Staman Acres Civic Association (SACA)
SACA Fall Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2024
 
SACA Spring meeting held at the City of Farmington Hills firehouse #5 called to order by Kurt Vaaler at about 7:05 PM EST.  http://www.staman-acres.org/
 
Welcome New Residents 

• New Residents:  Two new neighbors on Staman Circle
• Deaths:  Long-time residents Rosella Moody on Staman Court and Maria Hoflein on Belmont have both passed away.
• “Happy Birthday” to Stan Wilkins who turned 101 this past September.

 
Treasurer Report 

• The balance sheet and proposed budget were presented and approved.  Motion carried.
• SACA Dues:  74 paid / 43 have not (2024-2025)
• 2024/2025 dues statements were initially 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.  2024/2025 mailing of the dues in arrears & penalties will be sent out on April 1, 2025.

 
Secretary Report

•   The previous meeting minutes were read by attendees and the minutes were approved.
•   Marcy Silver is the new Welcome & Condolences committee lead.
• Project Update - Fiber Internet Installation 
  • https://www.fhgov.com/fibercity/
  • Fiber City - Phone Number - 1-888-766-9475 (call with any concerns or questions)
  • Fiber City - progressed quickly at the beginning, but it has slowed down since.
  • No connection to SACA residence homes yet.
  • T-Mobile is not the only one who will be offering service.  3rd party is installing the lines.
  • ATT is separate from the fiber optics installation.  It is available in our area.
  • SACA President to call city of Farmington Hills contact to get an update to be shared at the next meeting.
• Orchard Lake Entrance - clean up and boundary
  • Started doing clean up. Landscape stones to be removed.
  • Survey was done and staked out. Half way up the front of the berm is Oakland County right-of-way and can be beautified by sub-division with Oakland County permission.
  • Next Steps to Entrance Beautification: 
  1. SACA President to move forward on steps to possibly purchasing part of the berm and will have a private   conversation with homeowner. 
  2. If a purchase is be agreed upon, it will need a legal description and have a separate survey to be completed to determine the area.
  3. Permission and permit for easement use from Oakland County.
  4. A CAD drawing will need to be done and sent to Oakland County Road Commission.
  5. Permit from the Farmington Hills City for drilling under Rocky Crest.
  6. Water & Irrigation Installation Request and possible quotes for a new water meter.
  7. Landscaping Design, Planting & Maintenance.
  8. If anyone would like to would like to join the Beautification Committee, please reach out to one of the officers.

• Box Tree / Boxwood Moth (Cydalima Perspectalis) *Detected in Michigan*
  • Do NOT dispose of in the brown paper yard waste bags, which will be recycled, as the moth can be spread to other areas.
  • Important: Please refer to the following links for information on the invasive species infestation:
  • https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/box-tree-moth
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/media/pressreleases/2023/12/11/mdard-expands-box-tree-moth-quarantine-to-combat-the-spread-of-invasive-pest
  • https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/mdard-establishes-box-tree-moth-quarantine-in-four-southeast-michigan-counties            

• Deer population - The deer come from Heritage Park every night.  
  • SACA Treasurer has talked to the city council.  The city had a meeting with surrounding cities to discuss the deer population.  Please refer to the Farmington Hills City website for further information and the study update:
    • https://www.fhgov.com/department-and-services/resident-information/deer-management/
  • More people need to bring the increased deer problem to the city’s attention.  
  • Anyone can go to the city council meeting.  Please refer to the annual meeting schedule in this link:  
    •   https://www.fhgov.com/government-business/agendasminutesvideos/
• Do NOT feed animals.  Putting food out for wild animals, such as birds, deer, squirrels, racoons, etc. is encouraging the wild animal & deer to come around our homes. This can result in a fine by the city. 
• There is an increase in tick population.  More deer equals more ticks around the area. 
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/media/pressreleases/2024/05/06/mdard-offers-guidance-on-creating-tick-safe-zones-around-the-home
  • https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/Topics/mitracking/ticks

 
Open Discussion:

• Reminder to everyone the importance of looking out for each other despite personal differing opinions.  We are still neighbors and friends.  We are a small association and should look out for each other.
  • If you see anyone or something that looks out of sort, call it out and/or call the police. 
  • We have a great neighborhood.  People are walking around, jogging, walking dogs, pushing baby carriages, kids riding their bikes…be aware; tell your neighbor if you see anything not right.
    • In October, one resident stated that while they were home, they had someone walk up to their home during the day and jiggle the door handle.  
    • Another resident shared that they had lawn property items destroyed & other lawn items stolen.  
• Landlocked property building issue.  It is not an issue right now.  
  • Long strip owned by 2 individuals - 6 lots. An extension of Fairmount would be needed. The city owns the lands where road is supposed to go.  The city said they were not going to put a road in. The city has not had any contact with property owners in months.
• Reckless drivers and speeders driving through Staman Acres subdivision.   
  • The city cannot do anything if there is not a significant overage 32+ miles per hour.
  • School bus speeding - Note the time or take a video and call the police.  They may be able to position a police vehicle at the time they drive in the sub. 
• Blight Signs or properties not being maintained/look abandoned - Contact the City of Farmington Hills.  
• Beautification Committee lead position is open.

 
Comment from President: Thanks to all who attended meeting. Thank you for being good neighbors.  Respect and talk each other.  Help your neighbors. If anything comes up or you have questions, please reach out.