GASPARILLA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

November 18, 2006

Call to Order:

    President Bill Leavitt called the meeting to order at 10:04 A.M.. Board members in attendance were Bill Leavitt, Dave Hubbard and Bud Stewart. Manager Nancy Leighton representing Progressive Community Management, Inc.

Minutes:

       Motion by Dave Hubbard that the minutes of the April 15, 2006 Board of Directors meeting be approved as written. Motion passed.

Financial /Management Report:

            Treasurer Dave Hubbard reported our cash balances as of October 31, 2006 included, $3,722.00 in the General Fund, $100,043.00 in the Reserve Fund, $8,830.00 in the Designated Fund, which included, $3,026 in the Boat/Dock Fund, $3,482.00 in the Auction Fund, and $2,198.00 in the Gasparilla Fund. Approximately $900.00 was spent out of the Auction Fund to replace tools stolen over the summer and to repair pool furniture. Motion by Bud Stewart to accept the Financial Report as stated. Motion passed.

            Manager Nancy Leighton introduced herself to the owners and looks forward to working with the Board and owners.

Committee Reports:

            Landscape Committee - Rebecca Hokkanen reported that the Committee met on November 16, 2006 and developed several guidelines. 1. Soil Tests will be taken from up to 10 sites around the property. 2. Prices and nutrient requirements will be checked for several trees suggested by the Memorial Fund Committee. 3. Discussion with the new landscapers on how to best achieve the natural, yet well maintained look. 4. Clean and weed the memorial garden. 5. Walk the property to determine what plants need to be replaced. The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. at the Cabana.

            Dock Committee - In the absence of the Chair Bill Leavitt reported that the railing was up, in place and paid for.

            Social Committee: In the absence of the Chair it was reported that a boat cruise will happen in February of 2007 and more people are needed. This will be a cruise down the Calousahatchee River. There will be a Ladies Luncheon on Tuesday, December 12th at Heron Creek. And, a January Brunch will be held either at Pelican Point or the Hills County Club. More info to follow.

            Building and Grounds Committee - Tom Voss reported the committee has not yet met, however several projects from last year are being worked on including the concrete walkway at Unit 114.  Kudos to Ken our handy man for a great job.

            Cabana  - It was reported that on Tuesday, November 21, 2007 at 9:00 A.M. a cleaning will be done. Also reported, five chaise lounges were re-webbed.

            Gasparilla Fund Report - Joyce Kendall reported the fund has a total of $2,198.00 plus a few more donations in memory of past owners. Several good sized trees are planned to be planted including 3 Pigmy Palms and some Citrus trees. This Committee is working with the Landscape Committee.

Old Business:

Pool Update - Bill Leavitt reported that the Board now has basic figures regarding the new pool. After much discussion and engineering it was recommended that the new pool be where the current pool is now located.  A crucial aspect is that the new concrete pilings for the pool will not effect the cabana foundation. Engineers are currently working out a site plan as well as plans for handicap access which is required. The men’s and ladies room must be enlarged to accommodate the 5 foot turning requirement by the County for wheelchairs. A non-skid floor is also required as are floor drains.

            The pool design will be similar to the current pool except that the new pool will be 2 feet shorter. The total estimated cost for the project is $331,800.00 . This design will be sent out for bid  with a tentative start date of May 1, 2007 and a four month completion estimate. Once the project is bid out the best price for the best job will determine the final project cost.

Financing will be in the form of a $6,000.00 special assessment.  Owners interested in home equity loans to finance this assessment can contact their local bank or Dick Haynes who has done a great deal of research into the matter. Figures for the pool project and information on home equity loans will be at the cabana for any owner interested.

Drainage - Bill Leavitt thanked all of the owners participating in the repair of the drainage system. Its working great thanks to many hands.  

Pine Needle Removal - Bill Leavitt reported that a contract was signed to have the pine needles removed from the roofs, three times per year. The current cleaning was suppose to occur in October /November but will not happen now until December 11th. The current landscaper, Floriscape, has offered to do the job for the same price , three times per year.  

Landscaper - Floridascape, the new landscaper took over the business from the previous contractor. A contract was never provided with specifications but this has now been cleared up so that Floridascape is aware of the duties and will offer the same services for the same price of $2,500.00 per month for 2007. Should a gas escalation clause be necessary the Board will take it into consideration.

Cable Contract –  Bill Leavitt reviewed the new contract with the cable company. A signed contract with Comcast was negotiated by the cable committee under which the rate remained the same for the 1st year 2006-2007 and can increase no more than 6% thereafter for a term of five years. Bill thanked the committee for their work on this important contract and the favorable terms they negotiated.

 

New Business:

Motion by Dave Hubbard to approve the sale of unit 109 to Mr. and Mrs. Guida.

Proposed 2007 Budget. A copy of the Proposed Budget for 2007 was passed out which showed the 2005 Actual Results, the 2006 Budget, the 2006 Projected Results, and the 2007 Proposed Budget.

The projected results for 2006 are estimated to be a loss of $5,400.00, compared to a balanced budget. This is the result of higher than budgeted water expense due to leaks in the pool, which have since been fixed and the expense of the handy man which was not in the original budget. Insurance expense is also higher than budgeted. Offsetting these increases are reductions in electricity cost and a reduction in the amount of tree trimming performed during the year.

The 2007 Proposed Budget indicates a $23,000.00 increase in Total Expenses over the 2006 Projected Results. The major reason in this increase is a projected 50% increase in our general insurance premium. Nationwide Ins. Co., our present carrier, is no longer writing condo insurance in Florida. Our agent has assured us that he will be able to get us coverage but to expect a 50% increase in premiums.

We have also increased our tree trimming budget back up to its previous level. In addition we have budgeted our handy man for a full year as he was only on our staff for 3/4 of a year in 2006.

Based on this Proposed Budget for 2007 the monthly assessment was raised from $225.00 to $250.00. Of this $250.00, $19.00 is proposed to be transferred to the reserve. This is $16.00 less than the $35.00 that was transferred in 2006. (Copy of the budget is attached.)

As for the 2007 Proposed Reserve Budget the Board proposed a special assessment of $5,000.00. This was driven by the estimated pool cost of $331,800.00. During the discussion of the special assessment owners thought that the reserve should be raised higher and proposed a $6,000.00 special assessment. Based on a show of hands where the majority of owners present approved of the $6,000.00 special assessment; the Board is proposing that the special assessment for 2007 be $6,000.00.  (Copy of the budget is attached.)

The Board at its December 9, 2006 meeting will vote on this Proposed Budget with a monthly assessment of $250.00 and a special assessment of $6,000.00.

Motion by Bud Stewart to accept the contract with Floridascape at $2,500.00 per month. Motion passed.

Motion by Dave Hubbard to accept a contract with Floridascape for the removal of pine needles for $800.00, three times per year. Motion passed.

Annual Meeting - The Annual Meeting will take place January 23, 2007 at the Englewood Water District Meeting room.

Motion by Dave Hubbard to use Michael Swarbrick for irrigation services for December and January. Motion passed.

Amendment of Condominium documents – Early this year the Board proposed three year terms for Directors and the measure failed. The Board is again presenting this amendment as it is crucial to the continuity and consistency of directors. Motion by Dave Hubbard to resubmit the amendment to the ownership regarding terms of directors. Motion passed.

Summer Issues:

Bill Leavitt expressed his disappointment with the management company and its lack of attention to the association. Several problems that could have been alleviated caused major problems.

Correspondence:

Unit 105 has asked permission to replace the exterior screen door with a new screen door, similar to the old one. Motion by Dave Hubbard to approve the new exterior door for unit 105. Motion passed.

Unit 117 has asked permission to install a cement floor in the outside enclosure. Plans were submitted. Motion by Bud Stewart to approve the plan submitted by the owners of unit 117. Motion passed.

Unit 129 sent a letter regarding complaints over summer issues in that the furniture was not put back for year round residents as well as other complaints. The Board will address these issues with the unit owner.

Questions and Answers: 

Dave Hubbard moved that the Association purchase a bike rack for no more than $500.00 to be installed at the parking area, funds to come from the auction fund. Motion passed.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 11:47 A.M.

Nancy Leighton

Recording Secretary

 

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