ECHARM MEETING RECAP

AMHOA hosted the ECHARM meeting on Saturday, February 7, 20009 at the Arbor Meadows Clubhouse

Educational Coalition of Homeowner Associations Representing Manufactured Housing

The purpose of this meeting was to bring together homeowners' associations belonging to MOLA (Manufactured Homeowners Legislative Association of MI) for educating and exchanging information. The goal of MOLA is to further and to protect the interests of owners of manufactured homes. In addition to AMHOA members of the following Homeowners' Associations attended, South Lansing Manufactured Homeowners Association, Holiday Estates Homeowners Association, Swan Creek Homeowners Association.

The 9:00am meet & greet with coffee and donuts was later followed by a light lunch of sandwiches, vegetable tray, chips, cookies & fruit. Door prizes were presented and all had a good time sharing their desires and concerns about the associations.

PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

Skirting the issues, by Betty Blackburne

Betty spoke about the various types of skirting materials. Why some installers only offer the cheapest; how to evaluate if your skirting is properly installed; restrictions imposed by park owners; how skirting affects the value and appearance of your home and your community. Betty spoke about visiting 23 mobile home communities in and around Monroe, Michigan and her experiences in promoting membership in MOLA.

How a Bill is Passed, by Cyndie Drago

Using the government handbook, "The Legislative Process In Michigan, A Student's Guide" Cyndie outlined how a bill becomes, or fails to become, law. Bill 4429 establishing the rights of tenants, and the powers & duties of State agencies to provide remedies & penalties has effectively "died," having been shuffled off to 'Committee.' A current bill of interest and importance to homeowners is Bill 4038 regarding Storm Shelters. Cyndie has been going to Lansing and attending meetings of the Manufactured Housing Commission. They allow those present 5 minutes for comments. She is showing us how we can have a voice in government. She has asked to be put on the Agenda so that she would get more time to address issues their HOA is concerned about.

The Importance of Communication, by Cyndie Drago & Walter Elliott

Both spoke about establishing relationships with government representatives; including local township officials, police and moving on up to state representatives and senators; the gist of this is "to have your voice heard, you have to speak up." Cyndie has also been working to establish relationships with State Senator Bruce Patters and Representative Dian Slavens. She called both of their offices for copies of the booklet she used for her presentation. Rep. Slavens personally delivered some of the booklets we had at the meeting to Cyndie. Walter serves as Director of the Board for MOLA and has been instrumental in establishing MOLA's relationships with both

HANDOUTS available at the meeting

Manufactured Home Community Tenanats, Shifting the Balance of Power by AARP
Changes and Choices, Legal Rights of Senior Citizens by the State of Michigan
Consumer Protection Resource Guide by the State of Michigan
Citizens Guide to Government 2007-2008 by the State of Michigan

By becoming a member and attending meetings, you will be able to build your own reference library. Another way is to contact your local and state government and ask about information available for your specific insterest.

PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS continued......

Midwest Regional Conference-Chicago, by Walter & Carole Elliott, and Betty Blackburne, and Ken Peterson

MOLA was contacted by Minnesota Mfg. Homeowners' Association regarding attending a conference Held in Chicago in December 2008. In attendance from Michigan was Walter & Carole Elliott, Betty Blackburne, and Ken Peterson. They each spoke about the ways that MOLA can be strengthened by participation in the conference. MOLA is planning to host a meeting of the Midwest Regional Conference in June 2009.

Quarterly Legislative Liaison Report, by Ken Peterson

Repeat of the quarterly report made to MOLA regarding the progress, and lack of progress of legislation affecting manufactured home owners in Michigan. Ken is MOLA's liaison with Michigan State government in Lansing.

Why We Need Laws, How The Police Can Help US, by Sue Miller

Beginning with a general outline of how laws come into being and how we agree to abide by the sames law(s), Sue went on to go over the main points on how to deal with an encounter with the police.

Complaints against Licensees, Local Governments, Installers/Servicers, Manufacturers and Retailers, by Carole Elliott

Carole spoke about the importance of writing out complaint(s) and keeping a copy for reference and protection as opposed to making phone calls which can be ignored or disregarded; how to evaluate when to approach your Association for help in dealing with an issue.

What Projects require a Building Permit, by Carole Elliott

The general rule to follow is to check with your local township to see if you need a building permit; requirements vary by township according to project size; any persons receiving compensation to perform "handy-man" work is required to be licensed.

State Laws that Govern the Installation of Homes, by Carole Elliott

Part of the reasoning behind why we should be interested in whether or not homes in our communities are be properly installed is that as time passes improperly installed homes deteriorate in condition and this affects the value and appearance of your community. Another reason beside being unsightly is that they are unsafe for habitation. Eventually many of these become abandoned.

A WHOLEHEARTED THANK YOU

TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES

WHO DONATED FOOD & DRINK

BUSCH'S . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
GREAT HARVEST . . . 4 DOZEN AWESOME COOKIES
POLLY'S MKT . . . . . . BOTTLED WATER
TIM HORTON'S . . . . . 4 DOZEN DONUTS
HILLERS MKT . . . . . . $25.00
KROGERS MKT . . . . . $25.00 used for bread/cheeses
SAM'S CLUB . . . . . . . $25.00 used ofr cookies, vegetable tray
TRADER JOE'S . . . . . EXOTIC COFFEE

Arbor Meadows Homeowners' Association,

5229 W. Michigan #289, Ypsilanti, Mi. 48197

Phone "Sec'y" Clara Kooperman 734-572-1863

Website: http://arbormeadowshoa.tripod.com