To: All Shipwatch
Owners
From: Carlton
Niemeyer (Posted April, 2007)
Subject:
State of Association Address
In the following I will try to update you on where we are, what’s going
on, and give you an opportunity to change what you (the majority) would
like to change.
We currently have two (2) main committees, an Administrative Committee and
a Facilities Committee. Under Florida law and our Condo documents,
notices of these committee meetings (just as with Board and Owner
meetings) must be posted a certain number of days ahead and an agenda
listed. Other items can be discussed but NO action can be
taken except on items placed on the agenda. We have scheduled a
meeting of both of these committees for Saturday April 14th and
a Board meeting Saturday April 28th. Thus far we have
posted notice that the Administrative Committee will discuss the budget
(14 day notice required). Both committees will more than likely need to
meet again on Saturday, April 28th so they can have
recommendations to the Board for the afternoon meeting. Attached is a list
of each Committee, and its members. On the committees we have certain
individuals who "zero in" on certain areas.
In order to run Shipwatch like you want, your Board must know your
thoughts and desires. With the upcoming committee meetings, and
a scheduled Owner's meeting the 26th of May, anything (within
the law) can be changed. We have until April 24th to put
items on the Board Agenda and May 12th for the Owner's meeting
agenda. Even if we miss one of these time restrictions another
Owner's meeting can be scheduled for important matters that require
owner’s action.
Shipwatch can be run in any manner the owner’s elect depending on how much
we are willing to pay. Marlene and two of our owners visited Romar House
Condominiums several weeks ago to see how it was managed. The grounds and
facilities were impressively maintained and the monthly dues were around
$900. I think all of us want our property well maintained especially since
we are finally getting it put back together.
If Shipwatch ever needed your attention it is now. Please respond
(form enclosed) as soon as possible so the Committees and Board may
consider your thoughts and suggestions. ‘The Association’ is not this
magical entity loaded with money that is sitting there poised to do
anything an owner desires. How well it functions depends on the efforts
and input of the owners.
GENERAL ITEMS
Insurance
Settlement:
Flood:
We have just sent back to the flood
adjuster what we hope to be all of the answers and additional information
he has requested. We hope to have a final response from him within
30 days.
Wind:
We have received a preliminary
supplemental proposal on Building "A" for an additional $290,000 but
containing almost no money for doors/windows and railings, and nothing for
fireplaces. We have sent a copy of the legal opinion we had obtained
early on that fireplaces and chimneys were Association responsibility.
If we can get coverage on fireplaces and some on railings and doors we
should do well. Slow process!
Insurance:
Thanks to efforts of Leo Ledet and Lee MaGaha (Fisher Brown Insurance) we
renewed our insurance with a premium increase of only $5,000 and actually
got a little more coverage. ($111,000 to 116,000)
Unbelievable:
The recent actions of some of our Owners, Owner's children, and/or guests:
- urinated on "E"
elevator floor
- washing hair with
shampoo in hot tub
- children in fitness
room (on equipment)
- adults and children
in wet clothing in fitness room
- new hot tub screens
cut
- riding on new carts
- ripped door closure
off entrance to fitness room
- playing on elevators
- stripping wood off
boat dock pilings
- having food and
drink in hot tub area
Doors & Windows:
We have completed the installation of all doors and windows on the ground
floor gulf side and upper floor gulf and riverside units that owners
consented to. We still do not have a firm commitment from the wind
insurance on the upper floors. We feel we have a good case to replace ALL
and expect a compromise soon. As a result of gulf side ground floor
change out (from 3' panels to 4' panels) we have made up some 6' units for
"E" building. At this point we have about 10 more available for
immediate installation. Cost is approximately $3,000 per 6' opening.
Based on our Ivan experience the South bedroom units in the 01 and 05
stacks are the most vulnerable.
If I had these door
units in 705E when Ivan hit, I would have had no damage instead of a
complete loss. Let me know if anyone would like to request these units and
priority will be given to end units with the most exposure. The cost
to order the 8' units for master bedrooms is about $4,800. Supposedly they
are as effective as storm shutters since they are “impact glass”.
Gulf Clubhouse
and Pool:
Everything needed to get the permit to the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection so it can go to Escambia County for a
construction permit has been filed (along with two $1,000 checks). The
survey that was promised October 15 but not delivered until December 22
plus having to wait two and one half weeks for a simple preliminary letter
from Escambia County held us up more than anything else. Our architect has
received questions from Tallahassee so we know they are reviewing it.
Dune Crossovers:
Escambia County has completed its lowering of the berms to the required
14' above sea level. Permits and approvals of the crossovers have been
obtained from Escambia County and Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. Work has begun and we hope that the supports will be in place
before the May 1 beginning of turtle mating season.
Communication:
If you have an e-mail address that you would like general correspondence
(not financial billing) sent to, or if you have additional owners of your
unit that would like general correspondence sent to, please list on Owner
Response Form.
Annual Meeting:
Three director’s terms expire, those of Michel Shain, J.R. Smith and
myself. Both Michel and J.R. are eligible to run again since they
were appointed to partial terms. With the amount of experience and
talent in our Association, if everyone will just do a little and serve on
Committees and the Board we can have a "well oiled machine”.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
| Member
|
E-mail/Phone |
|
| Ed Serda, Chairman |
251-680-8973
Cell |
|
| Jim Gilmartin |
770-403-5169 Cell |
jim.gilmartin@genzyme.com |
| Nelson Rodriguez (Bldg) |
850-485-3340 Cell |
rodnel2003@aol.com |
| Tom Bruce (Bldg) |
251-948-5307 Home |
tbruce@gulftel.com |
| Harry McMillan (Grounds) |
334-270-8344 Home |
annelmcm@hotmail.com |
| Chuck Edwards (Grounds) |
601-498-9608 Cell |
|
| Tommy Zander (Eqpt) |
504-715-2078 Cell |
WTZANDER@aol.com |
Responsibility:
All building, grounds, and equipment of the Association to include
Buildings
Pools
Landscape
Walkways
Boat Docks
Parking Lots
Tennis Courts
Mechanical equipment
Attached is a list
from the committee’s previous meeting and their current status.
Landscape:
Riverside has been re-done by Jubilee Landscape and as soon as walk-over
construction is done, landscape in front (gulf side) of A-B-C-D will be
installed. Proposal to be presented at April 14th Committee
meeting. New proposals for monthly maintenance are being reviewed.
Building
Exterior:
More than likely all buildings will be re-painted as soon as door and
window replacement (depending on insurance settlement) and siding
replacement on "E" is determined. We will start touching up unpainted
areas immediately and probably schedule painting next fall when few people
are around.
Booster Pump
Noise:
There is a noticeable noise in some gulf-side units from the new booster
pumps and Dan Smith, our engineer is working with the manufacturer to try
and solve the problem.
Riverside Pool:
The pool has been resurfaced and new furniture ordered.
Riverside
Clubhouse:
New cabinets have been ordered and interior will be improved
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
Members
E-mail/Phone
Responsibility: All
Administrative functions of the Association to include:
Office Administration
Insurance
Personnel
Rules & Regulations
Finance
Legal
Office
Administration:
It is very important that you let the Committee know your desires with
regard to office hours and what you want the "office" to do for Owners,
etc.
Boat Dock
Reservation Policy:
When we sent the amendment passed at our last Owner's meeting to our
Attorney to record she questioned some items and recommended some verbage
changes. This will be re-visited at the Administrative Committee meeting
and possibly reworded for Annual Owner's meeting action. Thus far there
have only been a few boats at the docks.
Budget:
The Budget will be discussed at the April 14th committee
meeting and the Board will discuss and pass the budget at the April 28th
meeting.
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