Lexington Heights, Inc.
General Meeting
August 17, 2024
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by association Vice-President, John Medovarsky, at 10:05 am.
II. Trustees Present
Bob Alimpich (on phone), Liz Alimpich, Debbie Bonneau, Janice Hall, John Medovarsky, Don McColman, Lynn Secord, Dottie Schulte, Sandy Warner
III. Invocation
Steve Minnick led the community in a prayer remembering those that have passed way and asking for God’s blessings on Lexington Heights.
IV. Pledge of Allegiance
John Medovarsky led the community in saying the Pledge.
V. Reading of the June 15, 2024 minutes
Debbie motioned to accept the Minutes as read. Dottie seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. (202426)
VI. Treasurer’s Report
Liz presented a Profit and Loss statement and a Balance Sheet as of August 17, 2024. We have $75,988.64. Accounts receivable are $29,765.90. The collection committee will be working on collecting dues soon. We have $2,505 left in the bluff budget. That money will be used to do some berming at Oak.
VII. Introduction of New Members
No new members present.
VIII. Committee Reports
Clubhouse/Julie
Julie thanked Kurt R. and Kim C. for digging a trench near the flagpole and draining the water away in that area. She also thanked Dottie for getting a newer ac unit for the clubhouse. Julie also asked if anyone was remodeling that we could use two small vanities for the bathrooms. Julie also said that this might be her last General meeting as clubhouse manager. She thanked everyone for allowing her to clubhouse manager and that she enjoyed it. She got a round of applause from the community.
Kurt made a Motion to add new business to the agenda. Jacki seconded.
Bluff/Parkway Lynn, Sandy, Debbie, Liz
Lynn reported that $7,495 was spent on trimming the bluff. There is $2,505 remaining in the budget. Shawn and his crew worked 66 ½ hours. The Committee will walk the bluff on Sunday to discuss Phase 2. The $2,505 will be used for the berming project. There is a sign-up for helping with the removal of grapevines in the fall. Shawn worked each block so everyone could see some progress. The goal was to clear views at all the benches. He also tried to uncover trees for their health by removing vines. Lynn hopes as the community is walking the bluff that they notice the beautiful birch trees and cedars. Lynn thanked Tom Wilson for helping to haul away the debris and taking it to the beach for a bonfire. That saved Shawn time and us money. Some areas are easier to cut than others due to the slope or drop off. For example, the area near the Satinwood ramp is easier to clear because of the slope. If you look at the Juniper area, it’s a severe drop off. The goal was to spread out the trimming along the bluff to provide views for everyone, particularly from the benches, Sometimes the view might be to the north or south or even a “peek-a-boo” view.
Debbie talked about finding the root of the grapevine and putting a stake to identify where the plant starts. Debbie would like block captains to help find the Virginia Creeper. On Maple, they had a crew pulling the vines and they had 25 bags. She also addressed slumping on the bluff. We have had experts here (Sea Grant, MSU, and others). The most important thing is to keep something on top of the bluff with deep roots. Also, at the toe, which is at the bottom, we need vegetation there to hold the soil. When you have those winds coming from the north or northeast, that sand builds up behind the vegetation. It’s a long process. The only thing that holds the clay base at the toe are trees with deep roots. The only time we cut a tree down is if it’s crowding something else or leaning over and could fall. The trees are holding our bluff and toe. We will post the information from Sea Grant on the website. She also thinks it’s important not to weed whip along the edge because that starts the erosion process. Berming will be done at Oak because of the slumping in that area. Berms were done 20 years ago, and it really helped stop water from going over. Plus, we are going to address any drains that are not working properly. We raised one at Nymph. When we do a bluff budget, please understand that it is not just the top or the bottom. We are trying to find alternatives to stop the erosion of the bluff.
John then mentioned that from the boat ramp to Zenith is .65 of a mile. We have 33 jetties.
Beach/Boat Ramp John, Don, Dottie
Dottie reported that she walks the beach almost daily. She picks up garbage. She asked the community to please remind people to pick up after themselves. She has replaced 5 posts along Lakeview and she plans to do more. She came across a situation a few weeks ago where a car had parked on the bluff. She politely asked them to move their car, the people were not very pleasant and informed Dottie that they lived in a different sub. She informed them that she would call the police next time. The concrete at the boat ramp will be used at Juniper. John reminded the community to call the sheriff if you see anything. John evaluated all the jetties and made a report for everyone. We have 3 jetties that the cap/top is loose. We’ve been getting some quotes. We were going to have all of them welded, but the project was too big. The Board has decided to focus on the 3 most critical ones. We have one quote back and we are going to get another quote from Ted Parker. The jetty report is on the website.
Clubhouse/Playground Jan, John, Bob
Jan reported that the kids love the playground. She mentioned that if we made upgrades to the playground that’s a whole different issue. She suggested that if you’re at the clubhouse bring a rake and help clean it up. John thanked Jan for all her help on the playground. John trimmed the trees and thanks to Kim for taking the branches. John will be spraying again with the vinegar/salt mixture.
Facebook/Dottie
Dottie reported that we have 66 members. Dottie is pleased with Facebook. If you are not on our Facebook, please give Dottie your email. She asked if there were any questions or concerns.
Election Report/Lynn
Lynn read the Election report. Please see the website to read the entire report. She noted that campaigning is not allowed within 100 feet of the door of the clubhouse.
Block Captains/Dottie
Dottie needs Block Captains for Worth, Grove, and Tulip. Kristi Z. volunteered for Tulip. Linda S. volunteered for Grove. When the list is completed, Lynn will post on the website. Dottie wants to meet all the captains in person. If she doesn’t know you, she might contact you to meet you.
IX. President’s Report
John read Bob’s report. “As the summer season in Lexington Heights nears its end, we are to be reminded that we still have a lot of work to do before the weather turns cold. We in the community have been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the improvements we were left with are at least maintained and where possible improved. The clubhouse, jetties, sea walls, boat ramp, stairs, bluff, beaches, and water drainage system all need constant attention and if done in a timely manner should prevent costly repairs by reducing the chances of failure. If we could count on additional volunteers to help with the previously mentioned improvements, we could also improve the camaraderie within the community. We would like to acknowledge and thank Tom Wilson, Kurt Riese, and Reid Larsson and the others with cleaning up the fallen tree on the bluff north of the Worth ramp. Also, thanks to Tom for repeatedly dragging the bluff cuttings down to the beach and then burning it all on two different occasions. Kurt Riese for patrolling the Heights and reporting and suggesting areas needing attention. Thanks to Joe Zajac for lending us backhoe assistance when needed. Thanks to Jeff Warner, Mike Ryan and Sandy for putting up the Lexington Heights flag. Thanks to Kurt Riese and Kim Coburn for power washing the clubhouse walk. Thanks to Kim Coburn for taking the vegetation debris and generally keeping an eye on the property. Thanks to Sandy Warner, and Jan Hall for power washing the north side of the clubhouse. and the Bidne family for raking and cleaning up debris on the playground. Thanks to Jan Hall, Tom on Oak, and Germaine for trimming the hedges. Thanks to Mark Hayden for spreading gravel on the clubhouse drive. Also, to Kurt Riese for the drainage trench near the driveway. Thanks to Emily and Kyle for cleaning up the weeds on the boat ramp. Thanks to Tom Wilson for his invaluable legal advice and Reid Larsson for his help whenever needed and to all the Board members past and present who help and continue to help in order to make Lexington Heights work.”
John reminded the community of the Euchre party at 7:00 pm.
Lynn reminded the community to call Emterra for large item pick up. The number is on the website. 989 658-2784
She also provided the Road Commission’s phone number, 810 648-2185
John then read the Rules for a General Membership Meeting.
X. Member Comments/Concerns/New Business
Darlene Surhigh on Lakeview is very concerned with the proxy votes and she doesn’t feel it’s right. John said it’s the State of Michigan not the Board. Darlene thinks we should find a loophole.
Dottie mentioned that every proxy was checked and verified.
Mary Wade also expressed her concern over proxy votes.
Lisa Woodcox thanked the Board for an impressive meeting about the bluff and beach. She wanted to know if there’s a noise ordinance. It would be Worth Township. John said to call the sheriff.
Reggie Z. on Rosewood wanted to know if there was any individual that brought 10, 15 or so proxies. Debbie responded that it’s a state law and there’s nothing we can do about it. John mentioned that someone was going door to door collecting proxies.
Jim Perna on Ivy questioned the reconciliation discrepancy on the Profit and Loss. The accountant was in recently and she said that should clear up in the next year. That was from past things that she cleaned up in the account. Jim wanted to know what it is. Liz replied it’s from past problems. Liz wasn’t the treasurer so she’s not sure what they were. The accountant gave a report stating the books are in order and there are no problems with the books. Liz said he could call her if he’d like. He then wanted to know about the accounts receivable ($29,765.90). He wanted to know how much of that is from previous years. Liz said she’d have to check. She doesn’t have that separated out. Liz said that we will be going after those people. Lynn said that we would post that letter on the website. Jan reminded people that the website is a very good place to find things.
Kurt on Grove mentioned that the weeds on both Grove roads near the top need to be trimmed. Lynn will email Andrew Palmer.
Kurt feels we need to address the jetties at Ivy and Maple before we have a catastrophic event. He also thinks we should resume grooming the beaches. John replied that those jetties are a priority for next year. For this year, we are focusing on the three jetties that need the caps rewelded. There was a discussion about those jetties and the best way to repair them.
Kristi on Lakeview wanted to know if we have Shawn Ryan’s license. Insurance, and arborist certificate. Debbie replied that we have liability on our insurance. Kristi also wanted to know if we get three estimates on every job for the lawn, bluff, and the jetties. Debbie replied that we are only required to have three estimates if it’s a new project. When you have maintenance of the property, you do not need three quotes. Kristi also is concerned because she feels that her bluff is not being cut.
Kevin on Ivy made a Motion that the Board can not spend any money on any other projects until the entire bluff is cut. Jim Perna seconded. There was a discussion of the Motion.
Marissa on Juniper said that she doesn’t think we can discuss a Motion like that until we know more about the jetty project. She is very concerned about the jetties. She also mentioned that the bluff is owned by the whole community. She also mentioned that the bench at Juniper doesn’t have a view. She also understands that there is only so much money for trimming.
John said that if that Motion were to pass that it would take this year’s budget, and possibly into the next two years.
Ben discussed the Motion made by Kurt that restricted the Board from cutting the bluff until the Zenith steps were built.
John asked for clarification of what they wanted cut. Kevin said so people could have a view.
Glady spoke about allowing the Board to do its job. The Board is already underway with a budget for the bluff. The $10,000 budget wasn’t just for trimming.
Reggie discussed amending the Motion to not include any existing projects. He was told that he can’t amend a Motion that he didn’t make.
Debbie said we must consider the beach, bluff, clubhouse, boat ramp, jetties, and drainage.
Liz figured out our expenses for the rest of the year at the last meeting. Once taxes, insurance, utilities, garbage collection, removing the boat ramp etc. are paid that leaves us with about $18,000 in the spring. She reminded the community that we have jetties to consider, and the clubhouse has a leak in the roof. She also said that we are not sure what it looks like under the clubhouse. She said you can’t ignore all the other problems.
The quote that John got back for welding all the jetties end to end was $18,000. That is for hauling 1,000 feet of cable down the beach and a portable welder. After that, we said we were going to do the three most critical ones and banding on some that are bowing. That quote is $6,900. John discussed the difficulty with putting together a quote. Kurt will get together with John to help put together a quote package.
Kurt expressed his concern over the amount of money being spent on bluff trimming when other projects are neglected.
Anne V. on Nymph reminded the community that there is no common law right to a view. She wants to applaud the Board and the bluff committee for their effort. She feels we have done a great job tackling a very difficult social issue and physical issue. We all own the bluff and we all have a big investment that the bluff stays intact.
Lynn said that we spent 66 hours on the bluff. She said that there is a view from the Tulip bench. She supervised trimming there. No bench is perfect. She then suggested that Kevin do some fundraising at the Spaghetti dinner to help fund more bluff trimming.
Kevin then brought up the playground. John reminded the community that once you start changing the playground everything out there has to be upgraded.
The Motion is to halt all spending on new business until the bluff is trimmed across the board to the top of the bluff. (minus hardwoods) All in favor. (10) All opposed. (Majority) The Motion does not pass. (202427)
Ben on Lakeview wanted to know how we verify signatures on proxies. Lynn referred him to the Election Report. It’s posted on the website. He wanted to know how we verify the signature. John said that’s something to investigate.
Dottie asked the community to be patient with the bluff. She said that we have received many compliments on the trimming. The committee is working on Phase 2. She said that we are doing the best we can do with the money we have.
Kristi on Lakeview then repeated her concern about her bluff. She criticized Lynn that Lynn was not on the bluff for those 66 hours.
Ben on Lakeview said that the bluff has been a concern for 40 years and it’s repeatedly brought up twice a year. He stated that the Board hasn’t done anything for 40 years.
Debbie reminded Ben and the community that the road was gone between Maple and Ivy. She remembers how many double tandem trucks had to come to rebuild that road base. The county said it was too bad, so it was up to the Association to fix. That cost over $58,000. She asked if he wants an assessment. People paid their dues in advance to pay for that repair. Ben said that the bluff doesn’t look any better than it did. 40 years ago. John said that it’s been preserved and that is the goal.
Joe Zajac reminded everyone that the $200 a year for the dues is not enough money to maintain. It’s a shoestring budget. Raise the dues and everyone will be happy. It’s not the Board’s fault.
Cindy P. on Maple would like the microphone to be on a stand. She also wants to have the signatures on proxies checked. She also thinks protecting the bluff and the beaches is in our best interest.
Joe on Walbridge thinks the Board should look into requiring notarized signatures on proxies.
Darlene on Lakeview wanted to know about Phase 2. She wanted to know about the clubhouse. Liz replied that we have a leak and that needs looking into.
Larry M. on Rosewood discussed assessments that are made for a certain project. He wants to raise some money for a project. Liz replied that to do an assessment we have to allow all 500 homes to vote. We can’t just do an assessment at a General meeting. We must send a letter to every community member to vote on an assessment. Liz thinks that would be a good plan for the jetty project.
Kurt thinks we should get 3 bids on any project over $500.
Karen on Ivy said friends of hers in Huronia Heights just paid $250 in assessments. She also asked for volunteers on September 21 for the Spaghetti dinner. She wants Dottie to remove a post in front of the Ivy steps that she keeps tripping on. She also wants to know why we haven’t paid Tom Wilson’s attorney fees. We have not received a bill from Mr. Wilson.
Anne appreciates the Board. She wanted to know if it’s a simple majority to raise the dues or an assessment. Dottie replied that you must have 50% response and then 51% of the responses must vote for it. (It is explained in the updated bylaws.)
Glady replied to Karen about the other subs.
Larry M. on Rosewood said that you can be more restrictive than the law requires. The proxies are not fair in the way they are being handled.
Kurt on Grove does not believe anyone on the Board has been tampering with the votes. He thinks the election workers should take their job more seriously and check outside.
XI. Adjournment
Sandy made a Motion to adjourn. It was seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. (202428) Upcoming Events
August 24 1:00 – 4:00 PM Corn Roast
September 7 9:00 AM Board Meeting
September 7 Euchre/Game Night 7:00 PM
September 21, Spaghetti Dinner 6:00 PM
September 28 9:00 AM Board Meeting
September 28 12:00 CPR Training
October 12, Chili Fest 6:00 PM
Volunteer Opportunities
Sweep or blow sand from the stairway decks/platforms, Pull vines from the bluff (Check with Board first), Power wash sides and front of the clubhouse, Help straighten or move benches on bluff