Rotonda West Association, Inc
Board Of Directors Meeting
Minutes
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

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

Absent: Bruce Miller

Management: Dianne Brophy, Secretary and Norene Kugler, Assistant Manager

Other Members: Joseph Romano, Donna Krabbe, John and Margie Carroll, John and Dayle Tedeschi, Bill and Marilyn Sink, John Eisele, Carol and Fred Marchese, Leon Gorski, Tom and Donna Gleason, Bud Nill, Dave Pulaski, Sue and Hank Artz, Bruce Vermette, Frank and Pat Cruice, Don and Syble Mahon, Bob and Linda Bondeson, Richard Duggan, Carl Couture, Gerry Townsend, Walter and Claudette Taylor, Elaine and Bob Wehle, Victor Claussen, S. Supernak and R. Hendricks.

Chairman Gizzi called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. The assembly stands for the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the previous meeting approved with corrections.

Treasurer’s Report: Claudette Romano gave the Treasurer’s Report. Claudette Romano reported 209 accounts in the amount of $83,659.86 were outstanding as of February 29, 2008. This reflected a reduction of $1,680.00 and five (5) accounts from January 2008.

There is $200,000.00 in Reserve CD’s, which needs to be fully funded, and $196,263.00 in Operating CD’s for a total of $396,263.00 total.

Available cash for Operating Funds as of March 12, 2008 is $426,019.92.  Dividing $426,019.92 by $80,000.00 we have enough operating funds to cover five (5) months. In order to fully fund the Reserves Funds, we need to subtract $55,000.00 from our cash on hand. That would bring us down to $371,019.92. We would then have cash on hand to operate for 4.9 or five (5) months by dividing $371,019.92 by $75,000.00. If $371,019.92 were divided by $80,000.00 we would have 4.5 months of operating monies.

Manager’s Report: Norene Kugler gave the Manager’s Report. The Association’s number one priority is to process payments for 2008. On March 15 the past due statements will be mailed to those who have not paid.

A meeting was held with Charlotte County Code Enforcement and Charlotte County Right of Way to solicit support in enforcing Deed Restrictions. The meetings were very productive and we will continue to avail ourselves of any support from these agencies. We plan to meet with other departments within the next few weeks.

I attended the mandatory project implementation workshop in Sarasota for the grant received by Rotonda West Association from SFWMDA for Aquatic Plantings at the White Marsh Memorial Park. The workshop was informative and the manager will work with the Aquatic/Canal Committee to insure the successful implementation of the project and the reimbursement of monies spent.

We have restructured some office and administrative tasks. Dianne Brophy is now responsible for posting all meetings, notifying committee members of meeting schedules, preparing the agenda and the taking and transcription of all minutes. I have taken the responsibility of the intake and processing of all Architectural Review forms and interfacing with Residential Modification Committee on these applications.

Deed Restrictions are still a major issue. I am still attempting to spend five (5) to eight (8) hours per week personally meeting with owners to discuss their specific violations. This process is working well but it is getting more difficult to dedicate time for this with all the other demands of the job.

The preliminary report from the Auditor for 2007 has been received. There will be a meeting between Mr. Gizzi, Mr. Miller and myself to review this report.

Committee Reports

Election: None

Administration/Personnel: On February 25, 2008, the Administration/Personnel Committee met briefly to work on the Employee Manual. The committee will meet again this month, as there is a more work to be done.

Aquatic/Canal: Last month a grant was awarded to the Rotonda West Association in the Amount of $2,875.00 from Southwest Florida Water Management District due to the efforts of Bob Winter. This is for littoral zone plantings in the White Marsh Park. This will identify a variety of plants that are beneficial to our environment. Volunteers will accomplish the planting. The Association will purchase and install the plants and be reimbursed by SWFMWD.

On February 22, 2008, 10 people attended a field trip to the Charlotte County Extension Environmental Center on Harborview Drive. There was a slide presentation and visitation to several sites where the County had placed the type of plants the Association is interested in planting at the White Marsh Park.

Jay Lyons attended a mandatory SWFMWD workshop on February 26 to prepare for the White Marsh Park project. He returned from the meeting with instructions and procedures we need to follow to insure reimbursement.

There will be a kickoff meeting April 7, at 3:00 pm in the Community Center. Volunteers will be given details on how the planting will take place at the White Marsh Park. Anyone interested in participating in this project please inform the office. With Board approval, we would like to install the plants no later then April 12. Does the Board have any questions? Claudette Romano asked how much money is to be spent on plants? Nick Gizzi answered I believe it will be $1,800.00. Claudette asked if the rest of the money would go towards signs? Nick answered it will be for brochures and a sign at the location to identify what the plants are in the littoral zone. Claudette went on to say the email sent from Jay Lyons said all related materials must be reviewed and be approved by the district. Yes. Claudette asked if that had been done. Nick said it has not been done yet. The original planting had been scheduled for March 18th, but it was postponed until next month so all materials can be reviewed and put in place. Claudette Romano asked about maintenance of the plants. Nick answered at the County he asked about maintenance. The County said they visit the sites once every 3 months. John Farrell, our aquatic’s contractor, said that he would have no problem maintaining the plants. Therefore, there would be no additional maintenance cost to the Association. Claudette asked if a purchase order had been placed. Nick said no. Claudette said nothing could take place until the purchase order has been accomplished. Nick Gizzi motioned that money be spent to put the plants in the littoral zone. Seconded by George Krabbe. Pete Traverso asked where would the money be coming from? Nick Gizzi said from Unanticipated Funds. Claudette Romano said if we need to fund our Reserves fully there would be no Unanticipated Fund money. Nick Gizzi stated I believe Aquatics did fund this project. Claudette Romano stated that money would not be available until August. Pete Traverso asked if there is a time limit on this grant. Nick Gizzi stated the plants have to be in the ground by June 30th or we forfeit the grant. Claudette Romano stated this should come before the Budget and Finance Committee and then call a special Board of Director’s should the monies be approved. Nick Gizzi withdrew the motion. George Krabbe withdrew his second. Dick Stravino stated he would fund the project in the interim so we can move forward on the SWFMWD grant. Claudette Romano asked if the money has to come from Rotonda West Association. Nick Gizzi said I do not believe there is any stipulation from SWFMWD. All we need to do is submit the invoices to them and if we meet all the criteria we will be reimbursed. Nick Gizzi stated he will bring this to the Budget & Finance Committee but we may take Mr. Stravino up on his offer.

I have been trying to get assistance from various government agencies to repair the leaking berm. On Monday Marsh 17, a meeting is scheduled with Commissioner Moore.

The Aquatic Canal System meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 pm. We will have a speaker from Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. The meeting will encompass what property owners can do to improve the canals.

Beautification: George Krabbe said a meeting was held February 27, 2008, with Tara Musselman, MSBU and Gregg O’Connor, Public Works Project Manager to discuss the tree on the boulevard medians. A draft copy of the new rules and guidelines for landscaping in the public right of way and medians was provided. Gregg said the project would be a redo and provided several median-planting schemes. Tara said money would be provided from the Native Tree Fund and would pay for trees and plants and all costs involved up to $100,000.00. MSBU Funds would pay for maintenance and watering. The planting schemes will be discussed at the next Beautification/Mowing Committee meeting on March 13, 2008.

Oak Farm Nursery has replaced the 3 dead palm trees on Boulevard West Bridge. The trees were under warranty.

John Eisele reported 3 Fox Tail Palms were stolen and 2 Fox Tail Palms were broken at the base and left at the Rebel Court Bridge on March 2, 2008. The sheriff’s office was notified and Jay Lyons met the deputy at the site and completed an incident report and took pictures. Pete Traverso said trees were stolen from his office and a resident in Long Meadow also reported a stolen tree. The trees are being resold.

Information is being gathered for the replacement of signs at the Memorial Parks and Marina areas. George said Quick Signs said they would replace the damaged signs at no cost. Jim Roberts asked if the signs were to be replaced. George said not at this time. Discussion followed what could be done on this matter and what can be planted.

Budget/Finance: Report given by Claudette Romano. The Banking/Investment sub-committee is working very closely with Jay Lyons and Patty Swanson of Englewood Bank to obtain respectful interest rates when purchasing CD’s.

A $60,000.00 CD came due yesterday with an interest rate of 5.25%. The entire CD in the amount of $66,701.57 was reinvested for 6 months at an interest rate of 3.75%. Due to the drop in the interest rate our Interest Income will be less than expected.

Jay Lyons will schedule 2 Reserve Study groups to give the Budget & Finance Committee members a presentation at our next meeting scheduled for March 27. The first group will start a 1:00 pm and the second at 2:00 pm.

Claudette Romano said one of the Board of Director’s Fiduciary responsibilities is-on Page 40 of the Rotonda West Governing Documents states:

To make and collect annual and/or special assessment charges, fees and fines in accordance with the provisions of these By-Law and the declaration of Restrictions recorded and to be recorded with respect to Rotonda West Property, and to establish the time and manner within which payment of it are due. It is our responsibility to pursue obtaining all Uncollected 2007 Assessments. Claudette Romano motions that we pursue going to a Collection Agency to obtain 2007 uncollected assessments. Seconded by Pete Traverso. George Burger said why not go after all uncollected debts. Claudette responded right now we are concerned with 2007 uncollected assessments. Money is needed in our budget to operate. Approximately 1/3 of our owners have not paid their 2008 assessments. That is approximately $400,000.00. $83,660.00 is owed from 2007. Those two amounts bring us close to half a million dollars. This amount is missing from our cash flow. We cannot operate according to our budget without these funds; therefore, more stringent cuts will be needed to make it through 2008. Pete Traverso asked what discount would we be seeing with a collection agency. It is not known. Claudette went on to say; the delinquent owners are saying we do not have to pay. Rotonda West is not going to do anything. We have owned this money since 2005 and we are still in our houses and have not paid our assessments. We as directors have the fiduciary responsibility to collect this money. Director Traverso said you have to weigh the 2 factors on the collection agency what the percentage for uncollected fees or go through normal lien and foreclosure procedures. As soon as there is a foreclosure on someone’s house, I’m sure you will see money even though the process is longer. Earl Haas said it is a good idea. Norene Kugler said the next step is partially in process now. Before a lien can be placed a 45-day pre-lien letter is sent. The reason we are late collecting 2007 is because we were waiting for the attorney to formalize this letter. We have received full payment, including the additional charges for administrative fees and certified costs, for a number of letters that were sent. They included what was owed for 2007 and 2006 and the additional charges. These letters need to continue because we are getting some response. This is the step before a lien. The committee discussed collection agencies. Gerry Townsend said if I am not mistaken, according to the law you could assess the cost of the collection agency to the person who owes the money. By doing that you can collect the full amount. Earl Haas asked do we have to put any money up front? Claudette said we have to find that out. I believe we are just charged a percentage. Pete Traverso said I would just make sure we are not in conflict with Statute 720. Director Romano said we will speak with the attorney regarding this matter.  Claudette Romano repeated the motion. I motion that we pursue going tot a Collection Agency to obtain 2007 uncollected assessments. George Burger said we have more than 2007. We have 2006 and 2005. Norene said a lien has already been placed on 2006 assessments. Norene went on to say the Pinemoor closing is getting close. They will be paying the 48 assessments for 2007 and hope to have the rest for 2008 paid on time. Motion carried.

Director Romano said she would like to request that a reminder letter be sent to all 2008 delinquent owners by March 31 indicating if assessments are not received by April 15 they will be turned over to a collection agency. No more waiting. We cannot operate the association without these funds. Chairman Gizzi asked if there are any requirements that we have to give them extra time. George Burger answered yes. Norene said the March 31 reminder is normal. Discussion followed about when the payment would be due. 

Community Relations: Earl Haas said the Community Relations Committee met on March 5. If you have not received the West Ways you can pick one up in the office.

The March/April issue is in the design stage. Articles have already been written.

The committee has begun the process of developing our Five Year Plan that was requested by the President and the Board. The Five Year Plan will be completed by July.

We discussed the value of the RWA becoming members of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. We feel the most important factor is to be a part of the Government Relations Committee. This committee is made up of members from the business community, financial institutions, education, utilities, legislation and more. Commissions and state officials attend the Chamber of Commerce. Since the RWA represents a large block of voters, they should know us. Earl Haas motions that the Rotonda West Association, Inc. join the Englewood/Cape Haze Chamber of Commerce when funds become available. Seconded by Pete Traverso.  Motion carried.

The Community Relations Committee is considering a New Residents Welcome. This will not replace the Women’s Club Welcome to Rotonda.  We want to inform new residents what is available in Rotonda and who the contacts are. We will probably have a quarterly reception in the Community Center. We will give handouts and possibly a calendar of events. This is something we are looking at. Nick Gizzi said you could give the new residents a copy of the Governing Documents. Walter Taylor said Neighborhood Watch would like to be a part of the Welcoming Committee. We could pass out flyers and recruit members.

We have a draft of the Media Relations guidelines, thanks to Mr. Mahon. We will take that to our committee in April for approval and then to the Board of Directors for final approval.

Compliance: Richard Duggan gave the report for John Forster. The Compliance Committee had a meeting on March 10, 2008, regarding a property on Broadmoor Lane. After the hearing the committee decided to waive the fine that was assessed against the property owner.

Deed Restrictions: George Burger said the Deed Restriction Committee met on March 4, 2008. Our primary purpose was to go over information that was provided by 3 of our Board of Directors. I would like to thank George, Claudette and Nick for their input. We incorporated most if not all the information into the Deed Restrictions. Our next job is to get a clean version, now that we have all the comments, and give it to the developer. We are considering putting it on the website once we have approval from the developer and the attorney. Our next meeting will be the first Tuesday in April at 9:00 a.m. At that meeting we will review our re-writes to make sure we know where we are going.

RWA Properties: George Krabbe stated the Properties Committee met on February 25, 2008, and discussed the No Solicitation Signs and the County Ordinances regarding solicitation provided by Deputy Colin Eggleton. Rotonda West does not have a No Solicitation law. We have a Deed Restriction prohibiting solicitation. The Sheriff’s does not enforce Deed Restrictions. A county permit is required to sell goods or services in the right-of-way or make door-to-door solicitation of merchandise or services over $25.00. The Sheriff’s position is if someone is soliciting door-to-door, call the Sheriff’s Office and report it. They will respond and check to see if the people have a permit. This may discourage solicitation. We will still put up the No Solicitation at our entrance. This may also discourage solicitation.

The committee discussed the signs at the Memorial Parks and Marinas. Information is still being gathered. We are working with the Beautification Committee for a consensus of what the best product is.

Dan Durham of Englewood Home Inspection did an inspection of the Community Center and also took mold samples. George reads the inspection.

• The exterior walls are plywood with a spray coating of what appears to be stucco, but are not. The coating has deteriorated at every joint of the plywood. This is an indication that moisture is getting into the walls and with moisture there is always the possibility of mold.
• The roof trusses along the back of the building are damaged and there are several that are rotted completely off. The rot was caused by prior roof leaks. The plywood soffit below these trusses is also rotted. This is a potentially dangerous condition, which need to be replaced soon.
• The roof is still satisfactory with a 5 to 7 year life span.
• The shingled shed roof on the back of the building is worn and should be replaced.
• The insulation in the attic ranges from little to none in areas. This impacts the energy cost of this building.
• There is some termite damage to the main floor beam under the building. This could be old damage.
• There is a rotted area of the floor in front of the kitchen area. This should be repaired for safety.
• The doorframe to the storage shed it rotted off at the bottom and there are water stains inside the storage area.
• The plumbing pipes under the building are green with corrosion. The drain under the men’s vanity is badly corroded and should be replaced. Plumbing will be an ongoing maintenance issue.
• The electric system apparently has been worked on at different times and seems to be uncoordinated. There is one double tapped circuit breaker in the main service panel.
• The HVAC system appears to be well maintained and not too old. There is one refrigerant line that should be sealed at the bottom to prevent vermin from getting into the attic.
• There is a separation in the concrete walkway on the south side that could be a tripping hazard. This is a safety concern.

Mold samples were taken in the men’s bathroom, main hall and a comparative outside sample. The results show there are no elevated mold conditions in these areas.

As you can see the building is basically crumbling around us and we do not have money to fix it up. There was discussion about putting vinyl siding on the building. I did not want to do this in case there were termites or mold. It appears it will take a lot of money to do anything with this building. I think we need to think about building a new building.

It was suggested from the audience that perhaps the Rotonda West Association, Inc. should consider privatizing.

Residential Modification: Pete Traverso said he did not have a number on the amount of applications that were approved this month. I would like to give you an update on the Broadmoor Canal bank at 104 Broadmoor Lane. This property owner had terraced the backyard and the canal bank area. They also built a boardwalk, which we call a dock, about 80 feet long. The Compliance Committee met and they have a fine, which is held in abeyance, of $100.00 per day until they come to the Residential Modification Committee to review all the plans.  We had a meeting. The owners came here and I basically had to adjourn the meeting because the owner’s representative was in a very agitated state. Subsequent to that, we contacted the Charlotte County Zoning and Right-of-way departments. They sent inspectors out and the Code Compliance officer out. 104 Broadmoor has been cited by Charlotte County for several violations. They are right-of-way violations and dock violations. The owner and the representative are dealing with Charlotte County. My understanding is they should have of obtained 3 permits. The county is telling them they must get a permit to remove the dock or the boardwalk. It is in the county’s hands. The owner brought up the fact that there may be other docks out there without permits. Jay Lyons met with Steve Reager from the right-of-way. Mr. Reiger’s position is any improvement in a county right-of-way requires a permit. The canal bank is considered a right-of-way by Charlotte County. I want the membership to know that the county will be inspecting all the docks in Rotonda. If they cannot find a permit on record for a dock, a permit will need to be applied for. A letter was sent to the owner stating they are still in violation of the Deed Restrictions and they have a $100.00 a fine in abeyance. We want to see what the result of Charlotte County Code Compliance, the right-of-way department, and the zoning department is. The Residential Modification Committee is a serious committee and we encourage residents to come into the office and put an application in for any modifications to their property. Leon Gorski said when he moved into Rotonda West and came into the office and filled out an RMC application for a dock he asked if he needed a county permit. Mr. Gorski went on to say he was told he did not need a county permit as long as you did not run water and electricity to the dock. Pete Traverso said the county is in charge of the right-of-way. Mr. Gorski asked what is his alternative. Pete said you would have to apply for a county permit.

RWA Street and Drainage: Claudette Romano said the February meeting of the Rotonda West Street and Drainage Committee was cancelled due to illness. An MSBU meeting was held on March 6 at the Community Center. Discussion included the Association’s concerns about the swales. Commissioner Tom Moore stated at the next Commissioners meeting, Tuesday March 11, he would inform the other commissioners that Rotonda West would like the county to initiate an evaluation for the cost and scope of repairs to our swales to help with the drainage and flooding in Rotonda West. At the March 11 meeting Commissioner Moore did recommend that the county look into the repairs of the swales in Rotonda West. Commissioner D’Aprile concurred that this should be undertaken immediately and instructed Bruce Lockes that this action take place.

Also at the March 6 meeting there was discussion of the possibility of the construction of the dam at the Brass Bridge. Tara Musselman stated she would like to have a meeting with all parties involved. The departments that would be involved in the meeting are the Rotonda West Association, County, state and EPA. The meeting would take place in Punta Gorda at the Public Works Department. It was suggested that the meeting take place as soon as possible due to the upcoming rainy season. It was stated that now would be the best time for the dam to be built because of the drought situation and low water level. Discussion followed regarding the condition of the dams within Rotonda West.

The next Rotonda West Street and Drainage meeting will be on Monday, March 17, 2008, at 2:00 pm.

Unfinished Business: Chairman Nick Gizzi stated that Charlotte Arcadia, a member of the Women’s Club, would make a presentation on the Automatic External Defibrillator (EAD) that they would like to give to the Rotonda West Association. Our attorney has made comments regarding the matter and I have given a copy to the members of the Board. Jay Lyons has spoken to our insurance agent and he suggested that we should not accept the AED.

Ms. Arcadia said this project for an AED was started over 4 years ago upon the death of one of our members.  During this time, we have been working, researching and trying to gather funds to provide one of these instruments. Should a person go into cardiac arrest this machine would shock the heart back into rhythm and possibly save a life. In April 2007 we approached the Board, the Community Church, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Neighborhood Watch, and Charlotte County EMS. At that time we had letters of support from all of the organizations for this machine. Right now this machine will be available to us as of April 18. The Rotonda West Women’s Club will pay for the machine and we have provided money for training to the office staff plus a member from each of the organizations mentioned in CPR and the use of the AED. Mr. Lyons told me two weeks ago that we could not put the AED in the Community Center because of legal issues. I did research on this matter. Anyone using this machine, whether they have been trained or a lay person, is covered by the Good Samaritan Act, which states any person who gratuitously and voluntarily renders emergency assistance cannot be held liable for civil damages resulting from giving emergency assistance, unless there has been gross and willful negligence. So, if you do nothing you can be held negligent. I spoke with Lt. Bower at the Rebel Court Firehouse and he said no one is required to accept an AED machine, but if it has been offered and refused and something happens you are opening yourself up to a negligent lawsuit. There have been lawsuits of this type. I am requesting that the Board of Directors reconsider their statements that they do not want the AED. I have a letter from Ed Eastman, who is from Charlotte County EMS, stating locally they use these machines. He stated their personnel used the AED 16 times last year. CPR and AED training go hand in hand and the Women’s Club has 2 dates set aside for training. At the end of training everyone would be certified in doing both procedures. Earl Haas asked how could you be sure one of the trained personnel will be in the building? Ms. Arcadia said anyone could use the machine. A layperson could use it. When the box is opened, the machine will give instructions. Bruce Vermette said I understand if a shock is not needed the machine will not perform that function. That is correct, but that is where CPR comes in and that is the reason for training in both CPR and AED. Gerry Townsend said we live in a very litigious society and if we put the machine in here and it doesn’t work and someone does dies we will be sued. But the other side of the coin, now that we have been offered the machine and we do not accept it and someone dies we could be sued anyway. Why not error on the side of caution and the possibility of saving a life. Charlotte Arcadia said she has information from the Internet as to why you need an AED. It says all businesses run the risk of a potential lawsuit if they do not have AEDs within their facilities. The article states that to date thanks to Good Samaritans laws there have been no lawsuits when an attempted rescue has occurred with an AED. They are safe and effective. Nick Gizzi read a comment from the attorney; in a strict legal sense the Association has no legal obligation to install this devise. The Act recognized this and provides that failure to install the device is not grounds for liability should a person suffer a heart attack and the devise is not available. On the other hand the Act does provide a certain level of immunity from liability if you choose to install the device and despite its use the person still suffers injury or death. However, this immunity is not complete and if you choose to install the device you must make sure that you comply with the requirements in order to maintain the immunity. The requirements are:

• Notify local medical services director of the most recent placement of the device within a reasonable period of time after the device was placed.
• Properly maintain and test the device.
• Provide appropriate training in the use of the device.

This means if you choose to install the device you must comply with the requirements in order to avoid liability for the improper use of the device. Whether or not you have fully complied with all the requirements is obviously a subjective determination to a degree and if an injured party hired a lawyer, that lawyer would very likely in my opinion, attempt to show that you did not comply with one or more of the requirements and were therefore liable for the injury. Ms. Arcadia said you do have to call 911. Mrs. Rindi, who is providing the training, takes care of notifying all the EMS’ in the area that there is a machine in this building and will check on the machine every 6 months and there is maintenance that we can take care of. Every 2 years the pads and batteries are checked. The AED is portable and can be taken to functions. Ms. Arcadia said these machines are being installed in many state and county buildings. Claudette Romano said I don’t believe this issue is people being trained but the liability towards the Association. Ms. Romano went on to say our insurance carrier said absolutely not to have the AED in the Community Center. The RWA attorney asked if medical emergency help is part of the governing role? Ms. Arcadia stated she is a heart patient and my husband knows of this. He would be the first one to place a lawsuit against this organization. Discussion followed on the use of the AED in an emergency and the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest. The AED regulates the heartbeat. Ms Arcadia said Ms. Rindi would come and talk to the Board of Directors. John Carroll said we should not make a decision on this quickly. The Board of Directors is not only here for governing Rotonda it is to look after the welfare of the people. Mr. Carroll said this should be discussed again at the Director’s meeting and see what the people say. Chairman Gizzi stated Ms. Arcadia left brochures to be looked over. A member of the audience stated the insurance company should be asked why they are against having an AED in the Community Center.

New Business and Communications: A Thank You letter was received from the Faith Lutheran Church for the donation in the memory of Cleon Kern.

Chairman Gizzi announced the established the Rotonda West Foundation, Inc. This was created to benefit all the residents of Rotonda. The Foundation was incorporated on May 22, 2007, and received its tax free status (501 © (3) on February 25, 2008.

Chairman Gizzi requested that the Community Center be available for the Foundation’s programs until it can fund it’s own facility.

The goal of the Foundation is to bring the Rotonda communities together and to enrich the quality of life in the Rotondas.

The Foundation has studied other organizations to see how they serve as community centers for their communities. A center of this type is needed for the Rotonda area. The Foundation plans to be the center for our Rotonda Communities.  Once the Foundation establishes its base programs and its position as an important part of the Rotonda Communities, an expansion of programming is planned. The programming would primarily involve the areas of education, health, safety and welfare. The programs will be educational, after school programs, social activities and community development. Funds will be raised through donations. The Rotonda Property Owners Association dissolved in 1998 with funds to be used for the construction of a community center. At this time, $90,000.00 was placed in the care of the Greater Rotonda Organization, which relinquished the funds to the Rotonda West Foundation, Inc. with the stipulation that it only be used for a community center. The Foundation will pursue donations of vacant land from local developers. Volunteers are urgently needed to develop programs and solicit funds. Membership is open to everyone living in any of the Rotondas and a board of trustees handles management.

Chairman Gizzi stated there have been several instances where the Association has tried to purchase items or apply for items on line where a credit card is required. Jay Lyons, George Krabbe and I have had to use our personal credit cards. It is time to allow the RWA to have its own credit card. Earl Haas agreed. Pete Traverso said it has to be a credit card not a debit card. Claudette Romano said the request should go before the Budget and Finance Committee. Nick Gizzi said the manager could bring it before the Budget & Finance Committee.

Chairman Gizzi said Englewood Bank offers a service of viewing our account on line. Who should have access to this? Nick said Bruce Miller feels all the members of the Budget and Finance Committee should be able to view this. This is a view only and no changes can be made. Claudette Romano said I went to the bank yesterday and found out I could not have access to the accounts. Since I am Co-Chairman of that committee I still should be able to view the accounts to see what is going on, instead of coming to the office and have the information printed out for me. The Board of Directors should also be able to view the accounts. Nick Gizzi asked what is full access? Claudette said full access is for the Treasurer to transfer funds. Norene said the office has view only access. Pete Traverso said I have no problem with view only, but I do have a problem with full access without Board approval. There should be Board approval when you transfer funds or cash in CDs. There was discuss regarding transferring of funds. George Krabbe said a letter is sent to the bank signed by the President or Bruce Miller stating the amount of money to be transferred. Norene said it is being done by fax. By doing the transfer by fax we have a photocopy of the fax that went through and the bank responds back by fax stating they have received it. Claudette said there is protection. Pete asked does the Treasurer get to transfer funds without any paper trail? Nick said the Treasurer couldn’t cash anything without 2 signatures. Nick Gizzi said I agree with Bruce Miller’s request that the Finance & Budget Committee members have view only access to the bank accounts.

Member’s Input: Leon Gorski of 183 Medalist Road. I came to the office with a complaint to Jay Lyons regarding my lawn, the apex in the canal and other problems in that area. Mr. Lyons came out to my property and said he would have Mr. Eisele and Mr. Krabbe come out to look at the situation. Mr. Lyons came back to my house a few days latter saying Mr. Eisele and Mr. Krabbe were at my house. They did not speak to me at that time. The answer that I received was the area is all sugar sand and nothing grows there. Mr. Gorski brought pictures to show the Directors that there was growth in that area previously. There was discussion between Mr. Gorski and Mr. Krabbe as to when Mr. Eisele and Mr. Krabbe were at the property. Mr. Krabbe said he instructed Mr. Eisele to stop spraying. Mr. Gorski asked if Mr. Eisele if he had a license and that he needed the number. Mr. Eisele said yes from Charlotte County. There was discussion regarding the license to spray herbicide by the water and if Mr. Eisele also had a state license. Mr. Gorski showed pictures from 3 years ago to the present time. Mr. Gorski said he had put down new sod and it had been sprayed and it is dying. One of the pictures shows the condition of the apex after rain and the erosion that is taking place. There was discussion about spraying all the apexes. Claudette Romano said the county has in its budget under the MSBU to repair the 48 bridges that are in Rotonda West. They are aware of the washouts and they know there are problems with the bridges. It is in their budget to repair them. Mr. Gorski said the county did not create this problem. The problem was created from the people who were doing the spraying. Claudette said this is a problem that should be taken up with Jay Lyons. Mr. Gorski said he spoke with Jay Lyons and was told to bring it before the Board of Directors. Chairman Gizzi said we are now aware of what is going on. We will check with the county because there is a plan for work on the slopes so they can be mowed better. There is a plan and money through the MSBU to repair the problem. Pete Traverso said have a meeting with Jay Lyons and the proper committee.

Gerry Townsend said she attended a Women’s Self Defense Course offered by the Sheriff. One of the subjects discussed was prevention and Neighborhood Watch. Gerry explained that she live in Rotonda. The Sheriff was very complimentary toward Rotonda and in areas that have a Neighborhood Watch crime deceases significantly. Ms. Townsend said she encourages everyone to join Rotonda West Neighborhood Watch.

A member from the audience asked if anyone was aware of a black car driving down the streets stopping and taking pictures of every house. This occurred 2 or 3 weeks ago. Chairman Gizzi asked if there were obvious violations. The resident answered no not that I was aware of. Chairman Gizzi went on to say the Association has a surveyor that does drive around and take pictures but he would not take pictures of every house. George Burger said the surveyor does not have a black car. It was also suggested to get the license number and call it into the office.

Mr. Gorski talked about speeding on Medalist Road. Mr. Gorski said he has gone to the Sheriff’s office and he was told they have other priorities. Nick Gizzi suggested that Mr. Gorski attend a Neighborhood Watch meeting. You need to be persistent. Discussion followed on speeding.

Director’s Input: None

Adjournment: Meeting concluded at 4:45 pm.

Next Meeting is April 9, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Dianne Brophy, Secretary