Staman Acres Civic Association (SACA)
SACA Spring Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2024
 
SACA Spring meeting held at the City of Farmington Hills firehouse #5 called to order by Kurt Vaaler at about 7:10 PM EST.
 
PLEASE NOTE: At the time of the meeting or subsequently the SACA website is up, but the emails within are not functioning and minutes & statements can be viewed on computer only.  Secretary/Vice-President Maria Guido is working on returning the functions and uploads will continue. www.staman-acres.org
 
Welcome New Residents 
  • Two new residents moved into the sold house on Belmont. Welcome Chris Chasse & Holly Shuffett.
 
Treasurer Report 
  • The balance sheet and proposed budget were presented and approved.  Motion carried.
  • 78 paid / 39 have not (2023-2024)
  • 2024/2025 dues statements were sent out to residents; including arrears (past years not paid). 
    • SACA yearly dues are due on May 31, 2024.  If no dues are paid by August 31, a $25.00 late fee will be assessed. 
 
Secretary Report
  • The previous meeting minutes were read by attendees, only correction was to the spelling of Wojtowicz (Dean’s last name), and the minutes were approved.
  • Project Update - Fiber Internet Installation 
    • Fiber City - Phone Number - 1-888-766-9475 (call with any concerns or questions)
      • Responses to calls are good, rep lives locally. 
      • Information is increasing as project progresses. 
      • They did not notify us with door hangers as expected. 
      1. Currently - the pipe is put underground. 
      2. Disruption and damage to lawns will be rectified.  Uncertain of timing; whether it will be before or after the fiber goes in.
      3. Fiber will be run through tubes. Currently working in the city easement;  no permission necessary for this portion. Easement is about 6’ from edge of road. 
      4. Fiber City got permission to directional drill for the tubing. No trenching was done in the Staman-Acres sub-division. 
      5. Last step in the process is connecting service to homes.  This might be 8-9 months down the road, although it was mentioned it might be sooner.  
      6. Permission will be needed from homeowner to go on property for installation & hook up to houses. Be involved. They will not hook up to your house unless you want it.  Specifically tell them where you want the box for hookup as they usually place it on the front of the house.
      7. It was suggested to keep flags in the ground until they bore to house. 
      8. T-Mobile does not even know they are going to be a provider. So do not call them yet.
  • Notice of Claim has been file with Oakland County - title search goes back 40 years. The Notice of Claim protects and ensures the subdivision Restrictions and By-Laws remain in effect.
    • Previously, SACA By-laws passed at a special meeting by 59% of dues paying members, 43 Yes / 10 No. 
    • SACA Restrictions have not been changed but will be considered at a later date. 
  • Orchard Lake Entrance - clean up and boundary
    • Previously approved (in-person, by mail and at a meeting)
      • Dues paying homeowners approved by voting.  Homeowners who do not pay dues forfeit voting rights.
      • Financial approval to proceed was previously passed. 65 out of 80 dues paying residents voted to approve the Orchard Lake entrance beautification.
    • Started doing clean up. Landscape stones removed, some are embedded and will need further attention to remove all.
    • Survey was done.  Most of the berm is on homeowner’s property. Half way up the front of the berm is Oakland County right-of-way and can be beautified by sub-division with county permission.
    • North side of Rocky Crest “easement”: Owner of that property at the time gave us the permission to landscaping on property.  
    • South side of Rocky Crest and Powers: Homeowner gave us permission on easement for sign.
      • These permissions to “Easement” is legally binding to any new owners and filed with the county. Easement stays with property in perpetuity. 
      • SACA waives dues for those homeowners as a curtesy for permissions.
    • Orchard Lake entrance, south side of Rocky Crest:  Homeowner is not providing permission to allow subdivision to landscape on property of homeowner, due to concerns of property taxes increasing after beautification.  Homeowner is in favor of selling that area to sub-division and is committed to beautification. 
    • Next Steps to Entrance Beautification: 
      1. SACA President to call attorney about steps to possibly buy property. 
      2. Request quotes for a new water meter or to connect to existing irrigation system
      3. Permission and permit for easement use from Oakland County
      4. Permit from Farmington Hills City for drilling under Rocky Crest
      5. Water & Irrigation Installation
      6. Landscaping Design, Planting & Maintenance
 
Sub-division Yard Sale 
  • June 22, Saturday & June 23, Sunday. This will be 2-day Friday and Saturday event.  
 
Sub-division Picnic 
  • July or August - Date TBD
    • Will be posted on the website when the date is selected.
 
Election of Officers  
  • Vote to approve/elect existing officers for 2024/2025 term.
    • President – Kurt Vaaler
    • Vice-President (acting) – Maria Guido
    • Treasurer – Kathie Brown 
    • Secretary – Maria Guido
 
Open Discussion - 
  • Past Dues - Current yearly dues and arrears are included in the dues statement.
    • There is a $25 late payment fee for dues not paid by August 31, 2024.  
    • The dues are what keeps our sub-division functioning as a beautiful place to live.
  • Blight Signs - Contact the City of Farmington Hills.  
  • Beautification Committee lead position is open.
  • Farmington Hills has a leash law.  Dogs are to be on a leash when walking. 
  • Pick up after your dog defecates on others property.
  • Pick up trash on your lawns and keep property maintained.  Open storage is not permitted including trash cans, yard implement, ladders, etc. 
  • If you know of a neighbor who has; an emergency, is sick and/or hospitalized, elderly who needs help with short-term lawn maintenance (until a service can be put in place), please let the committee know and we can set up a task team to assist. If you would like to be put on the list to call if assistance is needed, please let a committee member know.
  • Farmington Hills Beautification Commission - Litter Walk pick up
    • If interested in taking part in the efforts: 
    • To take place on:  April 27th 8am - 3pm 
    • Meet at the Citizens Bank at 12 & Farmington at 10:00 am
  • Sub-division streets are city streets.  Looking into updating speed limit signs with reflective strips on poles & more reflective signage.
  • Replace the Yield or Stop sign on northwest side of Rocky Crest & Staman Circle.
  • Secretary, Maria Guido is calling the city traffic manager to inquire about replacing signs.
  • Speed Limit is 25 mph.  
 
 
Comment from President: Thanks to all who attended meeting. Thank you for being good neighbors.  Respect each other.  Help your neighbors. If anything comes up or you have questions, please reach out.