October 2024 Herald
October 2024 Herald
October 2024 Herald
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
October 2024 Herald
Board Meeting
October 21, 2024
Women’s Club
Page 2
Note to Co-Owners
Page 2
Fun Pages
Pages 16-17
What’s Cooking?
Page 20
Once the insurance renewal was completed, we were able to process and mail the
coupons as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have
caused.
Sincerely,
Guy Balok, Treasurer, and Joe Poma, Property Manager
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Highland Lakes
Management Section
Highland Lakes Board of Directors
This section of the Herald contains minutes of the Board of Directors’ meetings
and management information. This section is the official medium of communica-
tions of the Association as prescribed by Board Resolution R-6, March 22, 1976.
We recommend that you not only read but save this section of the Herald for future
reference. Resolutions and Regulations approved by the Board become part of
your Association By-Laws.
3
HIGHLAND LAKES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY
CLUBHOUSE INFORMATION:
20301 Silver Spring Drive, Northville, MI 48167
Phone: 248-349-4006 E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 248-349-8821 Web: www.HLCA.us
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Blaylock, President.............734-673-8733 Margaret (Peggy) Zonca, Director....248-444-1103
Michelle Todorov, Vice President...248-380-1611 Michael Baynes, Director.................248-826-9435
Guy Balok, Treasurer.................... 734-667-3507 Aric Tosqui, Director........................313-995-0966
Sandy Nolan, Secretary............... 248-349-3587
PERSONNEL
Joe Poma........................................Property Manager Terry Duke................................Senior Receptionist
Beth Adams..............................................Bookkeeper Amy Croan............................................Receptionist
Emily Lutzenkirchen.....Publications & Records Assistant LaTrina Calhoun..................................Receptionist
Kathy Baldwin......................................Receptionist
COMMITTEE INFORMATION
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON PHONE BOARD LIAISON
Court Liaison Joel Lutz 248-349-6782 Michael Baynes, Aric Tosqui & Guy Balok
Engineering Aric Tosqui ----- Guy Balok, Michael Baynes & Aric Tosqui
Social Brad Todorov 248-380-1611 Michael Baynes, Sandy Nolan & Michelle Todorov
Finance Kathy Baldwin & 734-667-3507 Guy Balok & Aric Tosqui
Barb Balok
Herald Mary Kay Wimsatt 248-767-9846 Sandy Nolan & Guy Balok
Clubhouse Charlene Cach 734-368-2032 Peggy Zonca, Sandy Nolan & Guy Balok
Pool Elaina Howell & ---- Sandy Nolan, Peggy Zonca, & Aric Tosqui
Laurie Costello
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
After Hours Emergency/Security......................................................................................................... 248-349-4006
Northville Township Police-Non-Emergency .................................................................................... 248-349-9400
Northville Township Fire Department .............................................................................................. 248-348-5807
Northville Township Police and Fire Emergency ..............................................................................................911
After Hours Maintenance Emergency .............................................................................................. 248-349-4006
Assessment/Billing Inquiries .......................................................................................................... 248-349-4006
Consumers Power Company ........................................................................................................... 800-477-5050
DTE-Electric Company .................................................................................................................... 800-477-4747
Hazardous Waste Information ......................................................................................................... 734-326-3936
HLCA WOW! Account Rep (Kerrie LaPorte) .................................................................................... 586-291-9073
WOW! Sales & Support ............................................................................................................1-866-496-9669
AT&T Sales & Support (Phone or U-Verse) ...................................................................................... 800-288-3466
Website .............................................................................................................................. ...........www.HLCA.us
Association Facebook Page ............................................................................................... facebook.com/hlca.mi
4
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Auto Pets
Hal's Auto Clinic, pg. 27 (248) 449-5182 Celebrity Pets Co., pg. 29 (248) 681-9599
Jeff's Transportation, pg. 32 (313) 949-6556
Plumbing
Chiropractic Evans Plumbing, pg. 32 (248) 681-9599
Miller Chiropractic, pgs. 24-25 Jen’s Plumbing Service, pg. 23 (734) 410-9421
(248) 348-3500
Real Estate
Flooring The DiMora Team, pg. 31 (248) 505-7728
Colonial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, pg. 23 Glover Agency, pg. 32 (248) 719-5292
(734) 459-7370
The Marker Team, pg. 33 (313) 850-3020
The Flooring Company LLC, pg. 21
(734) 744-4112 Prime & Property, pg. 28 (734) 812-5606
Simply Floor Coverings, pg. 28
Real Estate One, pg. 30
(248) 756-3418
Mary (734) 634-8128, John (248) 756-0414
JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care, pg. 22
(734) 968-7107
Restaurants
Burgerfi, pg. 26 (248) 308-3532
After Life Services
Frazer Cremations & Funerals, pg. 29
(248) 667-9920 Physical Therapy
Athletico Physical Therapy, pg. 29
(877) 284-5384
Heating & Cooling
Team Rehab, pg. 26 (248) 675-8160
Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning,
pg. 30 (248) 231-2102
Insurance
Maris Brown Insurance, pg. 35
(248) 257-5556
https://www.facebook.com/hlca.mi
5
HIGHLAND LAKES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES - September 16, 2024
The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of Highland Lakes Condominium Association was held on the third Monday
of the month, in accordance with the By-Laws of the Association. Vice President Michelle Todorov called the September 16,
2024 regular meeting of the Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m.
Attendance
The following Directors were present: Sandy Nolan, Guy Balok, Peggy Zonca, Michelle Todorov, Michael Baynes, and Aric
Tosqui. Randy Blaylock was excused. Also present were Joe Poma, Property Manager and Emily Lutzenkirchen, Publications
& Records Assistant. 14 co-owners attended.
Approval of Minutes: In the long-term account, $34,785 was allocated
Board Action: Motion by Peggy Zonca, supported by Aric for a video inspection of one of the sewer lines, to offset the
Tosqui, to approve and file the Executive Meeting of the Board tree expenses, and for a fireplace decommission. The siding
of Directors minutes of August 19, 2024. All in favor. Motion project expenses totaled $28,464, covering extras and add-ons
passed. for building 84 on Norwood and a waste hauling fee.
Overall, the association had a favorable variance of
Finance Report: $2,010 in August and $139,539 year-to-date.
Joe Poma reported. Board Action: Motion by Guy Balok, supported by Sandy
The Association is in an excellent financial position Nolan, to approve and file the Financial Report of September
as we approach the end of the fiscal year. 16, 2024. All in favor. Motion passed.
The income category showed a favorable outcome
of $5,421, primarily due to the performance of the sweep Treasurer Report:
account investments, which added $35,630 to our funds. Guy Balok reported.
Administrative expenses were unfavorable by $1,258, The check registry for last month was $364,219.
mainly because of payments for legal bills, security payroll, Delinquencies have decreased to $35,224.02, and the
and security expenses. investments earned $5,010 in August.
Utilities showed a favorable outcome of $17,298.
Water and sewer expenses were favorable by $16,090 due to Herald Committee Report: page 8
the reduction of the irrigation program during the summer. Discussion: The November meeting will take place Wednesday,
Typically, after June 15, the water capacity is reduced to 20% the 6th.
unless the grass begins to die from lack of rain. Natural gas Board Action: Motion by Aric Tosqui, supported by Peggy
expenses were favorable by $1,181 and have been favorable Zonca, to approve the Herald Committee report of September
for the year so far, totaling $28,992. The Association can 3, 2024, with no recommendation. All in favor. Motion
expect to see substantial savings in utility expenses by the end Passed.
of this month.
Clubhouse and pool expenses were unfavorable, at Grounds Committee Report: page 10
$2,493, mainly due to the clubhouse electric bill and pool Discussion: Maintenance will be impounding boats at Swan
supplies and repairs. The electric bill was high due to the Harbour and Curtis Lake that did not have a boat sticker during
warm weather and the constant need for air conditioning. the boat rack cleanups. The committee will work on finding a
Pool supplies and repairs included a pool chemical order and solution for additional storage and will make a recommendation
other items to see the pool through the end of the season. at the next meeting.
The grounds expense account was $12,425 over Board Action: Motion by Michael Baynes, supported by Guy
budget. A major repair of the 2012 Ford F350 and a large Balok, to approve the Grounds Committee report of August
fuel order for the trucks resulted in the vehicle, equipment, 9, 2024, with no recommendation. All in favor. Motion
and fuel costs exceeding $4,493. Additionally, tree and shrub Passed.
maintenance went over budget by $8,650 because some very
large trees had to be removed. It is expected that the fiscal Engineering Committee Report: page 11
year will end with tree and shrub expenses surpassing the Discussion: The initial recommendation was revised to approve
budget by approximately $18,000. all five modification requests because the resident provided the
The lawn equipment expense and fuel account were committee-requested paperwork. It was also clarified that a
slightly over budget due to fuel purchases. Maintenance removable step on your deck and patio can be moved away from
repair and supplies were also somewhat over budget by $371, the building if access to the siding or foundation is required.
mainly due to elevated bulk trash removal throughout the Board Action: Motion by Sandy Nolan, supported by Aric
community. Tosqui, to approve the Engineering Committee report of
The taxes, insurance, and reserve accounts show that September 11, 2024, and approve recommendations #1-5. All
employee benefits and payroll taxes exceeded the budget due in favor. Motion Passed.
to end-of-season payments to the lifeguards.
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Pool Committee Report: page 12
Discussion: The wading pool was out of order for most of the
season. The computer will be replaced in the spring.
Board Action: Motion by Peggy Zonca, support by Guy
Balok, to approve the Pool Committee report of September 10,
2024, with no recommendations. All in favor. Motion Passed.
Co-Owner Forum:
A few residents have raised concerns about the
condition of a neighbor’s unit. The installation of a fence, gate,
steps on common ground, and the absence of a rat wall in the
back area are violations of the association’s rules. Additionally,
the interior is currently being remodeled, and contractors are
discarding items from the second-story window and causing
damage to shrubs. Moreover, the front window remains
boarded up. The matter will likely be taken to court if the
owners do not address these violations.
In another incident, a sewage backup was in a
building on Ironwood Ct. Several residents have inquired
about potential solutions, as this marks the third backup in
the past five to six months. The aging pipes have developed
jagged edges over time, which items can get snagged on.
Still, a previous video inspection shows that the pipes are
fine. Horton Plumbing has cleared the pipes, but residents
continue to flush non-flushable items such as wipes, dental
floss, and dental picks. A robocall was sent to remind residents
not to flush these items, and the board has proposed that
the residents coordinate a building or court-wide meeting to
discuss the problem amongst themselves.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
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HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT
COMMITTEE: Herald Committee MEETING DATE: September 3, 2024
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
1. Increasing Readership: After discussion, it was decided that we would try some new ideas. Here is a look at
what future issues will bring. Fun Pages will include coloring pages along with miscellaneous puzzles. While
it started out as a kid’s page idea, we hope that our new title will ring true, and it will be fun for ALL our read-
ers. After a few months we will provide kids with a chance to win a prize for turning in a completed coloring
page. Watch the Herald for further instructions and dates. Watch for Women’s Club Restaurant Reviews. This
new column will be featured in the November Herald. Pet Page, If you have a pet you would like to be featured
in our Herald why not introduce him or her by submitting a picture along with a small blurb fit for printing in
the Herald to [email protected] . The future of this new idea will depend on your participation. Please email Emily
today if you are interested. A Herald Scavenger Hunt will be featured in our November Herald. A gift card
from Tirami Su will be awarded to the winner. Book Club Reviews was another idea discussed we are working
on getting it up and running. Keep reading the Highland Lakes Herald to see more of our new ideas.
2. Article Submissions: A Highland Lakes resident recently submitted an idea for next months Herald. Unfor-
tunately this committee found the article to be a repeat of a past print. If you have an idea and would like it to be
printed in the Herald, please reach out to the Herald Editor via email ([email protected] ) and she will bring it to the
Committee for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
3. Change for November meeting date: Please note, NOVEMBER meeting will be moved to Wednesday, No-
vember 6th at 5 pm.
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HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT
COMMITTEE: Court Liaison Committee MEETING DATE: September 5, 2024
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
1. Sarah Milroy has volunteered to represent Norwood Court as its Court Liaison.
2. Out of the 44 courts, two courts (Aqueduct & Eddington) currently do not have a court liaison.
3. Barb and Lela have kindly volunteered to cover this month's Herald deliveries in these two courts in
addition to their courts.
4. There have been eighteen new move-ins over the past three months.
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HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT
COMMITTEE: Grounds Committee MEETING DATE: September 9, 2024
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Wood chips for Boy Scout path: The path is about 3/4 complete, and more wood chips are available to finish it. It has
also been cleared of overhanging trees and branches.
2. Trash Cameras Update: Cameras have been installed, with the exception of Queen Anne Court, which will be installed
tomorrow. All cameras are working. Joe still needs to sign up for cloud storage.
3. Replace Rope on Crystal Lake Steps with a Railing: This is on the work list to be done.
4. Replace Missing Rope by Crystal Lake: The rope from the steps will be saved for this.
5. Repair of Bridges and Dock Update: All permits have been received, and work should start this week. Mike Baynes
continues to work with the company to get this completed.
6. Boat Racks on Swan Harbor Lake: It was agreed that boat racks are needed.
7. Phragmites (invasive): The phragmites on the lakes have been treated once. They will continue to be monitored in case
more treatment is needed.
8. Repair the Picnic Table by Swan Harbor Beach: It has not yet been completed, but it is on the list of work to be done.
9. Tree Replacement Request on Whitman Court: The tree replacement at the owner's expense has been approved, with
the type and reimbursement amount according to policy.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Shrub Removal: The forms have been updated and printed in the Herald. Sharon will review them and give them to
Jason as they come in.
2. Lawn Edging: A question was asked about the frequency of sidewalk lawn edging. Joe will check into it.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Yvonne reported that M&D has been contacted and will be out to replace the sprinkler timer and caulk over the exposed
hose line that crosses the north sidewalk.
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HIGHLAND LAKES COMMITTEE REPORT
COMMITTEE: Pool Committee MEETING DATE: September 10, 2024
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED:
1. Updates from Joe. The season ended well. Maintenance will clean the pool deck and put it away. B&B closed
down the pool, and we will try to have the lights fixed for next year. Budgeted for a new computer for the baby
pool for next year and hopefully that will be open all season/
2. Pool rules were discussed and eventually tabled until March. We will meet and discuss the pool rules and
update the board for next year.
3. We are always looking for residents to join our committee and assist in planning fun summer events at the
pool. Come see what we are all about and help make summer a great time for our community!
4. Questions/Discussions/Comments: Lifeguards did a good job this year. We discussed that in the future, they
know all the rules before the start of the season. Discussion regarding sitting on the side of the pool and the
impact on safety.
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HIGHLAND LAKES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
20301 Silver Spring Drive
Northville, MI. 48167
The National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) cites one major cause of home heating fires as a lack of regular
cleaning and resultant creosote and nesting material build-up in wood-burning devices, associated chimneys and
connectors.
Highland Lakes Condominium Association, in the interest of reducing the likelihood of fires resulting from
improperly maintained fireplaces and chimneys, requires that all fireplaces and chimneys be inspected and cleaned
by a qualified, licensed and properly insured contractor on an annual basis. This policy, as approved and adopted
by the Board of Directors, is mandatory for all units containing a fireplace.
Responsibilities:
Highland Lakes has adopted a Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning and Inspection Policy. The Association shall be
responsible for publishing co-owner notification in the Herald and making this program mandatory for all units
containing a fireplace.
Owners are responsible for ensuring access to each fireplace and chimney in accordance with normal Association
procedures, scheduling the annual inspection and cleaning, maintaining the fireplace and appurtenant hardware and
responsibly using the fireplace as designed.
The contractor shall diligently perform all duties per N.F.P.A. and building codes. The inspection and cleaning
report shall disclose in writing the name of the owner, street address, unit number, date of service, name of
technician, findings of the inspection, description of the service provided and confirm that the fireplace and
appurtenant hardware and chimney are safe or unsafe for normal usage. A copy of this report shall be given to the
owner and a signed true copy to Highland Lakes. Further, if the fireplace is found unsafe, the contractor shall red
tag the unit and immediately notify the Property Manager or Maintenance Superintendent, and the owner of the unit.
The owner(s) of each condominium unit shall be responsible for the cost to inspect, clean, and maintain their unit’s
fireplace, flue and chimney. Repairs to the fireplace, firebox, firebricks, flue, and chimney up to the point of the
roofline shall be the sole responsibility of the condominium owner. Repairs to the chimney roof enclosure, screen
and/or vent pipe above the roofline shall be the responsibility of the Association.
Notes:
1) A full-copy of the Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning Policy is available free of charge, at the clubhouse, to
any co-owner or occupant.
2) Fireplaces and wood burning appliances are used to a greater extent during the winter months or colder
weather. This is the time when fires typically occur due to a failure to clean and inspect. HLCA is
advising all residents of this issue. Your own inspection of your fireplace and the ability to see daylight as
you look up the chimney is not a sufficient determining factor that the fireplace is fit for use. Creosote, ash
deposits, nesting material, etc. may be bound to the inside walls and look like the wall itself. A qualified
professional must do the work.
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Ice Cream Extravaganza
It was a perfect night for the Ice Cream Extravaganza event at Highland Lakes. People lined
up to get a scoop of ice cream and choose their own special toppings. The weather was warm
enough for those who chose to take a dip in the pool. Meanwhile we were all treated to the
excellent and diversified tunes provided by
Plan B. Everyone seemed to enjoy this band
and there were many positive comments. This
event was well attended by adults and children
alike. Several children enjoyed sitting on the
terrace and played cards while others had a
blast dancing to the music.
The Ice Cream Extravaganza is always a
popular event and this one was no exception.
Many thanks to the Social Committee and the
volunteers who worked to make this special
night a great success!
Sandy Nolan
14
Wes Kramer, Vicki Kramer, Sandy Nolan,
Terry Martin, Melinda Martin
Joyce, Terry, and Debbie Children playing a game of cards on the terrace.
15
16
Name Date
Pumpkin Patch
Maze
Complete the maze by drawing a line from start to finish.
start
finish
Find worksheets, games, lessons & more at education.com/resources
© 2007 - 2024 Education.com
17
ART & WINE
CLASS
Join us for a fun and creative experience! For just $12 per person, all art supplies and
a 12x12 canvas are included. You'll learn to create a beautiful, beginner-friendly floral
acrylic painting using bubble wrap for a unique touch. Bring your favorite appetizer to
share and feel free to BYOB for an enjoyable evening of painting and socializing! Sign
up at the clubhouse by October 25.
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COME, IF YOU DARE…
Trick-or-Treat
around Silver
Spring Lake
October 31st
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Park in clubhouse parking lot *We need people to
pass out candy around the lake. Adults bring your
chairs and your candy to pass out to the kids.*
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Butternut DIRECTIONS
Bisque Melt butter in a large soup pot; add the carrots, onion,
celery; saute until soft.
A favorite fall soup thickened Stir the squash & potatoes into the vegetables.
with potato rather than cream Add the stock; bring to boil, reduce heat & simmer,
- nutritious & low calorie.
partially covered for 40. min.
Add curry, nutmeg & ginger.
Puree the soup in batches in a blender. Return to pan
INGREDIENTS and add more stock if necessary to thin; salt & pepper
2 - 2 1/2 lb. Butternut squash cubed to taste.
2 Tbsp. butter Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.
2 carrots, sliced
Recipe courtesy of Heart of the Home by Susan Branch.
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery. chopped
2 potatoes peeled & cubed
5 -6 c. chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
pinch each: nutmeg & ginger
sour cream for garnish (opt.)
NOTES
Do you have a family recipe or a recipe you love that
you would like to share? Email your recipe to
[email protected]
20
21
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22
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734-410-9421
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Repairs and Replacements
of All Types
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Toilets
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Water Heaters
Dishwashers
Gas Lines
Leak Detection
Clogged Pipes
and more...
CONTACT: 734.812.5606
EMAIL:[email protected]
28
29
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ROGER THE HANDYMAN
• Need a light in
that closet?
• Does the door
stick?
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Sharon: 734-732-2066 roger: 734-732-0771
31
SPECIAL
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Water Heater
Installed for $1,275
I.S.E.
Garbage Disposal
Installed for $305
32
John and Lisa Marker
Call us today!
Get A FREE Home Warranty!
Over 2000 homes sold since 1996!
and
33
Highland Lakes Court Liaisons
NOTE: ALL AREA CODES ARE 248 UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE
34
When protecting your Community, the
EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
• Condominium Associations • Worker’s Compensation
• Homeowners Associations • Unit Owners & Homeowners
• Apartment Buildings • Business & Personal Auto
• Cooperatives • Cyber Liability
• Director’s & Officers Liability • Environmental Liability
• Fidelity Bond Coverage • Umbrella Liability
35
October 2024
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 Morning Stretch 3 4 5
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Herald
Committee Women’s Club
5 p.m. noon
Court Liaison
Comm. 7 p.m.
Trash Pickup
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Morning Stretch
Clubhouse 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Committee
7 p.m.
Board Meeting
7 p.m.