Covenants Committee Report

August POA Board Meeting

A meeting of the Covenants Committee was held on Friday, July 21. Based on discussions at that meeting and prior gathering of information, the following are recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Following Hurricane Charley and the havoc heaped on Punta Gorda and Seminole Lakes and in particular the roofs where almost 80% of our homes required new roofs, a number of residents have spoken about finding alternatives to our concrete and clay tiles.

Over the past several months, the committee has been obtaining and researching various company products and material to assist the committee in determining what is and what is not acceptable "TILE". We know that in the future, new and improved products will be available. Our primary concern is that should residents need to replace their roofs in the future, that residents be given an opportunity to review various options as long as their options conform to the architectural requirements established by the Board of Directors.

The committee recommends allowing alternative roofing materials for use on homes in Seminole Lakes. These materials must meet all requirements outlined in what will be a new Rule and Regulation, must be code compliant and must be similar in appearance to tiles currently in use in the community. It is understood that NO shingles and flat aluminum roofs will be permitted.

The committee, after discussion, believes that this is a Rules and Regulations and not a Covenants issue. In our review of printed and visual marketing materials, all members present reached the conclusion that what we will be proposing to allow is well within the definition of "tile."

Prior to the adoption of a new rule pertaining to roofing materials, the committee strongly believes that it is vital that information be shared with the community. Therefore, we are recommending the following.

1. If sufficient residents indicate their need for additional information regarding metal roofs, that the committee schedule a meeting at which company representatives will speak about their products, and provide time for resident input and questions.

No official endorsement by either the committee or the Board will be provided for any company of materials presented.

2. The September issue of the Grapevine will contain additional information about the products, provider web site access information, the views of this committee about the products and the proposal allowing those products, and an opportunity for feedback. All of this should also be posted on the Seminole Lakes website and its availability made known via community-wide e-mail notification.

3. The committee recognizes the need for a re-write of the rule pertaining to roofs; however, we feel the need for legal advice and guidance as we undertake this task. Of special importance is the determination of the Board’s enforcement power and options. Prior to the presentation of a formal proposal from the committee, we will make a request to the Board for this legal advice. We feel that this issue and the ramifications of the passing of a new rule and regulation are critical to having attorney input.

4. A finalized proposal ready for the September or October Board meeting is the goal of the committee. It is hoped that with the implementation of our recommendations noted above, the residents will feel properly informed, will have had multiple opportunities for input, and will feel that the final proposal was carefully drafted with the best interests of the community as a priority.

Dick Swett and Kathy Feister,

Co- Chairman, Covenants and Governing Documents