These Frequently Asked Questions have been compiled to assist our residents, or potential new residents, with information about Arbor Creek. These are “short answers” and should be taken as such. The complete Arbor Creek Documents and Board Resolutions are the only and final authority, and nothing presented on this page should be taken to override them in any way. Another good quick reference is the Resident Handbook.
You can access the complete Documents and Board Resolutions of Arbor Creek in the documentation section. All residents and prospective residents are encouraged to read and understand them; please request the password for access if you wish to read the minutes of the board.
What is the Arbor Creek Homeowners Association?
The Arbor Creek Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation, under the laws of the State of Michigan, that was established at the time our subdivision was developed. The Association is comprised of all the owners of property within Arbor Creek, with membership transferring from owner to owner when a property is sold. The Association fulfills two roles in the life of Arbor Creek: One, it ensures that certain standards of living and property values are maintained. Two, it manages, maintains and improves the common areas so that all residents can enjoy them.
What services are provided by the Association?
The Association supports a range of services for the residents throughout Arbor Creek. The assessment dues that are collected from each owner pay for these services, which include: Common area landscaping and maintenance (such as mowing and lawn care, irrigation of landscape at main entrance, and wetland cleaning); snow plowing of streets in winter; and minor administrative tasks (such as organizing community events, resident directory, website, accounting, banking and insurance).
Who are the Board of Directors and what do they do?
The Association has an elected Board of homeowners who volunteer their time and energies on behalf of the entire community. Their job is to establish policies, adopt and oversee the budget, ensure that financial obligations are met, contract for common area maintenance, appoint committee members, etc. New Board Members are elected once a year at the Annual Association Meeting and serve for a two-year term. Terms are staggered to provide continuity from year to year, with two members elected in even years and three members elected in odd years. There are five positions in the Board of Directors.
When are the Association meetings?
Board of Directors meetings are currently held monthly. Members who wish to place an item on the agenda for discussion at a meeting, or who wish to speak to the Board about a problem or concern, should notify the Board in advance to schedule time for adequate discussion. Another meeting is the Annual Association Meeting, held on October, typically at the Gretchen’ House Daycare Center, on 2340 Oak Valley Drive. Several weeks prior to the meeting, each homeowner is sent a notice specifying the date, time, and place of the meeting as well as agenda items. All Association members are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting.
When are Assessments due and where do I send them?
Homeowner Association’s dues are billed annually, by January 1, and are due by January 31. The Board sends each homeowner a letter informing them of the amount of the assessment, due date, where to send payment, etc. New homeowners should contact the Board prior to the due date if they do not receive the notice letter. For a full description of the collection process, please review the Dues Collection Policy.
Payments should be sent to…
Arbor Creek Homeowners Association
Attn. Treasurer
2898 Cook Creek Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A second billing statement is sent to the homeowner who has not paid the dues by the last day of February. If the assessment is not paid by January 31, a late fee of $100 will be added. If dues and/or assessments with processing charges are not received by March 1, delinquent homeowners are turned over to the Association’s attorney for collection. If the Assessment continues uncollected, the Board has the authority to file a lien against the homeowner’s property. For a full description of the collection process, please review the Dues Collection Policy.
Are all the ponds/wetlands within Arbor Creek property of Arbor Creek?
Yes, they are common property of the Arbor Creek Homeowners Association. However, they are part of the “Arbor Creek Drainage District” whose operation and management are under the jurisdiction of the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner. Any issue regarding the ponds and wetlands should be communicated to the Association Board. After due evaluation of the issue, the Board may contact the Drain Commissioner.
Are there any leash policies about picking up after pets?
Pittsfield Township (the municipal authority for our subdivision) has a “domestic animals ordinance” that requires all domestic animals to be registered with the proper municipal authority. This ordinance also requires that all domestic animals be leashed and under control of their owner when not on private property, and that pet owners should clean up after their pets’ deposits on personal as well as common property. The ByLaws of Arbor Creek also include these pet regulations. We request that all residents respect the rights of others to a clean and safe environment. Failure to observe these regulations can result in a fine being issued by the Pittsfield Township Animal Control authority.
What is the Parking Policy in Arbor Creek?
Vehicle parking on driveways and on the street in front of houses is limited to temporary parking of guests or resident’s vehicles. Overnight parking of vehicles on the street is not recommended, as is parking on the grass. Long term parking or storing of automobiles, trucks, campers, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, or any other vehicle on the street, driveway, yard, or front extension of the house is not allowed. All such vehicles must be stored in garages, and not be visible from the street or your neighbor’s house. Please review your Arbor Creek ByLaws for complete details on these restrictions.
What if I want to add or replace a tree in my front yard?
As Arbor Creek matured, many of the original ornamental trees that were planted along the streets became diseased. In the past years, the Association made the effort and replaced dozens of trees in the front extension of most streets in the subdivision. Some of these replacements did not survive. We encourage residents to replace these trees or to add additional trees. Care should be exercised in selecting replacement trees that, upon maturity, will be of appropriate size both in height and breadth for their intended use and location. Before beginning, you should contact the Association Board for additional information.
What is a “Non-Compliance Letter”?
The Association informally monitors compliance with the ByLaws. If a homeowner’s property or action is found in violation, you will be, first, informally notified of the issue by a member of the Board — most bylaw violations are resolved with this first step as they are usually caused by lack of knowledge regarding the particular bylaw. However, if this first step does not resolve the issue, a “Non-Compliance Letter” from the Board is sent to the homeowner reminding them of the need for addressing the issue in compliance with the Association ByLaws. If the homeowner does not comply with the actions outlined in the Non-Compliance Letter, the Board will take further steps that may result in penalty fees. For a complete information on compliance with the ByLaws, you should read the Association’s General Compliance Policy.
When do I need to get approval for changes to the exterior of my property?
Specific information regarding types of exterior improvements that require architectural review approval from the Association Board can be found in the ByLaws, Article VI. A few examples of work that require approval include installation of decks, patios, roofs, and trees. Homeowners should also check with the Board prior to doing any exterior painting, window replacement, or other exterior project to ensure that colors/materials are harmonious with the surrounding homes. Please be aware that some projects may require approval and a building permit from Pittsfield Township.
If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the ByLaws, what can I do?
If residents cannot neighborly resolve a situation between themselves, then please turn to the Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, contact the Association Board to explain the situation.
I witnessed acts of vandalism or a crime in the community, what can I do?
You are encouraged to always report any suspicious or deliberate acts happening in Arbor Creek. You can do three things:
If the act is in progress, call 911 and report to the Police; otherwise, call the non-emergency Police Department number, 734-822-4911.
If the act is not in progress and was against Association property (in any of the common areas), contact the Association Board as soon as possible.
Join the Arbor Creek Neighborhood Watch by contacting the Board.
When is trash collected in Arbor Creek?
Currently, all household refuse, which includes trash, recyclables and yard refuse, are collected each Friday by Pittsfield Township (through its contractor Allied Waste). More details regarding the types and quantities of refuse, please contact Pittsfield Township. Please remember that Arbor Creek residents should place their refuse containers or bags at the curb the evening before the collection, and to promptly remove any containers from the curb following the refuse pick up.
What do I need to do when I am ready to sell my home?
If you are planning to sell your Arbor Creek home, you should be certain that your property is free of liens against it, since these continue to be your responsibility and could cause a delay in the settlement of the sale of your home. If you are not sure about this, contact the Board of the Association and the Title company that will handle the sale settlement.
If have my house for sale, should I pay the Association annual dues?
Because it is always uncertain when exactly you are going to close the sale of the house, you should always pay the Association dues by the last day of February. After this, at the time that you will close the sale, the Title company will calculate the amount of dues for the rest of the year that you will not be the owner of the house. This amount of money should be paid to you by the new owner during the closing of the sale.