The Presidents' Council of Homeowners Associations
Minutes of the November 29th, 2001 meeting, held at Jean Holland's home
Attendees: Clinton Baller, Dorothy
Conrad, Jim Cubera, Bill Dow, Ken
Gorski, Denise Grzech, Paula Jones, Joan Heinicke, Jean Holland, Anne
Honhart, Paul Reagan, Ralph Seger, Joe Wolf
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 by Paul Reagan
Operations:
Minutes Minutes were approved as
corrected (Denise's last name is
spelled Grzech)
Treasury Current balance is $1155.21,
with 362.07 due for the parks bond
brochure. Ralph distributed the spreadsheet covering 11/01 and explained
the dues structure for 2002. Ken Gorski moved that the calendar year be
adopted as the Presidents' Council fiscal year. Denise Grzech seconded,
and the motion passed.
Media Coverage Dorothy Conrad reported
on the coverage of recent City
Commission meetings. Reduction of building heights to 60 ft. (following
Duany's original 2016 recommendations) was given negative press.
Following discussion of articles, there was a consensus that we need to
discuss relations with the media and make sure erroneous information is
rebutted. The Detroit Free Press and News are received by about half the
homes in the 48009 area, but the Eccentric is the official paper for
public notice in our area.
Old Business:
Business District Liaison Tim was
not able to attend the last PSD
meeting. However, Paul reports that the City Commission will be meeting
with the PSD on January 28th at 7 pm to hear the concerns of the business
community. The Council confirmed that, although our main concern is the
neighborhoods, our involvement with the PSD should continue. Dorothy
Conrad moved that we suggest to the PSD via the DMA that a survey of the
shopping public be done to define needs for retail businesses. Joan
Heinicke seconded, and Bill Dow said we should make clear that the survey
needs to be structured by professionals. The motion passed.
Code of Ethics No word so far. Ken
Gorski suggested that, if there has
been no action by January 15th, we submit a note to the City Attorney and
Commissioners asking when the Code of Ethics will appear as an agenda
item.
Round Table Ralph Seger moved that
we write a letter to the City Manager
requesting that he establish quarterly dates for Round Table discussions,
and that the agendas be set jointly by the Presidents' Council and the
City Manager well in advance. Ken Gorski seconded. During the
discussion, the purpose of the Round Table meetings was reviewed: to
familiarize the Presidents' Council with staff, process, and the problems
which impact upon the topics of concern. The motion passed. Early
agenda items should include long-term plans for sewers, historic
preservation, and traffic (these topics were set in order by a vote).
Bill Dow will act for the Presidents' Council in setting agendas. Ralph
suggested Tuesday evenings for the meetings, and Dorothy pointed out that
follow-up communication is essential.
New Business
Yearly Plan The Presidents' Council
mission is to help form residents'
associations and to help strengthen and support existing associations.
Suggestions for practical support included:
1. A written packet on how to organize a neighborhood association, with
data on bylaws, insurance, and legal requirements
2. Advice on membership and newsletters
3. Social activity guides on how to organize progressive dinners, block
parties, luminaria, parties, and new neighbor welcome programs
4. Regular communication on City issues
5. Guide to how things happen in City government
Paul requested that everyone email
him with 2 or 3 big items to
accomplish in 2002. Some ideas which were raised included tavern
licenses for downtown restaurants, setting goals of interest to
neighborhoods for the City Commission, city budget review. Guiding
principal should be that we represent the neighborhoods' interests.
Open meetings Non-members should
not be invited to regular Presidents'
Council meetings, but City officials or others with expertise might be
invited to special meetings on specific issues. We need to check the
bylaws to see if this is provided for.
The next meeting will be held
Thursday, January 3rd at Denise Grzech's
home, 1172 E. Lincoln (2 houses from the bagel place). The following
meeting will be Thursday, January 31st at Dorothy Conrad's home (2252
Yorkshire, east of the overpass).
Note that Dorothy has filed a complaint with the state regarding the
Committee Against Act 425. A full investigation has been launched.