01/29/04, 7:45 A.M.

Pursuant to the e-mail notification dated January 16, 2004, the January Heartland Apartment Association Board of Directors meeting was held at the above stated date and time at the offices of Oddo Development Co., 8460 Nieman Road, Overland Park, KS.

Board members present were: Doug Price, Lee Harris, Chris Erdley, Bill Charcut, Mike Cassin, Jim Beverlin, Jim Adams, Dennis Watts, and Ralph Lewis. Also present were Tom Anderson and Sam Alpert. (Ward Katz, Rick Oddo, Ron Nolan, Ken Riedemann, and Jerry Miller were absent.)

While awaiting the arrival of Doug Price, Sam Alpert served as temporary chairman and called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the last meeting on 12/04/03, which had been previously circulated, were reviewed and approved by those present.

FHEO/ HUD- Sam Alpert and Jim Beverlin requested that supporting documentation on frivolous claims be submitted for review by the NMHC in Washington, D.C. Mike Cassin was in the process of obtaining correspondence from the AAKC which evidenced a local not-for-profit fair housing organization seeking remuneration in exchange for a certification of fair housing practices.

KCMO FIRE INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE- Sam Alpert and Lee Harris reported that the matter had been brought before the KCMO City Council Neighborhood Development and Housing Committee, who had in turn held action on a substitute ordinance, seeking a compromise between the Fire Department and the HAA / BOMA collaboration. Observing an apparent deadlock (2-2 votes) on the committee, Alpert and Harris met with Councilman Glover (at his behest). A letter requesting detailed budget information on the Fire Prevention program was hand delivered to Mr. Glover and copied to the Mayor, City Manager, Fire Chief, and other members of the committee. No further action on the ordinance was anticipated pending a response to our request and subsequent follow-up discussion. Alpert reported that Kathy Hauser, former City Attorney, had been engaged by BOMA, and that by virtue of association it would be appropriate for the HAA to share in the legal expense, especially in the event that a lawsuit is necessitated to bring Hancock Amendment issues before a judge.

OVERLAND PARK STORM WATER UTILITY- Sam Alpert reported that subsequent to the last HAA Board meeting that he and Lee Harris had met with representatives of the OP Chamber of Commerce. The meeting yielded little in the way of support for the HAA's position, as it was obvious that the Chamber didn't see multifamily interests as important to the economic health of OP. It was determined that it may be necessary to seek a legal remedy to obtain the desired relief.

JOHNSON COUNTY WASTE WATER- Sam Alpert and Doug Price reported that the "Springsted" study of rate setting methodology did little to satisfy the critics that the Board of County Commissioners had made any inroads into gaining a real understanding of the problems besetting the Waste Water District. We are making it as clear as we can that an independent audit of the entire operation will be necessary to properly address operating requirements and billing inequities. Alpert suggested that Finn Bullers, a K.C. Star writer is interested in getting the perspective of as many multifamily owners as possible and that he (Alpert) could provide relevant talking points to those who are interested.

JOCO ENVIRONMENTAL SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS- Doug Price and Sam Alpert reported that they had testified on the issue previously, and that the matter would be before the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) later today, at which time they are expected to act. Per earlier discussion with individual county commissioners, Alpert expects, at the very least, that the BOCC will probably phase in the proposed swimming pool inspection fee to enable apartment owners to budget for the increase.

VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE- There was discussion on the measures a number of companies had taken to institute routine voter registration. It was decided that it would be beneficial to be able to electronically transmit a composite program format that could be easily tailored to any property in Kansas or Missouri. Jim Beverlin volunteered to arrange the information in a format to be submitted to Sam Alpert for general distribution. In addition, Jim Adams and Doug Price would follow-up on a briefing of the AAKC Board of Directors with respect to this and other matters of mutual interest.

NEW BUSINESS-

Ralph Lewis reported that the Jackson County Courts are falling behind in their rent and possession case load. Those present shared a general frustration that if something doesn't change the situation can only get worse. An industry legal action may need to be considered.

Ralph Lewis indicated that there is a continuing frustration in Kansas with the inability to collect legal fees as a part of judgments rendered in landlord / tenant disputes. This is a matter of ongoing discussion on the HAA's Kansas legislative agenda.

Lee Harris voiced his concerns regarding Kansas school finance and requested that we keep the issue on our monthly agenda to monitor and for ongoing discussion.

There was discussion that in light of the numerous issues we are facing, particularly with regard to "user fees" and increased tax burdens, we should be trying to identify our natural community allies such as the Realtors, large industrial concerns, hotel and restaurant trade organizations, and select neighborhood associations. It was also determined that we should actively pursue counsel who would not have reservations with respect to mounting aggressive and formidable public legal challenges on our behalf. Sam Alpert agreed to make some inquiries in this regard.

The next meeting of the HAA Board of Directors is tentatively scheduled to be held on Thursday, February 26, 2004, 7:45 a.m. at the offices of Oddo Development Co., 8460 Nieman Road, Overland Park, KS.

There being no further business to come before the Board of Directors, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 a.m.