Rotonda West Association, Inc
Board Of Directors Meeting
Minutes
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Present: Nick Gizzi (Chair.), Claudette Romano, George Krabbe, George Burger, Bruce Miller, Earl Haas and Peter Traverso

Absent:

Management: Dianne Brophy, Secretary and Jay Lyons, Office Manager

Other Members: John Carroll, Joseph Romano, Maggie Carroll, Gerri Mikun, Wanda Pulaski, Wayne Mengel, Bud Nill, Lois Burger, Jim Guilfolye, Barbara Falk, Linda and Bob Bondeson, Ken Guillerm, Sue and Hank Artz, Walter and Claudette Taylor, Don Mahon, Donna Krabbe, Vic Claussen, Richard Duggan, Olga Durham, Sue Nichol, Bruce Vermette, Pat Guillerm and Claire Reeves

Chairman Gizzi calls the meeting to order. Minutes of the January 9, 2008, meeting were approved and posted on the website. Claudette Romano said there is a correction on Page 3 the name is Rotonda West Street and Drainage Committee not advisory. Roll call is taken. Bruce Miller motioned that the January 9, 2008, minutes be approved as amended. Seconded by George Krabbe. The assembly stands for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer’s Report:
Bruce Miller said as of January 30, 2008, Uncollected 2007 Delinquent Assessments are improving. In December there were 143 and end of January 131 for a total of $30,696.50. When adding all monies owed to the RWA it comes to $85,339.86.

As of January 31, 2008, we have $390,000.00 in CDs. As of February 12, 2008, cash on hand is $188,642.00 available for February Operating Funds. This amount has gone over $200,000.00 since this report was completed. Bruce Miller stated there was a purchase of a $65,000.00 CD that came due on February 11, 2008, and through the ingenuity of John Carroll, he suggested a meeting with the bank asking that a rate of 4% seen at another bank be met. The bank gave us the 4% interest rate.

Chairman Gizzi stated he has several announcements. The first was the passing of Cleon Kern. Cleon was a long time resident of Rotonda West. He had designed plans for a community center and various structures controlling water in the canals. He was a Board member from 1991 to 1996 and served as President for one (1) year. He will be missed. Cleon was an active member of his church. NICK GIZZI MOTIONS THAT THE RWA CONTRIBUTE $300.00 TO THE FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH BUILDING FUND IN HONOR OF CLEON KERN. SECONDED BY PETER TRAVERSO. MOTION CARRIED. Peter Traverso asked if there was money for this purpose. Chairman Gizzi said he spoke to the Treasurer and the money would come out of the Unanticipated Funds.

Chairman Gizzi spoke about the new watering restrictions.

Manager’s Report: Jay Lyons said we are concentrating on the processing of payments for the 2008 Assessment. To date $423,113.01 has been deposited in the bank. In January $282,869.81 was collected $140,243.20 to date in February. This is 38% of the total billing for 2008 assessments.

Information is being compiled to provide Hilbert Software the Manufacturer of the 21st Century Accounting System, with a complete list of our needs and wants concerning their product. I have met with Hank Artz and Gerry Townsend of the Budget and Finance Committee to obtain their input. Hilbert Software is aware of this and they can expect the list by the end of the week. There have been problems with 21st Century over the past week and we have been working with Hilbert’s support organization to resolve the issues.

The annual audit with our CPA firm of Webb, Lorah is taking place this week.

Deed Restriction violations are as usual. Jay Lyons stated he is trying to spend an hour or two per day addressing the violations in person. The homeowners are willing to comply with the Deed Restrictions when they have been personally informed and seemed to be responding well to this approach.

Chairman Gizzi said he would like to touch on the request made at the last meeting in reference to our goals and guidelines for 2008. The major request was to have all the committees submit a Five Year Master Plan. To date the only committee to do so is the Aquatic Canal System Committee. George Krabbe said for Beautification we do have a plan that has already been submitted last year by Claudette Romano. Claudette stated that it had been submitted last year. George Krabbe said we are going to go forward with the Oakland Hills renovation. We are going to get estimates so we can budget that for 2009. We will also continue with the Long Marsh Memorial Park, Pinehurst Memorial Park, and possibly the Brass Bridge beautification project. That is Boulevard South Pine Valley. We are looking at replacement of trees with the MSBU funds on the boulevards. A report will be given on that.

Properties Committee will have an inspection done on the Community Center. Should there be mold or other problems we will have to determine what we will do. We also have our maintenance projects.

Nick Gizzi said he would like to see this done on an excel spreadsheet with actual projects and numbers for each for the next five (5) years. This can be adjusted every year. The line items will always be identified. By doing this, when the project comes up you can say this is where the money is and this is where it is designated. I would like to see each of the committees use this system, if you are all in agreement.

George Krabbe said on some of his committee’s projects with the Properties Committee you can budget out because you basically know what this cost is. Discussion followed. Bruce Miller, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, said get the projects on paper and establish priorities.

Claudette Romano said she is going to try to get as much money from the County as she can so that a budget will not have to be submitted.

Committee Reports

Election: No report

Administration/Personnel: No report

Aquatic/Canal: Nick Gizzi stated he would like to start his report with a motion. Motion by Nick Gizzi to recommend to the Board of Directors that Earl Haas be re-appointed to the Aquatic Canal System Committee and Lori Johnson be appointed to an Aquatic Canal System sub-committee. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Motion carried.

The committee has been attempting to get assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to allow us to repair a leaking berm and clear debris that could impact Rotonda West in a flooding event. On January 22, 2008, a letter was sent to DEP explaining our dilemma and requested a written response. Mr. Jon Inglehart is director at the DEP. On February 12 he advised and received a response for his assistance Lucy Blair. Nick Gizzi stated that the response was forwarded to Charlotte County Public Works and requested a meeting as soon as possible. You will be kept informed of any progress. Motion by Nick Gizzi to acquire estimates to repair/replace the berm on the Rotonda River at the Brass Bridge. Money is in the reserve account for Aquatic Canal System. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Claudette Romano asked if it was on the Brass Bridge or on the state reserve. Nick Gizzi said what he would like to do, and in his discussion with the DEP makes it sound as if they will cooperated with it, remove it from the property on the reserve and put it on our property next to the Brass Bridge. Therefore, in the future we will have control over this structure. Discussion followed. Nick Gizzi said this will be a new structure and we will have to get new permits to do so. Motion carried. Pete Traverso talked about County government and State government involved with getting permission to do this work. In the State owned land there are two (2) departments that control this work. They are DEP and SWFWMD. You have to keep after these agencies to get work done. Also Claudette Romano has the same approach with the County.

Nick Gizzi spoke about the receiving the grant approval in the amount of $2,875.00 from SWFWMD for the planting of aquatic plants in the Littoral zone at the White Marsh Park. The purpose is to educate residents about the variety of plants beneficial to our environment. We are to purchase and plant the plants and SWFWMD will reimburse the Association. Discussion was tabled.

On Friday February 22, 2008, at 9:00 am a field trip to Charlotte County Extension Environmental Center is planned. We will be shown how Charlotte County uses Littoral zone plants to improve the waterways. This money has to be approved by the Budget and Finance Committee.

Beautification: George Krabbe said the Beautification and Mowing Committee met on February 7, 2008. The committee discussed signs at the Marina area and Memorial Parks. The Properties Committee would like to place safety signs The Properties Committee and the Beautification and Mowing Committee will be working on the project.

The Oldies Dance and Silent Auction were held at the Hills, Rotonda Golf and Country Club. Leo’s Dance Party provided the music and entertainment. The Silent Auction was very successful. There were thirty six (36) donors and the auction grossed $2,085.00 minus expenses totaled a net amount of $2,035.00. The funds were deposited in the Beautification Reserve Account. David Kelly, George and Donna Krabbe, John and Brenda Eisele and Bud and Anna Eisele were thanked for all their work. George Krabbe talked about the article in the Sun Herald. The newspaper was unable to put a list of the donors in the article. George Krabbe motions that the RWA place an ad in the Sun Newspaper listing the sponsors for the silent auction at a cost not to exceed $232.80 plus tax if applicable. The cost to be deducted from the profits of the auction, which were deposited in the Beautification Mowing Reserve fund. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Bruce Miller stated you by-passed Budget and Finance for approval. But, seeing that you are taking the cost out of the profits I see no problem with it.

The MSBU meeting of January 31, 2008, the issue of dead trees was brought up. Tara Musselman stated there is $100,000.00 available for tree replacement on the boulevards. On February 1, 2008, John Eisele, Barbara Peszko and myself surveyed the trees on the boulevards. A memo was sent to Ms. Musselman on the findings and asked for a meeting to discuss and plan tree replacement.

On the Five (5) year plan, several members of the committee feel that estimates should be pursued from several contractors for the Oakland Hills Marina Renovations. These estimates would be used for budgetary purposes for the 2009 budget. It was also suggested that plans for the other memorial parks and landscaping and for the Brass Bridge have estimates.

Earth Day – Rotonda West Clean up: At the meeting, Linda Harrison said Earth Day is April 20. How will these volunteers be recognized? Will there be a picnic, volunteer appreciation dinner or both? If it is a picnic, Linda will have to know. It is now $80.00 to reserve the park. Nick Gizzi said when preparing the Aquatic budget there is a line item for the picnic. Nick said when doing the budget it was decided this did not belong in the Aquatic budget and was moved over to Community Affairs. My impression is that the money is there, just moved to a different line item. Bruce Miller stated that we have a yearly Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The dinner is where all the volunteers attend. Now we are having picnics. If you are not asking for money, and it is coming out of a budget that is already there that’s fine. Is that a trend we want to continue? Nick Gizzi stated this is the third annual picnic. Claudette Romano said last year they had a picnic and were invited to the dinner. It should be either or. Are we going to have volunteers who pickup trash have their own separate thank you and then come to the volunteer dinner. Discussion followed. They need to choose, Claudette Romano stated. Do they want to have a picnic or a dinner? Or if they go to the picnic we need the names and they cannot attend the volunteer dinner. Nick Gizzi stated his feeling is both of these are funded at this time. If we want to change it for this coming year—Claudette Romano stated it was not funded. At the Budget and Finance Committee it was decided that we were going to have one (1) function and the money from the picnic was put into the dinner. Nick Gizzi said that is not a Budget and Finance Committee decision. Discussion followed. Claudette Romano said the trash pickup people are volunteers and should be coming to the dinner. Since their numbers grew so much, we had to put a stop at how many were allowed to attend. If they want to have the dinner with the rest of the volunteers, we will need an actual amount. If the money cannot handle it, because the dinner is more costly, this is another consideration that needs to be made. George Burger stated you cannot treat one volunteer differently than another. Nick Gizzi said do we not want to do the picnic this year? Olga Durham stated there are a lot of people who do clean up but not necessarily that day. They can come to the picnic, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen any of them at the dinner. The picnic is very informal. It’s a nominal amount for the picnic. Claudette Romano said it’s over $500.00. Nick Gizzi said I believe we budgeted $1,200.00 for it. Olga Durham said we could have the picnic at the Community Center. Discussion followed. Bruce Miller said the issue is volunteers are volunteers. Is this Board going to have different functions for different volunteers? Jay Lyons said go to one event and invite everyone who volunteers. Let’s have a cookout, if an informal event is the way to do it, because people get a chance to talk to one another and walk around. That would be his suggestion. Pete Traverso said this should be considered at the committee level. George Krabbe asked where are we going to put this? Is it going under Aquatics, Beautification or under Clean Up Committee? Jay Lyons said we have as many volunteers that help out at the Association center. It is really a Rotonda West Association entity. We have volunteers who cover a variety of committees. I believe it is something the Association should take on as their responsibility. Nick Gizzi stated that is why the monies were moved from Aquatics to Community Affairs. Walter Taylor said he is one of the volunteers who picks up the trash and he would do it whether there was an appreciation event of not. I think most people would. One thing a year would probably suffice. The picnic is incidental just something else to do. Jay Lyons said we should invite everyone in the association. We would charge them. If they came, they would see the number of volunteers we have and it may enlist additional volunteers. Claudette Romano said that is a good idea, but we will not be able to have it at Rotonda Golf and Country Club. I believe it only holds 200 people. This event is usually held in October close to the time of the Candidates Night. If you are going to do that, you will need to start now with invitations or put it in the newsletter because we need their response. Sue Artz stated if you open it up to the residents you are taking away from the volunteers. We work really hard. I don’t think we should invite people who do not volunteer and complain about what is going on in the association. Claudette Romano stated it is a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and should be just for the volunteers. The dinner is a nicer affair. Nick Gizzi said a decision is needed now. Claudette Romano motions to have the Volunteer Dinner for all volunteers. Seconded by Earl Haas. George Burger said there is nothing to prevent them from having a picnic if they want to do so. The Association will not fund it. Motion passed 4 to 2 with Peter Traverso and Nick Gizzi dissenting and Bruce Miller not in attendance.

George Krabbe motions the Board of Directors approve Charlotte Plizga and Susan Vermette be added to the Beautification/Mowing Committee. Seconded by Claudette Romano. Motion carried.

George Krabbe said there are three (3) cabbage palms that have died on the Boulevard West Bridge beautification project. Billy Newberry, Oak Farms Nursery, was contacted and he is going to replace the three (3) palm trees with the next ten (10) days. There is no guarantee on the replacement trees.

Budget/Finance: A meeting was held on January 31, 2008. The Board of Director’s approved the hiring of Gerry Townsend, a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, as a consultant to focus on our accounting system and straighten it out. She is working with Jay Lyons and he is working with the software company. Ms. Townsend has been hired for no more than five (5) hours per week at a rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Townsend will continue as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee but will have no vote.

The $190,000.00 in CDs earmarked for reserves has changed to operating and will mature in a February and March time frame. The proceeds will be re-invested for operating and the interest will go into reserves. A six (6) month CD for $50,000.00 at the rate of 3.72% and a nine (9) month $150,000.00 CD at a rate of 3.71% are earmarked for reserves.

The committee approved a request from Jay Lyons to establish $100.00 “Petty Cash” account for the office. Bruce Miller motions, as a representative of the Budget and Finance Committee I move to establish a $100.00 “Petty Cash” account for the office as requested by Jay Lyons, Office Manager. Seconded by Claudette Romano. Motion carried.

Bruce Miller said it was recommended by the Finance and Budget Committee if money is being spent out of reserves that it be stated as part of the motion. Bruce Miller motions, as a representative of the Budget and Finance Committee, that when the Board makes a motion to spend money out of the reserves that it be stated so as part of the motion. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Motion carried.

Bruce Miller stated George Krabbe, Property Committee Chairperson, reported three (3) bids were solicited for a Community Center Building inspection and mold inspection before any action is taken on potential repairs. The lowest bid from Englewood Home Inspections was presented. The bid includes an evaluation of the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, roof, attic and complete structure. Mold test will be performed at a cost of $40.00 per sample and four (4) or five (5) samples will be requested at a cost of $160.00 to $200.00. The Budget and Finance Committee approved an expenditure of no more than $500.00 and this expense is to be taken out of line item unanticipated funds. Bruce Miller motions, as a representative of the Budget and Finance Committee, I move that a maximum of $500.00 be allocated to cover the expense of the Community Center building inspection and mold inspection. The inspection is to be conducted by Englewood Home Inspections, who are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Funds to be taken from line item unanticipated funds. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Motion carried.

Bruce Miller said the Budget and Finance Committee had discussion on a grant of $2,850.00 from SWFWMD for aquatic plantings at the White Marsh Memorial Park. This was tabled until Jay Lyons attends a meeting on February 26th on the Grant Guidelines.

A proposed plan to create sub-committees within Budget and Finance was presented by the Chairperson. There are basically two (2) sub-committees. They are Budget Review & Planning (BR&P) and Banking and Investment (B&I). BR&P will be responsible for the review of the monthly general ledger income over expense reports, review and finalized the manager’s proposed yearly budget, establish a proposed yearly assessment, maintain reserves and develop guidelines for billing and invoicing. Also pursue a Reserve Study. The B&I will monitor cash flow, review and monitor investment programs (CD’s, Cedars program and Money Market) ensuring maximum return on the investments. Review and implement Online Banking, online transfer, check scanning, lock box process and host an annual bank day. The Budget and Finance Committee approved the plan. Bruce Miller stated that on the Budget and Finance handout that there is a comprehensive detail of what the committees are about. It was asked if approval by the Board of Directors is needed to institute these sub-committees. The answer was no.

Nick Gizzi stated we currently have a spending freeze for un-necessary spending. There are things coming up for which we must spend money. One of the items mentioned was for a Reserve Study. I put a high priority on it. I gave three (3) companies to Jay to give us new costs for the study. There is $6,000.00 allocated in the budget for that purpose. The highest bid received last year for that study was $4,300.00. Bruce said we will move forward on that project. A motion will be presented when the Budget and Finance Committee has all the details.

Bruce Miller explained the Reserve Analysis, which was presented in the handout. We do not know if these figures are accurate or not. The auditor believes they are close. We will know in a day or two when the audit is complete. We believe we should have a balance in reserves of $254,227.96. The shortfall figure from the audit report of December 31, 2006, is $95,825.00. Under the new State Guidelines there are rules that have to be followed on reserves. All interest from CDs must go into reserves. The 2007 Funding of $2,470.00 from Family Fun Day went into reserves. Bruce Miller went on to say; after the audit is completed we would have a reserve cash balance as of December 31, 2007, of $254,22796.

Community Relations: Earl Haas asked the Board if Community Affairs is the same as Community Relations. The answer was no.

The Community Relations Committee met February 6, 2008. Six (6) pages of the West Ways are complete including the new watering restrictions. John Forster’s article about the importance of volunteers, some new articles may be included Inside the Circle which will have news and notes about the organizations within Rotonda, there is an update on the website additions and Don Mahon report. The remaining two (2) pages will be the results of this meeting. Page proofs will be available to the Board of Directors on Monday or Tuesday of next week. After approval and delivery to the printer, that will be about ten (10) days, it will be returned to the Association. Mailing should start the first part of March. There is going to be some neat stuff in there. We will continue to promote our website. There is a lot of information in there. There was discussion of mailing a survey to our residents. Don Mahon reminded us of the 2004 survey only 15% of the residents responded. Most of the response to the survey was complaints. It was agreed that promoting our committees would be a better solution if any questions need to be answered attend the appropriate meetings. The committee is waiting for more information on the Chamber of Commerce. We have time, as money is not available yet, to continue to look at being a member of the Chamber. Earl Haas stated we have good news and I am turning this part of the meeting over to Don Mahon. Don Mahon said the good news is, we have a new editor. Don discussed his time on the West Ways and being editor. Help wanted was in the last issue of West Ways. One response was received and we got a gem. You will read about her in our next issue. I would like to give you a little background on her personal and professional titles. She is a native of Chicago and resident of Oakland Hills for five (5) years. Her husband is a teacher and they have three (3) sons ages 10, 13 and 15. She has an Undergraduate degree from Marquette and a master’s degree in Adult Education from National-Louis University in Chicago. In 1991 she entered the medical field joining the Medical Education Broadcast Network. That is a New Hampshire firm specializing in continuing education for healthcare professional. Her first assignment was Managing Editor in 2002. Then she was promoted to Director of Managing Editors two (2) years later. In 2006 she became Director of Communications. She has extensive experience with writing and production of high quality publications. All work is done on line. We know she will take the West Ways to the next level. Please welcome the new editor of the West Ways Robin Hendricks. Earl Haas motions the Board of Directors to appoint Robin Hendricks to the Community Relations Committee. Seconded by Peter Traverso. Motion Carried.

Compliance: George Burger stated there was a meeting of the Compliance Committee on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 1:00 pm. John Forster gave a report. John said actually we have had two (2) meetings since the last Board of Director’s meeting. One of the issues will come up later in this meeting, which was endorsed by the committee, as it will indeed raise the standards of that neighborhood. The basis of what we do in Deed Restriction is Compliance.

On February 12, we informed this owner; we will hold his fining process in abatement until the 25th of this month when he will be meeting with the Residential Modification Committee. At that time, he will have to get RMC approval on the improvements made on his property and bring it in to the proper standards. He will have to do some removal of the improvements made. He has been made aware of that. The committee was unanimous on that decision.

Deed Restrictions: George Burger stated the Deed Restriction Committee met on the 5th of February and the primary purpose of the meeting at that time was to hear from one of the residents to put up a six (6) foot fence around the property, due to the fact that there is a sexual predator in the area. Minutes before the meeting, they withdrew their petition. The committee talked about our review and rewrite of the Deed Restrictions. There was discussion about what will happen the next time a request for a six (6) foot fence with a predator in the neighborhood. What type of liability does the Association have? Should the request be refused? George Burger tells of the meeting Jay Lyons had with residents from Mariner Lane. There were many complaints against the property. The majority of the complaints were civil. Pete Traverso said he would like to bring up a motion that was defeated a while back. This has to do with the situation at 226 Annapolis Lane. I would like to bring that motion up for a vote. This is a motion that the Compliance Committee has met on. This is the situation where there are several thousand dollars in fines and there is an agreement that we need to act on. That agreement basically says the owner will work off his fines by cleaning up his residence. This was defeated at the prior meeting with the stipulation that it goes before the Compliance Committee for their input. Mr. Forster stated that Compliance has voted positively that we should go ahead and do this. Roberts Rules of Order if you are on the prevailing side you can bring the motion up again. I am bringing that motion up. The motion is that the Board accepts the proposal from the owner of 226 Annapolis Lane. Motion by Peter Traverso to again bring up the defeated motion on 226 Annapolis Lane as to the agreement from the Compliance Committee on Deed Restriction fines. Seconded by George Burger. Pete Traverso said the motion was from George Burger and I am bringing it up again. It is a motion to accept the following settlement regarding 226 Annapolis Lane be approved:

• Use the $350.00 paid on account against the outstanding assessment charges and we remove the lien
• The owner be given 30 days to clean up, mow and trim yard and bushes
• The owner be given 120 days to clean up the exterior of the house itself
• That we continue $1,000.00 of the current fine.

Mr. Burger goes on to say that the owner will submit to the RWA copies of invoices as work is done to improve the property that equal at least $5,715.00. Failure to meet these conditions will result in all Deed Restriction fines, fees, etc be reinstated. Peter Traverso seconded that motion and the motion failed. Being on the prevailing side, I voted against it. I am bringing it up for re-consideration before the Board. Motion passed 5 to 1 with Claudette Romano voting in the negative and Bruce Miller absent.

Nick Gizzi said I have correspondence that fits in with Deed Restrictions. The letter is dated January 5, 2008, this is a letter from the Meredith’s on Broadmoor Road thanking the Board of Director’s for letting them stay in their motor home on their property while mold and flood repair was done to their home. This shows that even if you live in a Deed Restricted area an exception can be made under special circumstances.

RWA Properties: George Krabbe said the committee met on January 28, 2008. The committee discussed safety signs at the marina area and memorial parks. The committee will work with the Beautification Committee for wording and placement of the signs. The committee will seek bids for the signs and forward the information to the Budget and Finance Committee.

The No Solicitation signs were discussed. John Brandenberger and the Rotonda Lakes Conservation Association were contacted regarding attaching No Solicitation and Patrolled by Neighborhood Watch signs to the Rotonda entrance at Boulevard East and 771. They do not like the attached signs on boulevards North, West and Rebel Court. An acceptable alternative is needed or new signs will have to be made and placed at Boulevard East and Boundary Blvd.

The committee decided to have a thorough building inspection and mold inspection done prior to spending money on repairs. Bids were received from Englewood Home Inspectors, Inspexfirst and TIC, Inc. Englewood Home Inspection is the low bidder with the cost of both inspections not to exceed $350.00. This expenditure was approved at the January 31, 2008, meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee.

On the Five (5) year plan the building inspection should provide the committee with information and direction it will need to take in the next five (5) years.

The Oakland Hills subdivision sign located at Rotonda Circle and Cape Haze Drive was found destroyed on Thursday, February 7, 2008. A report was made to the Sheriff’s office. A replacement cost is needed. A bid from Quick Sign for $195.00 for the sign and $40.00 to install for a total of $235.00 and the tax is $16.45 for a total of $251.45. This will have to be presented to Budget and Finance.

Residential Modification: Pete Traverso said numerous applications continue to come in re-roofs, painting, etc. I would like to mention about putting budgets in, the RMC is a fee-based committee. We don’t spend any money. We use the money from the application fee to cover our expenses. There is a formal meeting of the Residential Modification Committee at 2:00 pm on February 25, 2008. All members are invited.

RWA Street and Drainage: Claudette Romano stated that the RWA Street and Drainage Committee recommended the following eight (8) projects to the Rotonda West MSBU on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The projects are listed by priority:

• Failed Outfall Pipe in Oakland Hills-Collapsed pipe and location discussed in 2007. A study performed by Charlotte County to select a new location for this pipe to drain into the Rotonda River.
• Dam at Brass Bridge-Many MSBU members know there is a breach at the dam, which is located in the State Preserve past Boulevard South. This is out of Rotonda West’s purview. Meetings have taken place between agencies from the State, County and Rotonda West to correct the situation. A suggestion was made that a dam be built just beyond the Brass Bridge so Rotonda West could maintain it. The cost would be around $40,000.00 to build this structure. Would Rotonda West MSBU allow this expenditure from the “Undesignated” funds in the amount of $2,000,000.00 plus or minus for Rotonda West and surrounding areas to maintain water in the canals and help with flooding issues. Tara Musselman said there is not $2,000,000.00; it has come down to $750,000.00.
• Standing water on properties-the entire cul-de-sac on Long Meadow Road constantly has water, which has attracted snakes, rats and other debris. Charlotte County started repairs to this area and stopped. The repaired area has no water.
• 61-86 Pinehurst Place (flooding)-work should be completed this month. A County Representative named Pat said to a resident that even if the swales were deeper the water would not go into the pond. No work has taken place.
• Flooding occurs from Cape Haze Drive in Oakland Hills to Rebel Court in Pebble Beach on Boundary Blvd. Signs are placed to indicate that these streets are closed due to flooding.
• Flooding on Rotonda Circle-260 Rotonda Circle floods. The entrance to the Palms Golf Course floods. There is a grate/manhole by 258 Rotonda Circle. Roadway is lower than grate. The street was to be elevated when it was re-paved to correct this problem. It was never done.
• Sediment (cattails, trees and muck) Removal (flooding)-last year the County indicated they would clear out Coral Creek by Anne Underwood Drive to help with the flow of water. If we have an unusual rainfall, the sediment prevents excess water from leaving our waterway and causes flooding. The same holds true for sediment just past the Brass Bridge.
• Replacement of dead trees on all Boulevards-what is the status of the $100,000.00 the MSBU had set aside for native trees.

As the members of the MSBU can see, the main concerns the RWA Street and Drainage Committee has brought before you today are the flooding issues. All we ask is the excess water during the rainy season leaves our street and property and drain properly into the designated areas.

The seven sub-division maps were given to the MSBU with markings indicating where “No Outlet” signs could be placed.

E-mail was sent to Tara Musselman, County Representative for the MSBU, on Monday, February 11, 2008 requesting an update. There has been no response to date.

Nick Gizzi said he wanted to make a comment on the repairs at the Brass Bridge that was in Claudette Romano’s report. You talked about the MSBU when we had a conversation with Mr. O’Kane he suggested that should we get to that point, rather than the Rotonda West MSBU paying, there is a West County MSBU which would be a wider population to absorb the cost. Claudette said this is undesignated money, in the Rotonda West MSBU, just sitting there.

Unfinished Business: Pete Traverso talked about the transition team that was formed last year in January. The team has not met because I have not had a chance to sit down with the developer to see what his plans are. Pete said he had notes from the previous transition team. The majority of the notes were about Deed Restrictions. Pete also spoke about a request made on January 10, 2007, regarding research on the possibility of charging an additional maintenance fee to mow vacant lots. This has not been accomplished. It was stated that this should be a transition team project. I do not believe this is a transition team item because mowing of the lots is a common expense. The mowing is a common expense of the Deed Restrictions. Should you change the Deed Restrictions, you can then visit an alternate billing method. I do not believe this is a transition team project. Nick Gizzi stated the reason the transition team was mentioned was because the Deed Restrictions are under the control of the developer. Pete Traverso stated in a previous position, when a bank took a large number of vacant lots back, he said if the vacant lots are not mowed the development looks shabby. As a director on this Board and my personal feelings are, I believe it should stay a common expense of the Association. However, I would be happy to look at any alternatives. Keeping the vacant lots mowed is critical. Nick Gizzi stated we should move the cost to the individual owners.

New Business and Communications: Claudette Romano read a Thank You note from the Vineland Elementary School to the Rotonda West Beautification and Mowing Committee for twelve (12) complete dinners for Thanksgiving and at Christmas we did thirteen (13) dinners.

Jay Lyons stated he received a call from a property owner. There is a company called Sky-Tec Inspection Services. There is a state run program that is providing a wind mitigation inspections. Some people have paid up to $300.00 for this service before the house insurance has been lowered. There is a free program for this now. There are six (6) vendors in the entire state doing these inspections for no cost. The state is paying for this. There is a $400,000.00 budget for this purpose. If anyone is interested in this program, let me know. I don’t know if this should be in the West Ways or on the website. I believe by doing this, we could be opening ourselves up for potential issues with other vendors. Discussion followed. Pete Traverso asked if the State has a website that has a listing of these companies. Jay Lyons stated anyone can go to the Department of Financial Services website with the State and read about the program. Pete asked if that information could be posted on the website. Jay Lyons stated that could be done. Don Mahon said he would put something in writing for the West Ways.

Member’s Input: None

Director’s Input: None

Adjournment: The meeting concluded at 4:45

Next Meeting will be March 12, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Brophy, Secretary