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Red Cedar Community Association
Minutes
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Present:
Joanne Russell, Jim DeWitt, Kathy Jacobs, Fred Kletke, Kristi White, Marcia VanNess, Bill Hartwig, Debi Robinson, Meghan O’Brien(CRC Intern)
Absent:
Jim Bebermeyer, Kate Benington*, Brendan Boyle, Jeff Friedle, Mark Grebner*, Amelia Opudor, Liz Schweitzer*, Josh Smith* (*with notice to President)
I. Agenda for October - approved as amended under Old Business
II. Introductions - none
III. Minutes from September - approved as written
IV. Treasurer’s Report
Kathy reported the account now has $1,217.88 overall. The RCCA contributed $100 to Red Cedar Elementary School’s 60-year celebration. The RCCA received $20 from the sale of two neighborhood history books and $20 as a contributiion from Fred Kletke. Current funds break down as $880.00 belonging to the designated Hicks-Ronk Money and the remaining $337.88 to the Association.
Kathy also reported that Janet Ronk is continuing to deal with more health issues so decisions on spending of the Hicks-Ronk Money will possibly be delayed until spring, 2009, when Janet has scheduled other matters. Janet asked Kathy if we would be interested in purchasing other history books to sell, but it is believed that we have pretty much saturated our “market” and the offer to purchase more books is declined.
Fred provided us all with samples of World War II candy that he had on hand. General consensus was that the candy was good and very well preserved.
V. Old Business
1. Hicks-Ronk Donation
Joanne will continue to inquire about possible historical type signs for placement over the neighborhood street signs. One possible builder of the sign at the entry into the neighborhood provided Kathy with a small sample of the material he believes will be longest lasting and some designs to look at which Kathy shared with everyone present
2. FEMA
No report available due to Jeff’s the absence.
3. Street Lights
Increased lighting in neighborhood needs a “lighting study” prior to being placed on the agenda for a July, 2009 proposal to the City.
4. MDOT
We’ve been told by MDOT that speed on the highway is not the problem creating so many accidents on highway and sound problems in the neighborhood. Instead, they indicate that by applying a traction improving surface material, accident issues will be corrected and that the noise factor is a result of Consumers Energy removing so many trees and bushes that acted as a buffer between the highway and the neighborhood. Jim DeWitt mentioned that perhaps the noise factor has recently been increased due to MDOT’s continual need to replace/repair the highway guardrail.
VI. Committee Reports
1. CRC
2. Permit Parking
61% of neighborhood ballots were returned (over the 51% needed). Results were favorable for restricting all neighborhood parking to permits with a vote of 68 in favor and 49 opposed. This will place it on the agenda for October 20th Transportation Committee Meeting. It is hoped that once passed by committee and implemented, some of the confusion now existing will be alleviated because it will involve the neighborhood as a whole.
3. Trowbridge
Nothing new has been scheduled on this issue. Ron Springer is now our City contact person. Jim indicated that it does appear that “
VII. New Business
1. Neighborhood Brochure
Joanne provided a copy of the previous neighborhood brochure and Debi provided a copy of the one used by
2. Appearance of Neighborhood
Trees - Joanne reported that some of the overgrown trees have now been trimmed by the City.
PACE - Kathy indicated that she was told by PACE to wait 5 days and if vehicles parked illegally overnight were not removed, PACE will ticket them. Once ticketed, Kathy was told to wait an additional 2 weeks and if the vehicles were still there, they would be towed. It was also discussed that owners of vehicles without current plates often back the vehicles up against buildings so that plates cannot be seen and PACE indicated that they cannot enter onto the property to check these without cause. General consensus is that PACE is not being as responsive as needs dictate possibly because of limited number of officers on the PACE staff. Joanne will address these issues at the next monthly Mayor/Neighborhood Association President’s meeting on October 27th. She will also address the fact that often PACE releases names of those filing complaints to the individuals being complained about and that perhaps PACE should institute a regular routine of unannounced checking for illegal vehicles throughout the neighborhood.
CODE ENFORCEMENT – One or more homes in the neighborhood appear to be non-licensed rentals and others that may hold a license appear to be over occupancy based upon the number of vehicles parked there on a regular basis. There appears to be confusion by Code Enforcement offices over who enforces occupancy limits on licensed rental houses and how non-licensed rentals are discovered and handled. Joanne will address these issues also at the Mayor’s monthly meeting.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT ODORS – Kathy talked to Pat Lindemann recently regarding the strong odor coming from the treatment plant, especially during high water times. Pat told Kathy that revisions to the neighboring golf course over the next 2 years should help resolve this problem.
GENERAL CLEAN UP – Joanne will send a copy of pictures of the run down fence behind the Mosque with a letter to them asking that repairs be made and upkeep of the area instituted regularly.
VIII. Board Concerns - none voiced
IX. Adjournment - meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Minutes Prepared by Debi Robinson
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