavilion. This is not anything new, it is something that they have been doing for years. It is a $100 check deposit that is never cashed unless the pavilion or park is left messy and we have to clean it up or things are broken and/or damaged. Reserving the pavilion protects you and the association. 

 

You reserve it and then it is yours for the day. If someone is there, they have to leave, that cannot be disputed because you as the individual that reserved it have the rights to it, period. 

 

It protects the association from full out of pocket cost if there are damages or clean up. Some people have big parties which leave big messes, that is normal but the party holder cleans it up. 

So, Please, reserve it, go through the proper channels. The only thing that you have to lose is your party if you don’t reserve it. 

 

Committee Reports 

Financial/Treasurer Report (Frank)

Frank touched base on the approval of the  2022-2023 budget and how it was gone over, voted on and approved at the July and again at the August meetings. He also addressed the importance of the budget and the focus of staying within each areas boundaries (ie. office, grounds, law and order, snow removal, beautification) and that we are so far doing an excellent job at staying within those boundaries. Frank continues to monitor our bills and works to get the most affordable pricing; doing this all.

 

Frank discussed the importance of paying your assessments. He stated that this helps him fix any discrepancies in the system. He also extended his apologies for the typo at the bottom of the invoice, implying that we basically took no form of payment. Thankfully not too many people paid any mind to it. That statement has since been fixed and didn’t seem to slow this community down, because we are already $1000 ahead of where we were last year.  This is saying a lot given the amount of money that we have spent this month this year compared to this month last year. Great job everyone

 

We are within the Halloween budget. So it is a go for ordering donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and buying the candy. Frank stated that we also have extra in the Halloween budget to purchase visqueen to wrap for the Halloween gathering in the Bear Park pavilion.

 

Beautification/ Event Committee

Our beautification and events committee is in full swing. With Halloween approaching, the committee will be decorating the pavilion little by little on each weekend as Halloween approaches. They will not be putting the blow up decorations out until the last minute. Once Halloween happens, November 1st the committee will clean up and begin plans for Christmas. 

 

The Beautification and Events committee has been discussing purchasing a real tree to be planted for not just Christmas, but the better of the community beauty. If you are interested in being a part of the beautification committee reach out to the us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354

 

Building, Maintenance and Grounds

Our head of grounds is wrapping things up with the JAWS program. The season for being really productive is coming to an end. Grounds and Maintenance will assist beautification and Events committee if there is anything that they need assistance with in the off season, although it is not expected to be much.  We may be needing volunteers to assist with the committee. Reach out to the us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354

 

Law and Order Committee

There have been many complaints of blight. Let’s keep it clean, we all want to live in a nice and neat neighborhood. Blight will continue to go out as long as weather permits. If you need help, reach out, many have and have received assistance from the wonderful residents. It is easier to ask for help than to pay a blight fine. I am always looking for volunteers to assist with doing the blight.

 

Flood gates are not a boat launch. If it can be carried fine but anything that has to be pulled with any type of motorized vehicle is not allowed.

 

Just a friendly reminder, parking in the park’s parking areas is for the parks and for the OCCASIONAL overflow of guests you may have at your home, not an extension to your driveway. If a busy event is the case at your home, please contact us and let us know so that we can get your guests temporary guest passes that have to be returned to the office in the dropbox or in person if someone is available. If you are at a park to visit the park, please make sure that you have your pass in the window so that you do not get your vehicle towed or ticketed. We do appreciate your assistance and thank you.

 

The best neighborhood watch is everyone keeping an eye out, ears open and knowing who to contact if there is some type of issue at hand. Please, keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings. Call the non-emergency, (734) 243-7070, number for the police to look into suspicious activity, this phone number will get a car out asap according to Sheriff Goodnough. The tellthesheriff@monroemi.org  is still functioning for things that do not require immediate assistance. Of course call 911 if there is an active crime, fire or medical emergency. This will help keep our neighborhood safe and looking nice and it’s almost like a type of neighborhood watch.

 

Ongoing Business

Bear Park is almost done. We most likely will not be able to finish this year, but early next spring hopefully. Most parks will be being re-surveyed so that we can get some visually pleasing landscaping in. We did discuss changing the speed limit on most of the roads that branch off of Edgewater, Bronson, and Grand. 

 

Halloween and Christmas are coming and the beautification/ events committee may need some assistance. Please jump in and have some laughs while giving back to the community.

 

Just a friendly reminder, if there are any complaints that need to be addressed about any board member, please email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net, Text only# (734) 393-2765, through Facebook messenger or come to a meeting. The messages must include the complaint against who, as well as the details, there also needs to be a date, time and your name and phone number. This is for legality and official purpose. No phone calls can be accepted for this type of complaint. Hearsay and personal vendettas are not applicable because of easily disputed legality. Not liking someone or having a disagreement is not a viable complaint, it is subjective and will not be accepted for legal purposes

 

New Business

One of the residents suggested selling hoodies and/or t-shirts that say “Detroit Beach Association” to go towards getting new metal benches put in at the parks. The board figured we would put a poll on  this idea on our Facebook pages and see what type of traction we would get, whether the residents and others would be interested in doing something like this. We will revisit this idea at another meeting, but will do the poll.

 

Up for vote is: 

  • Planting a real Evergreen in Bear Park. Frank motioned for the vote on the real Christmas tree in Bear Park accepted by Victoria and 2nd by Sandra, All others were in favor, Nicole abstaining.
  • Having Christmas on Saturday December 3, 2022 @ 6:30 pm. Motion was made by Nicole, accepted by Victoria and 2nd by Tess,  all were in favor.
  • (Just in case we cannot have a March 2023 meeting) Easter in Bear Park on Saturday March 25, 2023 at 1:00pm Frank motioned for a vote, Fred accepted and Victoria 2nd, all were in favor, Nicole abstaining

 

Holiday Event Schedule 

  1. Halloween- Per Frenchtown hours of 6-8
  2. Christmas Celebration- @ Bear Park Pavilion, December 3 @ 6:30 (Tree Lighting Countdown promptly starting at 6:40pm, Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Christmas Music) Residents and their families
  3. Easter in Bear Park- March 25, 2023 @ 1pm (Easter egg hunt) Residents and their families

 

Public Participation

Connie brought up stray cats. I suggested calling animal control. Hopefully this helps the situation. Thank you again to Ignacio, Tom and Shane for coming out to share with the community.

Adjournment

Motion made by Frank, accepted by Victoria. All in favor. Meeting concluded at 7:36pm

 

Call Meeting to Order at 7:00 pm by Nicole

 

President- Nicole Fitzgerald(Present)                Trustee- Tony Spear (Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox (Present)                              Trustee- Fred. Boogren (Present) 

Treasurer- Frank Kren    (Present)                      Trustee- Sandra Parker (Absent)

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian (Absent)             Trustee- Tess Cini (Absent)   

 

Prior to approving the meeting minutes, we as a board and the attendees of the meeting, representing the community, took a minute to hear from a young lady that had something to share with the residents of the community. The young lady delivered a heartfelt apology to the residents of Detroit Beach Association for breaking one (1) of the two (2) brand new tables and stated that she will work off the money that is owed for the damage. This young lady has been very true to her word.

 

Previous Meeting Minutes- 

Meeting minutes were reviewed from  July 2022. After reading the minutes from July, the board approved the presented meeting minutes. Motioned made by Nicole and all board were in favor

 

Presidents Report

The golf cart ordinance is temporarily (August 10th 2023)  changed to allow golf carts on the roads in Frenchtown Township, exciting. According to Frenchtown Township, the golf cart Guidelines are as follows: 

  • Must be a Licensed Driver
  • Operator of golf cart shall ride as near to the right side as possible & exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle
  • Operators of golf cart shall not pass or drive  between lanes of traffic. unless passing stationary object in road
  • Golf Cart cannot be operated on a sidewalk
  • roads designated for golf carts are all Frenchtown local roads
  • Golf Carts shall not be operated on streets during the time period from a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise.
  • golf cart shall not operate at an excess of 15 mph, on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 30 mph, except to cross the street
  • A golf cart operated on a township street is not required to be registered under the Michigan Vehicle code for purposes of section 3101 of the insurance code 

 

The Board wanted to have a park for the golf carts (only, NO ATV, mini bikes) to safely go up and look at the water. We discussed multiple parks and then a vote was taken on which one. The park that received the most votes was the park where 1st St. and Edgewater meet. This park has a nice grade to it and is not too steep. 

 

The Association bills are going out and it is time to get busy collecting the dues through September and October.  The dues go to so many things such as:

  • Street lights
  • playground maintenance
  • park maintenance
  • building and structure maintenance and repair
  • Snow and Salt for the winter
  • Fun Events

and so much more

 

We discussed the process of the way that the board works.

  • Something is brought to the board, by the board or resident at the meeting. 
  • The board takes the information, and then votes on what is proposed. Now, sometimes this can happen immediately or it may have to wait. For instance, the Halloween budget will be voted on; the majority will either approve it or they won’t  and that will happen right away. Now, say we need to put a stop sign where some residents have said they would like to see a stop sign, then we will not vote immediately, a facebook poll will be posted to see how many people support it. If a lot support it, then we put the sign in.
  • No single person can just make the decision. It is a majority rules, period
  • We have Officer Trustees: President, V.P, Secretary and Treasurer, and then we have trustees of the board. This is explained in the by-laws and if you are interested in a recent copy, inbox or email us and we can get you a set.

 

There are things that are in our power to change

  •  landscaping, 
  • painting, 
  • park hours, 
  • What can be in parks, 
  • What time the parks are open and close
  • Road Signs

That is just some examples.

 

Things that pertain to local and state laws (even though this is a private community)  such as roads and otherwise, we cannot change and we are required to abide by them. 

 

Respect board members’ private domain, their homes. If you want to be neighborly that is fine. Following a board member to their home,when they do not know you or where you live to “tell them how it is going to be” is not okay. Approaching a board member in any type of confrontational way is not okay. If you have an issue, come to a meeting, so that we can talk it out and get it on the record. This behavior is not acceptable of a board member either and if a board member were to do this, then I would hope that an email, text only or facebook message would be sent and that the individual would attend the meeting so that we, as a community could try to find a common ground. This is one of the purposes of having these meetings.

 

There was a brief discussion of possible water pressure issues being too high. We asked the residents at the meeting and none said that they were experiencing high water pressure; in fact a few said that they were experiencing low water pressure.

 

As briefly touched on in the beginning of the meeting, we had a couple brand new tables destroyed by two kids. One of the kids began their penance by apologizing to the residents and will be working on odds and ends within the neighborhood, the other did not show to apologize, which was part of the agreement and will have to pay for the table.

 

Committee Reports 

Financial/Treasurer Report (Frank)

The 2022-2023 budget was gone over with the board and the residents that attended the meeting. A motion was made by Frank to approve the 2022-2023 budget and it was seconded by Victoria, then approved by all. Frank also discussed the importance of making sure that all expenditures go through him so that he can make sure that the purchase is in the budget. Frank continues to monitor our bills and works to get the most affordable pricing; doing this allows savings that can be placed back into the community.

 

Beautification/ Event Committee

Not much has been happening with the beautification committee. Their hustle and bustle will pick back up around Halloween. They are planning to put something nice in the front of the office in our empty pots. If you are interested in being a part of the beautification committee reach out to the us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354

 

Building, Maintenance and Grounds

Our head of grounds continually works with the JAWS program with getting volunteers for things like trash pick up in every park, dead animal removal, repairs on our building and pavilions and painting. The effort that has been implemented by grounds has been absolutely wonderful and it is truly appreciated. Our parks are getting the much needed attention that they have so longed for. We put seal coating the asphalt areas in Bear Park up for a vote. The vote was motioned by Frank and seconded by Tony and approved unanimously by the board. We also voted on ordering a Power Rake for the tractor. This power rake is needed to better maintain the baseball field. Nicole motioned for the vote, seconded by Victoria, ending with all board members in favorThe building is still undergoing repair and paint and we are looking to have this finished by October. Bear Park’s revitalization is almost done. There are a few more things that will be completed at some point and then we will be able to move onto another park.  We may be needing volunteers to assist with the committee. Reach out to the us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354

 

We discussed the positives of purchasing an utility golf cart for the association instead of replacing the truck that we had. The positives were; cost effectiveness and not having to use our personal vehicle. Nicole made a motion to approve the utility golf cart, seconded by Victoria and all of the board members were in favor. Victoria volunteered to research finding us a used utility golf cart.

 

Law and Order Committee

There have been many complaints of blight. Let’s keep it clean, we all want to live in a nice and neat neighborhood. If you need help, reach out, many have and have received assistance from the wonderful residents. It is easier to ask for help than to pay a blight fine. I am always looking for volunteers to assist with doing the blight.

 

Parking in the park’s parking areas is for the parks and for the OCCASIONAL overflow of guests you may have at your home, not an extension to your driveway. If a busy event is the case at your home, please contact us and let us know so that we can get your guests temporary guest passes that have to be returned to the office in the dropbox or in person if someone is available. If you are at a park to visit the park, please make sure that you have your pass in the window so that you do not get your vehicle towed or ticketed.

 

Please, keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings. Call the non-emergency, (734) 243-7070, number for the police to look into suspicious activity, this phone number will get a car out asap according to Sheriff Goodnough. The tellthesheriff@monroemi.org  is still functioning for things that do not require immediate assistance. This will help keep our neighborhood safe and looking nice and it’s almost like a type of neighborhood watch.

 

Ongoing Business

Bear Park is almost done. We most likely will not be able to finish this year, but early next spring hopefully. Most parks will be being re-surveyed so that we can get some visually pleasing landscaping in. We did discuss changing the speed limit on most of the roads that branch off of Edgewater, Bronson, and Grand. Nicole made the motion, Tony seconded and Nicole was in favor and the remaining four (4) members of the present board,  were a nay. There will be no speed limit change. There was a discussion as to whether  to place a stop sign at Lamb and 10th, making this a 4 way stop. With the residents input as well as the request from residents that messaged us, it was put up for a vote. A motion to put this up for a vote was made by Nicole and seconded by Tony. All board members were in favor, but only after implementing a Facebook poll.

 

Just a friendly reminder, if there are any complaints that need to be addressed about any board member, please email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net, Text only# (734) 393-2765, through Facebook messenger or come to a meeting. The messages must include the complaint against who, as well as the details, there also needs to be a date, time and your name and phone number. This is for legality and official purpose. No phone calls can be accepted for this type of complaint. Hearsay and personal vendettas are not applicable because of easily disputed legality. Not liking someone or having a disagreement is not a viable complaint, it is subjective and will not be accepted for legal purposes

 

Public Participation

Connie discussed the stop sign and its importance as well as instead of changing the speed limit, add another electronic speed measuring sign for problem areas. This is something that the board is definitely looking into. Bob gave input on the park surveys that will occur  

Adjournment

Motion made by Nicole, accepted by Frank and seconded by Victoria. All in favor. Meeting concluded at 7:50pm

 

Voting Began Promptly @ 1pm. Residents that came @ 1 to vote, were Encouraged to Express Any Talking Points that could be Addressed @ the Start of the Meeting @ 2:30 pm.

Meeting called to order by Nicole @ 2:30pm

 

President- Nicole Fitzgerald(Present)                Trustee- Tony Spear (Present)

V.P- Victoria Wilcox (Present)                              Trustee- Fred. Boogren (Absent) 

Treasurer- Frank Kren    (Present)

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian (Present)       

Previous Meeting Minutes-  None to approve, since there was not enough new content to hold a meeting. 

 

Presidents Report

The voting began promptly at 1 pm. The individuals on the ballot for trustee were Nancy, Fred, Sandra and a write in, Tess. There were eleven (11) residents that showed up for voting, five (5) of those residents were board members. The six (6) residents, non-board members, that voted, stayed, shared some thoughts, to be addressed when the meeting formally began and others just waited until 2:30 pm. A couple residents did come into the meeting late, but thankfully came.  

 

It was nice of the residents to assist in suggestions and concerns prior to the meeting so that the ones we could address immediately, we did and others, we will address at the next meeting because they required some research. 

 

The formal meeting began promptly at 2:30pm. We began with a huge thank you to the resident for attending as well as all the residents for their patience and guidance with the board throughout our first year since 97% board began late last July 2021. 

 

We, as a board, realize that with 760+ homes in this community there are many different personalities, schedules, suggestions and perspectives and although we would love to make, meet, or accommodate everyone’s suggestions, schedules, or perspectives, as you know that is almost impossible. Some things that are suggested are not financially possible at the time when mentioned and we may have to try to save for it, other things have to be researched as how and if they can be implemented legally and if they can, then we may have to submit proper paperwork and begin working the proper channels, other things require more money or certain types of work and we simply may not have the means to institute it. We want to work with the community, but we cannot read minds and that is where the meetings come into play. It is a public forum for the resident to address the board, see the budget,  brainstorm and get it all documented for not just a current reminder but also a way to create budgets. 

 

Secretary Report

Nancy, the association secretary, supplied residents with a year, July 2021 to July 2022, in review. Within this review the growth in finances from last year to current as well as the organization and cleaning up resident information in the system were touched upon. She also, briefly, addressed other things that have been done throughout the year with events, grounds and maintenance,  and beautification. The committees delved into their designated areas more.

 

Committee Reports 

 

Financial/Treasurer Report (Frank)

 

  • $12,000 in savings year over year in costs. Which will allow us to do much need improvements throughout the neighborhood.
  • Utility bills were renegotiated for a monthly savings of $30.00. Continue to renegotiate for savings 
  • Continually updating errors/inaccurate information in the accounting system.
  • 15-20 hours per week are donated into the financial records, bookkeeping, banking, and mailing information.
  • Continuing to find a way to accept payments electronically at a better cost. To save at costs, we are suspending the acceptance of Credit/Debit cards, per the recommendation of the accountant.
  • Presented 2022/2023 Budget

 

Building, Maintenance and Grounds

The building and grounds committee has done numerous jobs, with the help of the J.A.W.s program and other volunteers. A year in review of jobs completed: 

  • French drain @ Bronson Park for flooding
  • New mulch @ Bronson and Bear Park
  • Repaired broken slide Bear Park
  • Repaired broken parts on jungle gym fire truck @ Bear Park
  • Clean up graffiti in numerous areas
  • Replaced some faded traffic signs
  • Replace street signs
  • Fixed leak on office
  • Minor structure repairs on office
  • Repaired electrical short with lighthouses
  • Repaired picnic tables
  • Pulled out some of the damaged metal on some benches @ Bronson Park
  • Tree planting
  • Aided beautification in planting Hostas @ Bear Park sign
  • Repaired rotted basketball court benches
  • Updated lighting in the office to LED 
  • Replaced basketball nets
  • Regular park clean up for 5 parks
  • Repair issues with backhoe
  • Moved boulders in Bear Park Parking areas so that they could be used
  • Removing rocks from front Detroit Beach sign
  • Aided beautification committee in planting and mulching around front  Detroit Beach sign
  • Aided beautification in removing bush in front of lighthouse
  • Keeping weed killer sprayed in parking area @ Bear Park, Lighthouses
  • Keeping baseball field clean
  • Roadkill cleanup
  • Beach cleanup

and more. 

 

To volunteer, reach out to us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354

 

Law and Order Committee

Monroe County Sheriff, Troy Goodnough, was our special guest at the meeting. So that we could meet some of the residents and the sheriffs schedule, the sheriff was the first person to start the meeting.  He came to address many things that were in question, giving us an update on the new sheriff’s hub going in across from the association on the other side of Dixie, as well as take complaints and supply us with information that many may need, such as the email and the non-emergency phone number that Detroit beach has posted on both facebook pages as well as the fully functioning website. The sheriff informed us that the building contract for the new sheriff’s hub was awarded. Sheriff Goodnough discussed in detail how dispatch works, the fact that it is not controlled by the sheriff’s department and whom, Donna Cutty or Leslie Clayton,  to contact if dispatch is not delivering efficient and polite assistance as well as that all of the calls are recorded for reference if ever needed. He also explained when all of the beach associations adopted the universal traffic code and how that works. He answered many questions regarding the safety concerns of the trains blocking E. Hurd and Sandy Creek , golf carts, speeders, how many citations were passed down, the officers right to use discretion and more. He also addressed the importance and pride that the sheriff’s department takes with handling everyone’s complaint, question or concern like it is the most important thing, because, to the resident, at that time, it is the most important thing and the sheriffs department wants the residents to know that.

 

Parking in the park’s parking areas is for the parks and for the OCCASIONAL overflow of guests you may have at your home. If a busy event is the case at your home, please contact us and let us know so that we can get your guests temporary guest passes that have to be returned to the office in the dropbox or in person if someone is available. If you are at a park to visit the park, please make sure that you have your pass in the window so that you do not get your vehicle towed or ticketed.

 

 Please, keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings. Call the non-emergency, (734) 243-7070, number for the police to look into suspicious activity, this phone number will get a car out asap according to Sheriff Goodnough. The tellthesheriff@monroemi.org  is still functioning for things that do not require immediate assistance. This will help keep our neighborhood safe and looking nice and it’s almost like a type of neighborhood watch.

 

Beautification and Event Committee

Frank and Victoria. 

Frank and a few others worked on the flower bed around the Detroit Beach Association sign near Dixie. Frank and Victoria are always looking for suggestions and volunteers.  If you are interested in being a part of the beautification committee reach out to us for more information through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354. Thank you

 

Ongoing Business

Frank, treasurer, is currently working on a digital platform for HOA bills and invoicing payments; this is not expected to be functional this billing season, which begins early September. The more resident emails that we can get the easier it will be for the treasure to get this system up and running for the residents. As of Now, the only way to pay your dues, from when you receive them in September until November 1st, is with check or money order. NO cash or card. The influx of card usage last season showed that it is not cost effective; we were charged on every transaction.  So if you are interested in receiving you HOA bill electronically feel free to contact us through Facebook messenger, Text only# (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or leave a message on our office phone (734) 289-4354.

KVoting Results

The individuals that were voted on for trustee were; Nancy, Fred, Sandra and a write-in, Tess. All individuals were voted into their trustee positions. 

 

New Business

None

 

Public Participation

There were Mr. Fry asked the sheriff about the train situation on Hurd and Sandy creek and what the complaint options are. Multiple residents asked the sheriff different questions pertaining to dispatch. Mr. Cini asked board about ice fishing and going out on the ice during the season. Shirley, one of our residents that could not make it but wanted to participate, did send in a question about getting mulch or mats under the swings at Bear Park. We did address this question and will figure out something that is cost effective, will not get displaced all over from using one’s feet to slow down, and implement it next spring.

 

Adjournment

Motion made by Frank accepted by Nancy and seconded by Nicole. All in favor. Meeting concluded at 3:45pm

 

These meetings take place to inform, as well as work as a public forum for complaints, concerns, suggestions and a way to volunteer and get involved. We cannot work as a community if no one comes to the meetings. This is an avenue for the resident to help the board and have it documented. Documentation is something that helps with budgets, lists and much needed reflection on different perspectives. Thank you and hope to see you there.