Saturday, February 27, 2010

A group calling themselves “COOL” mailed me a thank you letter. The first thanks was for the help last March in electing a Board of Directors that has been able to work together.

Their perception that our “08” Board lacked in their abilities to function and perform their expected tasks might lead one to believe this Board had also a professed lack of accomplishments? Such an assumption usually holds true but when one takes the time to compare our 2007-08-09 minutes, they find that this so called dysfunctional Board accomplished as much if not more than the former or ensuing boards respectfully.
In addition one might even marvel at how this bunch of misfits saved our Village more money than they spent and finished their fervent year with leaving more than $50,000 in the budget.
As a rule Directors of our Board quickly relinquished their honorary position when subjected to obstacles that become personal or intentionally designed to limit their abilities. A remarkable resilience was shown by our six “08” Directors when they all decided quitting was not an option on issues they knew would better our Village. The best examples were the replacement of the GM, our licensed Security, and the new Time Warner cable company and its contract.
The “08” Board can be best described as incompatible but never dysfunctional. What the Board lacked socially was more than made up for in the physical and financial Village enhancements done under their watch. Now “COOL” wants to thank me for replacing those who stood their ground for the like-minded people who seem happy to fit under the President's thumb and become a Social Club of Directors.

Go figure?


The second thanks in the “COOL” letter was for the help last March in electing a Board of Directors that has been able to work with management.
Now this confused me a little. Is the “COOL” talking about being able to work with that previous general manager who quit a month after the elections leaving the Park high and dry for three months or is it being able to work with a replacement, something those six previous Directors was sued over for originally trying to orchestrate? If it’s Rick Horner, save the thanks. Any mentally challenged Board member could work well with him because he happens to be a people person. He exhibits no accountability hang-ups and has outstanding management skills, the very qualities six “08” Directors went through hell in wanting to work with.


The final thanks were for electing a Board of Directors that has been able to solve some problems we were experiencing.
Putting aside Hurricane Dolly, weren’t these six Directors branded as being the biggest problems when they threatened replacement consequences on our former GM if he didn’t become accountable for his actions and raise his job performance to levels as per Aramark’s contract by an appointed time? Wasn’t that the reason why our Association wasted tens of thousands of dollars towards the silly Priest/Mulch lawsuit designed to idle their replacement threat?

Should not this letter better read “COOL wanted to thank you for your help last March in electing our people who will never bring up the word accountability while also solving some “COOL” problems?”
You make that call!

Below is a précis as to how the obstacle laden 2008 events unfolded

MARCH 2008 ELECTIONS
March 26th (meeting) Four newly elected directors immediately acted upon their campaign promises with making Aramark management more accountable. Management was told to fulfill their obligations to care for our common ground-golf course areas per Aramark’s contract. The Board issued new measures requiring the use of new comprehensive checklists and a change in work order performance actualities.
April 23rd (meeting) Immediately following an executive session, a motion was made to send a letter to Aramark requesting the replacement of the current GM. After some lewd and intimidating audience behavior and one GM supporting Director hinting of possible legal action due to lack of having evaluation records, two directors decided to wait. This led the Board to vote (5-4) at tabling this “Letter” motion for 60 days.
May 2nd (special meeting) This same 5-4 vote approved a new motion to start the general manager on a 90 day evaluation.
May 28th (meeting) The GM replacement letter motion was withdrawn.
June 26th (meeting) Senior Director Pat Burke accused newly elected Director Ed McBride at violating a recent agreement that said no one was to forward manager accountability issues to Aramark. Senior Director Leroy Mulch followed with saying there are persons presently on the Board and a minority of others who interpret the results of this year’s elections as a mandate to fire the GM and Aramark.
Reta Priest began her three Director Recall petition for their part in advocating the GM letter of replacement.
Every new director along with any supporters soon received anonymous personal attacks. One example was a Director’s court file being flaunted about the Village containing personal events of a long ago messy divorce. With it was the claimed that this was public information for everyone to see and a good reason for his removal.
July 22nd (event) Hurricane Dolly hits our Village and added a slew of new issues for the Board.
August 27th (meeting) A staged recall petition submittal by Reta Priest caused an immediate recess to this Hurricane agenda filled meeting. There was a request for a recall petition validation evaluation. No Board issues were addressed because of this submission.
September 4th (8/27 meeting continuance) Village legal counsel ruled the entire recall petition invalid. To Note: unfounded details and bogus numbers from this invalid petition still fill two pages of the Minutes. Why?
September 26th (meeting) Weeks after submitting an unsuccessful invalid recall petition, Reta Priest along with senior Director Leroy Mulch filed a lawsuit against the six elected Directors who originally supported the April GM replacement letter costing many thousands of dollars to our Association. Once again an agenda filled meeting was postponed. This lawsuit imposed restrictions on these six directors for the rest of their term.
2009 Court Imposed March Election During this lawsuit tainted "09" election, Villagers received propaganda letters and telephone follow-ups by Reta Priest and a group calling themselves the “COOL”, advocating certain candidates and vying for control of the election’s “proxy” bloc votes.

2009 March Re-Election Summary There were an unprecedented number of total votes with the bulk coming from bloc vote proxies that interestingly increased nearly threefold from previous years.

Result These events in 2008 divided our Village in ways yet resolved. Again this was all over six Board member's insistence that an Aramark manager should improve upon his performance per Aramark’s contract standards and demonstrate accountability for actions. Tens of thousands of your owner dollars were thrown away over an unmeritorious lawsuit calling these Directors actions a breach of fiduciary duties. Insurance agent Rick May said at our March "09" Coffee meeting that the Village insurance premiums will now go up for the Directors and Officers Liability policy.

It seems ironic that we had every director wanting management accountability replaced.
Did the tail wag the dog this time?
I feel as you may that these extraordinary events should never be forgotten if only to keep it from ever happening again. These “COOL” people should receive a thank you letter from Village owners for their helpful reminder of these past events.

Highlights of 2007 Board Accomplishments
March 28th a motion passed to change golf rate as suggested by the Golf Committee, a motion passed to add a 4 month rate to Renters, a motion passed to purchase 75 banquet tables for $4,050, a motion passed to lease new exercise equipment and sell existing old equipment rather than try to keep present equipment in good repair
April 25th a motion passed to add all motorized vehicles and all bicycles shall comply with the above speed limits and shall be required to come to a stop at all stop signs in the Village to #5 of the Rules & Regulations,
May 23rd this was a special meeting about Dick Stabler's resignation from the Long Island Village, Long Island Owners Association (Bridge), Newsletter, Beautification, D & E Committees/Boards over a possible dispute with the GM.
May 23rd a motion passed for the Board to approve the Policies as the Rule & Policy Committee has written them, a motion passed to use $5000 of Golf fund raisers to concrete golf paths, Director Nixon said he was upset that the Board lost a good person (Stabler) because of management business issues, a motion passed to add a pool limit of 8 people per lot to the summer in Door/Out Door Pool Regulations
June 27th a motion passed to approve the installation of the golf path from the golf budget with the balance to be paid for by the golf committee, a motion passed that this item be considered maintenance, a motion passed to establish an emergency/reserve fund for the 2008 Budget, a motion passed that any item regarding any communication from the attorney, variance requests, hearings, or issues thereof should be placed on the agenda for regular Board of Directors meeting for purpose of record.
July 1 from a motion passed on Feb. 28th to increase the condo fee dues by $20 started
per month. Reasons were anticipated raises in salaries, electricity, cable, garbage, and Swing Bridge.
August 29th a motion passed to enact Boards decision on July 26, 2007 Special Sewer Meeting to transfer funds from the Major Project Improvement Funds, Building Permit Fund and Utilities (Operating Fund) to the sewer account to cover expenses incurred, and Would include loan payment, trucking our sewage, divers, etc, a motion passed to establish May 15, 2008 through September 15, 2008, swim band program with proceeds present and future monies to purchase pool furniture, a motion passed to accept Berry's Pool & Supply, a motion passed that ARAMARK be awarded the contract for gate attendants and patrol because of cost savings and the fact that we get more services, .
Sept 26th One variance motion passed.
Oct. 24th a motion passed to assess LIV owners $332,800.00 and request equal payment from each condo unit at Sun Harbor for $325 to cover the costs of replacing the sewer line that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway.
Nov. 21st a motion passed to accept Billy Kenan's sewer pipe removal bid of $25,000, a motion passed on "use of Office Machinery" shall be used only by staff, current Board, others will be charged a nominal fee, a motion passed to give the owner the option to read the newsletter online.
Dec 19th a motion passed to make a $10 cash award to Yard of the Year.
Jan. 23rd saw a fundraising activity motion pass in order to fund golf cart pathways. A motion was approved to take $250 out of the Major Improvement fund to match golf course Beautification funds. Motion to allow the operation of John Deere skid steer having a provision operator signs a hold harmless agreement. Motion passed to establish a contingency fund in the 2008 Budget and have such funds continue in the following years. Motion passed to have designated parking for manager/directors on south side of Welcome Center.
Feb. 27th had a motion to appoint Aaron H. Garcia as trustee of LIV’s corporate resolution. Motion passed to have Port Isabel’s senior prom at our Rec. Hall.

Highlights of 2008 Board Accomplishments
March 26th saw the Board implement measures to require the general and hospitality managers become more accountable for their actions and fulfill their obligation to care for our common ground-golf course areas per Aramark’s contract. Comprehensive checklists and work order performance actualities were asked for and put into practice.
April 23rd, Board passed a rental office increase rental charge of $10 for maid service. Motion passed that work orders start showing exact times of request.
May 28th, Motion passed to allocate $2100 to build boat ramp gate and fences. The Board negotiated a ten year contract (max 5% annual rise in cost) with Time Warner Cable to replace Arroyo Cable for at least a net savings of $50,000 for the Village annually, with twice the channels and all the new fiber optic cable hardware.
June 26th a motion passed that all golf carts have a license driver in cart. Board started to now have all corrections to the Minutes be done via email to save time and copier expense. Board created a Safety Committee. Due to $4 a gallon for gas and higher food prices, the board approved a $50 a week gas/grocery gift card to 41 employees now through August ($12,300 for 6 weeks).
Sept 4th Approved Securitas as LIV’s new licensed security replacing the unlicensed entry keepers being managed by Aramark for an estimated $12-$18,000 increase. The Board created a new hurricane evacuation policy (since dropped) and the reactivation of the mandatory GM evacuation committee as per Aramark’s contract. The Board approved that sea cottages are now allowed to use 30 year TDI approved shingles.
October 22nd the Board approved $2125 in hurricane bonuses for 17 employees. Approved bath house 1 and 3 renovations not to exceed the original total of $28,000, after it had climbed to around $50,000 from the new designs submitted. Director Hensen discovered that trash pickup charges were inaccurate and estimated the overbilling amount might be as much as $60,000 annually. Board immediately moved to acquire 3 bids from other companies and started monitoring current billing.
November 19th the Board approved audit recommendations to improve the Pro Shop revenues. Board made an owner timeline for hurricane related repairs. Board approved replacing sidewalks around the Activity Center, helicopter pad, tennis court, parking lot, and a grassy area leading to nowhere for $18,428. New handicap golf cart application for the golf course was made. The Board turned down Director Mulch’s motion to approve management’s only bid for outdoor pool restoration from Berry Pool’s for $59,000; the Board later approved the outdoor pool restoration for $32,868, saving nearly $26,000 for insisting on 3 bids. A new 3 bid policy with specifications for projects of over $7500 was adopted. Board approved a new ($1000 max) TV for the Rec. Hall aerobics class.
Dec.17th Board approved $10,500 insurance deductible for reimbursement to the six directors that were sued by then current director Leroy Mulch and owner Reta Priest.
Jan 30th the Board made 51 recommendations to improve four of our revenue centers. This included 18 Audit committee recommendations to improve restaurant revenue performances. There were 5 Audit committee recommendations towards the miscellaneous revenue and petty cash areas to include all areas of possible misuse by management (company credit cards). Board approved a new LIV internet website for $1900+$25 per hr.
Feb 25th approved the repair-replace of the Welcome Center’s roof for $30,000 that was provided by hurricane insurance money. Board passed to have a symbol somewhere on each copy made off the office’s copier machine to cease apparent misuse. Board delegated a procedure to stop Aramark management from selling Villager’s personal information to anyone who wanted it for $25. The Board required that LIV’s operating cash change previous practices to now always be in the FDIC insured limits.

2009 Board Accomplishment Highlights
March 25th approved giving Mr. Freeland $2500 towards a rerouting survey, installed a curb around the boat ramp, and marked the Conference microphones.
April 29th the Board continued with the wrist band use year round. Board replaced the engine on skid steer for $10,095, replaced the indoor pool heater for $2995, and bought two lift station pumps for $4734. The Board approved $3000 to remove the Activity Center’s old sidewalk. The Board accepted the new and higher Berry Pool contract of $15,540 annually plus their chemicals that have to be purchase at market price. In an executive meeting the Board apparently approved but never publicly disclosed the 2 day retirement notice of the General Manager.
May 27th saw a new 45 minute courtesy pass program initiated by the Board and the creation of a new policy on the of reading of Coffee meeting comments. Board purchased a 3 TB Workstation for $2018.
June 27th a motion was passed authorizing President Burke and Vice President Halback to be able to authorize committees requesting to have a Village snack bar. Board invokes a one hour parking limit at the Welcome Center, added a sentence to Village building codes, and passed that Canal lots put their lot numbers also at the rear. Board approved installation of the pool hand railings for $700 and changed the renter parking policy ($5 for parking) at Welcome Center.
August 29th had a motion made not to change the current procedure on owners who are in condo fee arrears. The Board approved taking $22,473 from the $50,000 left from the previous year’s budget (outdoor pool work that was in 2008 was determined unnecessary) to pay for the repair of four sinkholes. The Board approves a hotdog day fundraiser along with a motion to replacing Larry DeMalade with Richard Horner on petty cash checking accounts. The Board passed that it is now required to have building permit application signatures verified.
Sept 30th approved the purchase of a 3 door refrigerator for $3538, passed new 6.4 Rec. Hall rental policy, and gave clarification of the 6.3 Policy on the uses of our Owners Lounge. Board approved to resurface the billiard tables for $2700.
October 28th approved doing away with Saturday’s meetings. The Board approved that two Aramark Managers were to receive an undisclosed bonus amount for working three and a half months as interim GMs.
Nov 21st approved the patchwork for Village roads for approximately $16,900 and ruled no fishing off the canal bridges.
Dec. 16th the Board raised Village condo fees by $245,760. 00 annually and will spend an additional $110,000 for a road repair project that’s will be separate from the budget and subject to a possible partial individual owner assessment charge. The Board revised the Village policy towards quarterly assessments late fees. They produced a new owner-agent form to reduce Village liability.
Jan. 27th Motion passed to approve three changes in our Building Codes. Motion passed to table estimated $1,000,000.00 dredging project until the Annual Meeting.

Feb. 24th Motion was approved to purchase a new 2010 Ford F-150 from Tipton Ford for $20,462


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FEBRUARY 24TH BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking on Issues
None

President’s Remarks-Burke went at length at saying no decision has be made on the dredging
Manager’s Report-Horner said the usual on permits, letters sent for violations and so forth. It was the first time that the owners received true numbers on work request. Mr. Horner realized and changed the method that was used previously.


Approval of Minutes-motion was approved


Treasurers Report-Steffensen went through the report. Nothing stood out. No P&L because of the auditors. The motion to approve the 2010 Budget passed. Major Improvement Fund was discussed touching on the money for our road repair.


Committee Reports
Golf-Pelletier mentioned they had their first meeting
Pool-Steffensen N/A
Finance-Steffensen N/A
Other Dir. White brought up all the D&E activities, times and dates.
Dir. Pelletier said arts and craft lockers are having maintenance. Need keys.
Dir. Bergsman talked on dredging which brought another scolding at the people speech about rumors.

Dir. Bergsma said the last osprey house was taken down across the canal which brought owners to ask (Lot 376) if our Park would make some. SC 120 said where the gazebo is in the little Sea Cottage Park would be a good spot. SC 52 asked if it could start right now. Answer was not clear.
There was a discussion between Dir. Montalvo and P. Burke on what are limited common elements. P. Burke said she didn’t know one in our Park.

Unfinished Business-Burke talked about the pending litigation. Bottom line all are still pending.

New Business-Montalvo was told that Aramark provided lunch at the Annual Meeting.

Other-Treas. Steffensen discussed different new trucks with prices. Motion was approved to purchase a new 2010 Ford F-150 from Tipton Ford for $20,462 out the door. (Means tax, title, everything)


Adjournment

* The contents of this meeting were condensed.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010


FEBRUARY 17TH COFFEE with the DIRECTORS

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments from the Directors
P. Burke mentioned the Texas early voting and there are bridge board applications available. She said that Tom Cain will not serve another term on the bridge board and found out that Leo traveled 104 miles on his bike-a-thon fund raiser. She said forms to ask any new candidate questions are now available at the activity center along with the drop box.
Dir. White said that D&E will have the Shelton Tucker show tonight at 7pm, Little Brass Band Sat. 20th, Good Times Band Sat. on the 27th with Pot Luck as food.


Comments from the Suggestion Box
Lot 121 complained about the exercise room not being consistently supplied.
Lot 620 asked for a stool for the women’s handicapped shower in Sand Dollar bath house.
Lot 837 complained about Monday night parking because of Rec. Hall activities.
Lot 463 complained about the cleanliness of the aplliances and the conditions of the tables in the Owner’s Lounge.
SC 120 asked that the two roof holes in the indoor pool.

Owners speaking from the Audience
SC 43 Selba said she had and will leave copies of the Texas voting ballots in the Activity Center.
Lot 174 complained that it was too loud at these cocktail parties.
Lot 638 was concerned about the number of people at the cocktail parties and safety in locking of the entry accesses. Answer was you can still exit.
Lot 726 had several questions pertaining to dredging issues. Asked when the last dredging was, which canals were dredged and who paid for it? He asked how many people have complained about the sediment build up and where are these problems. P. Burke said a number of owners have complained about the corners and entrances to our canals. He mentioned that since he was an inside owner he had a problem with being assessed. P. Burke said the Declaration clearly states everyone pays their 1024th share.
Lot? Asked how many Board members own water front property? Dir. White was the only one who said she didn’t. Dir. Gagan said he owns two boats, one a 24’ that drafts a lot of water. He said he took that boat out last Sunday from canal F through G and down H without stirring up one bit of silt. P. Burke rambled for five minutes until Dir. Bergsma gave his assessment towards why we should dredge the canals. He said he can only get his boat up on his lift during high tide. He remembers when dolphins and trout swam the canals. He said the Village canals have a bad silt problem and they are full of crap. He said we have a permit that ends this year and we have John Freeland who is willing to take this crap and save the Park possibly 3 million dollars in disposal costs. He said it will decrease property values if left undone. He said this was a onetime offer to save a lot of money.
Lot 288 said to please mail in your proxies or attend to vote to make a quorum. March the 1st will be candidate’s night.
Lot 744 had a suggestion for bettering our Village web site.
SC 120 asked again about the indoor pool roof and was told the roof panels are ordered
Lot? Owner asked a question pertaining to how the dredging affects the sea walls.

WORKSHOP
Dir. Halbach wants to talk about the alcohol problems that could affect our license.
Lot 802 said we have a criminal working in our Park. He said guy ripped him off for $1300 last year. After proving that to management and some of the people on the Board, he was assured that this person would never be allowed in this Park. This owner said he saw just now working in the Park. Management said they didn’t know he was here and had to be working for a contractor that didn’t know he was banned.
Treasurer Steffensen said that the finance committee met again and has trimmed the budget’s bottom line with changes to the Major Improvements.
P. Burke said she talked to the Mayor about having a hurricane meeting in April and the rerouting of the intercoastal. She said the final inspection to acquire a bridge rating will be next week. That may qualify the bridge for possible state funding and John Freeland said Barge Masters have said they would concede to an alternative route close to where he proposed. The Oliver lawsuit appeal was denied by the Supreme Court to end litigation.

Adjournment


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Wednesday, February 03, 2010

FEBRUARY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS

We would love your comment or suggestion that will improve our Village. They may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.



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