Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
Seminole Lakes Property Owners Association, Inc.
July 10, 2006
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Bob Toth, President, at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.
Establish a Quorum: A quorum was established with the following present: Bob Toth, Bob Foiles, Al DiSessa, Linda Huber, and Sandy Blaesing. Also present was Sherry Danko, Star Hospitality Management.
Notice of Meeting: The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Association Bylaws and Florida Statute 720.
Greenscapes: Bob Toth announced that the Greenscapes presentation would be given immediately rather than under new business. Sandy Blaesing introduced Jay Winborn and Claudio. Jay reported that fertilization was recently completed. He gave an overview of the latest irrigation inspection. Numerous owners have locked their irrigation boxes with the systems turned off and others have turned off their back flow preventers. In both instances, the landscaping is dying and owners must understand that Greenscapes cannot be held responsible. Jay expanded on the need to keep the irrigation systems in good working condition and provided some helpful hints for owner repairs. One owner asked about fungus. Jay responded that the fungus should grow out. Owners were encouraged to check their rain sensors as this is the best way to help control watering. There was also discussion on the Greenscapes technicians mowing in a proper manner to avoid blowing the clippings on the lanais and pools. The presentation was well received. Greenscape Report
Disposal of Minutes: Al Disessa moved, and Sandy Blaesing seconded to approve the June 12th regular Board meeting minutes and the June 30th and July 3rd emergency minutes as distributed. The motion carried. Special Meeting Minutes
President’s Report: None.
Treasurer’s Report: Al DiSessa presented his Treasurer’s Report which indicated a June operating surplus of $11,732.94. The year-to-date surplus is $60,962.46. There were no changes in the reserve accounts other than the monthly contribution. Al Disessa noted that Star is working on the collection of the accounts receivable. Finally, the 2005 audit has been resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. Al Disessa presented a policy to record the legal expenses for liens and foreclosures on the accounts receivable rather than code them as operating expenses. The preface behind this proposal is that the costs for these expenses should be collected from the applicable owners. Al Disessa moved, and Bob Foiles seconded to adopt this policy. The motion carried.
Old Business:
Insurance Renewal: Al DiSessa turned this discussion over to the Insurance Chair, Howard McCormack, who reported that the Association had engaged a new agent-Lutgert Insurance in Fort Myers. Effective July 7th, the Association’s property insurance will be with Lloyd’s. Unfortunately, no one would write a wind policy at this time. Auto Owners agreed to renew the general liability, Directors & Officers, and the non-owned auto coverage. On July 3rd, lightning struck the back gate. Expenses for repairs are estimated $6,000.00 . A claim has been filed by Jack Hall, a new addition to the Insurance Committee and expects the $1,000.00 deductible to cover repairs.
Real Estate Sign Proposal: Linda Huber spoke on complaints received regarding real estate signs. The Covenants Committee did some research and presented a proposed sign policy for our Rules & Regulations which is in compliance with the Covenants. Linda Huber suggested that one sign no larger than 6" X 8" may be placed at the front of Seminole Lakes Country Club entrance off of Route 41 which states "OPEN HOUSE". The realtor may provide maps of Seminole Lakes to the guard House with the open house so marked to be given to any visitor requesting entry for the purpose of visiting the open house and one sign (no larger than 6" x 8") showing the open house may be placed on the residents’ front lawn. No other items may be displayed. Any and all material used for an open house shall be picked up at the end of the day. Sandy Blaesing moved, and Bob Foiles seconded to approve the policy. One owner inquired about the number of signs for multiple agents. Linda Huber read the applicable passage from the Covenants which allowed for one sign per agency. The motion carried.
Hurricane Shutter Proposal: Linda Huber read the hurricane shutter proposal from the Covenants Committee. There were numerous comments in opposition of the proposal. No motion was made.
New Business:
Landscape Proposal-Acline Road: Sandy Blaesing moved, and Bob Foiles seconded to approve a proposal to plant trees and shrubs similar to the front entrance at the Acline entrance at a cost of $1,424.00. Al DiSessa stated that he was not in favor of plumbagos. It was also noted that some adjustments may be needed for the irrigation. The motion carried.
Swimming Pool: Bob Toth gave a detailed slide presentation Pool Proposal on entering into a rental agreement with Seminole Lakes, Inc. to rent the pool, tiki bar, and exercise room for $4,000 per month for six months. The agreement would be contingent upon completion of several repairs and upgrades as well as agreement on the document language. Sandy Blaesing moved, and Linda Huber seconded to approve the rental arrangements. Residents comments were solicited from the Board as follows:
The Board should not trust the Developer and not enter into this agreement. He felt the POA would get nothing of value from this arrangement.
If the cost is not too high, then buy the pool rather than rent it.
Supports the Board if the pool is brought up to speed.
Although many owners have reservations about the developer, the decision should be made based on facts, not hard feelings.
The social environment would be improved.
Several comments expressing support of the Board and their decision in this matter.
Board discussion:
Bob Foiles stated that the repairs might not be completed once an agreement was signed. It was suggested to hold money in escrow until repairs are completed.
Al Disessa felt there may be increased owner participation.
The motion carried with Bob Foiles voting in opposition.
Meeting with City of Punta Gorda Officials: Sandy Blaesing summarized the minutes from the Board meeting with Punta Gorda officials. Sandy Blaesing moved, and Linda Huber seconded to make those minutes part of the July 10, 2006 minutes and the motion passed.. City Meeting Minutes
Budget 2007 Process: Al DiSessa spoke briefly about the upcoming preparation of the 2007 budget. He noted that committees presenting requests for inclusion in the budget should do so between now and August.
Covenant Violations: Linda Huber reported that as of the meeting there were three major violations. One was completed in response to a letter from Star. The other two were sent to the attorney. Linda also presented a form letter for violations which could be easily completed and inserted in the mailing tubes. It would be a less expensive and hopefully less offensive method of notifying owners of violations. Linda Huber moved, and Sandy Blaesing seconded to approve use of this form letter. The motion passed. Covenant Tube Letter
ARC Requests: Bob Foiles presented owner applications for approval for one shutter request and one painting request. Bob Foiles moved, and Sandy Blaesing seconded to approve the applications. The motion carried.
Resident Recognition: Linda Huber asked a member of the audience to select the name from the bag of names submitted. Fred Eyrich was chosen. Linda Huber read the nomination, and indicated a gift certificate would be presented to Fred upon his return to Florida. MVP Award Winner
Committee Reports: Linda Huber introduced the Chairs to present their committee reports.
Access Control: It was reported that lightning damaged the rear gate system on July 3rd. Sunstate was called out. Overall repairs will be completed when the components arrive. Enviro-Shield of Southwest Florida will be installing clear polycarbonate panels at their cost and labor on the front windows of the Traffic Control Building. This company (formerly Sandra Burnet’s Painting Company) also painted the same building after Hurricane Charley at their expense. Access Control Report
CERT: No report as the CERT meeting was postponed.
Maintenance: Joe Ring reported that work has started on repairing cracks on the Burnt Store Road wall and installing bricks to keep the berm from eroding. An irrigation timer was installed on the Acline Road wall.
Lakes & Roads: Based on the recently submitted proposal, Joe Ring stated that it was likely that Char-Lee Ent., Inc. would be sealing the cul-de-sacs in August or September.
Management: Sherry Danko reported that Star continues to work closely with Linda Huber and Covenants Committee regarding violations. She also reminded owners that the revised maintenance fee became effective in May. Some owners reduced their April payments and therefore have an outstanding balance of $30.00.
Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:00am at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.
Comments for Future Consideration:
Owners’ comments included: consideration of reflective tape on the front gate and curbing.
Adjournment: With no further business to come before the Board, Al DiSessa moved, and Bob Foiles seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.
Sherry Danko
Submitted for Linda Huber, Secretary