Seminole Lakes Property Owners Association
Board of Directors Meeting
January 9, 2012
Minutes
Dale K. Phillips, Crime Prevention Specialist III, from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office gave an informative presentation on scams; identify theft, cons, frauds, and cyber crime. Sheriff Bill Cameron also spoke briefly.
Call to Order: Bob Toth called the meeting to order at 11:10 AM at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.
Establish a Quorum: A quorum was established with the following present: Bob Toth, Fred Eyrich, Al DiSessa, and Bill Murphy.
Also present, was Sherry Danko, from Star Hospitality Management.
Proof of Notice: The meeting notice was distributed and posted as per the Association Bylaws and Florida Statute 720.
Disposal of Minutes: With no additions or corrections, the November 14, 2011 minutes were approved.
President’s Report: Bob Toth thanked Dale Phillips and Bill Cameron for their informative presentation. He also thanked those in attendance for coming. Bob Toth touched briefly on topics to be discussed throughout the agenda including the following: new committee chairs for the Covenants Committee, Insurance Committee, and CERT and an overview of a summary of minor projects and purchases made during November and December. He also noted that as stated at any legal seminar, the main function of any HOA is to maintain and improve the common areas.
Treasurer’s Report: Al DiSessa reported that November and December ended with surpluses of $4,658.50 and $1,222.33 respectively. The 2011, pre-audited, year-end surplus is $70,339.29. The combined available balance for operating and reserve funds is $907,011.23. Assuming no calamites, 2012 should also be a sound year financially. Al DiSessa responded to owners’ comments. Additional CDARS are to be established next week, transferring money from the FCB and BB&T money market funds. Fred Eyrich asked about the Lake A maintenance expense charged in December. Al DiSessa advised this was a portion of the landscape contract for the perimeter of Lake A and was charged annually to Lake A maintenance.
Committee Reports:
Activities: Joyce Kraut thanked the committee for its efforts for the 2011 events. A record turnout of 132 residents attended the New Year’s Day party at the pool. Future activities include: Kayaking on January 23; a Mardi-Gras Ball on February 18 and Island Theme Dance on March 31. The last two events will be held at the Twin Isles County Club. Owners were encouraged to attend.
Election: June Toth reported the annual meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2012 at 10 AM. The 60-day notice and intent forms will be mailed January 12th. The intent form must be returned to Star by February 1. The Election Committee is seeking candidates to run for the three positions. The candidates’ forum will be February 13 at 9 AM immediately prior to the February Board meeting.
Management Report: Sherry Danko reported on the current accounts receivable: 15 owners owe for more than one month and 65 owners owe for January only. This was likely due to the timing of the mailing of the coupon books by BB&T. There were four AVOs and two work order submitted to Greenscapes. There were no violation letters mailed during December. There will be an inspection next week. Owners were reminded to contact the Star office with address updates.
Unfinished Business:
Burnt Store Road Widening Project: Bob Toth reported that Burnt Store Road has opened from Acline to Route 41. It is expected that Jones Loop Road will reopen by the end of January, and the entire project should be completed by the end of June 2012.
Status of Permanent Traffic Light: Bob Toth stated that the temporary traffic light at Acline and Route 41 will be removed or disabled after Jones Loop Road at Highway 41 reopens. The FDOT will perform a traffic study to determine if a permanent light is warranted. Both Toth and Mike Hirsh attended a Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and requested support of the light. The MPO does support this.
Update on Guard House Addition: Bill Murphy advised owners present to review the drawings of the proposed addition. They are located at the rear of the Church. Plans are being sought and reviewed to determine the feasibility of the extension to house the golf cart and store decorations, tools, generator, etc. Formal bids will be submitted within the next couple of weeks and brought to the next meeting to determine what might be the next step. Fred Eyrich was of the opinion that a members’ vote would be required. It was noted this was being researched.
Access Control/Neighborhood Watch: Bill Murphy discussed the soon to be new Access Control/Neighborhood Watch Committee. The new committee will perform the functions of the old committee, clarify some functions, and add some new ones. New members are being added. A program of enhanced visibility is being implemented with Access Control staff and soon, citizen volunteers, to “patrol” the community. The intent is to raise awareness through increased visibility that the community is paying attention.
Grapevine: Bill Murphy report that Ken Ledford was doing a good job. Since September 1, an excess of $3,700 in advertising revenue was collected with publishing expenses coming in under $2,000.
New Business:
Architectural Review: Fred Eyrich presented the following:
Painting ARBs Requests:
1. 26211 Feathersound Drive
2. 26250 Stillwater Circle
3. 10173 Arrowhead Drive
The following are for other type of requests:
26401 Seminole Lakes Blvd.: wireless dog fence
10348 Windsong Road: landscape improvements
26224 Stillwater Circle: replace three windows and install hurricane shutters
10202 Windsong Road: replace lanai windows
10227 Windsong Rod: replace six windows
10263 Arrowhead Drive: hurricane shutters on lanai openings after closing on home
Fred Eyrich moved, and Al DiSessa seconded to approve all of the ARB requests with applicable permits. The motion carried with Bill Murphy abstaining as one of the requests was for his home.
New Business:
Introduction of Kristi Dean, Greenscapes: Bob Toth introduced Kristi Dean, the new client supervisor from Greenscapes who is replacing Jay Winborn. Kristi Dean spoke a few words. After the meeting, she will be meeting with Bob Toth, Jim Marchky, and Claude Crass for an inspection tour of Seminole Lakes. Inspections will be performed quarterly in 2012.
New Covenants Chair: Bob Toth introduced Jack Porter as the new Chair of the Covenants Committee. He will be joined by Lynda Kern and Mary Lou Phillips. They will be working with Sherry Danko from Star to outline goals for 2012.
New Insurance Chair: Bob Toth announced that Jack Porter will be the chair of the Insurance Committee as Dan Langone is relocating to North Florida. Dan Langone was thanked for his service. Bob Toth met with both Dan Langone and Jack Porter to turn over the records and review the policies.
New CERT Chair: Bob Toth introduced Mike Hirsh as the new Chair of CERT. Ray Negrycz was thanked for his service. Mike Hirsh made some remarks to the audience explaining the purpose of CERT and encouraging new volunteers. He demonstrated the equipment and supplies used by CERT volunteers.
Low Water Levels in a Few Lakes: Seven new retention ponds were built in conjunction with the Burnt Store Road project as required by SWFWMD. It appears the new large pond near Acline and Burnt Store Road has impacted the water levels in a few lakes within Seminole Lakes. Residents, Bob Toth, and the Developer have expressed concern. A letter was written to SWFWMD expressing this concern and inviting a visit. Interested owners will be advised of additional information as it becomes available.
Summary of November & December Projects: Bob Toth reported on the following minor projects completed during the last two months: A detailed report was sent to all directors prior to this meeting listing the projects and costs. The repairs and projects completed were : replacement of an electrical contactor at the pool, replacement of an expansive valve and fan motor on a pool heater, replacement of electrical lamps and rims in the exercise room, installation of two outdoor floodlights, replacement of the flag pole light, installation of over 240 bags of mulch by volunteers, planting of shrubs, trees and flowers, change out of entrance overhead lamps, and the purchase of some pool chairs. The chairs replace POA owned chairs that had deteriorated.
Special thanks go to Jim Marchky and Claude Crass, and other volunteers for hand watering the newly planted shrubs, flowers and trees. Thanks to Joe Ring for repairing electrical outlets at the front entrance. All the project costs were within the budget component limits. Bob Toth moved, and Bill Murphy seconded to ratify these projects and purchases. The motion carried.
Approval to have Star obtain Bids for a Reserve Study: Although contractor estimates have been used to develop replacement costs, some consideration is being given to obtain a reserve study. The insurance carrier has accepted the contractor information provided by the previous boards for the policies. All the reserve components are not covered by insurance. Bob Toth noted that many associations after having the study done ignore it because the study usually means a large increase in replacements costs and subsequently in the maintenance fees. Sherry Danko agreed to that statement despite the fact that CAMs are taught to encourage the studies. It was agreed to obtain bids for the February meeting.
Pool Stains: Bob Toth reported that he is receiving increased complaints from residents about the unsightly stains on the bottom of Pool. Rich Kraut, Pool Committee Chairperson has reviewed a proposal from Howard’s Pool Services. Rich Kraut and others recommend having Howard’s remove the stains at a cost of $1,049. As the pool would have to be closed for two weeks, this would be a good time as the temperatures are cool. Although, there is no guarantee the stains will not return, Howard’s will add chemicals to help retard the return of the stains. There is no additional charge for this. The Developer will share in the cost per our pool rental agreement. Bob Toth moved, and Bill Murphy seconded to approve hiring Howard’s to remove the stains at a cost of $1,049. The motion carried.
Owners commented on agenda subjects during the course of the meeting.
Next Meeting: The next Board meeting will be on February 13, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Howard Kunik, City Manager, will make a presentation updating new developments within the City. The meeting will be preceded by the “Candidates’’ Forum beginning at 9: AM.
Comments for Future Discussion:
An Owner asked if the Burnt Store Road wall that faces the road will be cleaned. Bob Toth said the board has plans to write the County a letter after the road construction is completed requesting they clean the wall.
Adjournment: With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 12:40 PM.
Submitted by,
Sherry Danko
Sherry Danko
For Al DiSessa, Secretary/Treasurer