Category: Uncategorized

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

 

https://frenchtowntownship.org/wp-content/uploads/Frnchtwn-Today-FALL-2022-INTERACTIVE.pdf 

Click on link and download or if link does not work, copy and paste to address bar and download

🛑‼️Mark Your Calendars ladies and gents, the fall garage sale dates are September 8, 9, 10 and 11th. Good luck🛑‼️

To all of you that that took time out of your day to come vote and stay for the meeting and share thoughts or concerns or visions as well as take the opportunity to interact with Sheriff Goodnough, Thank you. This was a very nice meeting and truly appreciated the feedback and interaction.

We are happy to announce our newest board members, Tess Cini and Sandra Parker. Welcome ladies

To ever make a formal complaint, please email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net. We cannot address things if we don’t know. Thank you have a wonderful day

President- Nicole Fitzgerald                    Trustee- Tony Spear 

V.P- Victoria Wilcox                                   Trustee- Fred. Boogren 

Treasurer- Frank Kren     

Secretary- Nancy Mouradjian        

 

President Report and Office

Hello  wonderful residents. This is just a little update about the hustle and bustle that has been going on through the month of June. 

 

Vets with nets was a wonderful success. Thank you to all that volunteered and to the residents that put out flags to make the Vets feel more special.

 

 Our spring garage sale days went well. I have noticed some lemonade stands popping up in the neighborhood. If you see these young entrepreneurs selling lemonade or anything in their front yards, stop in and show some support.

 

The office has collected many new resident updates, so if you have a new neighbor take a moment and introduce yourself and welcome them to the neighborhood. If there are new residents that are reading this, welcome. Other things that have occured within the office are: taking more pavilion rentals and some HOA/assessment payments, paying bills, organizing quickbooks, working on organizing the filing system and the office as a whole. 

 

Treasurer

The treasure has worked hard at making an actual budget for the association. The budget began as a working budget last August and has evolved into a pretty accurate depiction of what goes out in bills and what is available for spending for maintenance, beautification and the little extras such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Our treasurer as well as myself have been working on making our Quickbooks system more accurate. A treasurer position can be a tedious task; so if you happen to see our treasurer, Frank Kren, thank him for donating his time. 

 

Grounds & Maintenance 

Grounds have been very busy as well. Tony works with the JAWs program (community service) doing work throughout the neighborhood. They have repaired guardrails, taken out bushes, cleaned up many areas throughout the association, emptied garbage cans, done mulch in the parks, helped the beautification committee and so much more. This too is a taxing and time consuming job, so next time you see Tony and the crew out working, say thank you for donating time. 

 

Beautification 

Beautification and grounds worked together to revitalize the Detroit Beach Association sign at Grand Blvd and North Dixie. The rocks were taken out and relocated. Ground greenery, flowers and decorative evergreen trees were planted and red mulch was put around the sign. Thank you to Tony, Frank, Deb, and the gentlemen from the JAWs program. 

 

Mark Your Calendar 

July 16 annual meeting voting 1-2:30, meeting promptly following.

 

HOA dues/Assessment bills negin going out first week of September and DUE by November 1st

 

Fall Garage Sale Days will be September 8, 9, 10 and 11th

 

Law & Order 

Law and order has dealt with a lot of complaints with blight. The blight inspector is currently working on that. This is a neighborhood not a dragstrip, so please slow down. If you have “the need, the need for speed”, Milan and Norwalk Drag strip would love to see you.

 

We have had many street signs and the breaker walls plastered with graffiti. Thank you to Tony for swapping out the scathed signs and thank you to a long-time resident for keeping our breaker wall clean.There was a tether ball put out in Bear park and then it was pulled off and destroyed. There was also a mini tree planted in the old tree stump so that the local kids could create a small fairy garden and that too was ripped out of the soil and tossed. The little tree was located, and we did try to replant, but it was just too damaged to survive.  There is a camera in the pavilion but both incidents took place just outside of the camera perimeters.  There will be other cameras put up to capture any future incidents, hopefully there won’t be any, but if there are any other incidents, the footage will just be turned over to the authorities. This may seem drastic but we are not police and this is just some of the damage that occurs and damage financially adds up. 

 

HOA DUES/Assessments 

We will be sending out new HOA/assessment bills starting the first week in September, So, watch those email boxes and mailboxes for your bills beginning September. If you have not paid last year HOA dues/ assessments please reach out to us by calling the office (734) 289-4354, TEXT ONLY (734) 393-2765, email detroitbeach@sbcglobal.net or through Facebook messenger.

 

All of our Detroit Beach Officers and Board members love freely volunteering our time to make this association everything that it can be.