Santa's Jigsaw Puzzle

Click on the link

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ER13610552

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays From the Board

justjohn55@aol.com (John Kone - President)

sailb@bellsouth.net (Dick Byram - Vice President)

jkay213599@aol.com (Jean Kay - Treasurer)

scullybg@comcast.net (Robert Scully - Secretary)

(Pat Estelle - Alternate)

Exterior Christmas Decorations

Dick and I will be happy to help our neighbors put up OUTSIDE decorations. If you need some help, just ask! We will also help take them down after the Hoilidays.

Proxy

The annual 2010 meeting is coming up in January. The board members are hand-delivering proxies and a few will go in the mail. If you are not able to attend the meeting please return your proxy, to any member of the board or send it back by mail. Thank you.

Draft Proposed 2010 Budget

2010 Board Officials

The 2009 Board will remain in place. Anyone who wishes to join the board is encouraged to do so prior to the upcoming January Annual Meeting, so we may announce you, at that time.

Special Board Meeting Topic

The following was discussed at the Special meeting held yesterday. A course of action was outlined. Additional research will be conducted to further evaluate how the board will deal with offensive activity within Catalina Oaks.

Section 7. OFFENSIVE ACTIVITY: No noxious or offensive activity shall be permitted on the Properties nor shall anything be done thereon tending to cause embarrassment, discomfort, annoyance or nuisance to the P.R.D. There shall be no plants or animals, or device or thing of any sort whose normal activities or existence is in any way noxious, dangerous, unsightly, unpleasant or of a nature as may diminish or destroy the enjoyment of other property in the P.R.D. by the Owners thereof.

Draft Agenda for Annual Meeting

A meeting was held Nov. 17,2009 by the board. During the meeting it was decided that the annual meeting will be held on January 9 at 3:00 PM at Rockridge Community Center.

*****************************************************************************
Draft Agenda

1. President calls meeting to order. This is the annual meeting for 2010 of the members of the Catalina Oaks Homeowners’ Association.

2. Roll call of directors and confirmation of a quorum. President John Kohn, Vice President Dick Byram, Treasurer Jean Kay, Bob Scully Secretary and Alternate Pat Estelle.

3. Count names on attendance list and proxies to establish quorum. Thirty percent (30%) of the members are a quorum. Thirty percent of 52 members are 16. Note that there is a quorum or lack of.

4. President asks the Secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting. Any corrections? If not, minutes stand as read.

5. Treasurer’s report for the year 2009. Motion to accept as read. The Treasurer reports that the IRS has been satisfied before the deadline of April 15, 2009. The President announces that the Annual Report has been submitted to the Secretary of State of the State of Florida.

6. The President announces that there are no outstanding issues between Catalina Oaks Homeowners’ Association and the County.

7. Distribute new budget for 2010. Review of financial statement and proposed budget for 2010. Motion to accept the budget. Discussion and vote on the budget.

8. Nominating Committee introduces the nominees:

The term of office for all nominees is for the calendar year of 2010 and until the annual meeting scheduled for January 2011 as dictated by the governing documents.

9. President asks if any nominations from floor. If any, nominee should stand, be asked if willing to serve if elected. President will ask for two volunteers to count ballots. Members will vote for or against a nominee. A nominee must acquire a simple majority of the votes cast.

10. Ballot count if one was taken. Announce the names of those elected to the board.

11. President will adjourn the meeting.
******************************************************************************
This is a draft. Adjustments will be made as the board directs.

Watering Restrictions

The photo and following data was copied from the website posted at the end of the article.

Watering Restrictions - Know the designated days

“Landscape irrigation” means the outside watering of plants in a landscape such as shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens and other such flora that are situated in such diverse locations as residential areas, public, commercial and industrial establishments, and public medians and rights-of way. “Landscape irrigation” does not include agricultural crops, nursery plants, cemeteries, golf course greens, tees, fairways, primary roughs, and vegetation associated with intensive recreational areas, such as playgrounds, football, baseball and soccer fields.


“Residential landscape irrigation” means the irrigation of landscape associated with any housing unit having sanitary and kitchen facilities designed to accommodate one or more residents, including multiple housing units and mobile homes.

“Nonresidential landscape irrigation” means the irrigation of landscape not included with the definition of “residential landscape irrigation,” such as that associated with public, commercial and industrial property, including commercial or transient housing units, hotel and motel units, and public medians and rights-of-way.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s watering restrictions are designed to ensure the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation. The restrictions allow enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. The mandatory restrictions specify the time when watering may occur, the amount of water that may be applied, and the days when watering may occur for residential and nonresidential locations. These days depend on whether the address ends in an odd or even number, and on the time of year.

Summary of the restrictions

•Irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
•During daylight saving time (second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November) irrigation is limited to no more than two days per week on scheduled days.
◦Residential irrigation is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address.
◦Residential irrigation is allowed on Thursday and Sunday at addresses that end in an even number.
◦Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday and Friday.
•During Eastern Standard Time (first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March) irrigation is limited to no more than one day per week on scheduled days.
◦Residential irrigation is allowed on Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address.
◦Residential irrigation is allowed on Sunday at addresses that end in an even number.
◦Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday.

•Irrigation is limited to no more than ¾ inch of water per zone per irrigation day.
•Irrigation is limited to no more than one hour per irrigation zone per irrigation day.
•Irrigation is limited to only that amount necessary to meet landscape needs.
•When reclaimed water is available for irrigation use, the use of private irrigation wells is not authorized.
•Irrigation limitations apply to water withdrawn from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private utility.
•Irrigation limitations apply to all landscape irrigation not currently regulated by a consumptive use permit. Typically, this includes residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
•Persons irrigating with an automatic lawn irrigation system installed after May 1991 shall install, maintain and operate a rain sensor device or switch that overrides the system when adequate rainfall has occurred.
Exceptions to the restrictions

•Irrigation using a micro-spray, micro-jet, drip or bubbler irrigation system is allowed anytime.
•Irrigation of new landscape is allowed at any time of day on any day for the initial 30 days and every other day for the next 30 days for a total of one 60-day period, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment.
•Watering in of chemicals, including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides when required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices, is allowed anytime within 24 hours of application. Watering in of chemicals may not exceed ¼ inch of water per application except as otherwise required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices.
•Irrigation systems may be operated anytime for maintenance and repair purposes, not to exceed 20 minutes per hour per zone.
•Irrigation using a hand-held hose equipped with a spray nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed is allowed anytime.
•Discharge of water from a water-to-air air-conditioning unit or other water-dependent cooling system is not limited.
•The use of water from a reclaimed water system is allowed anytime. A reclaimed water system includes systems in which the primary source is reclaimed water, which may or may not be supplemented from another source during peak demand periods.
•The use of recycled water from wet detention treatment ponds for irrigation is allowed anytime provided the ponds are not augmented from any ground or off-site surface water, or public supply sources.

http://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/restrictions.html

Croc in the Oaks

Yesterday, at about 8:30 am we spotted this fellow out for a walk. I went back in to get my camera so we got these shots. This croc could be hazardous to your health so just be aware especially if you walk your dog at night. We concluded he is about 3 feet long and he came from the Jungle Club vicinity, or I should say he headed back that way past Elaine’s House.

Collection of delinquent assessments

Florida Condo Law
Florida Condo Law is a site that is built to help Florida Condo Home Owners Associations - HOA. We help to set up New HOA as well as maintain one that has already been set up. We are active in all the state of Florida sessions, so we know how to help you!

March 6, 2008
Florida Condo Law talks about changes in Florida Condo Law
Florida Condo Law talks about some of the recent Florida Condo Law changes Regarding the collection of delinquent assessments in a Florida homeowner’s association HOA. Senate Bill 1844 sponsored by Senator Jeremy Ring (D-Parkland) recently was signed by Governor Crist, became effective , July 1, 2007. This bill makes some sweeping changes as they relate to the collection of delinquent assessments in a Florida homeowners’ association. This bill does NOT impact Florida condominium, Florida cooperative or other common interest ownership associations. It is important to remember, however, that changes made to one common ownership statute typically wind up being implemented in the other statutes as well so it is advisable for owners in every type of community association to know about and understand these changes.

Prior to this bill becoming law, the collection of delinquent assessments in a Florida homeowners’ association was, for the most part, dictated by the terms and provisions of the association’s governing documents. This new law makes the following changes to Chapter 720 (the HOA Act):

1. Assessments and installments on assessments that are not paid will bear interest from the date due until paid at the rate provided in the Declaration or Bylaws of the association. If those documents do not provide for an interest rate, the interest shall accrue at 18% per year. (This is the same language that is currently found in the Condominium Act);

2. The Florida homeowners’ association may charge an administrative late fee in an amount not to exceed $25.00 or 5% of the amount of each installment if th eDeclaration or Bylaws authorize the association to do so. (Again, this is language that was transported over from the Condominium Act. HOA’s that currently don’t have this provision in either their declaration or bylaws should consider amending those documents to provide for this authority);

3. Any payment received by a Florida homeowners’ association shall be applied first to any accrued interest, then to any administrative late fee, then to any costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in collection, and lastly to the delinquent assessment. This application of payment schedule shall apply regardless of any restrictive endorsement on the back of the check to the contrary. (This language again emanates from what is already found in the Condominium Act and prohibits a delinquent owner from avoiding responsibility for the payment of interest, late fees and attorney’s fees and costs);

4. A Florida homeowners’ association may not file a claim of lien against an owner without first giving a 45-day advance written notice which must be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, AND by first-class United States Mail sent to the owner at his or her last address reflected in the Florida homeowners’ association’s records. If the owner’s address is outside the United States then first-class mail notice alone is sufficient to comply with this portion of the statute;

5. A foreclosure action may not be brought without first giving the delinquent owner advance 45-day notice of the intent to foreclose. (This 45-day notice is in addition to the required 45-day notice before an association can file a claim of lien, thus bringing the statutory notice requirements to 90 days before foreclosure can be effectuated. Please note that an association’s individual governing documents may require even more notice from the Florida homeowners’ association before sending the file over to an attorney for collection so, in light of these new statutory notice requirements, an association may wish to amend its documents to tighten up its internal notice framework so as to not duplicate the statutory notice and thus, unnecessarily extend the time before effective collection can be commenced);

6. Once a summons on a complaint to foreclose the Florida homeowners’ association lien has been served on the delinquent owner, the owner may serve and file with the court a “qualifying offer” at any time before the entry of a foreclosure judgment so long as the lot in question is not the subject of a mortgage foreclosure or a tax certificate sale and/or the delinquent owner has not filed bankruptcy proceedings;

7. The qualifying offer must be in writing and the delinquent owner must agree to pay all amounts secured by the association’s lien plus interest accruing during the pendency of the qualifying offer. The owner may make only ONE qualifying offer during the pendency of the Florida homeowners’ association foreclosure action. (Basically, tendering a qualifying offer stays the association’s foreclosure action for 60 days. If the owner breaches the qualifying offer, the stay is lifted an the association may proceed to obtain a foreclosure judgment. Remember, however, that in the most expedited action when a qualifying offer is made, the Florida homeowners’ association is still delayed 150 days or 5 months from obtaining resolution on a delinquency which further reinforces the need for associations to be mindful of delinquencies and to not allow them to languish);

8. A parcel owner, regardless of how his or her title to the propery has been acquired, including via purchase at a foreclosure sale or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is liable for all assessments that come due while he or she is the parcel owner. Moreover, a parcel owner is jointly and severally liable with the previous parcel owner for all unpaid assessments that came due up to the time title was transferred. (The practical reality of this language is that lenders who take title to lots in Florida homeowners’ association as a result of a mortgage foreclosure action are responsible for all past-due assessments on that lot. Unlike the Condominium Act which limits lenders’ liability for past-due assessments to 1% of the original mortgage debt or 6 months past-due assessments, Sen. Ring’s bill contained no such caps on lender liablity. This loophole will certainly be closed next Legislative Session with an insertion of lender liability cap similar to what is currently found in Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes.

It is important that all Florida homeowners’ association owners know and understand these changes and that Florida homeowners’ association boards speak to their legal counsel about these new procedures and review their internal collection protocol to avoid unnecessary replication of these new statutory requirements. 1 year ago
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Action Items Closed - Update 7/19

Action Items from the recent board meeting

1. The additional Flower Bed Boarders have been put in place to help retain the bark. Thanks Dick.

2. The sprinklers have been adjusted and a few replaced to keep the water from spraying on the expense "Catalina Oaks" signs.

3. The 2 propertys that needed yards attended to were mowed ahead of the letters being sent out.

4. A draft statement of work was passed along regarding property maintenance.

5. John Smith is our NEW Property Maintenance Engineer and did a fine job cutting our grass last week.

COHA Minutes 7/11/09

1.Meeting - A meeting of Catalina Oaks Home Owners’ Association was held at the Rockridge Community Center. Dick Byran called it to order Saturday July 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM. The opening remarks included a reminder that this was to be a board meeting. The board would conduct its business first without input from the audience and then the meeting would be closed and the audience would be polled for comments. That was a challenge from my perspective but we endeavored to persevere. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for October 14, 2009 at 7:30 PM at Rockridge Center.

2. Minutes - The minutes from the April Meeting were read and a few hard copies were distributed. The minutes were approved as read. Meeting minutes for today’s meetings are included herein and will be posted on the blogspot.

3.Finances - Jean Kay provided a summary of the Catalina Oaks finances. Total assets as of July 1, 2009 are $101, 662.79 (CDs and checking account). Interest received from the CDs (1-1-09 thru 5-6-09) was $377.53. Both CDs mature in September 2009. All homeowners except one, which is the house in foreclosure, are current on the association fees. Thanks to everyone in the association from the board.

4. Grounds Maintenance- Our grounds maintenance needed improvement and a decision was made to look for another service. A few estimates were recently obtained for grounds maintenance based on a verbal description of the scope of work. Dick received 4 inputs and the monthly cost range was from $200 - $400. Two were verbal input and two were in writing.
One concern, which surfaced at the meeting, is that the new person/persons be licensed and insured. During the meeting the board agreed to give the task to John Smith, on a trial basis. Many residents presently use him and are very pleased with his work. Dick is coordinating this activity.
Some concern was expressed over what was to be done for the price quoted? A suggestion was made to put the statement of work in writing so we, homeowners and the contractor, are in concert with the fees charged for the task defined. A statement of work will be drafted so we all know what to expect for the fees charged. After it is reviewed and approved by the board we will submit said SOW for signature by the bidders.

5. Email Addresses – The board needs more email addresses of homeowners so we can get the word out as required. A comment from the floor noted that not everyone does computers and the board put things out by US mail, in the past. It was also noted that we are in rough times and that the board, to save on expenses, in that we are a small community, to NOT send information by mail.

6. Water runoff – Dick outlined a fix he incorporated so the ground cover in the landscaping area would not run off during heavy rains. It was suggested we do the same on both sides of the entrance. The board approved the recommendation. Dick will make the improvement.

7. Pruning shear - The board approved a request from Dick to pay for a pruning shear that he was accused of borrowing some time back, which turned up missing, while conducting a front wall chlorine party in 1995.

8. Trap - Numerous raccoons have been trapped and relocated. Dick has the trap if anyone has a need.

9. Meeting Requirements - It was decided that future meetings would be held in the evening at 7:30 on Wednesday at Rockridge, to allow for more participation by the homeowners. It was also suggested we have 2 meetings a year.
The By-Laws of Catalina Oaks Homeowners Association, Inc. read - " The rules of the association require 4 meetings a year. Article III Meeting of Members Section 1. Reads - the “Annual Meetings ’’ of the members will be held in January. Article VI Meeting of the Directors Section 1. Reads - “Regular Meetings” Regular meetings of the board of Directors shall be held in April, July and October.
A proposal to cut the meetings to twice a year is still open. The idea is to have one in January and the second in July. Special Meetings will be scheduled as required to cover issues that may need attention prior to the scheduled meetings.

10. Wall Paint - Some areas of the wall near the signs (Catalina Oaks) need touch up and Dick will do the deed. This is the result of numerous plant removals. Comments from the audience indicated that the new landscaping is a hit.

11. Water Drainage – Dick stated that a leak is in the cement wall that makes up the water drain at the southeast corner of the property where the swale ends. After some discussion the board left it up to Dick to evaluate it further and take action as required.

12. Board meeting was closed at 10:30. The floor was opened to discussion. The items that surfaced are noted below.

************************************************************************

Homeowner Comments & additional discussion

A. Updated Homeowners List – This data is available and Dick will be happy to send an email, with the current list attached. This list will be printed and distributed at the next meeting for those who attend.

B. Homeowner Yard Maintenance – It was noted during the meeting that two properties need attention to landscaping. A courtesy note from the board requesting the homeowners comply or we shall impose article 6.

ARTICLE SIX - EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE BY ASSOCIATION

Section 1. EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE BY ASSOCIATION: In addition to maintenance of the Common Area, the Association shall have the right to provide exterior maintenance upon any Lot, or any improvements thereon subject, however, to the following provisions. Prior to performing any maintenance on an improved Lot, or any improvement thereon, the ARB shall determine that said Lot is in need of repair or maintenance and is distracting from the overall appearance of the P.R.D. Prior to commencement of any maintenance work on a Lot, the Association must furnish thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Owner at the last address listed in the Association's record for said Owner, notifying the Owner that unless certain specified repairs or maintenance are made, within thirty (30) days thereafter, the Association shall make said necessary repairs and charge same to the Owner. Upon the failure of the Owner to act within said period of time, the Association shall have the right to enter in or upon any such Lot or to hire a contractor or contractors to do so to make such necessary repairs or maintenance as is so specified in the above written notice. In this connection, the Association shall have the right to repair, replace, and care for roofs, gutters, downspouts, exterior building surfaces, trees, shrubs, grass, walks, fences and other exterior improvements.

Section 2. ASSESSMENT OF COSTS: The costs of such exterior maintenance shall be assessed against the Lot upon which such maintenance is done and shall be a lien upon such Lot and the obligation of the Owner and shall be due, payable and collected in all respects as referred to in Article Four hereof.

C. More plants – A request was made to add some more colorful plants to the area at the corner where no plants exist, in the half moon area under the Catalina Oaks sign. Suggestions were to add more Blue Flambegos or Miniature Izara. Bob will handle this action.

D. A Flower Bed Border – A wood border will be added to the east area corner at the entrance to prevent the bark from floating away during heavy rains. Dick will handle this action.

E. Offensive Activity – A letter was received by the board relative to Section 7 of the Amended and restated declaration of covenants and restrictions for Catalina Oaks, P.R.D. on page 8.

Section 7. OFFENSIVE ACTIVITY: No noxious or offensive activity shall be
permitted on the Properties nor shall anything be done thereon tending to cause
embarrassment, discomfort, annoyance or nuisance to the P.R.D. There shall be no plants or animals, or device or thing of any sort whose normal activities or existence is in any way noxious, dangerous, unsightly, unpleasant or of a nature as may diminish or destroy the enjoyment of other property in the P.R.D. by the Owners thereof.

A suggestion was also made to have the board pay the expense of a survey and then send the bill to the homeowner causing the grief.
The board will contact our attorney to request a letter be addressed to cease and desist and get a legal opinion on a further coarse of action.
John/Bob and Dick will handle this action.

F. Cracking Sidewalks - The sidewalk along the wall in various places is cracking. Who is responsible for the repairs? Pat E. will contact the city to see who has the responsibility and who will make repairs and when?

G. Homeowner Request – A registered letter has been received by the board, which outlines issues from a homeowner who has been a resident for 10 years. On numerous occasions sleep has been disturbed and her peace compromised. She outlined several situations at the meeting that hint of fowl play to her auto light sensors, which she had installed at great expense. Also damage to her fence, which is primarily a decorative fence, rocks being thrown at her windows and banging on her homes outer walls, during the early hours prior to sunlight.
There was much discussion with NO real solution to this complicated issue. Continued calls to 911 are in order upon any occasion or suspicion of unwelcome visitors. Bob will contact a few of the local private security firms to get some ideas on costs to have a patrol park and observe for a few weeks. An after thought is that security cameras may be in order to get it on film. Rent a big guard dog for a month and keep him in the back yard. See if there is any action. Any homeowners who have some ideas please let us know. How about a Neighbourhood Watch Program.

H. Jungle Club – Some of the residents have experienced some new sounds at various times of the day, which seem to be most noticeable in the early morning. The Jungle Club has taken out a lot of trees and vegetation on the property past the tennis courts all the way back to Indian River Blvd. The set up a BOOT CAMP outdoors, so to speak. This includes a trail, jungle gym bars, balance beams, a small hill to climb and all that. On occasion they add a Drill Instructor or 2 who shot out orders to the group to encourage them thru the pain and agony of the course, in an attempt to stay healthy.


Meeting adjourned at 11:00

Submitted: R.G. Scully
Catalina Oaks Homeowners
Board of Directors Secretary

Alert Security Services,Inc

The data below was dropped at my door...and is being posted for your information.

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Because of the increase in crime, a lot of which is due to our present economy, our company is offering you an IMPORTANT SECURITY OPPORTUNITY. This will help protect your home and family from BURGLARY, VANDALISM, as well as MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.

For the families who are willing to place a small sign in your front yard stating your home is protected by ADT, our company has authorized me to give you a HOME AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM at NO CHARGE*

You PAY NOTHING FOR THE EQUIPMENT - $0 (Valued at over $800.00) and only - $99 installation. You simply take care of the ADT monitoring At only $33.99/mo. ($1. 12/day)

Alert Security Services,Inc

SORRY WE MISSED YOU!

Please Call 772-584-3131

*System includes: I control panel, I touch pad, 3 hardwired door contacts, I motion detector, I indoor siren, 1 yard sign. $99.Customer Installation Charge. 36-~onth Monitoring Agreement required at $33.99 per month. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Minutes in Review

The minutes from the last meeting of the Catalina Oaks Board are being reviewed. The plan is to put the data on the blog within the week.

Thank you to the meeting attendees. We wish more of our residents had an interest and came to the meetings.

Note: We have changed the date , day and time, just to see if we could generate more interest ! What say you~!!!!!!

COHA Party

We have considered a PARTY for the community. At a prior meeting the idea was ..........not acceptable and we passed on it!

I, the secretary, propose we try again! I would like to propose that we try to pick a weekend and do exactly that!

We could call it Catalina Oaks "Getting to Know U 2009". WE have a great community
and we would like to get to know who your neighbors are.

We all have a life plan that may be unusual to our neighbor. The best way to share your life believes and opinions is at the " 2009 Party."

No FIRM plans are in place. The board will be thinking about this and let you know!

All comments are appreciated.

The July 2009 Residents List

The data contained herein is for our community. We hope that we do not compromise your information. If you do not wish to be identified here, let is know.

At the last meeting(7/11) of the board, this data was requested.

We have not put this out by US Mail because of the expense of the postage. We decided to share with those who attended the board meetings, to promote meeting attendance and to reduce COHA costs.

I am sure we are all aware that it now costs, a few shekels, to mail out letters and misc data. We have polled our residents who come to the meetings about mailing out data and explained about costs. It seems that the meeting attendees tend to agree and so we are in compliance and no longer send things by US Mail.

So that means U need to attend the board meetings,to get pertinent data about the community affairs.

Sincerely,

COHA Board

FYI - Jungle Club Jungle Clearing

The Jungle Club has taken out a lot of trees and vegetation on their property past the tennis courts all the way back to Indian River Blvd. What was a natural jungle is no more. For the most part the land has been cleared so the tractor noises and the dust from cutting out trees and digging up roots is over for now. We have noticed a large invasion of raccoons in our area which could be attributed to the clearing of the property.

Some of our residents have experienced some new sounds at various times of the day, which seem to be most noticeable in the early morning. They set up a Congo Agility Course outdoors. This includes a trail, jungle gym bars, balance beams, a small hill to climb and all that. On occasion a group of Jungle Club member's along with a Drill Instructor hit the course. Orders are shouted out to the group to encourage them thru the pain and agony of the course, in an attempt to stay healthy.

July 11 Board Meeting Reminder/Agenda

The next meeting of the board is July 11 at Rockridge at 10 AM.

Agenda

a. Minutes of the last meeting read - Scully
b. Finance overview 2009 - Kay
c. Old Business - Change in the board,landscaping progress, compensation for water use
d. New business - Open for discussion, property maintenance, Hurricane Season
e. Next meeting schedule - Saturday October 3, 2009 Planned - Change the date to? The board has decided to change the next meeting date to __________. The intent is to get more homeowner participation. Consider evenings at __________ during the week on a ______________.
f. The President announces that all business on the agenda has been completed and the meeting of the Board of Directors is adjourned.

Bar code: SEE WHERE IT'S MADE!

This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you.
The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods". Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ? If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA. 471 is Made in Taiwan .

This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves. Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.

However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are:


690-692 … then it is MADE IN CHINA .
00 - 09 … USA & CANADA
30 - 37 … FRANCE
40 - 44 … GERMANY
47 ... Taiwan
49 … JAPAN
50 … UK

BUY USA by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number. We need every boost we can get!

Big Snake Sighted

Eddie, our landscaping person, saw a large snake while working in the backyard at the residence # 491. He shared that information with Dick so we are sharing the data with you. The creature is in the bushes and a large hole inside the bushes seems to be where it takes refuge. A large snake( the size of an arm) points to a python....maybe??????? Does anyone have additional data on this creature?

Indian River County Public Notice

Hurricane Season is June 1 – November 30. Are you prepared? Check the County Emergency Management website for preparedness information.Trim your trees, clear debris, prepare your yard by removing dangerous items. • Learn More

http://www.irces.com/Emergency_Management_Division/Index.htm

Hurricane Sesson is upon US

It might be time to think about many things related to Hurricanes. Its the season! So how about trimming trees, and so on. One of our neighbors has just done so and we should take notice and maybe do the same.

The website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml is sponsored by NOAA.

Hurricane Preparedness Week during 2009 was held May 24th through May 30th. If you missed it go to the website. NOAA is a great place to go for all sorts of data about weather. They have a very good "Be Prepared" section at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml.

They also have a National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Landscaping - Before and After (5/2009)

Welcome to the NEW President

The board would like to welcome our new President Mr. John Kone for 2009.

Things to consider - Serving on the board

The role of the board members varies by organizations, but Taft-Pearman claims, "it is a real responsibility and commitment, something that should be taken seriously. You have fiduciary and legal responsibility."

Board members for nonprofit organizations have a number of roles. Although it is a non-paying job it must be taken seriously. Time commitments also vary, ranging from about two hours per month to two hours per week. Before joining a board, it is important to understand how often the board meets and how much time you will be required to spend on projects outside of board meetings.

When joining a board for the first time you should consider to participating wholeheartedly. Also, think about your resources and what you can contribute. Sitting on the board is something easy and simple, but it requires due diligence and perseverance, as well as integrity.

Note, "Signaling that you are a team player is critical and with that comes some humility. Listen and pay attention. Also, be creative. You should be able to "work on a very tangible project early on. Show that you can add value to the organization." Most importantly, "while you may want to swoop in and fix things, problems and solutions are not always as simple as they seem. Some of the problems have been entrenched in a nonprofit organization for a long time and you need to be realistic about what you can change.

Board leadership can sometimes go wrong. Taft-Pearman points out that "things can go wrong when there are mismatched expectations about the time commitment and who has ownership over which tasks. Also, when the board is not as involved as it should be, problems can arise in the organization after it is too late."

O'Connor also says, "Board meetings get tense when board member want to get too involved and micro-manage situations." O'Connor reminds us that while board members have a fiduciary responsibility to the organization, they are to be overseers and not micro-managers of the minutia of day to day operations. Finally, Griffith adds, "it is better to under-promise and over-deliver than over-promise and under-deliver. People in the nonprofit community talk, so be cautious about what you promise."

This goes under the heading of "Things to be considered".

The next Board Meeting

A resent inquiry asked about the next meeting so here you go..........

Meeting 3 - Board of Directors Meeting

July 11 at the Rockridge Clubhouse starting at 10:00 am

Agenda.....

a. Minutes of the last meeting read - Scully
b. Finance overview 2009 - Kay
c. Old Business - Change in the board,landscaping progress, compensation for water use
d. New business - Open for discussion, property maintenance -
e. Next meeting schedule - Saturday October 3, 2009 Planned - Change the date to? The board has decided to change the next meeting date to __________. The intent is to get more homeowner participation. Consider evenings at __________ during the week on a ______________.
f. The President announces that all business on the agenda has been completed and the meeting of the Board of Directors is adjourned.

On the Trap

Havahart 1045 Two Door Cage Trap for Raccoons, 36 x 10 x 12

Homeowners here is the trap we purchased. I will be happy to bait and tend it. Please e-mail me with your request . No phone calls. A slight glitch may prevent us from providingthis service. More later!

Critters

We have had a problem! Racoons, rats, and possum. Please dont feed the wild animals. Its not in our best interest!

Know Your Days - Watering restrictions - Overview

Note: The data contained here in was taken from the St Johns River Water Management District website (www.sjrwmd.com) and is part of the rules. For the complete list see their website.
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Mandatory lawn watering restrictions specify the days when you may water. These days depend on whether you have an odd or even numbered address, and the time of year.
· Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
· Water for no more than one hour per zone.
· Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
· Some exceptions apply.
· An odd numbered address is one that ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9.
· An even numbered address is one that ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
. During daylight savings time 2 times per week( March to November).
Odd numbered address is Wednesday and Saturday. Even numbers is Thursday and Sunday.
. During Eastern Standard time( Nov. to Mar.) its no more than 1 time a week. Odd numbers Saturday. Even numbers Sunday

New plantings - Watering restrictions

St. Johns River Water Management District
4049 Reid Street • P.O. Box 1429 • Palatka, FL 32178-1429
Phone: (386) 329-4500 (Palatka headquarters) • On the Internet: www.sjrwmd.com

Most of us have seen our new landscaping. Our timing for the installation was excellent in light of the rains we have been getting during the past week. The plants are mostly drought resistant but they are new. The following is from the St. Johns River website regarding "Watering Restrictions" on new plantings.

· Irrigation of new landscape is allowed at any time of day on any day for the initial 30 days and every other day for the next 30 days for a total of one 60-day period, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment.

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Draft Agenda / Procedure for Board Meetings

1.The newly elected directors will convene a meeting of the Board of Directors in April, July, and October.

2.The first item on the agenda at the first board meeting in April will be the election of officers - President,Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Alternate.

3.Be it known that all members of the Board are on the Architectural Review Board.

4.It is not required that members be allowed to speak at a board of directors meeting. At this meeting members will be allowed to speak but they must focus on the agenda item under discussion. The chair will decide rotation.

5.The newly elected President will present the following general agenda.
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a. Election of officers ( April Agenda Only)
b. Old business – Minutes of the last meeting read.
c. Finance overview
d. New business
e. Next meeting schedule
f. The President announces that all business on the agenda has been completed and the meeting of the Board of Directors is adjourned.

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Notes:

a. Members who wish to submit an agenda item for the next Board of Directors meeting must do so in writing with a date and signature, at least a week prior to the meeting.

b. The board appreciated and thanks all members who attended today’s meeting and encourages other residents and homeowners to attend the next meeting.

c. The meeting schedule will be posted at the mailbox on the display board for the homeowners. A notice will also be sent by email.

d. For those unable to attend the meeting, minutes are posted on http://coha09.blogspot.com/

e. Other relevant and important documents are posted at http://catalinaoaksdeedrestrictions.blogspot.com/

f. 2009 Officers: President - John Kohn, Vice President Dick Byram, Treasurer Jean Kay, Secretary Bob Scully and Pat Estelle Alternate.

Draft Agenda for Annual Meeting

1. President calls meeting to order. This is the annual meeting for ______ of the members of the Catalina Oaks Homeowners’ Association.

2. Roll call of directors and confirmation of a quorum. President John Kohn, Vice President Dick Byram, Treasurer Jean Kay, Bob Scully Secretary and Alternate Pat Estelle.

3. Count names on attendance list and proxies to establish quorum. Thirty percent (30%) of the members are a quorum. Thirty percent of 52 members are 16. Note that there is a quorum or lack of.

4. President asks the Secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting. Any corrections? If not, minutes stand as read.

5. Treasurer’s report for the year ______. Motion to accept as read.

The Treasurer reports that the IRS has been satisfied before the deadline of April 15, ______.

The President announces that the Annual Report has been submitted to the Secretary of State of the State of Florida.

6. The President announces that there are no outstanding issues between Catalina Oaks Homeowners’ Association and the County.

7. Distribute new budget for ________. Review of financial statement and proposed budget for ________. Motion to accept the budget. Discussion and vote on the budget.

8. Nominating Committee introduces the nominees:


The term of office for all nominees is for the calendar year of ______ and until the annual meeting scheduled for January ________ as dictated by the governing documents.

9.President asks if any nominations from floor. If any, nominee should stand, be asked if willing to serve if elected. President will ask for two volunteers to count ballots. Members will vote for or against a nominee. A nominee must acquire a simple majority of the votes cast.

10. Ballot count if one was taken. Announce the names of those elected to the board.

11. President will adjourn the meeting.

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This is a draft. Adjustments will be made as the board directs.

Upcoming Board Meeting July 11

We encourage your input and hope you take an interest in where we are going. Our board meetings are not attended like they should be. Our next board meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2009. We will hand distribute a meeting notice reminder to every resident July 1 and it will posted on the board at the mail pick up spot, as usual.

If you have questions or comments that’s the place to let them be known. If there is a particular issue that you would like addressed at the meeting please let us know before hand, so we can include it on the agenda.

Remember this is your community and you should be involved. Its in your best interest!

Landscaping - Catalina Oaks Beautification

Catalina Oaks Beautification

The board has decided to move ahead with the Landscaping project. A check( 50% of proposal) has been issued to start the project. The balance will be paid at contract completion.

Everything Outdoors, was awarded the contract, and will be on site in the next week. They will be visible during the next few weeks, installing Podocarpus, Christmas Palms, Variegated Arboricola, Foxtail Palms, Blue Flambé go, Green Island Fichus and Dwarf Bougainvillea. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

New sprinklers will be installed as required.

We trust you will enjoy the NEW LOOK of Catalina Oaks.

Standard Operating Practice - New Business Procedure

The members of the board may make changes as required to this document. Once reviewed and approved by the board it will be incorporated into the BYLAWS.

Project Authorization and Contract Award (PACA)
The following document is considered the contract award for a project that will commence after a decision of the board. The board agrees they have reviewed various proposals (at least 3) prior to contract award. The board, acting in good faith and in the best interest of the Catalina Oaks Homeowners, after a diligent review of all the data contained in the various proposals submitted for this project, has made a decision. The board is satisfied with this specific proposal which meets the criteria defined in the statement of work dated ______________ issued for the quote.

There are 5 board members. A majority, which is 3 out of 5 signatures on this document, constitutes authorization to issue a check for a job the board has agreed on. The current project_______________ has been awarded to ____________ and a check (50% of the total) will be issued in the amount of _____________ as a partial payment to begin said project. At the completion of said project the balance will be paid in full. The contractor has guaranteed by warranty, the project for a period of ___________.

Any issues will be dealt with in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of the board. Issues or discrepancies will be dealt with thru arbitration, should the occasion arise. In the event there is a situation that requires legal action, the board will seek legal council to evaluate its legal course of action, if required.

Signed this date__________________


Board of Directors signatures

____________________________


_____________________________


_____________________________


_____________________________


_____________________________

Note: All documents signed by the board will be placed in the historical files.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS to be considered

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
GENERAL STANDARDS

http://www.gvccc.org/documents/hoa_ethics.pdf

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
The following text was taken from the web. It something we should consider adopting and including in the Bylaws. http://www.gvccc.org/documents/hoa_ethics.pdf

Professional Competence - A Board member shall undertake only those responsibilities and assignment that he/she can reasonably expect to perform with professional competence.

Due Professional Care - A Board member shall exercise due professional care in the performance of his duties.

Planning and Supervision - A Board member shall adequately plan and supervise all functions for the Homeowners Association.

INTEGRITY AND OBJECTIVITY

A member may not knowingly misrepresent facts in order to achieve any measure of personal gain for themselves, or any affiliated company from which he/she may benefit. All decisions and representation made to the Homeowners Association must be made with the best interests of the Association in mind.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
A member shall comply with all technical standards that are in force or may from time to time be promulgated by the Homeowners Association.
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY
All Homeowners Association Board members should exhibit professional courtesy to all community association management professionals and such professional courtesy shall include among other things.
- The Board Member shall not interfere with contractual relationships between community management professionals and contractors.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No member, or employee of a member, may use their position to enhance their own financial status through recommendation of vendors, suppliers or contractors that may pay a gratuity to the member or employee of a member of the organization. In addition, all situations where any appearance of a conflict of interest could exist must be disclosed in writing to the Board of Directors at the earliest opportunity. Any dealings with related parties must be fully disclosed to the Homeowners Association and abstentious and/or recusal must be entered on all voting and discussion
issues relating to the contractors.
GRATUITIES
It shall be the policy of the Homeowners Association to discourage the acceptance by its members of gifts, entertainment, or other favors from existing or prospective clients, vendors or suppliers. The following are intended to provide guidance in this regard:
- Gifts of a normal value and personal nature given as a token of friendship or special occasions such as Christmas, a job promotion or length of service award are acceptable. Likewise, entertainment that would be difficult to describe as “lavish” is acceptable. Although no precise definition of “nominal value” or “lavish entertainment” is possible, it is possible, it is intended that any gift, entertainment or other favor does not meet acceptable standards of the Homeowners Association if:
- If the gift, entertainment or other favor is judged above the standard of living of the donee and the donor;
- It is judged beyond the ability of the donee to reciprocate, either on a personal basis or with a legitimate claim for
reimbursement from the Homeowners Association; and the gifts or entertainment received would suggest to a
disinterested third party that the donee might be influenced in the conduct of the Homeowners Association business
with the donor.
- It is recognized that many clients, vendors and suppliers consider reasonable gifts and entertainment as an accepted
business practice without any intent to unduly influence the judgment of the Board of Directors.
- Cash gifts of any amount are deemed unacceptable.
Members must use discretion when vendors offer to pay for lunches or dinner that may be considered excessive under the circumstances of the donee.
No member, or employee of a member, may accept any unearned fees or other forms of remuneration that may actually be or appear to be, a conflict of interest.
USE OF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FUNDS
No member may use any funds being held for Homeowners Association business for their own personal use. All finds must be segregated either through bank accounts or accounting records.
RELATED ENTITIES:
Any engagement of a company or individual that is related to any member of the Homeowners Association Board of Directors in any way, must be disclosed to the Homeowners Association. This disclosure must be made in writing and approved by the Homeowners Association for the member to remain active on the Homeowners Association Board of Directors.
LIMITATIONS OF PRACTICE:
A Board member who is also engaged in the practice of another profession shall not perform such other services for the Homeowners Association while serving as a Homeowners Association Board member, if the performance of such services is likely to result in a perceived or real conflict of interest. Any member who misses three consecutive meetings of the board of directors will be removed from the Board.

I agree to the above stated Code of Ethics.

Signature Date
Signature Date
Signature Date
Signature Date
Signature Date

Meeting Minutes April 4, 2009

CATALINA OAKS HOMEOWNERS

Board Present: President - Elaine Florence Geyer; Treasurer - Jean Kay; Architecture Review - Dick Byram; Secretary - Bob Scully. Our 5th board member John Kone, had a prior engagement and was unable to attend.

Residents present: Pat Byram, Pat Estelle, Duane and Doris Reynolds, George Todd, John Glover, Jutta Rosenburg, Vera Johnson and Barbara Scully

1. A meeting of Catalina Oaks Home Owners’ Association was held at the Rockridge Community Center. The President, Elaine Geyer, called it to order Saturday April 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM.

2. The minutes from the January Meeting were read. They are also posted on the blog. The minutes summarize items addressed and actions taken by the board during the past few months. If you would like more detail visit http://catalinaoaks.blogspot.com, contact any member of the board, consider attending the next meeting, or talk to homeowners present.
Meeting minutes for today’s meetings are included herein and will are posted on the blogspot. If anyone prefers a hardcopy just ask and it will be printed and hand delivered to your door.

3. Jean Kay provided a summary of the finances. She paid the Annual State HOA payment of $61.25 and the income taxes to IRS of $1262. As of April 1, 2009 assets are $104, 916 (CDs and checking account). A request was made for a print out of the quarterly expenditures and income to date. The data is available for review at Jeans.

4. Catalina Oaks Landscaping – There is good news and not so good news. There were about 4 meetings and lots of dialogue on the noted subject. At the conclusion of today’s Homeowners Meeting the board selected Everything Outdoors by a vote of 4-1.
Here is the not so good news. We have a mess on our hands. The project is on hold until the board is able to work thru issues that resulted from what could be termed an abuse of position power and a total disregard to board objections. A unilateral decision was made and a check was cut and delivered by our president to Subtropical Landscape and Design prior to the vendor selection meeting.

HOA Meeting Saturday 4/4/09

A meeting is scheduled for Saturday 4/4/09 at the Rockridge Community Center at 10 AM. Hope to see you there. One of the Agenda items will be the NEW Landscaping Project to beautify our entrance and the corner.

A special session will be conducted after the meeting. The intent is to have the board vote on and award a contract to the winner of the project.

Everything Outdoors OVERVIEW

THE BOARD HAS REQUESTED Everything Outdoors PROVIDE AN ONSITE OVERVIEW ON THE LANDSCAPING PROJECT/PROPOSAL MONDAY 3/16/09 AFTERNOON AT 3:00 PM.

THIS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS THE GROUP HAS WHICH CAN ONLY BE ADDRESSED BY SPENCER PORTEOUS.

Landscaping 2009 Update 3/9/09

A meeting was held to review the latest revised bids submitted for the Landscaping Project. At the last meeting we changed the scope of work(SOW)and asked the vendors to rebid. Then we changed the SOW and asked them to do it again. So the final bid includes the entrance( east and west) and the corner at 10th, as Dick will be installing sprinklers at the entrance (Westside)for approximately $100.

We decided on two candidates. Everything Outdoors and RoseMary. The cost are $5858 and $6165, respectively. Both will guarantee the plantings for 2 years. The lowest cost will not be the determining factor. The candidate selection criteria is still to be determined?

A request was made to have Everything Outdoors present at Catalina Oaks on Monday 3/16/09 afternoon. The time is to be determined. Some concerns relate to dwarf bouganvillia and podocarpus plantings.

The photos( shown below) are of the plants that may be included in the landscaping area. The plant selection is dependent on the vendor selected. A suggestion was presented to have the job split in 2 so that each vendor could get a piece of the action. No decision was made at the meeting.

Another concern was the triming of the bouganvillias over time. Rosemarys bouganvillias climb the walls. Elaine stated that Rosemary would come back and maintain the plantings, including the bouganvillas for 2 years,as part of her warranty.

Meeting Summary - Landscaping

A meeting was held 2/23/09 to review the proposals submitted to spruce up Catalina Oaks with new landscaping. After an initial review and much conversation the board agreed that the statement of work(SOW) should be modified. The SOW was revised due to a few complications outlined during the meeting, which are noted below.

Revised SOW - The intent is to start with Section 1(the corner at 10th and 6th with Catalina Oaks sign) and Section 2 (the entrance to the development with the other Catalina Oaks sign) as shown in the above photos. Both areas have existing sprinklers.

Areas on hold include the following:
A. The wall area( north and south) along 6th Avenue is a challenge as there is no plumbing present for sprinklers. This section also includes a rather large cove that belongs to the county.
B. The section along the wall( east west wall) next to the entrance does not have sprinklers either.
C. The burns as you enter the development belong to the homeowners. Permission from the homeowners will be requested to modify and revamp these areas. It may require some legal correspondence.

Next meeting is scheduled for March 9 at 10:00 at 470 10th Place to review the revised quotes for sections 1 and 2. The board is requesting photos of the plants recommended from each bidder along with the revised quote.

CATALINA OAKS PRD - FOR SALE

Data presented is from the website listed which identifies homes for sale in our community.[ http://www.livinginvero.com/CATALINA-OAKS-PRD.php ]

CATALINA OAKS PRD Home For Sale | 563 10TH PL Vero Beach, FLORIDA 32960 | Vero Beach REAL ESTATE LISTING #75960
3Bed / 2 Bath $249,900

CATALINA OAKS PRD Home For Sale | 522 10TH PL VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32960 | VERO BEACH REAL ESTATE LISTING #78152
2Bed / 2 Bath $134,900

CATALINA OAKS PRD Home For Sale | 542 10TH PL Vero Beach, FLORIDA 32960 | Vero Beach
REAL ESTATE LISTING #76679
2Bed / 2 Bath $134,500

Everything Outdoors Landscaping Quote

The following was provided by Spencer Ponteos, of Everything Outdoors The overall cost is $5476 and includes a 2 year warranty. He bid on the corner(10th and 6th) and the community entrance.

He did not bid on the wall and the berms. He memtioned the berms are doing well and with a little weeding and some mulch they would be fine. There is no irrigation along the walls on 6th so he recommended we trim the plants, do a general clean up and then add some mulch, as required.

If you want to learn more about them go to http://www.outdoorvero.com/events.htm

Landscaping at the Oaks

Also known as Catalina Oaks Beautification Project - The statement of work for this project is shown below. We have received 3 out of 5 requested bids for the landscaping project. I anticipate receipt of the last 2 some time next week. Once we have them all we will convene a meeting and select a candidate.

The criteria that will be considered include cost, design and future maintenance. The intent is to minimize costs but maximize quality. We have discussed the possibility of Eddie( he is our current groundskeeper) and I tearing out the existing growth and preparing the soil for planting, to help keep the overall cost down.

Maximum effort - The entrance to the community and at the corner of 10th and 6th. This means we remove everything and start from scratch.

Minimum effort - The area along the wall on 6th and the berms on the west and east side at the entrance will be cleaned up and the existing plants will be trimmed.

Utilities Action Plan Jan 2009

Thank you Helen Todd for sharing this information.

Utilities in Vero Beach - Update

January 8, 2009, City Council Special Call Meeting on the Utility Authority/Representation Report by UAC

The final report from the UAC was not made available to the public until AFTER the City Council Special Call Meeting which was held for purposes of discussing the report! In addition, whereas the prior draft versions of the Report showed a column reflecting public comments as well as additional comments being included in the Pros and Cons, the final Report omitted the Public Comment column and most of the public comments. Could this be by design? For a copy of the minutes of this meeting, go to the City website, www.covb.org ,click on meetings schedule, click on City Council Meeting on Feb. 3 and then on Agenda. From there, go to item 2.D.2 and click on item for the minutes of this meeting.

February 3, 2009 City Council Meeting –
Also go to item 7.A of the City Council’s February 3rd Agenda (above) relating to the Rate and Cost of Service Study contract approved at the Meeting.
Tuesday, February 10, at 10 am in the City Hall.The Rate and Cost of Service Study contract will probably be discussed at the UAC Meeting on Tuesday. The UAC Agenda is not available at this time.

City Attorney
In late December 2008 I requested access to review the City’s file on the May 2008 selection of OUC as the City’s electric supplier starting January 1, 2010. I was advised in early January 2009 the file(s) could not be made available under Fl Statute 288.075. I then called the City Attorney who orally confirmed the denial for access, even of the list of names of the bidders and the evaluation factors and scores of the bidders because of requested confidentiality by the bidders. The statute does not seem to prohibit the availability of the names of the bidders and evaluation factors and scores, etc.
I later made a request in writing to the City Attorney and he orally advised later that the OUC contract is not final, my letter requesting file access had been sent to the City’s “Boston Attorney” to answer my questions, and it could be up to two years before the file is accessible to the public.
A Transmission & Distribution Study and a Cost Estimate have to be done to get the power from Orlando to Vero over FPL lines for 2010. What if the T & D cost from FPL to OUC/Vero is higher than if FPL bid and won the original contract and charged less to get the power here? Why isn’t the overall cost for both aspects considered in the final cost of the project and in arriving at the ultimate bid winner and ultimate cost to customers? Why can’t the City answer Florida legal questions? Why is the May 2008 OUC contract now not final after so many statements to the contrary by the City Council? What is the City trying to hide?

City Manager Plan of Action for a Utility Authority and my Comments
In January, lobbyists for the City held meetings in Tallahassee with the State Delegation from Indian River County and provided the attached City Manager’s Action Plan. I obtained a copy of the Action Plan and then sent the attached comments to a member of the State Delegation and also to the City Manager and Chair of the City’s UAC. I received the following response from the City Manager:
Russ Lemmon, Press Journal
Yesterday, I spent about 2 ½ hours with Russ Lemmon of the Press Journal discussing the utility issues. During the last hour, two delightful and concerned ladies joined the utility discussion. They had previously contacted Russ expressing their outrage at the City utility issues and he had arranged to meet them separately but he asked me to stay and talk to them also to which we all agreed. We need many supporters like them to get our views across. The support can take a variety of forms, such as:
o Getting petitions signed – we still need them!!!!! Send them in!
o Speaking at County, City, and Shores Government meetings
o Talking up the utility issues
o Forwarding the utility e-mails to others
o Writing editorial opinions to the Press Journal and 32963
o Contacting your County Board, Town Council, and State Legislators.
o ETC!
BE PROACTIVE!
Be Optimistic!
Where one avenue appears to close up, we can open up another and make a sow’s ear into a silk purse!
February 5th - County Vision and 5 year goal meetings
Some interesting items may come up in the planning sessions. Stay tuned.
More later
Steve Faherty

Catalina Oaks Beautification Project

Catalina Oaks Beautification Project
Statement of Work-New landscaping
Request for Proposals

We have received one proposal from Paradise and it is shown on the blogspot. Another proposal is coming from “Everything Outdoors”. Jutta will also get with a landscaper of her choice and Dick is doing the same. Once the bids are in the board will make a selection and we would like to see work started in March.

I invited Spencer Pontius owner of “Everything Outdoors” at 4th and old Dixie, to bid on the project. Jutta, Spencer and I, walked the property last night (1/28/09) while discussing details of project. Spencer will provide his proposal in the few days.

The following is what I learned about the landscaping project, so I thought I would share it with you. I have divided the project into 4 categories and propose that any bids we request are done by category. This will enable us to decide on each area individually. I understand that most of us are in concert with a complete re-do of area B. and C. We are not together on Area A and D.

A. The wall area next to the sidewalk that runs north and south along 6th Avenue
B. The corner of 6th Ave and 10th Street
C. The area, east and west side, at the entrance to the subdivision
D. The small berms that run north and south on 5th Court near mail box
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Area A.
The wall area next to the sidewalk that runs north and south along 6th Avenue. There are 3 indentations in the wall (coves), which contain a few shrubs, and some grass. The existing plants in the coves need to be trimmed and pruned. The surrounding area needs to be racked out and cleaned up.
There is a patch of dirt between the wall and the sidewalk ranging from 1 ½ foot to 3foot with some dead grass and leaves and no plants. No sprinklers are present along the wall or in the coves. A hedge along the wall or vines growing on the wall, in the indentations, was tossed out for consideration. A big concern is lack of water to any new vegetation. A solution is to run PVC and sprinklers or underground soakers for the plants. That will help with the growth but could be a problem related to additional vandalism. See note (a).

The 1st cove is small at about 1x5 yards with a few plants that need some attention.


The 2nd cove is the largest at 11x13 yards with a few plants. There is a faucet with running water. I am not sure who owns this piece of real estate.



The 3rd cove is 3x15 yards with plants that also need attention.

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Area B.
The location at the corner of 10th and 6th has a lot of old growth and the thinking is we remove what is there and start new. No attempts will be made to salvage anything at this location.




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Area C.




The entrance to our developement at 5th Court on both sides of the street has a lot of old growth and the thinking is we remove what is there and start new. No attempts will be made to salvage anything at this location.


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Area D.
The small berms that run 5th court are in reasonable shape. Most of what is there will be salvaged. The idea is to use what is in place and add a few new plants and remove or trim what is there, and possibly relocate a few plants from area D. to area A, B or C.








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Notes:

(a) Sprinklers along 6th – We have had numerous occasions of vandalism where sprinklers and the associated pvc pipes that exist at the corner of 6th and 10th. It seems it a never-ending battle and it continues. Putting more sprinklers along 6th provides additional targets for those who like to destroy said items.
(b) Vines on the wall -There are concerns regarding vines (ivy) growing on the wall. Once they are fully-grown they will look beautiful, and should help the graffiti problem that occurs periodically. Without a sprinkler system they may not do well. This would also add additional cost to grounds maintenance. If we ever want to remove them it will be a challenge as they adhere to the wall like glue.
(c) Trees – Any new trees that are part of the proposal should be, at maturity, no taller than 15 feet.











Rgs 1/29/09