GASPARILLA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.

MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING

MARCH 10, 2007

CALL TO ORDER:  President, Bill Leavitt, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m., at the Gasparilla Cabana, 160 Jose Gaspar Drive, Englewood, Florida, the location specified in the meeting notice.

CONFIRMATION OF PROPER MEETING NOTICE:  Joyce confirmed that the appropriate notice had been posted in accordance with the Association’s documents.

  DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM:  A quorum of the Board was established with four (4) directors in attendance:  Bill Leavitt, President; Tom Voss, Vice President; Dave Hubbard, Treasurer and Joyce Kendall, Secretary.  Corrine C. Malopolski of Antares Group, Inc. was also present.

  READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 19, 2007 BOARD MEETING:  Bill Leavitt stated the Board had previously received copies of the minutes to review and asked if there were any revisions.  There being none, motion by Dave Hubbard to dispense with reading of the minutes from the February 19, 2007 Board meeting and approve them as written.  Seconded by Tom Voss.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed.

  FINANCIAL & MANAGER’S REPORT:

A.  Financial Report:  Dave Hubbard reported the following:

·        Financial status as of February 28, 2007:

o       $195,000 in Reserves

o       $12,400 total in the Designated Funds:

§        $7,500 in the Boat Fund

§        $2,500 in the Auction Fund with $1,245 to be added from the February auction

§        $2,300 in the Gasparilla Fund

o       Year-to-date loss is at $2,500 because the Bushwacker invoice was paid in January for tree trimming and this amount is collected for during the entire year

·        2006 Year-End Financials:  Gene Sullivan will be reviewing next week.

·        Assessments:

o       $250 Monthly Assessment:  Continue using the coupon books and mail to Peoples Bank.

o       $300 Special Assessment for Insurance:  Invoices have been sent with a due date of April 1, 2007 and should be mailed to the Association’s address of 160 Jose Gaspar Drive.

o       $1,500 Quarterly Special Assessment for the Pool Renovation:  Invoices will be sent by the new management company, Antares Group, Inc., with a return envelope provided for payment, which goes to a secure mail facility in Antares’ name and are due April 1st, July 1st and October 1st, 2007.

  B.  Manager’s Report:  Corrine Malopolski introduced herself and gave a short bio:  Antares Group will celebrate their tenth year in business in April and she joined them two years ago.  Prior to that she worked for Centex Homes holding numerous positions, including managing several licensed Association Managers at various Centex locations in the area.  Antares currently has three licensed managers and a bookkeeper on staff.  Their office is located in the Brickyard Plaza in Venice and look forward to a lasting relationship with the Association.

  COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A.  Landscape Report:  Ray Voss reported on the following items:

·        New plantings and mulch were completed at Hubbards, McMahons, Lamberts, Boudrias, the end of 1st Street and the Memorial Garden.

·        The Gasparilla Fund has paid for three newly completed beds:  1) by the shuffleboard court, 2) at the entry to 2nd street and 3) by the transformer on 1st street.

·        Two work parties have been held:  Cleaned out the corner area on 1st street and weeded the Memorial Garden.

·        The report from the ten soil samples came back showing high alkaline levels in all areas, as had all previous samples tested.

·        To date, the committee has spent $451,56 of their 2007 budget.

·        Joe Lewellen of Floridascape, continues to remain committed, hard working and helpful.

B.  Docks Report:  Jim McMahon provided the following report:

·        Joe Farrelly has obtained the required inspections of the docks.

·        A letter received from Sarasota’s Environmental Supervisor dated February 17, 2007 stated the authorized structure was consistent with the approved site plans and asked the Association continues to maintain the shoreline by removing the invasive Brazilian pepper plants.  Bill Leavitt mentioned a proposal from Bushwacker in the amount of $3,500 had been obtained for tree removal.  The Board would like to wait until after hurricane season passes to remove the trees so as to not go over budget.

C.  Buildings and Grounds Report:  Bill James stated the following:

·        A temporary replacement for the tool shed, which will be lost during pool construction, is being reviewed:

o       Pod rental - cost approximately $900 for an 8’ x 8’ x 12’ size for six months

o       Permanent structure - prices range from $500 to $2,500 depending on size

Still waiting for estimates on the slab, electricity and building permits if needed.

·        Bushwacker Tree Service:

o       They have provided bids to remove ten carrotwood trees and Brazilian pepper trees along the canal.  If we do four carrotwood trees, the cost would be $250 each.  If we do all ten carrotwood trees at the same time, the cost would be $200 each.

o       They reviewed the top of the tree in front of the Memorial Garden and suggested leaving it for another year but keep an eye on it.

·        Ken, the handyman, continues to check and repair any damage to the building’s exteriors.  He’s also been helping Bill Leavitt watch for and repair any irrigation problems.  Bill reminded owners that some of the things Kenny is being asked to do may not fall under the Association’s responsibility, therefore the owners of a unit may have to pay for it themselves.

·        After reviewing the roofs for pine needles with Joe of Floridascapes, since they looked pretty clean, he suggested it could probably wait until late spring, summer and fall.  Doing it three times per contract during the times of year when it is really needed.  It is thought the roofs have stayed fairly clean due to the high winds we’ve been having.  Owners are asked to keep an eye on their roofs and to contact the committee if your gutters are getting full.

D.  Social Report:  Donna Freeman noted the following items:

·        February 24th, 37 people from Gasparilla enjoyed a boat ride on the Delta Queen.

·        March 3rd, the First Annual Shuffleboard Tournament was hosted by George & Sandy Yamarik.  Ron & Judy Hook won the event.  Bernie Guida & Lillian Flynn came in as runners up.

·        March 11th will be going to the beach to celebrate Daylight Savings at 6:00 p.m.  Bring your chair, sandwich and drink.

·        March 14th will be the Ladies Luncheon at Jams hosted by Judy Hook.

·        March 16th, St. Pat’s Party will be held and tickets are still available.  Fred Weber will prepare the corned beef and a sing-a-long will be lead by Jim McMahon, Ed Seelig and others.  50/50 tickets will be sold.  Don’t forget your bug spray.

·        March 30th there will be a potluck dinner.

·        April 8th, Easter Sunday, a potluck dinner is planned with ham and turkey being provided.

·        Praise was given to Betty McCallum for putting the cookbook together.  Betty said they have orders for 53 books so far and Ann Farrelly is handling the sales.  If you did not get your recipes in for this year, you may submit them for next year as this will be an on-going project.

Donna stated this would be her last report for the season and thanks the Social Committee and many others who helped make this a successful social season.  Many of the renters have taken over activities, and when everyone pitches in to help, it makes being the Social Director a lot easier.

 

E.   Gasparilla Fund Report:  Sue Boyd presented her report:

·        Year-to-date income is $400.00, expenses are $1,866.00, leaving a balance of $947.52.

·        Thanks was given to the Landscape Committee for their efforts and work parties in completing the three new gardens, which were paid for with contributions from the Gasparilla Fund.  It was agreed they enhance the property and hopes everyone is enjoying them.

·        They are currently reviewing future projects, which are only made possibly by everyone’s generous donations.  Donations are generally given in memoriam, however, honorariums are also much appreciated.

Sue concluded her report by saying the committee is very proud of their accomplishments and thanked all contributors for allowing this to happen.

F.   Cabana Report:  Elissa Sullivan mentioned there is a workday tentatively set for Tuesday, March 27th, and encouraged others to attend.  Bill reminded everyone to please store the white plastic chairs inside the closet when not in use so they will last longer.

OLD BUSINESS:

A.  Rules & Regulations Change:  Jim McMahon asked that the Board determine what constitutes “residency” when someone wishes to rent a boat dock due to a recent incident.  The committee recommends 30 days.  Motion by Tom Voss to table the issue for now and make a determination at the next Board meeting.  Seconded by Dave Hubbard.  Discussion ensued with Bill Leavitt asking for owner input regarding residency.  There being no further discussion, the Board voted.  Motion passed unanimously.

B.  Rental Contracts:  Joyce Kendall mentioned two rental approvals in process:

·        Zydanowicz/#131 has paid, but not furnished a completed application yet.

·        Boudria/#121, has not paid nor furnished an application.

Applications have been mailed to the above.

C.  Termite Contract:  Tom Voss presented a contract from Ban-a-Bug to provide exterior building pest control service six times/year for a total cost of $5,400.00.  This every other month power spraying will cover from the building’s foundation extending out eight feet and occasionally part way up the exterior wall.  Notices will be posted prior to treatment and yard signs used the day of treatment.  Motion by Tom Voss to accept the proposed contract.  Seconded by Dave Hubbard.  Discussion ensued about the concern that going eight feet out is not enough.  Tom to check with Ban-a-Bug for more information.  There being no further discussion, the Board voted.  Motion passed unanimously.

Tom also mentioned that Ban-a-Bug can provide service to individual owners, spraying the interiors and attics, at a cost of $50 per quarter.  The service is regularly $80, but since the Association has a contract with them, they were willing to provide a discount.  Interested owners are encouraged to contact Ban-a-Bug (941-475-9551) to schedule.  Owners must provide access and pay for the service on their own, since this is not an Association responsibility.

D.  Pool Update:  Bill Leavitt reported the following:

·        According to Tom Shaw, Giffels-Webster Project Manager, the Board should have the final pool plans by May 1st, which is on schedule.  Several engineers have been out the past weeks working on as-builts and the handicapped ramp.

·        There was much discussion about what to do about the cabana . . . expand, enhance, etc.  The Board asked for a show of hands from those in attendance to determine how many owners are interested in changing the cabana.  There was a 50/50 response.  The biggest issue is that whatever is decided that will be done to the cabana, that it does not hold up the pool completion.  Everyone concurred.  It was suggested that the cabana committee come up with some ideas for the cabana. 

·        The county pool inspector was out last month and the chemicals are okay, however the pool must be resurfaced before the next scheduled inspection, which is in six months.  If everything stays on schedule this should not be a problem.

Dick Haynes suggested the Board hold a strategic planning meeting so that the Association can be pro-active rather than re-active. Joyce Kendall expressed concern about future expenses.  

E.   Investment RE: Special Assessment Funds:  Dave Hubbard and Dick Haynes had met with a Peoples Bank representative researching investment opportunities.  The savings account currently gets 3% interest.  Motion by Dave Hubbard to move the special assessment funds from the 3% savings account to a higher interest-bearing account, which limits transactions to six per quarter.  Seconded by Joyce Kendall.  Discussion ensued with a member noting there’s a place in Sarasota with a 6.99% CD, which Dave will look into.  There being no further discussion, the Board voted.  Motion passed unanimously.

F.   Insurance Renewal:  Linda Knapp, of Rowley Insurance, is currently working on the renewal insurance policy.

Nationwide has been canceling residential policies forcing owners to go with Citizens.  Orville Boyd found a local agent with an AB rating that is providing policies with good rates.  That agent’s information is as follows:  Great Florida Insurance, 1249 Beach Road in Englewood (over behind McDonalds), Fran M. Saunders, CSR, 941-474-8899.

G.  Inspection Report RE: #132/Stewart:  There is no inspection report at this time.

H.  Fence:  The fence grant project is still in process.  Several members have canvassed neighboring communities for signatures.  In speaking with their grant contact at the county, she suggested waiting to apply for the grant in the fall as funds are limited and usually there are less requests received in the fall giving them a better chance.

NEW BUSINESS:

A.  Cabana Committee Funding:  The cabana committee is in need of additional funds as they have spent most of their funds paying for various products used at social events.  Motion by Dave Hubbard to transfer $75 from the accumulated interest in the designated fund to the Social Committee designated fund.  Seconded by Joyce Kendall.  Discussion ensued.  Funding for this committee actually comes from 50/50 raffles and excess monies from other events.  It is anticipated that a separate line item will be added in the budget next year to fund this committee.  There being no further discussion, the Board voted.  Motion passed unanimously.

B.  Contract for Handyman/Ken Piotter:  The Association’s attorney, Sharon vander Wulp, has reviewed and approved an independent contractor’s contract for Ken Piotter as Antares Group does not have the ability to hire Ken.  Motion by Dave Hubbard to approve Ken Piotter’s contract.  Seconded by Tom Voss.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed.

C.  Key Check:  Ken will be performing a key check to all the units ensuring the Association has a key to each unit, per condominium law.  Ken will knock on each door prior to trying the key.

D.  Directory:  The new Association directories are back from the printer and have been passed out to all residents.

E.   Transfer of Records to New Management Company:  Several Board members picked up several boxes of Association records from the previous management company last week.  The records will be sorted with older records stored on-site and others at the Antares office.

Dave Hubbard mentioned that new signature cards will need to be completed for the Association’s bank accounts.  Motion by Dave Hubbard for Bill Leavitt, Joyce Kendall, Cynthia Krumenaker (Antares Group owner) and himself to be signatories on the Association’s banks accounts.  Seconded by Joyce Kendall.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed.  Dave and management to work through the process.

F.   Correspondence:  The Board reviewed several requests:

·        Request from Kelbaugh/#139, Kendall/#125 and McMahon/#135 for doors:  Motion by Bill Leavitt to approve these requests.  Seconded by Dave Hubbard.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed. Joyce Kendall abstained from voting due to conflict of interest.

·        Request from Hook/#159 for reimbursement due to water pipe break in the amount of $323.45:   Bill  Leavitt  reiterated  that  according  to Atty. Daniel J. Lobeck’s letter dated

February 6, 2001 (referring to Foster/#158 break), the owner is responsible from the meter to the unit and the city is responsible from the meter to the road.  The Association is not responsible unless there is negligence and the attorney’s letter states “. . . the Association had no reason to believe that tree roots would damage the pipe.  Therefore, the Association was not negligent in avoiding that damage. . .”   Water pipe breaks have also occurred in the past at Foster/#158, Fraser/#112 and McCallum/#153 and the owners have paid for the repair.  Concern was expressed over if the trees will continue to cause damage, should they be removed.  Others did not want trees removed.  Joyce Kendall and Tom Voss believe this is an Association responsibility since the owner cannot touch the trees and therefore cannot prevent tree root damage.  Believing that tree roots did cause this problem, a motion was made by Tom Voss to repay Ron Hook’s plumbing repair bill of $135.00.  Seconded by Joyce Kendall.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed.

·        Pickup truck notice received from Boyd/#115. No Board action needed.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

A.  Wood Edging on Beds Around Buildings:  Question:  What material should be used to replace rotting wood edging.  Answer:  Pressure treated wood supplied and installed by the owner should be used in an effort to maintain continuity of the property.

B.  911 Pool Telephone:  Question:  Any thoughts of providing a 911 telephone at pool?  Answer:  Management will provide several options to the Board.  Note:  Florida does not require a 911 telephone at the pool.

C.  Storage During Pool Reconstruction:  Question:  How will items currently stored in the maintenance shed be handled during the pool project?  Concern was expressed over breakage of decorative items.  Answer:  Undetermined at this time, but will handle as best as can be.  The intent is to not break/destroy anything.

D.  Need for More Carp in Ponds:  Question:  Should more carp be added to ponds as spike rush are coming back?  Answer:  Lake Doctors to recommend number of carp for each pond in order to keep the ponds clean.  Currently have two carp and it has been recommended to restock.  Biologist to report back.

EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUEST:  Motion by Dave Hubbard to hold an Executive Board Session after the Board meeting adjournment to discuss an owner issue.  Seconded by Tom Voss.  Voice vote taken by roll call:  Dave Hubbard/yes, Joyce Kendall/yes, Tom Voss/yes and Bill Leavitt/yes.  Motion passed.

CALL TO ADJOURN:  There being no further business to properly come before the Board at this meeting, motion by Dave Hubbard to adjourn at 11:18 a.m.  Seconded by Tom Voss.  All yes by voice vote.  Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Kendall, Secretary

JK/ccm

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