You’re out of here, well maybe not

Several weeks ago Directors Eddie Montalvo and Pat Burke had a heated discussion over the way a pool rule was being enforced.

Last week Director Montalvo was informed that he will have to resign his position as a Director for not adhering to Article 4 Section 4 of our Village Bylaws. He was told this was put in this weeks Board meeting as an agenda item where upon the Board will vote to accept his forced resignation.

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During last week's Coffee meeting this apparently is what the secret closed session (executive meeting to some Directors) was all about, put the ridding of this one Director on the meeting agenda.

Well a funny thing happened; this one Director said he was not going to resign. After retaining legal counsel it appears he has made this agenda item all but disappear.

We’ll see what happens at the meeting.

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A New Village Grill

Has our Board been watching a little too much C-Span, CNN, MSNBC or Fox News? Recently our Directors acted like some kind of Congressional Committee when they took turns GRILLIN the road patching contractor at the last Coffee Meeting.

During this planned spectacle it was said two thirds of the Village money has been paid to this guy and that his work has left our roads in worse shape.

Really!

Now who would have thought that this could have ever happened from a contractor who was selling tacos just a few short years ago? Wasn’t it last November that our Board hurried to accept this contractor’s new lower bid to take advantage of him?

In my opinion the Coffee with the Directors Meeting is meant for owners to voice their concerns, not to watch some dog and pony show resembling the political puke theater Congress has been displaying these past few months. The Board’s reason to do this in front of the owners seemed evident; take the onus off their poor decision with a dazzling exhibition of demonization.

Everyone agrees this contractor’s little company has done shoddy work, but again, no one seems surprised! I find it somewhat disturbing that we have certain Directors who treat people like a piñata and take turns swinging their authoritarian verbiage stick at them. For those who were there, sit back and think about what they saw. What a disgrace. This was an improper way to address an apparent poor business decision by the Board that may come back to haunt our Village in the long run.

Comments

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May 20th Coffee with the Directors

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments from the Directors
Director White asked for Management to go around and check for damage from the Tuesday storm. The GM said he already did and it appears so far eighteen properties were damaged. Director White emphasized the need to send letters to the owners ASAP. She asked for new signage in the pool area.
Director Pelletier said he was happy that the awning on lot 642 was removed. He said bath house #3 needs to be painted.
P. Burke said in the Rec. Hall at 5:30 pm on May 26th there will be a meeting with Port Isabel and other officials regarding the upcoming hurricane season. P. Burke said owners can attend but not participate. She said for the owners there will be a Meeting that follows.
Treas. Steffensen said a Mr. Etterman donated some tables to the pool area. Small tables and new lounges were ordered for the pool.
Dir. White said bath house #2 was freezing when she entered in the early evening. P. Burke said 80 degrees would seem cold.

Manager Report
Armando said they were getting bids to resurface the shuffle board court.
Rick said chicken night will go to Fridays next week. A pool phone will be installed to call food orders in to the grill. Courtesy letters will go out to notify Owners for the damages that were noticed from the storm. Extra security will be provided over the holidays.

Special Guest
Glen Backus from Compass Publishing was given the opportunity to talk about the Texas Rec. Vehicle Assoc. He asked for the Village to join their group and help stop certain legislation that could affect rental property.

Comments and Suggestions from the Suggestion Box
There were none

Comments from the Floor
SC 120 asked if anyone has considered using a phone tree for emergency notifications. P. Burke said it will be taken under consideration.
SC 57 ask about the outdoor hot tub that’s been not working for weeks. The answer was after fixing one heater problem after another, they order a new heater.
P. Burke said we are going to take a break because the Board has a couple of issues to discuss in a close session. She didn't say what the issues were but did say they will be on the agenda.for next week. She quickly gave the nod to the Security Rep. who then talked a few minutes on some changes they had made.
Dir. Pelletier requested that the contractor be present at this meeting. He explained the problems occurring and was hoping the contractor would be here to confront all of us. We have paid the contractor two thirds of the money Dir. Pelletier said and will hold the final check until we are satified. Dir. Pelletier said this contractor has agreed to stay within the oringinal cost of the contract but doesn’t feel the workmanship is good. Dir. Pelletier said we need to figure out what we are going to do.
Dir. Pelletier said we'll continue this when we come back from our executive meeting because I would like to talk to him in front of everybody.

Recess to what Dir. Pelletier referred to as an executive meeting.

Items on the Agenda
Treas. Steffensen - Policy 7.1 needs to be updated and wants to talk about changes to the automatic renewal on the rental contract.

Down South Paving
The contractor from Down South Paving arrived and was introduced as I heard it Greigo (I am not sure of the spelling).
(Dir. Pelletier) Sun Dial application is very rough. What can we do with that?
(Greigo) After explaining the problems he ended up saying something about the three layers of asphalt that were sticking together when removing which made it very difficult for a make smooth surgace.
(Dir. Pelletier) There are various things I noticed that should have been done different. This has to be fixed, so what avenues do you have to do the job properly.
(Greigo) As far as paying for this its like I can’t do any more work because I am way over the square footage.
(Dir. Pelletier) That’s your problem.
(Greigo) No it’s not.
(Dir. Pelletier) We agreed on the square footage and you were to stay within that.
(Greigo) This has been going on for eight months and now the pot holes and other damage has become bigger.
(P. Burke) started talking about the Board’s thinking towards the contract. If there are changes to the contract, a change order needs to be filled out, summited with costs changes, and approved by the Board. She rambled on saying I am very knowledgeable about change orders and contracts.
(Dir. Pelletier) I see three options. Tear out and do it right, mill it, or resurface it.
(Greigo) These layered surfaces are why there are problems and these weren’t in the contract.
(P. Burke) At this point of time, the situation is that we are not happy with what you have done, you haven’t done what you have agreed to do, and the question is if we will pay you the remaining balance. Q&A between the Directors.
(P. Burke) The question that needs to be asked is what are we going to do now?
(Greigo) I am not going to do anything. I'm $4000 over right now.
(The GM) In our first conversation you said that you were going to keep track of your square footage, if you’re over, that’s on you. Second, what you've done so far needs to be quality work. There was continued disagreement. What you did is no better than we had.
(Greigo) talked about the items in the contract.
(P. Burke) started quoting the contract.
(Greigo) if you want I will walk away as is.
(P. Burke) The Board has heard your offer and will mail you our answer. Don’t put us down as a reference.
Lot 288 told her experience in watching the contractor work.

An unrelated issue was brought up if a Board member can give a proxy to another Board member. That is being reviewed by the Village attorney
The End

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MAY SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS

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Common Grounds Ratification

Last week Director Montalvo asked if the Village could make a parking lot next to the swing bridge to correct a growing prohibited parking problem. The Board said we had to get 75% of the owners to consent to that and asked for any other ideas. Well here’s one.

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How about putting together plans for a new parking lot, approving it, and notify the owners of a special meeting to ratify your decision. If at this meeting 75% of voting owners PRESENT say yes, it’s ratified. Am I wrong? I don't think so and hear is why.

Some believe that you need 75% of the total Association membership to ratify substantial alterations and additions. Both the Bylaws and Declaration of Covenants say otherwise? These tell when our Board makes a decision to substantially add or alter the Village common grounds, it must set up a meeting, notify owners to come to the meeting in order to ratify their decision. To ratify the Board must receieve a 75% affirmative number of votes from voting owners who showed up. That’s it.

None of the other voting provisions except Article VII (Bylaws) and Article X (Declaration of Covenants) is there this language that calls for a three fourths affrimative vote from voting owners PRESENT at a called meeting. All other voting provisions first require a vote casting percentage from the total Association membership and then require a majority of those casted votes to be affirmative.

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Technically it seems as few as 5 owners could ratify a Board decision on substantial additions or material alterations.
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For those owners who do care about the appearance of our Park, Article VII (Bylaws) and Article X (Declaration of Covenants) are the checks and balances for decisions made by nine temporary Directors to change the appearance of our Park.

March 2005 Restated Bylaws

Article VII. Substantial Additions or Alterations
There shall be no substantial additions or alterations to the Common Elements or Limited Common Elements by the Association unless the same are authorized by the Board of Directors and ratified by the affirmative vote of the Voting members casting not less than 75% of the total votes of the Unit Owners PRESENT at any regular or special meeting of the Unit Owners called for that purpose.

March 2005 Restatement of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
Article X, Maintenance and Alterations
B. Although the Association may construct additional facilities for the benefit of the Condominium, there shall be no material alterations or substantial additions to the Common Elements or Limited Common Elements, except as provided hereinabove in Section A, or except as the same are authorized by the Board of Directors and ratified by the affirmative vote of Voting Members casting not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the total votes of the members of the Association PRESENT at any regular or special meeting of the Unit Owners called for that purpose.

A board member a few years ago asked what defines this word substantial? How much is a substantial addition? How much is a substantial material alteration? Do we go by size or by the amount spent?

The scope of what is being altered/added can always a debated. A fixed amount of money can't. It seems then that a fixed amount being spent seems most applicable and should be used as the definer. Our current Board could easily use the same monetary number that previous Boards considered substantial, such as the max amount our GM can spend on his credit card within a month or the minimum amount that requires having three bids from contractors for a project.
What do you think?

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April 28, 2010 Regular Board Meeting

Pledge of Allegiance

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Owners speaking on Agenda issues
There were none.

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President remarks-Burke
P. Burke's only meaningful statement was our Grille will be open from Thursday through Sunday.

Director’s Comments
There were none

Manager Report-Horner/Zamora
Rick Horner said there were 98 owners currently in arrears with their dues totaling $64,687. There were thirteen building permits issued. No new violations letters sent but six second notice letters had been. Chicken night was changed to Fridays.
Armando Zamora went through the issues he resolved brought up at the Coffee Meeting.
Lot? Owner said the number of people in arrears should concern every owner.
Lot 558 asked if the Board is still considering Wi-Fi. P. Burke said it is down the line.

Time Warner had three channels without audio. This subject took up fifteen minutes.

Approval of March Minutes
After a few corrections the Minutes were approved .

Treasury Report-Steffensen
Nothing out of ordinary was disclosed in April's Report. February's P&L however showed all the Revenue Centers were in the BLACK.

D&E Committee Report-White
Dir. White said this upcoming Fourth of July cook off will be big. P. Burke explained at length her experiences at last year’s festivities.

Golf Committee Report-Pelletier
Dir. Pelletier thanked everyone who participated in the beautification of the Golf course. He mentioned the Memory Garden for your loved ones. He said he talked to the attorney about the golf cart raffle and was told it was legal. He wished that owners would give their flowers and plants to the Golf Committee instead of throwing them away.

Pool Committee Report-Steffensen
Treas. Steffensen talked a little about wrist bands and pool Security. She said the pool was closed for a rail repair.

Other Report-Steffensen
Treas. Steffensen wanted all fund raising activities making over $500 to turn in their forms.

Unfinished Business
Dir. Pelletier said the Arts and Crafts room is just about done. Onlt the countertops are left.

New Business-Burke
P. Burke brought up the ospreys and had questions for Security. A Bridge Board Director said there was constant illegal parking around the swing bridge area.

Lot 744 asked if our Village could expand parking for this temporary parking problem. P. Burke said no and that this has been talked about since the beginning of the Park. She said you have to provide enough space to accommodate every lot because if you offer it to one you have to offer it to all. That was argued since there were a limited amount of mail boxes available to owners.

Dir. Montalvo asked if the Village could convert the common ground area by the ramp into a parking area. P. Burke and other Board members brought up the need to have 75% owner approval for that. After further discussion the Board left the subject open for any suggestions.
Lot? An owner voice a Security concern when two children he said had been playing on our tennis courts, left our Park on skate boards to their home in Port Isabel.

New Business-Pelletier
Dir. Pelletier made a motion to install a stair climber chair system located by the Activity Center mail boxes. He said this will be at no cost to our Village because it is a donation. Discussions about insurance, fire laws and other items seemed satisfied. Motion passed.
Dir. Pelletier described his reasons for wanting to install an outside bathroom at the Pro Shop. Cost to build this will come out of the $22,000 allocated for the new maintenance office.

Lot 340 asked if this is on common property with the need to have owners vote on it. It was not clear why they said there was no need to have a vote.

Ten Minute Recess

P. Burke resumed the meeting saying I am going to impose a rule, if anybody is uncivil during the course of this discussion, resorting to name calling, raising their voice, finger pointing or otherwise, I am going to close the discussion. We had some communications that have been less than pleasant. I don’t like it and I won’t stand for it. If anyone has a question about that, test me. OK?

New Business
Treas. Steffensen said the Major Improvement fund didn’t allocate $15,000 to spend for a dredging study and it is not a good idea to make changes this early in the budget. We should instead look at this in the last quarter.

Dir. Bergsma said what we are looking at here is not something that I see as a Major Improvement. I see a loan and I think once we make a commitment to do this (study) we will most likely do the dredging. We will be assessed for that.

There were different questions and comments made from directors. P. Burke gave her lengthy insight. She reported the Board would probably not support using Association funds to pay for dredging canal H.

Dir. Montalvo asked if we spent $15,000 for a study before our Village dredged the last time. The answer was no.

Dir. Montalvo made it clear he believes our Village’s responsibility is only to keep navigable waters in the canals. There was some talk about Cowen and Freeland having possible involvement.

Dir. Bergsma said what we will get out of this survey study is to make some intelligent decisions on a dredging plan. Dir. Bergsma said he felt it was unfair for him to pay for an assessment that he received no benefit for, then turn around and pay for his own dredging. This hour long discussion ended with all of our Board members voting yes on the motion to do this dredging study in mid-September and use this as reasoning for some future decision towards no dredging, limited dredging, or total dredging.
Motion was approved for a variance to install an elevator for SC54.
Treas. Steffensen's motion was approved to change/add to policy 6.3. This includes with #4 in expressing a fee, #7 now saying individuals outside our Village cannot reserve the owner’s lounge, and #8 now saying all reservations must go through the Hospitality Manger.
Treas. Steffensen's motion was approved to change/add to the 6.4 policy. This includes that all reservations must go through the Hospitality Manager, allow outside catering only when the Village Grille can’t provide the food, and not allow the use of any Village Grille equipment to any outside organizations or individuals. Villager are allowed by Board approval.
Trea. Steffensen's motion was approved to change/add to the 6.7 policy. This includes #4 expressing a fee, #7 saying individuals outside our Village cannot reserve the owner’s lounge, #8 with some verbiage change, and #9 saying all reservations must go through the Hospitality Manger. #11 states the poolside gazebo will not be available for reservations (Grille will be serving) from 10am thru 2pm, Thursday thru Sunday, from Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

Other
Dir. Pelletier’s made a motion to not have a July board meeting. It did not pass.

Executive Session (There was no prior general disclosure of what this Executive Meeting was for.)
No action was taken about whatever the subject matter.

Adjournment

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April 21, 2010 Coffee with the Directors

Pledge of Allegiance

From the Comment Box
Lot 384 asked if workers could pick up all the phone books left on the steps of owners who have left for the summer.
Lot 106 made a request to have another lot cut their Palm leaves and spray for clover in the common areas. President said no to the palm leaf cutting.
SC 70 said the Sand Dollar quilters wanted to thank Director Pelletier for his efforts to repaint the Arts and Crafts room.
Lot R praised the Hospitality Manager Julio for the Easter Feast. Owner said everything was great.
Lot 558 had a complaint about the commercial dump area.
Lot 119 had a complaint about the cable TV and Swing Bridge.
SC 51 was a repeat of LOT R

Board Comments
Director Gagan said he feels prices on materials are going up and suggested that the Board consider to lock in any Major improvement bids that have a materials cost involved.

Comments from the audience
Lot 288 asked since Easter was great, how about Thanksgiving. Our general manager said that's already being talked about. She also asked if the road repair was ever officially approved by the Board and if so, was the company doing the job the same one we had second thoughts about originally? Treas. Steffensen said 11/21/09 was the approval date and yes it is the same company. The GM said he investigated the work that this company previously did and found it was more than satisfactory.
Dir. Pelletier announced a fund raiser raffle for a golf cart to end the second week in Jan. 2011. Tickets (500) are $25 ea. or five for $100. All monies go towards the improvement of the golf course. He said to also remember the Memorial Garden as a great way to remember a loved one, pets not included.

WORKSHOP
Dir. Bergsma said by next week's meeting he will attempt to broadcast the meeting over the internet.
Dir. Guerra asked about last Sunday’s swing bridge problem and when the Marquee will be moved. The answers were nothing was reported and the move will be in June.
Dir. Pelletier said an outside washroom will be constructed at the Pro Shop where the ice machine is located. This is supposed to paid for out of the $22,000 set aside for our new maintenance office. There is a proposal for a chair lift for the Activity Center that will be paid for by a Village Owner.
VP Halbach said there was a $3384 profit in the first month for the restaurant.
P. Burke brought up her idea of having lawn weed control available to owners for a fee. I guess you can call it a weed fee. This subject went on for what seemed like thirty minutes and ending with the President saying we could just look at this weed problem as a By-Law nuisance and make all owners take care of their weeds.
Treas. Steffensen went through her wording changes she wish to have for rules/deposits in using the gazebo and owners lounge. An owner commented that the deposits dtdn't seem to do much if anything to keep the owners lounge clean. Treas. Steffensen also wanted some changes in the rental contracts like charging owners who change a current contract that makes the rental department having to move the renter to a new location. This discussion went on for another twenty minutes of mostly globally gook. An owner brought up her problems she had with the Rental Dept. like when her place was rented while they were staying in it and the renter walk right in on them. She also said the rental office was screwing her when they rented her place and didn't pay them. There was a different owner who confirmed such. The President wanted further info about this from the owner.

Short Recess
The new district manager for Aramark Dan Ackley was introduced.
The discussion of the rental contract continued for the next five minutes. This was just a bunch of back and forth with our Board President talking the most.
The Secretary said the new pool wrist bands are now a hot pink and yellow. This led to a twenty minute discussion from directors Guerra and Montalvo who expressed their concerns of what appears to be an extreme difference between wristband enforcement when only 100 wristbands were sold in winter as opposed to 3000 in the summer. This ended with different Directors blaming Security.
Jennie McBride, Sue Smith, and Karen Fritz were congratulated for their work in painting and cleaning the Pro Shop.
Lot 96-97 complained about her sprinkler wires and Armando said he would take care of it.

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APRIL SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS

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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Review of the 2009 Aramark Annual Report

Our Village Grill lost $76,888 in 2009. It's been advertised that we had 75% of the restaurant remodeled and that apparently didn't need any approval by our Board .
The only references in the Minutes about this refashion were a director’s wish of doing some improvements with a guess estimate and a comment a month later about getting some figures together to present to the Board. Now we find it done with no apparent approval or known costs. Why is that?
The 2010 Budget has projected that our restaurant will lose $67,000 this year. Is this amenity going in the right direction?

Last year our Golf Course lost $97,038, almost doubling the amount it had lost four years ago. The Board said the reason was rising water costs. That may be true but it seems to contradict Aramark’s Water report which shows only a 9% increase or $25,535 more in water costs since 2006. This was not water for just the golf course but the entire Village.
The 2010 budget thinks the golf course will lose $87,192 this year. Is this amenity going in the right direction?

The Laundry was a $4,846 loser. This is a minor loss compared to the above, but this cleaning facility did make a profit of $2,228 in 2005 and a $1,518 profit in 2006. The Board then decided to outsource this amenity instead of buying new appliances. The Village promptly lost $4786 in 2007 and our Board blamed a three month sewer fiasco. In 2008 it lost $5,640 and the Board blamed Hurricane Dolly. No one can deny that the sewer and hurricane had an impact on revenues, but what’s the excuse for losing $4,846 in 2009?
The 2010 budget has projected the Laundry will lose $5600 this year. Are we now saying with this amenity that losing money is now not an exception but a rule. Is our outsourced partner suffering these same losses? Is this amenity going in the right direction?

Our Rental Office showed a profit of $13,489 last year. Celebrations broke out for being in the black for the first time. During the January Board meeting a Villager asked why the Rental Office was showing such an improvement and our illustrious President couldn’t wait to tell everyone it was due to booking more rentals along with the Board's implementation of suggestions they received from a study done after Hurricane Dolly.
Has everyone forgotten that early in 2009 our Board said they added a 2008 Hurricane Dolly $38,712 loss revenue insurance check to the 2009 Rental bottom line. Take away that check and our Rental Office was a $25,223 loser, only $709 better than the previous year when Hurricane Dolly ruined the rental revenues.
The 2010 budget expects the Rental Office to lose $31,800 this year. Does one even have to ask if this amenity is going in the right direction? What do you think?

The report said Securitas saved our Village $3,000 this year and cost $13,131 less than what our Village was paying for the unlicensed gatekeepers in 2007.
Several Directors who still reside on our Board had vehemently argued Securitas, a LICENSED security company, was going to cost our Village thousands more if rehired.
In this report it also showed that our Village had paid $222,346 for Security in 2007. A footnote was attached saying this figure included a management allocation fee of $7,242, a $6,466 final billing fee from terminated Securitas, and a reference that the amount paid to Aramark as part of a new agreement (in originally replacing Securitas) was $174,250. The obvious question here is what did our Board spend an extra $34,388 on?
The 2010 Budget said Securitas will charge our Village $4,368 less this year. Is Security going in the right direction? I'll answer that. YOU BETCHA!

Villagers pay dearly for Aramark and we are told their management professionals are well trained in finding ways at saving our Village money. Our 2008 Board with all of its controversy found a way to lower our Security and Cable costs while contracting for a much better product. It can be done.
Many feel the current Board with our new General Manager are more than capable of saving some of this $195,000 the 2010 budget says we are suppose to lose in our rental office, laundry, restaurant, and golf course. What do you think?

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Board Meeting 3/24/2010

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking on Agenda Issues
President Remarks-P. Burke took time to scold “those among us” who she believes failed to obey LIV rules. No names were mentioned of who she alleged had contacted our vendors and service providers. She said that only the Board members have the responsibility to contract, communicate, and et cetera with our outside vendors. She said if you don’t like what the Board is doing; express it at the next election. She said there were owners who have taken upon themselves to do things which have impacted and caused damage to other owners, and as we note from the Coffee at least one potential renter had a negative impression of this Village from reading stuff on-line. She said that the actions of a few are only going to damage this Village without saying who those few are.

Manager report-Rick Horner said 75 work orders were done with 5 still pending. There are 64 lots in arrears totaling $21,930. There were 5 building permits and 5 new violation letters issued. Armando went over the management actions from the Coffee Meeting concerns.

Directors Additional Comments
D. Pelletier asked for volunteers to paint the Arts and Crafts room.
D. Bergsma discussed the “meeting conference system” where the Board meetings can be seen online. He mentioned there’s a need to bring the computer reception signal into the Arts and Craft room. He said he found a free conference system provider and P. Burke said this will be looked into further at a later date.

Approval of February Minutes was done.

Treasurer report and Financials-while Treas. Steffensen went through the financials, P. Burke interrupted her with saying to owners don’t waste your time at trying to get any information on LIV accounts, because only she and the Treasurer have access to owners accounts. She said so you as owners will only receive information from the Board. Treasurer showed that the P&L revenue centers were all in the black.

D. Montalvo presented awards to the Election Committee for job well done.

Committee Reports
1. D&E-White said there will be one last Leslie Party and Leslie will be back next year. Charge next year will be $3 and each table will bring their own snacks.
2. Golf-Pelletier praised the improvements made around the course by the golfers.
3. Pool-Steffensen said the pool wrist bands will be changed soon. The Board is looking to purchase statues for the island area in the outdoor pool. It was said there will be stronger enforcement of wrist bands next winter.
4. Other

Unfinished Business
D. Bergsma requested a motion to spend $15,000 for the side scanning sonar that will determine the amount of dredging material and sea wall conditions. It was voted down.

New Business
Burke asked for the Broad to vote for the two candidates that the Bridge Board seemed to have endorsed. It was questioned as to if the Bridge Board took the time to read the third candidate's application. P. Burke seemed to mumble that you would have to ask someone else and continued for the vote. The Board approved Steve Fowler and Roger Steffensen.

P. Burke said she was going to attend a Cowen Meeting this week. She said the Hamlinck trial will be June 28th and the other two have motions have summary judgments pending.

Meeting schedule for 2011 was discussed. Motion made and passed.

Committee appointments were discussed and asked if there a wish for any changes. D. White asked to be on the Hurricane Committee and P. Burke unenthusiastically said, well, I’ll take a look at that and called for the vote. Motion passed to keep the committees the same.

The Board passed the motion to keep the same assistant officers.

Meeting recessed
An owner wanted to ask P. Burke a question just prior to the continuance of the meeting and she said the Board is not back in session. The owner said this is just a non official question and P. Burke said that your question will be official and wanted all of his questions on the record.
Meeting in Session

The owner was now allowed to asked where the P&L info was and then told in the back by where you walk in.

Treasurer Steffensen talked about the improvements with the LIV website. One inprovement is the rental listings. She said owners who are not presently in the Village will not be able to personally list their rental properties on the website due to the By-Laws. She said she would keep owners up to date on futher improvements.
Director White talked about the evening table setup problems after having afternoon activities in the Rec. Hall. Motion passed to limit afternoon activity to Monday and Wednesday only in the Rec. Hall and to end at 2:30 pm.
Our Board President again brought up her problems with people who ride bicycles in our Park. She now has the Texas Bicycle laws and told owners she is going to give these to management and security to use.

Executive Meeting

Rick Horner scored near perfect in his evaluation by the Board.

The Board talked about a Cowen Meeting.

The Board wants to impose a stricter no smoking policy.

Adjournment

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March 17th Coffee with the Directors

Pledge of Allegiance

Lot 679 asked about A&C locker 49 and square dancing after 3pm.
Lot 153 talked about having the practice for the Christmas program from 4-6pm
Lot 916 said the hole in her yard keeps getting bigger.
Rick Horner said he needed to get with Mr. Salazar (security) about a Hummer that was speeding.
Lot 96 said the plastic Census bags are causing litter in our Park.
SC 57 had concerns about the pool during the off days of the current pool operator.

WORKSHOP
D. Pelletier wants on the agenda the moving of the marquee to the curb, A&C lockers, water meters for each lot, and during construction make a rule to put up an orange construction fence to keep debris from falling into the canal. He also said Julio is doing a fine job in the Grill.
D. Bergsma wants to talk about web conferencing.
D. White wants to talk about Rec. Hall scheduling.
Unknown wants to discuss why Lot 120’s electric box is supplying electricity for common ground sprinklers.
P. Burke wants to discuss Bridge Board candidates, current litigations, meeting schedule, committee appointments, and assistant officers.
Unknown wants to know why Time Warner dropped channels 48, 64, and 74

An executive meeting is scheduled after next week’s Board meeting
End

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MARCH 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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2010 ELECTIONS, NOTHING’S CHANGED.

The same Board members were re-elected, Bill Gagan 379, Anita White 346, and Jose Guerra 346. The other candidates were Virginia Martin 245 and Patty Ann Sandberg 234. All cabinet positions stayed the same.

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Target Practice

If there ever was an example of what our six members of the “08” Board had to go through it was witnessed last night at the “Meet the Candidates” event. What a disgrace. What’s up with this October “08” letter that supposedly had Aramark’s response to an owner's concerns towards mismanagement in our Village?
Who in the world should care if anyone contacted our management company, especially then when they probably received a ton? Where in the Declaration or By-Laws does it state an owner is prohibited to contact the Association’s management company and express individual concerns? NOWHERE! This in my opinion appeared to be nothing more than a lame attempt to discredit a candidate who has rubbed some the wrong.
This was atrocious and did not belong at this type of gala.
I believe these three should apologize to this candidate for their inappropriate actions. If not it will once again confirm to owners that some things will never change.

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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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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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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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January 27th Board Meeting

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking on Agenda IssuesLot? Spoke long about her concerns of the revenue losses in all the revenue sources, spending of the money on the roads and the cost of dredging. She also talked about the issues of the Bridge.

Directors Speaking
Dir. White mentioned a man named Ernest from the census will stop by to speak to owners.
Dir. Gagan said there was an e-mail scam going around with someone saying they lost their wallet and want you to send them money.

President’s Remarks-P. Burke took many minutes to say she had nothing to talk about.

Manager’s Report –Rick Horner said there were 12 building permits, three letters sent for violations, and $51,344 worth of condo fees in arrears. Mr. Horner said he had been bothered since starting his job that every work order in every month was completed because he knew that was impossible. He said that they were being put into the system after they were completed and starting Feb. 1st this will stop. They will go in the system (except cable) when received. He did not have the figures yet but knows the Restaurant is doing better.

Approval of Minutes for December

Treasurer’s Report-Treas. Steffensen touched on the operating funds, major improvement funds, building permit accts, insurance escrow accts, and cash in banks, holdings-investment accts, and accts. receivable totals. Question was asked where was the contingency funds the Board created when the condo fees were raised last time? The answer was those monies are now paying for the increased bridge assessments followed by a five minute orientation from P. Burke of what the Village has done to get help from the county and state. The P&L showed that every revenue center lost money with the exception of the Rental Dept. P. Burke made the comment that our Village is getting more rentals and dividends from implementing suggestions from a study made last year.

Committee Reports

1. D&E-Dir. White said the cocktail party with was a success. Upcoming events is the sock hop 1/30, Leslie on 2/1, raptor man will visit 2/5, trash & treasures on 2/6, Valentine and Retro dances will be sometime in February.
2. Golf-Dir. Pelletier said the committee meets the first Wed. each month at noon, everyone is welcomed. He said there will be an upcoming fundraiser and the concrete cart paths will be completed this year.
3. Pool-Treas. Steffensen had nothing to report except the wrist bands will change color this year.
4. Finance-Treas. Steffensen said the committee will meet Monday before the Coffee Meeting and the Audit has begun by a new person called Ron Rivera.
5. Other N/A

Unfinished Business

1. Budget 2010-Treas. Steffensen discussed with the other Directors the corrections in the current proposed budget. She made the comment in this Village budget that’s heavy with equipment the Village would be better off to buy used instead of lease.
2. Building Code changes-Dir. Pelletier got a motion passed to change wording of certification of contractors, eliminate the minimum of 36” height for park models, and that all outside lights in the canals must not bother neighbors.
Dir. Bergsma wanted to know exactly why the board doesn’t allow it the enclosing of decks with products like clear plastic easy breeze panels. P. Burke’s answer was the standards with putting them up and the enforcement in taking them. There would also be questions if this might add to the max total cubic ft. allowed for units. Motion made and died for a lack of a second to go further on the subject.
3. Check-In/Auto Pass-P. Burke passed this item on to Mr. Horner, who said the office had been confused for a long time on what to charge people, but it’s now corrected and prices are posted.
4. Dredging Report- Dir. Bergsma introduced Chris Ransom of a survey company that explained what they did and answered questions very well. Dir. Gagan explained his concern that John Freeland’s new canal will deposit material back into our canals when his canals are built. It was brought up about what action should be taken in getting permission from the Cowan Group to dredge canal H. One owner mentioned the possibility of a class action lawsuit if this dredging starts. All in all Dir. Bergsma did a great job at explaining the need, the survey costs, and the four steps necessary to dredge our waterways, but the overall cost are still a question. Lot 284 asked why our Village can’t we the $15,000 needed to pay for the initial survey so we know what money we are talking about. Motioned passed to table until the annual meeting.
5. 2010 Election Info-Dir. White gave the floor to Liz Deitrick who said on Feb 6th the packets will be mailed. She mentioned that same day there will be the Annual Wildlife and Outdoor Expo, featuring the Birds of Prey at the Convention Center. She said the proxy will now need a photo ID or notarized signature.
6. Security Concerns-P. Burke said security started a new method with documenting concerns and follow-up.
7. Vehicle Parking-P. Burke voiced that vehicles must not hang out in the road or be on the grass. Dir. Pelletier asked what it takes to tow cars parking over the allotted time in the Welcome Center.
SC51 request to allow the posting of their Church sales event sign was approved in the activity center.
8. Lot 267-Raynundo Lopez was a no show. Motion passed to give owner 30 days to start restoration of structure or its removal and must sign a form saying LIV can remove it at his expense if over that deadline.

New business N/A

Other N/A

Adjournment

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JANUARY 20TH COFFEE W/ DIRECTORS

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments from the suggestion box-VP Halbach
Lot 428 brought up reflectors to indicate what lots are for sell or rent. Response was this was brought up before, but will review again.
Lot 796 brought up how great the game of washers and bolts is and suggested the making of four boxes. Owner also asked to reset the horseshoe pegs.
Lot 184 said lot 183 is trashy and something needs to be done.
SC 12 asked if Security would stop the practice of people parking their vehicles on the grass or sticking out in the street.
Lot 759 said there seems a need for the towels and cleaner to be replaced earlier in the morning for the exercise room.
Lot 229 brought up an incident two months ago that she thought it was terrible when she heard a Board member was walking an unleashed dog that chased a renter’s cat. The facts were the dog just got loose and the board member was trying to catch it. P.Burke gave a long speech on rules and stories of barking dogs and even gave her own impersonation a dog barking.

Comments from the Audience
Lot 638 asked LIV's Security Manager if he allowed any of his employees to watch TV. Mr. Salazar said they watch for training at the guard house, but are never allowed to watch TV during rush hours. P. Burke said she has no objections for Security to watch TV.
Lot 631 complained about the wild cats who serenade late at night. P. Burke gave her opinion along with the rules of the Park.
Lot 288 Co-chairperson of the Election Committee announced information about the three vacancies available in the upcoming election.
SC120 asked why the picture of the old Hospitality Manager was still in the current management/director showcase. P. Burke said she has been trying to get the new GM, Hospitality manager, Ramona, and Armando together at the same time to take their individual pictures before she can remove that picture. Julio was mention for the first time in a meeting as the new Hospitality Manager.
Lot 443 had a large complaint about the condition of lot 267. P. Burke said it is at the Attorney.
SC120 asked about the music being shut off on channel 18 and if maintenance had sprayed for weeds on the golf course. P. Burke tried to make a joke when saying Elvis was singing at 2am and Armando said maintenance sprayed last Saturday.
Lot 229 asked if the Board had noticed the cable going out a few days back.

Comments from the Directors
Dir. Gagan said he is considering on waiting for the key card initiative and mentioned the number of raccoons in the Village.
Dir. Guerra told everyone happy new year.
Dir. Bergsma said at the next board meeting he will have consultants from Houston to talk about the dredging engineering study our Park is going to contract. He said our Village has applied for an extension to our dredging permit and that John Freeland will share in dredging costs. Freeland has also agreed to take our dredging material which might save our Village millions of dollars. This is a hydraulic survey engineering firm that uses high tech side scanning and GPS for preparing bid specifications for dredging operators, and will oversee the final bids for accuracy. Dir. Bergsma went on to say we are looking to do this by summer because Freeland’s need for this dredging material will end then. There was a question from the audience about dredging for all lots on the intercoastal waterway and canal H, which by the way are not the Village's common ground. Dir. Bergsma replied that no one should object in doing those too.
Dir. White mentioned the Monday 1/25 a cocktail party with Debbie Moore, a sock hop party on Sat. 1/30, and the trash and treasure on Sat. 2/6. There is also going to be a quilt raffle with the winner drawn at the annual meeting.
P. Burke said pool wrist bands are required 365 days a year and you will be asked to leave for not wearing one. No posting of signs will be tolerated unless approved by the Board. P. Burke said a decision was made to shelter the homeless at our Rec. Hall if Port Isabel had thought necessary during this last cold spell. She then read a letter of thanks from the Mayor.
Owner from lot #172 was left to speak about asking to sponsor to him in the Girls and Boys club bike marathon.

Workshop
Dir. White wanted to talk about having different days for the early cocktail party events to spread the often overtime interruptions around.
Dir. Pelletier asked to move the Board meetings back into the A&C room. He talked about the three alterations for the Building Codes. Discussions were abounding that included the one on Dir. Bergsma request about enclosing his deck.
Treas. Steffensen talked on her major improvement lists and said there is funding now for a new truck and tractor. She talk about items that were put in their proper place. She touched on Water and Legal estimates.
Dir. Halbach talked on the earlier reflector request and it was decided to not do it. There was a rumor brought up about the line dancing instructor charging for her services. Rumor was found to be incorrect.
Dir. Gagan made a concern about way the Green Bikers were biking which brought out P. Burke’s speech on LIV’s road rules.

End


1/29 NOTE* IN THE "COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE, SC120' RAMONA IN INCORRECT, IT SHOULD BE AURORA.

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JANUARY SUGGESTIONS

We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions 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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