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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DECEMBER 16TH BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking on Agenda Issues
Lot 759-Owner had concerns about the proposed $20 condo fee increase. She asked where we get the information that future increases are going to happen. Owner asked why not one time assessments instead of an increase in fees that never will decrease. She also asked if these increase percentages are going to be an annual event.

Presidents Remarks-Burke
Urged owners to register to vote so as to influence government help with the swing bridge and keep Port Isabel from annexing our Village.
Tom Cain will not continue on the Bridge Board and asked for replacements.
She gave the Christmas house lighting contests results.
She expressed the legalities of driving a golf carts outside the Village.

Manager Report-Horner/Zamora
Work orders from Oct-26 to the end of Nov-57, with most completed. Late condo fees (73-15 to 30 days) (22-60 days) (3-90 days). There are 98 lots in arrears for a total of $34,158. Third letter issued to Lot 784 for not keeping the lot clean and neat. Building permits 4. Golf course sprinklers working while it’s raining were again mentioned. An issue about the pool exhaust fan coming on and being too noisy during exercise class.

Approval of Minutes for November-Burke
Motion made and approved

Treasurer Report-Steffensen
The December report balances were read with no questions. Profit & Loss net income for 2009 was $157,326 less than 2008. All Profit and loss centers were in the red except the rental office. That showed $27, 982 in the black, but it was reminded that $38,000 from hurricane insurance was added to that department. The laundry was questioned as to why it was still a loser. No answer was able to be given.

Committee Reports:
1. D&E-White said there were 218 people at the cocktail party w/Leslie. New Year’s party coming up.
2. Golf-Pelletier said meetings are at noon on the first Wed. of each month at the restaurant patio area. Everyone is invited. Is beginning a fund raiser in selling brick paver memorials.
3. Pool-Steffensen N/A
4. Finance-Steffensen said there will be a meeting in January
5. Other

Unfinished Business
1. Dredging Report-Bergsma said LIV needs a hydrographic survey engineer to come in with his equipment and pull readings of the canals. This will give an accurate amount of dredging material removed. He said the amount that is read on the dredge company's meters are inaccurate and this could save the Village a tremendous amount of money. He said that he talked to John Freeland who wished to share the use of the dredging company and that will also reduce the cost. Freeland will take our dredge material onto his land which will again save LIV money. One problem is that this must be done within six months per Freeland. It was said by Dir. Bergsma that the cost will probably be in the area of one million dollars. There was talk about property values if this was not done. Dir. Bergsma is currently looking for a surveyor.

2. Budget 2010-Steffensen said she put the newsletter an eight year comparison of direct expense increases. She reviewed the needs for a condo fee increase, and then made the motion for a $20 monthly increase starting Feb.1st. Motion passed unanimously. P. Burke said that if we have too much money, we have to give it back. Treas. Steffensen wants the finance committee to take on a five year plan towards projected capital needs of our Village.

Intermission

Owners given opportunity to speak
Lot 679 commented that she thought most owners would like to know where the increase in fees is going to be spent. Treas. Steffensen said the money is for the $41,000 budget deficit and the $126,000 major improvement plans. We have $110,000 that also has to be spent on patching the roads.
Lot 759 said she personally would like to see the Board go one step further and show evidence to owners of these costs increases we are having . She wished for more transparency. P. Burke said they do provide information when asked and then mentioned something about if you want a full time treasurer, but didn’t finish her statement. This owner said because of a condo fee increase a few years ago along with this one, she just wanted a little more transparency that shows these increase in costs.
SC111 remarked angrily towards the owner of lot 759 even questioning the Board.

New Business
1. Revised Policy 5.2 Quarterly Assessment/Late Fees-Burke
Board made clearer wording about assessments due dates and late fees to create a better position when legal action occurs.
2. Clergy Pass-White
This is still being debated on exactly how to implement.
3. Owner-Agent Resignation Form-Burke
This form is for owners to authorize and allow a hired agent to do things to their property and hold our Village harmless to such events. Motion made and passed.
4. 2010 Election-Burke
Leroy Mulch and Liz Deitrick was appointed by P. Burke to replace Sandra Etter on the Election Committee.

Other

Adjournment




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DECEMBER 9TH COFFEE with the DIRECTORS

Directors Gagan, Bergsma, and Montalvo were not present. GM Horner was not present.

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments from the Directors
Dir. White mentioned December’s activities. Friday (11th) Employee Christmas Party at 3pm, Saturday (12th) White Elephant Party, Monday (14th) Christmas Cocktail Party bring a toy w/Leslie, New Years Eve Party. She also mentioned church functions for the needy. Dir. Pelletier thanked the choir and golf parade participants.

P. Burke said to wear swim bands.

Treas. Steffensen mentioned the number of people around the world that visit our LIV website.

From the Suggestion Box
SC 109 asked to investigate solar heat for the swimming pool.

Comments from the Audience
Lot 251 said the curve at Cockle and Conch needs attention because people are running off the pavement and making a deep rut.

Lot 638 asked for the Board to consider charging owners a membership fee to our restaurant. He asked if the security cameras were operating in the maintenance area. He asked if there was an arrangement to have a trailer park there until after the hurricane season. After P. Burke gave her rendition of the event, this owner thought the park should replace the tires to the owner of that trailer that were thought to have been vandalized. P.Burke went on at length to scold the scoundrel who did such a thing. Other members of the Board thought likewise on giving compensation.

Lot 329 said it was announced that there’s a new government grant that was just issued that our Village might look into. He also asked questions about items in the budget.

Lot 832 asked if all the water goes through the golf course. Answer was no.

Lot 512 asked if clergy could get a clergy pass. There was discussion.

SC 120 said she for the Boards information that she heard there were osprey towers used for nesting that the Cowen Group wanted our Park to remove. P. Burke gave a lengthy legal orientation on ramifications towards anyone removing these.

WORKSHOP
It was announce the Library will have a get together 4-6 pm this Sunday. Also the manager of Securitas was complimented on showing up at our meetings every month.

Dir. White wanted the clergy pass on the agenda

Dir. Guerra asked about progress on lot 267 about their repairs and what the attorney said. Nothing further has happened.

P. Burke wants to revise wording on condo fees (assessments). She wants to talk about owner designation forms to better protect our Park. This will clarify on who has authority to act for owners in our Park. She also mentioned the Election Committee President has resigned and will need to be addressed.

Treas. Steffensen discussed different items in the budget with the other Directors. She explained on the capital side there is a $41,000 budget deficit for 2010. On the major improvement side we are looking at $126,000 for 2010. In her opinion a revenue increase is the only way to make this possible. She said a revenue increase of $20 will cover both above and leave $59,000 that would be put towards the Park’s roads. This increase now has to be voted on by next week because of having to give notice and make the coupons to send. P. Burke then gave a speech on why it’s not a bad deal. An owner asked why not just increases it by $5 and P. Burke said we need to do the roads. There was mentioned the electricity and legal fees are expenses LIV has no control of.

The Board started suggesting implementing a set revenue increase amount every year, then switching to fill in the amount as needed. When all said and done, Treas. Steffensen said she will bring up a motion next week of a $20 increase in the condo fees starting Feb. 1st and study on automatic increases each year.

Dir. White asked how far we are at removing the hydraulic system from the sprinkler system on the golf course. It will be completed this coming year. It was also asked about the sprinklers running when it rains.

End




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DECEMBER 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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NOVEMBER 21ST BOARD MEETING

Pledge of allegiance

Owners Speaking
Lot SC 18 bought up this year’s boat parade and said she had posters and applications. This owner gave recommendations on applicants our Village should support for the Chamber of Commerce Director’s position. P. Burke then made it official to support those recommendations.

President’s remarks-Burke
Library schedule in Dec. will be open Mon-Fri. 11am-1pm

Manager’s Report-Horner/ Zamora
Five building permits were given and two letters sent out to Lots 490 and 784. Condo fee report had 54 lots @ fifteen days, 33 @ sixty days, and 4 @ ninety days. He said the Restaurant sales were up by 21%.

Director’s Public Comments
This was scratched

Approval of October Minutes
There was a correction to clarify wording between bridge cost and condo fees not increasing.
Motion for both Executive and Board minutes was made and passed.

Treasurer Report-Steffensen
The treasurer’s report was read, after which it was determine not to be necessary in future meetings. Profit and Loss showed all losers as usual except for Rental Dept because it received insurance from Dolly of 38K to put it in the black.

Committee Reports
a. D&E-White-talked about the Thanksgiving feast table sign-ups, Christmas concert on Dec. 6th, and giving employee Christmas donations to Dick Stabler. Other events were the golf cart Christmas parade and chili dump along with the White Elephant being now an open party on Dec 12th. Cocktail toys for tots party with Leslie on Dec. 14th and New Year’s dinner and dance party on Dec.31st.
b. Golf-Pelletier-said there is now a meeting every month. Will complete all of the cart paths from donations.
c. Pool-Steffensen-N/A
d. Other-N/A

Budget for 2010-Steffensen
It was said they are looking to lease a new truck through Aramark along with numerous minor items. Questions were asked about the 2011 items. It was asked if the new riding mower and truck could be leased through Aramark at the same time. The skid steer was brought up as an example that if our Village had tried to purchase this, it would have cost $52,000 instead of going through Aramark at $39,000. At the nest workshop there will have a final Budget. Then it came to the operating budget for 2010. With 11% water increase ($33,000), garbage pickup increase of 25%, cost of goods overall at 2% increase will all lead to a deficit of $41,000 in 2010. A condo fee increase next year of $20 is recommended to get the operating capital in line. Dir. Guerra said he had a problem with a condo increase because there are people in the Park living off a fixed income. An owner made the comment that this is the facts of life, things go up. One owner brought up the idea of charging for the pool and tennis courts. There was discussion about privatizing the amenities. Director Bergsma said privatization of the amenities will not work.

Recess

Unfinished Business
a. Paving Contract-Pelletier – a motion received and passed having the original company at the original amount ($16,000) to patch a certain amount of Village roads.
b. Superior Alarms-Gagan - was discussed to do in stages (main gate and boat dock)

New Business
a. Burke
1. No Fishing Off Bridge & Area Rule- motion made and passed that no fishing off canal bridges
2. Chamber Vote see above
b. Bergsma
1. Update on Canal “H” from Ramona so far that Cowen has no responsibility to dredge canal H and probably residents on canal H could dredge. Armando said so far $980,000 will be the anticipated cost at ten feet from sea walls so far without canal H and with spoils to Freeland property. Discussions then continued about spending more to include dredging to the seawalls.
2. Report on Freeland Taking Spoils of Dredge-P.Burke said this seemed ok with him.
3. Paving Repairs on Sea Cottage N/A
Other
a. Another executive meeting to discuss managerial issues.
b. Update on arrears
1. Lot 267 may be looked at to foreclose upon.
2. A lot owner wanted to delay on paying arrears until January

Adjournment

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A TIDBIT

It has been three months since our general manager Rick Horner started working here. In that short time he has captured the praise of many. The small things that were overlooked before are now being done. It seems a proactive approach is now being used without fabrications.

Owners have recently seen that when problems present themselves beyond the Gm’s control, he doesn’t mind working up a sweat and getting his hands a little dirty. The latest was witnessed this evening at Chicken Night. The relatively new hospitality supervisor quit without notice leaving Rick and Armando holding the Chicken Night doggie bag.

Rick rolled up his sleeves and was doing the chores with Armando. I mean nonstop work filling up the food trough, serving coffee, and everything else that makes for happy owners at this event.

If this first ninety days is any indication of what we have as a new Gm, I believe we’ve got a keeper.

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NOVEMBER 14, 2009, COFFEE w/DIRECTORS

Pledge of Allegiance

Suggestion Box
Lot 316 had issues with lights shining directly at his residence all night. Director Pelletier said the rules prohibit that and security needs to be told to correct it.

From the Audience
Lot 870 had concernes about a young man fishing in an area that seems dangerous. Lot owner also pointed out that at times this person is trespassing.
Lot 329 asked for the update on the Rec. Hall toilets. Armando said the clog has been removed and Rick the GM said they are in the process of acquiring some toilet seat cover dispensers to keep people from using towels to cover the seat that did this last clog.
Lot ? said the service and food was wonderful at the Village Grille.
Lot 345 brought up again the problems in obtaining loans for LIV properties.
S C 120 said there have been temperature and chlorine problems with the pool again. This was supported by Dir. White that show the audience several swim wear garments that have changed color after one swim. Dir. White said she felt the Board needs to reconsider the use of Berry Pools. Dir. Guerra said the rep for Berry Pools came in here and put on a very good show, but this? Rick the GM said they recently replaced the thermostat and that was the reason for the temperature flux. He said there have been too many problems with these Berry people. He said he has talked to another company and soon will talk to several more. He said there is a 30 day notice in the Berry contract to cancel. The GM also said Berry Pools was over charging LIV $100 each month for the last six months. P. Burke said since she signed the last contract, service has declined. She said the sales rep. failed to tell Berry Pools about the $1295 a month renegotiated price, a cost that is to just monitor and chemically feed the pools.
Lot 830 commented on how nice the Park looks. P.Burke said she could not take the credit for that.
Dir. White said Dick Stabler is heading up the employee appreciation fund. She mentioned Thanksgiving dinner signup procedures and things to remember.
Lot 174 wanted to help organize the trash and treasure. Management said it was their fault because they failed to tell hospitality supervisor that he was responsible for this event.
Treas. Steffensen said they are in the talking stages on what to put in the outdoor pool island to dress it up. One suggestion was a statue of some kind.
Lot 496 commented how lovely the pelican welcome home sign looked.
P.Burke said only Security will now have keys to the tennis courts. The Coffee meeting lost their cookies over this.
Dir. Pelletier mentioned for the Board to use the microphones more often at the meetings.

WORKSHOP
Chicken night will start on Nov. 18 at a price of $7.21 including tax.
Armando started talking about dredging of the channels. This led to over a forty five minute conversation that ended up with trying to use a dredging company that will be working in this area. It sounds like a large future assessment to every owner is on its way.
Dir. Pelletier talked about the patch work that took a 50% increase in price because the Board cut back the size of the job. P. Burke said they can't get any more bids because no one except this guy who worked out of his truck up until a year ago. The thinking now is leaning toward paying him the $16,000 to do the original large job and save $8000. Dir. Bergsma again brought up the concrete repairs needed in the Sea Cottage streets.
Voting for which candidate that’s running for the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce was brought up by P. Burke.
Dir. Gagan had a person present at the meeting to discuss the problems and cost of replacing the palm trees around the pool. It seemed the price area is around $1000 per palm times sixteen.
Treas. Steffensen talked about the budget. She said because of the increase expenses in water, trash, wages, and legal fees that there will be a minuscule amount that will be budgeted for major improvement fund (max. $15000). Dir. Montalva asked if the Village Grille is a revenue loser, why do we keep pouring money in it and still seem to express this attitude towards outsiders that we don’t want them here. The result to all this budget talk is that there will be about a 10% increase ($20 a month) in condo fees starting in March.
When asked by Dir. Pelletier about the arrangement of cabinets in the A&C room, P. Burke gave the explanation and said just how everyone is so happy with the situation.
A suggestion was made to post the recycling locations in the trash bin areas for Villagers.

Meeting over.

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NOVEMBER 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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At the October 28th Board meeting Director Gagen brought up an idea of key cards to be used to access entry into our Park, pool facility, exercise room, billiards room, boat ramp, and tennis court.

This is not the first time that this topic has been brought up, but since there have been fantastic improvements in this field in the past five years; it is well worth another look.

We as a park could monitor the use of each amenity and know the number of owners, renters, visitors, and others who made use of them. Our future cameras when installed would let Security be able to monitor each card holder to verify their identity when using the amenity without leaving the guard house.

Security at the front gate can verify the people entering our Park for a change instead of a car that just happens to have a Park sticker. It would virtually guarantee that no one could just drive in and use our amenities undetected.

It would enhance our security, make amenity analysis more accurate, and be a great selling point. It doesn't get any better that non owners paying a small fee for their temporary cards to make this item self sufficient and a constant revenue provider with no money out of the owner's pockets.
I for one think it is a great idea. Git er done.

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OCTOBER 28, 2009 BOARD MEETING

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking on Agenda Issues – NONE

President Remarks – P. Burke asked for a moment of silence to honor and pray for those who are ill and who have recently passed away. She mentioned Warren Lee’s funeral this coming Wednesday. She talked at length about her Port Isabel pirate cruise outing where she represented LIV and took pictures of our GM dressed up as a pirate.

Managers Report – GM said there were 9 building permits, 97 work orders, and 3 violation letters sent. There are 79 lots 15 days late, 4 lots at 60 days late, and 6 lots at 90 days late on Condo fees. He talked about major improvement projects in the works, the picking up of dead fish from the red tide, and said 80 % of the common area palm trees are cut. He said the current plan is to open the restaurant on Nov. 7th. Matt Wilson is our new Hospitality/Housekeeping Supervisor, and not a manager as I first expressed. I apologize for that error.

Approval of Minutes for September - Treas. Steffensen made a correction in the minutes and made the comment that Aramark was billing LIV too late in the month to administrate corrections within that month. She will bring that up during the contract talks with Aramark. Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Treas. Steffensen read the report. Nothing stood out as being out of line. On the Financial Profit & Loss had all revenue areas year to date were a loser except for the rental dept.

Committee Reports
a. D&E – Dir. White said it was a wonderful time this last Saturday and that next Saturday from 4-8 pm will be a Halloween cocktail party. Nov. 6th there will be Levi and the Good Times Band.
b. Golf – Dir. Pelletier N/A
c. Pool – Treas. Steffensen said the remaining 12 old pool chairs will be sold at the Trash and Treasure. She said the cost of the pool chemicals this year has been tremendous and wanted to look to see what if anything can be done in this area to save money.
d. Finance – Treas. Steffensen wanted to remind our Directors the 2010 Major Improvement projection lists she gave to them needs to be returned by Nov. 11th, in time for the that month's workshop. She said if any owner has any ideas to get with their director.
e. Other – Dir. Pelletier said he wanted a spokesperson from the stain glass group to get with him and Reta Priest to discuss what they wish to do as improvements in the Arts & Crafts room.

Unfinished Business
a. Paving Contract – Dir. Pelletier - Armando said there were two additional contractors who have yet turned in a bid, He said the Board might want to consider waiting until next year with the Winter Texans returning. P. Burke said there are spots that need immediate attention. Armando also questioned if there is enough money for this project and was told by the Board that since there will be no increase in this year's bridge assessments, the Park will be in good shape. Dir. Bergsma wanted action started now on the Sea Cottage roads and asked to get a contractor out to at least find out what the cost might be. P.Burke gave him her permission.
b. Arts & Crafts Room Counters – P. Burke said this was already talked about.
c. Other – P. Burke said she felt the Village belonging to the Better Business Bureau would not be a cost effective benefit. Action towards this cancelled.

New Business
a. Saturday Meetings – Burke proposed to change meetings back to Wednesday. Motion made that starting in Jan. 2010, Board meetings will be on Wednesday. Motion approved. Dir. Bergsma wanted to talk about having informational meetings somewhere in the Valley for the Valley owners. P. Burke said they will discuss the different ways to provide this. P. Burke proposed having a memorial gathering at the end of the year for all owners who have passed away within that year. She wanted a committee to be organized for this.
b. Building Code Committee – P. Burke directed the building code committee members to consolidate this years changes into a onetime affair to save filing cost.
c. Common Area Palm Trees – Dir. Gagen proposed replacing every Washingtonian Palm Tree that dies with a Royal palm because of its beauty and easy maintenance. This ended with Dir. Gagen and former director Ed McBride looking further into the matter.
d. Proposal and Presentation for Card Entry Security System – Dir. Gagen had Roger Rea from Superior Alarms give a presentation about key card entry systems. So far ten different accesses to certain amenities were being looked to possibly use this. The bottom-line was that this would self sufficient to the owners cost wise with the funds coming out of the renters, contractors, and etc pockets.
e. Dredging LIV Canals – Dir. Bergsma discussed the dredging our canals. It ended with P. Burke saying she has already had our Village attorney start to find out how the easement reads exactly before our Park should make plans on dredging.
Other

Break to an Executive Meeting
a. Legal strategies for pending cases
b. Strategies for other legal issues.

Adjournment





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OCTOBER 21, 2009 COFFEE WITH THE DIRECTORS

Pledge of Allegiance

To Note: Our prayers to Dir. Pelletier’s daughter who is to have open heart surgery.

From the Directors
Dir. White thanked our GM for the pelican sign on the main entry road. There is a cocktail party with Angie from 4-6pm this Saturday and a Halloween Party with the Wranglers next Saturday from 4-8pm.
P. Burke and others welcomed everyone back.

From the Suggestion Box
Lot 359 the head of the A&C committee said since there are inadequate funds to update the Arts & Crafts room the way they want, they choose to wait.
Lot 828 said please do not consider the spending of $7000+ for these Sunday television commercials.
Lot 284 wanted to thank the GM for cleaning up the dumpster area nearest to her residence. She also asked if the fence around the dumpsters could get a fresh coat of stain.
Lot 475 said when she arrived back from up north her grass and foliage around her home was dead. It appeared it was not watered even though they made sure the sprinkler system was working properly when they left. She asked why didn’t lawn maintenance notice this happening and report it.
Lot 288 wanted to thank the Board for hiring a GM who has started to maintain the many different items within our Park.

From the Audience
Selba Campbell announced she is signing up LIV owners to vote.
Lot 744 made the comment to the Board about making a good decision putting the pelican sign up.
Because someone asked about a new assessment on our swing bridge from Txdot, it gave way to a lengthy orientation by P. Burke on the different possible ways our Bridge may be taken over, replaced, intercoastal rerouting and so forth. The bottom line was this assessment is to update the 2004 assessment rating that will help our Park in the cost of our swing bridge. This was confused with the $2500 given to Mr. Freeland for the new survey to reroute our intercoastal waterway. This later led to a long discussion on the dredging our canals.
The Village Grille will try to open on Oct. 30th. There will be new ideas on menu, chicken night, and carryout with stressing that this is your restaurant and needs your input.
Lot? An owner asked P. Burke for her short version update on LIV’s current lawsuits. P.Burke explained;
1. Smith vs.LIV & L is in the discovery stage and hopefully will be resolved soon.
2. Hamlinck vs LIV Armstrong etc, court date is in November.
3. Cowen is in discovery.
4. Arroyo Cablevision court date is Nov. 10th.
Tom Cain said all owners need to register with Mrs. Campbell to increase our capacity to sway the city and county on our bridge needs.
Lot 251 said propositions 2, 8, 9, and 11 need to be voted yes by owners. P. Burke then took it upon herself to read word for word each proposition along with her comments for each.

Workshop / Agendas
This opened with the announcement that Welcome Center employees have come down with the H1N1 flu virus.
Dir. Montalva-none
Dir. Gagan-none
Dir. Bergsma wants to include Sea Cottage roads to the patchwork and start the ball rolling on getting the Cowen Group involved on dredging certain canals.
Dir. White asked about the video conferencing. It seems that there were only 12 responses to the article put in the newsletter, but it will be brought back up in January. It was also asked about what exactly was done to correct the outdoor pool problems. Tres. Steffensen and Burke said a valve was opened and a leak was repaired. There was a debate as to if there was any suction happening in the middle skimmers. There was a discussion about how to handle the differences between owners in remodeling Arts and Crafts room.
Dir. Guerra-none
Dir. Pelletier said he is still working on the street repairs which led to a twenty minute discussion on different streets in need of repair.
VP Halback-none
Tres. Steffensen started with wanting the Board to categorize by importance the list of major improvement projects, work on projecting their accurate costs, and turn them back in by November 9th. There was a broad range of reserve fund items discussed. P. Burke made the comment that if an owner wants any input on these projects, they need to talk to their Director.
P. Burke said there will be an executive meeting after the next regular meeting to discuss the continuing litigation issues. She mentioned that Saturday meetings will probably change back to Wednesday.

Adjourned

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A TIDBIT

At the September’s Board meeting it was asked why the new Webinar system was not in operation with telecasting our Board meetings via the internet. Last April the Board told owners this was to start in August when Director Bergsma returned. I don’t recall it later being openly discussed at any meeting but understand now that our Board has decided to cancell this because there was so little response from owners.

This invaluable service would cost less a year than our Village pays a month for th inept service from Berry Pools. Might it be possible that only a few owners read this one and only Webinar system article posted in our June’s newsletter? After all, this was when the LIV’s new website was first initiated with all kinds of technical problems unresolved until the following month.. In addition the article really didn’t indicate it wanted any immediate response. It just asked if owners had some kind of input to share.

The Board might find that there may be many more owners wanting this service more than the Rental Department and Berry Pools combined. Shouldn't the Board give the Webinar system a chance? Maybe at least a year’s worth of service before making a decision?

Director Bergsma, we need you.

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Concern- Compliment- Comment

Will owners question the spending of their money for two managers acting as GM for three and a half months? Can any owner argue that these two salaried managers don’t deserve receiving a bonus for their 105 days worth of additional obligations when after last year’s hurricane, salaried management were awarded over $11,000 for their 5 day additional effort?

If they do ask questions, will it include if this generous bonus of undisclosed proportions is for what these managers did or was it a cost for what our ex Gm and Aramark didn’t do.

Will anyone add an inquiry if two day notices of retirement from Aramark employees holding the most important management positions are long enough to find a replacement? Does Aramark condone these notices in believing that it is in the best interest to their clients? One would think not but then again one might also think Aramark should have policies they enforce not to allow two day notices like this to happen at all?

Why on earth with ARAMARK having in their words approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in this field, did it take over 60 days to find a minuscule number (4) of GM candidates to choose from?

Should the question be raise of why our Board didn’t feel it necessary to demand his stay until the replacement was found?

One wonders when will this Park start to hold Aramark and their $100,000+ annual fee for managerial support a wee bit more accountable for actions or non-actions.

Owners wish to know if they paid Aramark for any GM services or related expenses (e.g. vacation, sick, bonus, or severance days) from May through August 2009? Did Park owners contribute to the new manager’s relocation costs or is it Aramark’s responsibility since it was their employee who decided to retire attached with their blessing? Concerned owners feel they deserve to know all expenses they pay for and what has been the total price tag to replace this retired GM starting from when he gave his two day notice.

Should not all Park expenditures using Villager’s money have total transparency?

You make the call!



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OCTOBER 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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BOARD MEETING 9/30/2009

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking
Lot 744 talked about the manner in how the Board is acquiring sealed bids

from contractors. Example given was the sealed bid assumed opened for the first time at the last Coffee Meeting was actually sent to LIV and an Aramark employee put it in an envelope and sealed it before the meeting. Also discussed was the lack of getting the necessary three bids. Example given was the five step asphalt repair.

Presidents Remarks-Burke
Had nothing but small talk


Manager Report-Horner
All work orders completed, seven building permits, condo fees late, problem letters sent to owners, 4 returned. Armando was sick and missed the meeting.

Directors Speaking
P.Burke made comments about the letter sent to an owner about their grill on top of their shed for about ten minutes. Also Dir. Guerra and P. Burke talked back and forth about code violations on this undisclosed lot number.

Approval of Minutes July
Motion made and past.

Treasurer’s Report-Steffensen
Treas. Stefffensen went through the report line by line. Profit and loss-net income and every center was a higher loss than last year except the news letter. She talked about the various bonds that LIV has.There was questions of why we are keeping the restaurant open if it keeps losing money along with if it is a true amenity, why isn’t it open year round?

Committee’s Reports

a. D&E-White said there will be two events in October, a cocktail party on the 24th w/Angie, and a Halloween party on the 31st w/ Mangling Wranglers

b. Golf-Pelletier-N/A

c. Pool-Steffensen said old wrist bands will not be allowed to be exchanged.

d. Finance-Steffensen N/A

e. Other-Burke said there is an opening for the Security Committee. Anyone interested is to put a letter in her box. There was mentioned about a Securitas score card.

Unfinished Business

a. Paving Contract-Pelletier discussed the patching and the receiving of only one bid. Made a motion to approve $16,989 to repair rated items 1 and 2 on his list. After some discussion the motion was removed and tabled due to discovering no warranty and that the contractor having less than a year background. Owner SC 57 asked Dir. Pelletier if he rated East and West Scallop for any repairs. Dir. Pelletier replied no. Owner said there were several large pot holes he would like to show him.

b. Refrigeration Bids-Steffensen discussed three bids for one refrigerator to replace two in the restaurant. A Village owner helped the Board understand the energy efficiency differences between the three and favored going with the cheapest bid. Motion made to approve $3589 plus tax for new refrigerator. Motion approved. There was a longer discussion on what to do with the old regrigerators.

c. Rental Hall Rates & Forms-Burke spent twenty minutes going through all the rates and logic behind the rates. Rates were too numerous to mention. P.Burke verbally motioned for one of the director to make a motion to approve the changes. Motion made and passed.

d. Arts & Crafts-Burke said she couldn’t discuss this topic since Armando was not present. Then there was some orientation by our ex-gm and his wife on what changes they wanted to have in the room.

New Business

a. Pool Tables-Halbach made a motion to approve $3400 to recover the pool tables. Motion passed.

b. Better Business Bureau-Burke said she didn’t have the time to get to it yet. Moved to table.
c. Dog Issue-Burke said an owner wanted permission to keep puppies after breeding. P.Burke had questions about if this is a business along with receiving complaints about controlling her existing dogs. P. Burke asked the Board if we want to encourage or discourage this owner.

d. Clarification of 6.3 Policy-Use of Owners Lounge-Burke discussed the wording and it was decided that owners only can use the lounge, no owner sponsoring for renters or others. Not included here was P.Burke 15 minute reading word for word of the rules along with her comments? Also said the $50 charge is a refundable deposit and not a non refundable fee.

e. Lot 795 & 796 Owner Wanting Hearing-Montalvo-P.Burke spoke on this saying this will be talked about in executive session.

f. Ole Television Presentation Eddie and Sandy gave a sales pitch to have our Village sponsor a show or have commercial spots. These people cater the high income audience market in the Valley and Mexico. Costs start at around $7500.

Other Some small talk and broke to go to an executive session.

Adjournment


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9/23/ 2009 COFFEE WITH THE DIRECTORS

Pledge of Allegiance

Directors Gagan, Bergsma, and Montalva were not present

From the Suggestion Box
SC 13 wanted the grass mowed and said whoever put in the asphalt in front of the Activity Center should not be paid for doing such a poor job. He also asked who OK’d that work.
Lot ? Asked if the rusted hot tub heater chimney pipes are going to be replaced?
Lot 288 thanked our new GM and maintenance staff for fixing some the things that have been an eyesore for so long.

Comments from the Directors
Director Guerra asked if the BBQ sitting on top of a structure had been removed. Response was notification letter was sent about code violation and haven’t received a response.
Director White said a Mr. Flores from the Census Bureau would like an audience with the Villagers.
Armando explained why the mowing was behind. There was rain and a death in the family that affected several employees. He also mentioned that he and the new GM were mowing.

Comments from the audience
Lot 870 gave a compliment to security. He also said he had continuous problems with barking dogs from a certain Sea Cottage.
After being asked, our Bridge Board President explained that two of the bridge lawsuits that LIV had previously won are being appealed.
Lot 870 said he had smelled a sewage odor around the pool. P. Burke said it is coming from Sun Harbor.
Lot ? Asked if at the next meeting there can be a discussion about what can be done with her problem of getting mortgage loans in our Park.
It needs to be noted that the manager in charge of Securitas, Mr. Salazar has been to every Coffee meeting since he took over the position.

Workshop
Treas. Steffensen said she would like to talk about at the next meeting that they are getting three bids for our refrigerator in Village Grille that has rusted out and needs to be replaced. The restaurant ceiling is being worked on. The menu is going to be changed a little. She will discuss the LIV’s CD. There was a question about trading out pool wrist bands because of sanitary reasons.
V.P. Halbach said he went to a dust meeting on what things that can be done solve this problem. Mulching certain areas was mentioned. He said he would keep everyone posted at what happens in the upcoming meetings. He made a negative comment about our Village Attorney. He mentioned the pool tables need to be recovered again, and the cost will be brought up at the Reg. Meeting.
Dir. Pelletier said in his opinion the hurricane manual was very well done and will be on the web site. He and Dir. Guerra opened one sealed bid for the road repairs.
Director Guerra asked if they could cut the rust off and replace the metal on that refrigerator for the restaurant. Answer was no.
Dir. White gave the update on the sound system and lights for D&E. She said Hot Dog day was a success and raised $ 320 for habitat of humanity. She had questions on mosquito fogging and asked if there can be less fogging the streets and more in the grass area this year.
P. Burke talked about possibly joining the Better Business Bureau. She said she had received two invitations from the Port Isabel Table of Commerce to join festivities which she and the GM will attend. Boys and Girls Club wants LIV to be sponsors which will be talked about at the next meeting. The committee formed for pricing the rent of the Rec. Hall came up with a list of charges. After P.Burke went through all of it, there still was some confusion about the charges which seemed to take this back to the drawing board. There was an issue about an owner asking if they could keep a litter of puppies for several weeks until they are sold. P. Burke asked the audience if anyone would like to make a comment on this. Larry DeMalade raised his hand and asked when is the work to be completed here in the Arts & Crafts room.
Dir. Pelletier wanted owners to send a bunch of letters to the City of Port Isabel about a condemned property being an eyesore on Garcia St.
There was small talk that did not pertain to the workshop.
Meeting adjourned.



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OUR CEMENT POND

It seems like every six months or so, we get the privilege to hear another sales pitch from Steve, the Berry Pool guy. I believe most owners know why. At the last Coffee Meeting he showed up to tell owners what made our water again turned green and why we need to use his services. Let’s review some of what Steve said.

The Backwash Blame

This last batch of cloudy green water which tested having no chlorine was in Steve's words “a little incident.” The culpability for creating such pond scum did not fall on his faulty solenoid valve that he had trouble replacing or his company’s ineptness towards this every second monitoring system. No sir, Mr. pointing finger almost pierced the body of our pool employee who was accused of removing all the water’s stabilizer (cyanuric acid) while backwashing the water out of the pool for an accidental forty five minutes. On the surface this seemed plausible. So let’s review his rationale.
In swimming pool water, cyanuric acid does not float on the top but partially surrounds the chlorine on a molecular level, to protect the chlorine and prevent it from being quickly burned off and used up by the sun.

Most owners may not realize that our outdoor pool can be backwash forty five minutes, two hours, or all day and will drain close to the same amount of water. The water loss stays near the same because once you drained below the skimmer line; you start pumping air instead of water, along with ruining the pump’s seals and eventually the pump. This employee could have only lowered the outdoor pool water level by inches with this accidental draining.

Records show if one wishes to reduce their stabilizer, they must replace approximately 25% of their pool water with fresh water. This figures to be about 22,500 gallons when talking about our outdoor pool and that’s just to reduce the stabilizer, not eliminate it.

The proper way to drain our outdoor pool water is to close the skimmer valve located in the big filter room and use only the bottom drain. Forty five minutes worth of doing that would drain about 13,000 gallons (14% of the pool water).
This accidental backwash did not create our pool facility’s water problem and someone owes this employee an apology. It appears the culprit is once again having a long duration of no chlorine being dispensed into the pool water, which turns that pointing finger around.

On top of their exorbitant monthly charge, our Board is now paying Berry Pools a very tidy sum to try to control this newly developed algae growth which had seemed to flourish in our latest high quality lagoon water.

Berry Pools is supposed to provide our Pool facility with water that’s balanced. That means the pool water’s chlorine; pH, alkalinity, and acidity are kept in line to make the water quality good for both people and equipment. It seems far too often though, our Park has been getting inconsistent water quality and periodic slick talking lip service.


Chemical Cost Higher?

At the Board meeting both Ms. Burke and Steve emphasize an increase in chemical usage. Common sense would tell most owners that more sun, more heat, more people, would mean more chemicals. Why mention it at all unless preparing the owners for chemical costs that are going through the roof. Is our Park still paying less for chemicals since hiring Berry Pools as Ms. Burke had claimed? Last year’s cost was a little difficult to compare with because of hurricane Dolly.

When Ms. Burke did say we are using more chemicals, she also said the Park is now being charged less per item/gallon. That may actually translate into our Park is not paying Berry Pools the full “Market Price” for a change. Has anyone read a word like “wholesale” in Berry Pool’s contract?

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

Steve threw this fear into everyone’s hearts about how the Federal Government is fining any organization up to $1.8 million who are not in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. He also said there is this attorney frenzy happening as a result.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act started on December 2008, and stated that each public pool and spa in the United States must be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that comply with the ASME/ANSI 112.19.8 performance standard. That’s it, entrapment devices.
Please note though that our indoor pool may still not be in compliance since it appears each of the bottom drains seem to operate individually with its own pump.

Certified Pool Operator?

Steve was adamant about staff members who manually maintain our pool facility have to be licensed and certified technicians to be in compliance. Then Steve tells the audience he’s certified and proud to say his whole staff was.
The next thing we will to be hearing is the Board wanting to pay Berry Pools for some certification training.

Even though it is a good idea to have a certified pool operator in charge of you facility, it doesn’t guarantee that person knows what they are doing. (Case in point, see ex-gm)
It seems the Texas State Codes do not mandate a CPO or the equivalent towards organizations like our Village. Please read below.

The Texas Administrating Code

Subchapter L

Standards for Public Pools and Spas

265.203

(a) Required operator certification for certain types of post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools and spas. Post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 Class A or B pools and Class D pools operated in conjunction with a Class A or B pool shall be maintained under the supervision and direction of a properly trained and certified operator who is responsible for the sanitation, safety, and proper maintenance of the pool or spa, and for maintaining all physical and mechanical equipment and records. Training and certification can be obtained by completion of one of the following courses or their equivalent:

(1) the NRPA, "Aquatic Facility Operator" (A.F.O.);

(2) the NSPF, "Certified Pool-Spa Operator" (C.P.O.);

(3) YMCA, "Pool Operator on Location" (P.O.O.L.);

(4) the NSPI, "Professional Pool & Spa Operator" (P.P.S.O.); or

(5) the ASPSA, "Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician" (L.A.F.T.).

(Please notice that a Class C pool does not have this requirement.)

Definitions of pool classes

265.182

(A) Class A pool--Any pool used, with or without a fee, for accredited competitive aquatic events such as Federation Internationale De Natation Amateur (FINA), United States Swimming, United States Diving, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA), events. A Class A pool may also be used for recreation.

B) Class B pool--Any pool used for public recreation and open to the general public with or without a fee.

(C) Class C pool--Any pool operated for and in conjunction with:

(i) lodging such as hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, or mobile home parks;

(ii) property owner associations, private organizations, or clubs; or

(iii) a school, college or university while being operated for academic or continuing education classes. The use of such a pool would be open to occupants, members or students, etc., and their guests but not open to the general public.

.

(D) Class D pool--A wading pool with a maximum water depth of 24 inches at any point.

My Opinion

For the past two years Berry Pools has cost far more and has done considerably less than a qualified pool attendant. It has not provided the expected assurance that the water chemistry in this pool facility is always satisfactory. The problems of the past have not been improved upon from this costly service. Steve was correct in saying that water chemistry is a science, but it sure doesn’t take a missile scientist to realize we have a dud here.

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SEPTEMBER 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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AUGUST 29, 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call
Dir. Halbach not present

Owners Speaking On Agenda Items
Lot 828 had questions of the GM on the checking account. It came to light that any amount over $1000 has to be sign by Board Members.

Lot 834 had issues on the appearanceof of certain rental property, wants it maintained.

Lot 280 had parking lot suggestions for our Welcome center.

Lot 828 commented on the $1000 GM limit. He said he has had the experience of receiving multiple checks to pay for a single item.

Lot 461 had a concern on security and was introduced to the head of Securitas who was at the meeting.

President’s Remarks (Follow up from the Coffee with the Directors.)
Letter was sent to owner who had their grill on top of a box.
The sprinklers were fixed around the miniature golf.
Palm trimming is being done.
Lot 267 still is working through the attorney.
Lot 549 boat trailer has been removed.
Golf course pump house door was fixed.
Ordered signs for the Welcome center parking area along with no dog allowed signs for the pool.
Pool rails are still waiting to be installed.
Pool will be closed from Monday the 31st through Saturday the 5th for getting the black algae in our pool under control.
Lot 82 was sent a letter about their shed damage.
Letters were sent to the owners who have left their Recreation Vehicles too long without applying skirting and tie downs.
Publishing reports in our Newsletter of owners in arrears was not recommended by our Village Attorney. P.Burke said it was her own opinion not to publicize and recommended someone to make a motion to keep policy the same. Motion was made and passed.

Managers Reports
Armando had his usual report
Rick Horner, the GM, said he was trying to address as many of the issues as possible and anyone having a problem to please call him.

Approval of Minutes
Motion made and passed

Treasury Reports
The report figures were read. It was mentioned that our Board has spent out of our major improvement fund $138,301.00, which is almost double from last year.
Revenue Center have the Village Grill -$ 9,379, Golf Course -$ 4,731, Rental Office $ 24,061, Laundry -$ 607, Newsletter $ 421.
Treas. Steffensen said the Golf Course water and wage cost have increased this year. The rental increase was due to a $ 38,712 insurance check from last year, so the Rental Department actually lost -$14651 so far this year. There was no good reason given for why our Park lost money in the laundry other than not enough revenue was generated.

Committee Reports
D&E (Dir.White) mentioned the $593 July 4th cook off donation from David and Arlene Garcia. Cocktail party was mentioned along with the Karaoke Party.
Golf (Dir. Pelltier) Nothing
Pool and Finance (Treas. Steffensen) Wrist bands revenue is $9,624 and band color will change in May of each year. The new auditor will be Juan Rivera until the end of this year at the same cost. There is a need to review late fee policies that seem to being followed correctly. There was a motion passed to pay the $22,473 sinkhole repairs by the Rubio Brothers out of the allocations saved for the outdoor pool.
Other

Unfinished Business
Litigation: Arroyo cable lawsuit court date has been set for Jan. 25, 2010. Smith case had nothing new. Hamlinck case is set for November 6. The Cowen case is still in discovery mode.

Steffensen: Rental Check in Procedures. After further review of the by-laws, we would be in violation of our rules by making a new form that the owner has to sign giving permission to rent.

There was a short intermission so the President could use the bathroom.

Guerra: Cameron County Chief Appraiser to address to LIV owners Jan 2010. P.Burke asked our GM to contact the appraiser office.

Pelletier Lot 88 Persons living under deck (below flood level.) Owner will be notified that this is in violation of Village and possibly county codes.

Hot Dog Day September 5th 11-2pm Motion made and was passedf or the Benefit for the habitat of humanity called hot dog day.

Burke
1. Resolution to put new GM on checking account. Motion made and passed.
2. Review of Rec. Hall rental policy. After a lengthy back and forth, this was tabled.
3. Canal Silting. P.Burke gave the same speech as in the Coffee Meeting about her point of view. GM to contact Army Corp of Engineers.
4. Welcome Center parking limits. Signs ordered. 30 minute check in approved
5. Check in fees & procedure was discussed earlier.
6. Builder permit application- owner signature. P.Burke asked for a motion that owner sign form in office or have a notarized copy in hand. Motion made and passed.

Other. Talk about getting bids and their procedure. Talk about Berry Pools training our employees.


Adjournment. The Board went into an executive meeting. There was no announcement of the general reason for the executive meeting. Read more on this article...

August 22, 2009 Coffee with the Directors

Pledge of Allegiance (Dir. Pelletier hosting the meeting for VP Halbach)

From the Suggestion Box
Lot 340 feels lot 335 has a fire hazard. It will be looked into by the Board.
Lot “everybody” asked if the Park still had a lawn crew working. Dir. Pelletier said he will give this to Armando.
Lot 289 said they found the tennis court was trashed and the net was knocked down. Owner asked that the Park go back to its original setup.
Lot 281 had a similar problem regarding the tennis court with the addition in finding beer bottles, broken glass, and scuff marks made from street shoes.
Lot ”?” Asked for the Park to get another ping pong table.
Lot 828 said the rental office does not checked to see how many passes are given to each lot or how many people are staying at each rental unit. Owner would like to see the 2 pass max and 8 persons per unit rule enforced.
Dir. Pelletier said many people don’t obtain a pass; instead they park overnight in the Welcome center parking lot and walk in or are brought in by the renter.
Owner has issues with the upkeep of units in the park and wants those unit owners to be notified when the property is not kept up?
In addition the owner wants is to put all the owners names with unpaid fines and condo fees in our newsletter.
Owner believes we should have a scissor lift used instead of ladders to cut the common ground palm trees.
Owner feels the uncared properties affect the values of the neighboring properties. Owner wanted to know why our by-laws are not enforced. P. Burke said she had talked to our Village Attorney on that particular reference and felt it was considered a vague term.
Owner said there's items left unsecured at these units that don't meet the hurricane policy and the Board said they are going to start their tie down notifications earlier this next year. Owner said numerous other lots that have been in violation for quite some time.
Lot 288 gave the Board a two page report along with three pictorial pages attached. It describes the lack of attention to detail of those in charge along with the absence of insisting that violators adhere to the rules and regulations. Owner said this has brought the Park’s appearance status down tremendously.
This report under “Hurricane Dolly Clean Up” has lots 82 (siding missing), 411 (skirting missing and other damage), 267 (cleanup / repair). Under rules violation, lots 642 (broken down equipment laying around, scattered debris, skirting missing). Lots 473-543-847 have recreational vehicles used as permanent structures with no tie downs or skirting. Golf course pump station building’s door been broken off providing full access to anyone, was filed under “attention to detail”. Owner said this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lot 689 wished to thank Armando for his help in restoring the butterfly garden by the Park’s security gate. Also thanked Judy Voss for keeping the Marquee flower area looking so nice.

From the Directors
P. Burke said she had a long meeting with Steve from the Berry Pools, which included the audience of Dir. Steffensen, Armando, and the new GM Rick. P. Burke said there was a sensor that went bad and Berry Pools didn’t have a replacement on hand. She said the replacement went bad and Berry Pools changed distributors etc. P. Burke went on to say the amount of chemicals being used has increased but the price has gone down. P. Burke said she just wanted to let everyone know that.
Dir. White wanted to remind everyone about 10 o’clock Karaoke. She mentioned the handicap rails and asked for some additional signs.
Director Guerra asked about signs at the Welcome Center and broken glass. (didn’t use the mike so it was hard to hear.)

From the Audience
Lot 828 talked about the raccoons and possums he caught in our Village. Also mentioned there was a caged dog the renters had left in the elements all day.
Several people stood up and talked that didn’t give their names of lot numbers
Lot I said the handicap rail won’t work because the pool steps are too high.
The Director’s discussed shortly between themselves about towing unauthorized parked vehicles.
Lot 759 wanted more clarification on the owner use vs. owner sponsor on renting the Recreation Hall. P. Burke took over and said the only waiver of fees are for owner’s birthday and anniversary, owners $500 fee is for weddings, quinceañera, birthdays, anniversary, memorials, and funerals. Owner sponsor parties are $1200. There was still confusion as to what is to be charge to this owner for having their daughter’s wedding reception here. The Board is to review the rules and owner definitions as it applies to the charge.
Lot 349 said that when the one hour parking signs were posted around the Welcome Center, everyone started to park in the middle. It was mentioned by this owner to put a 15-30 minute check-in parking area.

Mr. Salazar of Securitas was introduced as the new person in charge of the Securitas operation. He went through a brief background of himself and pledged his future efforts to LIV.

Steve from Berry pools was introduced and started by saying how he felt like he was part of the LIV family and will continue to do everything he can to keep the pool facility water clean and safe. He went on to explain about all his new customers his company is now doing business with. He explained how everyone is certified in his company and that there is a need now for pool safety since our Government passed a new Federal law and if facilities are not in compliance, they can be fined 1.825 million dollars. He said safety is priority one. He said the incident with the outdoor pool was a little one. He said he never had a problem like this. He said we had an electronic relay part failure, but that was not a big problem. All they had to do was just put some chlorine tabs in the skimmer until it was fixed. He said when our employee accidently backwashed the water out of our pool for forty five minutes, it took the entire stabilizer out of the pool, and that’s what caused the problem. He said he will now keep parts in stock for our system. He said he appreciated you all for trusting him. He said also this problem went on for three days without him being informed.

Workshop
P. Burke started off the workshop saying the date that was scheduled for an owner's hearing is being cancelled and all communication will now be through the Village attorney. She would not elaborate on the party, but it was apparent who the owner was when he asked for a point in question and P. Burke said no. The owner had questions about an e-mail received and P. Burke told the owner that you brought it to this level. Owner responded with, only after you started all of it.
Dir. White – asked if there is a need for a board approval to hold small lunch fund raiser on Sept 5th at the pool. She had questions about the maintenance of the tennis courts along with if there was something in the works with training the pool people. Armando said the district manager was looking into the training. Director White mentioned something about a weather proof display case.
Dir. Guerra asked to have the chief Cameron County appraiser come and visit with the owners sometime in January so owners can understand why our Village property is appraised the way it is.
Dir. Pelletier wants on the agenda to discuss lot 88.
Dir. Gagan gave an apology for something and wishes to discuss the cost to move the Marquee closer to the road. Armando said it was around $2800. P. Burke said it needs to be put on 2010 budget.
Sect. Steffensen first agenda item was to discuss the fixing of four sinkholes that will have to be budgeted this year for around $5000 each. She wanted to review the late charge policy and auditor info with the Finance Committee. She said there is a problem with the Park not getting the owner’s permission on the rental form for renters to rent in LIV, leaving open whose responsible for the renter. She said it also adds to the Park’s liability, which our Park can ill afford new litigation. The previous lawsuits had cause the old insurance company to drop coverage and our Park had to go with a high risk company that raised the deductible to a whopping $50,000. After an eight minute orientation from P. Burke on the different ways of renting, she made the suggestion to have a notarized letter from the owner and quickly formed a committee to handle that.
P. Burke said she had an owner e-mail from lot 92 explaining the depth problems in the canals. P. Burke told everyone about the problems of dredging on the property that LIV doesn’t own and wants on the agenda to talk about building contractors signing owner permits. P. Burke wants to have a review of the Rec. Hall policy. She went on at length as to what the Rec. Hall policy currently contains. There were ownership definition questions that P. Burke said needs to be address. As an example she emphasized ownership along with her five siblings in her Mother’s life estate that could be different than Dir. Montalva’s trust that his property is under. So she is going review ownership definitions as they apply for use of our Rec. Hall.
P. Burke said there were youngsters caught breaking into a Park residence and how security handled the situation.
The ex GM told the owners his stories of problem experiences with children.




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