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Dear Member,

 

University Townhouses Cooperative was established in 1969 under section 221(d)(3) of the National Housing Act.  The Cooperative was built to provide affordable housing the moderate-income population.  Individuals purchase a membership certificate in the Co-op corporation, which entitles them to reside in a townhouse and to vote in the governance of the Cooperative.  The Cooperative is owned and operated by the membership on a non-profit basis.

 

We take pleasure in welcoming you as a member of UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSES COOPERATIVE. The success of the corporation depends entirely upon a well‑informed, cooperating membership. In the following pages of the Handbook you will find a great deal of important information ‑ it is your responsibility to read it and familiarize yourself with our policies so that your stay in the cooperative will be a pleasant one!

 

Sincerely,

 

UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSES COOPERATIVE

 

Board of Directors & Management

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Section I

YOUR COOPERATIVE...

 

Who's in Charge?                 6

Board of Directors                6

Committees                           6

Corporate Documents          6

Membership Certificate       6

Tax Benefits                           7

Insurance                                7

Federal Housing Administration Management  7

Management                         8

Deliveries                               8

Monthly Charges                   8

Maintenance                          9

Maintenance – Emergencies  9

Exterminating Service          10

Grounds                                 10

Play Areas                             10

 

 

Section II

YOUR TOWNHOUSE

 

Air Conditioners ... 11

Attic Space ... 12

Basements ... 12

Basement Partitions..12

Cable Television..12

Carpet…..12

Doors…13

Door s  - Closet…13

Door Locks – Bathrooms ...13

Dryer Vents….13

Electrical Distribution Panel...13-14

Fans – Bathroom...14

Floors…..14

Garbage Disposal..15.

Heating...14

Hot Water...15

Keys...16

Kitchen Fixtures..16.

Plumbing...16

Ranges & Refrigerators...16-17

Recycling….17

Rubbish...17

Satellite Dishes….17

Saving Money…17

Security…..17

Snow Removal...18

Stairs...18

Storms & Screens...18

Sump pumps….18

Television...19

Wall Tile...19

Walls ‑ Interior...19

Water. .19

Windows …19

Window Treatments….19

 

Section III

POLICIES

 

ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND COLLECTION POLICIES...20

          Late Charges & NSF Checks...20

          Payment Application policy..21

          Current Member's Receivables...21

          Former Member's Receivables...21

          Recertification and Surcharges...22

ANNUAL MEETING GUIDELINES….23

          Proxy Votes...23

          Registration...23

          Voting………..23

CARBON MONOXIDE POLICY…..24-26

COMMUNITY BUILDING USE POLICY..27-28.

COMPLAINTS...29

GARDENING...29-30

IMPROVEMENTS...31

     Washers & Dryers..31.

Property Improvements ‑ Reimbursement …31

Outside Structures….31

Alteration & City Ordinance…31

LETHAL WEAPONS POLICY…31-32

MOVING/TRANSFER POLICIES…33

Move‑in/Move‑out Policy ... 33

Move‑out ‑ General Information ...33-34

Key Return at Move‑out ... 34

Transfers ... 34

Move‑out Policy ‑ Condition of Unit ... 34-35

Carpeting and other Non‑Standard conditions ...36

PARKING/VEHICLE USE POLICY...40-42

PET POLICY ... 43-45

REFURBISHING ... 46

REGULATIONS FOR FENCES, DECKS, AND PATIOS…..37-39

SMOKE DETECTOR POLICY……47

 

SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EMPLOYEE POLICIES ... 48

Treatment of Cooperative Employees... 48

Service Department Policy ... 48

Service Department Entry Policy ...48

Lockouts...49

SOLICITING AND FLYER DISTRIBUTION ...49

UNIT CONDITIONING: RESPONSIBILITIES OF CURRENT MEMBERS…49

 

Section IV

MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES…..50-51

BB Guns...

Curfew Hours

Family Composition

Fireworks...

Member's Handbook...

Parking Lot Play

Property Damage...

Policy Updates...

Rejection of Membership Applications

Sign Posting Prohibition

 

 

 

Section V

YOUR COMMUNITY

Government...

Voting ...

Schools ...

Library ...

Post Office ...

Hospitals ...

Shopping ...

Parks & Recreation

 

 

 

 

APPENDICES:

 

Appendix A: Cooperative By-Laws

 

Appendix B: Regulatory Agreement

 

Appendix C: Your Occupancy Agreement

 


YOUR COOPERATIVE

 

 

WHO'S IN CHARGE?

 

You are. The members are the sole owners of the Cooperative. You elect a Board of Directors to act as representatives in setting policies for the benefit of the Cooperative as a whole. Complete authority for administering the affairs of the Cooperative Corporation is invested in the elected Board.

 

Under the terms of a management agreement approved by the Federal Housing Administration, the manager handles the day‑to‑day business affairs of the Cooperative and carries out the policies set by the Board of Directors. The Board may renew the management agreement for succeeding periods at each expiration date. The organization chart below shows how the Cooperative functions. The major powers and duties of the Board of Directors, committees, the Federal Housing Administration and the managing agent are discussed briefly on the following pages.

 

COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATION

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Board of Directors

A five-member Board of Directors sets the policies of the Cooperative. This Board is elected by you and the other members at the Annual Meeting that is held every September. The Board of Directors is charged with the duty of administering the affairs of the Cooperative and has, among others, the following powers:

 

1.     To accept or reject applicants for membership;

2.     To approve an operating budget and establish monthly carrying charges;

3.     To retain an agent to carry out policies set by the Board and Federal Housing Administration requirements;

4.     To terminate membership and occupancy rights for cause;

5.     To publish rules and regulations deemed proper and beneficial for the Cooperative.

 

Articles V and VI of your By-Laws contain comprehensive information on Directors and officers of your Cooperative.

 

All Co‑op members are invited to attend the regular open meetings of the Board, and are encouraged to bring to the Board questions or suggestions that they may have concerning Co‑op policies.

 

 

 

Committees

The Board President may establish committees that report to the Board of Directors on policy matters and to perform other important functions. The standing committee of the Cooperative is:

 

The Membership Committee: their duties, as specified by the Board, are

(1)   to welcome new members and orient them to Cooperative membership, and

(2)   to act upon all applications for membership by approving prospective members or recommending evaluations by the Board.

 

 

Committees may be set up to conduct research on a particular situation and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Various committees that have been formed are the Pet Committee, Neighborhood Watch, Vehicle & Parking Committee, and the Mortgage Payoff Committee.  The Cooperative urges all members to serve on any committees that interest them.

 

 

 

Corporate Documents

Your Member's Handbook contains the Occupancy Agreement, By‑Laws, the Regulatory Agreement and other corporate documents.

 

Copies of the Minutes of the most recent Board meeting are available at the monthly Board meeting, the office, on-line at www.universitytownhouses.org and, weather permitting, are distributed to each unit.

 

Minutes of past Board of Directors meetings, monthly cash flow reports, copies of the annual audit, etc., are available to interested members upon request.  A small fee may be charged to cover the copying cost.

 

 

Membership Certificate

Be sure to safeguard your membership certificate because it is evidence that you are a member of the University Townhouses Cooperative. Your Member's Handbook is a good place to keep your certificate. If it is lost, destroyed or stolen, please report this to the Resale Office. Your membership certificate must be returned to the Cooperative when you submit your Withdrawal Notice.

 

 

 

Tax Benefits

You may deduct for Federal Income Tax purposes the portion of your carrying charges that were used for real estate taxes and mortgage interest. The long form with itemized deductions must be used. You may be able to deduct part of the portion of your carrying charges, which was used to pay property taxes from your state tax. The amount you save in taxes will depend on your income, your other deductions, your family status, and the amount of carrying charges paid during the year.

 

Before February 1 of every year, the Cooperative's accounting firm will furnish the office with a statement of allowable deductions, which you may attach to your tax return. The management office will have this information distributed door‑to‑door and extra copies will be available for pickup at the office.  The information will also be posted on the Cooperative’s website at www.universitytownhouses.org.

 

 

 

Insurance

The Cooperative provides a wide range of insurance protection. However, there are some areas that cannot be included in the Cooperative's insurance. The fire and extended coverage insurance policy does not cover your personal belongings such as furniture, carpets, draperies, nor does it include living‑out expenses if your townhouse is extensively damaged. The liability policy does not cover accidents that occur in your townhouse or those caused by your negligence. To cover these areas, you should purchase a renter's insurance policy.

 

 

 

Federal Housing Administration

Under section 221(D) 3 of Title II of the National Housing Act, FHA insures the lending institution against loss by any reason of any default of the Cooperative in its obligations under the mortgage.  FHA does not insure the members of the Cooperative against loss, nor does it handle the funds of the Cooperative. FHA's role is an advisory and regulatory one, furnishing technical advice and assistance.

 

FHA must approve the management contract that the Cooperative signs with an approved professional management agent. The Cooperative must build up reserve funds as required by FHA for the replacement of equipment and structural components as they wear out and for other contingencies. FHA must also approve the Cooperative’s annual operating budget. Relations between FHA and the Cooperative are governed by the Regulatory Agreement (refer to the back of this book).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management

The day‑to‑day business affairs of your Cooperative are the responsibility of the Manager, whose duties are set forth in a management agreement, and which includes the following:

 

1.     Maintaining the buildings and grounds in accordance with the standards set by the Board of Directors;

2.     Hiring, training, and supervising the maintenance personnel necessary to maintain the standards set by the Board;

3.     Collecting all monthly carrying charges and taking legal action against delinquent members, such action being reported to the Board;

4.     Managing the Cooperative's funds in a safe and business‑like manner, keeping books of accounts for all funds entrusted to it, and preparing monthly statements of receipts and disbursements;

5.    Encouraging cooperative spirit and member participation;

6.     Working with the Cooperative's auditor to prepare all necessary governmental forms;

7.     Maintaining a current list of prospective members to prevent the Cooperative from suffering vacancy losses;

8.     Advising the Board on governmental regulations regarding cooperatives and the insurance, maintenance, and fiscal needs of the Cooperative;

9.     Preparing an annual budget each year for review, revision, and approval by the Board of Directors and FHA.

 

This list is not all‑inclusive but does include some of the more important and more visible activities and functions of the manager.

 

 

 

Deliveries

The Cooperative cannot be responsible for accepting delivery of merchandise or other parcels for individual members. If you do not expect to be home when a delivery is to be made, you might try to have a neighbor receive it.  Due to the size of the Cooperative, the office or service department is not able to deliver personal messages, notes, or mail.

 

 

 

Monthly Carrying Charges

Your monthly carrying charges are due and payable on the first of each month. Please send payments in the form of a personal check, money order, cashier check, or bank draft. Absolutely no cash is accepted and the Cooperative is not able to accept credit card payments. Make your check or money order payable to UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSES COOPERATIVE. Also, please indicate your address on your payment so your account may be properly credited.  Payments can be mailed to the Cooperative or deposited in the payment box at the management office located at 3200 Braeburn Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

 

For full details on late charges, please refer to the Late Charges Policy (page______), which follows the general information section of the Handbook.

 

 

 

 

 

Maintenance

The Cooperative is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and the grounds as well as for the repairs that may be needed in your townhouse.

 

Your service requests are recorded on work order forms and are handled in the order which they are received. Emergency situations endangering life or property are taken care of immediately. The length of time it takes to complete routine service requests depends on the workload at that time, the time of year, and the occurrence of emergency work. To assist you in determining if your work order or situation is considered an emergency, a list of emergency situations are defined in Appendix I.  To place a service request, call the office or go on-line at www.universitytownhouses.org and give your name, address, and a description of the repair needed. Please do not stop an employee on the grounds, or impose on them at their homes or elsewhere and ask to have work done.

 

The regular working hours for the service department is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are not at home when the maintenance person arrives, a notice is left and your service request is held until you call again, unless you have given permission for the employee to enter your townhouse in your absence. If the member is not at home for a pre‑arranged service call by an outside contractor, the member shall be charged the contractor's fee unless the member granted the contractor permission to enter the unit. In emergency situations, the service personnel may enter your townhouse without your advanced permission.

 

Services performed by the service staff are not "free" since they are partially paid for in the monthly carrying charges. If you make minor repairs and adjustments yourself and help keep the grounds clean; your Cooperative's costs will be kept to a minimum.

 

 

 

Maintenance Service - Emergencies

 

The Cooperative has an answering service to respond to emergencies service requests.  The service persons work Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 PM.  An on-call person is available for after office hour’s emergencies.  Since everyone perceives the definition of an emergency differently, here is a list of what University Townhouses Cooperative considers an emergency:

           

¨       No electrical power to the townhouse;

¨       Lock outs;

¨       No power to the stove (one malfunctioning burner is not an emergency);

¨       Water system leaks that, if left until the next workday, will cause structural damage or destruction to the members’ personal possessions;

¨       Toilet not working (in a three-bedroom unit, if one toilet is working, it is not an emergency;

¨       Catastrophic emergency (fire, explosion, etc.);

¨       Sewer back up;

¨       Gas leaks;

¨       Water heater not working;

¨       Frozen pipes;

¨       Inability to secure unit (because of a broken lock or window;

¨       Any item left outside a unit that constitutes a clear and present danger to individual, animal, or property;

¨       Emergency towing under the following conditions:

F      Vehicle is parked in a fire lane;

F      Vehicle is parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;

F      Vehicle is parked in such a manner as to create a public hazard or to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

F      Vehicle is parked in a member’s numbered parking spot.

 

Please call all other service requests to the management office first thing in the morning when possible. If the office is not open, you can leave a message on voice mail, drop a note in the payment box, or E-mail at www.universitytownhouses.org.  Your cooperation in calling in work orders will help the service department respond to your needs more efficiently.

 

 

 

               

Exterminating Service

We encourage members to handle localized problems themselves. However, should you continue to be bothered by insects or rodents around your townhouse, please call the office.  It is helpful to have a sample of the insect so we can assist you in treating the problem. It may be necessary to be placed on the schedule for pest control service.

 

The Cooperative Extension Service can provide you with useful information on the extermination of ants, silverfish, fleas, earwigs, and other pests.  Based on the situation, exterminating services may be charged to your account.

 

(Please refer to UNIT CONDITION under Policies, page ______.)

 

 

Grounds

The manager arranges for ground maintenance by the service department and outside contractors. Services include grass cutting, grounds care, snow removal, and general cleaning.

 

Members are urged to help keep the Cooperative attractive and clean. You may plant flowers and shrubs in designated areas at your townhouse, in accordance with the Gardening Policy.   It is the responsibility of the member to keep the area around his/her townhouse free of debris and weeds, and maintained in a neat and clean condition.  Please refer to the Gardening Policy on page ______.

 

 

 

Play Areas

Play areas are conveniently located throughout the Cooperative and are equipped with benches and play equipment.  Please report broken or defective equipment to the office.  For the safety of all children, and to prevent damage to vehicles, they are not allowed to play on the main circle or in parking lots.


 

YOUR TOWNHOUSE

 

(For your convenience the Items listed in this section are in alphabetical order)

 

 

Air Conditioners

A box is provided in your townhouse for installation of an air conditioner. Air conditioners installed in the box must be the rear exhaust type. If you wish to install a window unit or central air conditioning, you must first obtain permission from the Cooperative.

           

Window Air Conditioners:

 

Due to the large number of air conditioners being installed in living room, kitchen, or bedroom windows, the Cooperative is requesting the members to follow the guidelines listed below in the installation of window air conditioners.  The following guidelines must be implemented when installing a window unit:

 

1.          Window tracks must be properly padded so that the weight of the air conditioner doesn't damage, bend and/or break the window frame and track.  The vinyl window tracks will break from the weight of an air conditioner.  Please call the office and the maintenance staff will provide you with a window track bracket.  Specify which window(s) you will be installing an air conditioner in and the maintenance staff will cut the track bracket to fit the window.  There is no charge for this service or the bracket.  Please remember that the air conditioner will still have to be properly braced; this bracket only protects the window track.

 

2.     All window air conditioners must be braced properly with brackets. 2 x 4 legs are prohibited.

 

3.          Only Plexiglas panes for the window where the air conditioner is installed are permitted. Wood boards, cardboard, or other such materials are not allowed, as per City Code.

 

So that we adhere to City regulations and codes, we will inspect all units with window air conditioners.  If you are in violation of any of the above guidelines, it will be necessary to make the proper corrections immediately.

 

 

Central Air Conditioning:

 

Energy efficient Lennox furnaces in the basement of all units are A.C. prepped.  Central air conditioning is permitted and must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor or heating/cooling company.  Prior to installation, permission must be obtained from the management office and a City of Ann Arbor permit must be pulled.  Compressors must be set in the backyard not to exceed the farthest step out form the porch.  It is the responsibility of the member to maintain the area around the compressor.  After completion, a copy of the inspection form verifying it passed inspection must be submitted to the office.  For your protection a copy will be placed in your file.

 

Upon move-out, it will be up to the member to sell or give the air conditioning system to the incoming member or remove it and restore the townhouse to it’s original condition.  All restorative charges will be assessed to the out-going member.

 

 

Attic Space

The attic is not designed to be used for storage. The attic consists of a crawl space and is used primarily for maintenance to perform repairs, however you may install a television antenna.  You can get to the attic crawl space through the access door in the ceiling. Use extreme caution when walking in the attic.  Step only on the beams.

 

 

 

Basements

If your basement leaks, mark the exact location and notify the office; the Cooperative will work to repair leaks.

 

To reduce less serious moisture problems, open the basement windows on dry days to help evaporate moisture, or you may wish to buy a dehumidifier to prevent excessive condensation and mildew.

 

It is a good policy not to store valuables on the basement floor or directly against the basement wall because of the danger of moisture damage and mold.  The Cooperative currently obtains wooden pallets for free and will provide this service to the member as long as the pallets are free.  Please remember that basements in any home are guaranteed not to leak or even flood.  Extenuating circumstances could occur that could cause water accumulation in your basement, such as a sewer back-up, an over flowing laundry tub, water pipe leaks, excessive pipe condensation, etc. (Please refer to page _____, treatment of sewers)   

 

City ordinance forbids sleeping in the basement.

 

 

Basement Partitions

Prior to erecting one or more basement partitions, a member must first get the approval of the Property Manager and then obtain a building permit from the City of Ann Arbor.  Please have a simple drawing of what you intend to build and the layout of your basement.   A permit is required by city code.  A copy of the permit and final city inspection approval must be on file at the office.  

 

 

Cable Television

Each unit has cables buried behind the building and the television cables are usually located in the basement by the rafters.  The Cooperative allows cable TV to be installed in any room of the townhouses.  The Cooperative will not allow any cables to be installed on the outside of the building nor be installed through the brick, siding, roof, or windows.  Cable must be installed in such a way that it does not conflict with City Housing Codes or pose a hazard.  The resident of the townhouse is responsible for any costs associated with the installation of the cable and any repairs to the unit if the cable is removed.

 

 

Carpet

Members may install area rugs or wall to wall carpeting, and are responsible for the removal of carpet at move-out.  Installation of foam-backed carpeting or the use of double-backed tape is prohibited.  Please do not plane the front or any interior doors.  It is helpful to have the front door area tiled.

 

 

Doors

Like many other wooden components in your townhouse, doors have a tendency to shrink or swell as a result of varying weather conditions. A warped entry door may straighten out when cooler drier weather arrives.  It will also help if you remove your screen and install the storm window on your storm door at the onset of cold, wet weather. If you have serious problems with warping, you might want to apply a coat of clear varnish or shellac to the unpainted edges of your door.

 

Each townhouse is equipped with door chimes on the front wood door. Please call the office if they do not work properly or place a work order via e-mail.

 

Do not try to plane the door yourself since you will be responsible for any damage.

 

Some front entry doors and all interior doors are hollow core. Please do not put nails or screws in the doors since they will not hold in the thin wooden veneer.

 

If a member chooses to repaint their front door, it must be painted in either white or a color that compliments the siding on the building.  The member must have prior approval from the manager prior to painting the door.

 

 

 

Doors ‑ Closet

Sliding closet doors are hung from overhead tracks and are kept in line by guides at the bottom. If a door jumps out of the track, the service department will repair it for you, but try to repair it yourself first.

 

 

 

Door Locks ‑ Bathroom

Bathroom doors are equipped with a simple lock operated from the inside. In an emergency you may use a small tool such as a small screwdriver, allen wrench, or penknife to open a locked door from the outside.

 

 

 

Dryer Vents

City Code and state laws mandate that clothes dryers must be vented to the outside with metal vent pipes.  Dryer vents should be cleaned out on a regular basis.

 

 

 

Electrical Distribution Panel

 

Fuse Box:

A fuse box is located in the basement of each townhouse. All standard circuits are 110 volts. A licensed electrician must do installation of a 220-volt line.

 

If you have an electrical power failure, check to see if a fuse has blown. You will find it convenient to keep some 15 and 20 amp fuses as spares. If the failure cannot be corrected by replacing a fuse, call the office.

 

Circuit Breaker:

Some townhouses have had the fuse boxes upgraded to circuit breakers.  If you experience an electrical power failure in any part of your unit, please check the circuit breaker box.  If one or more of the “breakers” is in the off position, switch it to the on position.  Contact the office if this does not correct the problem and if you need further assistance.

 

 

 

 

Fans ‑ Bathroom

Bathrooms without windows are equipped with four‑inch fans. A wall switch controls the fans. To clean the fan, remove the bolt in the center of the cover plate, and remove the plate. Then unplug the fan and remove the wing nut and fan assembly. When reassembling, be sure to tighten the wing nut adequately.

 

 

 

Floors

 

Tile:

Floors in the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom are covered with vinyl tile. Wash the floors with mild soap and water, however do not use an excessive amount of water since this may cause warping. The Cooperative provides normal tile replacement. However, premature replacement due to neglect or abuse is the member's responsibility.

 

Hardwood:

Do not use any type of wax or oil on your hardwood floors; clean them with plain warm water and dry them immediately.

 

 

Heating

A gas-fired, forced-air furnace heats your townhouse. You control the total amount of heat supplied by adjusting the thermostat. The thermostat should be kept at a constant temperature setting since frequent changes in the setting increase your operating costs. However, when you are planning to be gone for an extended length of time (a day, a week, etc.) you can cut operating costs by turning the thermostat down several degrees.

 

Public utility companies have advised that a clogged furnace filter increases the electricity and gas consumption in operating your furnace by up to 30%. The Cooperative replaces furnace filters once every year, usually during the month of November, and thoroughly cleans the furnace once every four (4) years.  However, the furnace manufacturer recommends that the filter be changed at least twice during the heating season. You can check on the condition of your filter by removing it from the furnace and examining it against a light. If you replace it yourself, be sure that the arrow on the filter frame follows the direction of airflow in your furnace.

 

Please be sure that the area around your furnace is kept clear of obstructions to allow for sufficient air circulation and to prevent a fire hazard.  (Please refer to basement partitions on page 12.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other ways to save energy are:

1.     Adjust the heat vents to suit your living conditions and channel heat where it is actually needed;

2.     If you have small children, discourage them from excessive door--opening for trips in and out;

3.     Acquire a portable humidifier.  Please do not install one on your furnace!

4.     Save laundry until you have a sufficiently large load to make it worth your while to use the washer and dryer;

5.     Make sure the filter on your dryer is clean: a plugged filter causes the dryer to use more energy;

6.     In winter, keep your doors and windows closed;

7.     Install the storm door window on your storm door(s);

8.     Keep your thermostat set below 70 degrees F.

 

 

 

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal unit built into the kitchen sink can be used for most types of food waste. It is controlled by a wall switch. Be sure to have the cold water running while the disposal is in operation.  Please use common sense when you have items to dispose of.  Our sewer and drain systems are not indestructible.

 

Items such as large bones, bottle caps, corncobs, apple cores, rice, vegetable and fruit peels, glass or silverware will jam the disposal and may damage it.   To clear a jammed unit, do the following:

1.     Turn off the wall switch and unplug the garbage disposal. Reach into the disposal and remove any obstructions;

2.     Insert a broom handle or similar object and turn the grinding unit counterclockwise;

        3.      Press the reset button located near the bottom of the disposal;

4.     Plug in the garbage disposal, turn the cold water and wall switch on.

 

If this procedure does not work, check the fuse in the basement fuse box. If the disposal still does not work, please call the office. You are financially responsible for problems caused by neglect or abuse.

 

Please do not pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink drain!

 

 

 

Hot Water

Each townhouse is equipped with a 30‑gallon gas hot water tank. The manufacturer recommends that you drain a bucketful of water from the tank at least once a year to eliminate rust and sediment build‑up. The drain valve is located near the bottom of the tank. Contact the office if you have any problems with your water heater.

 

During the winter when the temperature falls below zero degrees the water pipes in your unit can freeze. Many times the hot and cold water pipes freeze.  It is advisable to let the upstairs bathroom sink and bathroom tub faucets drip to avoid water freezing in the line Frozen pipes are an emergency and will be handled after office hours if you call the telephone number for emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Keys

Locks are changed prior to moving in.

 

The service department must make any subsequent changes in locks so that all locks will conform to our master system.  If you need to have your locks changed, please call the office for this service.

 

There is a service charge for opening your door if you lock yourself out. The fee is $5.00 during office hours Monday through Friday (except holidays) and $10.00 at any other time (including holidays.)

 

 

 

Kitchen Fixtures

Kitchen counter tops are Formica, and the sink is either porcelain or stainless steel. Do not place hot objects on the counter tops since this will burn or blister the Formica. Please use a cutting board instead of cutting down on the counter.

 

 

 

Outside Faucets

Outside faucets are located in front of and in back of units.  They are to be kept on, from the valve located in the basement, through out the summer so they can be used by other members and the Cooperative lawn staff.

 

 Before winter arrives, please remove any hoses from the outside faucet.  Then shut off the outside faucet line from the handle located in the basement.  Drain any excess water from the outside faucet supply line.  When the freezing weather hits, the water retained in the hoses can freeze, expand, and split the hose.  Worse yet, the freezing can extend into the faucet itself, and then into the pipe that supplies the faucet.  In severe cold, the freezing and expanding water can actually split the water supply pipe.  When the pipe thaws, the water pressure forces water through the split and can dump a lot of water into your basement.

 

 

Plumbing

The service department will take care of plumbing repairs and maintenance. You should acquire a plunger for clearing minor stoppages. Since clearing stoppages can be expensive, the member will be charged if the problem was caused by negligence or abuse. Please report all leaks, improperly functioning toilets, and other plumbing problems to the office as soon as possible.

 

Do not flush items such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, tampons, sanitary napkins, hair, dental floss, or paper towels down the toilet. Please do not dispose of grease or oil down the kitchen sink drain. Disposal of those items through the sewer system usually leads to sewer backups, which are expensive since we must pay not only for the outside contractor, but also for cleaning up the mess after the sewer is fixed. If you have ever suffered basement flooding that results from a sewer backup, you realize what a thoroughly unpleasant experience it is. 

 

Please use common sense when you have items to dispose of – dispose of them properly and safely.  Our sewer and drain systems are not indestructible.

 

 

 

 

 

Ranges and Refrigerators

Each townhouse is equipped with a gas oven‑range and a refrigerator. Your oven and refrigerator will operate more efficiently and economically if it is cleaned regularly.

 

Repair and replacement of the range and refrigerator is the responsibility of the Cooperative. However, the cost of repairs or replacement required because of abuse or neglect will be charged to the member.

 

 

 

Recycling

We encourage all members to recycle paper and aluminum products, glass, plastic, and cardboard.  Recycling bins have been placed throughout the Cooperative usually near the dumpsters for the member’s convenience.  Please contact the office or Recycle Ann Arbor if you experience any problems with the bins or have any questions.

 

 

 

Rubbish

All garbage must be bagged, securely closed, and placed in the large containers (dumpsters) which are conveniently located throughout the Cooperative. Dead animals, animal waste and diapers must be double bagged and sealed in plastic bags before being placed in dumpsters, according to city ordinance. Please do not send small children to deposit rubbish. Also, make sure the lids of the dumpsters are closed.

 

 

The maintenance staff performs daily “dump runs” Monday thru Friday in the morning only.  Please carefully place large items next to the dumpster so the fence and foliage are not damaged.  If you need to dispose of large items, please set them next to the dumpster Monday through Thursday only.  Please do not set them out during the weekend. 

 

 

 

Satellite Dishes

Current FCC regulations allow satellite dishes to be placed in an area designated for that member’s exclusive use.  To define the area as exclusive, the dish would have to be placed in the member’s privacy fence, patio, or deck.

 

 

 

Saving Money

Although you do not pay for gas or water directly, the amount of money budgeted for utilities is based, in part, on the previous year's usage. If we all conserve gas and water, the carrying charges will directly reflect our conservation efforts.  In other words, if the cost of gas and water increases, so do your carrying charges. Some suggestions on conservation can be found under "Heating" in this handbook.

 

 

 

 

Security

We do not have any major crime problems, and we want to keep it that way!

 

It is up to the individual members to guard themselves against burglary. Here are some helpful tips:

 

1)   Use the dead bolt locks that have been installed in your unit.

2)   Put wooden dowels in all first‑floor windows and patio doors. (You can order them from the service department.)

3)   Bars have been installed on your basement windows.

4)   Turn on your outside porch lights. Nothing deters crime like good lighting.

5)      When going away on vacation, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your townhouse.

6)      Stop mail and newspaper delivery; or have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers until you return. 

 

If you see anything suspicious, please report it to the police by calling 911. Crime is lowest in those neighborhoods where the residents are vigilant.

 

 

 

Snow Removal

Streets are salted as needed. Streets are cleaned as follows:

1.      central streets first;

2.      centers of parking lots next;

3.      main sidewalks and,

4.      lastly, the rest of the parking lots.

 

Members are responsible to keep their sidewalk, porch, steps, and numbered parking space clear. Members should use sand or calcium chloride instead of rock salt on icy walks and steps.

 

The Cooperative does not provide road service.

 

 

 

 

Stairs

The stairs to the second story are hardwood. They can be cleaned with plain warm water and dried immediately.  Please do not clean or wipe them with any type of wax or oil.  Do not use Murphy’s Oil Soap. Carpeting may be installed on the stairs, but you must fill in any nail holes when you remove it.

 

 

 

 

 

Storms and Screens

Storm windows and screen inserts are provided for all windows and entry doors. The inserts for the windows are self‑storing. However, if you do remove them, they should be handled with care. Using storm windows conserves heat.

 

 

 

 

Sump Pumps

Most buildings are equipped with a sump pump to pump the excess storm water away from beneath the building.  Do not unplug the sump pump, it will cause all the basements in the building to flood.  The Cooperative installed the electrical outlet and pays for the cost of running the sump pump on that specific outlet.  The outlet is for the exclusive use of the sump pump and is not to be used for any other purposes.  Residents using the outlet for their personal use will be in violation of Cooperative policy and will be billed for its use.

 

 

Television

You may put a television antenna in the attic crawl space (make sure you walk only on the beams!) by attaching it to the lead wire already installed there. The lead wire is connected to the output jack in your living room. An antenna may not be installed outside your townhouse. Cable TV is also available.  (Please see page ____ for cable TV information).

 

 

 

Wall Tile

The bathroom shower wall panels and bathtub are plastic, therefore, do not use an abrasive cleanser that might scratch and dull the surface. Call the office if you need caulking around the outer edges of the bathtub.

 

 

 

Walls - Interior

Interior walls are drywall construction with frame studs located approximately 16 inches apart. Nails or screws put into the wall will hold only if they go into a stud. A magnetic stud finder, available at most hardware stores, will help you locate studs. Between studs use a toggle bolt, a molly bolt, or a similar device.

 

 

 

Water

The Cooperative pays for water so conservation of water means lower carrying charges. Here are some tips on saving water:

 

1.     Report all leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and running toilets promptly;

2.     Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes;

3.          Run washing machines on short cycles with minimum water levels;

4.          Do not water your gardens and lawn for long periods of time;

5.          Shut off your outside faucet when not in use.

 

When cold weather sets in, remove outside hoses from the spigot, turn the outdoor faucet off from the inside (located in the basement) and drain the excess water from the outside faucet.  Please be advised if this procedure is not followed and your outside faucet pipes freeze and split, you will be responsible for the replacement costs. 

 

Ordinarily, your pipes will not freeze. However, if there is a threat of extremely cold weather and you have noticed that your water is running sluggishly, leave your faucet running slightly. If your pipes do freeze, call the office immediately.

 

 

 

Windows

The window frames and tracks are vinyl and will break. To loosen a stuck window, press gently around the frame. Report all broken windows to the office. Window washing is the member's responsibility and ammonia based cleaners have been the most effective cleaners.

 

 

Window Treatments

When attaching drapery hardware to the wall, use wood screws at least 1‑1/4 inches long if you locate a stud. If you attach drapery hardware to the wall between studs, you must use toggle bolts, molly bolts, or similar devices since screws will not hold. Drapery hardware need not be removed when you move out.


POLICIES

 

(For your convenience the items listed in this section are in alphabetical order)

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND COLLECTION POLICIES

 

Late Charges and NSF Checks:

 

1. Carrying charges are due on (or before) the first of the month. For the safety of the cooperative and its members, the cooperative does not accept cash or credit card payments.  Checks, money orders, bank drafts, or certified personal checks are accepted.  If it becomes necessary to use the services of an attorney when a member is delinquent with their carrying charges, court costs and attorney's fees will be added to the amount owed as provided in Article 19 of the Occupancy Agreement.

 

2. Payments not received in full before 4:30 p.m. on the 10th of the month will be assessed a $10.00 late fee.

 

Payments received after 4:30 p.m. on the 20th of the month will be assessed another $10.00 for a total of $20.00 in late charges. Payments received after 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the month will be assessed another $10.00 for a total of $30.00 in late charges. If any portion of a member's carrying charge remains unpaid after 4:30 p.m. on the 10th, 20th or last day of that month, the member will be assessed the late charge.

 

If any of these dates falls on a weekend or holiday, payments retrieved from the box at 8:00 am on the following business day will not be assessed the corresponding late charge. The same deadline alterations for weekends and holidays apply to partial payments.

 

3. If any check is returned from the bank for insufficient funds, payment stopped, or any other reason, it will be returned to the maker and will have to be replaced with a certified check or money order. Checks will not be redeposited. There will be a $25.00 charge for any returned checks in addition to any late charges accrued.

 

4. Any member who has given us two "bouncing" checks within a 24 month (2 year) period will no longer be allowed to pay by personal check for 24 month (2 years) from the date of the second “bouncing check”.  If a third check “bounces” within the next 12 months following the 24-month probationary period, the member will not longer be able to pay with a personal check.

 

5. 7‑day Notices will be issued on the 21st of the month. NO personal checks will be accepted from anyone after the 20th.  Payments after that date must be made by certified check or money order.

 

6. 7‑day Notices will be filed with the attorney's office after the 28th of the month. At this point, the member will owe all legal fees incurred (regardless of whether or not he appears in court).

 

7.  A member whose payment record indicates delinquency will be reviewed by the Board of Directors to determine if their Occupancy Agreement should be renewed.

 

Revised 1/22/01 Board Meeting                                                                      Effective 2/22/01

 


          Payment Application Policy:

At the point in time that any payment is received, it is first and foremost applied to any outstanding charges on an account, such as service fees, late fees, legal fees, fines, etc.  Only after every charge has been paid will any of the remaining funds be distributed towards payment of any carrying charges.  No work of any kind other than an emergency will be done in a unit if the member owes money to the Corporation.

 

Any carrying charge or other charge more than thirty days past due will be turned over to the Corporations’ legal council for collection.

 

Legal counsel may issue a Notice and Demand and file a lawsuit against a delinquent member to enforce a collection of all outstanding charges and to evict the member and anyone else occupying the unit.  All legal expenses associated with preparation and/or issuance of Notice and Demand will be charged to the delinquent member.  If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the delinquent member will be ordered to vacate the premises and pay the entire outstanding balance and all court costs and attorney’s fee incurred by the Corporation.

 

Policy in effect on March 1, 1996

 

 

     Current Member's Receivables

After the service department completes a work order, a copy of the completed service repair report will be left with the member and a copy will be submitted to the management office.

 

The member is sent a billing for any repairs determined to be his responsibility by management after the repair is done. The member will have 30 days after being billed either to pay or, in the case of large bills, to make arrangements to pay in installments. The same schedule applies to legal and pet violation fees assessed.

 

Statements for amounts in excess of $75.00 will be stamped, "Legal action may be taken if amount is not paid within 30 days."  Accounts for over $75.00, outstanding for a period of at least 30 days, will be forwarded to the Cooperative's attorney for appropriate legal action. Filing for legal action will be done at least quarterly. Members who are making installment payments previously agreed upon with the Cooperative management will not be considered delinquent provided they maintain the required payment schedule.

 

 

  Former Members' Receivables:

The member will receive a statement of charges against his membership fee and balance due, and will have ten days in which to contact the office to pay or make arrangements to pay. After ten (10) days, if the member has not contacted the office, his account will be forwarded to the Cooperative's collection agency. At this point, the member will have sixty (60) days in which to

1. challenge the bill;

2. make arrangements to pay in installments;

3. pay in full.

 

After sixty (60) days, the accounts of those members who still have not responded will be forwarded to the Cooperative's attorney for legal action, based upon her recommendations after consultation with the Property Manager. The office will handle as much of the paperwork as reasonably possible to avoid additional court costs.

 


             Recertification and Surcharges:

As required by HUD, a 10% surcharge will be levied against those families whose income exceeds by 10% the HUD maximum allowable family income for that size family. Such surcharges will be assessed upon completion of the next recertification and thereafter. The income received from assessment of surcharges is allocated to the GOR account. If a family income drops below the 10% figure, they may re-certify and the surcharge will be rescinded within 30 days.

 

Should an emergency occur such as a fire, it is for the safety and security of the member that the management office has a complete and accurate list of all persons residing in the unit.

 

The following HUD guidelines apply when completing recertification paperwork:

 

1.      You MUST include the following information:

a)   Income:

1.   All sources of money or income you and all persons residing in your unit receive (wages, self-employment income, alimony, social security, retirement benefits, etc.);

2.   Any money you receive on behalf of your children (child support, social security for    children, etc.)

3.   Earnings from a second job or part time job;

4.   Any anticipated income (such as a bonus or pay raise you expect to receive).

 

      b)  Family/Household Members: The names of all the people (adults and children) who will

 actually be living with you, whether or not they are related to you.

 

2.  If your recertification forms contain false or incomplete information, you may be:

a)      Evicted from your townhouse;

b)      Required to repay all overpaid assistance you received;

c)      Fined up to $10,000.00;

d)      Imprisoned for up to 5 years; and/or

e)      Prohibited from receiving future assistance.

 

Anyone failing to complete their recertification will be assessed a surcharge and issued a legal notice to quit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING GUIDELINES

In accordance with Article IV, Section 2 of the By - Laws, the annual meeting will be held on the third Saturday of September of each year. The meeting will be promoted in order to encourage member participation. The following policies will govern the planning of the annual meeting:

 

 

Proxy Votes

1.         All proxy authorizations must be in writing and signed and of the format shown in item #3. Proxy authorizations are not to be construed as ballots. Proxy ballots are not to be cast until after commencement of voting.

 

2.         The "appointed" time of the meeting, for the purpose of filing proxies with the Secretary or the Secretary's duly appointed representative (i.e. the registrar), is the time the meeting is called to order.

 

3.         Proxy authorization form:

 

I, (name of member voting by proxy),  a member of University Townhouses Cooperative, of (address of same), hereby designate  (name of member carrying proxy), of (address of same) to act as my proxy at the annual membership meeting.

 

I further state that my proxy shall cast my ballot in the of the Board of Directors for :

 

(Please insert the full name(s) of the candidates you wish to have your proxy vote for, or leave blank if you do not have a preference).

 

________________________________                                _____________________________

Member signature                                                                   Date                                                               

 

Registration

Registration will be handled as follows:

 

Registration# Name  Address            Proxy  Name of Proxy            Address of Proxy

 

-          with members signing in and registering their proxies with the registrar

-          if a person has no proxy, he will receive one ballot; if he has a proxy, he will receive two ballots.

 

 

Voting

 

1.     Only members in good standing may vote.

2.     Each unit may cast no more than one vote by proxy in addition to its own vote.

3.     "Family" will be defined for voting purposes at the annual meeting as "any member of record."

4.     Each person's name and registration number will be checked off the registration list as his vote is accepted for the ballot box.

5.     The inspectors will automatically recount ballots if a difference of 3 or fewer votes would change the election results.

6.     In the event of a tie vote for the last seat available, a run‑off election will be held immediately. New ballots will be issued to those present according to the registration list.

 


 

Carbon Monoxide Policy

 

University Townhouses Cooperative has installed a carbon monoxide detector in your unit for the purpose of detecting carbon monoxide fumes.  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.  Carbon monoxide fumes are a byproduct of incomplete combustion.  These fumes can come from any source that burns a fuel, such as natural gas.  If any of your appliances burn natural gas, there is the potential for these fumes to leak into your living area.  The fumes can potentially cause severe headaches, nausea, and/or death.  Because of the severity and danger of these carbon monoxide fumes, it is necessary for University Townhouses Cooperative to institute a rigid safety policy for all members, residents, children, and pets.  The Carbon Monoxide Alarm User’s Guide is placed in each townhouse at the time the Detector is installed.  The Guides have been duplicated and are available at the Management office should your User’s Guide be lost, misplaced, damaged, or destroyed.

 

The University Townhouses Carbon Monoxide Detector Policy is as follows:

 

A.                  University Townhouses Cooperative has purchased and installed a carbon monoxide detector in each townhouse.  It must remain in the unit as installed, and plugged into the outlet provided at the top of the stairs.

B.                 Additional carbon monoxide detectors may be installed at the member’s cost.

C.                 When entering the unit, University Townhouses Cooperative employees, contractors, or agents of University Townhouses Cooperative have the right to inspect and verify operation and placement of the carbon monoxide detector.

D.                 Members must test the carbon monoxide detector on a monthly basis to ensure that it is working properly.  If not working properly, members will place a work order with the office to repair or replace the carbon monoxide detector.

E.                 If missing or damaged, inoperable, and/or the carbon monoxide detector has been replaced with a different detector, then the member will be charged the complete replacement cost for a new carbon monoxide detector and possibly an additional charge as prescribed in section F.

F.                  The member will be assessed a $50 fee in addition to the replacement cost of a carbon monoxide detector for the following violations:

1.                  The carbon monoxide detector plugged into the designated outlet was not purchased by University Townhouses Cooperative.

2.                  The carbon monoxide detector is not plugged into the designated outlet at all times.

3.                  The carbon monoxide detector is not operational in the unit.

4.                  The member or resident refuses to allow inspection of the carbon monoxide detector.

5.                  The carbon monoxide detector provided by University Townhouses Cooperative is replaced with another unit by the member / resident.

6.                  There is no carbon monoxide detector in the unit.

7.                  The carbon monoxide detector is broken, cracked or damaged.

8.                  The carbon monoxide detector does not meet all of the above conditions during final move-out inspection.

 

 

On the reverse side of the policy are some general instructions on the care and operation of your detector.  Please refer to the Carbon Monoxide Alarm User’s Guide, which was left in your unit at the time your Detector was installed.  Be aware so you can beware.

 

RBC 2/15/00

Revised September 2000

Approved 11/29/00 Board Meeting


Helpful Carbon Monoxide Usage Tips and Information:

 

How much square footage will one carbon monoxide alarm cover.

Generally, one CO alarm can be adequate for 1,200 to 1,500 square feet of living space.  The most important determination for the number of alarms needed is whether an alarm can be heard in all sleeping areas.

 

 

What happens if the power goes out.

If the power goes out, your alarm will sound a fading alarm to alert you that power has been disconnected.  When the power is restored, the CO alarm will automatically reset and will sound a brief alarm to indicate it is receiving power.

 

In the event of a power outage, it is important to remember never to use alternative sources of heat indoors such as a charcoal, a gas oven, or unvented space heaters.  These heat sources can cause extremely dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide.

 

 

 How the CO alarm determines when to alarm  (from page 5-2)

Your Nighthawk CO alarm uses advanced technology to monitor the environment in your home and warn you of unacceptable levels of carbon monoxide.  An internal microcomputer works together with the carbon monoxide sensor inside the alarm to determine the levels of carbon monoxide in the air and to calculate the rate that CO would be absorbed into the human body.

 

The microcomputer is calibrated to trigger the alarm before most people would experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, long-term exposures to low levels can cause symptoms, as well as short-term exposures to high levels.  Your Nighthawk CO alarm has a time weighted alarm, so the higher the level of carbon monoxide present the sooner the alarm will be triggered.

 

 

Sounder Alarm  (page 1-3)

This is the loud 85-decibel pulsing alarm that will sound to alert you to a potential problem.  Alarm condition is 4 quick beeps – followed by 5 seconds of silence – followed by 4 quick beeps, repeat.

 

Test/Reset Button  (page 1-3)

This button has two functions.  First, this is the button you press when you test the unit weekly.  If your CO alarm fails to test properly, or if its self-diagnostic test reveals a malfunction, immediately have the alarm replaced.    Secondly, you press this button if the unit alarms and you want to turn it off.  This will reset the unit and it will then again start monitoring for CO.  If CO concentration is above 70 ppm, the alarm will again sound within 6 minutes.

 

 

If the alarm malfunctions….  (page 1-11)

It could be a component failure and an intermittent “chirping” alarm will sound every 60 seconds.  If the alarm sounds continuously and the alarm cannot be shut off by pushing the “test/Reset” button it could be a microprocessor failure.  Unplug the alarm and contact the Management office.

 

What to do if you’re not sure…  (page 1-11)

PLEASE familiarize yourself with the malfunction alert, and do not confuse these signals with an alarm.  After reading the instructions, if you are still unsure whether your CO alarm is operating properly, call the KIDDE Safety toll-free consumer hotline at 800-880-6788 to do a quick diagnostic check of the alarm over the phone.  The customer service representative will be able to assist you and answer your questions.

 

If your CO alarm sounder is beeping, and you are not sure if it is a CO alarm or a malfunction alert, reset the alarm, open windows for ventilation, turn off fuel-burning appliances (like gas ranges, water heaters, etc.)  For furnaces, you can simply turn down the thermostat to its lowest setting.  Open windows and doors for ventilation.  Then call KIDDE Safety toll-free consumer hotline at 800-880-6788 for assistance.

 

Never ignore a CO unit’s alarm.  A true alarm is an indication of potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.  CO alarms are designed to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide before an emergency, before most people would experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, giving you time to resolve the problem calmly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY BUILDING USE POLICY

 

1. The person renting the Clubhouse must be a member of University Townhouses Cooperative             and in good standing with regard to both carrying charges and upkeep of their unit.

 

2. The Clubhouse will be opened for the member renting the Clubhouse (hereinafter referred to as the Renter) by a member of the service staff of U.T.C. at the requested time, and will return at the appointed time to inspect and secure the building.  If the Renter is not at the building at the designated opening time or not ready at the designated closing time, he/she will be charged a $10 fee for the service person to return to the Clubhouse.  Clubhouse keys are not     released to the member renting the building.

 

3.  The building is available between the hours of:

 

            MONDAY - THURSDAY:       4:30 PM  - 11:00 PM

            FRIDAY:                                  4:30 PM  -  MIDNIGHT

            SATURDAY:                           8:30 AM  -  MIDNIGHT

            SUNDAY:                                8:30 AM  -  11:00 PM

 

       The use of the Clubhouse is restricted to the following activities or parties:

       A.  U.T.C.  sponsored activities,

       B. Activities of demonstrated benefit to the membership,

       C. Private family parties.

 

THERE IS A MAXIMUM OF 75 PERSONS ALLOWED

 

NO ALCOHOL MAY BE USED OR SERVED ON THE PREMISES

 

4.  The following fees apply for the rental of the Clubhouse:

       $25.00 for gatherings ending before 6:00 PM

       $50.00 for gatherings ending after 6:00 PM

 

5.   The designated rental fee must be paid at the time the Clubhouse is reserved.  All rental fees          and deposits must be paid for by the MEMBER renting the Clubhouse.

 

6.    A $100 deposit, paid not less than one week in advance, is necessary to rent the building.  The         deposit will be refunded if the building is left in good condition as defined in Item 14 of this        Agreement.  If  ANY  aspect of the cleanliness is not met, the Renter will lose the entire deposit,          and may be assessed a further charge to cover all cleaning, repairs, and/or items costing more        than $100.00.

 

7.    The Renter is financially responsible for any items used or missing in the clubhouse that are the property of the Cooperative.  This includes but is not limited to items in the cabinets (i.e., cups, paper plates and cups, coffee, coffee filters, silverware, utensils, etc.), chairs, bathroom  accessories, bottled water, and coat closet items.

 

8.    The Renter must insure that their guests do not make excessive noise or a disturbance while           entering or leaving the building, or cause any annoyance to nearby residents at any time.

 

9.    Upon the first legitimate complaint of excessive noise or disorderly conduct, a representative of  the service staff will be sent to investigate.  A $20.00 fee for this service will be deducted from either the Renter's deposit or billed directly to the Renter.

 

10.  A second legitimate complaint will result in forfeiture of the entire damage deposit, closing of the building, and the assessment of all cleaning fees against the Renter.

 

11.  The entire deposit of $100 will be automatically forfeited if:

       A.  The Renter fails to properly clean and vacate the Clubhouse at the designated closing time.

       B.  Anyone tampers with the alarm system during rental of the Clubhouse.

 

12.  Any party or gathering with and/or for children must have sufficient adult supervision.

 

13.  The Renter understands and will tell their guests that parking is restricted to the street or the

        lot directly in front of the building, and they are not to park in any other area.

 

14.  The cleanliness indicated in Item 6 is defined as follows:

       A.  All floors swept clean and mopped with plain water if necessary.

B.  All decorations (both inside & outside) removed.  Any items hung from the walls or ceiling can be attached with only masking tape to suspend them.  No tacks or nails can  be put into the wall, ceiling, doors, floors, or partitions.

       C.  Bathrooms cleaned and toilets washed if necessary.

       D.  All trash (both inside & outside) be carried to outside trash receptacles (bins).

       E.  Kitchen facilities, if used, be cleaned.

F.  Chairs and tables be returned to place where found and wiped clean; ashtrays will be cleaned.

       G.  Windows & doors be secured.

       H.  All cleaning tools be returned to the proper place.

       I.    Thermostat set at an appropriate temperature.

 

15.  The Renter is responsible for any and all damages arising from the use of the building as determined by the service staff.  The member and/or a representative may be present during the inspection of the building with a member of the service staff.

 

16.  The Renter or any of his/her guests violating these rules for the use of the building will cause the    Renter to be denied the use of the building for not less than one year.

 

17.     The Board of Directors of University Townhouses Cooperative reserves the right to approve or  reject all Clubhouse rental applications.  All money will be refunded in the event the application  is not approved.

 

 


COMPLAINTS

If you are having a problem with a neighbor or with our service department and you wish to have management address the problem, please put your complaint in writing, as follows:

 

In a letter to management, write out a detailed description of the nature of the complaint; be as specific as possible, listing dates and times the problem occurred. Also give the names of any corroborating witnesses.

 

In your letter, indicate whether you have attempted to resolve the matter yourself and, if you have not, explain why.

 

We cannot guarantee the confidentiality of your complaint, so if you feel there are compelling reasons for not divulging your name, list them in detail.

 

THE PROPERTY MANAGER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHETHER REASONS GIVEN ARE SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT CONFIDENTIALITY, BUT WILL GIVE THE COMPLAINING PARTY THE CHOICE OF CONTINUING WITH THE COMPLAINT OR DROPPING IT, SHOULD HE FIND INSUFFICIENT REASONS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY.

 

Upon verification of your complaint, management will take whatever actions are deemed appropriate and within our proper jurisdiction; you and the Board of Directors will receive copies of any notices we send out.

 

 

 

GARDENING

Members are encouraged to plant and maintain attractive gardens in designated areas around their townhouses. In front of their units, they may plant flower gardens (no vegetable gardens), extending up to 4 feet from the front of their units, on or to the front-most porch step, whichever is further.

 

In the rear of their unit, they may plant a vegetable and/or flower garden up to 4 feet out from the rear of their unit.

 

Along the sides of their end units, they may garden up to 4 feet out from their sidewall. Side gardens must be flower gardens.

 

Members may plant a one-foot wide border of flowers along the lower outside edge of foundation shrubbery, even if such a border would take the garden beyond the above limits.

 

It is the responsibility of the member to border their garden area with fencing, rocks, landscaping bricks, wooden beams, or other such items and to maintain the on-foot perimeter around the border.

 

Shrubs and trees may not be removed by members without Cooperative approval. Members are encouraged to plant trees or shrubs after getting permission from the manager. The manager shall take into account the following before authorizing the new planting(s).

 

a.     Location of utility line both above and below ground.

b.     Proximity to building, sidewalks, streets and play areas.

c.     How the overall Cooperative landscaping plans would be affected.

d.     The hardiness of the species and special problems or maintenance required by the species.

 

Gardens must be attractively maintained. Any member who is responsible for a garden which is in the opinion of the Manager and the Board a liability to the Cooperative's appearance will be required to correct the situation or remove the garden and reseed or sod the area at the member's expense.

 

Because of the possibility of potential basement leaks, all gardens must be graded so that they slope away from the building. Members may not remove the existing clay, but should mix topsoil with clay or pile topsoil on top of the existing clay. Any garden, which is thought to be contributing to a basement leak, must be corrected by the member.

 

If a member is told to correct a situation and does not, he will be billed by the Cooperative for the cost of removing the garden, regrading, and resodding or reseeding.  The member will also be billed for the cost of removing debris and/or weeds from the garden area and area around the townhouse.

 

Persons wishing to garden in areas other than those specified may do so only with the Manager's or Board's permission.

 

Outside faucets must be kept accessible. The basement valve must not be turned off except during the winter or for maintenance. Persons using a faucet, which is near or surrounded by another's garden must use reasonable care to avoid damage to the garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPROVEMENTS

 

 

Washers and Dryers

The Cooperative does not require that permit application forms be filed for installing washers and/or dryers unless the dryer will be vented through the basement wall instead of through the basement window. Installation and/or removal of 220-volt lines and gas hookups must be done by qualified personnel and with a city permit when required. Properly installed vents need not be removed upon move‑out.

 

 

Property Improvements ‑ Reimbursement

The Cooperative does not reimburse for improvements such as dryer outlet, fences, etc.  It is the responsibility of the out-going member to sell or leave improvements or items for the new member.

 

 

Outside Structures

Members will not be allowed to build outside structures on Cooperative grounds. Outside structures include, but are not limited to the following: tents, antennas, storage sheds, or other similar structures outside of privacy fences. Outside structures, storage of trailers, etc. are allowed inside of 6‑foot privacy fences as long as no hazard is present and the items do not protrude above the top of the fence. No doghouses are permitted either inside or outside of privacy fences.

 

Exceptions are:

1.     Clotheslines - Members will be allowed to install clotheslines of the one‑pole, umbrella type only as long as the structure is erected within the confines of the area immediately adjacent to the rear of the unit (or the side of units with side doors) and is properly maintained.

2.     Sandboxes – Covered, well-maintained sandboxes are permitted.

 

All such structures must be removed by the responsible member upon move‑out unless the incoming family formally accepts the non‑standard condition. Upon removal, any holes must be filled and the area must be resodded if necessary. If, in the opinion of the manager, a structure is a hazard or an eyesore, the member will be required to correct the situation. If the member fails to do so, the Cooperative may remove the offending structure and return the grounds to an acceptable condition at the member's expense.

 

 

Alterations and City Ordinances

A member must submit a proposal and necessary plans to the office for approval. A member must receive prior written consent from the Cooperative to make additions and alterations.  Under the Occupancy Agreement, Article 12 a member must obtain a building permit from the City of Ann Arbor according to city ordinance.  All documentation will be kept in the members file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LETHAL WEAPONS POLICY

Any use of a lethal weapon by any member or their guest or visitor within the Cooperative grounds or any adjacent property will result in termination of membership and immediate eviction.

 

a.     For the purpose of this rule, "lethal weapon" is defined as "any deadly weapon which from the manner used is calculated or likely to produce death or serious bodily injury." This includes, but is not limited to, any and all firearms, any and all hunting knives, switchblades, bows and arrows, machetes, or other large knives.

 

b.     For the purposes of this rule, the clause "by any member or their guest or visitor" is interpreted to mean that should any of the above‑mentioned prohibited acts be done by a member, or someone visiting or invited by a member, then this rule will be deemed to be violated and termination of membership will follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOVING/TRANSFER POLICIES

 

Move‑in/Move‑out Policy

 

a. If you wish to withdraw from membership in the Cooperative and from your townhouse, it is necessary for you to give written notice to the Cooperative. You may get forms from the office at 3200 Braeburn Circle. This notice must be given at least 30 days prior to the date on which you plan to move. Your carrying charges must be paid up to date in order to give notice of withdrawal. Your membership certificate and your Occupancy Agreement must accompany your notice.

 

b. If you sell your own unit, you must sell it to a person acceptable to the Cooperative. The Cooperative will not accept a 30‑Day Notice from a member who is selling his own unit. To sell his unit himself, he must request and receive permission from the Board of Directors. Should he find that he is unable to obtain a new member for his unit, he may then submit a 30‑Day Notice to the office, which will be accepted at that time. The Cooperative may then exercise its option to buy and will sell his membership for him. Any member who sells his own unit is still subject to the $40.00 resale fee.

 

c.  Incoming members will be given a choice from those units that have been vacant for the longest period of time, so as to minimize vacancy loss on those units.

 

d.  All property left in a unit after the original owner has moved out and the unit has been inspected becomes the property of the Cooperative.

 

e.   Anyone desiring an extension on his‑30‑Day Notice must submit a second 30‑Day Notice thereby extending his move‑out date to the day 30 days from the date of the second notice. If the unit has been promised to a new member and if any reasonable expense is incurred in regard to storage or temporary housing resulting from the extension, the cost of this will be charged to the outgoing member. Any additional extensions will be at the discretion of the Property Manager.

 

 

Move-out - General Information

1. Move-out inspections will be made in the presence of the outgoing members or their representatives unless they waive the right in writing or are not present at the appointed time or do not make an appointment for inspection.

 

2. The member must notify the office of the time that he wishes the final move-out inspection to be made. This time must be between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays (holidays excluded).  Members should submit their move-out notice so the legal move-out date coincides with a normal workday week.

 

3. All the member's possessions must be out of the unit before the final move-out inspection can be made. All property remaining inside and outside the unit after the final inspection will be removed and discarded at the member's expense except those items being purchased by the incoming member as improvements (see item 6).

 

4.  Any dispute over repair costs or the acceptability of the decorative state of a unit will be arbitrated by the Board.

 

5.  Members will not be charged for any items damaged due to normal wear and tear (see the Refurbishing Policy immediately following this section).

6.    Any items which are not in conformity with this policy may be accepted by the incoming member, provided that they sign a statement itemizing the conditions which they are accepting and the statement includes the fact that they accept the responsibility of returning the unit to a condition in conformity with this policy when they leave the unit. Any such statement is subject to Cooperative approval and must be signed and approved prior to the final inspection of the unit.

7.  Parking tags must be returned at move-out or will be assessed a $25.00 fee for any tag not returned to the management office.

 

 

Key Return at Move-out

Locks are changed when members move out. There is a charge to any member moving out who does not return his keys. The amount covers the cost of replacing the keys and the time of a serviceman involved.

 

Transfers

1. On receiving notice of transfer, the service department or property manager will make a preliminary inspection of the unit and estimate the cost of refurbishing the unit. Upon signing a new Occupancy Agreement, a transferring member is required to pay the current membership fee (referred to in Article One (1) of the Occupancy Agreement and Article 3‑2 of the By-Laws as the "Value of Occupancy Agreement"), to be credited to his new unit. The $100.00 membership subscription is to be transferred from the old unit to the new unit. Refurbishing charges, if any, will be deducted from the dollar value of the Occupancy Agreement for the old unit and the balance will be returned to the member upon completion of refurbishing.

 

2. A transferring member is allowed 3 (three) days to move. If the transfer time exceeds 3 days, the member will be required to pay carrying charges on both units.

 

3.   Members transferring within the Cooperative will have first choice of the available units. Transfer will be deemed complete when responsibility is taken for the new unit and keys for the old unit are returned to the office.

 

4.   All transfers are subject to the above move-out policy and those people transferring must be members in good standing.

 

5.   A fee of $15.00 will be charged for all transfers.

 

 

Move-out Policy - Condition of Unit

 

1.   Unit must be thoroughly cleaned, including floors, walls, windows, appliances, and toilet fixtures, etc.    All original items must be present and in working condition.

 

2.      Walls must be clean and free from holes, marks, scratches, and patches of discoloration. Paint job must be acceptable and free from streaks and smears.

 

3.  Contact paper must and wallpaper may have to be removed and walls refinished and painted. . According to the Cooperative policy, upon move-out attempts will be made to sell the unit with the wallpaper intact (if it is in good condition). If the Cooperative must remove the wallpaper due to poor installation, deterioration, or unacceptable design (to the incoming members), the former member must pay for the paper's removal.  Wallpaper borders must be removed.

 

4.   Wood floors must be thoroughly cleaned - marks, scratches, stains, and discoloration may require them to be sanded and refinished.

 

5.   Nail holes in the floors must be filled and sanded. Nail holes in the stair risers must be filled and the stair risers painted.

 

6.   Molding ‑ scratches or paint drips to be retouched or painted - cracked or damaged to be replaced.

 

7.   Tile floors must be thoroughly cleaned.

 

8.   Basement floors to be swept and cleaned - walls and ceilings to be free from dust and cobwebs. Each wall must be a solid color, acceptable to the Cooperative. Stained floors may have to be painted. All paint used in basement must be a concrete paint. Basement stairs and stairwell must be in good repair. Laundry tubs must be clean and in good repair.

 

9.   Dryer vents may be left in place provided they are weatherproof.

 

10.  All plumbing must be in good working order.

 

11. Tiles and bathroom fixtures to be thoroughly cleaned and free from paint or contact paper - badly chipped, cracked, or broken fixtures to be replaced.

 

12.  Refrigerator must be thoroughly cleaned, defrosted, in good repair, and must be left plugged in and running.

 

13.  Stoves must be thoroughly cleaned with all grease and dirt removed and all burners and oven in good working condition. The stovetop lifts up and must be cleaned underneath. The broiler pan and rack must be thoroughly cleaned and left in the stove. The stove hood and filter should be degreased and clean.

 

14.  Cupboards must be cleaned inside and out and free from liners. Shelves and drawers must be cleaned out and free from liners.

 

15.   All light fixtures and fittings and wall outlets to be in original condition and standard, usable light bulbs to be left in all sockets.

 

16.   Doors must have scratches removed by touching up or sanding and varnishing - damaged doors to be replaced.

 

17.   All trash must be removed.

 

18.   All windows, window tracks, window frames, and screens to be in good repair, clean, and accounted for.

 

19.   Any sod damaged by resident to be replaced with new sod.

 

If you have any questions regarding specific items on this checklist, please contact the office during business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

 

 

 

Carpeting and Other Non‑Standard Conditions

Any carpeting to be left in the unit must be rolled up so that the floors underneath can be inspected at the time of move‑out.

 

The Board of Directors has approved a form for the "acceptance of non‑standard conditions." This is a three-part form and is to be filled out by the incoming member. The form covers all non‑standard conditions, including carpeting, walls of non‑approved colors, ceiling fans, air conditioning, fences, patios, decks, condition of floors, and other miscellaneous items. This form shall be signed in the presence of the Cooperative manager or resale agent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulations for Fences, Decks, and Patios

 

 

 

     Prior to erecting a fence, deck, or patio a member must first get the approval of the Property Manager and then obtain a building permit from the City of Ann Arbor. 

      A permit is required by city code.  A copy of the permit and final city inspection approval must be on file at the office.  Copies of the building codes and requirements are available at the UTC office.

      Members must get clearance from “Miss Dig” at 1-800-482-7171 (utility surveyors) if any digging will be performed.

 

 

 

 

è è   The member is responsible for taking the fence, deck, and/or patio apart, and reassembling it, if a utility company needs access to the utility lines.  The Co-op will not accept responsibility for removal and/or restoration of the fence, deck, and/or patio if removal is necessary to reach utility lines.   èè

 

 

A.        FENCES

 

ALL FENCES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.         Wood or vinyl construction material.  Metal fencing is prohibited.

2.         The Manager or Board of Directors must approve the vinyl color and wood stain prior to installation.

3.         Consists of vertical slats: a) 3"-4" slats with no more than a 1" gap between each slat or b) solid panels which have no gap between slats with a lattice or solid top.

4.         Built according to Cooperative specifications or in a style approved by the Manager or Board of Directors.

5.                  The frame may be set next to the building, but may not be attached to the building itself.

6.                  Enclosed fences must have a gate.

7.                  If the fence encloses a utility meter, the gate MUST BE UNLOCKED.

8.                  Maximum dimensions:

                        Height:   6 feet

                        Length:   Not to exceed 16 feet out from the rear of the building

                         Width:    Not to exceed the width of the townhouse

9.         The member must maintain the enclosed yard plus a one-foot perimeter on the outside of the fence.  The Co-op will not mow the inside of the fence.

10.       If the fence is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure.

11.              The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

 

 

B.        DECKS

 

MEMBERS WHO WISH TO CONSTRUCT OR HAVE EXISTING DECKS MUST CONFORM TO THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

 

1.         Members must submit a drawing and receive authorization from the Management Office prior to constructing a deck.

2.         Materials:

A.      Treated wood, cedar, or redwood; or other office approved material

B.      Main frame and upper boards are to comply with Deck/Porch/Balcony Construction Requirements with the City of Ann Arbor.  A copy can be obtained at the Cooperative office.          

C.     Posts:  4" x 4"  (see Deck/Porch/Construction Requirements)

D.   Wood lattice installed over chicken wire to enclose deck base to prevent animals access underneath the deck.

3.         Size:

            Length:  Not to exceed 16 feet from the foundation of member’s unit.

                         Width:   Not to exceed the width of the townhouse.

                        Height:   Deck should be level with back door threshold.      

 

4.         Decks built on a sloped ground must have a railing and steps in compliance with city code.         

5.         If the deck is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure.

6.         The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

 

            The member will be responsible for the upkeep of the deck plus a one-foot perimeter around the deck.  The member is responsible for the cost of restoration of the affected yard.

 

 

C.        PATIOS

 

ALL PATIOS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.         Constructed of removable materials approved through the office prior to installation. Gravel and /or concrete are prohibited.

2.         Materials must be flush with the ground.

3.         Length is limited to 16 feet from the building.

4.                  Member must maintain patio area and one foot perimeter outside of the patio.

5.                  If the patio is not maintained in good condition, then the member will be required to remove the structure

6.                  The yard must be returned to a condition acceptable and approved by the Cooperative.  The member agrees to seed and/or sod the area at their expense.  If the Co-op performs any yard restoration, the cost will be billed to the member.

.

¨¨    The member is responsible for taking the fence, deck, and/or patio apart, and reassembling it, if a utility company needs access to the utility lines.  The Co-op will not accept responsibility for removal and/or restoration of the fence, deck, and/or patio if removal is necessary to reach utility lines.    ¨¨

This permit may be revoked for non-compliance with any standard listed.

 

 

 

 

MEMBER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I have read the above policy and agree to comply with its terms.  I accept sole liability for, and indemnify the Cooperative against, any claim for damages or otherwise arising out of the installation or existence of the fence, deck or patio in the area encompassed by or on which those improvements exist.

 

I acknowledge that the fences, decks and patios are not included in the Property Improvements Policy (see page 24 of your Member's Handbook).  At the January 31, 1992 Board Meeting, the Board amended the Property Improvement Policy to read:

 

Charges for decks, fences or patios may be negotiated between incoming

and outgoing residents.  Upon failure to reach an agreement, the Cooperative

will require the outgoing member to restore the unit to its original condition.

 

 I further understand that the Cooperative may, at any time prior to the termination of my membership or, if no agreement has been reached with the incoming member the Cooperative will, after termination of my membership, require me to remove the improvement(s) and return the property to its original condition.  If the member does not do so on or before the date possession of the unit is returned to the Cooperative then, the member will be presumed to have abandoned any claim to the improvement.  The Cooperative will then remove and dispose of the improvement and the member shall reimburse the Cooperative the cost of removal and disposal of the improvement, and installation of sod.

 

 

NAME __________________________________________DATE_____________________

 

 

ADDRESS______________________________________________

 

 

TELEPHONE:   (HOME)_____________________     (WORK)____________________

 

 

MEMBERS SIGNATURE__________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT OFFICE INITIAL PLAN  APPROVAL

 

 

BY: ______________________________________

 

DATE:________________ TIME:_______________

 

FINAL INSPECTION APPROVAL

 

 

BY:_________________________________

 

DATE:_____________     TIME:___________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARKING/VEHICLE USE POLICY

 

1.                  Parking on Cooperative property of a vehicle by anyone other than U.T.C. residents, their invited guests, U.T.C. staff, or people doing business with the Cooperative is strictly PROHIBITED and will result in ‘the Cooperative authorizing the’ towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense.

 

2.                  Any vehicle parked on Cooperative property in violation of these rules is subject ‘by the Cooperative’ to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense.

 

3.                  For implementation of the parking policy, members are to contact the Cooperative in writing.  In the event of an emergency during regular office hours, members should call the office at 973-1282.  At any other time they should call the answering service at 668-4987, and the on-call maintenance person will take appropriate action.  An emergency occurs when an unauthorized car is parked in a member’s assigned space, a car is parked in a fire lane, or a car is blocking other vehicles.

 

4.                  Each unit is assigned one numbered space in accordance with the office’s master plan.  The assigned space is for the exclusive use of the members of the corresponding unit.  Each member is required to use their assigned space as their primary parking spot.  Any vehicle parked in a member’s assigned space without the member’s permission may be ticketed and/or towed, with the authorization of the Cooperative, immediately at the vehicle owner’s expense.

 

During business hours, the numbered spaces at the Office/Clubhouse and the Maintenance Shop are for use by Cooperative staff and persons on Cooperative business in those buildings.  After business hours, numbered spaces at the office and shop can be used as unassigned spaces.  Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except weekends and holidays.

 

5.                  Each household will be permitted one (1) vehicle per licensed driver who is a registered resident, up to a maximum of three (3) vehicles per unit.  Each licensed driver must verify that they have a valid driver’s license showing that they live on Braeburn Circle.  Members must register every vehicle and verify each licensed driver with the Cooperative every year during the recertification process.

 

Parking tags will be distributed for all registered vehicles.  Each vehicle must have an authorized U.T.C. parking tag hanging from the inside rear view mirror at all times. Tags will be marked by a registration number from the office and are nontransferable.  Tags must be turned into the office when the car is no longer registered with U.T.C., when the driver listed for the vehicle is no longer living at U.T.C., or when the members move out.  Lost or stolen tags must be reported immediately in writing to the office.  There will be a $25.00 fee for replacement of tags or failure to turn in tags when required.

 

 

6.                  Parking or storing of trailers, RV’s, boats, inoperative vehicles, or unlicensed vehicles on Cooperative property is PROHIBITED.  Any member wishing to park a vehicle over 20 feet in length on Cooperative property may not do so without permission from management.

 

7.                  Each parked vehicle must occupy only one space and not extend over a sidewalk or into a traffic corridor.  Only one car may be parked in a space.  Double-parking or piggyback parking is PROHIBITED.

 

8.                  Vehicles parked on Cooperative grounds under any of the following conditions will also be in violation of Cooperative policy and will be authorized by the Cooperative to be towed at the owner’s expense:

 

a)      Those vehicles interfering with:

1)   Fire department vehicles;

2)      Snow removal;

3)      The flow of traffic.

b)      In a striped zone or adjacent to a yellow curb.

c)      In a complainant’s numbered spot.

d)      Blocking a complainant’s vehicle.

e)      By a fire hydrant.

f)        Blocking access to a dumpster.

g)      Constituting a safety hazard.

h)      Causing damage to Cooperative property.

i)        Vehicles interfering with the repair and/or maintenance of Cooperative property.

j)        Any other unauthorized space.

k)      Vehicles without U.T.C. registration or parking tags.

l)        Vehicles with unauthorized or expired U.T.C. registration.

 

9.                  Members will be charged for towing services at the current market rate in any of the following situation, should the member, a resident, or a guest park in violation of this policy:

a)  If a service call is made but the vehicle is moved before or when the towing company arrives;

b)      The towing company attaches their equipment to the vehicle but the resident or guest arrives to move it before it is towed away;

c)      The towing company actually removes the vehicle to impoundment.

 

If a vehicle must be moved from an otherwise legal parking location because of unusual circumstances and the owner of the vehicle is unreachable or unable to move the vehicle, then the cost of towing will be at the expense of the Cooperative.

 

10.              A notice will be left on unregistered, unlicensed, or grossly inoperative vehicles.  The owner should contact the office within 48 hours.  If the office is not contacted, the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense.  During the 48-hour period, the owner may make arrangements with the office concerning a reasonable time frame to rectify the problems.  If not corrected in accordance with the arrangements, the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense without further notice.

 

If a vehicle is towed from the Cooperative and then returned to Cooperative property without rectifying the problems that caused the initial towing or making arrangement with the office, it will be towed again without further notice.

 

11.              Motorcycles must be parked in front of a member’s vehicle in their numbered space parallel to the curb.  No more than two (2) motorcycles per unit will be allowed.  MOTORCYCLES ARE NOT TO BE PARKED OR DRIVEN ON SIDEWALKS OR LAWNS.  Motorcycles must be safely parked so as to prevent accidental injury to children or others in the area.  Motorcycles must be registered with the Cooperative.

 

12.              Parallel parking is allowed in the direction of traffic along the UNPAINTED portions of the outside curb of the main circle (including the half circle) ONLY between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily and at all times on weekends and holidays observed by the Cooperative staff.  Vehicles are to be parked no more than 12 inches from the curb.  Parking along the inside curb is prohibited at all times!!  Cars will be towed immediately if parked along the curb of the inside circle.

 

13.              Performing vehicle maintenance on Cooperative property is limited to small repairs, such a, changing a tire or changing oil.  Major repair work is prohibited.  Cars my not be left unattended while lifted on jacks.

 

14.              Motor vehicles, which cannot be legally operated on the streets of Ann Arbor, may not be operated in the Cooperative.  Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, mini-bikes, motorized scooters, snowmobiles, and ATV’s.

 

15.              Vehicles, including moving trucks, may not be parked or driven on lawns or sidewalks.

 

16.              Vehicles must be driven in a safe and lawful manner while in the Cooperative.  The speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

 

17.              Any vehicle may remain unmoved in an unnumbered space for only 5 days.  After 5 days, the vehicle must be moved.

 

18.              When on Cooperative property, unreasonable noise from vehicles is prohibited.  This included, but is not limited to, noise caused by loud stereos, inadequate mufflers, car alarms, and car horns.

 

19.              Requested changes in the parking master plan may be made upon written request and approval by management.

 

20.              All correspondence or questions should be addressed in writing to the office.

 

21.              Members may wash their own vehicle, but washing of vehicles for profit is strictly prohibited.

 

22.              MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMING THEIR GUESTS OF THIS POLICY AND SEEING THAT THEY ABIDE BY IT.

 

Revised 3/15/98              Passed by the Board 3/19/98       Effective 5/1/98


PET POLICY

 

1.  A dog/cat must be under reasonable control at all times. Reasonable control is defined as:

 

a) Secured by a leash held by the owner's representative;

 

b) In the pet‑owner's unit;

 

c) Staked or within the fenced area outside the member's unit as defined in Section 3 of the Pet Policy;

 

d) Outside and off leash only when under the direct OUTDOOR SUPERVISION of the owner. The pet must always be within the owner’s line of sight and immediate area. The owner's primary attention must be focused on the animal, and not on other activities.

 

2.  All pets must be kept away from Cooperative plantings, member's plantings, playgrounds, the maintenance area, and from other members' units. No animal will be allowed to interfere with mail delivery, utility service, maintenance personnel, or notice distribution. No animal will be allowed to create a nuisance or to harass members or their guests, or other members' restrained pets.

 

3.   Dog/cat stakes shall be placed in the rear of the unit not further out than the steps. In the case of units with side doors, the chain still may not extend beyond 12 feet of the sidewall. If a fence exists, the pet must be confined within. Neither shall the animal be allowed to cross or interfere with a public walkway, parking area, sidewalk, doorway, or with other residents. The animal must be fastened ONLY to a stake. The animal may not be left outside if the owner is not at home or in the immediate area.

 

4.   All dogs and cats must wear an identification tag stating the owner's current address (Cooperative identification tags are available from the office). All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and distemper, and dogs must be licensed with the City of Ann Arbor. All new members moving into the Cooperative are encouraged to register pets prior to arrival. Otherwise, a maximum of 10 days from move‑in date will be allowed for registration. In the event that a member obtains a new pet, 10 days will be allowed for registration.

 

A $25.00 FINE WILL BE LEVIED FOR ANY PET FOUND TO BE UNREGISTERED OR UNTAGGED.

 

5.   If a dog or cat deposits feces beyond its owner's immediate are, the PET OWNER must remove the feces immediately. Failure to do so will be grounds for complaint, and pet nuisance fees will be assessed as set down in Section 9(a). No member may allow his/her dog or cat to deposit waste in the vicinity of another member's townhouse, in playground areas, or near trees or plants. See section 3 for definition of owner's immediate area.

 

6.  Every member is responsible for the sanitary condition of his/her interior and immediate exterior unit area whether he/she owns a pet or not. Every pet owner is required to clean his/her immediate unit area of pet feces at least every day. Failure to do so will be grounds for complaint, and pet nuisance fees will be assessed as set down in Section 9(a).

 

7.   No animal, whether confined inside or outside, will be permitted to create unreasonable noise.

 

8.  No animal may be kept in the Cooperative which might, without extreme provocation, attack, charge at, or act in any aggressive or menacing manner toward any member of the Cooperative, their guests, or their restrained pets. Such action, on a first offense alone, is grounds for legal action and possible eviction by University Townhouses under Article 15 of the Occupancy Agreement.

 

9. Any loose‑running animal may be picked up by Cooperative personnel. Members are encouraged to contact the Co‑op office regarding loose pets. If picked up, the following procedures will be followed:

 

a) If the animal is registered with the Cooperative and is wearing its identification tag, the owner shall be notified and a first offense warning will be issued.

 

Pets will not be kept overnight. If the animal is not claimed by closing time, the Ann Arbor Police Department will be called to transport the animal to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, at which time the Cooperative will no longer be involved. Fees assessed by HSHV will be the responsibility of the owner. A description of all registered pets transferred to the Humane Society of Huron Valley will be given to the Resale Agent before the animal is removed. Every attempt will be made to reunite the pet with its owner on the first infraction.

 

A second offense within a 12‑month period will result in a $25.00 fee payable to the Cooperative in addition to fees incurred by agencies holding the animal. Each subsequent offense during a 12‑month period will incur an additional $50.00 handling charge, with possible legal action which may result in eviction from the Cooperative. The above fee structure shall be applicable to all pet nuisance complaints.

 

b) Owners of loose animals which damage property belonging to the Cooperative and its members, including trees and plantings, will be responsible, in addition to the above fines, for replacement costs of damaged property. Further, if it is necessary to use Cooperative service personnel to capture a loose animal, the owner shall be responsible for payment of that portion of the employee's salary at the current rate.

 

c)The Cooperative recognizes the fact that occasionally a pet will accidentally or inadvertently get loose. In such circumstances, the member must report loose/lost animals within one hour to the office or answering service if capture does not appear to be imminent. Likewise, found pets should be reported to the office or answering service to assist the owner of a lost pet in finding said animal. These actions may result in the waiver of penalties.

 

d) All unregistered/untagged, loose‑running animals will be transferred to the Humane Society. If the owner is identified as a member of the Cooperative, he/she will be liable for the same handling charges as listed in Section (a) above. These charges will be imposed and will be enforced under the conditions agreed to in the Occupancy Agreement. Animals not belonging to members or their guests are unwelcome and will be removed to the Humane Society.

 

10.   No outside pet houses will be permitted. "Pet doors" are in violation of the pet rules and are an unauthorized structural change to the unit.

a) An owner of a pet shall provide the pet with adequate care, food, and shelter. Failure to do so may mean intervention by the Humane Society. Anyone who maliciously injures, mistreats, or abandons his/her own or another's pet will be subject to prosecution under Michigan Law. Members observing such actions should contact the Ann Arbor Police Department immediately to make a formal complaint, as well as the office.

b) Parents are responsible for the actions of their children. Teasing or deliberate mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated. Pet owners may not be held responsible for the reaction of their pets to direct harassment or provocation of any form.

12. Each member is responsible for the pets of visitors to his/her unit. All policies set down herein apply to visiting pets. Any member keeping an animal longer than 10 days on his/her premises must register that pet.

 

13. To express concern over indiscriminate, careless breeding and the pet overpopulation problem. IT IS ENCOURAGED THAT ALL INCOMING PETS BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. A national survey revealed that 90-95% of abused and unwanted pets are either free or under $50.00.

 

The Cooperative bulletin board is to be used only for Lost and Found pet notices and Pet Committee activities. Sale pets and "free pet" announcements will not be allowed.

 

14. It is stressed that Cooperative Management will respond to complaints concerning animals which are not in compliance with this policy, and inform the Pet Committee. The Pet Committee and the Board of Directors will conscientiously and judiciously take note of any and all complaints received. Subject to Management discretion, COMPLAINTS MAY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.

 

15.  City, State, and Federal Laws prohibiting the keeping of exotic, wild, and/or dangerous animals are hereby incorporated into this policy.

 

****Pet Policy revised as of 3/16/87.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFURBISHING POLICY

Any member who has lived in the Cooperative for three (3) or more years will not be held responsible at move‑out for those costs of refurbishing scheduled herein:

 

1. Painting -one coat, white-on-white excluding: a) drywall repair b) removal of: 1) contact paper, wallpaper borders, and/or wallpaper 2) paneling and/or shelving

 

2. Floor refinishing: a) square buffing b) sanding - up to 1/8"

 

3. General maintenance excluding the cost of materials required due to negligence of member

 

Any member who has lived in the Cooperative for fewer than three (3) years will be given a prorated allowance against the total cost of the refurbishing listed above at the rate of 1/36 of the total cost of refurbishing per month, up to the total cost of the item. This allowance is a reduction in price only and cannot be taken as a cash payment. Members will be charged for damages and cleaning.

 

Members who remain in residence may avail themselves of the terms of this policy, but their move‑out allowance will then be recomputed less the cost of the in‑occupancy refurbishing done.

 

Any member who is not in good standing is automatically ineligible for any benefits under this policy, whether he is in residence or moving out. While a member is not in good standing, he will not accumulate any allowance. Upon regaining good standing, the member again begins accumulating his allowance as before, and regains any allowance which he had accumulated prior to his loss of good standing.

 

"Good Standing" is defined, per the By-Laws, (Article IV, Section 7), as "a member who is (not) shown on the books or management accounts of the Corporation to be more that 30 days delinquent in payments due to the Corporation under his Occupancy Agreement."

 

Current "normal wear and tear" will continue to include replacement of items due to age or wear other than the member's negligence or misuse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMOKE DETECTOR POLICY

In accordance with the City of Ann Arbor Housing Codes and the rules and regulations of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, University Townhouses Cooperative has installed three (3) smoke detectors in each townhouse. The smoke detectors have been installed for the health and safety of all members and residents of University Townhouses Cooperative.

 

The University Townhouses Cooperative Smoke Detector policy is as follows:

 

A.                  Three smoke detectors have been installed in each townhouse.

B.                 Each detector is installed in a specific designated location as follows: the upstairs hallway ceiling, the first floor living room ceiling, and on the ceiling at the bottom of the basement stairs.

C.                 Each detector must be operational at all times.

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