ROTONDA WEST ASSOCIATION, INC
Minutes
Beautification/Mowing Committee
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Present: Claudette Romano (Chair), Barbara Peszko, John Peszko, Bruce Miller, and Art Richards
Absent: Ken Guillerm, Margie Carroll and Linda Harrison,
Management: Dianne Brophy, Deed Restriction Secretary
Other Member/Visitors Present: John Eisele, David Kelly, Joseph Romano, Joy Barronette and Donna & George Krabbe.
Chairman Romano called the meeting to order at 2:00 pm. Roll call was taken. Minutes of the April 5, 2007, meeting were approved as corrected.
Oakland Hills Marina Update:
Art Richards brought in his conceptual drawings of what the Oakland Hills Marina will look like. Art Richards said that there is 36 feet of concrete from the street swale to the curbing. We will be keeping 20 feet of concrete from the street swale for parking. The remaining 16 feet of concrete will be removed and dirt and grass added which will slope toward the water. The center steps will be removed and replaced with dirt and grass and at either side of the entrance to the marina docks there will be gently sloping walkways. There will be a flag and flagpole, a place for one or two picnic tables, newspaper box and a bicycle rack. Area will be lighted. The plan is showing that lights are going to be added to the docks and the detail for Section B and C still need to be completed. The lightly drawn circles on the plan indicate palm trees. They will probably be Coconut Palms. They will have a 12 foot spread and be planted 30 feet apart. Claudette Romano stated the palms might be carried over to the Gazebo area. Art Richards stated he did not know where the picnic benches would be located. Discussion ensued regarding the composition of the picnic tables, vandalism which could occur, handicapped accessibility, responsibility of the lighting, and access for the county to the pump house.
David Kelly asked if some of the parking area would be eliminated as in season they use this area for overflow parking for the golf course? Art Richards stated the amount of parking will remain the same only the depth of the parking area will be changed.
Clean-Up Week Update:
Linda Harrison was not present to give her update on Clean-Up week, but Nick Gizzi stated that there were 150 bags of trash which was approximately 1500 pounds. Other items picked up were hot water tank, stove and tires. At the end of Parade Circle, on the county land, there is a large amount of trash on their lot.
Unfinished Business:
Chairman Romano stated that there was vandalism at the Cape Haze bridge. The Pigmy Palms were killed. Billy Newberry at Oak Farms stated he would replace the Pigmy Palms and one (1) Cabbage Palm at no cost, but asked if the Board of Directors would consider some monies to defray the cost. Barbara Peszko suggested that an article be placed in the local newspapers regarding the vandalism. Sue Artz asked if it could be proved that a weed killer was sprayed on the palms. Discussion ensued.
Motion by John Peszko that the Board of Directors approve $500.00 to be paid to Oak Farms Nursery to defray the cost to replace the palm trees. Seconded by Barbara Peszko. Motion carried.
David Kelly made a presentation to the Committee to have a fund raiser for the community which would tie in three (3) components of the community - The American Legion, Golf Courses and the RWA. We would need the County’s approval from Park and Recreation to use the park by the American Legion and have a Family Fun Day. That is what Rotonda is lacking–something for the kids and the proceeds will go towards the beautification of Rotonda. David Kelly said he spoke with the people at the American Legion and they are on board and so is Rotonda Golf Partners. David Kelly stated it would be similar to the Placida Seafood Festival. We could sell space to vendors who are children oriented and have booths that sell hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas and cotton candy. I believe this is a good thing to do for Rotonda. School opens August 20, 2007, and my thought would be to have this the first weekend which would be August 25. I have contacted the Rotary Club to get a list of vendors that were at the Seafood Festival to send a letter to see if they are interested in buying space and also contact other vendors who participate in children’s events. Joseph Romano asked what would be received from the vendor dollar wise to rent space. David Kelly stated at the Seafood Festival you rent space at a cost is $100.00 for two (2) days. Joseph Romano asked if the Family Fun Day would be a two (2) day event. David Kelly stated that hasn’t been decided. Parking and admission would be taken care of by the RWA and I will handle the co-ordination of the vendors. Claudette will contact the county for permission to have this. I believe there is plenty of parking down at the Legion for this. We are aiming for a one (1) day event. There could be music either live bands or a DJ. Committee approves the idea. Joseph Romano asked if this was in addition to the 50's Dance. Yes. Again the committee states that they are in favor of having a Family Fun Day. David Kelly stated all proceeds go to the RWA, for Beautification.
Chairman Romano stated she emailed Tim Free regarding Rotonda West’s drainage situation and said there will be a meeting of the Street & Drainage Advisory Committee on May 21 at 2:00 pm and asked if he and Barry DiMello would attend that meeting to answer any questions. Mr Free’s email response was:
1. Backyard/greenbelt swale and golf course ditch ownership issue is the same–it’s in the Legal Departments hands.
2. The failed outfall pipe on Rotonda Circle near Oakland Hills Place cannot be lined. It cannot be replace with possible damage to the homes foundations. It is with engineering to try to re-route drainage to a different location.
3. The survey has been received for the drainage coming from Golfview flowing through the golf course. There are many undersized pipes within the golf course where the water drains. This problem will not be corrected by county crews unless otherwise directed. There are no major blockages identified in the open swale areas of the golf course. It is our opinion that the dam across Coral Creek was not operated property which in turn raised the Rotonda Rive preventing some areas from draining as they have in the past.
4. Work is being done on opening the outfall pipes where they enter the greenbelts.
5. The grate/catch basin situation is being investigated by my staff to determine what needs to be done.
Tim Free stated he and Barry would try to make May 21, meeting.
New Business:
Bruce Miller asked if any committee is taking ownership of the problems at Pinemoor Golf Course. Claudette Romano answered, no. Bruce asked should this be put in the hands of a committee for follow up? Nick Gizzi said we heard that the golf course and the county are in litigation. David Kelly said there is no litigation–no attorneys involved. The golf courses are paying taxes for drainage and they need to take care of problems. Discussion ensued. Nick Gizzi said there should be follow up. David Kelly said you have to follow the bonds. They have to put the property back the way it was. David Kelly stated he didn’t understand, the golf course had to put up a bond. The money is there. If the golf course defaults and does not fulfill their obligations that is what the bond monies are there for. Nick Gizzi stated a meeting should be setup with Tom Moore. Joseph Romano said somebody needs to be accountable for the money that was put into the bond. Call to set up a meeting with Tom Moore. Claudette Romano, George Krabbe and Nick Gizzi will meet with Tom Moore. David Kelly stated everyone is suing everyone. The RWA could be opening yourselves up for problems.
Joseph Romano stated the trees next to the Community Center were cut down. The roots are a tripping hazard. Claudette Romano said that they have permission to go forward with work on this area. George Krabbe stated that fill is needed to bring the level up to the walkway and cover with sod. If this area is not corrected it could be a safety hazard. Discussion ensued. Joseph Romano stated that the trees were loaded with carpenter ants, termites and a pigmy rattler skin. This work will be completed by the Board of Directors meeting.
Joy Barronette asked to speak to the committee regarding problems that she encounters in Rotonda West. Ms. Barronette stated that when they bought into the community they did so because of the Deed Restrictions. At first they were impressed; however, there are two (2) concerns that I have. One is after you pass the fire station on Boundary Blvd. heading this way is a little sore eyed. What is being done about this? Also the garbage containers are left out on the street for days on end and
trash being thrown on lawns. There are barbeque grills in front of garages. Is this customary? Chairman Romano stated that a telephone call needs to be placed to the Deed Restriction office so the surveyor can go out and check the problem. Get the number of the home and a letter will follow. Why are the trash containers left in front of the rental properties. Visible from street even in the enclosed area. Discussion followed. Ms. Barronette said her second concern is the speed limit on Boundary Blvd. It was suggested that she contact the Sheriff’s Department. Discussion ensued and Ms. Barronette was asked to attend the Deed Restriction Committee meeting and voice her concerns.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 pm
The next meeting will be June 7, 2007 at 2:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne M. Brophy
Secretary
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